Order Description
12 interviews will be provided to you for Nvivo Data analysis, i would like you to do the RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF FINDINGS of the data
RATIONALE
The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to apply the understanding, knowledge, analytical and conceptual tools and personal skills gained from the taught courses to an in-depth study of a specific issue or problem in the field of international management, marketing, HRM and/or finance. It thus consolidates the learning that has already taken place as well as developing the capability of the student to undertake and complete a research project. It can thus be seen as the culmination of the entire programme.
1. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:
• negotiate and re-define, if necessary, the purpose and scope of a research project;
• undertake systematic search and review of relevant published theoretical and research-based literature relating to the research project;
• identify, critically evaluate and adopt research methods and intervention strategies that are appropriate and relevant to a specific task or to a research problem;
• establish the planning requirements of a project taking into consideration the management of ethical issues;
• schedule and prepare detailed plans;
• analyse data and relate those findings to the existing state of knowledge of the area studied;
• write a complete, well-structured and clearly argued academic dissertation dealing with the purpose and rationale of the study; the state of existing knowledge; choice of methodology and use an appropriate research design; the findings and ways in which they add to knowledge; and the implications of those conclusions.
2. SYLLABUS and LEARNING METHODS
Independent study programme:
The dissertation is undertaken primarily as an independent, self-managed programme of study, supported by supervision by a member of academic staff and guidance provided via the dedicated Moodle site.
Timing:
All students will take the Management Research Methods (RBP020L003S) module. This module is an important prerequisite for the dissertation: the skills required to engage appropriately with scholarly and other literature, and to engage in an empirical investigation, will be taught and practiced in this module.
At an early stage in the Management Research Methods module (no later than 5th February), you will be required to submit an outline of your proposed dissertation research project, using a template format available on the Moodle site. Following this, your outline proposal will be discussed amongst prospective supervisors and you will informed by 19th February who is your appointed supervisor. Following this, you should make an appointment to meet with your supervisor to discuss your proposed project.
Research project proposal:
You should then take the advice of your supervisor, and draw upon the work undertaken within the Management Research Methods module, to develop your dissertation research project proposal, for submission no later than 2pm Friday 29th April 2016 (via Turnitin).
Continuing work:
By the time that the work for the dissertation is started, you will be expected to have fully covered the syllabus for the Management Research Methods, through the required attendance and participation in class session and through the required private study and practice. The student and their supervisor will consider, at the outset, and at appropriate stages during the work for the dissertation project, further study of, and training in, aspects of research that may be necessary. A dedicated Moodle VLE site will be used to provide for further support, where appropriate. This will also provide a forum for mutual help and support among the students themselves.
Supervision time, availability of supervisor, form to be completed:
The main form of supervisory support will be four hours (normally) of face-to-face individual supervision supplemented by an appropriate amount of support via e-mail and/or other electronic communication media. The mix of face-to-face and electronic modes of communication may be varied to fit the circumstances of supervisor and student. You will be provided with the opportunity for guidance at all key stages of the project, including: agreement of suitability topic; approach to the study; choice of methodology; literature review; design of fieldwork and presentation of findings and conclusions. You are expected to make effective use of the opportunities for guidance, taking responsibility for the progress of your project at all times.
On one of the first meetings two forms have to be completed:
1) The agreed meeting schedule (see appendix) and
2) the Ethics discussion and agreement.
In regards to form 1: It is important to agree on a series of meetings at the beginning of the process. Please consider that there might be weeks during the summer period in which your supervisor is not available or only available via Email. Please make sure you bring a hardcopy version of those two forms to the first meeting, so that you and the supervisor can sign them. You are expected to maintain contact with his/her supervisor and to make regular contact/appointments. A supervisory record should be completed after every meeting (see form in the appendix).
Formative feedback:
You should produce regular written work, word-processed but cannot expect supervisors to assess the work before it is formally submitted. The supervisor will oversee extracts submitted and make constructive comments. You should ascertain from the supervisor the last opportunity for sending a draft version of the dissertation for comment. Normally, this will be at least 10 days before the deadline. Any feedback should be taken as indicative of areas for improvement; it is your responsibility to apply such guidance across the whole of the dissertation.
Dissertation:
The dissertation should be submitted by the deadline set, via Turnitin and in two printed and bound copies delivered to the Business School Office. You should normally the coursework submission box. You may submit by post or courier but the responsibility for delivery remains with yourself.
3. ASSESSMENT
3.1 ELEMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT
You are required to submit two items for assessment:
1) Dissertation research project proposal: this will use a template form provided via Moodle, to provide the key information for supervisors to judge on the extent to which you have a well-developed plan for the research project you aim to carry out for your dissertation.
