Module Details

Module Code: MGMT9054
Title: MBA Research Thesis
Long Title: MBA Research Thesis
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2020/21 ( January 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 3450 - Business & Management
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: The central aim of this module is to facilitate the development of the student's academic and research skills so as to enable them to complete and defend their written research. The norm for a research thesis is 20,000 words, but this can vary depending on the chosen methodology. The student will demonstrate, through the thesis, their ability to develop and extend their research, undertake secondary and primary research, present and discuss their research findings, propose recommendations and conclusions to their field of study.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Produce a conclusive, coherent, literate thesis, strongly supported by evidence and a convincing analysis of findings that contributes to the body of knowledge in the general area focused upon.
LO2 Critically evaluate the published research in their chosen area, and, from this, design, assess and defend an appropriate research approach.
LO3 Gather information in a rigorous, scientific and ethical manner and engage with the research question.
LO4 Assimilate material in a coherent and systematic manner.
LO5 Develop realistic and relevant recommendations for practice and for future research based on the empirical data gathered.
LO6 Display the capability for self-directed learning and independent thought together with reflection.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Research Thesis
The central aim of the thesis is to further facilitate the development of the students' academic and research skills to enable them to complete and defend their written-up research thesis. The thesis must focus on analysis, critical thinking, judgement, application of theoretical concepts and investigation in accordance with accepted criteria and ethical standards.
Research Quality
The research thesis will be assessed in accordance with the extent to which it meets the learning outcomes set out above. The examiner will consider: • quality, thoroughness, appropriateness and accuracy, • immediacy and relevance of the research • the quality with which the material was gathered, analysed, assimilated, integrated and ordered, and arguments developed and justified, and the evidentiary-based standing of conclusions • quality of expression and style and standard of language • extent of clarity, focus and readability • quality of presentation and structure • quality of contribution to the extant body of knowledge in the area of business (or closely related fields). Performance and quality in all areas above will be evaluated in the assessment of the final submission.
Structure of Thesis
Structure, layout and submission of the Research Thesis: This is for guidance only and may be varied (as relevant to the research area) by agreement with the individual research supervisor. The sole exception to this is the requirement to present a signed statement confirming the thesis, as submitted, is the independent work of the presenting student. The written submission may include: • Title page • Statement confirming the thesis is the individual and independent work of the presenting student (essential element) • Abstract • Acknowledgements • Table of contents • Statement of research problem and rationale • Introduction • Research methodology • Literature review • Main body of work • Discussion and analyses • Recommendations for practice & further research + final & main conclusion • References • Appendices (to include: research instrument, research contributors in the case of interviews, proof of survey participation, reflection journal & anything else as deemed appropriate).
Layout of Thesis
Layout: At least two bound copies of the research thesis should be submitted. The text must be printed, in double spacing, on one side only of each A4 sheet. Recommended font is 12 point, Times Roman. Indented quotations, footnotes, endnotes, tables and references may be single spaced. All pages must be numbered. Margins should be appropriate to binding and presentation. Harvard referencing should be utilized.
Submission of Thesis
Submission: Submission dates for the research thesis are subject to agreement with the research supervisor. Cognisance should be taken of examination board dates in the year of proposed graduation. Research thesis are to be submitted by 1 September at the latest for consideration at an autumn examination board meeting. Details of submission time frames should be built into the thesis management plan forming part of the research proposal and should be agreed with the research supervisor.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 10
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,3,4,6
Assessment Description
Chapter 1 - Rationale, project statement and statement of research aims & objectives.
This Chapter is preceded by a 1 page Abstract.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Chapter 2 - Literature Review and References.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,6
Assessment Description
Chapter 3 - Research Approach and Methodology and reflection.

Write a REFLECTION on the overall research process and how it aided learning - to a maximum of 3 pages in total and in conjunction with methodology.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 40
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Chapter 4 - Research Findings
AND
Chapter 5 - Main Findings,
Recommendations, Conclusions.

APPENDICES: Include any relevant information pertaining to the thesis process; such as consent forms, research instrument etc.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Direct Contact With Student Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Research, Literature Review, Interviews, Questionnaire Design, Independent Study Every Week 40.95 40.95
Lecture Contact Reflective Journal Workshop Once per semester 0.40 6
Independent Learning Non Contact Reflective Journal Writing Every Week 0.15 0.15
Total Hours 47.60
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.90
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Direct contact with student Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Research, Literature Review, Interviews, Questionnaire Design, Independent Study Every Week 40.95 40.95
Lecture Contact Reflective Journal Workshop Once per semester 0.40 6
Independent Learning Non Contact Reflective Journal Writing Every Week 0.15 0.15
Total Hours 47.60
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.90
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Yvonne McGivern. (2013), The Practice of Market Research, Pearson, UK, [ISBN: 9780273773115].
  • Rowena Murray. (2011), How to Write a Thesis, 3rd. Open University Press, p.384, [ISBN: 9780335244287].
  • Jill Collis, Roger Hussey. (2009), Business Research, 3rd. Palgrave Macmillan, UK, p.420, [ISBN: 9781403992475].
  • Wisker G.. (2008), The Postgraduate research Handbook, 2nd. all, Palgrave, London, p.all, [ISBN: 978-0-230-52130-8].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Levin P. (2008), Excellent Dissertations, Student Friendly Guides, all, Open University, McGraw-Hill, London, p.all, [ISBN: 13-978-033521822-6].
  • John A. Sharp, John Peters, and Keith Howard. (2002), The management of a student research project, 3rd. all, Gower, Aldershot, Hants, England, p.278, [ISBN: 0-566-08490-2].
  • Martin Luck. (1999), Your student research project, all, Gower, Aldershot, [ISBN: 0-566-08213-6].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
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