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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Dissertation
Module Code MG574P (ITS) / MNA1174 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinatorRaja Clouse
Module TeachersAbeer Almansour, Anne-Marie Caherty, Caroline McGroary, Caroline Mcmullan, Gavin Brown, Marina Efthymiou
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 20
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
None
Description

A dissertation is a major piece of independent work carried out by a student and is intended to give that student an opportunity to put into practice the conceptual and theoretical materials covered in other modules on their programme. The dissertation is intended to develop in the student an ability to plan and carry out a substantial and coherent piece of individual critical thinking, analysis, and academic research with a persuasive and coherent argument that responds to a research question in the domain of business. This will be in the form of a dissertation of approximately 20,000 words in length and must contain a substantial piece of primary research carried out with an appropriate research methodology and meeting the ethical guidelines of the university.

Learning Outcomes

1. Formulate a research proposal and develop it into a feasible programme of research
2. Carry out a literature review which will identify, synthesize and critically assess the relevant literature with respect to the research question
3. Consider a range of methodological options for research and justify use of the most appropriate research approach for the research question consistent with the ethical standards of the university
4. Develop and execute a plan to acquire, analyze, and interpret empirical data consistent with the research approach being taken
5. Synthesize, interpret, and communicate an argument and the research findings in relation to the literature and to the research question
6. Demonstrate an ability to independently conduct a large and complex piece of analysis and communicate that clearly and effectively without being overwhelmed by the literature or by the data
7. Demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of the research carried out and its analysis in relation to the complexity of the domain of business knowledge and with respect to the validity of other possible perspectives
8. Demonstrate an awareness to society of the broader implications of the research



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture20Lectures and meetings with research advisor
Lecture80Guidance on the literature, research design, data analysis
Independent Study300Preparation of the literature review; the research design and its operationalisation; data analysis
Independent Study200Researching relevant literature; independent research
Total Workload: 600

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

The specific content will be dictated by the particular issue being analysed but some general content is as follows:
Development of a research question; preparation of a literature review; development of an appropriate research methodology; consideration of ethical clearance; carrying out the research; data analysis; conclusions; limitations of research

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWrite a 20,000 word dissertation100%
Indicative Reading List

  • The reading list will be dictated by the topic selected.: 0, In discussion with the dissertation advisor,
Other Resources

None

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