2) Dissertation: this is a substantial piece of written work with a range of 16,000 to 18,000 words (excluding bibliography and a modest number of endnotes and essential appendices). The dissertation must provide a clear link to important and interesting business, strategic, managerial and economic applications. A range of approaches may be adopted, including the original analysis of existing secondary data but it is likely that most students will use a combination of published literature and primary research.
3.2 ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Your dissertation research project proposal will be assessed by your supervisor and may also be assessed by another member of the supervisory team, as part of a sample of students’ assessments subject to review by the external examiner.
Your dissertation will be assessed by at least two members of staff with relevant expertise in relation to your topic and with appropriate experience in assessing Masters level dissertations. Their academic judgement will be guided by a set of assessment descriptors, a copy of which is available on the relevant Moodle site.
A sample of marked dissertation research project proposal and marked dissertations, together with assessors’ comments based on the assessment descriptors, will be viewed by an External Examiner.
3.3 ASSESSMENT CATEGORIES
The following assessment categories will be used in the assessment of the dissertation with indicative weightings shown in brackets:
• Introduction, Context, Research Objectives (10%)
• Literature Review (25%)
• Research Design and Methodology (15%)
• Results, Analysis and Evaluation of Findings (30%)
• Conclusions and Recommendations (10%)
• Presentation, Structure and Writing (10%)
3.4 ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Each of the assessment categories is elaborated below in the form of a checklist of questions. Please study the checklist of questions as you prepare relevant sections of your dissertation, and especially when you are editing the penultimate and final drafts of your dissertation.
INTRODUCTION, CONTEXT, RESEARCH OBJECTIVES (10%)
• Is the research topic or problem clearly stated and shown to be worth investigating?
• Has appropriate background information been provided with special terms and concepts defined?
• Are the research objectives (research questions or hypotheses) clear, relevant, coherent and achievable?
• Do objectives etc. go beyond mere description ie. Do they involve explanation, comparison, criticism or evaluation?
LITERATURE REVIEW (25%)
• Has a comprehensive range of RELEVANT literature been used to discuss relevant concepts, models and theories?
• Are the sources used up to date, and of sufficient academic weight?
• Does the dissertation give evidence of a critical attitude towards source material?
• Are the key themes and issues surrounding the research questions clearly drawn from the literature?
• Have sources been acknowledged and cited fairly and properly, in accordance with the Harvard format? Is the References listing at the end of the dissertation complete and in the Harvard format?
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY (15%)
• Is there a clear rationale for the research design and methodology adopted?
• Are the research methods fully described and the advantages and disadvantages of chosen methods discussed?
• Are any constraints or limitations identified?
• Are the relevant research instruments (e.g. blank questionnaire, interview questions etc) included in the appendices? Are the research instruments well designed with all questions etc. relevant to research objectives?
• Are sampling methods described in detail? i.e. who the respondents are, how many there are and how they were selected?
• Are data analysis methods discussed?
• Is there evidence of care and accuracy in the data collection process? Are reliability and validity issues addressed?
• Has the methodology been critically evaluated in retrospect?
RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF FINDINGS (30%)
• Is all data presented relevant to aims and objectives?
• Is the analysis thorough and appropriate to the data collected? eg.:
• FOR QUESTIONNAIRES: Do the appendices contain a data matrix, and details of statistical analysis undertaken? Is statistical analysis correctly performed and interpreted?
• FOR INTERVIEWS, FOCUS GROUPS etc.: Do the appendices contain data collected and analysed such as interview transcripts? Has qualitative data been systematically analysed?
• FOR DOCUMENT, ARCHIVE AND OTHER SECONDARY DATA: Has the validity and reliability of the sources been addressed? Has quantitative or qualitative data been systematically analysed?
• Are the findings presented clearly and interestingly for the reader, with useful tables and charts embedded in the text and with the appendices being used appropriately for bulky and/or less interesting/essential data?
• Have the findings been discussed and evaluated?
• Have the finding of the primary research been compared and contrasted with findings, theories, models and concepts derived from the literature review?
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (10%)
• Have the research objectives (research questions) been reviewed and addressed?
• Do the conclusions and recommendations follow on from the findings? Are they well grounded in the evidence and arguments presented?
• Has the relevance of the conclusions for management been discussed?
• Are the conclusions and recommendations discussed in context and are they more widely applicable?
PRESENTATION, STRUCTURE AND WRITING (10%)
• Is the overall style and presentation of the dissertation in accordance with that specified in the Module Handbook i.e. Cover pages, title page, word count, spacing, chapter and section headings, pagination, appropriate font, font size and font style (bold, italics, etc)
• Is the title concise and appropriate?
• Is the abstract a concise (no more than 300 words) summary of the main aims, methodology, findings and conclusions?
• Are acknowledgements made as appropriate?
• Is the contents page clear, concise and logically numbered? Are appendices, tables and figures numbered and listed in the contents page?
• Are all appendices referred to in the text?
• Is the writing clear and in an appropriate academic style?
• Is the standard of written English acceptable? Has the dissertation been spelling and grammar checked?
3.5 Assessment Criteria
The following general assessment criteria will be used as guidelines for the assessment of all types of written assessed work including essays; reports; audits; critical reviews; research proposals; and the dissertation.
Mark Description
80-100%
Distinction Superlative analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material.
Imaginative and original approach to study.
Complete understanding of all material dealt with.
As good a piece of work as could be expected at this stage of development of a near publishable quality.
70-79%
Distinction Excellent analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material.
Imaginative and original approach to study.
Thorough understanding of all material dealt with.
60-69%
Pass Clear analysis, synthesis and evaluation of material.
Imaginative approach to study.
Good understanding of most material dealt with.
50-59%
Pass Sound analysis and evaluation of material.
Appropriate approach to study.
Good understanding of most material dealt with.
40-49%
Fail/ Condonable* Weak analysis and evaluation of material. Some understanding of some of the material dealt with.
0-39%
Fail Rudimentary analysis and evaluation of material.
Superficial understanding of most material dealt with.
* NB for taught modules, a grade below 50% for the dissertation is normally condonable, but this does not apply to the Dissertation.
4. FORMAT of THE DISSERTATION
4.1 FIRST PAGE: The first (cover) page of the dissertation should be set out as follows:
Title of Dissertation
By
A N Other (Student Number: 000000000)
A dissertation submitted for the Masters in [insert programme title]
The Business School
University of Roehampton
2016
4.2 SECOND PAGE: The second page should contain the following statement and signed and dated:
DECLARATION FORM
The work I have submitted is my own effort. I certify that any and all the material in this Dissertation, that is not my own work, has been identified and acknowledged. No materials are included for which a degree has been previously conferred upon me.
Signed Date
A N Other
4.3 SUBSEQUENT PAGES: The subsequent pages should include the following sections, each of which must start on a new page:
• The Abstract: This should be a summary of the content of the thesis and should not be longer than 300 words.
• Contents page: This should be a listing of the contents of the thesis, giving page numbers for each section and chapter, and is best presented in tabulated form.
• Acknowledgements: This is where you have the opportunity to thank the people and organisations who have assisted in your work;
• Chapter 1: Introduction, organisational context and research objectives;
• Chapter 2: Literature review;
• Chapter 3: Research Methodology (for secondary sources: account of sources, methods of analysis, theory to be applied);
• Chapter 4: Findings, analysis and evaluation
• Chapter 5: Conclusion and, if appropriate, recommendations.
• References
• Appendices
4.4 FOND AND FORMATTING:
The dissertation should be bound using comb binding and a dark blue cover. This can be done in the University’s Learning Resource Centre but a charge will be made. A single font style and size should be used for main text throughout. The font size may be increased (slightly) for headings. The preferred font is one of, Calibri 11 or 12 point; Arial 10 point or Times New Roman 12 point. Line spacing should be 1.5. All pages should be numbered consecutively. Each chapter must be started on a new page.
4.5 SUBMISSION:
A digital copy must be submitted via Turnitin on Moodle and TWO HARD COPIES must be handed in to the School Office by the deadline indicated on the front cover of this handbook.
Please be in time and plan ahead. If you do not submit by the deadline, you need to complete and attach a Late Work Submission yellow coversheet for all late work together with documentary evidence of mitigating circumstances. Computer/printer failure will not be accepted as a reason for late submission, so please ensure that take steps to have back-up of all work.
4.6 RECORD KEEEPING:
Students must keep a copy of their final pieces of coursework.
You are advised to keep any notes and records kept of data collected, for example completed questionnaires, tape recordings or interviews etc. University officials, including the External Examiner, may wish to see evidence of your work to verify authenticity. All materials that contain confidential information must be kept in secure location; these include all recordings, notes taken at interviews, copies of completed questionnaires where the respondent may be identified, etc. Failure to maintain such security will be regarded as a serious academic offence.
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
5.1 HELPFUL LITERATURE
Following text will be helpful for a sound methodological basis of your thesis. Further literature will very much depend on your method and your topic.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods (6th ed.), Oxford: Oxford University Press
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. and Jackson, P. (2012) Management Research (4th edition), London: Sage.
Fisher, C. (2010) Researching and Writing a Dissertation: An Essential Guide for Business Students (3nd ed.), Harlow, Essex: FT Prentice Hall.
Hart, C. (2001) Doing a Literature Search: A Comprehensive Guide for the Social Sciences, London: Sage.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students (6th ed.), Harlow: Pearson
You should also make use of the Companion Websites for the book by Bryman and Bell and that by Saunders et al., especially the support for SPSS and NViVO.
