A Dissertation length 15,000 WORDS weighted at 100%.

This will be submitted in an appropriate format in line with accepted University practice for Master's degree Business School dissertations and will assess all Learning Outcomes.

The module facilitates the exploration and critical review of a substantial individual research enquiry within the field of HRM. It demonstrates individual knowledge, skills and competency development - offering experience of producing a competent research based piece of work at Master's level.

1. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the application of knowledge of contemporary theory, professional practice and research, relating to a business issue in the field of human resource management.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. Learn and research independently, including contextualising, critically analysing existing literature, contemporary HR policy and practice relevant to the chosen issue associated with human resource management.
Learning

3. Devise and apply valid research and investigative methods to access existing data and information and their relevance to different situations, including generating new data relating to the chosen human resource management topic.
Enquiry
4. Demonstrate a critical awareness and evaluation of current research, advanced scholarship, contemporary strategic human resource management issues and proposed solutions, informed by current best practice and relevant, recent legislation.
Analysis

5. Generate innovative and enterprising costed solutions and applications of knowledge which informs judgements, develops ideas and proposes solutions taking into account the needs of the organisational context in respect of HR.
Problem Solving

6. Use written communication to elicit information, to explain debate and research and present complex and related arguments, relevant to the area of chosen study in a clear and consistent format.
Communication

7. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret HR knowledge within organisations. Present a persuasive business report.
Application

8. Write a reflective account of what has been learned during the project and how this can be applied in the future.
Reflection

The module comprises supervision.

The majority of the module is conducted through independent learning and reference to an assigned supervisor, who will convene at mutually agreed intervals. Communication between both parties can be, if agreeable, through a combination of face-to-face, e-mail and telephone.

In addition and depending on the needs of the student (for which diagnostic help will be offered), it is envisaged that the majority of students will receive formal supported research skills tuition prior to the commencement of research.

A range of Library Text & Electronic Resources to cover both research skills and subject specific content.
Assigned contemporary texts and journal articles deemed appropriate dependent on the focus of the student's dissertation research.
Access to documents and other resources from the student's host organisation as required.

Anderson, V. (2009), Research Methods in Human Resource Management, London: CIPD.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A.,(2009), Research Methods for Business Students, London, FT Prentice-Hall.