Module ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

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

ECOS3032: DISSERTATION

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• The dissertation should be a substantial piece of work that provides a detailed and critical examination of a particular topic. Empirical research is encouraged where appropriate to the topic and programme of study, but is not compulsory.
• Additional aims are:
• 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 consultations 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, consultations and support for private study. Formative assessment is by means of preparation of dissertation outline, draft chapters for discussion at consultations 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:

Submission and approval of the Dissertation title during year 2. Preparation of dissertation outline, including methodology, and draft chapters for discussion at consultations. Keeping of a dissertation diary.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University