Course Resources Archive

The purpose of the dissertation is to allow the student to carry out a self-managed piece of work that provides an in-depth investigation of an issue relevant to the field of hospitality management. The dissertation allows the student to critically evaluate and synthesise relevant philosophies, theories and models, undertake a process of enquiry using primary and/or secondary data sources and contribute to the body of knowledge in the domain of hospitality management .The reflective element of the dissertation will give the student an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process.

The dissertation module consists of two elements: a taught research methods programme and the dissertation based on individual study. As part of the research methods element, students will be required to produce a detailed research proposal before progressing onto the dissertation element of the module.

The research methods programme encompasses three main themes;

1. 1. Critical consideration of the methods and purposes of the subject/practice within a broader context of enquiry.  Topics covered include; importance of theory, research philosophy and approaches, validity, reliability and generalizability, research strategies and ethical issues in research.
2. Practical induction into learning skills for postgraduate study. Topics covered include; reviewing literature and data sources, referencing writing critically, using information technology tools and developing reflective writing skills.
3. Training in specific methods/techniques appropriate as preparation for research or professional practice.  Topics covered include: the purposes and process of research and consultancy in the management and business domain (including the hospitality sector) planning an enquiry including formulating and clarifying research questions and objectives, negotiating access, the presentation of research proposals: differing requirements of organizational and academic audiences, the need for critical evaluation, methods for data collection and data analysis and presentation of research findings.

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Understand, reflect upon, apply and (for the highest marks) develop theory from analysis of data relating to hospitality managment;
2. Analyse alternative approaches to  research within the domain of hospitality management and the assumptions upon which these are based;
3. Argue and evaluate critically alternative research claims with justification;
4. Formulate strategies for successful research within a variety of hospitality industry settings, paying special attention to the  ethical implications;
5. Select and utilise appropriate research methods effectively paying attention to  generalisability;
6. Collect data to meet academic and organisational needs;
7. Synthesise and analyse both qualitative and quantitative data having due regard to the issues of validity, reliability;
8. Engage in both professional and academic communication following appropriate conventions;
9. Write reflectively upon their dissertation experience
10. Produce a substantive academic research dissertation, based on recognised and justified research methods, to include description of a range of research approaches and methods.

Approximately:
21 hours class contact (Business Research Methods)
15 hours with Dissertation Advisor
564 hours independent study/student directed learning

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