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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. Evaluate the tools and techniques useful to the collection and analysis of data
2. Critique the literature relevant to their chosen research topic
3. Analyse the research approach suitable for their chosen topic
4. Interpret the data collected as part of their fieldwork
5. Recommend to the organisation changes in practice that emerge from the research findings
6. Critique the research findings in the light of the literature review
7. Reflect on the learning that has been achieved


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture25Meetings & discussions with supervisor
Independent Study50Researching materials
Assignment Completion550Preparation - research, data collection, data analysis and write up of asssesment
Total Workload: 625
Section Breakdown
CRN11061Part of TermSemester 1, 2 & 3
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorJohn McmackinModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Extended Essay / DissertationResearch 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

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for HR5009