MBA Dissertation - Module Handbook 2019/20

MBA Dissertation - Module Handbook 2019/20
Department of Management
& Leadership
Jordanstown
MBA Dissertation
Module Coordinator Dr Nicholas Ioannides

Room: Academic Hub, St James’ House
E-mail: nicholas.ioannides@qa.com
Module Tutor(s) Ulster University, London academics will act as

dissertation supervisors.
Module Code BMG843
Module CRN 74036
Module Level 7
Credit Points 30 credit points
Class Times 450 hours of independent study and related

supervisor support.
On average, six points of contact with the

dissertation supervisor will take place over the
duration of the dissertation, as per the Department
Code of Practice.
Supervisory contact meetings will be agreed

between the student and allocated supervisor.
The module is also supplemented by resources on

Blackboard Learn.
Start Date: 25 Feb 2020

Deadline: 18 May 2020 (4 pm)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION A: SUMMARY OF THE DISSERTATION 2
Introduction 2
Rationale 2
Aims of the Dissertation 2
 Writing a Dissertation 3
Learning Outcomes 4
The Supervision Process 5
The Research Process 8
Key Progression Dates 9
Teaching Plan 10
Opportunities for Feedback 10
SECTION B: DISSERTATION LAYOUT AND

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 11
Dissertation Layout 11
Structure of the Dissertation 14
Other Style Features 16
Submission Guidelines 17
SECTION C: REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 19
SECTION D: RESEARCH ETHICS GUIDELINES 21
SECTION E: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 22
APPENDICES:
1. Important Dates of the Dissertation Process 25
2. Declaration/ Disclaimer 26
3. Research Ethics Form 27
4. UBS Guide to Citation in the Harvard Style 31
5. Meeting Record Form 41
6. MBA Dissertation Marking Scheme 42
7. University of Ulster Level 7 Qualitative Assessment Criteria 46
8. Suggested Reading Material 47
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SECTION A: SUMMARY OF THE DISSERTATION
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INTRODUCTION
In this dissertation you are required to submit an individual piece of work undertaken over
an extended period of time. It is expected that you will investigate an important issue in
human resource management and demonstrate an understanding of practical, ethical and
strategic issues within your research area. The research should be work-based and it is
expected that the subject and design will be such that you will be working with primary, as
well as secondary data. The total process seeks to develop your conceptual and analytical
ability, to enhance both work-related abilities and to prepare you for further research
studies.
RATIONALE
This module provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate the ability to diagnose
and investigate a live, complex business issue from a management perspective, to locate
the work within the body of contemporary knowledge, to collect and analyse data, to derive
supportable conclusions and to make practical and actionable recommendations for
change, improvement or enhancement of current practice.
AIMS OF THE DISSERTATION MODULE
The primary aims of the module are:
 To further develop, through the research process, a critical understanding of key

research techniques, their strengths and weaknesses, and the appropriateness of
different techniques to varying modes of inquiry;
 To encourage students to self-direct their dissertations, in consultation with

individual supervisors; and
 To promote consideration and implementation of the appropriate means of further

disseminating research findings, including the possibility of higher research degree
study.
 Present the costs/benefits of recommendations for their organisation;
 Prepare an implementation plan (if appropriate to the topic or practices under

investigation); and
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 Complete a self-analysis of their personal learning and development through

reflective practice.
Writing a Dissertation
The dissertation should ideally provide opportunities for identifying and defining a problem
for data collection and interpretation and for suggesting and costing solutions. The
research element is an essential component, and at the same time recommendations
must be located in the appropriate organisational context.
One of the hallmarks of a dissertation is that it must go beyond mere description. Those
working in the marketplace may often be called upon to compose and deliver descriptive
reports to their managers. These are obviously a critically important element of workplace
duties. However; the dissertation has got to do more than this. It requires students to
“move up a gear” from producing a mere story or descriptive narrative to a critical
evaluation of some topic. Typically this “extra” dimension will require a number of
distinctive elements and it will be couched in terms of some question:
a) The question will have some theoretical backdrop

b) It will necessitate the student carrying out both theoretical and empirical
investigations.
What is research?
1. There is a question to ask or a problem to solve (rationale and discussion of

problem is couched in the literature review)
2. Uses principles and theories that underpin management research
3. Sets about answering the question through sifting through a variety of data and
sources, using specific research methods
4. Choses methodology to be able to answer research question
5. Considers how the project adds to knowledge on the topic either by generating
new knowledge or clarifying or furthering existing work
The “question” element will be dealt with in greater detail in the discussion of the
dissertation topic later on. The “theoretical backdrop” signals the fact that the
dissertation is markedly different to a consultancy report. Yes, consultancy reports do
have questions and they often involve the collection of primary data as well. However,
they lack the theoretical backdrop required of a dissertation. Consultancy reports are
typically commissioned to address a specific problem for a specific company or industry
and how it can best be solved. They do not require a theoretical home however.
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“Theory” can be an off-putting term, but in essence it really refers to “the way we think
about” some marketplace phenomenon in general and is usually found in the academic
literature for that particular area. Your dissertation topic has to have such a theoretical
home (or homes). For this reason, dissertations that set out to solve the problems of or
furnish an absence management plan for a specific company, for example, often lack
this theoretical dimension. Having a theoretical pedigree on which to hang the chosen
topic, problem or issue for investigation is therefore critical.
Given that you are students on a Management course, the dissertation also requires
that you employ and develop your management research knowledge and skills in an
applied fashion; the dissertation must involve the identification, generation, or collation
of relevant primary or secondary data and the ability to analyse them in a meaningful
and critical manner. To this extent it is also an empirical investigation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A successful student will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1 Understand the nature of social science research and evaluate methods and
methodology.
K2 Develop expertise in a specialised subject area through research for completion

of the dissertation (12-15,000 words).
K3 Demonstrate the value of their learning during the research process via reflective
practice.
K4 Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the impact of the implementation of

their recommendations on their organisation.
Intellectual Qualities
I1 Critically evaluate arguments and evidence.
I2 Locate, extract and analyse data from multiple sources and critically evaluate
their evidence and validity.
I3 Consistently apply knowledge and intellectual skills.
I4 Identify, analyse and draw reasoned conclusions from data and complex
problems.
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Professional/Practical Skills
P1 Demonstrate awareness of differing learning styles, requirements and processes.
P2 Interview in a variety of situations to explore and extract information.

P3 Giving and receiving feedback on on-going research.
Transferable Skills
T1 Develop a research design appropriate to an identified research topic, plan and

implement project, time manage.
T2 Show self-awareness, learning autonomy and appreciation.
T3 Be effective in oral and written communication.
T4 Effectively listen, negotiate and persuade others in the context of implanting a

research plan.
T5 Develop skills of critical reflection.
T6 Use technology where appropriate, such as word processing, databases and

spread sheets to undertake and complete the research and dissertation.
T7 Apply numerical skills to manipulate data and appreciate statistical concepts.
THE SUPERVISION PROCESS
The module is taught through the means of one-to-one meetings between students and
their supervisor. Students completing the dissertation are also required to complete
module BMG843 during which they will receive guidance on the research process.
Individual consultations can also be arranged with the Module Coordinator. Group
consultation and feedback workshops will be arranged as required.
Supervision Allocation
The Dissertation Coordinators for the Department of Management and Leadership are
responsible for allocating supervisors in consultation with the Module Coordinator,
Course Director and Head of Department (or designate) as appropriate. The Module
Coordinator will provide you with contact details for your supervisor. The supervision
process commences upon allocation of an academic supervisor in Weeks 4-5 after
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submission of an outline of your chosen topic in whichever academic year you register
for the module (BMG843).
Role of the Supervisor
The supervisor’s role is to provide guidance and feedback at various stages of the
research process. Supervisors and students should work towards achieving a balance
between the challenge of undertaking a dissertation and being supported in learning.
The supervisor's role is not necessarily one of 'subject matter expert', but to guide
students on issues such as critical analysis of the literature, methodology, structure and
scheduling. However, in so far as possible, students will be ‘matched’ with a supervisor
with a background in their area of interest. The supervisor is required to monitor any
material (such as a questionnaire) that a student might be sending from the University
to an external agency, as these need to fit within the remit of the Ulster Business
School’s Ethical Approval Guidelines (see Appendix 3). Remember that the supervisor
will be one of the two staff members delegated to mark the final piece of work.
The Nature of the Supervision Process
There are a number of pointers that can help ensure that the relationship between you
and your supervisor is a business-like and productive one for both parties. First, be sure
to meet early on in the process, as soon as you have been assigned. It is your
responsibility to initiate and maintain regular contact with your supervisor.
Supervisors typically warm to written material submitted by students by email prior to

meeting and tire of endless meetings “to discuss things”. Remember that, above all
else, the dissertation is a written document. So, from an early stage, make an attempt
to always have some written material to bring along - written lists of articles located, an
idea map for your literature review, a possible table of contents for the dissertation, a
timetable for your work output – whatever is appropriate for the stage you are at. In this
way you will avoid the “passenger syndrome”, of over-reliance on the supervisor or
squandering valuable supervision time. Supervisors can make a more informed and
useful call on your work only if what you submit is your best effort at that point in
time.
The majority of the learning time for the dissertation will be independent study for
research and report development by the student. The provision of feedback on
individual draft chapters will be at the discretion of the supervisor, however,
supervisors will typically read and comment on several draft chapters throughout
the research process. Please note also that they will typically only read a piece of
work once. Feedback on additional drafts is at the discretion of the individual
supervisor. This is intended to emphasise the point that the supervisor is a resource not
an insurance policy and that the dissertation is not a joint research project. The
supervisor is not a co-author! It may help your writing to take a look at the marking
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scheme that readers of your dissertation will use when it’s being examined. This is
included at the back of this document for your benefit. In addition, your supervisor will
not review a complete final draft of the dissertation. Students have to take
responsibility for deciding when the dissertation is ready for submission. It is not the
supervisor’s duty to tell a student that the work is ready for submission, thereby
implying that the dissertation is of a pass standard. The process is largely self-driven,
requiring significant self-discipline and time management skills. It is important that you
are aware from the start that the process is self-led.
Supervision Meetings
Ideally the frequency of meetings will be decided jointly with your supervisor, however, it
should be born in mind that supervisors will not chase after students who choose not to
establish or maintain contact. Meetings can take various forms, e.g. face-to-face,
telephone or via Skype. Although not prescribed, it is recommended that six meetings
take place over the course of the dissertation process.
At the first meeting it is expected that the student discuss his/her initial proposal with the
supervisor and how he/she would envisage the overall time frame for completing the
dissertation, and also his/her availability for the duration of the dissertation. Mutual
expectations and roles should also be discussed and agreed. There should be a
promotion of dialogue as to how the student wishes to use supervision, and to the
supervisor’s expectation of same. Such a dialogue would include the expected
turnaround time for reading and commenting on drafts, also the number of drafts the
supervisor will expect to read, and the means of communication.
Both student and supervisor are required to keep records of meetings and the agreed
actions. It is recommended that a formal record of meetings be kept (see Appendix 5)
and should be signed by both parties. The PACE system can also be utilised for this
purpose.
Student Responsibilities
As part of your duties and responsibilities as a dissertation student you will need to:
 Contact your supervisor at the earliest date to discuss your research proposal.
 Meet to discuss the dissertation at times to be agreed with your supervisor. It is
your responsibility to maintain regular contact with your supervisor.
 Regularly report the progress of the dissertation to your supervisor, from the
outline proposal to the final submission, in accordance with the timetable agreed
between the two of you.
 Keep accurate records of supervision meetings.
 Contact the Module Coordinator in the event of extenuating circumstances
arising over the course of your dissertation.
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THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Some Overall Remarks
Before detailing the specific stages of the dissertation composition process, it is useful
to remember that, while the dissertation title itself is based on a question, it carries a
number of supplementary questions in its wake. These should be addressed early on.
They force the writer in advance to ask crucial questions about possible respondents,
their willingness to co-operate, access to them, suitable and realistic research
instruments and modes of analysis. They can be summarised as follows:
1. Why are you asking this question?

2. Who has the information needed to answer it?
3. Will they give it to you?
4. How will you get it from them?
5. Do their replies answer the question you posed in 1 above?
The dissertation composition process has a number of broad stages. These are outlined
in Figure 1 below. It is often a useful idea to put a timescale against these stages early
on in the process and to outline realistic deadlines/deliverables in consultation with your
supervisor. It can be constructive to work backwards from when the dissertation has to
be submitted, allowing time for proof reading and binding. Developing your own Gantt
chart can be a useful means of setting realistic deadlines and ensuring you are aware of
the various stages of the research process and when they must be completed.
1. Identify topic/ general area of interest

2. Develop and clarify the research question/problem
3. The research proposal
4. The literature review
5. Research methodology
6. Presentation and discussion of findings
7. Conclusion and Recommendations
8. Self-Analysis
9. Submission of dissertation
Figure 1. The Research Process
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TEACHING PLAN
There is no prescribed teaching plan for this module. Students will attend a number of
face-to-face workshops as part of BMG843. These sessions will provide students with
detailed guidance on the research process and are supplemented by online resources on
Blackboard Learn.
Individual meetings should take place between the student and their supervisor. As noted
above, students are advised to prepare material for discussion during supervision
sessions to maximise the benefit from the supervision process.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEEDBACK
Supervisors will receive and mark a copy of the student’s research proposal, which is
the main assignment undertaken in BMG843. Feedback will normally be provided to
students within ten working days of submission of the proposal.
Students should make individual arrangements with their supervisor regarding the
receipt of feedback on chapter drafts submitted throughout the dissertation process.
Appointments can be made with the Module Coordinator as required.
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SECTION B: DISSERTATION LAYOUT AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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DISSERTATION LAYOUT
The content of the whole dissertation includes essential preliminary information and
relevant support material in addition to the main body of the text. In most cases, your
dissertation will broadly take the following layout structure:
• First page… (see Note A)

• Declaration/Disclaimer (see Note B)
• Research Ethics Declaration (see Note C)
• Acknowledgements
• Abstract (see Note D)
• Table of contents (see Note E)
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• List of Appendices
• Main body of Dissertation (i.e. Chapters) (See Note F)
• Reflection on Personal Learning
• References/Bibliography
• Appendices
NOTE A: First Page
The title page should contain the following:
(1) The full title of the dissertation (in capital letters) and the subtitle, if any.
(2) The full name of the author – this must be same as the name you are registered
with the University.
(3) The qualification for which the dissertation is submitted (i.e. Master of Science in
Human Resource Management).
(4) Name of the supervisor of the research
(5) The name of the institution to which the dissertation is submitted i.e. University of
Ulster, Ulster Business School, Department of Management and Leadership.
(6) The month and the year of submission.
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(7) Submission Statement:
Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science in Human Resource Management at the University of Ulster.
NOTE B: Declaration/Disclaimer
A student declaration (see also Appendix 2):
I hereby declare that the work for this Dissertation has been conducted at the Ulster
Business School, University of Ulster at Jordanstown. No portion of the work has been
submitted in support of another degree or qualification at this or any other institute of
learning.
This should be followed by your signature, student number and date.
NOTE C: Acknowledgments
Acknowledgements should be made to those individuals, groups or organisations that

may have contributed to your dissertation directly or indirectly. Examples include your
supervisor, various organisations including libraries, colleagues, parents, friends etc.
NOTE D: Research Ethics Disclaimer
Declaration by Researcher:
The information contained here is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, accurate. I
have read the University’s current research ethics guidelines, and accept responsibility
for the conduct of the procedures set out in the attached application in accordance with
these guidelines, the University’s policy on conflict of interest and any other condition
laid down by the University’s Research Ethics Committee or its Sub-Committees. I
have attempted to identify all the risks related to this research that may arise in
conducting this research, and acknowledge my obligations and the rights of the
participants.
This should be followed by your student name (printed), signature, and date.
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NOTE E: The Abstract
The abstract should provide a brief synopsis of the study by identifying the nature,
scope and purpose of the work, the major outcomes, conclusions and the particular
contribution it makes to knowledge in the field. It should be self-contained and
summarise the complete content of the study. The abstract should be concise and
factual and should not exceed 300 words; it may be broken down into 2 to 5
paragraphs. Reducing a dissertation to a mere 300 words is often difficult. A well
written abstract demonstrates the capacity of the student to present the main aspects of
the study in a coherent and economical form. The abstract should also indicate the
author and title of the dissertation in the form of a heading. It should be typed single-
spaced.
NOTE F: Table of Contents
All pages of the dissertation from the title page onwards should be numbered. Pages
before the body of the text (i.e. the first chapter) should be numbered separately using
Roman numerals. The table of contents page should specify the page numbers for
each section.
A typical table of contents will contain the following:
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- List of tables (including each table number and table title)
- List of figures (including each figure number and figure title)
- List of diagrams (including each diagram number and diagram title)
- Each consecutive chapter number and chapter title (including chapter
subheadings)
- References/ Bibliography
- Appendices
NOTE G: Broad suggestions for Chapter Headings*
Chapter One Introduction to topic. Rationale for the study. Reason for choice of
topic, product, service or industry sector. Specific aims and
objectives or research questions. Overview of chapters/ structure of
the dissertation.
Chapter Two Industry Review**. Not obligatory. Should only feature where
industry characteristics are germane to main research question.
Chapter Three Literature Review. This may be subdivided into two chapters.
Chapter Four Methodology
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Chapter Five Findings
Chapter Six Discussion
Chapter Seven Conclusions and Recommendations
Review of Personal Learning
*These are purely indicative chapter headings.
STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION
Typical details and suggested word lengths for the main sections of the dissertation are
outlined below.
 Introduction, giving the background and scope of the study and indicating the
purpose, specific aims and objectives or research questions. It should prepare the
reader for what follows, explaining the line of argument or form of presentation.
Suggested word length: 1000
 A review of relevant literature, drawing on high quality academic and practitioner

journals and other sources. Referencing must be thorough and accurate. Please
refer to the UBS Guide for Citation in the Harvard Style, which can be accessed on
Blackboard Learn or through the Library website:
http://guides.library.ulster.ac.uk/MBA. Guidelines are also provided in the
appendices of this document.
 A description of the methods of approach adopted in the study, with explanation for
the choice of methods. The chosen methods must be justified and any problems
encountered should be explained. This section must make reference to the literature
on research methodology.
 Data review/findings and discussion, giving the information on which conclusions are
based and the arguments leading to the conclusions. The limitations and
qualifications of major importance should be mentioned. Particular care is necessary
in selecting and presenting tables and figures in this section. Sometimes it is
convenient to present the results in a separate section from the discussion, for
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example, if the same results are used for several purposes. It is also critical that the
discussion is linked to the literature review.
**The industry review may be included in the introduction, literature review,

methodology and/or findings section of your dissertation. This will vary according to
individual research approaches and should be discussed with your supervisor.
Please note that the suggested word count should be adjusted accordingly.
 Conclusions. These should be concise, pulling together the main findings and
referring back to key points from the literature.
 Recommendations. The recommendations should be derived from the conclusions.

They should be detailed, with an indication of the timetable for implementation, and
costings as appropriate. The inclusion of costings is a fundamental CIPD
requirement.
In addition
 Reflection on learning. This is the opportunity for you to reflect on your experience
of the completing the dissertation and consider how a similar project might be done
differently in future. This section is a fundamental CIPD requirement. You may refer
to what you have learned personally from completing the research, any particular
problems you encountered and how you coped with them, how you will use the skills
you have acquired and how you would like to develop as a result of the process.
Suggested word length: 1500 (not included in the word count for the dissertation)
 Appendices. Appendices give additional information needed by readers with a

special interest in certain points. They are not essential to the reading of the
dissertation and the main body of the dissertation must be self-contained. They
should all be referred to at the appropriate points of the main body of the dissertation
and must be carefully planned and well written. The author should be clear about the
purpose of each appendix and include nothing which is not needed by the intended
readers.
Appendices may include:
(a) Description of equipment, processes, organisations or locations.
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(b) Final tabulations (i.e. not raw data). Not to be confused with tables of results.
(c) Reservations explained more fully than in the main body of the dissertation.
(d) Analytical techniques and their derivation or application.
(e) Recommendations in detail for the staff who are to implement them.
 References/ Bibliography. Your reference list/ bibliography should normally be

compiled as a separate section. Each reference should contain enough information
for someone else to trace the item in a library. Under University guidelines, you must
use the Harvard system to compile the bibliography for your dissertation. Guidelines
are included in the appendices of this document.
 Ethics Review Form. Detailed guidelines on research ethics guidelines are contained
in Section D. A copy of the Ethics Review Form is also included in this document.
OTHER STYLE FEATURES
Headings: All chapters should have headings, which are then further divided into
subheadings. Headings within the text should conform to the following conventions:
 Chapter headings should be in bold block capitals, not underlined.

 Main headings within the text should be upper case and bold. They should also be
distinguished in type and position, e.g. 1.1, 1.2 etc.
 Major sub-headings should be in lower case and bold. They should also be
distinguished in type and position, e.g. 1.1.1, 1.1.2 etc.
 Subsidiary subheadings should be in italics.
 The choice to number each heading and subheading or not is a personal preference.
Please refer to the example on the next page.
 All pages of the dissertation from the title page onwards should be numbered.
Pages before the body of the text should be numbered separately using Roman
numerals.
 Page numbers should be located centrally at the bottom of the page and about 10
mm above the edge of the page.
 Appendices should be named alphabetically, and each appendix paginated
consecutively but separately from the main text and from each other. Appendices
should be indicated using capital letters or large Roman type, e.g. Appendix A,
Appendix B or Appendix I, Appendix II etc. Each appendix does not require a
preceding title page. The appendix number should be indicated on the top centre of
the page.
 Numbers less than 10 should normally be spelt out e.g. “five companies” with the
exception of percentages (“6 per cent of the market”). Use “per cent” in the text, “%”
in tables.
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 Quotations of single sentences should be included in the text and enclosed in single
inverted commas. Quotations of two or more sentences should be indented, single
spaced and NOT enclosed in inverted commas.
 Figures and tables should be clearly labelled and should be numbered according to
chapter and order of appearance within each chapter.
 Common abbreviations do not require full stops. Acronyms should be spelt out in full
when used for the first time e.g. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
You can then use the initials in subsequent references to the body in question.
Example:
CHAPTER 4:
METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction (Main heading)
4.2 Research Paradigms (Main heading)
4.2.2 Positivist Paradigm (Subheading)
4.2.3 Qualitative Paradigm (Subheading)

The rationale for choice of research paradigm (subsidiary subheading)
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
The following provides guidance relating to submission of your dissertation.
1. Electronic Submission via Turnitin
Students are required to submit an electronic soft copy of their work via Turnitin on
Blackboard Learn, which will confirm the originality of the work and ensure that
appropriate referencing standards have been followed. The module coordinator will
monitor dissertation submissions via Turnitin.
Dissertations that fail to undergo the originality test through Turnitin will not be
accepted.
You can upload your work multiple times until the dissertation submission date.
Make sure to read through your originality report carefully, checking for referencing
errors and omissions, prior to final printing and binding of your dissertation.
Students should ensure that their final submission produces an originality
percentage in the green zone.
Turnitin Submission Guidelines
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 Login to BMG843 (CRN 45344) 2017-2018 on Blackboard Learn

 Follow the online instructions to upload your dissertation
2. The MBA dissertation should not exceed 15,000 words, exclusive of personal
reflection, appendices and references. The word count should be documented within
the dissertation. Please note that penalties will be applied to work exceeding the
specified word limit as follows:
 Up to 10% no penalty
 11-20% 10% deduction
 >20% fail
The % reduction will be based on the student's initial mark, prior to the penalty.
3. Specifications: The entire text of the dissertation should be typed and printed on
one side of A4, 80g/m² white paper, using Times New Roman or Arial size12 font.
One-and-a-half line spacing should be used. Margins at the binding edge should not be
less than 40mm and the other margins not less than 20mm.
4. Binding. The front cover of the softbound copy of your dissertation should contain:
 The title of the dissertation

 The name of the candidate
 The award for which the submission is submitted MBA
 The year of submission
Information on binding services is available in the Library.
5. A five per cent penalty will be deducted from the awarded dissertation mark for
each week or part thereof for an unapproved late dissertation submission.
6. Students should be aware that examiners can request an interview with a student
as part of the dissertation examination process.
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SECTION C: REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why is it important to reference?

 Readers of your work may want to obtain more information about the topic on which
you are writing. Acknowledging your sources within a text and in a reference list/
bibliography will help them to find the information they seek.
 Copying the ideas, opinions, comments and findings of other people without
acknowledging them is plagiarism, a form of intellectual theft, which is morally and
legally unacceptable. Plagiarism may take the form of copying another person's
opinions or comments verbatim without acknowledging them, or using another
person's ideas without acknowledging them. Plagiarism can be intentional and/or
unintentional. See below for details of the University’s policy on plagiarism and
penalties if caught plagiarising.
 Poor referencing may lose marks for the student.
 The reference list is the section of your dissertation that contains a full list of any
source directly referred to or quoted in the text arranged alphabetically. Material
that you happen to have consulted by way of background reading does not need to
feature in the reference section.
 A bibliography, as distinct from a list of references, is an alphabetical list of all
relevant sources that have been consulted and used, including those not directly
referred to in the text.
 In consultation with their supervisors, students may choose to include either a
bibliography or a reference list.
 The Harvard referencing system is one of the most widely-used and respected. It
is logical, unambiguous and you are expected to use it for all written work. You will
encounter stylistic variations of the Harvard system in terms of layout, fonts and
punctuation in both books and journals, but, you must adopt the style as set out in
the UBS Guide for Citation in the Harvard Style (see Appendix 4).
University of Ulster Policy and Regulations on Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a very serious offence. The University’s Student Handbook states that:
‘plagiarism is the act of taking or copying someone else’s work, including another
student’s, and presenting it as if it were your own. Typical plagiarists use ideas, texts,
theories, data, created artistic artefacts or other material without acknowledgement so
that the person considering this work is given the impression that what they have before
them is the student’s own original work when it is not. Plagiarism also occurs where a
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student’s own previously published work is represented without being properly

referenced. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and is dishonest.’
Is it vital that you familiarise yourself with the University’s Policy and Guidance on
Plagiarism, which is available from the Academic Office website:
www.ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/Policies.html/. Detailed guidelines and advice on
citing and referencing are also available from the Library.
Serious academic offences such as plagiarism, cheating etc., may result in one or more
of the following disciplinary actions being taken against the offending student:
In order to avoid any suspicion of plagiarism in your work, you should:
 Cite the sources of all quotations, paraphrases, summaries of information, tables,

diagrams or other material; including software and other electronic media in
which intellectual property rights may reside, which you use;
 When paraphrasing the work of others, use your own words and sentence
structures; provide a complete reference list/ bibliography of all works and
sources used in the preparation of your projects, essay or other assignment.
20
SECTION D: RESEARCH ETHICS GUIDELINES
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Research Ethics
To promote responsible research in UUJ, the University has devised guidelines for staff
and students undertaking research. As such, the ethics of all proposed MBA research
projects, which will involve human subjects, need to be considered by you and your
supervisor. You must NOT engage in any primary research until you have
submitted your completed research ethics form to your supervisor and it has
been approved/ signed.
Students must complete the form, providing as much detail as possible, and submit it to
their supervisor for initial approval. Once this ethics form is signed, a copy must be sent
to the Department of Management and Leadership’s Research Ethics Committee
Representative.
If it is felt that any potential ethical issues are likely to arise as a result of the study, the
form should not be signed by the supervisor and will then be sent to the Chair of the
Filter Committee for consideration. The supervisor will be contacted and the student will
be asked to reconsider the approach to be taken. If there are no issues with the
research, the Research Governance Unit will be informed that students have
considered ethical issues before embarking on the study. Once the dissertation receives
ethical approval a copy of the form will be returned to the student and this should be
attached to the dissertation.
Detailed information on the University’s Research Ethics Guidelines can be found by

accessing the following link: http://research.ulster.ac.uk/rg/. A copy of the Research
Ethics Form to be completed is included in Appendix 3 of this document.
21
SECTION E: DISSERTATION ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The final submission should provide evidence:
1. That the issues(s) have been understood within the organisational context.
2. That the student has used his or her professional expertise and knowledge in
examining the appropriate theory and methodology.
3. That the data has been adequately analysed and evaluated.
4. That the conclusions are well founded and the student is able to defend the work.
5. That appropriate and detailed recommendations have been derived from the
conclusions.
6. That the student has reflected on the learning derived from the project.
The pass mark for the Dissertation is 50%. Dissertation are first marked by the
supervisor, second blind marked by another member of the Department of Management
and Leadership and External Examiners will review a full sample reflecting each level,
including all distinction and sub-pass levels. As the Dissertation comprises the criteria
for the CIPD’s Management Research Report, periodically a sample is also assessed
by the CIPD Standards Moderator.
An illustration of how your dissertation will be assessed is outlined below. Appendix 6

displays the marking sheet and assessment criteria used in marking your MBA
dissertation. Appendix 7 outlines the grade descriptors. You should familiarise
yourself with the marking scheme as soon as possible in order to ensure that you
address all of the required assessment criteria.
Introduction
 ·Does the student clearly identify and explain what their question or problem is
and how they propose to answer it?
The Literature Review (LR)
 Does the LR feature current material?

 Has the LR sufficient focus AND depth or is to too thin and broad?
 Does the student “handle” or organize the literature creatively e.g. thematically or
in terms of different strands/sides of an argument. Are gaps identified?
 Is there evidence of critical evaluation and synthesis?
 Is the student critically aware of literature sources? e.g. is the article based on
empirical work, does the author address competing views on the issue in
question, is the author biased?
 Does the student highlight how her/his research question is located in the
literature?
22
Methodology
 Is the student able to break the overall question down into credible and realistic
research objectives and/or hypotheses?
 Is the choice of methodology properly justified? e.g. what methodologies do key
authors in this area utilise to study this topic?
 Does the student argue convincingly for the choice of methodology used in this
specific case?
 Is the student aware of the limitations of this methodology?
 If the student adapts a methodology is he/she aware of consequences this could
have for robustness of the findings?
Discussion/ Analysis
 Does the student control the data being analysed or is he/she “overwhelmed” by
them?
 Signs of a creative framework for analysing findings? e.g. by objective, themes or
key variables.
 Is the student able to distinguish between key and peripheral findings?
Conclusions and Recommendations
 Signs that the student has shown the ability and time to reflect seriously on the
dissertation as a whole?
 Has the student attempted to match findings with those in the relevant literature?
 Has he/she asked if the findings support, contradict, disprove previous research?
 Has the student provided an analysis of appropriate prioritised recommendations,
implementation plans? Are the relevant costs set out and justified?
 Has the student addressed the “If I was to do this dissertation again” question, in
other words, shown a critical awareness of the limitations of the work? These
limitations could refer for example to overly broad objectives, unsuitable sample
or research instrument.
 Any suggestions for future research?
 Does the student venture any practical applications for the thesis, possible
interested audiences – practitioners, consumers, public policy makers?
Reflection on Personal Learning
 Evidence of reflection on the experience of completing the dissertation?

 Does the student consider how a similar project might be done differently in
future, e.g. alternative methodologies?
 Has the student discussed problems they encountered and how they overcame
such problems?
23
 Does the student evaluate the skills utilised and developed throughout the course
of the dissertation process?
Housekeeping
 Clear structure with ability to sustain a logical thread throughout the dissertation?
 Neatness, presentation and prose?
 Referencing. Are all cited sources referenced?
 Spelling and grammar
24
APPENDIX 1: DECLARATION/ DISCLAIMER
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hereby declare that the work for this Dissertation has been conducted at the Ulster
Business School, University of Ulster at Jordanstown. No portion of the work has been
submitted in support of another degree or qualification at this or any other institute of
learning.
Signed: ....................................................................................
Student number: ....................................................................................
Date: .....................................................................................
25
APPENDIX 2: RESEARCH ETHICS FORM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Application for Ethical Approval for a Research Project involving Human

Participants
(Ulster Business School Ethics Approval Form)
This form should be completed by the student who is undertaking the research in
association with their supervisor. The form MUST be completed and signed by both
student and supervisor before any fieldwork is carried out. Reference should be made
to the University Code of Practice on Ethical Standards* for Research involving Human
Participants.
Copies of this form MUST be (1) attached to the final project (if there is no form
attached the dissertation will not be marked) and (2) a copy sent to the Department of
Management and Leadership Representative of the Business Chair of Faculty of
Business Ethics Filter Committee.
1. Name of Supervisor: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Name and No. of Student: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3. Project Title: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
...................................................................
.................................................................
Project Type:
Post Graduate (Master’s) 
Undergraduate 
Course, Mode of Attendance and Year of Study (please specify)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..…………………………………………………..
4. Summary of proposed research (including planned start and end dates)
26
5. Does your proposed research involve any of the following (Please circle):
Deception of participants? (i.e. do they understand the implications of Yes No

participating in a research study?)
Inducements to participate? (i.e. are participants being offered any ‘prize’ for Yes No
agreeing to participate in the study?)
Possible psychological stress? (i.e. will you be asking about potentially sensitive Yes No
personal issues)
Any other special circumstances? Yes No
If you have answered “yes” to any of the above, please provide detail regarding how you will
deal with these issues?
6. Please provide details of the likely participants involved in the research (details of
vulnerable groups†. E.g. children, the elderly, people with a learning disability)
7. Please provide details and justification for the methodology to be used in the proposed
research:
27
8. If you are using interviews no participant should be engaged or approached to take part in
the research without obtaining informed consent (Please attach copy of information sheet
and consent form or please use the space below to provide a justification why informed
consent does not need to be sought)
9. Have steps been taken to ensure confidentiality of data (rationale for anonymity and data
storage etc.):
Yes 
No 
(Please provide details)
Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …………………………………. Supervisor
Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………….. Student
Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ………………………………….
*Available at: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/rg/

† For details of vulnerable participants see: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/rg/policy/index.phtml
28
APPENDIX 3: UBS GUIDE TO CITATION IN THE HARVARD STYLE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When writing a piece of work, you need to refer in your text to material written or
produced by others. This procedure is called citing or quoting references. Failure to do
so amounts to plagiarism, which is against University Regulations and is regarded as a
serious offence.
Consistency and accuracy are important to enable readers to identify and locate the
material to which you have referred. The same set of rules should be followed every
time you cite a reference.
In the Ulster Business School (UBS), you need to use our version of the Harvard
System, also known as the ‘Author Date’ method. Our guidance is based on the
Bournemouth Guide to Citation (which uses both the British Standard for the citation
and referencing of published material in the Harvard Style and interpretations of that
system used in academic and research institutions).
The UBS version of the Harvard Style is available as an option to users of the
RefWorks bibliographic management software.
We recommend that references to person-to-person communications such as letters

and emails are given only within the running text and are not detailed in the reference
list.
When you submit work for external publication please follow the guidelines for authors
issued to you by your publisher. These may differ from the guidelines set out here.
The Harvard System (Author Date Method)
All statements, opinions, conclusions etc. taken from another writer’s work should be
cited, whether the work is directly quoted, paraphrased or summarised.
29
In the Harvard System cited publications are referred to in the text by giving the author’s
surname and the year of publication (see Citing in the Text) and are listed in a
reference list or bibliography at the end of the text (see References at the end of a
piece of work).
Originators/authors: name(s) of the person or organisation shown most prominently in

the source as responsible for the content in its published form should be given. This
includes Editors who have been responsible for the editorial aspects of publication but
may not have written an individual contribution. For web sites, this may be the publisher
of the web site in the absence of any identifiable individual.
If an item is the co-operative work of many individuals, none of whom have a dominant
role, the title may be used instead.
Where neither of these options are apparent and there is clearly no identifiable
person/body responsible, use ‘Anon.’.
Dates: if an exact year or date is not known, an approximate date preceded by ‘ca.’
may be supplied e.g. (ca.1940). If no such approximation is possible, use (no date). For
web pages, it may be preferable to cite the year in which the page was accessed, e.g.
(ca.2009), rather than use (no date).
Citing in the text
Quotations: as a general rule, if the quote is less than a line it may be included in the
body of the text in double quotation marks. Longer quotations should be indented,
single-spaced and appear in double quotation marks.
Pagination: for citing quotations from particular parts of the document the relevant
page number(s) should be given after the year within the parentheses. This also applies
to online documents except where pagination is absent.
Summaries or paraphrases – give the citation where it occurs naturally or at the end
of the relevant sentence or paragraph. Page numbers are not required.
Diagrams, illustrations, photographs – should be referenced as though they were

quotations taken from a published work. So page numbers are after the year within the
parentheses. Diagrams etc. are usually accompanied by a brief description and are
listed throughout a piece of work by figure number.
e.g. Figure 1. Forces Governing Competition in an Industry (Porter, 1979 p.141)
Text or script from videos, films or broadcasts – should be referenced as though it
were a quotation taken from a published work, but without page numbering.
e.g. In Love with the Groove (Walkers Snacks Advertisement, 2011)
30
Examples
1) If the author’s name occurs naturally in the sentence, the year is given in
parentheses:-
e.g. According to Cottrell (2008) there are 8 things you can do before starting
university...
e.g. As Cottrell (2008, p.61) indicates, “your performance as a student is likely to

improve if you...reflect on how you learn”, so that you...
2) If the name does not occur naturally in the sentence, both name and year are given
in parentheses:-
e.g. More recent research (Lee, 2010) has examined environmental issues
related to supply chains and supply chain management.
e.g. More recently, environmental issues relating to supply chains and supply
chain management have been examined (Lee, 2010).
3) When an author has published more than one cited document in the same year,
these are distinguished by adding lower case letters (a,b,c, etc.) after the year and
within the parentheses:-
e.g. Johnson (1994a) discussed the subject…
NB: The addition of letters is determined by the order of appearance within the main
text, not by the alphabetical sequence of the items themselves. Thus, a citation
“Johnson (1994a)” will always precede “Johnson (1994b)”.
4) When more than one source is cited, the sequence of citations may be either
chronological, e.g. (Smith 1999; Jones 2001; Turner 2006) or in order of academic
relevance.
5) If there are two authors the surnames of both should be given:-
e.g. Whiteacre and Buckley (2010) have proposed that…
6) If there are more than two authors the surname of the first author only should be
given, followed by et al.:-
e.g. As part of their research, Comstock et al. (2010) examined marketing

management at General Office Co. (GE).
NB: A full listing of names should appear in the list of references.

