Dissertation for Human Resource Management - MAN00070M
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
Additional information
Prerequisite - Research Methods MAN00150M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Summer Semester 2026-27 |
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
Module content
Students are assisted by their supervisors
Subject content
Successful completion of the module will
demonstrate that students are able to:
- Identify and justify a
HRM issue that is of strategic relevance to an organisation
-
Critically analyse and discuss relevant HRM literature and
contemporary HRM policy and practice.
- Engage with the key
issues and questions arising in the topic area
- Consider
appropriate research methodologies and the philosophies of enquiry
underpinning them
- Extrapolate key findings from the relevant
literatures
- Undertake a systematic analysis of relevant
quantitative and/or qualitative information and present the results in
a clear and consistent format.
- Consider the contribution of
their work to scholarship and/or policy and/or practice
- Draw
realistic and appropriate conclusions
- Develop and present a
persuasive business report based on a recommendation and
implementation plan, with recommendations based on costed options
- Write a reflective account of what has been learned during the
project and how this can be applied in the future.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100.0 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation | 100.0 |
Module feedback
Written feedback on the dissertation and grade is released to students after the final exam board.
Indicative reading
Alvesson, M. & Sandberg, J. (2024). Constructing research
questions: doing interesting research. 2nd Edition. London: Sage.
• Anderson, V. (2024). Research Methods in Human Resource
Management, 5th edition. Wimbledon: CIPD.
• Bell, E., Bryman,
A., and Harley, H. (2022). Business Research Methods. 6th Edition.
Oxford University Press.
• Biggam, J. (2021). Succeeding with
your Master’s dissertation: a step-by-step guide. 5th edition. Open
University Press.
• Bryman, A., and Bell, E. (2015). Business
Research Methods. 5th Edition. Oxford University Press.
•
Cameron, S., and Price, D. (2010). Business Research Methods: A
Practical Approach, Wimbledon: CIPD.
• Cresswell, J.W., and
Poth, C.N. (2024). Qualitative inquiry and research design: choosing
among five approaches. 5th Edition. SAGE publications.
•
Dawson, J. (2017) Analysing quantitative survey data for business and
management students. Eds. SAGE publications.
• Easterby-Smith,
M., Thorpe, R., Jaspersen, L.J., Thorpe, R., and Valizade, D. (2021).
Management and Business Research, 7th edition. London: Sage.
•
Fisher, C.M. (2010) Researching and writing a dissertation: an
essential guide for business students, 3rd edition. Financial Times/
Prentice Hall.
• Gill, J., and Johnson, P. (2010). Research
Methods for Managers, London: Sage.
• Hart, C. (2005). Doing
your Master’s dissertation. SAGE publications.
• te
Grotenhuis, M., and Matthijssen, A. (2016). Basic SPSS. Eds. SAGE
publications.
• Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A.
(2023). Research Methods for Business Students, 9th edition. London:
Prentice Hall.
• Silverman, D. (2021). Doing qualitative
research: A practical handbook, 6th Edition. London: Sage.
•
Silverman, D. (2024). Interpreting Qualitative Data, 7th Edition.
London: Sage.
• Wetcher-Hendricks, D. (2011). Analayzing
quantitative data: an introduction for social researchers. Eds. Wiley,
Hoboken, New Jersey.
• Yin, R.K. (2018). Case Study research
and applications: design and methods, 6th edition. Thousand Oaks,
California.
• Yockey, R.D. (2023). SPSS Demystified: A Simple
Guide and Reference. 4th Edition. Routledge.