Accessibility statement

Dissertation - MAN00021H

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Jeremy Aroles
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

The dissertation is designed both to enable students to integrate knowledge and skills acquired across the degree programme and to assess their ability to analyse a complex issue or problem within a management context.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25 to Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The dissertation is designed both to enable students to integrate knowledge and skills acquired across the degree programme and to assess their ability to analyse a complex issue or problem within a management context. The dissertation will be based upon primary (or secondary) research undertaken by the student. It may either take the form of an analysis of a current issue in management, and/or it may be in the form of an answer to a specific organisational problem. Students will choose their topic and then design and conduct, with the support of their supervisor, their research project.

Module learning outcomes

  • Integrate knowledge and understanding gained from across the degree to the analysis of a complex management issue or problem.

  • Collect, analyse and present appropriate empirical data in order to arrive at knowledge of, and/or solutions to the chosen issue or problem.

  • Research a management issue or problem in depth using a variety of sources of information including a critical evaluation of current literature in their chosen topic and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of underlying theory.

  • Effectively write a longer and more complex document than module assignments usually require.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the research methods available and justify the selection of methods.

  • Integrate empirical data, a review of appropriate literature, and own reflections and observations into a coherent, well-supported argument.

  • Demonstrate an ability to draw conclusions and/or propose feasible solutions based on valid research methods, analysis and arguments.

  • Demonstrate a high degree of competence in referencing and constructing bibliographies.

Module content

10 workshops will run in Semester 1 to give students guidance in research methods, and to ensure that they grasp issues of ontology and epistemology. During these workshops, practical help will be given to students in developing research proposals and in methods practice.

Students will meet their supervisor six times in Semester 2 (approximately fortnightly intervals) during the course of dissertation preparation and research.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Dissertation Proposal		 N/A 10
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Dissertation (8,000 - 10,000 words)		 N/A 90

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
Re-submit Dissertation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

In Semester 1, the workshops facilitate feedback on the development of research proposals.

Once students are allocated to their supervisors in semester 2, they will receive feedback on the development of their dissertations.

Following submission of the dissertation, students will receive formal feedback, containing the marker's observations on the standard of work submitted, as measured against the UG marking criteria and/or learning outcomes of the module'. Additionally it will contain comments if relevant, from second markers. Generic feedback on performance will also be made available via the VLE.

In the event of a reassessment, students will have the opportunity to be provided with feedback and guidance up to re-submission.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A., and Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods (3rd. Edition). Oxford University Press

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., Jackson, P., and Lowe, A. (2012). Management Research (4th Edition). Sage.

Fisher, C. (2007). Researching and Writing a Dissertation: A Guidebook for Business Students (2nd Edition). Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Lewis, P. (2012). Research Methods for Business Students (6th Edition) Financial Times/Prentice Hall.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.