NEED FULL DISSERTATION

BIRMINGHAM CITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

UNDERGRADUATE/ POSTGRADUATE DEGREES

COURSEWORK FRONT SHEET

MODULE TITLE: Major Project Options 1 and 2 (Dissertation)

MODULE CODE: BUS7048

LECTURER: Dr Peter Samuels

ISSUE DATE: September 2020

HAND IN DATE: Research Topic: (under MAN7057) 5pm, Friday 19th June 2020

Research Proposal: (under MAN7057) 12 Noon, Monday 31st

August 2020

Dissertation/Report (100%): 12 Noon, Monday 11th January

2021

RESIT DATE: (Dissertation/Report 100%) TBC

HAND BACK DATE: 20 working days from the date of submission. Learning outcomes and assessment criteria specific to this assignment:

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Identify, determine and justify a disciplinary-relevant project, including its aims,

scopes and objectives.

2. Self-manage research, including managing the supervisory process and reflecting

critically on the work undertaken to identify improvements in research and project

practice

3. Understand how to identify and synthesise the relevant conceptual theory and

methodological techniques from the programme pathway, using a range of sources

and data, applying them to a particular topic, case or organisation.

4. Professionally present the analysis of the data and the results of the project,

including drawing appropriate conclusions and providing recommendations and

guidance for managerial judgements and decision making in the chosen discipline or

pathway.

5. To understand the ethical request process and apply it appropriately to the research

project.

Assessment Criteria:

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Assessment criteria are specified in the assessment brief marking scheme depending on

the option chosen.

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BIRMINGHAM CITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

BUS7048

MSc Management programme

Dissertation Assessment Brief for Options 1 & 2

January 2021 submission

Module Coordinator: Dr Peter Samuels

e-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 0121 331 6962

Room: C242

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MSc Management Major Project Assessment Brief: Options 1 and 2 –

Dissertation

Contents

1. The Aim of the Dissertation .............................................................................................. 4

2. The Nature of the Dissertation Module ............................................................................. 5

3. The Choice of Dissertation Topic...................................................................................... 6

4. The Dissertation Plan ....................................................................................................... 7

5. Keeping Records .............................................................................................................. 7

6. Dissertation Structure and Format .................................................................................... 8

7. Critical Literature Review ............................................................................................... 10

8. Methodology .................................................................................................................. 11

9. Supervisor and Student Roles and Expectations ............................................................ 12

10. Ethical Issues ............................................................................................................. 14

11. Reflective account ...................................................................................................... 14

12. Turnitin and Avoiding Plagiarism ................................................................................. 15

13. Final issues................................................................................................................. 15

14. Arrangements for Resubmitting Students ................................................................... 16

References (with BCU Library links) ...................................................................................... 17

Appendix 1: Indicative Assessment Checklist and Indicative Marking Scheme ...................... 19

Appendix 2: Individual Dissertation – Record of Tutorial ........................................................ 24

Appendix 3: Research Ethics Protocol................................................................................... 25

1. The Aim of the Dissertation

The aim of the dissertation is to provide you with an opportunity to further your intellectual and

personal development in your chosen pathway by undertaking a significant practical unit of

activity, having an educational value, and at a level commensurate with the award of an MSc

degree.

The dissertation is one element of your degree where you have the freedom to select what to

study or investigate in your chosen pathway. Because of this, it can be one of the most valuable

learning experiences you could ever go through. Most students, for instance, have used the

dissertation not only to develop a detailed study of a topic that interests them, but also to learn

about themselves and to produce a dissertation which fully demonstrates their intellectual and

personal capabilities.

A subsidiary benefit of the dissertation is that it provides tangible evidence of your abilities and

can be shown to prospective employers to lend further support to your job application.

Option 1 and Option 2

The key difference between Option 1 and 2 is the justification and use of primary AND/OR

secondary data:

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Option 1 consists of a management dissertation which includes a relevant literature

review, primary data collection and analysis.

Option 2 consists of a management dissertation which includes secondary research

ONLY. There may be a separate literature review if secondary data has also been

analysed. Alternatively, the findings of the extended literature review may be presented

over several chapters as a systematic review of published literature, which replaces the

normal data analysis chapter.

Module assessment

The Module is assessed using a dissertation/report which is due for electronic upload via

Moodle on Monday 11th January 2021 at 12 Noon.

2. The Nature of the Dissertation Module

The dissertation can be defined as a scholarly inquiry into a problem or issue, involving a

systematic approach to the gathering and analysis of information/data, leading to the production

of a structured report. The following characteristics are common to most dissertations, and

indicate how dissertations differ from coursework

Choice of topic

It is usual to give you some discretion in the choice of topic for the dissertation and in the

approach to be adopted. You will need to ensure that your dissertation is related to your chosen

pathway.

