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2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5299M Dissertation (Accounting and Finance)

60 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Iain Clacher
Email: ic@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The dissertation is in many ways the culmination of the Masters programme. It provides you with opportunities to firstly, apply aspects learned in other parts of the programme and develop these in greater detail and, secondly, develop a complete piece of work from the initial idea through to a final written report. As an important part of the Masters programme it contributes 60 credits based on self-directed study, supervised by an academic member of staff. The dissertation helps you develop skills required to progress onto a PhD in Accounting and Finance.

Objectives

The aim of this module is to give students the opportunity to demonstrate the independent research skills necessary to define conduct and report a substantial piece of empirical research in accounting and finance. It also aims to provide students with deep knowledge of their chosen area of study and the self-motivation and effective time management skills necessary to complete a work of this magnitude over a sustained period.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
- Summarise and critically evaluate some key contemporary theories and relevant empirical research evidence in the field of accounting, corporate finance, risk and the operation of capital markets
- Evaluate the implications and relevance of the current knowledge boundaries by putting their own research in context within the existing body of knowledge in accounting and finance
- Identify and differentiate between statistical methodology to select the most appropriate for the analysis of their research question

Skills outcomes
Upon completion of this module students will be able to:
Transferable
- Identify research questions, extract relevant information and define justifiable conclusions from complex data
- Apply numerical and statistical skills to analyse financial and other numerical data using current communication and information technology
- Apply intelligent scepticism in independently locating, extracting, analysing and critically evaluating arguments, data and information from the academic literature
- Find, evaluate and acknowledge and reference appropriate research sources
- Structure and communicate complex quantitative and qualitative information, ideas, analysis, argument and commentary in an appropriate academic format
- Demonstrate effective time management skills over a sustained period

Subject Specific
- Deploy the research skills necessary to identify key contemporary theories and relevant empirical research evidence in their chosen research field


Syllabus

Indicative content
The syllabus for this module reflects the stages of a research project and will vary according to the research project selected:
Defining the research project, literature review, project planning, identifying a conceptual framework, developing a hypothesis/research question, data collection/review, data analysis, research conclusions, recommendations for future research, and writing up the research project.

Teaching methods

Private study hours600.00
Total Contact hours0.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)600.00

Private study

600 hours preparing dissertation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular meeting with Supervisor who will help the student by:

- agreeing the dissertation outline, directing students towards relevant literature and other sources of information, and discussing appropriateness of theory and methodology;
- considering and finally approving the detail of the dissertation ;
- reading a draft of the early chapters to provide feedback;
- reading a full draft of the dissertation so that again the student gets feedback prior to submission.

(Note: It is the student's responsibility to provide this draft within a reasonable timeframe, supervisors will have several other drafts to read at the same time, as well as their normal duties).

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay or Dissertation12,500 words100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 03/03/2015

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