Module ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Economics and Finance) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

Tied To

• N200: Business
• N420: Business Finance
• NN43: Accounting and Finance

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• to provide students with an opportunity to undertake a substantial research project on an approved topic of interest and present their findings and conclusions in an extended and coherent piece of work.
• to develop students' abilities to plan and manage their own learning
• to facilitate students' development of research skills and provide the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an appropriate topic associated with their degree.

Content

• The topic and scope of the dissertation will be decided in consultation with an appropriate member of staff, should be of relevance to their degree and is subject to approval.
• Lectures and workshop activities will address basic issues of methodology and method, data gathering and data analysis, reviewing literature, structure and presentation of argument, academic writing.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students are expected:
• to have acquired extended knowledge of a relevant topic of interest.

• To have acquired skills of independent research and project management.
• To be able to demonstrate an ability to present and analyse data in a clear and appropriate manner.
• To be able to demonstrate an ability to present arguments and conclusions in an extended and coherent form.

• Written communication - through summative assessment.
• Planning, Organisation and Working to deadlines.
• Problem Solving and Analysis - e.g. by designing research, manipulating concepts and applying analytical skills.
• Intiative by gaining access to relevant sources.
• Computer literacy - by production of the dissertation in word processed form,- accessing literature and other sources via electronic means and as relevant use of computer based analysis methods.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Learning is facilitated by lectures, workshops, tutorials and support for private study. Formative assessment is by means of preparation of dissertation outline, draft chapters for discussion at tutorials and the keeping of a dissertation diary. Summative assessment is through the production of a dissertation of 12,000 words. Students will have individual consultation sessions with a named dissertation supervisor throughout the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Preparation of dissertation outline, draft chapters for discussion at tutorials and keeping of a dissertation diary.