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MODULE HANDBOOK

2020-21

BUSI1440 Dissertation

1. Welcome to the Module......................................................................................................... 2


2. Contacts................................................................................................................................ 4
3. Module Specification Details................................................................................................. 4
4. Enquiry-Based Learning and Research-Led Teaching..........................................................5
5. Employability Skills Gained................................................................................................... 5
6. Key Dates.............................................................................................................................. 6
7. Schedule of Teaching and Learning Activities.......................................................................6
8. Assessment Tasks................................................................................................................. 7
9. Support for Re-sits.............................................................................................................. 10
10. Reading Lists........................................................................................................................ 10
11. Additional Module Specific Information and Costs.................................................................11
12. Glossary of Terms.................................................................................................................. 11
13. Changes to the module......................................................................................................... 11
14. Other Details......................................................................................................................... 12
1. Welcome to the Module

Welcome to the course Dissertation (BUSI1440). Congratulations on reaching the final module on your
programme, the dissertation. This 45 credit module is the capstone to your MA degree and the place where
you have the opportunity to identify an area that interests you and carry out a significant piece of research
into it. Perhaps you have chosen this area because you hope to work in this part of the industry, or perhaps
because you feel that the existing research needs updating or extending. In either case, you will be able to
call yourself an expert in your chosen area once you have completed this module.

You were matched up with an appropriate supervisor as part of your Research Methods course, and you
will work with them until you submit your work in September. Have a look at the guidelines in section 6
for some pointers about how to work with your supervisor. The relationship between a supervisee and
supervisor should be constructive, mature and productive. You are expected to manage your own research,
but you can expect supportive feedback, suggestions and advice from your supervisor.

As course leader, I will be managing the administrative side of this module so please get in touch with me
if you want to discuss submission arrangements, registration problems and other admin issues.

Dr Klairoong Hawa Phairor


Pk31@gre.ac.uk

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This handbook provides essential information that you will need during your undertaking of this module.
It is not intended to be exhaustive, but should help you to see at a glance information about the module
such as the aims and learning outcomes, the proposed schedule of delivery, assessment details, reading list
and any additional resources that will be needed by you. Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with
its contents.

The university will do all that it reasonably can do to provide educational services to support your
learning. Sometimes circumstances may mean that we cannot provide such educational services or that the
university has to withdraw or change aspects of this module and/or student services detailed in the
information you have been provided with by the university.  This might be because of, for example:

 industrial action by university staff or third parties;


 the unanticipated departure or absence of members of university staff;
 acts of terrorism;
 the acts of any government or local authority;
 academic changes within subject areas; or
 where the numbers expected on a module are so low that it is not possible to deliver an
appropriate quality of education for students enrolled on it.

In these circumstances, the university will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to
those services and to affected students, for example by making reasonable modifications, but to the full
extent that it is possible under the general law, the university excludes liability for any loss and/or damage
suffered by any applicant or student as a result of these circumstances.

The modifications we make may be to:

 the content and syllabus of modules, including in relation to placements;


 the timetable, location and number of classes;
 the content or method of delivery of your module;
 the examination process; and
 the timing and method of assessment

Many of the changes that we make are in response to feedback from students and are intended to improve
the experience of students and student outcomes.

In making any changes, the university will aim to keep significant changes to the minimum necessary and
will notify and where reasonably possible also consult with you in advance about any significant changes
that are required. 

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2. Contacts
The list below summarises the contact details of individuals relevant to this module.

Module Leader: Dr Klairoong Hawa Phairor Location: QA344


Email: pk31@gre.ac.uk
Tel: 02083319081
Office hours: Thursday 2PM-4PM
Departmental Programme Co-ordinator: Location: QA146
Melissa Vásquez Email: m.vasquez@greenwich.ac.uk
Tel: 020 8331 7929
Office hours: N/A
External Examiner: Dr Joanne Connell

3. Module Specification Details


School/Department: Business Faculty/Marketing, Events, and Tourism Department
Number of Credits: 30
Level: 7
Term of delivery: Cross Sectional (Term 1, 2 and 3)

