Masters Dissertation (HRM)
Module description
If you decide to enrol on our full MSc HRM programme, towards the end of your studies you will embark on researching and writing a substantial dissertation of 15,000 – 20,000 words. This is an excellent opportunity for you to develop an area of expertise within the HR field by carrying out and writing up your own research project. If you are a full-time student you will work on your dissertation between February and September of the year that you are enrolled. If you are a part-time student you will work on your dissertation between February in your second year and April in your third year.
Full module specification
| Module title: | Masters Dissertation (HRM) |
|---|---|
| Module code: | BEMM056 |
| Module level: | M |
| Academic year: | 2020/1 |
| Module lecturers: |
|
| Module credit: | 60 |
| ECTS value: | 30 |
| Pre-requisites: | BEMM049 Research Methods |
| Co-requisites: | None |
| Duration of module: |
Duration (weeks) - term 2: 11 |
Module aims
Our aim in this module is to support you as you carry out your own research project and subsequently write it up. Throughout the process you will be advised by a supervisor who has some specialist knowledge of your chosen field of study. You will need to meet with your supervisor regularly as you first develop your research proposal and subsequently embark on your research. Your supervisor will read drafts of your emerging work, making recommendations for improvement and will also advise you about how to structure your final submitted work.
ILO: Module-specific skills
- 1. Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative or quantitative data, using relevant software and analytical techniques
- 2. Relate theory to research findings, draw relevant conclusions and consider the implications and limitations of the research which you have undertaken
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
- 3. Use independent research skills including use of the library and relevant information databases
- 4. Construct coherent and convincing arguments, using evidence as appropriate to defend positions taken
ILO: Personal and key skills
- 5. Take responsibility for the direction and management of an independent and original research project from inception through to completion
- 6. Demonstrate a high standard of written presentation, adhering to conventions for academic writing and referencing
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 587 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 13 | Meetings with your supervisor and formal dissertation briefing sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | 587 | Researching and writing up your dissertation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Chapters | 15,000 - 20,000 words | 1-6 | Verbal & written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | 100 | 15,000 - 20,000 words | 1-6 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation | Dissertation | 1-6 | 6 months |
Syllabus plan
The dissertation is unlike traditional taught modules. You will attend briefing sessions during your programme where we will explain and discuss the dissertation process, these will occur in addition to the formal Research Methods (BEMM049) taught sessions. You will need to meet your supervisor regularly and maintain contact throughout the time that you are working on your dissertation. You will need to respond to feedback and submit your dissertation on or before the deadline date
While dissertations vary in terms of their structure and content, essential features include the following:
- An introduction which sets out and justifies the research questions / hypotheses and introduces a case study company or sector
- A literature review which is critical and analytical, and not simply descriptive in nature
- A methodology section in which you set out and justify your choice of research methods
- Sections which both set out and analyse your findings
- Conclusions and recommendations which are clearly justified, and if appropriate, costed
- A section reflecting on and critically reviewing your learning while completing your dissertation
Please note that all students collecting primary data will be required to obtain ethical clearance from the university in advance of data collection activities.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Anderson, V. (2019) Research Methods in Human Resource Management: Investigating a Business Issue. Fourth Edition, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: London.
- Bell, J. & Waters (2014) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers, Open University Press
- Bryman, A., Bell, E. & Harley, B. (2018) Business Research Methods. Fifth Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Burke, R. (2013) Project Management: Planning and Control Techniques. Fifth Edition, Wiley.
- Creswell, J. W. (2017) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. Fourth Edition. Sage.
- Creswell, J.W. (2018) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Fifth Edition. Sage.
- Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., Jackson, P. & Jaspersen, L. J. (2018) Management Research. Sixth Edition, Sage
- Field, A. (2017) Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics. Fifth Edition. Sage.
- Gray, D. (2017) Doing Research in the Business World. Sage
- Horn, R. (2012) Researching and Writing Dissertations: A Complete Guide for Business and Management Students. 2nd Edition. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development: London.
- Myers, M. D. (2013) Qualitative Research in Business and Management, Second Edition, Sage
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2016) Research Methods for Business Students, Seventh Edition, Pearson.
- Weyers, J. & McMillan, K. (2011) How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports, Second Edition, Prentice Hall
- Yin, R. (2018) Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods, Sixth Edition, Sage.
Module has an active ELE page?
Yes
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
You will have access to an online searchable and resources database, with links to several eBooks and our own bespoke "Dissertation Support Materials" available through the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE). Within this environment, you will also be supported through online discussion forums and activities.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
As an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development you will also have access to the entirety of the Institute's website, including all published research reports, archived articles from 'People Management', fact sheets, discussion papers and briefings.
Origin date
17/07/2014
Last revision date
22/01/2020