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Dissertation for Human Resource Management - MAN00070M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Tina Kowalski
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Term 2022-23 to Summer Vacation 2022-23

Module aims

The dissertation is based on an individual research project. Students are required to investigate a HRM issue and write a thesis of not more than 12,000 words. The thesis will provide an in depth and critical review of the relevant HRM research literature and a critical consideration of methods and methodology used to investigate the issue and a discussion of the findings. The dissertation will also advance a set of recommendations for dealing with the issue. The applied nature of the dissertation requires a critical evaluative approach, empirical investigation and analysis and a combination of academic research and business writing skills. There will also be a reflective statement indicating what the student has learnt during the project, and how this learning might be applied in the future.

Module learning outcomes

Successful completion of the dissertation will demonstrate that students are able to
1. Undertake a significant enquiry into a HRM issue
2. Critically analyse significant bodies of literature in the relevant topic area
3. Apply knowledge of research skills
4. Engage with ethical issues in undertaking research
5. Analyse appropriate data and present findings clearly
6. Prepare and write a well-presented and substantial analytical report in the recommendations
7. Demonstrate an ability to summarise and communicate research findings and implications to a business audience
8. Develop the capacity for self-reflection

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
12000 word dissertation		 N/A 90
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
2000 word research proposal		 N/A 10

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation
12000 word dissertation		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Written feedback from supervisors is released to students after the final exam board.

Indicative reading

  • Biggam, J (2015) Succeeding with your Master’s dissertation: a step by step guide. 3rd edition. Open University Press.
  • Hart, C (2005) Doing your Master’s dissertation. SAGE publications
  • Bryman, A and Bell, E (2015) Business Research Methods. 4th Edition. Oxford University Press.
  • Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., and Lowe, A. (2011). Management Research, 4thedition. London: Sage.
  • Anderson, V. (2011). Research Methods in Human Resource Management, 3rd edition. Wimbledon: CIPD.
  • Cameron, S., and Price, D. (2010). Business Research Methods: a Practical Approach. Wimbledon: CIPD.
  • Gill, J. and Johnson, P. (2010). Research Methods for Managers, London: Sage.
  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012). Research Methods for Business Students, 6th edition. London: 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.