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Dissertation (Management)

Module description

The dissertation module allows you to pursue a programme of independent research on a business management topic that is of interest to you. Every student will be allocated a dissertation supervisor, and under whose guidance you will do the research and complete the dissertation write-up (8,000-10,000 words long). A dissertation demands self-motivation and good organisational skills. You are expected to show initiative in choosing your topic of study and in executing the research. The module will further develop your skills in developing a research agenda, formulating appropriate research questions, conducting a literature review, planning a research programme, collecting and analysing data, and communicating the findings by a fixed deadline. This module is specifically for management dissertations and will be supervised by academics working in the field of Management.

Employability  

By working on a dissertation students develop valuable transferable skills in research, analysis, independent working, academic writing and time management.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to nurture students’ skills in developing a research agenda, formulating appropriate research questions, planning and conducting a research programme (within a specified time), conducting a literature review, collecting and analysing data, and communicating the findings through a comprehensive piece of academic writing. Towards this, the student will pursue a programme of independent research on a topic of his/her choosing and which is approved by the module convenor. 

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. demonstrate a good comprehension of the complexity, gaps and contradictions associated with a specialised study of management;
• 2. confidently apply in writings the understanding of concepts and theories from the taught part of the programme to a particular research problem;
• 3. draw valid conclusions based on an ability to synthesise and prioritise relevant data from methods and techniques appropriate to the research problem;
• 4. independently conduct an entire programme of research from defining the research question through scholarly investigation to final dissertation write-up

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. present a clearly structured and well-written piece of research within the discipline of Management

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. work as an independent researcher to collect, analyse and prioritise data and evidence to answer clearly-defined research questions in an ethical manner;
• 7. develop problem-solving skills in a specialised manner based on the ability to adapt to the often complex, unpredictable and particular demands of the research process
• 8. form constructive dialogues with research partners (peers, mentors and skilled professionals) and the dissertation supervisor
• 9. reflect on the research process and evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the approach adopted

Syllabus plan

The syllabus covers:

• Guidance on how to plan, research and write a dissertation
• Research ethics
• Avoiding academic misconduct and embedding good practice
• Timescales and key stages
• Advice on:
  • writing a research proposal
  • finding literature and writing literature reviews
  • research methods
  • data analysis
  • writing up
  • managing the supervisory relationship

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Candidates can resubmit improved versions of their research.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Compulsory reading:

Dissertation Series (chapters 1-12), University of Exeter Business School Resource

Thematic reading will vary according to your chosen research topic (please seek advice from your dissertation supervisor)

Suggested reading– Research Methods and Dissertation Skills:

• Bell, E, Bryman, A. and Harley, B.  (2018). Business Research Methods, 5th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Berman Brown, R. and Saunders, M. N. K. (2006). Doing Your Dissertation in Business and Management: The Reality of Researching and Writing. London: Sage
• Blumberg, B., Cooper, D.  and Schindler, P. (2014). Business Research Methods, 4th edition. Basingstoke: McGraw-Hill.
• Cottrell, S. (2011) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument, London: Palgrave.

Key words search

Dissertation, Research, Management