Weighting: 100%
Type: Assignment (L. O. 1, 2, 3, 4)
Length: max. 3000 words (excluding appendices).
Design a dissertation brief and “research plan” leading to the collection of all the information necessary for producing the analytical part of the dissertation successfully.

• How to write a succinct and convincing dissertation.
• Design a concept of the dissertation properly, i.e. select and specify a problem which is to be solved (the topic of the dissertation), aims ż objectives of the dissertation, choose and explain appropriate theoretical concepts including methods of research which are applied when solving the topic.
• Design a structure for the dissertation, so that it corresponds with the aims ż objectives of the dissertation and applied theories.
• Design an appropriate and feasible research plan.
• Effectively interpret qualitative data.
• Analyse quantitative data using appropriate software by cross tabulation, hypothesis testing and testing for relationships and significance.
• Analyse issues raised by the data, use theory to understand the data and come to appropriate conclusions.

1. Demonstrate the independent learning ability and understanding of appropriate business research methodologies.
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. Undertake a critical review of recent research and apply relevant methodology in order to develop the solution of managerial problems basing on strategic management perspective.
Enquiry

3. Communicate your conclusions and design an appropriate and feasible research plan.
Communication

4. Write a succinct and convincing dissertation brief.
Application

The module will utilise a variety of student - centred learning methods, including participative lectures and case studies. Key theoretical areas will be covered by lectures, supplemented by examples and case studies.
Learning strategies will include:
a) Lectures
b) Electronic consultations – virtual communication scheme
Theoretical knowledge, practical solutions as well as draft of assignment could be discussed via electronic communication scheme (of-line, on-line).
c) Electronic discussion groups
Knowledge, theoretical – practical findings, personal experience, different ideas of members of study cohort could be shared via virtual environment – discussion groups.

d) Personal consultations - advice
Based on student’s request, personal consultation and meeting could be seen as an important tool of learning process.
e) Work based activities
Theoretical knowledge and techniques developed through lectures and case studies will be applied to personal assignment. Final version of assignment is subject of assessment.

• Access to online SU library, E-brary, Beck online
• Students have course handbook and learning package at their disposal

FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS ONLY

• Kerkovsky, M., Hubík, S.,: MBA dissertation guidelines. BIBS, 2012, Learning package.
• Hubík, S.: Hypothesis. Jihoceská universita CeskéBudejovice, 2006, ISBN 80-7040-842-1.
(To be translated)
• Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2009) Business Research: a practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. (3rd ed.) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
• Crowther, D. & Lancaster, G. (2009) Research Methods: a concise introduction to research in management and business consultancy. (2nd ed.). Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P. &Thornhill, A. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students. (5th ed.) Harlow: FT/Prentice Hall
• Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2007) Business research method. (2nd ed.) Oxford: Oxford University Press
• Gill, J. & Johnson, P. (2006) Research Methods for Manager. (3rd ed.) Longman: Sage
• Mark Saunders And Philip Lewis: Doing Research in Business and Management; Pearson Education 2014; ISBN: 1292017406; 9781292017402.
• Edited By Rebecca Piekkari, Catherine Welch: Rethinking the Case Study in International Business and Management Research; Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd 2011; ISBN: 0857933469; 9780857933461.

(or the most current versions of the texts)