CARDIFF SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

MASTERS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA)

MBA 7099
DISSERTATION HANDBOOK
ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/2019
 CONTENTS

1) Dissertation Procedures Page 3

2) Module Descriptor Page 5

3) The Dissertation Process Page 7

4) Important Pointers Page 8

5) Dissertation Presentation Page 9

6) Marking Scheme Page 13

7) Referencing Page 16

8) Plagiarism Page 21

9) Guidelines Page 22

10) Contacts Page 25

11) The Ethics Process Page 26

12) Conclusion Page 28

Appendix One (Ethics Form) Page 29

Appendix Two (Dissertation Marking Scheme) Page 33

Appendix Three (Assessment Criteria) Page 35

Appendix Four (Declaration Forms) Page 37

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 (1) DISSERTATION PROCEDURES

Congratulations! You may now embark on the final part of your degree studies.
Please keep this handbook as a source of reference, because it contains relevant
information for the process and completion of this major piece of work.

You may be using this handbook if you are completing:

 MBA7099 = following successful completion of MBA7004 Research Methods.

You are embarking on a significant piece of individual study and need to be

disciplined and realistic in your use of time.

Students are given 12 weeks for completion and it is very important that you
communicate with your supervisor or the Head of MBA if you are unable to meet the
deadlines set.

Staff should be contactable at all times unless on annual leave but as the summer is
often the only time staff may take leave then students should be mindful of the
necessity of using e-mail. E-mail in general, using your University account is the best
way of keeping in contact and arranging meetings. Please note the deadline.

These are the dates that allow staff time to mark, double-mark and check with the
external examiner to be certain that marks are fair and consistent. Once the mark is
agreed it is entered at the Examination Board and if the work achieved a 40%
minimum mark with 180 credits completed, then an MBA will be awarded.

Meetings with supervisors

Each student should know that the dissertation forms part of their degree and as
such requires thought and preparation. The student should be the driver here and
initiate activity around the dissertation and be reading and investigating their topic
demonstrating a genuine curiousity. The Research Methods teaching should have
helped in the preparation of the dissertation and students should be able to work
unaided in the main. This is an activity that is yours and for you alone to progress
and be responsible for with some advice from a supervisor. Do not expect
supervisors to have time to be checking on you and monitoring your progress, you
are one of a group, and a group among several and so you must understand their
commitments. This is what distinguishes Masters level from undergraduate work.

Once you are allocated a supervisor you must make contact and arrange
appointments. Each individual staff member has different ways of working and you
must fit in with their arrangements making sure you know when they will be available
to see you. Do not expect to find your tutor waiting for you when you make an
appearance but book/think ahead and have a schedule.

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You are required to have 3 formally recorded meetings. Some staff will only see their
students a few times, others more often. Please do not compare as individual people
work in different ways and the capable, driven student may need far less time that
the one who is struggling with their ideas or is not working as they should.
Supervisors may not be familiar with all the subjects that students study and may
recommend students seek advice from other tutors. Here again, permission should
be sought and a time agreed.

If the supervisor is going to be absent for a time then try and set up a work schedule
around this absence and reach agreement as to how the absence will be managed.
Similarly students, needing time away for collection of data will need to arrange their
work schedules and agree timescales.

It is very important that staff are allowed sufficient time for the reading of drafts and
students MUST NOT EXPECT staff to read work instantly when a deadline is
imminent. Ideally, a full draft between 2 weeks and a month before the deadline
allows time for changes and amendments- subject of course, to the supervisor‟s
schedule. Some supervisors may ask for drafts chapter by chapter.

Topic selection

There are a number of students that choose topics related to their chosen pathway
and optional modules. Other students are influenced by their workplace/ experience
or suggestions from their reading or their ideas for future career. Above all, the topic
must be interesting to you because your enthusiasm will influence your writing and
ability to work. There is a body of knowledge available for checking who has written
about the topic chosen. Students should be aware of who has written about their
subject and demonstrate how they are informed by this work and its contribution to
their study.

The MBA offers a broad range of opportunities for further investigation and
dissertation titles include:

 The contribution of Business Process Reengineering for improving

productivity and quality in Indian organisation: a case study – SYNTEL
Limited.
 A critical life cycle of single use medical devices: what practices or product
redesigns can be implemented to limit the waste created?
 A critical life cycle assessment of single use medical devices: what practices
or product redesigns can be implemented to limit the waste created?
 To what extent could Change Management influence Business Process Re-
Engineering? A Case Study of the Reserve Bank of Malawi.
 A study on capabilities required by Project Managers to effectively manage
the stakeholder relationships: a case study of Bangalore Metro Rail
Construction Project.

Please note that these titles are provided as a guide only, and should not be
replicated.

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 (2) MODULE DESCRIPTOR

Module JACS Subject Code(s) ASC Category(ies)

Module Title Number and % of each subject
Dissertation MBA7099 N200 7

Level (0 – Credits ECTS Module Value % Taught in Welsh Module Type

8) Credit
7 40 20 2.0 0 Dissertation
Teaching Period Pre-requisites
Semester 3 None
Module Leader School(s) Campus
Eric Lim East Asia Institute of Management Singapore
Assessment Methods
Assessment Type Duration/Length of Weighting of Approximate Date of
Assessment Type Assessment Submission
Dissertation 10,000 - 12,000 words 100% End of Semester
Aim(s)
The dissertation provides an opportunity for in depth study of a topic relevant to management. It
requires students to:
 Critically evaluate major schools of thought within relevant management theory to fit with
business practice.
 Translate theory into practice through the study of its application in the real world.
 Undertake empirical research in this area.
 Draw conclusions about the implications of the results for managerial decision-making, in
particular strategic.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the dissertation the student should be able to:
 Formulate research questions at a level appropriate for a Masters;
 Critically review the relevant literature / business environment information;
 Select the most appropriate methods for the collection of data, justifying that choice.
 Apply methods to collect data;
 Select a method of analysis appropriate to their research question, within the context of
what is commensurate to Masters level;
 Present the results clearly and comprehensively;
 Draw conclusions about the results.
Learning and Teaching Delivery Methods
The Dissertation builds on the Research Methods Module/Pathway Specific Modules. Students will
be assigned a personal tutor with whom they will be expected to have a minimum of three one-to-
one tutorials, the outcome of which will be fully documented.
A dissertation handbook will be available for all students that will include details of
 Regulations and attendance requirements
 Role of supervisor
 Timing and planning
 Topic selection
 Presentation
 Referencing

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  Assessment
Indicative Content
 Specific research topic selected by student.
 Statement of research question
 Literature review / background business research
 Justification of methodology for collection of data
 Justification for method of analysis
 Analysis
 Presentation of data
 Presentation of results
 Discussion
Recommended Reading & Required Reading
Required Reading:

Gill, J., and Johnson, P., (2007), Research Methods for Managers, (Third Edition), Sage
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A., Research Methods for Business Students, (6th edition),
Harlow: FT/Prentice Hall

Recommended Reading:
Al Theide, D.L., & Schneider, C.J., (2012), Qualitative Media Analysis, 2nd Edition, Sage
Biggam, J., (2011), Succeeding with your Masters Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook, Sage;
London
Blasius, J., & Thiessen, V., (2012), Assessing the Quality of Survey Data, Sage
Callegaro, M., Manfreda, K.L., and Vehovar, V., (2014), Web Survey Methodology, Sage; London
Fielding, N.G., Lee, R., & Blank, G., The Sage Handbook of Online Research Methods
Fisher, C., (2007), Researching and Writing a Dissertation: A Guidebook for Business Students,
FT/Prentice Hall; London
Furseth, I., & Everett, E.L., (2013), Sage Study skills Series; London
Guest, G., (2013), Public Health Research Methods Sage; London
Gill, J., and Johnson, P., (2011), Research Methods for Managers, e-book
Hart, C., (2004), Doing your Masters Dissertation ,Sage Study skills; London
Herr, K., & Anderson, G.L., The Action Research Dissertation: A Guide for Students and Faculty Sage;
London
Lomas, R.,(2011), Mastering your Business Dissertation: How to Conceive Research and Write a Good
Business Dissertation, Routledge; Oxon
Moore, N., (2006), How to do Research: the Complete Guide to Designing and Managing Research
Projects (3rd revised edition), Facet Publishing; London
Myers, M.D., (2013), Qualitative Research in Business and Management, Sage;London
Nezieiek, J.N., (2012), Diary Methods, Sage; London
Picardi, C., & Masick, C.J., (2013), Research Methods Designing and Conducting Research with a Real
World Focus, Sage; London
Russell, B.H., (2012), Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative approaches, (2nd
edition), Sage; London
Sieber, J.E., & Tolich, M.B., (2013), Planning Ethically Responsible Research, (2nd edition), Sage;
London
Wentz, E.A., (2013), How to Design, Write and Present a Successful Dissertation Proposal, Sage;
London
Zikmund, W.G., (2003), Business Research Methods (7th edition), Thomson South-Western;UK

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 (3) THE DISSERTATION PROCESS

Students are thinking about their topic, reading and investigating – this should be
encouraged by MBA7004 Research Methods.

Student becomes familiar with expectation of a dissertation and timeframe.

Student passes MBA7004 and is allocated a supervisor.

Student works with their supervisor with a clear plan of action formally recording 3
meetings.

Draft materials submitted to supervisor for checking and agreement of what is to be

done next.

Work submitted following the presentation guidelines.

Student awaits final result. Examination Board dates should be checked.

Results released.

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 (4) IMPORTANT POINTERS

TAKE ACTION

The dissertation is not supposed to be easy. If you are struggling with your work it is
understandable and you must share your problem. Rather than just thinking about it
more and more, make an appointment and speak to your supervisor. If your problem
is more personal in nature, you may prefer to speak to a different member of staff
from a choice of the MBA team/personal tutors/International Welfare Officer.
Remember there are also counselling services within Cardiff Metropolitan University
with professionally trained counsellors to help.

Learn to prioritise, make a list and take each point at a time. If you are struggling with
the structure of your work, use the guidelines contained in this handbook. The
marking scheme gives clear guidance on how the marks are allocated, use it.

TOPIC SELECTION

Students may write on any topic which interests them. However, students who are
undertaking a pathway MUST undertake a dissertation on a topic related to the
pathway. You should liaise with your supervisor about suitable topics and titles.

MEETINGS WITH SUPERVISORS

When you are allocated a supervisor, the MBA Administrative Team will contact you
with their details. It is important that you make contact with your supervisor as soon
as possible to discuss your ideas and arrange a meeting.

You will be required to meet with your supervisor a minimum of THREE times during
the dissertation period. If this proves difficult logistically, it might be possible for you
to conduct your meetings via Skype, with your supervisor‟s agreement. Each
meeting will be counted as a contact point, and thus attendance will be monitored in
accordance with UKBA regulations.

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 (5) DISSERTATION PRESENTATION

Structure and contents.

There is no best way of writing a dissertation or one model for an appropriate format.
However, certain aspects are conventionally found in a dissertation and should only
be varied after discussion with the supervisor for good reason. These are:

1) An opening section which should contain the following separate pages:

Title page, declaration and statement, supervisors statement,
acknowledgements, abstract (a summary of 300 words, which should
summarise all sections of the dissertation:THIS MUST BE INCLUDED), and
table of contents.

(2) The first chapter should be an introduction to the dissertation which should
state very clearly the purpose of the project (including an aim and objectives)
and a brief outline of the subsequent chapters of the dissertation. (Note: it is
usual, somewhat paradoxically, to write the introduction after most of the
dissertation is complete in order that a student has a clear idea of what is
being introduced). The student should include an aims and objectives section.

3) Chapter two should be a critical review of the relevant academic literature

on which the dissertation builds, identifying the relevant theoretical ideas,
concepts, debates and issues.

4) A chapter on Research Methods should state what methods are

considered, what was selected and why. Justification for the final
methodology selected and the sampling techniques, sampling
framework, the size and type of any appropriate survey, should be
included. (If a case study method is used then the justification for the
organisation used to be included). Transparency is very important.

5) One, or possibly two chapters that report on the research findings, both
secondary and primary, clearly described, using as themes, what you have
discovered and proposing reasons why this may be. This section should
use any appropriate graphical representation that adds to the clarity of
your findings.

6) Clear discussion chapter setting out the main findings of the dissertation
linking your literature review with the research findings so that a clear
theme can be identified throughout the whole work. On this information you
can make your argument and assess. Remember to include what your
findings contribute to both the general literature on the subject and the
specialist field, and/or practical problems which you have covered empirically.
Include those results which surprised you and which may appear different or
similar. Make sure that you address all the objectives of the study. Do not
forget to recommend further research ideas.

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 7) The conclusion should refer back to aims and objectives. Clear
recommendations or procedures should be identified.

8) References: There should be a complete reference list of all works used.

This should be done in a standard Harvard format listing works alphabetically
by author. It should be noted that one of the routine sources of presentational
problems comes in mistakes in the referencing bibliography and therefore
students should take considerable care in the compilation of the reference list
and ensure that every work referred to in the texts is in fact listed in the
references – see separate section.

9) Appendices to the dissertation are legitimate but should be kept to an

absolute minimum, eg. Questionnaires used.

10) Footnotes should be avoided.

It is important that the dissertation should be your own independent work as a formal
examination script. A dissertation should not merely consist of a patchwork of other
people's thoughts and interpretations stitched together with a few threads of the
student's own devising.

The OVERALL LENGTH of the dissertation (including appendices) must not exceed
12,000 words and in practice the length of a dissertation would normally be expected
to be within a range of 10,000 to 12,000 words. State the number of words at the
end of your work.

Presentation:

 Please follow Cardiff School of Management presentationguidelines;

 All copies shall be presented in permanent and legible form in typescript or
print and the characters shall be not less than 12 pt;
 Typing shall be of even quality with clear black characters, and capable of
photographic reproduction;
 1.5 spacing shall be used in typescript but for the Summary and indented
quotations single spacing shall be used;
 Drawings and Sketches shall be in black ink; unnecessary detail should be
omitted and there should be at least 1 mm between lines;
 Page margins for both left and right side should be set at 3cm. Copies
produced by xerographic or comparable permanent processes are
acceptable.

Compusory Inclusions:
 Ethics approval
 Portfolio of Evidence

The Cover:

 The volume shall bear the surname and initials of the candidate;
 The candidate’s student number;

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  The full or abbreviated title of the dissertation;
 The name of the degree for which the dissertation is being submitted;
 The date of submission.
Note as a Guide only:

The word count for each chapter should normally be:-

Introduction approx 2000 words

Literature Review approx 2000 words
Methods approx 2000 words
Data and Analysis approx 2000 words
Conclusions and recommendations approx 2000 words
Recommendations approx 1000 words

Ethics:

All research-type projects (Dissertation, Enterprise Project, Launching a Business,

etc.) conducted by students in Cardiff School of Management must comply with the
university’s ethical requirements. NB Regulations must be checked and adhered
to. For the academic year 2013-2014 a penalty of 100% off the achieved mark
will be deducted from research-type projects which do not evidence that they
have engaged with the Ethics process required by Cardiff Metropolitan
University. Complying with ethical requirements involves completing and submitting
an Application for Ethics Approval together with draft copies of all supporting
documents. Guidance on completing the ethics application can be sought from
supervisors. Copies of the Application for Ethics Approval must be bound into the
project report as an appendix.

“All research-type projects (Dissertation, Enterprise Project, Launching a Business,

etc.) conducted by students in Cardiff School of Management must comply with the
university’s ethical requirements. As from the academic year 2013 – 2014,
commencing September 2013, the failure of a student to secure ethical approval for
a project prior to commencing data collection will result in the project being
ineligible for assessment. A mark of zero will then be entered for the student as
failure to have complied with the assessment requirements.

Complying with ethical requirements involves completing and submitting an

Application for Ethics Approval together with draft copies of all supporting
documents at a standard suitable for approval. Guidance on completing the ethics
application can be sought from module leaders and project supervisors. Copies of
the Application for Ethics Approval must be bound into the project report as an
appendix. Note that for modules with more than one assessment method the zero
mark will be given for the research-type element only.”

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In order to demonstrate compliance with the ethical approval requirements for this
module you are required to have submitted a full Ethical Approval Application by
(enter an appropriate date for the module). If you fail to do so you will be deemed to
have withdrawn from the module and no credits will be awarded for it.

Where students have failed to meet this deadline but have approved Mitigating
Circumstances this will be taken into consideration.

