Module ASB-3412:
Dissertation

Module Facts

Run by Bangor Business School

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Dr Helen Rogers

Overall aims and purpose

To provide an opportunity to plan and accomplish a substantial piece of work entailing an extensive review of the existing published theoretical and empirical literature on a clearly defined topic, possibly augmented by the application of quantitative or qualitative methods in further analysis of that topic.

Only available for Accounting and Banking students

Course content

There is no set syllabus. The subject matter can be drawn from any area of accounting, banking or finance, provided that there is suitable and sufficient reading material available, and a member of staff is available to supervise in the chosen area of study. You should choose your topic in consultation with the module organiser and other members of staff at the start of the academic year.

Assessment Criteria

C- to C+

C- to C+ (50-59%): Much of the relevant information and skills mostly accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Fair integration of theory/practice/information in the pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Some evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

threshold

D- to D+ (40-49%): Quality of proposal. Aspects include: adequacy of title, quality of abstract, proposed content, proposed methodology, suggestions for chapter headings (and key contents), proposal for interpreting results and overall coherence.

good

B- to B+ (60-69%): Clear links between conceptual ideas and empirical data. Clear and well articulated literature review. Clear and well articulated data analysis and collection methods. Some reference in the analysis to conceptual ideas. Quality in the selections of sources for conceptual ideas and the design of data analysis and collection. Consistent references and citations.

excellent

A- to A+ (70%+): Excellent presentation throughout. Well argued, well articulated throughout. Novel research idea and/or data collection and analysis. Possibly combining quantitative and qualitative research. Appropriate tests to determine validity and reliability of data and analysis. Thoughtful consideration of results for future research.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate good presentation and organisation skills through planning, editing and compiling a substantial research report.

  2. Make use of library and electronic resources to identify literature and locate data.

  3. Synthesise and critically appraise a body of academic literature.

  4. Identify relevant research to draw theoretical conclusions for the project.

  5. Demonstrate an ability to present complex ideas orally

  6. Identify relevant research to draw a data collection and analysis strategy for the project.

  7. Recognize the qualities and support the endeavors of research by peers

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
DISSERTATION Dissertation Proposal

The dissertation proposal should be 1,000 words and is due in week 6

 20
DISSERTATION Dissertation

Students will produce a dissertation based on accounting, finance or banking, which is to include a literature review, research methods, data collection and analysis. This should be 4,000 words excluding references.

 80

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Individual Project

Private study

 192
Lecture

Induction session

 2
Supervised time in studio/workshop

Regular supervision of the dissertation by the dissertation supervisor. At least one hour per month.

Note: 1) It is your responsibility to initiate meetings and maintain regular contact with your supervisor. 2) From time to time, your supervisor can call you for a group meeting with other students.

 6

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Subject specific skills

  • Problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions.
  • Research: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making.
  • Numeracy: the use of quantitative skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena.
  • Articulating and effectively explaining information.
  • Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
  • Self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.

Courses including this module

Optional in courses: