Welcome to the Dissertation unit. This unit is comprised of two components: a directed Research Methods learning package and then your independent dissertation work.
The Research Methods component provides a detailed insight into the research process from start to finish, from identifying and defining the issue(s) to be researched to choosing the research methods, collecting data and analysing that data. You will draw conclusions on your topic, learn to make recommendations and write up your research. As part of the process you will learn about designing research projects and developing research tools such as questionnaires. You will also become informed about techniques for data analysis and consider important issues around the ethics of research. On completion you will produce a research proposal that can be used to outline the research you will undertake for your dissertation.
The Dissertation component covers the process of completing a successful dissertation as well as introducing the MMU dissertation requirements.
The purpose of the Dissertation unit is to encourage you to focus on investigating your dissertation research question achieving the six dissertation learning outcomes. You will apply your current techniques and concepts to the production of a high-quality dissertation.
Much of the new learning in this unit will come not only from your own individual efforts, but also from the interaction with your supervisor, who will guide you in the framing of the research question, selection of literature and application of appropriate research methodologies.
A crucial point is that you must start writing and rewriting your dissertation from the very start. We discuss writing in more detail in the Interactive Presentation in Session 7, but only from the viewpoint of reminding you of good writing and editing practices. The purpose of the Dissertation unit is described in the unit specification as follows:
‘Students are expected to identify, structure, frame and investigate a complex managerial or business issue and produce a substantial written document of their achievements and conclusions’.
The specific choice of topic is yours, subject to agreement with your supervisor, who should have some knowledge, awareness and experience of your topic area to support you effectively.
The substantial written document should not be longer than 15,000 words and will be directed to the Board of Examiners. The quality of the dissertation will be assessed, on behalf of the Board of Examiners, by your supervisor and a second assessor who will agree a mark on the basis of the six learning outcomes found in the Unit Specification and further detailed in the Assessment Criteria Matrix.