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 (6) MARKING SCHEME
DISSERTATION MARKING SCHEME
Abstract and Introduction
Background Research /
Literature
This is the backbone and
says what has been written
that is meaningful for this
study.
Research design / Method
Here there is the justification
of choice of the way chosen
for additional investigation.
The who, why, what where
and how must be covered
here.
Ethics, limitations and the
real inside story should be
here evidenced in portfolio.
Findings with
discussion of the data.
Markers to review the
portfolio of
evidence.
Conclusion and
recommendations.
Presentation, adherence
to word limit and relevant
support materials included
eg questionnaires
Contribution / originality /
creativity/ diligence
A clear purpose with an overall aim and 15%
objectives explaining how the aim is to be
achieved. A summary of what is to be
covered.
Theoretical framework is here. Peer 20%
reviewed journals and/or up-to date
reports must be in evidence. Information
should have direction and lead into the
local/ personal study.
This should be a natural progression from 15%
the previous section developing the
existing information into a local study. The
process should be transparent and not
regurgitate Saunders.
Students should evidence the choices
made eg by following an approach used
elsewhere eg a similar research study in a
journal but in the main this is about what
they did and then what was done with the
information gathered. They should
recognise their audience does not need
description but analysis. The
section should be emphasising analysis.
All claims to be substantiated. There 15%
should be no weak
assumptions.
Mirrors introduction and rounds up. 15%
Joined up approach. Uses handbook 10%
and School
guidelines.
May demonstrate a solid understanding if 10%
not a cutting edge piece.
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AWARD CATEGORIES

The Master’s dissertation).

70% and over : Distinction

60%-69% Merit
40 - 59% : Pass
0 - 39% : Fail

In order to gain a Master’s Degree with Distinction, a candidate shall achieve a

distinction level performance. A candidate may be awarded a masters degree with
distinction in the dissertation, when the dissertation is awarded a distinction mark but
the candidate has not achieved a distinction grade in all other modules.

POSTGRADUATE GENERIC ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following give some general guidance on how marks are allocated:

Overall Marks

Mark Description

90 - 100 An exceptional and outstanding submission, providing original insights

which add to the discipline area or academic area and, with some
editing, could be published as a study in its own right. In addition to the
next section, a submission in this range would be distinguished by
superior organisation and comprehensiveness, given the maximum
word limit and time scale.

80 - 89 A submission that demonstrates an excellent understanding of the question

and issues under consideration and of the complexity of the issues
involved. Theoretical considerations are used to underpin the overall
design and the relevance of factual information. There is some
measure of original and creative thinking. There must be evidence of
wide reading with a critical focus.

70 - 79 This range will cover a submission that has a number of original

insights and also provides a comprehensive and accurate coverage of
the question and issues under consideration with a high level of
consistency throughout the dissertation.

60 - 69 The submission will show evidence of ability to maintain a personal

position in original terms and show a command of the accepted critical
positions with some attempts at innovation. There is a demonstration of
the dissertation question being clearly put and understood in relation to
the complexities of the issues involved. There is a sound use of
relevant factual knowledge and theoretical issues.

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50 - 59 The submission shows a reasonable ability to defend a position on the
basis of use of evidence. It shows evidence of evaluation of the ability
to use information and synthesis of generalisations from it. There is
clear evidence of selection of appropriate material, research design,
logical structure and argument but with lapses of integration. The
answer demonstrates an understanding of the major basic issues, both
factually and theoretically.

40 - 49 The submission demonstrates some understanding of the major or

basic issues in the question. There is less than average evidence of a
level of analysis and judgement, use of criteria and an attempt to use a
logical structure and argument. There is evidence of effort and
significant data collection.

30 - 39 There is little or no evidence of understanding the basic issues. There

are significant factual errors and contradictions. The submission is
poorly planned and integrated with little evidence of a clear train of
thought or development of argument. Some evidence of ability to
collate information and construct generalisations, but with little
discretion.

20 - 29 The submission does not clearly specify a basic question and shows
little logical development or structure. There is no evidence of criticism,
synthesis or evaluation.

0 - 19 Little evidence of getting beyond the proposal.

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 (7) REFERENCING

CITATION & REFERENCING

Introduction

The HARVARD method of referencing is recommended within Cardiff Metropolitan

University.

The HARVARD system has a number of advantages:

 there are no footnotes

 it does not interrupt the flow of the text when read
 it provides references to sources without the reader having to go to the end of
the text
 it simplifies the citations at the end of the text by doing away with the need for
a list of references as well as a bibliography.

The main points about referencing are to be consistent and to use the system
correctly.

Citing within your Text

Brief quotes (less than 5 lines) are usually contained within the text but placed
between inverted commas, while longer extracts are given a separate single-spaced
indented paragraph with a line left blank above and below and no use of inverted
commas. In both cases you must acknowledge the author within your text and give a
full reference in the Reference List.

If you refer to the author directly, place the year of publication in brackets: e.g.

Bell (1994) describes a number of different strategies for . . . . .

If the author is not referred to directly in the sentence, both the name and year are
placed in brackets: e.g.

One particular source on methodology (Bell, 1994) has indicated that. . . .

Do not add forenames or initials. The year refers to when the particular edition was
published, not the year the text was printed. If a reference relates to a particular
page in a book, include the page number prefixed by p. for a single page, or pp. if
more than one page. Quotations from articles do not need the page numbers as
they should be indicated in the Reference List included at the end of you work (see
later in this unit).

Some examples of how to reference within your work follow:

16
 If you want to use a small direct quotation of a piece of text within your work ,
then you must give the details of the text between inverted commas followed
by name, date and page(s) e.g.

"Reading .......... may help you to devise a theoretical or analytical framework

as a basis for the analysis and interpretation of data." (Bell, 1993, p. 33)

 When referring to the work in the text as part of a sentence then immediately
after the name include the date and page number only:

e.g. Bell (1993, p. 33) states that "Reading may help you to devise a
theoretical or analytical framework as a basis for the analysis and
interpretation of data."

 For a long quote, it is best to use the following format

Blank line

Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
..............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . shows this well.

Bell, 1993, pp. 33-34

Blank line

 If more than one text has been published by the same author in the same
year (and is included in the reference list), then label them a, b, etc: e.g.

Jones, 1992a

Jones, 1992b, p. 51

 Multiple references should be listed according to the date of publication: e.g.

Kane, 1984; Walker, 1985; and Bell, 1993.

 Where there are more than two authors, the surname of the first followed by
'et al' and the year is used (full details should be provided in the reference list
at the end): e.g.

Jones et al., 1991

 Where the author(s) is (are) the editor(s) of the text the name(s) is (are)
followed by 'ed' and then the year: e.g.

House, ed., 1986

Bell et al. eds., 1984.

17
  Where an original source has been found in a secondary work, always quote
the original in your text, but acknowledge in the Reference List at the end
where the original was seen. There is no need to mention the secondary work
in the text.

N.B. In postgraduate, masters and PhD work particularly, students will be expected
to use primary sources as far as possible.

The Reference List

You must always fully reference all your sources at the end of your work. Use the
heading REFERENCES and place before any appendices

Building a Reference

The first item in your reference is the author's surname, followed by the author's
initials and the date. The title is next followed by the subtitle (if there is one). The
final items are the publisher's location and name.

Activity

Choose several of your text books and build their reference using this system.

References in the list are arranged alphabetically according to the author's name.
ALL works referred to in the text and secondary sources where the work was found
(if relevant) should be listed. If there is more than one text by the same author then
order them by date.

Referencing different sources

Different types of sources require a slightly different method of referencing.

N.B. Please note punctuation conventions should he observed exactly as

indicated in these guidelines.

Books

Burgess, R.G. (1984), In the Field: An Introduction to Field Research. London: Unwin
Hyman.

Burgess, R.G. (1985), Issues in Educational Research: Qualitative Methods. London:

Falmer Press.

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Single named authors are placed before joint authorships regardless of the year of
publication, e.g.

Bell, J. (1993), Doing Your Research Project. Buckinghamshire: Open University

Press.

Bell, J., Bush, T., Fox, A., Goodey, J., and Goulding, S. (eds.) (1984), Conducting
Small-Scale Investigations in Educational management. London: PCP.

Publications without individual authors should be cited with the organisation

responsible as the author as well as (usually) the publisher. Government
Publications should cite the Department as the author with HMSO as the publisher,
e.g.

Employment Department (1992), Training Statistics. London: HMSO.

Theses and Dissertations are quoted like other references in the text, but are
annotated as 'non-published' work.

British Standards

Cite British Standards Institution, date in brackets, title, BS number, e.g.

British Standards Institution (1987), Quality Systems, BS 5750.

Conference Proceedings

Include as much information as possible, citing the author's name and initial, the date
in brackets, title of paper, title of conference, location, date, organisers/publishers,
e.g.

Wharfe, L. (1991), Continuity in Education and Training for Further Education. In:
The Search for Continuity in FE Teacher-Training, Huddersfield. The Polytechnic of
Huddersfield and SCINSCET: Conference Report, Huddersfield.

Journal Articles

Cite the author's name and initial, the date in brackets, the title of the article, the title
of the Journal (underlined/italics), the volume and part number, and the page
numbers, e.g.

Churcher, J. (1990), Evaluating the effectiveness of in-service education and

training. Education Today, 40 (2), pp. 37-41.

N.B. Capital letters are used for each major word (not prepositions,
conjunctions or definite/indefinite articles) for book titles, but not for article

19
titles.

Secondary Sources

Articles or chapters that are quoted from anthologies are quoted as normal in the
text, but both the article and the original source must be acknowledged in the
Reference List in alphabetical order, e.g.

Allan, G. and Skinner, C. (eds.) (1991), Handbook for Research in the Social
Sciences.London: The Falmer Press.

Clavert, P. (1991), Writing Skills, in Allan and Skinner (eds.) (1991) pp. 96-106

Citing electronic references

Much of the material you use in your essays and assignments may come from
electronic sources such as the internet. This material must also be referenced
correctly, and guidance on how to do this can be found by following the links below

Simple guidelines with examples can be found at:

http://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/library/citing_references/citing_refs_main.html

More comprehensive information is available in Excerpts from International Standard

ISO 690-2 at:

http://www.nlc-bnc.ca/iso/tc46sc9/standard/690-2e.htm

E-books

For e-books the required elements for a reference are:

Author, Year, Title of book. [type of medium] Place of publication: Publisher.

Followed by “Available at:” (then) include e-book source and web site
address/URL(Uniform Resource Locator) and routing details if needed. [Accessed
date].

Fishman, R., 2005. The rise and fall of suburbia. [e-book] Chester: Castle Press.
Available at: University Library/Digital Library/e-books http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/E-
books
[Accessed 5 June 2005].

Carlsen, J. & Charters, S., eds. 2007. Global wine tourism. [e-book] Wallingford:
CABI Pub.
Available at: University Library/Library Catalogue/ https://oscar.lib.anglia.ac.uk/
[Accessed 9 June 2008].

NB Do not list references in separate categories

20
 (8) PLAGIARISM

What is Plagiarism?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines plagiarism as 'writing borrowed thoughts as

original'. Plagiarism is distinguished from the proper use of sources by its failure to
discuss, analyse and acknowledge the influence of another's work. Students will, of
course, use other people's work and ideas, but there is a difference between this and
relying totally on other peoples' efforts.

Plagiarism is Unfair Practice. There are strict University regulations regarding

Unfair Practice Procedure and Plagiarism. These are in your Student Handbook and
you advised to read these carefully.

What does it cover?