Independence

Choice requires you to act with independence and initiative, making decisions and carrying out

the research work for an extended period of time, albeit, under the guidance of a dissertation

supervisor.

Unpredictability

Neither you nor the dissertation tutor knows all the relevant inputs and problems, and the

outcome is not predetermined. There is no ‘approved answer’, it is your task to produce an

answer of your own that demands approval by its marshalling of evidence and the logic of its

argument.

These three aspects – choice, independence and unpredictability can mean that dissertations

are on the one hand more rewarding, but on the other more demanding, than normal

coursework.

Integration

This is the fourth factor. Dissertations often require you to integrate a variety of knowledge and

skills when tackling a problem, and to carry through a sequence of stages. This is true even

when dissertations are very specialised in subject matter.

In general, how you set about the dissertation and what you learn in the process are as important

as the result you achieve. You can sometimes learn more about an approach when things go

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wrong than when everything goes according to plan, and provided you can point to the lessons

you have learned, you will still get good marks.

Planning your dissertation

This will entail the following:

 Selecting a topic for investigation. This was covered in the MAN7057 Research Practice

module but your topic may still require adjustment according to the feedback you have

received from your supervisor on your proposal.

 Establishing the precise focus of your study by deciding on the aims and objectives of the

dissertation and formulating the question(s) to be investigated. Again this was covered in

MAN7057 but may require adjustment.

 Drawing up an initial dissertation outline in line with the aims and objectives of the

dissertation.

 Devising a timetable to ensure that all stages, including writing of the dissertation will be

completed on time. The timetable should include provision for regular contact with your

dissertation supervisor. Again, you were asked to draft a schedule in your proposal for

MAN7057 but this may require adjustment.

3. The Choice of Dissertation Topic

You were required to choose a dissertation topic under the MAN7057 Research Practice

module. Your topic may change as your research develops but your final topic should be

consistent with your approved ethics request form.

It should also comply with the following conditions. Firstly, it should be:

 Relevant to business, defined broadly

 Clearly focused so as to facilitate an in-depth approach, subject to the availability of

adequate sources and to your own knowledge;

 Of value and interest to you and your personal development.

In addition, students must choose a topic that is aligned with their chosen subject

pathway. For example: MSc Management and Marketing students must chose a marketing

topic; MSc Management and International Business must choose a relevant topic related to

International Business; and MSc Management and Finance must choose a Finance-related

topic.

Market entry plans are very much off limits; they lack critical thinking and analysable data. Marketing or communications plans are not acceptable.

Strategic analysis of companies and analysis of companies strategies; It has proved hard to get

realistic valid data; some students have failed because they thought asking a few customers

about strategic success with the company data means they are set up to fail. This is particularly

true of Multi National Enterprises and Global Enterprises and the banking sector, where

students thought they could ring up a Headquarters and they would be told strategies, financial

positions, etc.

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Topics must be clearly within the module specifications of the pathways, otherwise the

background theories will be absent.

Case studies, i.e. worked illustrative examples, are only acceptable if they are situated within

a wider context and involve primary data collection and analysis.

Historical retrospective write-ups, e.g. “How Coke made it big in India” are not acceptable.

Industry reports such as “The Indian Diamond industry” or “Thailand’s auto spares industry” are

not acceptable.

Only Finance pathway students can select finance topics.

International Business Pathway Dissertations could be made ‘international’ via:

1) Collecting data in two countries

2) Collecting data in one country and comparing it with secondary data in another country

(previous studies)

3) Relating to the activities of an international company in a country which is not its ‘home

country’ (so not Asda in the UK, because Asda is a UK company, although owned by

Walmart; but if Walmart introduced Walmart stores into the UK then it would be OK to

study them. HRM practices of Barclays bank in Nigeria would be OK).

4. The Dissertation Plan

It is recommended that you should have a dissertation plan to guide you right from the outset.

Essentially, the dissertation plan is an outline of what you intend to do, chapter- by- chapter,

and therefore should reflect the aims and objectives of your dissertation.

There are several reasons for having a dissertation plan:

 It provides a focus for your thoughts.

 It provides your dissertation supervisor with an opportunity at an early stage of your work

to make constructive comments and help guide the direction of your research

 The writing of a plan is the first formal stage of the writing process, and therefore helps

build up your confidence.

 In many ways, the plan encourages you to come to terms with the reading, thinking and

writing in a systematic and integrated way, with plenty of time left for changes.

Finally, the dissertation plan generally provides a revision point in the development of your

dissertation report in order to allow appropriate changes in the scope and even direction of

your work as it progresses.

Your revised plan should be included as an appendix and scores towards your reflective

account mark.

