Course Resources Archive

This module integrates the variety of modules studied by students throughout their programme. Students undertake a self- managed, analytical piece of work which provides an in-depth academic investigation of an appropriate issue within the business environment which is of interest to them and builds upon the experiences of the placement year.

The content will vary according to the topic chosen.

i. Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of the module students should be able to:
a) Clearly define and justify a research problem in relation to its applicability and importance to the business environment.
b) Discover, select, understand, analyse, synthesise and evaluate information from a variety of sources such as primary and secondary data, and academic, professional and trade literature.
c) Develop and critically apply concepts and theories acquired throughout their programme of study to the business environment.
d) Critically evaluate the practical application of academic knowledge in the business environment.
e) Work independently and creatively to generate their own perspectives on issues by linking and re-combining concepts, theories and information in new ways.
f) Reflect upon the approach they have adopted for a piece of work to identify its strengths and weaknesses.
g) Communicate and present their ideas coherently in writing paying attention to clarity of argument and supporting evidence and the use of appropriate language, diagrams and tables.
h) Manage their own time over a significant period during which conflicting interests will arise.

ii. Skills
By the end of the module students should have developed skills in:
Communication and literacy: by producing a substantial piece of written work that uses appropriate language, diagrams and tables to evaluate concepts presented in the literature and that communicates their own ideas.
Problem solving: through the identification of a pertinent research question; formulating an appropriate strategy to answer this question; developing conclusions and/or recommendations as a result of their research, and evaluating the research approach adopted and the conclusions reached.
Independent learning and working: through completing a sustained self-directed piece that necessitates self-reliance, planning, flexibility, managing information, self-criticism, reflection and resilience.
Information and communications technology: by, at a minimum, presenting material that meets the requirements for the format and layout of the dissertation.

Students will be introduced to the dissertation in the academic year prior to commencement. Students will be strongly advised to choose a topic within one of the dissertation advisors' areas of research interest as listed in the Field Dissertation Handbook. Learning will be facilitated through module tutor inputs and their dissertation advisor with whom they will be expected to have a minimum of three meetings. Dissertation advice will be student led not staff determined.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.