Learning

Identify a suitable approach & methodology to prepare and conduct an investigation into a problem/practice-based individual Dissertation.

Characterise, evaluate& critically reason conclusions and/or recommendations with reference to appropriate underpinning theory and/or frameworks.

Practice

Conduct a critical reasoned evaluation from analysis of secondary data and/or primary research to draw robust conclusions & make recommendations relating to an approved problem/practice based topic.

Evaluate the wider implications of the Dissertation conclusions and how they relate more generally to business.

Reflect on the development of all 5 x underpinning MBA business competencies in the context of management & leadership.

The intensive week of basic methodology & principles of Dissertation/Case Study definition, preparation, primary research methodology, & evaluation.


Definition and preparation of a problem/practice-based Dissertation proposal to be assessed by appropriate 2 x academic staff.

An individual presentation of the proposal against established benchmark criteria to a panel of 3xacademic staff for critical evaluation.


A Dissertation study on an approved topic must incorporate:


Critical evaluation underpinned by a range of relevant & contemporary theories & frameworks leading to reasoned conclusions which address the Dissertation benchmark criteria.


Reflect critically on the underpinning management & leadership competencies as they relate to the Dissertation topic.

1. Proposal evaluation (10%)¿(LO1 – LO4)

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A 10-minute presentation followed by Q&A to a panel of two/three nominated academic staff.
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8-10 slides should be presented discussing the proposed area of study, key questions to be addressed and evaluation criteria.¿
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2. A project study & evaluation (80%)¿(LO 1 – LO8)
A 15,000-word submission incorporating:¿
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Critical assessment & evaluation drawing on relevant & contemporary theory & frameworks and reasoned conclusions.¿
(14,000 words)¿
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Reflection on the development of all 5X underpinning management & leadership competencies within the main body of the Project submission of up to 1,000 words.¿
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3. Executive summary presentation (10%)¿(LO1 – LO8)
A 10-minute presentation followed by Q&A to a panel of two nominated academic staff.¿
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(100% total)¿

The learning strategy for this module is based on students committing a total of 600 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 50 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 550 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the dissertation. Learning support material and individual supervisor will be provided for the module.


The module will draw upon an intensive week of delivery of Business Research Methods that will culminate into a dissertation proposal presentation followed by allocation of a supervisor based on the subject area chosen for the dissertation and then directed supervision towards completion of the 15,000-word dissertation.

1. ¿Employ a range of critical evaluation techniques to demonstrate a systematic awareness, understanding and knowledge of contemporary management & leadership issues associated with the dissertation topic.

Knowledge & Understanding, Analysis.

2. Demonstrate intellectual and entrepreneurial skills in the application of management & leadership competencies, together with a practical understanding of how established management & leadership techniques are applied in the context of the dissertation topic.

Application, Problem Solving, Communication.

3. Contextualise, analyse and apply learning from a wide range of teaching & learning, taking both local & global perspectives on contemporary research & developments in management & leadership in the context of the dissertation topic

Learning, Analysis, Communication.

4. Generate innovative and enterprising approaches & solutions to management & leadership challenges that inform decision making in effective business risk management as they relate to the dissertation topic

Problem Solving, Analysis.

5. Devise and apply valid evaluation and investigative techniques to interpret complex business challenges and propose solutions in the context of the dissertation topic. Demonstrate understanding of selected investigative techniques within contemporary business paradigms.

Enquiry, Knowledge & Understanding.

6. Demonstrate a conceptual understanding and critical awareness of contemporary developments in management & leadership as they relate to the dissertation. Evaluate the rigour and validity of evaluation and relevance to contemporary issues in management & leadership.

Analysis, Knowledge & Understanding.

7. Articulate complex business information, situations & scenarios based on critical awareness & knowledge, adapting to different audiences, circumstances & feedback using a variety of communication tools & approaches.

Communication, Knowledge & Understanding, Learning.

8. Reflect on and demonstrate the development of all 5 underpinning management & leadership competencies to enhance employability and/or career advancement in positions of management & leadership.

Reflection.

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning
Module handbook
Directed Supervision

Academic Journals

Industry Reports

Bell, E., Harley, B. & Bryman, A. (2022). Business Research Methods, 6th edition, OUP Oxford



Bell, E. & Bryman, A. (2018). Business Research Methods, 5th edition, OUP Oxford



Wintage, L. M. (2015). Project management for research and development guiding innovation for positive R&D outcomes e-book

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Smith, K. A. (2014). Teamwork and project management. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education



Moon, J. A. (2008). Reflection in learning and professional development: theory and practice. - London: Routledge Falmer, 2008¿

The MBA dissertation represents an opportunity for all MBA students to select a suitable topic and demonstrate the full suite of all five management and leadership competencies derived from the programme. Topics will be wide-ranging drawing on different aspects of the business but all aiming to address a specific business challenge or problem. Following a Dissertation proposal presentation and allocation of a Dissertation supervisor, the assessment requires a 15,000-word Dissertation submission. A final viva completes this element of the MBA study