Dissertation

Module description

This module provides the opportunity for students to produce a well-researched dissertation in the area of accounting and finance. Students will have the chance to work closely with a supervisor of their choice to explore and address their preferred area of interest. Students will be guided in the identification of an interesting research question, taught the art of a critical literature review and be exposed to various methods and methodologies. This module will provide students with the opportunity to hone their critical thinking skills, time management skills, project management skills, and communication and presentation skills that are highly valued by prospective employers.

Full module specification

Module aims

The aim of the module is to give students the opportunity to carry out research in an identified topic of interest within a supported environment. It is the aim of this module to equip students with the necessary skills so that they are able to carry out each stage of their research. Students will be guided and supported in the identification of a research question, the writing of a critical literature review, the articulation of hypothesis, the choice of methods and methodologies, the collection of data, and the presentation of results and findings. This module will be beneficial to all as it cultivates a number of transferable skills but will be particularly suited for someone intending to pursue a career in academia.

ILO: Module-specific skills

• 1. Discuss and critically evaluate the extant literature in the researched area;
• 2. Explain and describe the different types of research;
• 3. Discuss and evaluate the underlying paradigms of quantitative and qualitative research;
• 4. Discuss and evaluate the various methods and methodologies that can be employed in answering the research question;
• 5. Discuss and recommend solutions to key practical issues in a research project;
• 6. Demonstrate the ability to identify an interesting research question, to write a critical literature review, to choose an appropriate method for data collection, and to present results and findings.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

• 7. Critically evaluate and synthesise a significant body of literature;
• 8. Identify gaps in the literature for the advancement of knowledge;

ILO: Personal and key skills

• 9. Demonstrate effective use of learning resources and independent research skills;
• 10. Pursue and deliver on a sustained programme of individual work successfully;
• 11. Construct and present coherent arguments in the light of research findings and the complex interactions surrounding such findings.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Syllabus plan

The provisional outline will be as follows:

Term 2

Lecture 1: Introduction

Lecture 2: Literature review

Lectures 3 to 8: Research interest of potential supervisors

Term 3

Three one-to-one meetings with supervisor

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

This module will require an extensive reading of journal articles and this will vary depending on the area of research. Some indicative initial reading is as follows:

Ryan, B., Scapens, R. W., & Theobald, M. (2002). Research method and methodology in finance and accounting (2nd ed.). Padstow: Cengage.

Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2019). Business research methods (5th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Brown, R. B. (2006). Doing your dissertation in business and management: The reality of researching and writing. London: Sage.

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Origin date

16/07/2014

Last revision date

01/10/2019