A Dissertation length 12,000 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 SHRM. 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 in the field of strategic human resource management.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. Learn and research independently. contextualise, analyse and learn from experience and the application of accepted and emerging strategic human resource management models, theories and concepts.
Learning

3. Devise and apply valid research and investigative methods to access existing data and information, and generate new data relating to the chosen strategic human resource management topic. Demonstrate understanding of the location of chosen methodologies within modern research paradigms.
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 solutions and applications of knowledge which informs judgements, develops ideas and proposes solutions taking into account the strategic needs of the organisational context in respect of HR. Is able to link and synthesise proposed solutions taking into account interrelationships between organisational functions upon which hr may impact.
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.
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.
Application

8. Act autonomously in planning and implementing action through the negotiation of outcomes and deadlines within frameworks to plan and carry out proposed research. identify tasks, prioritise and organise, and acquire resources. make effective use of a range of research methods and methodologies in order to complete research within chosen academic area.
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.