School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 30 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Dissertation period |
| Assessment:
| CW 100% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: The dissertation involves a process of supervised research study for postgraduates aimed at developing an understanding of how: * To develop the students' ability to carry out an individual, scholarly, research project in depth in at least one particular area of international management. * To give students the opportunity to identify a feasible research question and relate it to relevant literature and to develop a cogent, credible and sustained argument that addresses the research question. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students will be able to: * define and answer a research question in a chosen area of interest related to development; * conduct a literature review and/or develop a suitable conceptual framework; * develop a coherent academic argument with relevant empirical evidence and/or reference to appropriate theory, and/or linking together arguments from disparate literatures or disciplinary perspectives; * interpret the significance of any findings from relevant sources of quantitative or qualitative evidence; * provide a justifiable interpretation on existing information or provide an original view on an issue; * produce a dissertation that conforms to acceptable standards of presentation and expression within the international management field. Skills: * Comprehensive and scholarly written communication (F/ A). * Ability to select, analyse and present numerical or non-numerical data where relevant (F/A). * Ability to select, summarise and synthesise written information from multiple sources (F/A). * Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models (F/A). * Ability to formulate a research question, then develop and present a justifiable & coherent answer (F/A). * Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines (F/A). * Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance (F/A). Content: The dissertation may address any area of international management for which an adequate level of supervision can be offered and should make explicit reference to at least one important issue or theme covered on the course. The type of research that could be undertaken might include case studies of international firms, or a comparative exploration of firm performance across national settings. These are merely examples, and their inclusion is not meant to exclude other topic areas. It will be the students' responsibility to choose their research area, organize their research activities and negotiate access with other organizations, if required. Further guidance and details about the dissertation will be provided in the handbook, as well as in the research methods component of the course, and via student meetings with faculty supervisors. |
| Programme availability: |
MN50457 is Compulsory on the following programmes:School of Management
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