[SOLVED] The dissertation

The dissertation

Instructions2
• The dissertation should be around 12,000 words in length. Content excluded from the
word count is given in Section 7. The maximum word count is 15,000. The dissertation
should be word-processed in English.
• The font should be Times New Roman and the minimum font size for the body of the
text 12 point with spacing 1.15.
• Pages should be numbered consecutively through the main text, including photographs
and/or diagrams, which are included as whole pages.
• References and quotations should be correctly cited. The Harvard method is the one to
be used. 6. Diagrams, tables and pictures should be appropriately labelled.
• Your dissertation should be approximately 12,000 words in length, excluding the Front
Pages, Abstract and List of Appendices. If you find yourself running out of space try
skilful editing before resorting to putting vital material into appendices. The upper limit is
15,000 words.
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STRUCTURE OF REPORT
Dissertation Details Dissertation Title (A proposed title of the project 10% of the
mark)
1. Proposal Summary
(Please provide some background about the project, company, situation and overall
summary as to the nature of problem and what is required; around 500 words)
2. Topic Literature Review
(Include some literature review of similar previous studies (if any). Section 2 and the
list of references make up 20% of the mark)
3. Objectives
(List overall objectives of the project. These should be measurable and will be used in part
assessment in determining the level of research achievement. It is highly recommended that
objectives must be in bullet points using verbs such “to analyse”, “to explore”, “to study”,
“to investigate, “to establish”, “To recommend” etc. Sections 3 and 4 make up 30% of the
mark)
4. Project Outcomes
(Provide a list of key outcomes of the proposed research (can be for each of the above
objectives/ stages) these can be studies, a list of recommendations etc. Try to ensure some
synergy with the objectives)
Why are you interested in the project?
What are the key questions the project attempts to answer? What Research Methods do
you intend to use?
(Please provide a proper description of your research strategy including evidence of
understanding of the appropriate research paradigm required by your research (minimum
500 words). Sections 7 and 8 make up 30% of the mark)
What primary and/or secondary data sources do you intend to use?
Please provide draft chapter heading for your report (10% of the mark)
Plan
List of references
MARKING CRITERIA
Assessment Criteria
Background and Objectives (7%)
How well does the background set the scene? How clear is the rationale for the project? How clear and
realistic are the objectives?
Literature Review and Referencing (24%)
How widely/deeply has the student read the subject? Have the key seminal texts been mentioned? Have
the most relevant theories been covered?
Has there been critical analysis of the literature?
Is there a theoretical framework?
Is there a clear and logical need for the research proposed? To what extent is the text adequately
referenced?
Research Plan (20%)
Has the student justified their research plan in terms of perspective, design and data collection and
analysis?
Have the issues of validity, reliability and generalise ability been
addressed? Have the data collection methods been fully explained?
How sound is the sampling method and make up of the sample? Have ethical issues been addressed?
Data Collection and Analysis (24%)
How successful was the data collection?
Is there an explicit data analysis strategy?
Has the data been analysed using appropriate techniques?
Is the data clearly and accurately presented in an appropriate format?
Is there a transparent link between the data and the findings?
Has the student attempted to apply the theories discussed to their findings?
Are the primary data research findings synthesised with the secondary data findings? How well does the
analysis address the research objectives?
Conclusions and Recommendations (15%)
Are the conclusions consistent with the analysis?
How closely do the conclusions address the objectives? Has knowledge been extended?
How appropriate/feasible are the recommendations? Has the need for any further research been
addressed?
Overall Comment (10%)
How integrated, logical and coherent is the dissertation? How clear and persuasive is the dissertation?
How well does the dissertation flow?
How well are issues argued?