2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5391M Dissertation

60 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr. Matthew Davis
Email: M.Davis@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Feb to 30 Sep View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to conduct a piece of data-driven empirical research of demonstrable relevance to business psychology, organizational behaviour and management. It will enable students to develop in depth knowledge of a chosen area of practice and draw meaningful business insights and generate practical recommendations. The module aims to offer students the means to apply their academic knowledge and research training gained on their programme to a business problem.

This module offers students the necessary grounding in conducting and reporting applied research – a key skill for scientific-practitioners.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to critically assess:
- theory and methodology of business psychology, organizational behaviour and management
- the ethical implications of their research designs

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

Subject specific
- Identify business problems and generate business advice based on findings
- Negotiate project parameters
- Gather, synthesise and critically evaluate large amounts of information from different sources
- Analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data sets and research evidence
- Report research results in a clear and consistent way
- Translate research findings into practical business advice
- Design and execute a process and methodology for addressing a research problem

Transferable
- Organise their time effectively
- Communicate to a variety of audiences
- Plan and design studies to solve business problems

Syllabus

The module requires students to undertake the following activities:
- Identifying a business problem.
- Negotiating research access.
- Reviewing and summarizing the relevant literature.
- Developing research questions and/or hypotheses.

- Preparing and conducting data collection. 

- Analysing and interpreting data.
- Developing business insights, conclusions and practical guidance for the organization
- Identifying limitations and future research.
- Visualising and writing up results and guidance.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	2.00	2.00
Supervision	6	1.00	6.00
Lecture	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			588.00
Total Contact hours			12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			600.00

Private study

Undertaking the dissertation project, which will entail a substantial piece of data-driven empirical research.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress is monitored through regular meetings with the supervisor. Students are required to submit research and ethics proposals early in semester 2 in order to receive feedback from their supervisor. The supervisor provides feedback on elements of the draft dissertation prior to submission, including draft chapters. Summative assessment is via evaluation of the written dissertation document.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Research Proposal	A 1,500 word individual piece of work	5.00
Essay or Dissertation	A 12,500 word individual dissertation	85.00
Report	A 1,500 word individual dissemination report summarising findings and implications	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The dissertation should constitute a substantial piece of research. The quality of the coverage, analysis and presentation of the investigation - not the number of words written - signals its significance. 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: 06/09/2016

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD