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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

No Banner module data is available

Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: James Byrne
Semester 2: James Byrne
Autumn: James Byrne
Module TeachersJames Byrne
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

The Dissertation is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. It is a major piece of independent work of up to 20,000 words in length. The objective of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules upon a specific issue of interest relating to the Management of Operations. The dissertation should provide an independent and critical appraisal of an issue, normally involving an empirical analysis of the topic being investigated.

Learning Outcomes

1. Work independently and self critically to search for, sift through and organise relevant literature and critically assess its significance in relation to a research question
2. Consider a variety of research methodological options and apply the most appropriate approach for the topic being researched
3. Demonstrate independent and critical thinking and analysis by synthesising the diversity of data, knowledge, understanding, and skills initiated in the taught elements of the programme and developed in the undertaking of the research
4. Plan and produce a substantial and coherent piece of individual academic research with a persuasive and coherent argument that responds to the research question



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Directed learning5Read notes and dissertation guidelines
Lecture25Working with appointed supervisor
Independent Study30Initially source, review and assimilate peer reviewed and other materials related to dissertation topic
Independent Study300Source and read additional material required to write a literature review
Assignment Completion390Carry out independent research and write a dissertation
Total Workload: 750

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

Dissertation Requirements
The Dissertation is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. It is a major piece of independent work of up to 20,000 words in length. The objective of the dissertation is to give you the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules upon a specific issue of interest relating to the Management of Operations. The dissertation should provide an independent and critical appraisal of an issue, normally involving an empirical analysis of the topic being investigated. In particular, you are expected to: show knowledge of the topic investigated, including current research; exercise critical judgement in a competent and scholarly manner; display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the opinion of others; and illustrate how your analysis has relevance to decision making. In broad terms, the dissertation proposal, following one of the following models, is acceptable. Model 1: Theory/Practice - The theoretical framework of a subject area is developed by review of the literature and the empirical evidence is collected to answer a specific question or develop a specific point within the chosen subject area. Model 2: Company-based Project - The dissertation consists of an analysis of, and solution to, a significant practical problem or situation in the area of business management in an actual business situation. Although the dissertation is essentially practical in orientation, the learner would be expected to demonstrate his/her/their knowledge of the conceptual framework of the problem in a variety of ways such as his/her/their approach to the analysis of the problem and the nature of the solutions brought forward.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Thesisn/a100%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • John W. Creswell, J. David Creswell: 2018, Research Design, SAGE Publications, Incorporated, 9781506386706
  • Dr. Catherine Dawson: 2019, Introduction to Research Methods 4th Edition, Robinson, 1408711052
  • Kathryn Herr,Gary L. Anderson: 2014, The Action Research Dissertation, SAGE Publications, Incorporated, 9781483333106
Other Resources

None

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