Module: Dissertation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	OSC20 (ITS) / BAA1077 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Colum Foley
Module Teachers	Aisling Deignan, Nuala Lonergan
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	30
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
It may not always be possible to resit the dissertation if the amount of work required to complete the dissertion will not be possible in the time available. It is possible to repeat the dissertation in the next academic year.

Description

The Dissertation is a major piece of independent work of 20,000 words in length which gives students the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules upon a specific issue of interest. An independent and critical appraisal of the issue is essential in order to successfully complete the dissertation.

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
5. Reflect on lessons learned and summarise these learnings.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Tutorial	8	Writing a successful dissertation, Library Tutorial for dissertation students, Qualtrics, GDPR, Research Ethics
Independent Study	5	Read the notes and dissertation guidelines provided
Directed learning	25	Working with appointed supervisor
Independent Study	25	Source, review and assimilate peer reviewed and other materials related to dissertation topic
Independent Study	300	Source and read additional material required to write a literature review
Assignment Completion	390	Carry out independent research and write a dissertation
Total Workload: 753

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

Requirements
The Dissertation is a stimulating and challenging part of the MSc programme. It is a major piece of independent work of 15,000 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. 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, a dissertation proposal, which follows 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 knowledge of the conceptual framework of the problem in a variety of ways such as his/her approach to the analysis of the problem and the nature of the solutions brought forward.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Oral Examination	Students will give an oral lpresentations on their dissertation. The presentation is recorded post submission of their dissertation in July/early August which includes a module reflection.	10%	n/a
Report(s)	Students will produce a 15000 word dissertation	90%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None