MBM7564 - Research Project/Dissertation

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Explore, analyse and evaluate in depth a real life business or management related issue; formulate specific research aims and objectives.
Select, justify and action an appropriate research methodology and theoretical/investigative framework for data collection and analysis and managing research ethics issues.
Demonstrate a capacity for self-management and independent learning in the investigative process, engagement with academic and industry literature, research project design and management.
Produce a clear, logical and coherent presentation based on the research undertaken, following specified requirements for dissertation.

Content:

The module is focused on the following aspects of research project investigation and presenting it in the form of a dissertation, including:

Problem definition - refining the scope of a research project with specific research aims and objectives; Conducting a literature review, leading to justification of the novelty/originality of the research project, identification of theoretical investigative and analytical frameworks, as well as following appropriate (Harvard style) reference practice in the dissertation;

Methodology: selecting and justifying appropriate research method and design; following code of research conduct and ethics; adequate data collection method, sampling and further analysis;

Dissertation writing: following the agreed format and academic conventions, presenting all the above information, leading to findings (in line with identified research objectives) and discussion, recommendations and conclusion.

It is anticipated that the research project/dissertation will also build students' in-depth knowledge and understanding in one of five core subject areas (K1-5: External Environment, People and Organisations, key Functional Specialism, Customer Orientation and Strategy) depending on the area of their interest.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module is designed to support self-directed learning through enquiry and research. Students will be allocated a dissertation supervisor to offer more specialist help in conducting the investigation (Marketing, Management, Business, Accounting and Finance areas), verifying the primary (recommended)/secondary research methods adopted and offering guidance on data analysis and presentation. The module encourages deep learning through the critical analysis of relevant literature and the investigative research process required for the module.

Research projects and dissertations should be in line with selected area of interest: e.g. accounting or financial function, marketing, advertising or any managerial/customer service or HR, sales, logistics, etc.

Individual tutorials with Supervisors
Contact hours: 15

Guided independent study
Contact hours: 385

Further details relating to assessment
Dissertation: as a result of University responsibility for ensuring that research conducted by its staff and students abides by accepted standards of conduct and ethics, this aspect is integrated within the content of this course and students need to seek ethical approval of their project. The process is coordinated by a module leader within MBM 7552 Business Research module and requires the signing of an ethical approval form before any research project can be actioned. The process follows key principles of the University Code of Research Conduct and Ethics, available on the LTU intranet.

Assessment:

001 Dissertation; 8,000 words; end of term 3 100%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Professor Denis Kobzev
Level - 7
Credit Value - 40
Pre-Requisites - MBM7552 BUSINESS RESEARCH
Semester(s) Offered - 7T1S7T3

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