5. Keeping Records

Make a note of everything you read, including those you later discard:

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 Ensure that when recording sources, author’s name and initials, date of publication, title,

place of publication and publisher are included. (You may consider starting a card index

or database from the outset).

 Make an accurate note of all quotations at the time you read them. Make clear what is a

direct quotation and what is your paraphrase.

Dissertation supervision records

An electronic form will be used to keep records of meetings (see Appendix 2). This will also be

made available as a template Word document.

The responsibility for keeping a record of meetings will rest with you, the student.

You are required to complete this form with a brief summary of each meeting with the

supervisor and include agreed action points (bulleted) to be addressed before the next

meeting. This form should be saved as a Word document and sent as an email attachment to

the supervisor no later than 3 days after the meeting. The supervisor may add comments.

You are required to include copies of the completed Record of Tutorial forms in the

Dissertation appendices. These also score towards your reflective account mark.

6. Dissertation Structure and Format

All students must follow the following guidelines in submitting their dissertation.

 Front (Title) page should provide title, author, nature of degree, date of submission,

Faculty and University title, name of your supervisor and pathway.

 Second page should be an abstract

 Third page should be the table of contents giving page references for each chapter and

section.

 The next page should be the table of appendices, graphs and tables giving titles and

page references.

 Next is the acknowledgement where your supervisor should be named (and anyone

else you wish).

 Chapter 1 should be a general introduction, giving the background to the dissertation,

the problem statement, the aim and objectives of the dissertation, the research

question(s). A discussion of the significance or any potential limitations of the research

should also be provided. This chapter can be expanded from your proposal submitted

to MAN7057.

 Other chapters will constitute the body of the dissertation. The number of chapters and

their sequence usually will vary depending on, among other things, the objectives of the

dissertation. There should always be a methodology chapter. One chapter may focus

on a critical review of the previous relevant work relating to your dissertation, although

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this may be several chapters long in the case of a systematic review of secondary data.

The penultimate chapter should provide a summary of your major findings, a discussion

of their implications, and conclusions, possibly with recommendations. The last chapter

should contain your reflective account (see below).

 After this concluding chapter, you should give a list of all references you have used

according to the BCU Harvard Referencing system (see

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/library/services-and-support/referencing/harvard).

 Finally, you should give any appendices. These should include your proposal, your

signed ethics request form, your data collection instrument, your revised plan, copies of

the records of tutorial meetings and relevant statistical data or material which cannot be

fitted into the chapters.

Dissertation format

The following requirements must be adhered to in the format of the final dissertation.

1) Your final report will automatically be checked by the Turnitin software. You may only

upload a single file containing the whole of your dissertation including your title page,

abstract, table of contents, list of references and appendices.

2) The dissertation should be 8,000 words in length. The normal 10% “rule” applies so

you may in fact submit up to 8,800 words without being penalised. The word limit

excludes the title page, abstract, contents list, references and appendices. You must

declare the number of words at the end of the main body of your report. In addition, the

maximum number of pages, including the title page, abstract, contents list, references,

and appendices should not exceed 250.

3) The dissertation should word processed in Arial 11 point type. Larger fonts should be

used for chapter and section headings.

4) The outside front sheet shall bear the title of the work in at least Arial 24 point type.

The name and initials of the candidate, the qualification and the year of submission

shall also be shown on the front

5) One-and-a half spacing must be used in typescript except for indented quotations or

footnotes where single space may be used (use these sparingly). All margins should

be set at 2.5cm.

6) Pages shall be numbered consecutively through the main text including photographs

and/ or diagrams which are included as whole pages.

7) The front (title) page shall give the following information:

 The full title of the dissertation,

 The full name of the student and student ID number (8 digits),

 The statement: “This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the

requirements of the MSc Management Programme”

 The Faculty and University title plus the Collaborating Establishment, if any,

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 The month and year of submission

 The name of your supervisor

 The name of your pathway (i.e. full name of course)

 The module code: BUS7048

8) The dissertation must include a statement of the candidate’s objectives and must

acknowledge published or other sources of material consulted (including an

appropriate bibliography) and any assistance received.

 There shall be an abstract (up to 500 words, but recommended to be 200 to 300

words) included with the dissertation immediately after the title page which

provides a synopsis of the dissertation, stating the nature and the scope of the

work undertaken, the findings, and the contribution made to the knowledge of the

subject area addressed.

 Diagrams should be self-explanatory (having adequate annotation and captions

conforming to the BCU Harvard style) and should be located in close proximity

after where they are first mentioned to the text. The dissertation should be

divided into appropriate chapter, sections and sub-sections.

 Any specific claims made in the text should be backed up with research

evidence, either in the form of a citation with associated reference in the

reference list, or with evidence from primary or secondary data analysed in the

research.

