This course allows students to appraise several interconnected taught elements from the programme and apply these to identify new avenues for research to advance knowledge in the discipline of management.

Students will work individually to deliver a substantial business research exercise on an approved topic demonstrating the appropriate selection and application of tools and research methods from the programme and use these to discuss implications and formulate recommendations. Students are supported by a preparatory online compulsory research methods course including independent learning and tutorials in semester 2. Students are encouraged to critically reflect upon their performance as an independent researcher and learner.

The dissertation provides students with the opportunity to develop graduate attributes such as becoming subject specialists, refining investigative skills and becoming effective communicators. In addition, such attributes will enhance their employability skills by developing independent thinking, becoming more resourceful, responsible and experienced collaborators to engage with business and society.

The first part of the course (Research Methods element) adopts and active blended learning pedagogy with synchronous online lectures, asynchronous online research methodology courses and face-to-face tutorials of 2 hours each. These normally take place in Semester 2.

The Dissertation is typically carried out during the summer months, between June and August, and is supported through approximately 5 supervision meetings between the student and an allocated supervisor during that period. This provides the student with an opportunity to receive formative feedback as they progress through the dissertation.

None

All students must complete a dissertation 12,500 that includes the identification of a research problem/aim, critical literature review, data collection, analysis and recommendations to the problem identified. This will include an element of critical reflection in completing this work.

This course is intended to lay foundations for and contribute to the development of the students' capacities necessary to design and carry out independent research in Business and Management.

■ The taught component of the course is designed to help students develop effective research skills (evident, for example, in the review of the literature, data sourcing & collection, investigation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, weighing evidence and reaching sound conclusions).

■ Student will learn how to identify a key management issue and by engaging in the dissertation process, produce an original and independent piece of written work that will extend knowledge in this discipline.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply their research skills and produce a significant piece of independent and original written work

2. Evaluate issues regarding the generation of ideas, the choice of a suitable research topic, question(s) and objectives.

3. Apply their knowledge to develop a critical literature review and provide advice on how to plan and undertake a literature review.

4. Evaluate the key research choices concerning questions, designs, methods and analytical procedures and highlight the consequences of these choices.

5. Critically evaluate a range of research designs and data collection methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches.

6. Analyse and formulate conclusions and recommendations to solve the management problem.

7. Become independent critical thinkers and reflective learners.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.