- Academic Registry
Programme & Unit Catalogues


MN50515: Dissertation

[Page last updated: 05 August 2021]

Academic Year: 2021/2
Owning Department/School: School of Management
Credits: 30 [equivalent to 60 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 600
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Dissertation period
Assessment Summary: CW 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Dissertation (CW 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Aims: The dissertation involves a process of supervised research study aimed at deepening students' understanding of HRM and/or Consulting. Its purpose is to give students the opportunity to:
* Identify a feasible and theoretically-informed research question related to HRM and/or Consulting
* Design an appropriate research methodology to pursue the chosen research question
* Collect appropriate data
* Develop a cogent, credible and well-supported argument that addresses the research question
* Advance knowledge in the chosen field of study.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students will be able to:
* Define and answer a specific research question in a chosen area of interest related to the course
* Conduct a systematic literature review and develop a suitable conceptual framework
* Collect relevant data
* Analyze collected data and interpret the significance of research findings in relation to pre-existing research
* Develop a coherent academic argument based on relevant evidence and with reference to appropriate theory
* Engage in critical thinking via reflection on current research and practice
* Produce a dissertation that conforms to acceptable standards of presentation and expression.

Skills:
* Comprehensive and scholarly written communication
* Ability to select, analyze and present numerical or non-numerical data where relevant
* Ability to select, summarize and synthesize written information from multiple sources
* Ability to develop rigorous arguments through precise use of concepts and models
* Ability to formulate a research question, then develop and present a justifiable and coherent answer
* Ability to produce work to agreed specifications and deadlines
* Ability to work independently, without close supervision of guidance.

Content: The dissertation may address any topics in the HRM and Consulting areas for which an adequate level of supervision can be offered. It should make explicit reference to at least one important issue or theme covered on the course. It will be the students' responsibility to choose their research area, organize their research activities and, if required, negotiate access with organizations. Further guidance and details about the dissertation will be provided in the course handbook and the research methods component of the course, and via student meetings with faculty supervisors.

Programme availability:

MN50515 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

School of Management

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2021/22 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2022/23 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2021/22.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.