Carter, M. P. & Williamson, D. W (1996). Quantitative Modelling for Management and Business. Pitman
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Lowe, A. (2002). Management Research - An Introduction.2nd Edition. Sage
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A., (2000). Research Methods for Business Students, 2nd Edition, Financial Times/ Prentice Hall
Yin, R.K (1994), Case Study Research Design and Methods, 2nd Edition, Sage
Zhuang, Lee. (2001) Staffordshire University Business School Masters Dissertation Handbook

1. A dissertation proposal incorporating a learning diary which will include. A review of the idea development process, the aims of the dissertation, a literature of review of key issues, methodology proposed (with justification) and schedules for work.(Learning outcomes 1,2,3)
The word limit on this assessment is 5000.
A Pass grade proposal is required before the dissertation can be submitted.
2. A dissertation of 15, 000 words prepared in accordance with Business School guidelines that introduces a research topic, defines research objectives, discusses relevant academic literature, provides a credible research methodology, discusses results, draws conclusions, makes recommendations if appropriate. The document should be produced to publication standard. .(Learning outcomes 1-7)
The dissertation provides 100% of the total marks for the module
Pass criteria proposal
Demonstrate:
- A sound understanding of the overall research process
- The ability to justify the particular research method chosen
- The ability to produce a research proposal capable of being implemented

Pass criteria dissertation. Achieve the listed learning outcomes and demonstrate:
Sufficient knowledge and a sound understanding of the key theories, issues and debate on the subject of investigation
An ability to integrate theory into practice.
An ability to conduct independent research, analyse and interpret data from a variety of sources and formats and draw relevant conclusions from it.
Display coherent writing style including citation of references and appropriate standard of document presentation.
Distinction criteria dissertation
As above plus to demonstrate
Critical examination of learned theories.
Creative application of theories appropriate to the subject of investigation.
Evidence of original research work and excellent research skills.
Completeness of research evidence thoroughly analysed, which results in a contribution to management theory and/or practice.
Professional standard of writing style including citation of references and document presentation.

Library text and electronic sources
IT facilities and appropriate packages
Research organisation(s)
Dissertation Tutor

Business research methods
All students will need to read at least one text on business research methods in full. Discussions of theoretical and conceptual knowledge will be tutor led, and provide examples of application in the business area. Students will be able to work in-groups on their proposal for the dissertation. This group work will allow the student to experience of a variety of settings being evaluated for research methods as well as their own.
There will be 24 taught hours on this program. This may be over a semester on a weekly basis or in a series of blocks.
It is expected that students will communicate with their dissertation tutor during the development of their research proposal
Dissertation
The majority of the module is conducted through independent learning with reference to the personal dissertation tutor on regular intervals throughout the development of the dissertation. It is expected that face-to-face discussions will account for approximately 6 hours.

This module both develops a broad knowledge of the principles of masters level research methodology in the context of business and management and the application of such principles to a major study in an appropriate field selected by the student. Students will be encouraged, through lectures, group work and independent study, to develop their knowledge and ideas of the following topics:
Techniques for creating and developing a research topic that is capable of implementation within an academic and philosophical framework.
The relationship between research questions/objectives, the academic literature, methods of data collection and research philosophy
Procedures that aid the exploration of academic literature and the development of a focused literature study
The ways that the framing of research objectives can impact on the nature of the research and be able to discuss the philosophical implications of specific research objectives and questions.
The distinction between theory building and theory testing research
The distinction between qualitative and quantitative research
The strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches
The concepts of validity reliability and generalisability
The methods by which primary data can be located and collected
The estimation of the size of a research topic
The ways that secondary data can be located and collected
The ways of analysing data and understanding the limitations of that data
Drawing conclusions from data whilst understanding the limitations of those conclusions.
Reflecting on their own particular research interests
The conventions and disciplines that are required to produce a research proposal and dissertation