CON7006 - Post Graduate Research Dissertation

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Research a contemporary topic:
Critically evaluate research methodologies and techniques relevant to construction management

2. Develop a research proposal:
Demonstrate high proficiency skills in developing a comprehensive research proposal, including research objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations

3. Ethical research methodology:
Demonstrate ability to design and implement a rigorous and ethical research methodology, and appropriate data collection to address the research question/hypothesis

4. Synthesis of literature and theoretical frameworks:
Synthesise and critically analyse research findings in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks

5. Written and oral presentation:
Communicate research findings effectively through written reports and oral presentations

6. Ethical conduct in research:
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of research ethics and the importance of ethical conduct in research

7. Commitment to sustainable ethical practices:
Demonstrate a high level of commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings

8. Conclusions and implications for practice:
Interpret and critically analyse the research findings in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, drawing meaningful conclusions and implications for construction industry practice.

Content:

The module covers research methodologies and techniques relevant to construction management, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Students will learn how to develop a research proposal, including research objectives, setting hypotheses, and linking these to the choice of a research methodology, including treatment of subjects and ethical considerations. The Module will also explore data collection and analysis methods, including the collation and extrapolation of data in the form of surveys, interviews, and need to choose statistical analyses applicable to the type of data collected using SPSS for improved validity and reliability in the outputs.

The module emphasises the importance of critical analysis and synthesis of research findings in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks. Students will receive guidance on structuring and writing a dissertation, including literature review, methodology, results, and conclusions. They will also learn how to effectively communicate their research findings through written reports and oral presentations.Throughout the module, students will engage in independent research, working closely with a supervisor to develop and execute their research project.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The Postgraduate Research and Dissertation module employs a range of learning and teaching methods to support students in undertaking independent research and completing their dissertation at the master’s level. The module begins with lectures and seminars that introduce students to research methodologies, techniques, and ethical considerations relevant to construction management. These sessions provide a foundation of knowledge and allow for discussions and critical analysis of research concepts and approaches.

Students will work closely with a supervisor who will guide them through the research process, providing individualised support and feedback. Supervision meetings will allow for discussions on research progress, methodology, data collection, and analysis. Students will receive guidance on developing a research proposal, including research objectives, methodology, and ethical considerations.

Throughout the module, students will engage in independent research, conducting data collection and analysis using appropriate methods. They will critically analyse research findings in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, synthesizing their findings to draw meaningful conclusions that pertain to a contemporary issue within the construction industry. Students will also participate in workshops and seminars where they will learn how to effectively communicate their research findings through written reports and or oral presentations.

Lectures - seminars
Hours: 10 weeks = 20hrs
Intended Group Size: All three cohorts

Guided independent study
Hours: 280



Further Details Relating to Assessment

Assessment methods are designed to include written assignments, presentations, and practical projects. These assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

Please note that, in order to ensure students can satisfy the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) requirements, a pass mark in all assessed components is needed. Further details of assessment are available in the Assessment Handbook for your programme and in Assessment Briefs provided by Module Tutors.

Assessment:

001 Proposal; 2000 words; Week 7 End Term 1 20%
002 Dissertation; 15000 words; Term 3 80%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 60
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 7PGS1S7PGYL

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