Dissertation
| Module title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEAM027 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Mr Chie Min Teng (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 8 | 3 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 45 |
|---|
Module description
This module provides the opportunity for students to produce a well-researched dissertation in the area of accounting and finance. Students will have the chance to work closely with a supervisor of their choice to explore and address their preferred area of interest. Students will be guided in the identification of an interesting research question, taught the art of a critical literature review and be exposed to various methods and methodologies. This module will provide students with the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills, time management skills, project management skills, and communication and presentation skills that are highly valued by prospective employers.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to carry out research in an identified topic of interest within a supported environment. It is the aim of this module to equip students with the necessary skills so that they are able to carry out each stage of their research. Students will be guided and supported in the identification of a research question, the writing of a critical literature review, the articulation of hypothesis, the choice of methods and methodologies, the collection of data, and the presentation of results and findings. This module will be beneficial to all as it cultivates a number of transferable skills but will be particularly suited for someone intending to pursue a career in academia.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. discuss and critically evaluate the extant literature in the researched area;
- 2. explain and describe the different types of research;
- 3. discuss and evaluate the underlying paradigms of quantitative and qualitative research;
- 4. discuss and evaluate the various methods and methodologies that can be employed in answering the research question;
- 5. discuss and recommend solutions to key practical issues in a research project;
- 6. demonstrate the ability to identify an interesting research question, to write a critical literature review, to choose an appropriate method for data collection, and to present results and findings.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. critically evaluate and synthesise a significant body of literature;
- 8. identify gaps in the literature for the advancement of knowledge;
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. demonstrate effective use of learning resources and independent research skills;
- 10. pursue and deliver on a sustained programme of individual work successfully;
- 11. construct and present coherent arguments in the light of research findings and the complex interactions surrounding such findings.
Syllabus plan
The provisional outline will be as follows:
Term 2
Lecture 1: Introduction
Lecture 2: Literature review
Lectures 3 to 8: Research interest of potential supervisors
Term 3
Three one-to-one meetings with supervisor
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 19 | 581 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 16 hours | Lectures |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 3 hours | 3 one-to-one meetings with supervisor |
| Guided independent study | 581 hours | Independent study with remote support |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research proposal | 2,000 words | 1-11 | Oral feedback |
| One-to-one meetings and draft dissertation | 15,000 words | 1-11 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 15,000 words | 1-11 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation (100%) | Dissertation (100%, 15,000 words) | 1-11 | 3 months after the notification for re-assessment |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
This module will require an extensive reading of journal articles and this will vary depending on the area of research. Some indicative initial reading is as follows:
Ryan, B., Scapens, R.W., & Theobald, M. (2002). Research method and methodology in finance and accounting (2nd ed.). Andover: Cengage Learning.
Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2019). Business research methods (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Brown, R. B. (2006). Doing your dissertation in business and management: The reality of researching and writing. London: Sage.
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | BEAM056 Applied Empirical Accounting |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 16/07/2014 |
| Last revision date | 25/08/2020 |