Site of delivery: Greenwich Maritime

Pre-requisites/Co-requisites: Students must pass stage one

The dissertation is an independent, in-depth piece of work that demonstrates a high level of research
competence. The student must plan and execute a significant piece of research that demonstrates
knowledge, understanding and application of theories and concepts of businessrelated research methods. A
dissertation should be your own work and offer either a record of original research or a critical review of
existing knowledge, or a combination of both. This involves developing and applying research skills
particularly in the areas of literature search, problem definition, data collection, analysis and argument.
The dissertation thus provides the opportunity to demonstrate qualities of scholarship, such as
discriminating use of reading and the presentation of well researched, coherent and well supported
analysis. Students should develop effective working relationships with supervisors as early as possible,
since they can be expected to provide broad advice on the overall viability and acceptability of
dissertation designs in particular contexts. However, the supervisor’s role is not one of controlling or
directing and overall responsibility for successful completion of the dissertation lies with the student. Your
choice of topic is likely to be based on a number of issues. For example a good topic may be one that fits
in with your own research interest or your programme of study. The dissertation will normally be of no
more than 12,000 words in length, plus appendices. It will identify clearly the background in terms of
literature and previous analysis of the subject. The aims of the dissertation will be clearly indicated, as
will the methodology which has been applied and the reasons for its selection. The dissertation will reach
findings or recommendations which will be logically formulated and the data will be clearly presented and
coherently analysed. It will be professionally and appropriately researched, referenced and presented.
Please note that you have approximately four months from completion of the required taught courses to
complete the dissertation. This is ample time to meet the required standard if you work systematically and
with a proper plan.

Aims:

The dissertation or consultancy report is a key element of the MA degree. It is the point where knowledge
and understanding acquired through the earlier taught courses is synthesised and applied to a substantial
management problem. Students reaching this level of study will have successfully completed a range of
taught courses, including research methods and design. This course is designed to build on that knowledge
and provide a supported learning environment in which students can plan a more thorough research
enquiry of their own choosing. The key outcome of the course is the report of an investigation into an

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issue of importance. The dissertation is expected to draw on relevant theoretical literature as well as
independent empirical research.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of how research is carried out in business contexts. 2. Demonstrate a


systematic understanding of research paradigms, epistemology and their implications for research design
and implementation. 3. Critically evaluate various research methodologies and consider their suitability
for different types of research. 4. Demonstrate research skills particularly in the areas of literature search,
problem definition, data collection, analysis and discussion. 5. Design and carry out quality research
projects. 6. Appreciate various ethical and methodological issues in carrying out research. 7. Employ a
range of communication skills to disseminate research findings effectively.

4. Enquiry-Based Learning and Research-Led Teaching


Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL)

Defined as ‘an approach based on self-directed enquiry or investigation in which the student is actively
engaged in the process of enquiry facilitated by a teacher. EBL uses real life scenarios (for example,
from case studies, company visits, and project work) and students investigate topics of relevance that
foster the skills of experimental design, data collection, critical analysis and problem-solving’.
The nature of this module requires students to engage in independent self-direct research such that they
can appropriately plan the research, formulate a suitable research framework and analyse suitable
quantitative and/or qualitative data. They are also required to to consolidate their learning through the
programme and particularly draw on the outcomes of the Research Methods module. It allows students
to reflect on their particular area of interest and to contribute in some way to the body of learning about
this subject. It is a crucial part of the process of Masters level learning, and will allow for continued
self-development and the growth of an ability to both learn independently and apply conceptual
thinking in a marketing/tourism/event/ PR context.

Research-Led Teaching (RLT)

An element of EBL which involves faculty introducing students to their own research where it is
relevant to the curriculum being taught as well as drawing on their own knowledge of research
developments in the field, introducing them to the work of other researchers. TLD sees students as
active participants in the research process, not just as an audience. This is achieved by discussing such
developments in lectures and classes, and setting reading lists including recent research publications at
the frontier of the field. The definition of a diverse assessment regime at the programme level
(incorporating an expectation of familiarity with, and use of, such publications in assignments) and the
inclusion of projects at every level of the programme is also fundamental to achieving these objectives.
Students will undertake a substantial piece of independent research and they are expected to utilise up-
to-date research papers and industry reports which enable them to formulate a suitable topic and
associated research question/hypothesis as well as develop a conceptual framework for their
investigation.