7. Critical Literature Review

A critical literature review involves:

 Reading, understanding and providing a written critical summary of what other people

have written about your dissertation area, related topics and methods of analysis.

 In a dissertation like yours, you will not be expected to produce a definitive account of

the state of research in your selected topic.

 However, you will need to show evidence that you have read a certain amount of

relevant literature and that you have some awareness of the current state of

knowledge on the subject.

A literature review is not an annotated bibliography. In other words, you are expected to do

more than write one paragraph summaries of a collection of research papers related to your

research topic. In particular you should:

 Organise your review into themes

 Investigate topics within your themes in turn, providing evidence to justify any specific

claims that you make

 Evaluate evidence, indicating where it is inconclusive or conflicting

 Place more emphasis on some sources than others using critical thinking in your

decisions regarding the order your present them and the amount you write about them

 Include theory as well as empirical studies

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 Attempt to answer deeper questions relating to your themes

 Conclude your review be summarising your findings and refocusing them on your

research question(s) to justify your gap in the research literature

A critical literature review is important because:

 It can provide ideas about approaches and methods which had not occurred to you,

e.g. how to analyse and present data.

 It may help to devise a conceptual framework for the analysis and interpretation of

data.

 It may also reveal other important issues or question which is worth addressing, but

which had not occurred to you earlier.

If you are doing a systematic review (an Option 2 dissertation where you are not analysing

secondary data sources) then you will need to expand your review into several chapters. It

should also come after your methodology chapter.

8. Methodology

The purpose of a methodology chapter is to provide a credible plan for carrying out your

research. It is a combination of the theory of undertaking research (known as methodology)

and the practical application of this theory (known as method). It is usual practice to begin

with your methodology then provide your method. This chapter should be written in a very

different style to your literature review as your aim is to convince your reader that your plan is

credible, rather than to educate your reader about methodological concepts (which they

already understand) or discuss alternative views.

Having made good decisions earlier in the process it is equally important that you make the

most appropriate choices for the methodology section. At any level of academic research,

success rests on choosing and implementing the most appropriate methods for gathering and

analysing data. As an MSc Management student, you must clearly justify all the decisions you

make in this section of your work and demonstrate that they are consistent with your aim and

objectives. Your dissertation markers will want to see that a rigorous methodology and method

has been applied.

Methodology is a combination of philosophy, approach to theory generation, strategy and

choice of methods (mono, multi or mixed). It is advised that these issues should be discussed

together rather than in separate sections as their choice is often inter-related. More

information will be provided in the lectures.

Before you choose specific data collection methods consider the following:

What issue have I identified? What is the nature of the problem? What am I trying to

understand?

Now ask yourself two more questions:

 What may I know (find out) about this?

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 Where does the knowledge I wish to acquire lie, where does the answer lie and

how do I actually go about acquiring it?

Start reading research methods texts in order to understand the nature of your research so

you can build up a convincing argument (see reference list below).

Here is a list of questions you should address in this chapter:

 Are you intending to carry out primary research and collecting your own data or

primary research using someone else’s data or will you only evaluate other people’s

research (secondary data analysis)? If it is the latter then this chapter should come

before your literature review and should provide a plan for your systematic

identification, selection and analysis of literature (more information will be provided

in the lectures – see also the reference list).

 If you are carrying out a survey, you will need to consider sampling issues.

 You also need to decide on your data collection: questionnaire, focus group,

observation, interview, face-to-face, telephone, online, pilot study?

 How will you demonstrate that your research is rigorous, acknowledge or eliminate

bias, account for reliability and validity of your research and recognise any constraints

and limitations?

Analysis is often a neglected part of the research. It is understandable that much effort goes

into collecting data but you also need to consider what you will do with the raw data once

collected. You should discuss how you intend to make sense of your data, what techniques or

mechanisms you might use to analyse the data.

9. Supervisor and Student Roles and Expectations

Dissertation supervisors

All students are allocated a supervisor as part of a group for support. Note that supervisors may

be on annual leave at some point during the supervision process so students will need to

negotiate in advance any dissertation meetings. That is entirely to be agreed between the

Supervisor and the Student.

Normally the last few weeks are for finalising the dissertation and supervisors may not be

available for supervision.

Student expectations:

 Regular contact with supervisor via up to six group scheduled face to face or online

equivalent meetings

 Obtain comments on one draft only normally on a chapter by chapter basis

 Only one draft per chapter is allowed by prior arrangement with supervisor

 Give staff reasonable amount of time (at least one week) to review drafts and respond

to emails during term time

 Expect staff to stick to agreed times of meetings

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Student responsibilities:

 Make initial contact with supervisor.

