Dissertation proposal
This is the first formal stage of the process. It involves the preparation of a
detailed proposal which will account for 15% of the total project mark. Your
project proposal should be submitted to the School of Management as soon as
possible. You should submit your proposal and wait for feedback before you
undertake any fieldwork. Use the time you are waiting for feedback to develop
your literature review.
Your proposal needs to explain in detail the issue(s) to be addressed, the
reasons for choosing this issue and the broad methodological framework which
will be adopted. In addition, it needs to specify in detail the data/information
which will be used, where or how this will be obtained, and the analytical
techniques which will be appropriate given the issue and the information
available.
A detailed timetable is also required as is evidence of a thorough literature
search and evaluation of the key articles relevant to your chosen topic.
To help you successfully complete the project proposal the following
framework is suggested, although it should be recognised that this may not be
appropriate in all cases.
Background and overview
An introduction to the general area to be studied. Demonstration of relevant
theories and concepts based upon literature review. Evidence to show why the
project as research is of importance.
Statement of issue and research objectives
The detailed question which will be addressed. Sponsoring organisation,
target audience or mentor as appropriate. An indication of why this detailed
question is of importance. A summary of what researching and reflecting upon
this question is designed to achieve.
Methodology
Details of the approach to be adopted. Related management concepts. Details
of any information necessary to undertake the project and how this will be
collected. For example: sources of secondary data, sources of primary data,
outline of questionnaire, sampling method, sampling frame to be used,
structure of interviews, interviewees, instrument selection for qualitative
Dissertation Guidelines 7
data, etc. In addition, outline any assumptions being made, constraints which
you may face and problems which could arise.
Analysis
Indicate clearly the technique or techniques to be used to analyse your
information and how they will be used in the context of your particular project.
If using quantitative analysis explain in detail how the particular techniques
will be used in conjunction with your eventual data set.
Structure of final project
Give preliminary ideas on the major chapters and sections to be included in
the final project together with an outline of the material which is likely to be
contained in each.
Time schedule
Indicate start dates and completion dates for all major activities, using a
Gantt Chart annexed to the proposal. Consider how you will manage the work
of the project – what barriers there may be and how you will overcome them,
what resources (time, people, equipment, etc) you will bring to bear.
The dissertation is the most substantive piece of work that you will undertake
during your studies at the School of Management. It will allow you to apply
and evaluate the theories and concepts covered during your course and
provide an opportunity to demonstrate project management skills. A research
proposal of approximately 2000 words, which should include all of the
elements which are indicated in the following pro forma structure of the
research proposal:
8 Dissertation Guidelines
Title (max. 15 words)
• A title should summarise the main idea of the proposal simply and, if possible, with style. You
may want to use a title and a subtitle, separated by a colon (e.g. ‘Brown Eggs: What they are
Made of and How to Eat Them’)
Abstract (max. 200 words)
• A brief and comprehensive summary of your proposal.
Introduction and relation to previous research (approx. 600 words)
• A statement of your research question, possibly including a central question and three or four
aspects or sub-questions (approx. 30–100 words depending on number of research questions).
• Explain why this question is interesting (approx. 100 words).
• Discussion of the relation between your proposed research and previous research. When
expanded in the dissertation this will be referred to as a Literature Review (approx. 400 words).
Proposed methods (approx. 400 words)
• a precise statement of the methods you propose to use.
• Justify the choices you make. Explain why this method is being used in preference to others.
• Discuss the specifics of the method(s) you will use. Be clear about data sources and what will
count as data in your research project.
• (In your methods section you may need to make some reference to other exemplary studies and
will certainly need to refer to the literature on research methods.)
Reflections (approx. 500 words)
Include reflections on:
• Potential practical and empirical obstacles (e.g. access).
• Conceptual and theoretical problems and difficulties.
• Ethics (both in the narrow and the broader senses).
• Your position as a researcher in a political field, and reflection on how this will impact on your
study.
Conclusion (max. 200 words)
• Very brief wrap-up, including discussion of immediate next steps you need to take. Do not
restate everything you have already said.
Timetable (approx. 100 words, or a one page diagram)
• Provide dates and major steps or milestones.
• This should be presented in bullet points or as a pictorial diagram.
• Make sure that you include other commitments such as holidays, and allowing time for your
supervisor to approve your research proposal.
References
• A full list of works referred to in the text.
• Quality is more important than quantity, demonstrating engagement with relevant literature.
• The Internet should not be the only source of references.
Appendices (optional)
• Containing materials distracting from, but relevant to, the body of the proposal, for example,
draft questionnaires, interview questions, other tables, lists, etc.
• Do not overdo it. Only include things that really are relevant. you won’t get extra marks for this.
Dissertation Guidelines 9
Dissertation support
The team of Dissertation Tutors at ULSM are able to advise on the scope of
projects and their feasibility within the requirements of the programme.
Tutors may be contacted via the Dissertation Support Forums on Blackboard.
In addition, you will find an extensive range of support material on
Blackboard to assist you with the development of your research questions and
methodology.
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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