Integrated University

DISSERTATION SPECIFICATIONS

ITUB520MD    Title: Dissertation                Version: 1

Level: M                                   UIT credit rating: 9

Module type: Standard

Valid from: March 2003

Contributes towards: MBA (see notes)

Pre-requisites:  ITUB501CM, ITUB502CM, ITUB503CM, ITUB504CM, ITUB505CM,

 ITUB506CM, ITUB507CM and any two of: ITUB510EM, ITUB511EM,  

 ITUB512EM, ITUB513EM, ITUB514EM

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:
On completion of this module successful participants should be able to:

 a)         Knowledge and Understanding
understand the key factors in designing, conducting, evaluating, and interpreting business and management research differentiate between different types of research methodologies from descriptive, explanatory through to analytical and action research

b)         Subject-specific Skills
achieve an extended knowledge about the underlying effects of technological and global change in the workplace articulate one’s role in the development and implementation of the organisation’s ethos source and gather relevant information and ways to analyse and interpret results.

c)         Cognitive Skills
critically review existing literature survey and draw upon their strengths and inadequacies produce recommendations for further research in the topic area as well as practising managers demonstrate the skills to carry out independent research projects that will improve decision making for all areas of business evaluate basic philosophical approaches to morality and applied ethics in the context of the workplace.

d)         Transferable Skills
demonstrate the ability to independently concentrate on a research problem and appreciate the impact of ethical, regulatory and environmental rulings on the operations of business demonstrate the ability to employ research, writing and communication skills, including argumentative skills demonstrate critical thinking and argumentation skills in the context of the synopsis and analysis of real world case examples identify the theory behind scientific research and apply it to research projects for business organisations.

Syllabus Outline:

●  Research objectives
●  Research plannin
●  Research methodology
●  Literature review
●  Data collection: primary, secondary and case study approaches
●  Presentation and interpretation of information
●  Data analysis
●  Writing up the dissertation
●  Conclusion and contribution of research
●  Critical evaluation of research
●  Bibliography, referencing and appendices

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

The dissertation is an original piece of research conducted by a potential candidate towards the completion of the MBA programme.  It is a combination of sound academic knowledge and practical application of theories, models and concepts in relation to a chosen field.  The research approach includes a formal input and guidance by programme manager, directed reading and exchange of ideas with the candidate to identify a research topic and to produce an appropriate research proposal.  This will lead to the allocation of a specialist dissertation supervisor to oversee the successful completion of the dissertation.  Your dissertation supervisor will provide you with the initial guidance regarding the scope and methodology of your research and will monitor your independent study progress throughout the term.  In addition, you will be to access the programme manager for more general procedural and administration guidance in relation to the submission of your dissertation.

Indicative Readings:

Allen, M. (2000). Research Methods in Business: A Skill Building Approach, 4^th Ed., Palgrave.

Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2003). Business Research, 2^nd Edition, Palgrave.

Ghauri, P. and Gronhaug, K. (2002). Research Methods in Business Studies: A Practical Guide, 2^nd Edition, Pearson Education.

Gummesson, E. (2000). Quantitative Methods in Management Research, 2^nd Edition, Sage.

Hair, J. and et al (2002). Essential of Business Research, Wiley.

Hussey, J. and Hussey R. (2001). Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, 2^nd Edition, Palgrave.

Salkind, N. (2003). Exploring Research, 5^th Edition, Pearson Education.

Sekaran, U. (2002). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-Building Approach, 4^th Ed., Wiley.

Saunders, M.N.K. and et al (2003). Research Methods for Business Students, 3^rd Edition, Prentice Hall.

Ticehurst, G. & Veal, A. (2000). Business Research Methods: A managerial Approach, Pearson. 

Zikmund, W.G. (2003). Business Research Methods with WebSurveyor Certificate, Thomson.

Assessment

Weighting:  Component A = 100%

ATTEMPT 1

First Assessment Opportunity                                                                     
Component A
Description of each element                                                                          Element Weighting
1.  Written dissertation (Approximately 25,000 words)                                         1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further participation is not required)
Component A
Description of each element
1.  Written dissertation (Approximately 25,000 words)                                         1

Specification confirmed by……………………………………Date……………………..
Programme Manager