| Course Aims | These modules aim to:
Challenge students to carry out a significant piece of independent study and to write a 10,000 word dissertation on the topic;
Assist students in focusing their individual efforts upon selecting topics of particular interest that can be developed successfully into suitable dissertations;
Show students how to design, to plan, to execute and to present effectively their undergraduate dissertations;
Create opportunities for students to sharpen analytical skills, particularly in respect of relating theory to research findings; |
| Learning Outcomes | On completion of these modules, students should be able to:
LO1 Identify an issue or problem in Global Business Management, Global Business and Design Management, Global Financial Management or Global Marketing Management that merits further investigation;
LO2 Define project aims and objectives;
LO3 Search for, obtain and critically review the information collected from various primary and secondary sources;
LO4 Design and implement a research programme to address the issue or problem effectively;
LO5 Analyse critically individual research findings;
LO6 Formulate appropriate conclusions and recommendations, weighing results against initial objectives;
LO7 Complete a well-written report about the investigation and the research findings;
LO8 Demonstrate competence in all of the key skills required to plan and to carry out individual research projects;
LO9 Demonstrate the key skills necessary to produce a clearly worded, well-structured and coherent research report in English.
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| Presentation | Dissertation Supervisors - Each student is assigned to a specific dissertation supervisor, who is knowledgeable about the candidate’s particular degree pathway and familiar with supervising the dissertation process. Timetables are arranged so that every student enrolled in DIS6300 or DIS6900 has the opportunity to discuss research issues with her/his supervisor at a given time each week.
Supervisors function only as advisors. Their purpose is to provide helpful advice on the research process and useful feedback on student work.
Students are responsible for the final choice of the dissertation topic, the definition of its scope, the planning and implementation of the research activities, the analyses of findings, the organisation of material and writing up the final product. They are also expected to plan their own work schedules to meet set deadlines.
Dissertation Classes - Classes are scheduled over both semesters, and are organised into two-hour lecture- workshop sessions. Meetings for DIS6300 and DIS6900 normally take place on alternate weeks. Each session provides a variety of opportunities for students to learn from lectures, demonstrations, discussions and practical exercises undertaken in small groups.
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| Reading Recommended | BELL, J. (2005), Doing Your Research Project: a guide for first-time researchers in education and social science. (4th Ed.) Open University Press.
FISHER, COLIN, ET. AL. (2004), Researching and Writing a Dissertation for Business Students. Harlow (Essex).
FLICK, UWE (2006), Introduction to Qualitative Research. (3rd Ed.) Sage Publications Ltd.
JANKOWICZ, A. (2005), Business Research Projects. (4th Ed.) Chapman Hall.
KUMAR, RANJIT (1999), Research Methodology: A Step-by-step Guide for Beginners. Sage Publications Inc.
RUDESTAM, K.E. and NEWTON, R.R. (2001), Surviving Your Dissertation: a Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process. (2nd Ed.) Sage Publications.
SEKARAN, UMA (2004), Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach. (4th Ed.) John Wiley and Sons.
WALLIMAN, N. (2004), Your Undergraduate Dissertation: The Essential Guide for Success. London: Sage Publications.
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| Reading Required | ANDERSON-JAQUEST, T. (2007), Dissertation Guidelines for Students starting their dissertations in September 2007 and February 2008. (This is a handbook prepared by the Dissertation Co-ordinator to help students at the RBS London successfully complete their dissertations. It is updated in July of every year.)
SAUNDERS, M., et. al. (2006), Research Methods for Business Students. (4th Ed.) Pearson Education Limited.
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