 Attend all Dissertation Support sessions

 Complete work on time as agreed with your supervisor

 Work independently

 Obtain comments on one draft only

 Only submit ONE draft per chapter

 Accept work should be mainly based on own effort

 Attend all scheduled meetings – if you fail to give written notice 24 hours prior, you will

lose that time allocated

 Plan your work to take staff leave into account

 Be familiar with academic misconduct regulations with regard to plagiarism

 Fully comply with submission requirements including self- uploading to TurnitinUK

database

 Ensure appropriate use of Harvard referencing system

 Maintain records of tutorial meetings and include copies in the Dissertation appendices.

The role of the supervisor

The role of the supervisor includes:

 To assign some directed reading (but most of the literature search must be yours)

 To stimulate and enthuse you.

 To provide a steady stream of interaction of ideas and guidance.

 To help you develop a suitable methodology (e.g. questionnaire)

 To help you to perfect your research instrument

 To help you draw up your individual dissertation plan

 To give feedback on your draft submissions (once per chapter only).

NB: The responsibility for successfully completing the dissertation on time remains

solely with you, the student, not with the supervisor.

Supervisor responsibilities:

Supervisors are expected a total of 16 hours for each dissertation supervision group.

This includes meetings with students, marking and administration on both MAN7057

and BUS7048.

 Be familiar with module specification and assessment requirements

 Be familiar with relevant Moodle site

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 Be available for up to 6 scheduled face to face or online group tutorial meetings

 Complete and retain supervisory record booklet

 Provide timely response to emails

 Provide timely feedback to draft material

 Be familiar with Turnitin procedures and reports

 Give reasonable notice regarding leave, etc. – and alternative cover available

 Give detailed feedback for failed projects

 Be available for one face to face meetings with re-sitting students

 Arrange first scheduled meeting following announcement of allocations by module co-

ordinator.

10. Ethical Issues

It is important to ensure your dissertation is conducted in an ethical manner. The following points

offer a good checklist.

• Discuss ethical issues in collection and use of data with your supervisor

• Ensure that no harm can come to participants

• Ensure that respondents understand that participation is voluntary and confidential

• Keep data confidential. Do not share it with anyone else

• Be honest and open with respondents about the reasons for the research and report

findings honestly and accurately

• Be honest about your own interest in the data

• Comply with the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation.

ALL students are required to complete the Application for Ethical Approval form. This will be

available on Moodle. The form that you submitted as part of your coursework for MAN7057 may

need to be modified according to the feedback you receive from your supervisor. You should

continue this process until your supervisor agrees to sign your form. This forms part of your final

mark.

In some cases, the research will need to be approved by the BLSS Faculty Research Ethics

Committee.

See Appendix 3 for more information.

11. Reflective account

You are required to provide a commentary and reflective analysis on the process of

undertaking research projects. This counts as 10% of your final mark. It should include a self-

reflection on professional development issues, identifying areas of strength and areas to

improve upon related to research and project management.

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Your account needs to go beyond an account of what you did and should include critical

reflection on what you have learnt through doing a major project and how you hope to apply

this new understanding and ability in the future.

You should also include your revised project plan (e.g. GANTT chart) and records of meetings

with supervisor as appendices

12. Turnitin and Avoiding Plagiarism

Students are required to fully comply with submission requirements including uploading to the

Turnitin database via the module Moodle site. If you do not meet these requirements then

your work will not be marked.

Turnitin is a research matching software program and does not measure plagiarism per se. It

is used to compare your final report with published research, websites and written work

submitted to educational institutions. Your Turnitin matching report will be assessed by your

supervisor for plagiarism. Minor infringements may lead to a deduction in marks by your

markers of up to 10%. More serious cases will be reported to Student Governance for

investigation which, if upheld, may result in your mark being recoded as zero.

It is disciplinary offence to submit the work of others as though it were your own. All of the

material in your dissertation, which is not of your own composition, must be attributed using

the BCU Harvard referencing system. You will not achieve a pass mark for your dissertation

unless there is a significant amount of commentary in your own words on the data you have

collected from primary or secondary sources.

You are encouraged to submit a draft of your final report on a Turnitin checking site that does

not retain a copy of your work. There is no set maximum percentage matching score to

indicate plagiarism as it depends what part of your final report contributes to your overall

matching score. You may reuse your proposal from MAN7057 without penalty. It should also

be included as an appendix at the end of your report.

Students are warned that if it appears that you have attempted to subvert Turnitin, you

may be referred for an investigation for Academic Misconduct which could lead to a

significant delay in obtaining your results even if found “not guilty”.

13. Final issues

It will be assumed that future students can have access to your work for reference unless you

state clearly on the title page that your report is confidential.

You may be asked to attend a “viva voce” examination. This is an oral examination in which you

will be given the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and depth of your understanding of

your dissertation research, perhaps in a way that has not been communicated effectively in the

written work.

