Leeds University Business School

Dissertation briefing session

Making a start

Nicolas Forsans December 6th, 2012

Introduction to the dissertation

What is the dissertation? Types of dissertation Linking your dissertation to work-based experience Process Questions for you to think about Deadlines and timescales Tips

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The dissertation I
What the dissertation is
an extended piece of research 12,000 words on a topic of your choice to be carried out throughout Semester 2 and over the summer period centred around a particular problem that can be broken down into specific research questions which can be answered using an appropriate choice of methods, such as qualitative methods, e.g. survey, interviews, observations quantitative methods, e.g. regression / statistical analysis

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The dissertation II
What the dissertation involves
the generation of knowledge a piece of work that adds value produces findings that were not (readily) available the creation of a new set of data (primary data) or the exploitation of an existing dataset analysis

Dissertation fully integrated with the Research component of Prof. & Res Skills module The only compulsory-to-pass module on the programme

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Types of dissertation
Three main types Traditional dissertation more academic in nature Involves desk-based research, primary data collection or secondary data analysis Dissertation linked to a company-sponsored project Focus on (possibly) a more practical problem that is relevant to a specific organisation Involves desk-based research, primary data collection or secondary data analysis More applied in nature, but still involves use of theory Dissertation linked to an internship Similar to project-based Main difference is the degree of your involvement

Blurred boundaries between all three types

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The traditional dissertation

Example of past dissertations Does the choice of entry modes affect firm performance? Do multinational firms outcompete domestic rivals in foreign markets? An investigation of the retailing industry in America Impact of foreign direct investment on firm performance in Thailands manufacturing industries Do farmers in Africa benefit from the FairTrade scheme? Student attitude and behaviour towards illegal music downloads How can a Facebook-based customer engagement strategy be exported across countries? Does the strategic positioning of UK-based supermarkets fit with customer perceptions of it?

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The project-based dissertation

What it is
An extended piece of work centred around a particular problem / issue that needs addressing; can be broken down into a specific set of questions These questions can be addressed using an appropriate method of enquiry Qualitative methods Quantitative methods

Example of past dissertations

Understanding the purchasing behaviour of lingerie by Indian women Consumer behaviour towards mobile phones in emerging countries How can a small Yorkshire-based family firm penetrate the Italian market?

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The traditional dissertation

Typical structure / steps
What is the problem that needs solving? What do we already know about the problem? Literature review What questions have been left unanswered? What questions do I want to focus on? Problem scoping What would I expect the answer to these questions to be, given what we already know? Hypotheses formulation How to address the question(s) / solve the problem? Research methods formulation Your empirical analysis
Hypotheses testing

Your conclusion
How did your research help address the problem? Are there limitations attached to your findings?

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The Process (1)

Quantitative Methods for IB

The Dissertation

Research Methods

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The Process (2)

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Key questions for you to think about.

A traditional dissertation or one linked to a project? Theyre not necessarily very different in scope In all cases, a dissertation will need submitting A problem will need identifying Key advantages of a company project Access to the firm, possibly on an infrequent / ad-hoc basis An opportunity to shine and get noticed Key disadvantage Need to produce two separate output A dissertation A company report - deliverables
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Sourcing a project
Two ways to go about it
Do it yourself Negotiate topic and firm requirements Well help you link it to a dissertation Suitable if you have your own business idea, or are capable of leveraging existing business contacts Work with us

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Tips I
Start thinking about it now What could be an interesting problem worth investigating Essential: one that can be researched / investigated / addressed Choose a topic that interests you, and ideally one that fits with your aspirations Linked to your career ambitions? Hobbies? Interests? Business idea? Personal development? Make preliminary enquiries Read and keep up-to-date newspapers, magazines, blogs, tweets Watch tv programmes; listen talk Question what you read Dont be afraid to step outside the beaten track

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Tips II
Make the most of the Careers Centre On campus + Elizabeth One-to-one appointments + regular drop-in sessions CV checking, letter checking Advice, support etc. Leverage networking opportunities Make the best of professional social networks be active, contribute to conversations, be seen employers want safe bets Follow your interests!

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Dissertation timescales and deadlines

Week starting
3rd December 21st January 28th January 4th February

Activity
Dissertation brief Research Skills module start Library training Literature review and frameworks

Start thinking about

Your topic, your interests, potential problems you wish to address

Assignment

Deadline

The resources available to you, studies of relevance to the problem: what do we know about my research questions?

Submission of topic, problem to be addressed and early literature review

7th March

Throughout February & March

Data collection, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis

Your research strategy: what is the best way of answering your research questions?

Identification of suitable research methods

15th April

Dissertation rationale

Pulling it together

Submission of dissertation proposal

9th May

May/June/July

Presentation

Data collection, writing up

Dissertation submission

1st August

Empirical analysis Leeds University Business School

Any question?

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