5.2 REFERENCING LITERATURE
Students will be expected to refer to all relevant and available secondary sources, online databases, electronic journals and subject resources available in the Library and Learning services as a source of ideas for exercises and projects. For more information, please go to this link:
http://studentzone.roehampton.ac.uk/library/index.html
6. APPENDIX
The appendix includes following forms, which need to be filled out:
1. “Agreed Meeting Schedule”. This form needs to be completed by every student at the beginning of the supervisory process. Supervisor and the student should retain a copy.
2. “Supervision Record”. This form should be completed by every student at each supervisory meeting. Supervisor and the student should retain a copy.
3. “Ethics discussion and agreement”. This form needs to be completed by every student after the agreement with the supervisor (see above) and bound into your thesis that is handed in.
4. “Letter of Access”. This letter is optional and depends on the methodology of your thesis. The sample letter relates to interview methodology. Students are required to discuss their letter of access with their supervisor before contacting any organisations.
5. “Research Participant Agreement form”. This letter is optional and depends on the methodology of your thesis. Students are required to discuss their letter of access with their supervisor before contacting any organisations
AGREED MEETING SCHEDULE
This form should be completed at the beginning of the supervisory process. Supervisor and the student should retain a copy.
Students are entitled to FOUR hours (normally) of face-to-face individual supervision supplemented by an appropriate amount of e-mail support.
Student’s Name:
Supervisor:
Proposed Dates of Meeting and Research Progress Monitoring:
1st Meeting Date: ______________________ Estimated Duration: _________
2nd Meeting Date: _____________________ Estimated Duration: _________
3rd Meeting Date: ______________________ Estimated Duration: _________
4th Meeting Date: ______________________ Estimated Duration: _________
5th Meeting Date: ______________________ Estimated Duration: _________
Agreed submission date of final draft: _____________________________
Student’s signature Date:
Supervisor’s signature: Date:
SUPERVISION RECORD
Student’s Name:
Supervisor:
Date of Meeting: Time: From ______________ to ______________
Written work submitted or other purpose of meeting:
Main topics/issues discussed and action points agreed:
Time, date and location of next meeting:
Actions and agenda topics for next meeting:
Student’s signature Date:
Supervisor’s signature: Date:
This form should be completed at each supervisory meeting. Supervisor and the student should retain a copy.
Ethics discussion and agreement
I have discussed the ethical considerations associated with my proposed research with my supervisor. The following points were covered:
1. Rights of participants: what participation involves, right to withdraw
2. Confidentiality of findings: who has access to the findings, anonymity of participants/organisation.
3. Data protection: making it clear how the data will be gathered, stored and destroyed.
4. Institutional reputation: ensuring that the research is conducted in a professional manner, including all written communication.
If my research methods change in any way, I will re-discuss any ethical issues with my supervisor.
Name of Student:
Name of supervisor:
Signed (student)
Date
Signed (supervisor)
Date…………….
EXAMPLE ACCESS LETTER
Date
Dear Ms/Mr/Dr
I am undertaking a Dissertation as part of my Masters programme in [insert programme name] at the Business School at University of Roehampton My project is entitled [insert project title] and it has the aim of [insert key aims].
I am writing to ask if you could spare the time to be interviewed for the project. The interview would last approximately [insert time commitment].
I assure you that any information you give me will be treated with complete confidentiality, if you so wish. In addition, if you wish, the name of your institution and those of any individuals will be changed. The final report will be seen by two examiners from University of Roehampton and one from another university, but will not be publicised further. If you would find it useful, I am happy to provide you with a summary of the findings.
In order to get as much detail as possible, I would like to record the interview, but I am happy to take notes if you would prefer. Any transcripts and notes will be destroyed at the end of the project and will be kept securely until that time. I will offer you the opportunity to see the interview transcripts and to correct any details.
Unless I hear to the contrary, I will phone you in a few days’ time to arrange a convenient time for the interview. My email address is [[email protected]] and my phone number is [number].
Yours sincerely
signature
Your name
Student of XY
Contact details
RESEARCH PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT FORM
Title and brief description of the research project:
Name and contact details of researcher:
Name:
Address:
Email:
Telephone:
Statement of Agreement:
I agree to take part in this research and am aware that I am free to withdraw at any point. I understand that the information provided will be treated in confidence and that the Dissertation will be seen by two examiners from University of Roehampton and one from another university, but will not be publicised further.
I have been informed that I will have the opportunity to check the contents of my interview and any material attributed to my organisation before it is included my Dissertation.
I agree to the interview being recorded. I understand that the data will be kept securely and that it will be destroyed after the examination process is completed.
Name…………………………………………….
Signature……………………………………….
Date……………………
If you have any concerns about this research or any aspect of your participation in it please contact my supervisor:
Name:
Email:
Direct telephone number:
