module specification

The Dissertation will give you the opportunity to produce an individual and sustained piece of original work that addresses a specific area (of your choosing) in the field of economics and analytics. The dissertation will allow you to demonstrate your intellectual and conceptual skills through your background research and application of theoretical knowledge.

The dissertation is the final module in the study of your MSc degree and it will enable you to utilise and integrate your learning from your programme of study by applying aspects of your learning to a particular topic of investigation. In undertaking this work, the dissertation will develop your analysis, critical evaluation and self-reflection skills.

You will be supported by research workshops providing a thorough understanding of quantitative research methods, how to design and carry out independent research as well as how to support and justify conclusions drawn with data modelled with software packages. As independent learners you will be supported by an assigned supervisor who will support you through this learning process.

This module aims to:

- Allows students to engage in a major piece of independent research in the field of economics and analytics

- To assimilate knowledge and understating from the taught elements of the course and apply to a topic of your choice

- To provide students with a thorough understanding of scientific and social (quantitative and qualitative) research methods

- Apply the use of technical software packages to model quantitative data

- Develop students analytical, critical evaluation and time-management skills

- Apply and develop research analysis and writing skills to produce a clearly written and well-presented text which includes all the elements required for the dissertation using appropriate research methods to analyse and synthesise research findings

Taught workshops will be delivered in block mode (2 X 2 hours) at the start of the module to cover methodology, research design and data collection methods:

(LO1. Understand and apply relevant social/scientific research methods to a significant research question)

The syllabus (semester 1 core modules & blocks 2 &3 ) will cover introduction to econometrics, time series analysis as well as data analysis and predictive analytics (semester 1 and 2 core modules): (LO2. Demonstrate a strong capability in applying technical software packages to analyse economic data).

Students will complete a literature review as part the first formative assessment for the module: (LO3. Examine and critically evaluate the literature pertaining to the field of research).

The main body of the dissertation will comprise chapters that cover analysis and evaluation and produce solutions to the research objectives set out at the start of the dissertation: (LO4. Evaluate complex ideas with analysis and critical evaluation in the research area). 

The completed final dissertation (10,000 word max) will represent a significant piece of work from which students can reflect on the higher order academic skills developed in writing the dissertation: (LO5. Demonstrate originality and self-direction to write up a dissertation, argued and structured rigorously to expected postgraduate standards).

The dissertation module requires the learner to self-direct and manage their own independent learning. To support this each student will be allocated a supervisor who will guide and advise you during the process of your research. To help structure with meetings with your supervisor, a written record will be made at each meeting outlining the discussion and setting out any agreed actions. Supervisor and supervisee each retain a copy of the record.

The topic chosen for the dissertation can be determined by the student and should be to be discussed with the supervisor in the first meeting to ensure its feasibility for independent postgraduate study. Topics chosen will need to give the opportunity for postgraduate level research, where students can access suitable data to examine and analyse the dissertation aims and provide a realistic opportunities for successful completion.

The dissertation will conclude with opportunities for reflection, on the students learning experiences during the period of your research and set out how these have contributed to their personal, academic and professional development. Please note the key aspects of this section, as follows:

• The text should be 600-800 words in length (about two sides of A4) and is additional to the total word count for your dissertation

• The purpose is to reflect on your learning and evaluate the application of subject knowledge and skills (theoretical & practical) to the issues studied during the period in which you have been working on your dissertation.

· LO1. Understand and apply relevant social/scientific research methods to a significant research question.

· LO2. Demonstrate a strong capability in applying technical software packages to analyse economic data.

· LO3. Examine and critically evaluate the literature pertaining to the field of research.

· LO4. Evaluate complex ideas with analysis and critical evaluation in the research area.

· LO5. Demonstrate originality and self-direction to write up a dissertation, argued and structured rigorously to expected postgraduate standards.

Library Talis link: https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/lists/3CFB3E28-1FBE-8A44-43AE-DDA8854878F0

http://Dissertation MSc EDA | London Metropolitan University

Core

Bell. E, Bryman, A. and Harley, B. (2018) Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Furseth, I. and Everett, E. L. (2013) Doing your Masters Dissertation. Sage Publishing.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2023) Research Methods for Business Studies, Pearson Education.

Additional reading

Collis, J & Hussey, R (2021) Business Research: A Practical Guide for UG and PG Students, 3rd Edition, Basingstoke, Palgrave MacMillan

Cresswell, J. W., Cheryl N. Poth (2023) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches Sage Publications

Hair, J Money, A Samouel, P & Page, M ( 2007) Research Methods for Business, Wiley

Wallace, M., Wray A. (2021) Critical Reading and writing for postgraduates,Sage Publications

Remenyi. D Williams, B Money, A & Swartz, E (2002) Doing Research in Business & Management: An Introduction to Process & Method, Sage Publications

Rudestam, K E (2001) Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, London, Sage Publications, 2nd Edition

Partington, D (2002) Essential Skills for Management Research, London, Sage Publications

Quinton, S. and Smallbone , T. ( 2006) Postgraduate Research in Business : A critical Guide , Sage Pub Skills Series

Yin, R.K. (2018) Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 3rd Ed London, Sage Publications