Your sources of material must be acknowledged. All information taken from books,
journals, handouts etc., must be clearly referenced. All written work (practical written
assignments, essays for tutors, assessment essays, essays in examinations, long
essays and dissertations, etc.) must be a reflection of a student's own efforts. All
quotations from other sources must be acknowledged.

Students who reproduce the words of an author, editor, journalist or critic and
attempt to pass them off as their own original work will be heavily penalised.

This includes both copying word for word and copying work making slight changes.

A subtle form of plagiarism occurs when there is no deliberate intention to deceive,

for example making notes from a text and then copying those notes without realising
that the words used are the original author's and not the student's. However, this is
still plagiarism and must be avoided.

Direct copying of any material will always be severely penalised and will be
brought to the attention of the exam board.

21
 (9) GUIDELINES FOR THE PREPARATION OF
DISSERTATIONS FOR MBA

REGULATIONS

This handbook is not a definitive statement of University regulations. Full copies of

the regulations are available in the academic handbook (available from student
portal) and should be referred to together with the link from the
studenthandbook@cardiffmet.ac.uk

Cardiff Metropolitan‟s regulations for Modular Master‟s degree schemes that covers
the MBA state that candidates must successfully complete the taught stage of the
MBA before being permitted to proceed to the dissertation stage. „The dissertation
shall embody the methods and results of a research project. Its length should not
exceed 15,000 words‟.

Submit two soft bound disserations, plus one copy on CD (Microsoft

Word) of the dissertation to the i-zone together with your portfolio of
evidence.

Each copy of the dissertation submitted shall include:

(a) an abstract of the dissertation not exceeding 300 words; and

(b) a signed statement signed by the candidate indicating to what extent it is a

result of his/her independent work or investigation, and shall indicate any
portions for which he or she is indebted to other sources. Explicit references
must be given and a full bibliography must be appended to the work.

(c) a signed statement certifying that it has not already been submitted in
candidature for any other degree.

(d) a signed statement by the supervisor (Supervisor Declaration form)

The above forms covering a - d are located on Blackboard and must be used at the
time of submission.

Portfolio of Evidence
You must collect all the evidence to show exactly what has been done, including
your data and notes. Please submit in a file, with your name and student number.
This must be submitted along with your dissertation.

Additional Forms
You must also loosely insert evidence of your 3 supervisor meetings (your
supervisor should have this template).

Ethics form- without this your work will be null and void

22
Mitigating Circumstances

Cardiff Metropolitan University may extend these deadlines in exceptional cases

only and in accordance with the procedure and criteria laid down in the Academic
Handbook. A reasoned application, supported by appropriate independent evidence,
must be submitted by the candidate to the MBA Administration Team for further
consideration by the University. The extension shall be subject to approval of the
Mitigating Circumstances Committee.

These applications are subject to scrutiny by the University, which lays down the
following limits beyond which candidature will lapse and examination precluded:

 Within two calendar years from the start of candidature in the case of
full time students
 Within five calendar years of the start of candidature in the case of part
time students

Extension to Candidature/Special Cases

Should you require an extension that takes you beyond your period of candidature
mentioned above, then you will be required to complete and submit to the MBA
Administration Team a Special Cases form in accordance with the Guidance on
Submission of Special Cases.

23
 Finish taught part of
Research Methods Module

Assessment 1: Workshop
exercises (40%)

Assessment 2: Hand-in Proposal

(60%)

Proposal feedback for the student

Proposal Yes
No Passed?

Resubmit the proposal

Supervisor Allocation
Is the
Yes (Period = 12 Weeks)
resubmitted
proposal
passable?

No Dissertation
No complete
Cannot proceed with and ready
the dissertation Request for Extension to hand-in?

Yes
Exit the Programme
Hand in the

Examination Board

Dissertation Result Declared

24
CONTACTS

 Director of CMET MBA

Mr. Eric Lim eric_lim@easb.edu.sg

 Head of CMET MBA/ Class Manager

Amanda Kang amanda_kang@easb.edu.sg

25
 Ethics (Students)
Students will need to complete their ethics form
(and supporting documentation), have thischecked The MBA office will be responsible for storing
by their supervisor, approved by the ethics ethics forms for each student. This is
committee and allocated a reference number precautionary measure to ensure a copy is
BEFORE they are able to begin on their research always available.
project.

What students need to complete before their first

supervisor meeting
Students are required to complete a draft ethics form and supporting documentation including: 1) draft
consent form, 2) draft participation sheet, 3) draft interview questions or questionnaire (if any), 4)
letter of application to company/organisation.
Students will be asked to send an electronic copy to mba@uwic.ac.uk so that this can be stored on
sharepoint.

When the form has been completed to a

satisfactory standard

You must then send the completed form and supporting documentation to mba@cardiffmet.ac.uk
where this will be stored and sent onto the ethics committee for review.

What happens next?

The ethics committee will then consider and if appropriate, issue a reference number to the student
which will then need to be recorded on all of their documentation. If there is an issue with the ethics
form, the mba office will inform the supervisor and this will need to be addressed with the student as a
matter of urgency.

26
 Ethics
Ethics are discussed with all MBA students during their MBA7004 Research Methods Lectures.
Guidance and help on how to complete the required ethics form for your final project can be found
on your Research Methods Blackboard site, on this site you will also find examples on how to do
this.

How to complete the form

The following supporting documents will need to be
included when submitting this form:
1) Draft consent form
2) Draft participation information sheet
3) Draft interview questions or questionnaire (if
any)
4) Letter of application to company/organisation.
Students are asked to complete their draft ethics
form and supported documents (see left) before
the first meeting with their dissertation
supervisor, if all documentation is not complete,
you should take this along regardless, as this is
when the discussion of your method will take
place.

During your meeting with the supervisor

Once your form has been completed to a satisfactory standard (following careful negotiation with your
supervisor) they will then sign this so that it can be passed to our ethics committee for approval.

Ethics Committee
Your ethics form will be considered by the panel and if approved, you will be assigned a number which you
much then make reference to on all of your documentation.
YOU CANNOT BEGIN YOUR RESEARCH UNTIL YOUR FORM HAS BEEN APPROVED AND YOU HAVE BEEN
ALLOCTED A NUMBER

Why is it important?

Students must ensure

Students are not able to Work which does not
that they submit an Copies of the Application
start their research evidence engagement
ethics appendix with for Ethics Approval must
project until their ethics with the Ethics process
their dissertation in be bound into the
form has been will be subject to forefeit
order to receive the project report as an
completed and all marks achieved for
maximum possible appendix
approved. the work (a mark of 0%).
marks.

27
 (12) CONCLUSION

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that this handbook answers many of the
Frequently Asked Questions received by the MBA Office, we understand that there
may be questions you have which are particular to your iwn work, and these should
be addressed in the first instance with your supervisor.

If there is anything you feel the handbook should include, but does not, please email
mba@cardiffmet.ac.uk, and we will endeavour to answer your query as soon as
possible.

Lastly, we would like to wish you the very best of luck with your dissertation!
 Appendix One – Ethics Form

When undertaking a research or enterprise project, Cardiff Met staff and students
are obliged to complete this form in order that the ethics implications of that project
may be considered.
If the project requires ethics approval from an external agency such as the NHS or
MoD, you will not need to seek additional ethics approval from Cardiff Met. You
should however complete Part One of this form and attach a copy of your NHS
application in order that your School is aware of the project.
The document Guidelines for obtaining ethics approval will help you complete this
form. It is available from the Cardiff Met website.
Once you have completed the form, sign the declaration and forward to your School
Research Ethics Committee.
PLEASE NOTE:
Participant recruitment or data collection must not commence until ethics
approval has been obtained.
PART ONE
Name of applicant: Please insert your name
Supervisor (if student project): Please insert your supervisors name or if
unknown please insert Programme Director
School: Cardiff School of Management
Student number (if applicable): st
Programme enrolled on (if applicable): Masters of Business Administration
Project Title: MBA7099 LAB / Dissertation (please delete as
appropriate)
Expected Start Date: 07/10/2013
Approximate Duration: 12 weeks
Funding Body (if applicable): Not applicable
Other researcher(s) working on the Enter details of any fellow students you are
project: collating this research with (only LAB
Will the study involve NHS patients or No
staff?
Will the study involve taking samples of No
human origin from participants?

In no more than 150 words, give a non technical summary of the project
Suggest inclusion of aim and objectives here and students should be clear what it is they
wish to investigate here, the who, why, what where and when should be identified.

29
Does your project fall entirely within one of the following categories:
Paper based, involving only documents Choose an item.
in the public domain
Laboratory based, not involving human No
participants or human tissue samples
Practice based not involving human No
participants (eg curatorial, practice audit)
Compulsory projects in professional No
practice (eg Initial Teacher Education)
If you have answered YES to any of these questions, no further information regarding your
project is required.
If you have answered NO to all of these questions, you must complete Part 2 of this form

NB. We are encouraging students to use paper-based research where possible.

Signatures must be completed and so highlight these.

DECLARATION:
I confirm that this project conforms with the Cardiff Met Research Governance
Framework
Signature of the applicant: Date:

FOR STUDENT PROJECTS ONLY

Name of supervisor: Date:

Signature of supervisor:

Research Ethics Committee use only

Decision reached: Project approved
Project approved in
principle
Decision deferred
Project not approved
Project rejected
Project reference number: Click here to enter text.
Name: Click here to enter text. Date: Click here to enter a date.
Signature:

Details of any conditions upon which approval is dependent:

Click here to enter text.

30
PART TWO
A RESEARCH DESIGN
A1 Will you be using an approved protocol in your NO
project?
A2 If yes, please state the name and code of the approved protocol to be used1
N/A
A3 Describe the research design to be used in your project
In this section, include details (as appropriate) of:
- research method(s);
- sample and sampling;
- recruitment of participants;
- analytical techniques

Where is the research to take place?

How is it going to be done?
By what method and including which participant How many?
What is total population and how representative is the sample size?
Students should identify their piloting and analysis processes.
Time period this covers.
Reliability and validity should be considered.

A4 Will the project involve deceptive or covert No

research?
A5 If yes, give a rationale for the use of deceptive or covert research
Not applicable

B PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
B1 What previous experience of research involving human participants relevant to
this project do you have?
Students must complete this section
B2 Student project only
What previous experience of research involving human participants relevant to
this project does your supervisor have?
My supervisor is a member of Academic faculty within Cardiff Metropolitan
University. In this role they meet University requirements and standards for MBA
dissertation supervision including research involving human participants.

C POTENTIAL RISKS
C1 What potential risks do you foresee?
Is there any physical danger or likely ill-effects
Is there any security/data protection concern/implication?
Are there any hazards?

1
An Approved Protocol is one which has been approved by Cardiff Met to be used under supervision of
designated members of staff; a list of approved protocols can be found on the Cardiff Met website here

31
Could you cause upset? Potential for distress?

C2 How will you deal with the potential risks?

Be prepared, inform, etc…

Supplementary sheets must be attached following exemplars

When submitting your application you MUST attach a copy of the following:
 All information sheets
 Consent/assent form(s)

Refer to the document Guidelines for obtaining ethics approval for further details on
what format these documents should take.

