PS4T02 - Dissertation 28 Apr 2023 - 31 Aug 2025 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PS4T02
Module Title: Dissertation
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Operations Management
Faculty Sub Group: Operations Management
Module Leader: Natalie Shawley
Module Team: Darar Apiri, Andrew Thomas, Lyndon Murphy, Scott Parfitt, Simon Thomas, Sriram Chinnadurai, Oluseyi Adeyemi, Luke Evans, Natalie Shawley, Paul Byard, Victoria Pledger, Kieron Barnard, Sharmin Julie, Fahmida Khandokar, Paul Thomas, Amy Nguyen
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 60 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100093 - logistics
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 28 Apr 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2025

Module Aims

To develop and submit a proposal that outlines: -
- A clear and feasible topic and aim for the dissertation study
- A draft literature review framework illustrating some of the key theoretical concepts on which the dissertation will draw as the theoretical framework of the study.
- An outline methodology that presents a proposed position for the study and an intended methods of data collection and analysis.
- Some basic identification of the studies timeline and the key ethical considerations of the study.
The dissertation requires students to demonstrate the following: -
- Originality.
- A clear definition of the issue under investigation and a clear statement of the aims of the study.
- An understanding and use of appropriate research methodology indicating skills in data collection and analysis.
- If appropriate, an analysis of existing practice within the organisation(s) in terms of the theoretical framework established for the study and in terms of comparative practice.
- The extent to which all of the above result in a set of conclusions which are consistent with the research. The setting out of clear recommendations for action, adoption or otherwise.

Content Summary

- In relation to the focus of the (dissertation) study, work submitted by candidates demonstrates their ability to reflect upon and review critically their experience and the work of others. Concepts and issues are analysed and evaluated and the submitted work shows an ability to select and order evidence and arguments.
- Discussion is placed within a clearly defined conceptual framework. The work is well presented and is fluent, readable and scholarly in style. In the dissertation, there is a clear explanation of the chosen methodology, a satisfactory application of chosen methods and identification of potential weaknesses in the research design.
- Work of outstanding quality is characterised by evidence of a new synthesis which emerges through the critical analysis of the candidate's own educational experience and the work of others. As a result, the work submitted shows originality and insight.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Tutorial 6
Project supervision 9
Independent Study 435
Directed Study 150
Total Hours Selected 600

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 To submit a proposal that outlines the suitability of the proposed topic, aim, literature review, methodology of the study for the MSc Project Management programme
LO2 Upon completion of the Dissertation module students should be able to demonstrate their analytical<br />skills, based on a thorough and systematic approach to the handling of primary and secondary data
LO3 The ability to evaluate, appraise and critique new ideas, models and concepts, and to identify any<br />biases and assumptions inherent in these
LO4 The skills of unravelling complex ideas and problems, interpreting and synthesising these effectively
LO5 The development of personal initiative, attitudes of responsibility, and systematic approaches to<br />problem solving and project management

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Dissertation / Major Project 1 Full scale academic research project 0 18000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Dissertation / Major Project 1

Reading List

1 Easterby-Smith, Mark; Thorpe, Richard & Lowe, Andy: Management Research : An Introduction, Sage Publications Ltd, ISBN 080398393X.

2 Gill, John & Johnson, Phil.: Research Methods for Managers, Paul Chapman Publishing, ISBN 185396350X

3 Saunders, Mark. Research Methods for Business Students Financial Times Prentice Hall, ISBN 0273639773