The viva examinations are normally held either just before or just after the Examination Board.

Whilst it is possible to conduct a viva examination by Skype or similar software it is likely to be

in your best interests to return to the UK for the viva.

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14. Arrangements for Resubmitting Students

Resubmitting Students

Students who fail to obtain at least the pass-mark of 50% will need to resubmit.

All the previously listed submission requirements apply to resubmitting students. You will be

advised by the Faculty Office of the relevant hand in dates.

Students who obtain a mark between 35% and 49% will be expected to resubmit a revised

and improved version of the same topic. They will be entitled to ONE meeting with their

supervisor to discuss the improvements required and may submit ONE draft of the improved

version to their supervisor for comment (or equivalent remote support). These students are

required to re-work their existing dissertation and are entitled to attend a face to face tutorial

for feedback on the failed dissertation and a second face to face tutorial to obtain feedback on

a revised draft prior to final submission (or equivalent remote support).

Students who obtain a mark of 34% or lower will be required to select a new topic or to

significantly revise the original submission. They will be entitled to the same level of support

as other resubmitting students (two meetings or equivalent remote support).

Visas

Except in highly exceptional or extenuating circumstances, resubmitting students are NOT

eligible for visa extensions.

Fees

There is no additional fee for resubmitting students.

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References (with BCU Library links)

Alvesson, M. (2013) Constructing Research Questions: Doing interesting research. e-book.

Bassot, B. (2016) The Reflective Practice Guide: An interdisciplinary approach to critical

reflection. 610.73/Bas and e-book.

Boland, A., Cherry, G. and Dickson, R., eds. (2017) Doing a Systematic Review: A student's

guide. 362.10723/Bol. Chapter 1 available at:

https://contentstore.cla.co.uk/secure/link?id=c7deadbf-7cbb-ea11-80cd-005056af4099.

Bolton, G. and Delderfield, R. (2018) Reflective Practice: Writing and professional

development. 5th edn. 808.066/Bol.

Booth A., Sutton A. and Papaioannou D. (2016) Systematic Approaches to a Successful

Literature Review. 2nd edn. 001.4/Boo. Chapter 2 available at:

https://contentstore.cla.co.uk/secure/link?id=1fdd0a91-86bb-ea11-80cd-005056af4099.

Brace, I. (2013) Questionnaire Design: How to plan, structure and write survey material for

effective market research, 3rd edn. e-book.

Crowther, D. and Lancaster, G. (2009) Research Methods: A concise introduction to research

in management and business consultancy. 2nd edn. e-book.

Curwin, J., Slater, R. and Eadson, D. (2013) Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions. 7th

edn. 658.403/Cur.

David, M. and Sutton, C. (2010) Social Research: An introduction. 2nd edn. 300.72/Dav.

Dawson, C. (2006). The Mature Student's Study Guide: Essential skills for those returning to

education or distance learning. 2nd edn. 374.130281/Daw and e-book.

Day, T. (2018) Success in Academic Writing. 2nd edn. 808.066/Day.

Driscoll, J. and Teh, B. (2001) The potential of reflective practice to develop individual

orthopaedic nurse practitioners and their practice. Journal of Orthopaedic Nursing, 5(2),

pp. 95-103.

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Appendix 1: Indicative Assessment Checklist and Indicative Marking Scheme

1. Title, Abstract and Introduction (10%)

 Clear and concise title

 Appropriate abstract summarizing the entire research project

 Background section introducing and describing appropriate general areas related to the

study

 Persuasive, coherent problem statement justifying the need, interest, viability and

uniqueness of the chosen topic

 Clear statement of original aim, objectives and research question(s) of the project

 Discussion of the significance or potential limitations of the study

2. Literature Review (20%)

 Organisation of literature into appropriate themes

 Statement of purpose and scope of review

 Systematic identification and selection of relevant sources

 Inclusion of theoretical perspectives

 Understanding of selected sources (including their limitations)

 Critical analysis of selected sources

 Discussion of focused findings relating to the research topic, possibly leading to the

development of a conceptual framework

 Conclusions justifying the need for the research study

3. Methodology (15%)

 Justification for choice of methodology

 Appropriateness of methodology given stated objectives

 Specification and organisation of the methods employed

 Appropriateness of research methods

 Development of a data collection instrument based on the literature review or a conceptual

framework derived therefrom

 Details of approach to data collection, such as sampling technique

 Detail of proposed data analysis techniques

 Recognition of the advantages, constraints and limitations of methods chosen

4. Ethics Form (5%)

 Inclusion of a signed ethics form as an appendix

5. Analysis of Data and Material (20%)

20

 Use of the data/material to examine project objectives and hypotheses.

 Critical evaluation of material

 The depth and breadth of analysis

 Syntheses of analysis (primary and/or secondary research) with issues raised by the

academic literature.

 Has the student compared and contrasted different models in the analysis (Robustness of

Analysis)

 Clarity of interpretation

 Logic of argument

6. Conclusion and Recommendations (10%)

 Statement of overall findings and conclusions.

 Conclusions and recommendations flow from analysis.

 Significance of findings and recommendations.

7. Reflective Account (10%)

 A commentary and reflective analysis on the process of undertaking research projects,

including a self-reflection on professional development issues, identifying areas of strength

and areas to improve upon related to research and project management.

 Inclusion of a revised project plan (e.g. GANTT chart) and records of meetings with

supervisor as appendices

8. Presentation and Referencing (10%)

In general, the structure and presentation of the Project Report should demonstrate:

 Logical organisation and clear structure of the report.

 Appropriate use of charts and tables.

 Quality of writing, clarity and use of appropriate language and terminologies.

 Clear chapter and section titles, page numbering, citing and referencing (using the BCU

Harvard style).

 Free from errors of grammar and spelling.

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Overall Marks LO1: Identify, determine

and justify a disciplinary-

relevant project,

including its aims,

scopes and objectives.

LO2: Self-manage research,

including managing the

supervisory process and

reflecting critically on the

work undertaken to identify

improvements in research

and project practice

LO3: Understand how to

identify and synthesise

the relevant conceptual

theory and

methodological

techniques from the

programme pathway,

using a range of

sources and data,

applying them to a

particular topic, case or

organisation.

LO4: Professionally present

the analysis of the data and

the results of the project,

including drawing

appropriate conclusions

and providing

recommendations and

guidance for managerial

judgements and decision

making in the chosen

discipline or pathway.

LO5: To

understand the

ethical request

process and

apply it

appropriately to

the research

project.

80–100% Distinction Outstanding background, issue definition, objectives and

rationale. The supervisor is

totally convinced as to the

project’s relevance.

There is exceptional evidence of

insightful reflective practice linked

to the key decisions made during

the development of the project,

incorporating a highly professional

and sophisticated assessment of

professional traits and skills and

identification of a comprehensive

professional development plan

related to research and project

practice skills.

Outstanding evidence of working

with supervisory process (including

evidence of highly detailed

supervisory meeting reports).

The literature review is

comprehensive with excellent

critical evaluation and

conclusions & analytical

framework.

Outstanding understanding of

methodological issues &

limitations, excellent

justification of methods and

research instrument.

Complex and sophisticated

analysis and interpretation of the

material, excellent integration

with literature and objectives, and

critical discussion of value and

limitations of data. Excellent

conclusions, sophisticated

discussion of achievement of

objectives and research

questions and issues.

Outstanding project structure and

report, use of language and

presentation with full and

accurate Harvard referencing.

A signed ethics form

has been provided

70-79% Distinction Clear and specific about research question, objectives

clear, feasible and appropriate,

very well justified by very good

& relevant background

information. A very relevant

project.

There is excellent evidence of

reflective practice linked to the

development of the project,

incorporating a professional and

sophisticated assessment of

professional traits and skills and

identification of a highly competent

development plan related to

research and project practice skills.

Excellent evidence of working with

supervisory process (including

evidence of detailed supervisory

meeting reports).

The literature is cogently

described and evaluated with

good critique and conclusions

identifying gaps and issues,

good analytical framework.

Good understanding of

methodological issues &

limitations, research methods

clearly justified against

alternatives and good

research instrument

Results are presented very

clearly and analysed and

interpreted in a sophisticated

manner, referring back to the

literature and clearly focused on

the objectives

Conclusions are clear with

sophisticated discussion in terms

of achievement of objectives.

Good Structure, very good

presentation and use of language

with full and accurate Harvard

referencing.

BUS7048 Dissertation Indicative Marking Scheme

22

60-69%

Commendation

Clear research issue; good

background objectives are

fairly clear, feasible and

appropriate with good

rationale. A competent and

convincing attempt with mostly

relevant elements.

There is some very good evidence

of reflective practice linked to the

development of the project,

incorporating a competent

assessment of professional traits

and skills and identification of a

development plan related to

research and project practice skills

Some satisfactory evidence of

working with supervisory process

(including detailed supervisory

meeting reports).

The literature is cogently

evaluated with some critique

and useful conclusions

related to analytical

framework.

Research Methods are clear

and justified with

consideration of alternatives,

understanding of limitations

and acceptable research

instrument

Results are presented fully and

analysed and interpreted

effectively with clear links back to

the objectives and the literature.

Conclusions are reasonably clear

and discussed well in terms of

the achievement of the

objectives.

