Course Resources Archive

This module specifies the Dissertation that is produced at the Masters Stage of the MSc in Accounting and Financial Management.

The Dissertation requires the student to evaluate and synthesise relevant literature and use appropriate research methodology to produce a paper of approximately 18,000 words.
The final submission should include a short reflective section in which the students evaluate the Dissertation experience.
Students who have completed a Postgraduate Diploma with a substantive Research Methods component will proceed directly to writing the Dissertation.
Students entering the Masters Stage with advanced standing who have not completed a Research Methods component will undertake first the Methods of Enquiry before embarking on the Dissertation.
As part of the methods of enquiry element, students will be required to produce a detailed research proposal. The Methods of Enquiry component encompasses three themes.

Practical induction into learning skills for postgraduate study

• Reviewing literature, referencing writing critically and information technology skills.
• Using secondary data sources for accounting and finance related research.

Critical consideration of the methods and purposes of the subject/practice within a broader context of enquiry

• The importance of theory, epistemologies and practices.
• Issues of validity, reliability and ‘generalizability’.
• Research strategies including ethical considerations and ethical codes.

Training in specific methods/techniques appropriate as preparation for research or professional practice

• The purposes and process of research and consultancy in the accounting and finance domain.
• Planning an enquiry including formulating and clarifying research questions and objectives, negotiating access.
• The presentation of research proposals: differing requirements of organisational and academic audiences, the need for critical evaluation.
• Methods for data collection and data analysis.
• Presentation of research findings: differing requirements of organisational and academic audiences; the need for critical evaluation.

The content of Dissertations cannot be set other than in general terms.  These are:

• A justification for undertaking a piece of research
• A review of the relevant literature
• A considered choice of research method(s)
• Presentation and examination of data
• Conclusions pertaining to the aims and objectives of the study

Actual content of Dissertations will vary according to whether a classical, action-research or conceptual approach to a Dissertation is pursued.

i. Knowledge and understanding
On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:
a) Develop independent research skills that will enable the production of a Dissertation of about 18,000 words which
b) Reflects upon, applies and develops theory from analysis of data
c) Analyses alternative approaches to research within the domain of accounting and finance and the assumptions upon which these are based
d) Argues and critically evaluates alternative research claims with justification
e) Formulates strategies for successful research within a variety of settings paying special attention to the ethical implications
f) Selects and utilises appropriate research methods effectively
g) Collects data to meet academic and organisational needs
h) Synthesises and analyses both qualitative and quantitative data having due regard to the issues of validity and reliability
i) Engages in both professional and academic communication following appropriate conventions
j) Reflects a substantive academic research dissertation based on recognised and justified research methods and to include description of a range of research approaches and methods

ii. Dissertation Skills
On successful completion of the module the student should be:
a) able to Contextualise how the chosen topic is situated in the literature
b) Select appropriate methods of data collection and data analysis
c) Articulate the Principles of Dissertation construction
d) Synthesise theory and practice in the chosen field
e) Locate and interpret literature
f) Construct and conduct a survey to collect primary and/or secondary data
g) Apply appropriate methods of data analysis
h) Produce a substantial narrative account of the research study that is consistent with the traditions of the field of study

iii. Skills
On successful completion of the module the student should have developed skills in:
a)      Application of numerical techniques
b)      Analysing and problem-solving
c)       Communication and literacy 
d)      Independent learning and working 

These skills will be demonstrated as a result of the processes undergone in completion of the Dissertation. Each will be demonstrated to a greater or lesser extent dependent upon the topic chosen.

Approximately 10 hours with dissertation adviser

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