32

MBA7099 Dissertation Assessment Form. Academic Year:
Student Number and Name:
Marker 2:
Dissertation Title:
Criteria
1. Abstract and Introduction
2. Background
Research/Literature
This is the backbone of the
research. This section should be
stating what has been written that
is meaningful for this study
highlighting issues and any gap in
understanding or aspect that they
are to explore.
Appendix Two – Dissertation Marking Scheme
Cohort: MBA Full Time
Date of Submission:
Supervisor:
Weig Supervisor
Mark Marker Comments Supervisor Comments
hting Mark
Abstract should adhere to handbook
guidelines and summarise the work. The
introduction should have a clear direction
with an explicit aim. An outline of objectives
should be highlighted explaining how the 15
aim is to be achieved. A summary of what
is to be covered in this discursive piece
should allow the marker to have a strong
sense of purpose.
Theoretical framework. Peer reviewed
journals and/or up-to-date reports must be
in evidence. Information should have
direction and lead into the local/personal
study. 20
3. Research design/ Method:
Here there is the justification of
choice of investigation. Who, why,
what where, when and how must
be covered here.
Ethical considerations should be
included and relevant
supporting materials in the
appendices/portfolio.
4. Findings with discussion
of the data: Markers to review
the portfolio of evidence where
applicable.
5. Conclusion and
recommendations
. achieved and the objectives addressed .
6. Presentation, adherence to
word limit and relevant
support materials included
eg questionnaires
7.Contribution/originality/creati
v ity/ diligence
Is an ethics approval number
evident within the dissertation
yes/no
Final Mark
Signed:
Agreed
Mark:
Overall comments
This should be a natural progression from
the previous section developing the existing
information into an individual study. The
process should be transparent and not
regurgitate Saunders.
Students should evidence the choices
made eg by following an approach used
15
elsewhere eg a similar research study in a
journal but in the main this is about what
they did and then what was done with the
information gathered. They should
recognise their audience does not need
description but analysis. The section should
be emphasising analysis.
All claims to be substantiated. There should
be no weak assumptions.
15
Mirrors introduction and rounds up. Has the
student included whether the aim been
15
Joined up approach. Uses handbook and
follows School guidelines.
10
May demonstrate a solid understanding if
not a cutting edge piece.
10
If no a reduction of 10% will be made. Ethics Number:
Supervisor to check and sign
100
Name of Marker (block capitals): Date:
Marker One Supervisor Signature:
Signature:
34
 Appendix Three – Postgraduate Generic Assessment Criteria

Please refer to academic Handbook for the latest edition.

The following give some general guidance on how marks are allocated:

Overall Marks

Mark Description
90 - 100 An exceptional and outstanding submission, providing original insights
which add to the discipline area or academic area and, with some
editing, could be published as a study in its own right. In addition to the
next section, a submission in this range would be distinguished by
superior organisation and comprehensiveness, given the maximum
word limit and time scale.
80 - 89 A submission that demonstrates an excellent understanding of the
question and issues under consideration and of the complexity of the
issues involved. Theoretical considerations are used to underpin the
overall design and the relevance of factual information. There is some
measure of original and creative thinking. There must be evidence of
wide reading with a critical focus.
70 - 79 This range will cover a submission that has a number of original insights
and also provides a comprehensive and accurate coverage of the
question and issues under consideration with a high level of
consistency throughout the dissertation.
60 - 69 The submission will show evidence of ability to maintain a personal
position in original terms and show a command of the accepted critical
positions with some attempts at innovation. There is a demonstration of
the dissertation question being clearly put and understood in relation to
the complexities of the issues involved. There is a sound use of relevant
factual knowledge and theoretical issues.
50 - 59 The submission shows a reasonable ability to defend a position on the
basis of use of evidence. It shows evidence of evaluation of the ability
to use information and synthesis of generalisations from it. There is
clear evidence of selection of appropriate material, research design,
logical structure and argument but with lapses of integration. The
answer demonstrates an understanding of the major basic issues, both
factually and theoretically.
40 - 49 The submission demonstrates some understanding of the major or
basic issues in the question. There is less than average evidence of a
level of analysis and judgement, use of criteria and an attempt to use a
logical structure and argument. There is evidence of effort and
significant data collection.
30 - 39 There is little or no evidence of understanding the basic issues. There
are significant factual errors and contradictions. The submission is
poorly planned and integrated with little evidence of a clear train of
thought or development of argument. Some evidence of ability to collate
information and construct generalisations, but with little discretion.
20 - 29 The submission does not clearly specify a basic question and shows
little logical development or structure. There is no evidence of criticism,
synthesis or evaluation.
0 - 19 Little evidence of getting beyond the proposal.

36
 Appendix Four – Declaration Forms

Signed Statement

DECLARATION

This work is being submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

MBA .and has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not
being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree.

Signed ...................................................................... (candidate)

Date ..........................................................................

STATEMENT 1

This dissertation is the result of my own work and investigations, except where
otherwise stated. Where correction services have been used, the extent and nature
of the correction is clearly marked in a footnote(s).

Other sources are acknowledged by footnotes giving explicit references. A

bibliography is appended.

Signed ..................................................................... (candidate)

Date .........................................................................

STATEMENT 2

I hereby give consent for my dissertation, if accepted, to be available for

photocopying and for inter-library loan, for deposit in Cardiff Metropolitan University’s
e-Repository, and that the title and summary may be available to outside
organisations.

Signed ..................................................................... (candidate)

Date .........................................................................

37
 Supervisor Declaration Form

Student Name ………………………………………………………..

Supervisor‟s Name ………………………………………………………….

I acknowledge that the above named student has regularly attended the
planned meetings and actively engaged in the dissertation supervision
process. They have provided regular timely draft chapters of the
dissertation and followed given guidance.

Signed ……………………………………….

Date ……………………………………….

38