31
7) If the work is anonymous then “Anon.” should be used:-
e.g. In a commentary referring to the global financial collapse (Anon. 2009) the
responsibility of financial regulators was discussed.
8) If it is a reference to a newspaper article with no author the name of the paper

can be used in place of “Anon”:-
e.g. Although it is believed that the UK economy is growing slowly, others suggest
that the economy is on a ‘plateau’ (The Guardian 2011)
(You should use the same style in the list of references.)
9) If you refer to a source directly quoted in another source you cite both in the
text:-
e.g. A study by Allen (2001 cited Parker, 2009) showed that…
(You should list only the work you have read, i.e. Parker, in the list of references.)
10)If you refer to a contributor in a source you cite just the contributor:-
e.g. While questioning may appear to a straightforward form of communication, it is in

fact a more complex and versatile occurrence (Dickson and Hargie, 2006).
See References at the end of a piece of work below for an explanation of how to list
contributions (chapters in books, articles in journals, papers in conference proceedings)
in the list of references.
11)If you refer to a person who has not produced a work, or contributed to one, but who
is quoted in someone else’s work it is suggested that you should mention the
person’s name and you must cite the source author:-
e.g. Richard Hammond stressed the part psychology plays in advertising in an

interview with Marshall (1999).
e.g. “Advertising will always play on peoples’ desires”, Richard Hammond said in a
recent article (Marshall 1999, p.67).
(You should list the work that has been published, i.e. Marshall, in the list of references.)
Person-to-person communications (letters, emails, interviews, etc):
32
 Taken from: APA (2009) Publication Manual of the American Psychological

Association. 6th ed. Washington: APA.
 They do not provide recoverable data and so are not included in the reference list.
 Cite personal communications in the text only. Give initials as well as the surname of
the communicator and provide as exact a date as possible.
 When citing research data which you have collected, it is advisable to also include
copies or summaries of source data in Appendices.
References at the end of a piece of work
At the end of a piece of work list references to documents cited in the text. This list is
called References. Materials or sources used in ‘reading around’ the subject should
be listed in the Bibliography section. Sources are listed following the same rules as the
Reference section. It is important that you check whether you are required to submit a
reference list OR a bibliography OR both when you submit a piece of work.
1. In the Harvard System, the references are listed in alphabetical order of

authors’ names.
2. Only include the reference once in the reference list, regardless of how many
times it has been cited in the text.
3. If you have cited more than one item by a specific author they should be listed
chronologically (earliest first), and by letter (1993a,1993b) if more than one item
has been published in the same year.
4. Whenever possible, elements of a reference should be taken from the title page
of the publication.
5. For place of publication give the city. If more than one town/city is listed give the
first one or the location of the publisher’s head office. If the town/city is not well
known, you may in addition add a county, region or state. Note that in the United
States of America states are denoted by a two letter code, for example Hillsdale,
NJ.
6. For the publisher’s name omit superfluous terms such as Publishers, Co., or Inc.
Always retain the words Books or Press.
7. Where the publisher is a university and the place or location is included in the
name of the university, do not include the place of publication.
8. Where authorship is attributed to an organisation or corporation instead of an

individual author, ascribe authorship to the organisation e.g. The Economic and
Social Research Council.
33
9. In academic writing, names of organisations may be abbreviated once they have

been given in full e.g. Office of National Statistics (ONS, 2010). You must always
give the FULL version of organisational names in the Reference List.
10. Each reference should use the elements and punctuation given in the following
examples for the different types of published work you may have cited.
Referencing Printed (and Recorded) Materials
Reference to a book
Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title. Edition (if not the first). Place of
publication: Publisher.
e.g. Johnson, G., Whittington, R. and Scholes, K. (2011) Exploring strategy: text and
cases. 9th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Reference to a contribution in an edited book

Contributing author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title of contribution.
Followed by In: Surname, INITIALS., of author or editor of publication followed by ed. or
eds. if relevant. Title of book. Place of publication: Publisher, Page number (s) of
contribution.
e.g. Keep, E. (2004) UK management skills and the future of management
education. In: Jeffcutt, P., ed. The foundations of management knowledge.
London: Routledge, 83-107.
Reference to an encyclopaedia or dictionary entry (without an editor)

Short form title/publisher (Year of publication) Title of contribution. In: Title of source.
Edition (if not the first) Media type (if not print). Place: Publisher.
e.g. CIMA (2003) Activity-based costing. In: CIMA dictionary of finance and
accounting. London: Bloomsbury.
Reference to an article in a journal

Author’s surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title of article. Title of journal, Volume
number and (part number), Page numbers of the article.
e.g. Edmondson, A. C. (2011) Strategies for learning from failure. Harvard Business
Review, 89 (4), 48-55.
Reference to a newspaper article

Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (or Newspaper Title,) (Year of publication) Title of article.
Title of newspaper, day and month, page number/s.
e.g. Timmons, N. (2011) Pay divide between top executives and public widens.
Financial Times, 16 May, 3.
34
Reference to a conference paper

Followed by In: Surname, INITIALS., of editor of proceedings (if applicable) followed by
ed or eds if relevant. Title of conference including date and place of conference. Place
of publication: Publisher, Page numbers of contribution.
e.g. O’Connor, P.J. (2008) The role of geotourism in supporting regeneration in
disadvantaged rural communities in Ireland. In: Pineda, F.D. and Brebbia, C.A.,
eds. 3rd international conference on sustainable tourism, 3-5 September 2008
Malta. Southampton: WIT Press, 267-275.
Reference to a report from a corporate author

(e.g. a government department, company or other organisation)
Name of Issuing Body (Year of publication) Title of publication. Place of publication:

Publisher, Report Number (where relevant)
e.g. Key Note, (2011) Childrenswear market report. London: Key Note
NISRA (2001) Measures of deprivation in Northern Ireland. Oxford: Social

Disadvantage Research Centre, NISRA Occasional Paper 11.
Reference to a dissertation or dissertation

Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title of dissertation. Designation,
(and type). Name of institution to which submitted.
e.g. Doran, C. (2005) An exploration of networking within Northern Ireland SME

business networks. Dissertation, (MBA). University of Ulster.
Reference to a video, film or broadcast

Title (Year) [For films, the preferred date is the year of release in the country of
production) Media format. Subsidiary originator. [Optional but director is preferred]
Production details ie. Place: Organisation.
e.g. The language of advertising: how adverts work (2001) DVD. Bromley: TV Choice.
Programmes and series: the number and title of the episode should normally be given,
as well as the series title, the transmitting organisation and channel, the full date and
time of transmission.
e.g. Business nightmares, Episode 1, Doomed designs (2011) TV, BBC2. 2011 May
9. 2000 hrs.
News at ten (2011) TV, BBC1. 2011 May 23. 22.00hrs.
35
Contributions: individual items within a programme should be cited as contributors

e.g. Obama, Barack (2011) Interview. In: Andrew Marr Show. TV, BBC1. 2011 May
22. 11.15 hrs.
Reference to CD-ROMS and DVDs

This example refers to CD-ROMs and DVDs which are works in their own right and not
a video, film or bibliographic database.
Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title. Edition. Media format. Place of
publication: Publisher (if ascertainable). Available from: Supplier/Database identifier or
number (optional) [Accessed date] (optional)
e.g. Goleman, D. (2002) Business: the ultimate resource. CD-ROM. London:
Bloomsbury.
Referencing Online Materials
The recommendations outlined below follow best practice in referencing online

resources. Remember that scanned chapters, journal articles etc. which are located on
the module area of Blackboard Learn have been provided from print sources located
within the University Library and therefore should be referenced the same as the
original print sources.
Similarly, lecture and tutorial notes, whether downloaded from Blackboard Learn or not,
are not regarded as ‘published’ materials and are only intended as pointers toward
such sources rather than as source materials in themselves, in other words, students
should not reference them in their coursework.
In general, if online material (e.g. electronic journals and electronic books) is

available in printed format, then students should reference these as print sources
regardless of how they have viewed them. If in doubt, students should reference
the material as an online source.
Reference to an electronic book (ebook)

Author’s/Editor’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year) Title. Edition (if not the first). Place of
publication: Publisher (if ascertainable). Available from: URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Miller, J. E., Walker, J.R. and Drummond, K.E. (2007) Supervision in the
hospitality industry: applied human resources. 5th ed. Hoboken, New Jersey:
Wiley. Available from: http://www.instituteofhospitality.org [Accessed 26 May
2011].
Reference to an online journal article
36
If you are certain that the copy you find on a database is identical to the printed version
you may omit the URL and reference it as a printed journal. If you are in any doubt you
should use one of the options below.
If the article has been located on a library database e.g. Business Source Premier, ABI
Global or Emerald, then also give the database URL e.g. www.emeraldinsight.com, so:
Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year) Title. Journal Title, volume (issue), page numbers
(if available). Available from: database URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Toms, J.S. (2010) Calculating profit: a historical perspective on the development
of capitalism. Accounting, Organizations and Society, 35 (2), 205-221. Available
from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science [Accessed 21 January 2011].
In all other cases, give full URL to the article, so:
Author’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year) Title. Journal Title, volume (issue), page numbers
(if available). Available from: URL [Accessed date].
e.g. Grant, K. (2011) Knowledge management, an enduring but confusing fashion.
The Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management, 9 (2), 1117-1131. Available
from: http://www.ejkm.com/issue/download.html?idArticle=285 [Accessed 28
April 2011].
Reference to web pages

Author’s/Editor’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year) Title. Place of publication: Publisher (if
ascertainable). Available from: URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Bryson, A. and Forth, J. (2010) Trade union membership and influence: NIESR
discussion paper no. 362. London: National Institute of Economic and Social
Research. Available from: http://www.niesr.ac.uk/pdf/010910_144250.pdf
[Accessed 20 February 2011].
Reference to a conference paper online

Followed by In: Surname, INITIALS., of editor of proceedings (if applicable) followed by
ed or eds if relevant. Title of conference including date and place of conference. Place
of publication: Publisher (if ascertainable). Available from: URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Poon, S. and Swatman, P.M.C. (1997) Emerging issues on small business use
of the internet: 23 Australian case studies. In: 5th European Conference on
Information Systems, June 19-21, 1997, Cork, Ireland. Available from:
http://www.uni-koblenz.de/~swatmanp/pdfs/poon.ecis97.pdf [Accessed 1 June
2011].
Reference to a podcast
37
Although podcasts can be downloaded onto portable devices, you should always
reference where it was published or displayed for download.
Author/Presenter’s Surname, INITIALS., Day Month (Year of production) Title of

podcast. Day and month of posted message. Available from: URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Chakrabortty, A., 25 May (2011) Dotcom boom or new media bubble? Available
from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/audio/2011/may/25/business-podcast-
dotcom-boom-bubble [Accessed 20 April 2011].
Reference to moving images accessed online

Use originator/author if ascertainable otherwise use title.
Originator. (Year) Title. Place of publication or production (if ascertainable): Publisher
or producer (if ascertainable). Available from: URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Walkers Snacks. (2011) In love with the groove. Available from:
https://edu.xtremeinformation.com/Search/ [Accessed 10 May 2011].
Dahan, E. (2006) How can we better understand customers? Google

TechTalks. Available from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=SkbpJ7XkrOA&feature=related [Accessed 17 May 2011].
Reference to photographs/images accessed online

Photographer/Artist’s Surname, INITIALS. (Year of publication) Title of image. Media
type. Place of publication: Publisher (of online image) if ascertainable. Available from:
URL [Accessed Date].
e.g. Platt, S. (2010) Stocks surge dramatically after EU approves debt rescue
package. Photograph. Getty Images. Available from:
http://edina.ac.uk/purl/eig2/getty_stills.98948582.jpg [Accessed 2 June 2011].
38
APPENDIX 4: SAMPLE MEETING RECORD FORM
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(This form should be completed jointly by the student and supervisor/s at the
conclusion of each meeting)
1. Name of Student.................................................................(BLOCK LETTERS)

Name of Supervisor............................................................(BLOCK LETTERS)
2. Date of Meeting..................................................................................................
3. Duration of meeting............................................................................................
4. Issues discussed (Please list)
1.
2.
5. Tasks to be completed before next meeting (Please list)
3.
6. Date of next meeting..........................................................................................

7. Other comments (if any).....................................................................................
Signature of Student.................................................................................................
Signature of Supervisor............................................................................................
39
APPENDIX 6: MBA DISSERTATION MARKING SCHEME

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP

ULSTER BUSINESS SCHOOL
BMG843 DISSERTATION MARKING SCHEME
NAME of STUDENT……………………………………………………………………………
OVERALL AGREED MARK……………………………..%
Statement of Aims and Objectives

Very
Excellent Very Good Good Poor
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
Does the title clearly reflect the area
researched?
Are the aims and objectives of the project
clearly stated, explained and justified?
Is there a clear rationale for the work?
Comments:
Literature Review/ Prior Research

Very
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
Through the literature review does the
student demonstrate an understanding of
the research area?
Is the significance (relevance) of the
literature reviewed for the research area
clearly stated?
Is there clear evidence that the student
has produced a critical literature review?
Does it draw on quality (up-to-date)
academic sources (e.g., journal articles,
research books etc.)? If not, is this
justified?
40
Comments:
Research Methodology
Very
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
Has the student justified the use of
primary and/or secondary research?
Is the proposed methodology appropriate
to the aims and objectives (research
questions) of the research?
Has the student explicitly related the
methodology to the research objectives
Have the data collection methods been
described in sufficient detail?
Has the student used the research
methodology literature?
Has the student considered and
described procedures for data analysis?
Comments:
Results, Discussion and Data Analysis

Very
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
How well is the data analysis carried out?
How clearly are the results presented?
Have the key findings been identified?
How well are the findings linked to the

literature?
41
Comments:
Conclusions and Recommendations

Very
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
How well are the main findings
summarised?
How appropriate are the conclusions
drawn?
How well do the recommendations made
derive from the findings?
Are the recommendations realistic, timely
and cost effective?
Comments:
Reflection on Personal Learning

Very
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
Is there evidence that personal learning
has been reviewed?
Comments:
Structure, Presentation and Style

Excellent Very Good Good Poor Very
42
Poor
(70-100%) (60-69%) (50-59%) (40-49%)
(0-39%)
Is the project clearly laid out and
typed/word-processed?
Is the word length acceptable?
Is it well written?
Are the key areas covered?
Has the Harvard System been used for

references?
Have all sources been identified and fully
acknowledged? (Failure to do so
amounts to plagiarism)
Comments:
Signature 1st marker: _____________________________ Mark: _______

Signature 2nd marker: _____________________________ Mark: _______
Signature External marker: _____________________________ Mark: _______
43
APPENDIX 7: ULSTER BUSINESS SCHOOL LEVEL 7 QUALITATIVE GRADING CRITERIA
Classification % Range Content Application of Theory Knowledge & Evidence of Referencing & Presentation,
Understanding Reading Bibliography Grammar & Spelling
With 70 – 100 Critical insightful Extensive evidence of Exceptional knowledge & Extensive evidence Outstanding Outstanding, well-
distinction evaluation & advanced applications conceptual understanding of integrating referencing & directed presentation,
synthesis of complex &/or empirical results, of complex &/or supplementary bibliography logically & coherently
high level of where applicable, specialised principles & sources structured, using correct
originality & informed extensively by concepts & the grammar, spelling &
reflection. current research & development & citation.
Demonstrates the practice in the area advancement of ideas &
ability to pursue practice
research at Doctoral
level
Pass 60 – 69 Critical evaluation & Clear evidence of relevant Wide knowledge & depth Evidence of Comprehensive Excellent presentation,
synthesis of complex applications &/or empirical of understanding of extensive reading of referencing & logically structured,
issues & material results, where applicable, complex &/or specialised supplementary bibliography using correct grammar &
which includes an informed by current principles & concepts and sources citation
original & reflective research & practice in the the development of ideas
approach area and practice
Pass 50 – 59 Some critical Evidence of relevant Appropriate knowledge & Evidence of reading Adequate Orderly presentation,
evaluation & applications &/or empirical depth of understanding of supplementary referencing & clear structure &
synthesis of key results, where applicable key principles & concepts sources bibliography acceptable grammar &
issues & material with some links to current with some understanding spelling
research in the area of their development in
practice
Fail 45 – 49 Some evaluation & Occasional relevant Basic knowledge & depth Limited evidence of Limited Adequate presentation &
synthesis of issues applications &/or empirical of understanding of key reading referencing & structure, grammar,
& material results, where applicable principles & concepts only bibliography spelling & citation
Fail 31 – 44 Limited evaluation & Limited applications &/or Limited &/or superficial Minimal evidence of Inadequate Poor presentation &
synthesis of issues empirical results, where knowledge of key reading referencing & structure, grammar,
& material applicable principles & concepts bibliography spelling & citation
Fail 0 – 30 Little or no Little or no evidence of Virtually devoid of any Little or no evidence Inadequate Inadequate presentation,
evaluation & relevant application &/or evidence of knowledge & of reading referencing & structure, grammar,
synthesis of issues empirical results understanding bibliography spelling & citation
and material
44
APPENDIX 8: SUGGESTED READING MATERIAL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bell, J. (2015) Doing Your Research Project (6 th ed.), Open University Press.
Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods (3 rd ed.), Oxford University Press.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods (4 th ed.), Oxford University
Press
Bryman, A. (2005) Quantitative Data Analysis with SPSS 12 and 13: A guide for social
scientists, London: Routledge.
Coghlan, D. and Brannick, T. (2005) Doing Action Research in Your Own Organisation,
Sage.
Cramer, D. and Howitt, D. (2004) The SAGE Dictionary of Statistics: A practical guide
for students in the social sciences, Sage.
Easterby–Smith M., Thorpe, R., and Lowe, A. (2002) Management Research: An
Introduction, London: Sage.
Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2002) Research Methods for Managers, London: Paul
Chapman.
Jankowicz, A. D. (2005) Business Research Projects (4th ed.), Thomson
Kumar, R. (2005) Research Methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners (2 nd ed.),
Sage.
Lind, D.A., Marchal, W.G. and Wathen, S.A. (2008) Basic statistics for business and
economics. 6th ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
McQueen, R. and Knussen, C. (2002) Research Methods for Social Science, Prentice
Hall.
Oakshott, L. (2009) Essential quantitative methods for business management and
finance. 4th ed. UK: Palgrave Publishing.
O'Mahoney, J. (2010). Management Consultancy. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Punch, K. (2000) Developing Effective Research Proposals, London: Sage.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research Methods for Business
Students (6th ed.), Hounslow: Pearson.
Sturdy, A., Handley, K., Clark, T. and Fincham, R. (2010). Management Consultancy:
Boundaries and Knowledge in Action. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Sekeran, U. (2000) Research Methods for Business, Wiley.
Wickham, L. and Wilcock, J. (2012). Management Consulting: Delivering an Effective
Project. Fourth Edition. Harlow: Pearson.
45

MBA Dissertation - Module Handbook 2019/20

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MBA Dissertation - Module Handbook 2019/20

Module Coordinator Dr Nicholas Ioannides

Module Tutor(s) Ulster University, London academics will act as

Module Code BMG843

Module CRN 74036

Credit Points 30 credit points

Class Times 450 hours of independent study and related

On average, six points of contact with the

Supervisory contact meetings will be agreed

The module is also supplemented by resources on

Start Date: 25 Feb 2020

SECTION B: DISSERTATION LAYOUT AND

SECTION C: REFERENCING AND BIBLIOGRAPHY 19

SECTION D: RESEARCH ETHICS GUIDELINES 21

SECTION E: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 22

SECTION A: SUMMARY OF THE DISSERTATION

AIMS OF THE DISSERTATION MODULE

The primary aims of the module are:

 To further develop, through the research process, a critical understanding of key

 To encourage students to self-direct their dissertations, in consultation with

 To promote consideration and implementation of the appropriate means of further

 Present the costs/benefits of recommendations for their organisation;

 Prepare an implementation plan (if appropriate to the topic or practices under

 Complete a self-analysis of their personal learning and development through

a) The question will have some theoretical backdrop

1. There is a question to ask or a problem to solve (rationale and discussion of

A successful student will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

K2 Develop expertise in a specialised subject area through research for completion

K4 Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the impact of the implementation of

I1 Critically evaluate arguments and evidence.

I3 Consistently apply knowledge and intellectual skills.

P1 Demonstrate awareness of differing learning styles, requirements and processes.

P2 Interview in a variety of situations to explore and extract information.

T1 Develop a research design appropriate to an identified research topic, plan and

T2 Show self-awareness, learning autonomy and appreciation.

T3 Be effective in oral and written communication.

T4 Effectively listen, negotiate and persuade others in the context of implanting a

T5 Develop skills of critical reflection.

T6 Use technology where appropriate, such as word processing, databases and

T7 Apply numerical skills to manipulate data and appreciate statistical concepts.

THE SUPERVISION PROCESS

The Nature of the Supervision Process

Supervisors typically warm to written material submitted by students by email prior to

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Some Overall Remarks

1. Why are you asking this question?

1. Identify topic/ general area of interest

Figure 1. The Research Process

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEEDBACK

Appointments can be made with the Module Coordinator as required.

SECTION B: DISSERTATION LAYOUT AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• First page… (see Note A)

NOTE A: First Page

The title page should contain the following:

(4) Name of the supervisor of the research

(6) The month and the year of submission.

(7) Submission Statement:

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

A student declaration (see also Appendix 2):

This should be followed by your signature, student number and date.

Acknowledgements should be made to those individuals, groups or organisations that

NOTE D: Research Ethics Disclaimer