5. Employability Skills Gained


Conducting independent research is a challenge that every business school graduate will face whilst
preparing for the workplace. BUSI1440 provides practice on research planning, personal and time
management, secondary and primary data collection and analysis, managing a long and complex
process, reviewing the research design, using data analysis software such as SPSS and SNAP and
writing up an extended piece of research project. Further importance is given to professionalism and
acknowledging the work of others therefore avoiding plagiarism; a practice that can be carried forward

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when employed.

a. Cognitive Skills

There is opportunity for solving problems independently as this is an independent project,


making sensible assumptions and recommendations for research community and industry and
reflecting on skills gained and the impact of the proposed solution.

b. Generic Competencies

Students are required to write a 12,000 word dissertation. Part of the emphasis on this assessment
is given to appropriate referencing, suitable formatting, spelling and grammar within a clear,
well-reasoned narrative.

This course encourages students to keep up-to-date with the latest development in academic research and
relevant industry. The assessment focuses heavily on critical thinking and analytical skills based on
secondary research.
You can find out more about the Greenwich Employability Passport online
https://www.gre.ac.uk/articles/ils/greenwich-employability-passport-for-students

Information about the Career Centre is also available online


https://www.abintegro.com/public/career-transition-and-job-search
 You can log on to the Career Centre with your Portal ID and Password
https://orca.gre.ac.uk/cas/login?service=https://idp.gre.ac.uk/oala/auth.php

Please see Section E.3 of your Programme Handbook for further information on Accommodation,
Employability and Careers Services, Wellbeing Services etc

6. Key Dates
2020/21 Term Dates

Please note that dates may differ depending on when you start your programme of study, and where you
are studying. Please refer to https://docs.gre.ac.uk/rep/sas/term-dates for full details, and details of
University closure dates.

Welcome Week 14th September 2020 18th September 2020


Term 1 21st September 2020 11th December 2020
Examination Period 11th January 2021 15th January 2021
Term 2 11th January 2021 9th April 2021
Examination Period 3rd May 2021 21st May 2021
Resit Examination Period 19th July 2021 23rd July 2021

7. Schedule of Teaching and Learning Activities


Self-directed-research on a topic agreed with and guided by a Supervisor.

You will be allocated an academic supervisor at the beginning of Term 2 to support you in your research
process. Your supervisor is there to help you, especially in the early stages. However, it is important that
you recognise that you have overall responsibility for producing a dissertation that satisfies the
requirements for the MA degree. Please also keep in mind that the supervisor is not there to determine
what to do, but to offer guidance and advice. You should be communicating with your supervisor on a
regular basis throughout the research and write-up of your dissertation. It is particularly important that you
arrange suitable dates to meet during the summer period. In addition to face-to-face meetings, this contact
may be by email, skype or telephone.

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8. Assessment Tasks
The overall pass mark for this module is 50%.
Note: Dissertation/final year project cannot be compensated.

If you don’t pass a module at the first attempt, you may be eligible for a Re-sit opportunity – this will be
confirmed after the Progression and Award Board (PAB) at the end of the term in which the module was
completed. Note that marks on re-sit assessments are capped at the pass mark unless extenuation has been
applied for and granted. – please see your programme handbook for more details.

Assessment Schedule
Assessments Deadline Weighting Maximum length Marking type Learning
(exam time/ word (stepped, Outcomes
count/ minutes as numerical,
applicable) pass/fail)
Dissertation TBC 100% 12,000 Numerical 1-7
Re-sit assessments
Dissertation January, 2022 100% 12,000 Numerical 1-7

Marked coursework with feedback will normally be provided within 15 working days of the submission
deadline. In exceptional circumstances, where there is a delay in providing feedback, you will be informed
by the module leader.

Please see Section C of your Programme Handbook for further information on assessments and
Feedback.

https://docs.gre.ac.uk/rep/sas/assessment-and-feedback-policy

Ethical Compliance: The procedures for ethical compliance are available on the course Moodle site at
this link: https://moodlecurrent.gre.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=530238

According to the university research ethics compliance policy:

“Where a course includes an assessment item involving student collection of data, whether from human
participants or not, before any data is collected each student on such a course must:

• Undertake and pass the Epigium Research Ethics online course, if they have not already done so;
• Register the details of the project on the online Ethics Approval Form on the FBUS Research Ethics
Moodle site”

The link to the FBUS Research Ethics Moodle site is available on the course Moodle site:
https://moodlecurrent.gre.ac.uk/mod/url/view.php?id=530244

As the research ethics policy stipulates, ethical compliance procedures have to be completed before
embarking on your primary research.

Assessment Details

Summative Assessment – 12,000 words dissertation


A study on a topic your choice, written and researched according to state-of-the-art academic standards. It

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will require you to define research questions and hypotheses; perform a literature review; conduct data
collection and analysis; draw conclusions and (if applicable) make recommendations for marketing or
policy decision-making.
Working with your supervisor
During the dissertation/project period you should attend at least six sessions with your supervisor (subject
to the working methods that you agree with him/her). Your relationship with your supervisor important.
However, the relationship that will vary from individual to individual, depending on factors such as the
following.
 You may be someone who feels you need more or less support. Also, the level of support you need
may vary as your research develops.
 Your supervisor may have very clear requirements about your final document and their expectations
of working with you; or he/she may take a more flexible approach.
 Make a positive start with your supervisor and maintain a good working relationship.
 Please prepare for your all your meetings, if necessary e-mailing your supervisor in advance about
this.
 Do not assume they will always be available at times that suit you. Agree meetings in advance, and
always arrive on time.
 Be flexible about the ways in which you communicate with your supervisor, using face-to-face
meetings and e-mail.
 At your first meeting, agree some realistic dates by which you will have made specific and
measurable progress on your project. You can then arrange subsequent meetings as you and your
supervisor best fit your needs.
 Always complete the work that you agreed with your supervisor. If your progress has been slow for
some reason, ask for a postponement until another convenient date (but only do this if there is no
alternative).
 Take your supervisor's feedback seriously and evaluate how you can use it. However, don’t feel
compelled to include all of it in the finished project.
 Don't expect your supervisor to be your proof reader. He/she may be willing to read an outline or
plan of your project or perhaps in some cases a little more – but don’t expect them to check your
work for spelling, punctuation & grammatical mistakes.
What your Supervisor is Expected to Do
 Help students establish and stick to a timetable
 Question/help students to clarify the central focus/theme
 Suggest a range of literature to be applied to the problem
 Comment on the adequacy of standards of data collection and analysis
 Check and sign-off any materials being sent to external sources (e.g. surveys and covering
letters)
 Contact external organisations on behalf of the Business School thanking them for
participating in the research (you should still thank them yourself)
 Comment on quality of presentation and arguments
 Respond to requests by students for comments or a proposal for a meeting, etc.

What your Supervisor is Not Expected to Do


 Make detailed corrections to drafts
 Re-write sections of the project
 Mark each section of the project in turn
 Pre-mark the final draft
 Arrange tutorials with students
 Ensure students stick to timetable

The Role of the Student

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 Negotiate timetable and stick to it
 Request meetings with supervisors in accordance with the established timetable
 Provide written material for tutor in advance of tutorial
 Present YOUR project on time!

Marking Criteria
Assessment Domains 80-100 70-79 60-69 50-59 40- 30- 0-
Excellent Very Good Satisfactory 49 39 29
Good Fail Fail Fail
Assessment Domain 1:
Identification of Research Identification of research focus & rationale: You should clearly state and justify
focus (5%) the choices you have made in selecting a topic and in utilising theory and
methods.

Assessment Domain 2:
Research question/ Given your topic area, you should show a very good knowledge and
hypothesis (5%) understanding of the area(s) concerned; key theories and models and identify
appropriate problems and challenges.
Assessment Domain 3: Given your topic area, you should show a very good knowledge and
Literature review (30%) understanding of the area(s) concerned; key theories and models and identify
appropriate problems and challenges.
Assessment Domain 4: You should describe fully your methods, the form of the data you collect and how
Methodology (20%) this articulates with the research question and theoretical framework chosen.

Assessment Domain 5: You should clearly show your workings, using appropriate methods, and
Data Analysis (20%) accounting for errors, lack of data or particular areas of strength

Assessment Domain 6: You should clearly state how and to what extent your research has addressed the
Conclusion and research question you posed,. You should also make clear its significance with
Recommendations regard to the theoretical framework you have used.
(10%)

Assessment Domain 7: Communication, Organisation and Presentation: Express ideas effectively and
Communication, fluently. Is able to communicate information appropriately and accurately using
Organisation and clear, accurate English, well organised and well presented, with flow and
progression.
Presentation (5%)
Assessment Domain 8: Sources used are all acknowledged in the text and reference list/bibliography,
Referencing, sourcing, using correct academic citation – including online sources. Referencing is
acknowledging and consistent throughout. Follows a professional approach to academic practice.
Reference list is outstanding in its breadth and depth and all sources are primary
coverage (5%)
sources.

