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Future-Facing Dissertation/Project

Module description

You will undertake your own in-depth study into a relevant topic related to your degree subject which interests you. Studying independently will provide the benefit of having the opportunity to plan and manage an individual research project, investigating a topic at a level not covered in the taught modules, successfully concluding in an extended written dissertation.

The dissertation will reflect the interdisciplinary and future-focus nature of the BSc Business programme and could also be linked to a work placement experience. Developing either a thematic dissertation or work related dissertation, or a ‘hybrid’ of the two could advance your employability. You will also develop your research and comprehension skills, and be able to articulate your selected specialism.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of writing a dissertation is to give you the opportunity to research a topic related to your programme of study, which is not covered in depth by any taught module being offered that year. It is also designed to give you the opportunity to plan and manage your own research and to produce an extended written dissertation.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. plan and execute an original research project;
• 2. research extensively and critically on a chosen academic or practical topic and demonstrate application of the underlying discipline concepts and/or research processes.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. use appropriate information, research and data resources (via library, industry sector materials or Business School data sources);
• 4. apply broader discipline knowledge to the specific research project;
• 5. present and assess findings in a manner consistent with the norms of the subject area;

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. work independently, seek and apply advice from the supervisor;
• 7. take responsibility for the direction and management of a research project through to completion and submission;
• 8. present research in a clear and academic format;
• 9. develop arguments firmly supported by evidence and logic.

Syllabus plan

As agreed with supervisor

Taught sessions

• Introduction to the module
• Expectations and resources
• Research design
• How to examine the literature and execute a literature review

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

A student will be referred in all components if the student fails the module with a mark of below 40% overall.

A student if deferred in a single component will be reassessed in that component only.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2018). Business research methods. (5^th edition). Oxford: Oxford university press.

Cottrell, S. (2019). The study skills handbook. (5^th edition). London: Red Glove Press.

Saunders M., Lewis P. & Thornhill A. (2015). Research methods for business students. (7th ed.). Harlow: Pearson. [650.072 SAU]

Other Resources:

Kvale, S., & Brinkmann, S. (2009). Interviews: Learning the craft of qualitative research interviewing. London: Sage.

Saldaña, J. (2015). The coding manual for qualitative researchers. London: Sage.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2305

Key words search

dissertation; research methods; business project; Business BSc