module specification

The FE6P04S Dissertation module, in conjunction with FE6P04A Dissertation, enables you to complete a research-focused dissertation on a chosen topic or issue appropriate to the subject area of your undergraduate degree.

In this module, you will focus on developing your research topic, conducting a comprehensive literature review, designing appropriate methodologies, and planning your research.

You will be required to reflect critically on your research questions, theoretical concepts or hypotheses, prior literature, ethical considerations, and research methodologies in an independent and disciplined manner. The module aims to develop your analytical, critical thinking, referencing, and time management skills, supporting you to independently undertake and report on your research project.

You will additionally be required to consider how your personal development and career plans have been impacted by this module.

FE5056 or equivalent

• Defining research problems and/or questions (LO1)
• Theoretical frameworks (LO1, LO2)
• Literature review / techniques (LO2)
• Research methodologies: qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods (LO3)
• Ethical considerations (LO3)
• Research structure, conclusions and academic writing (LO4)

The module aims to provide a supportive environment in which students can develop their analytical, research and employability skills in the context of a research project relating to subjects related to business and management. The module will encourage students to build on the knowledge and skills they have acquired at levels 4 and 5 and to carry out independent research leading to the submission of a final research dissertation report consistent with academic standards.

Formal teaching will consist of 4 weeks of 2-hours lectures and 1-hour seminars. The lectures will deliver the core academic and theoretical content of the syllabus. In particular, the initial 4 weeks of teaching will focus on literature review, research approaches, methods and techniques and dissertation structure.
A variety of teaching tools will be used including presentations, web material, videos, group discussion, quizzes and online discussion. Students will use the University’s virtual learning platform to access supporting class materials, weblinks and discussion forums.

For the remaining 8 weeks, students will be allocated to group supervisions with a tutor nominated from the subject area, who will hold regular sessions to follow the student progress and provide regular feedback.
The work is student’s own responsibility from design to undertaking the research, analysis and writing of their dissertation research report.

Students must also take and pass the FE6P04A Dissertation module to fulfil the core dissertation module of their degree.

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

LO1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and articulate a clear research problem or question: formulate research problems within business, management, accounting, banking, finance, or economics disciplines, explaining their theoretical significance and practical relevance; establish clear research objectives and justify the importance of the inquiry.

LO2. Develop Academic Research Skills: conduct a comprehensive and critical literature review, systematically surveying the existing body of knowledge in the chosen area of study; synthesise relevant theories and frameworks; critically analyse existing studies to identify gaps in knowledge and areas for further exploration.

LO3. Apply appropriate research methodologies and ethical considerations: select, justify, and design research methodologies suitable for the chosen research question, whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods; demonstrate understanding of ethical principles and procedures necessary for conducting responsible research.

LO4. Structure and present a coherent research work: integrate the literature review and methodology and conclusions into a well-structured research work; present the proposal in a clear, logical, and academically rigorous manner, suitable for academic and professional audiences, including accurate and ethical referencing of all sources.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/08FFE6E5-07BE-0EA2-203D-D49017CA963C.html

Core Texts:
Joyner, R. L,, Rouse, W. A. and Glatthorn, A. A. (2018) Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide 4th Ed., Corwin
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2023) Research Methods for Business Students, 9th Ed., Pearson Education Limited.

Other Texts:
Berenson, M., Levine, D. & Krehbiel, T. (2011) Basic Business Statistics: Concepts and Applications, 12th ed., Prentice Hall.
Brooks, C. (2019) Introductory Econometrics for Finance, 4th ed., Cambridge University Press.
Brown, A. and Dowling, P. (2010) Doing Research / Reading Research: Re-interrogation Education, 2nd ed., Routledge London.
Brown, A. and Dowling, P. (2010) Doing Research / Reading Research: Re-interrogation Education, 2nd ed., Routledge London.
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods, 4th ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Creswell, J. (2014) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th ed., London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Saunders M.N. and Lewis, P. (2018) ‘Doing Research in Business and Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project’. Pearson.

Academic Journals:
Kourula, A., Pisani, N. and Kolk, A. (2017) Corporate sustainability and inclusive development: highlights from international business and management research Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, Volume 24, February 2017, Pages 14-18
Sheard, M. and Golby, J. (2007) Hardiness and undergraduate academic study: The moderating role of commitment Personality and Individual Differences, Volume 43, Issue 3, August 2007, Pages 579-588

Electronic Databases:
Academia 
Emerald Insight Journals and Ebooks  
Google Scholar
Ingenta Connect
ResearchGate
ScienceDirect Journals Collection

Software such as EViews NVivo, Python, Sage, SPSS.