Re-sit Assessment Details

If you don’t pass a module at the first attempt, you may be eligible for a re-sit opportunity on the
failed assessments. This will be confirmed after the Progression and Award Board (PAB) at the end
of the term in which the module was completed.

Note that marks on a re-sit assessment are capped at a pass mark unless extenuating
circumstances has been applied for and accepted. For further details, see your programme

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Author Title Publisher ISBN
Bryman, A. Business Research Methods Oxford University 0198809875
and Bell E (3rd edition) Press
(2018)
Silverman D Doing Qualitative Research Sage Publications 1526441616
(2017)
Saunders
handbook.M, Research methods for business FT/Prentice Hall 9781292016627
Lewis P & students
Thornhill A
(2015)
1. Dissertation
Blaxter, L. How –to12,000
Researchwords
(4th edition) Oxford University 033523867X
Hughes, C. Press
Students
and Tight are
M. required to improve the quality of your failed assessment – dissertation. Students
should
(2010) read the feedback provided by your tutor carefully. If further clarification on feedback is
needed, supervisors
Collis, J. & are available
Business to provide
Research: them with
A Practical one-to-one support.
Palgrave B003CYO4J4
Hussey, R. Guide for Undergraduate and
(2009) Postgraduate Students
See Section G:1,2 & 3 of your Programme Handbook on Academic Regulations
Hart, C. (2005) Doing your Masters Dissertation SAge B00QAUVR7E
Please see Section D of your Programme Handbook for information on Extenuating
Please note that
Circumstances, the aboveand
Complaints is aAppeals.
‘suggested’ list only. Student MUST read widely from
books and relevant journal and trade publications to support their learning on various
skills.
9. Support for Re-sits
Detailed constructive feedback will be provided for failed pieces of work. Students can make an
appointment with module tutors if they need further clarification on the feedback. During the resit
period, module leader should be contacted if students need further support.

10. Reading Lists

For more information on Support Service, see Section E

Please refer to Section H of your Programme Handbook on Resources (Library and IT Services,
Academic Skills).

https://www.gre.ac.uk/academicskills

https://docs.gre.ac.uk/rep/sas/student-protection-plan

11. Additional Module Specific Information and Costs


N/A

12. Glossary of Terms


Pre-requisites/Co-requisites This describes the learning you are expected to have completed
before starting the module or the learning (or other modules) that you
should be undertaking alongside it.
Aims These define the overall educational purpose of the module
Learning Outcomes These are subject specific statements that define the learning that will
be assessed during this module
Assessment Weight This refers to the proportion of the overall result for the module that
is based on your performance in each of the assessment tasks

13. Changes to the module


At the University of Greenwich, we value feedback from students as well as external examiners

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and other stakeholders and we use this information to help us improve our provision. For example,
on this module we have introduced SPSS workshop following student and EE feedback that this
would be helpful to students with limited background on quantitative methods.

Important note: The University of Greenwich will do all that it reasonably can to provide educational
services to support your learning as specified in our handbooks and other information provided.
However, under some circumstances, changes may have to be made to the services that are
delivered. This may include modifications to the:

 content and syllabus of modules, including in relation to placements


 timetable, location and number of classes
 content or method of delivery of your module
 examination process
 timing and method of assessment

This might be because of, for example:

 academic changes within subject areas


 the unanticipated departure or absence of members of university staff
 where the numbers expected on a module are so low that it is not possible to deliver an
appropriate quality of education for students enrolled on it.
 industrial action by university staff or third parties
 the acts of any government or local authority
 acts of terrorism

In these circumstances, the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise any disruption to
the services provided and to affected students, for example by making reasonable modifications.
However, to the full extent that it is possible under the general law, the University excludes liability
for any loss and/or damage suffered by any applicant or student as a result of these
circumstances.

14. Other Details


The majority of information relevant to you while you study at the University has been brought together
into your programme handbook. Please refer to your programme handbook for any further information
you might require including:

 Deadlines and extenuating circumstances,

 Plagiarism and referencing,

 Who to go to for advice or if you are concerned,

 How to provide us with feedback,

 Key administrative procedures.

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