Module: Dissertation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Dissertation
Module Code	MNA1053 (ITS: HR5009)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	25

Description

The module enables students to engage in the processes involved in the undertaking of a research project and report. The module provides the opportunity for learners to demonstrate the ability to diagnose and investigate a live, complex business issue from an HR perspective, to locate the work within a body of contemporary knowledge, to collect and analyse data, to derive supportable conclusions and to make practical and actionable recommendations for change, improvement or enhancement of current practice. Learners are required to demonstrate a critical evaluative approach and to undertake empirical investigation and analysis.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E030977-CAD7-0001-B483-E0A416D08300
2. Evaluate the tools and techniques useful to the collection and analysis of data
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7. Critique the literature relevant to their chosen research topic
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12. Analyse the research approach suitable for their chosen topic
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17. Interpret the data collected as part of their fieldwork
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22. Recommend to the organisation changes in practice that emerge from the research findings
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27. Critique the research findings in the light of the literature review
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32. Reflect on the learning that has been achieved
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35. 7

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	25	Meetings & discussions with supervisor
Independent Study	50	Researching materials
Assignment Completion	550	Preparation - research, data collection, data analysis and write up of asssesment
Total Workload: 625

Section Breakdown
CRN	11061	Part of Term	Semester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	John Mcmackin	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Research project 1. Students will identify and justify a business issue that is of strategic relevance to the organisation. 2. Critically analysis and discuss existing literature, contemporary HR policy and practice relevant to the chosen issue. 3. Compare and contrast the relative merits of different research methods and their relevance to different situations. 4. Undertake a systematic analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative information and present the results in a clear format. 5. Draw realistic and appropriate conclusions and make recommendations. 6. Develop and present a persuasive business report. 7. Write a reflective account of what has been learned during the project.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None