Dissertation Guidance Notes:
The type of dissertation:
A problem solving investigation within an organisation or business sector.
A proposal for, or evaluation of, a change in an organisation.
A survey involving a number of individuals or organisational representatives.
An analysis and evaluation or a management issue based upon a thorough review of the published literature.
Reviewing the Literature:
Internet search engines such as altavista and google, and meta – search engines such as meta – crawler.
Bibliographic databases such as the web of science, and university library catalogue
Electronic journals are an exciting innovation, and as the situation is very fluid, need to keep up to date with exactly what is available and how to access, for example Emerald database.
The form of the completed dissertation:
The main body of the dissertation should contain 10,000 and 12,000 words. Typed in one and half (or double) line spacing on A4 paper, the margin at the binding edge must be less than 40 mm, and all other margins not less than 20 mm.
Dissertation format:
1 – Title Page.
2 – Table of contents.
3 – Acknowledgements.
4 – Abstract.
5 – Main Body:
Introduction (including research aims, research strategy and outline/structure of the dissertation).
Literature review, that is an analysis of previous research and theory.
Research methods, including rationale for the methodology used.
Main findings.
Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of findings.
Conclusions and future work.
Reflection on the study.
6 – Bibliography.
7 – Appendices.
8 – References.
Assessment Criteria:
The criteria for assessing dissertations are detailed below. In particular examiners will be looking for a demonstration of the development of analytical, critical, and problem solving skills.
1. Project Design:
· Clear statement of purpose and issue for investigation.
· Research question that is intellectually challenging and of practical relevance.
· A full explanation and rationale for the design of the study.
· Design of the project is appropriate to project aims.
2. Literature Review:
· Demonstrates familiarity with and critical appreciation of relevant literature.
· Bibliography complete.
3. Data and Analysis:
· Relevance of data and information to aims.
· Quality / depth of critique, analysis and interpretation.
4. Conclusions and Future work:
· Conclusions persuasive, supported by evidence.
· Recognises the limitations of the work.
· Suggests how the work may be further developed.
· Evaluates the effectiveness of the investigation, through critical reflection.
5. Presentation:
· Ease of reading.
· Use of English (grammar, spelling, punctuation)
· Consistency in referencing.
· Clarity of layout.
· Use of summaries, tables, diagrams length.
6. Integration and Consistency:
· Continuity of argument.
· Conclusions related to purposes.
· Links established between findings and established theory.
7. Originality / Initiative:
· Originality of thinking.
· Resourcefulness in acquiring relevant data.
· Level of critical and self critical awareness.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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