Module Details

Module Code: THES H4301
Module Title: Dissertation Level 8
Title: Dissertation and Research Methods
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 10
Module Coordinator: Martin Meagher
Module Author:: Fiona Burke
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to give learners supervised guidance and research method training (through a series of research method lectures/workshops and individual dissertation supervision) in preparing their dissertation on an agreed research topic. It aims to develop students' research, critical writing and thinking skills and will provide students with the opportunity to apply the theories, ideas, skills and techniques from their programme of study to a research area of personal, academic and/or career interest to them. It is the intention of the dissertation module to develop a body of knowledge that contributes to the continuing evolution and development of business, both nationally and internationally.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Develop an appropriate research question/hypotheses and write a research proposal for investigation.
LO2 Locate, analyse and synthesise a body of source material (including primary and secondary) appropriate to the research topic under investigation and undertake a comprehensive literature review using the Harvard System of Referencing.
LO3 Evaluate the research method options available to a researcher and justify the methodology chosen for the research question/hypotheses under investigation.
LO4 Conduct independent primary research to address the research aims/objectives of the dissertation demonstrating an awareness of the ethical issues to be considered in business research.
LO5 Critically assess, compare and discuss research findings with existing evidence.
LO6 Produce a research dissertation that demonstrates sound research skills with clarity of thinking and logical argumentation in drawing conclusions and recommendations for management theory and/or practice.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Developing a Research Question
Starting a dissertation project and identifying a feasible research problem/question/ hypotheses; Techniques for generating a research topic and research Ideas; Defining research questions /hypotheses into a statement of problem and research objectives; what makes a good research proposal?; Writing and structuring a research proposal
Writing a Literature Review
The purpose of doing a literature review; Starting a literature search; The literature review process; Breadth and depth of material cited; Level of critical analysis; Integration of research objectives within the literature review; Using the Harvard Referencing System
Research Design
Research philosophy, research theory and methodology behind choice of research method; Emphasis on reasoning behind quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods design.
Ethics in Business Research
Key ethical issues in relation to the choice of research topic, Methods of data collection, The responsibilities of the researcher toward the research participants and the sharing of research findings and results; Compliance with IT Carlow Policy on Ethics in Research
Sampling
Differences between probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling strategies and for which type of research they are best suited; Sampling techniques
Data Collection
Choice of data collection methods (Interviews & Interview Schedules; Surveys/Questionnaires; Focus Groups; Case Studies; Ethnography; Experiments; Critical Incident Techniques; Content Analysis; E-Research Methods); Justification for research method chosen; How to construct a data collection tool in the context of either quantitative or qualitative research; The Importance of quality (including Reliability, Validity, Feasibility, Limitations and Ethical Research); Project management, effort and originality.
Data Analysis, Results and Findings
Key principles in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis; Data Analysis using SPSS, Statistical Thinking and/or Nvivo (SPSS classes assist students as follows, Using the Data Editor: Data Coding and Entry; Defining Variables; Value labels; Missing values; and, Modifying and recoding data values; Analysing and interpreting data: Frequencies; Descriptive Statistics; Explore and Cross tab procedures; and, Multiple Response Procedures; Exploring Sub-Groups of datasets: Select procedure and the split file procedure; Linear Correlation and Regression; Normal distribution; Confidence Intervals; Introduction to Hypothesis Testing (parametric, non-parametric); Using the Output Editor: Creating and modifying Charts; Changing TableLooks; Exporting tables and charts to other applications; and, Statistical Thinking); Expression and presentation of results; basis of results; final results
Writing a Critical Discussion
Discussion of problems and evidence; Discussion related to the literature; Synthesis of arguments made; Professionalism of discussion
Writing Conclusions and Recommendations
Relationship of conclusions to objectives; Strength of conclusions; Research Recommendations (feasibility, appropriateness).
The Written Report/Dissertation
Structure of a research dissertation; Standard of expression; Final checks on referencing (accuracy, completeness); Professionalism of report.
Other Relevant Information on Dissertation
Dissertation Document comprising of between 10,000 to 12,000 words; Individually appointed supervisor; Maintenance of Weekly Supervision Logbook; Oral presentation may be required; .
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 3 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Research Proposal -Formative Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 5
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 2
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Literature Review - Formative Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 5
Timing Sem 1 End Learning Outcomes 3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Research Methodology Chapter -Formative Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 85
Timing Sem 2 End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Dissertation 10,000-12,000 words
No Project
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact No Description Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent Learning Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.75 5.75
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Laboratory Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.25
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Contact Hours Contact No Description Every Week 0.25 0.25
Independent Learning Time Non Contact No Description Every Week 7.25 7.25
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 1.50 1.5
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.75
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B.. (2018), Business Research Methods, 5th. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Mark Easterby-Smith,Richard Thorpe,Paul Jackson. (2015), Management and Business Research, 5th Edition. Sage Publications Limited, London, [ISBN: 144629658X].
  • Field, A.. (2013), Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics, 4th. Sage Publications.
  • Fink, A. (2013), Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From the Internet to Paper, 4th edition. Sage, London.
  • Layder, D.. (2013), Doing Excellent Small Scale Research, Sage, London.
  • Saunders, M. Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A.. (2000), Research Methods for Business Students, Prentice Hall, Harlow.
  • Maxwell, A.. (2012), Qualitative Research Design, 3rd Edition. Sage, London.
  • Punch, K.. (2013), Survey Research: The Basics, Sage, London.
  • White, P.. (2009), Developing Research Questions: A Guide for Social Scientists, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
  • Collis, J. & Hussey, R.. (2009), Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students., 3rd. Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • A list of Journals will be provided for the relevant programmes by the supervisors.
Other Resources
Discussion Note: