Purpose
The dissertation is a research project which is based around a topic to be investigated and the outcome is
likely to be answers to a set of research questions. The dissertation is expected to be submitted in the form
of a thesis*. This thesis will demonstrate research data gathering and analysis skills, as well as depth of
understanding of the topic area. Formative feedback is provided by regular discussions with the
dissertation supervisor and through comments received on draft chapters.
The students can choose any area of study, which is of particular interest to them, provided that the core of
the Dissertation falls within the single, major or joint field of study. Ideally the topic should be based around
a question so that the students can put forward an argument and discuss the benefits and drawbacks, or
exceptions and limitations, challenges and comparisons.
Task
Your task is to devise and conduct an independent research project on a topic and write a 10,000 – 12,000-
word dissertation, +/-10%, on the research project you have undertaken. The dissertation must include the
following elements:
Title
Abstract
1. Introduction
a. Presentation of the problem that you have identified
b. Rationale for conducting the research, who could benefit from it and how
c. Research aim, objectives and related research questions
2. Literature review
a. Explain where your investigation fits in the wider body of literature and perhaps informs a
current debate in that literature.
b. Critically evaluate carefully selected concepts, theories and ideas which might be useful for
investigating your research topic and taking it forward
c. Discuss material from a range of relevant academic journal articles, as well as appropriate
secondary research.
d. Produce a theoretical or conceptual framework to guide your primary research tool/s.
3. All sources must be referenced using the Harvard system.
4. Methodology
a. Approach and design
b. Methods used and rationale for these. Presentation of the instruments for data collection
c. Population and Sampling (for quantitative research)
d. Participants and criteria for selecting the participants (for qualitative research)
e. Ethical considerations – (what ethical issues you have identified and what you did to
address them)
5. Results (graphs, charts, results of statistical analysis-without interpretation for statistical research)
6. Discussion (interpretation of statistical analysis of the elements presented in Results section)
7. Results and discussion (For qualitative research these two sections could merge into one)
8. Conclusions and limitations of the research
9. Recommendations (For those that have previously stated the intention to produce
recommendations)
References (Using Harvard style)
Appendices
-Table of results for quantitative research
-Transcripts of interviews, interview notes for qualitative research with analysis.
-Ethics checklist accompanied by the relevant supporting documents such as;
participant information sheet;
participant consent form;
contact e-mail template and correspondence and other relevant evidence.
-Reflective career skill development summary (2 pages max)
-Supervisor meeting notes
-Present a Gantt chart/project timeline or plan for entire research project including the
dissertation module content.
‘Keep all work in progress and raw data until you receive your degree certificate
Key independent learning activities, employability skills and stretch activities:
Comprehend how to construct a business research project.
Construct a theoretical or conceptual framework from available reputable literature using databases
and other reputable sources.
Analyse and interpret data and information using quantitative and/or qualitative methods.
Compose appropriate communication strategies to approach research participants and gain
access.
3
Conduct professional level primary research events such as, but not limited to, focus groups, one to
one interviews and observation research activities.
Work independently to produce a major piece of academic work in support of their degree.
Demonstrate junior executive level professionalism knowledge, skills and behaviours.