Good structure, presentation and

use of language with full and

largely accurate Harvard

referencing

A completed ethics

form has been

provided of an

acceptable standard

but it has not been

signed by the

supervisor.

50-59% Pass Clear research issue & appropriate background.

Objectives are mostly clear but

some issues about scope, fit

with the rationale, and

feasibility. Overall somewhat

relevant.

There is reasonable evidence of

reflective practice linked to the

development of the project,

incorporating a sufficient

assessment of necessary

professional traits and skills and

identification of a somewhat vague

development plan related to

research and project practice skills.

Adequate evidence of working with

supervisory process (including

supervisory meeting reports).

Fair description of

appropriate field(s) of

literature. Some general

conclusions, weak evaluation

of concepts & analytical

framework.

Research Methods used are

clear with some limited

justification and

understanding of issues and

limitations, acceptable

research instrument.

Results are presented fully and

clearly with some limited internal

analysis and interpretation.

Conclusions straightforward and

discussed to some extent in

terms of objectives.

Adequate Structure, acceptable

presentation and language with

some errors of grammar, spelling

& punctuation, adequate Harvard

referencing with errors.

35-49% Fail Interesting topic and gives background but the research

question is very broad and the

objectives unclear or too

broad. Relevance not

sufficiently demonstrated.

There is a lack of sufficient

evidence of reflective practice

linked to the development of the

project, incorporating a poor

assessment of professional traits

and skills necessary and

identification of a very vague

development plan related to

research and project practice skills.

Insufficient evidence of working

with supervisory process

effectively (including only evidence

of limited supervisory meeting

reports).

Inadequate description of the

appropriate field(s) of

literature, and/or no criticism

or evaluation

Research methods are clear

but no justification for

methods chosen and little or

no understanding issues &

limitations, weak research

instrument

Results are presented fully and

clearly but with no real analysis

or interpretation

Conclusions are unclear or

perfunctory; objectives not clearly

achieved and no discussion of

issues or critique of process.

Poor structure, presentation, &

use of language, or acceptable

presentation but poor referencing

A completed ethics

form has been

provided but it is not

of an acceptable

standard and it has

not been signed by

the supervisor.

23

<35% Fail Background given but objectives and rationale

unclear or not stated. Mostly

irrelevant.

There is little or no evidence of

reflective practice linked to the

development of the project,

incorporating a very poor

assessment (or missing entirely) of

professional traits and skills

necessary or the identification of a

development plan related to

research and project practice skills.

Evidence of working with

supervisory process effectively

missing or of no practical use for

reflective analysis.

Research Methods unclear,

little or no evidence of

methodology understanding,

very weak research

instrument

The author appears to have

read very little demonstrating

poor understanding of the

subject / field.

Results are presented

incompletely with no real

interpretation or analysis

No ethics form has

been provided.

24

Appendix 2: Individual Dissertation – Record of Tutorial This form (apart from supervisor’s comments) should be completed by the student for each meeting.

A copy should be sent to the supervisor as an e-mail attachment.

Student name:

Student ID number:

Supervisor name:

Date of Tutorial:

Comments on Progress since last meeting

Matters Discussed

Action/Research to be undertaken before next meeting

Supervisor’s comments

Date and Time of next meeting:

Signed: Student: Date: Supervisor: Date:

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Appendix 3: Research Ethics Protocol

All students taking a Dissertation module will have to complete the research ethics approval

research ethics approval procedure. There are a few forms for you to fill out as a part of this

process and these forms will have to be signed by you and your supervisor indicating that you

have recognised and accounted for any ethical issues arising from your primary research. You

must enclose these completed forms as an appendix.

Use a proportion of your time available with your supervisor to discuss your methodology and

chosen methods and the ethical implications of these decisions before you seek approval. In

the majority of cases, your supervisor will be able to approve your research ethics submission.

In the event that your supervisor is unable to approve a submission, it may be referred to the

module leader for undergraduate dissertations or the Faculty of Business, Law and Social

Sciences (BLSS) Research Ethics Committee. Please note that any substantial changes

made during the progress of the dissertation / project with regards to primary research may

be subject to re-approval.

Vulnerable people

When compiling your research ideas about the population under study and sample participants

that may be extracted from it, an important issue you need to consider is whether the sample

contains vulnerable participants. Vulnerable participants can be considered as either:

 People under the age of 18; and / or

 People with: learning difficulties; receiving medical treatment or other forms of social

care; and/or mental illness.

Any study seeking to involve vulnerable people in research must be discussed and agreed in

advance and approved by the Faculty Academics Ethics Committee (FAEC) before

progressing further with your research work. See also BCBS Ethics Guide (link on Moodle).

Full details of the ethics approval procedure and the forms required will be made

available on Moodle.