MMD014-Dissertation (MSc by Research)

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 120 [60 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: g.marcato@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Doctoral

Summary module description:

A dissertation is an independent piece of research work inÌýtheÌýMScÌýby Research programmeÌýinÌýHenley Business School. ItÌýis considered to beÌýtheÌýmost important element in this programmeÌýas it demonstrates the knowledge and skills acquired both in terms of the subject area and academic researchÌýrigour. It is normally conducted by an individual student guided by an academic supervisor in the chosen specialised domain. It gives students the opportunity to undertake a substantialÌýtheoretical and/or empiricalÌýresearch project which draws the prior knowledge and many skills acquired from the past experience and during the taught part of the MSc programme, enablesÌýstudents to practise writing an academicÌýpaper, allows students to develop problem-solving skills, and enables students to manage research activities and critically assess the outcomes from the project.Ìý

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Aims:

The aim of the module is to enable studentsÌýto conduct research and apply their knowledgeÌýtoÌýtheoretical and/or empirical problemsÌýthrough an independent project.ÌýStudentsÌýshould show a detailed understanding of aÌýparticular subjectÌýfield and related research methods applicable within the analysed context.Ìý

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be able to:Ìý

• Develop an understanding of the research topic subject matterÌý

• Develop and acquire new skills in conducting researchÌý

• Plan and manage a systematic approach to a research projectÌý

• Carry out a literature reviewÌý

• Critically approach a research problemÌý

• DevelopÌýthe process to findÌýa solution to a given research problemÌý

• Evaluate the solution and provide a critical appraisalÌý

• Derive logical conclusionsÌý

• Produce a dissertationÌý

• Present the work in form of oral presentationÌý

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Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

The content of the dissertation will be usually illustrated by aÌýtheoretical and/or empiricalÌýcomponent, which may be aÌýmodel, conceptual framework, solution, empirical understanding, or any other deliverables. The research work must be conducted in an ethical and professional manner. The text of the dissertation wouldÌýrange between 10,000 and 15,000 wordsÌýandÌýit may be supported by ancillary material.Ìý

The field of enquiry will be selected by th e student in consultation withÌýand approved by the supervisor.Ìý

Placement opportunity: Students may carry out their dissertation projects in organisations as part of placement or internship of up to six months in duration. The placement needs to be arranged by students and requires an approval by the Programme Director who ensures that the placement enables the students to satisfy the academic requirements of Dissertation.Ìý

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation project is normally conducted by an individual student guided by supervisors. The student will have regular meetings with the supervisors and contact with other members of staff with expertise in the chosen research field. The other time is for individual research and study. The weighting between the written dissertation and the practical component will be agreed between the supervisor and the student, but the weighting will not normally exceed 30% for the practical component .Ìý

Summative assessment- Examinations:

During the presentation, students will be asked questions and will have to defend theirÌýresearch approach and outcomes.Ìý

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Students will receive formal feedbackÌýfrom supervisorsÌýduring their regular meetings.Ìý

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Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspxÌý

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Assessment requirements for a pass:

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Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% overall.Ìý

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Reassessment arrangements:

By resubmission of Dissertation in accordance with University policy.Ìý

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020