IMA7006: Dissertation University of Bolton

Assignment Overview

Learning Outcomes

• LO1: Demonstrate a masterly grasp of the topic area researched

• LO2: Demonstrate skills of analysis, evaluation, critical reflection, synthesis, and conceptualisation

• LO3: Critically assess the results of the research against the objectives

Brief

The dissertation is the final stage of the Master’s degree and provides you with the opportunity to show that you have gained the necessary skills and knowledge in order to organise and conduct a research project. It should demonstrate that you are skilled in:

• Identifying an area, or areas, suitable for research

• Setting research objectives

• Locating, organising, and critically analysing the relevant secondary data and authoritative literature

• Devising an appropriate research methodology

• Analysing the primary data selected and drawing on the literature in the field

• Drawing conclusions

• Making relevant recommendations and indicating areas for further research, if appropriate

A dissertation is a ‘formal’ document and there are ‘rules’ that govern the way in which it is presented. It must have chapters that provide:

1. Introduction

2. Literature review

3. Justification of the data selected for analysis and research methodology

4. Analysis of the data

5. Conclusions and recommendations

Where the subject is based around a business or an applied situation, recommendations for action may also be required.

Though you continue your research area/topic from semester 2, it is expected that you:

• Streamline and update Chapter 1 – Introduction, Chapter 2 – Literature Review, and Chapter 3 – Research Methodology

• Improve the initial three chapters in conjunction with your supervisor’s guidance

• Undertake data gathering through a combination of fieldwork and desk research

• Evaluate and synthesise the findings and present them clearly

• Present a set of conclusions drawn from the findings

• Reflect on your overall journey as a researcher (personal reflection)

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment focuses on the final dissertation of the Master’s degree, designed to evaluate the student’s ability to independently conduct a research project. Key requirements include:

• Research Skills: Identify a suitable research area and set clear objectives.

• Data Analysis: Locate, organise, and critically analyse secondary data and literature; devise a research methodology; and analyse primary data.

• Presentation of Findings: Draw conclusions, provide recommendations, and identify areas for further research.

• Structure: Produce a formal dissertation document with chapters covering Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Data Analysis, and Conclusions & Recommendations.

• Reflection: Include personal reflection on the research journey.

• AI Compliance: No Generative AI tools permitted (Category A), only grammar/spell checkers allowed.

Step-by-Step Approach by Academic Mentor

The Academic Mentor guided the student in a structured, stepwise manner to ensure all requirements were met:

1. Topic Selection and Research Objectives

   • The mentor helped the student refine the research topic from semester 2, ensuring it was focused and feasible.

   • Clear research objectives were defined to provide direction for literature review and data collection.

2. Chapter 1 – Introduction

   • Guidance was provided on presenting the research background, significance, and aims.

   • The mentor ensured the introduction clearly stated the research problem and objectives.

3. Chapter 2 – Literature Review

   • The mentor instructed the student on identifying authoritative sources and critically analysing existing research.

   • Emphasis was placed on synthesis and conceptualisation to highlight research gaps.

4. Chapter 3 – Research Methodology

   • The mentor helped design an appropriate methodology including choice of primary and secondary data sources.

   • Ethical considerations and justification for the methods were explained and documented.

5. Data Collection and Analysis

   • The mentor supervised a combination of fieldwork and desk research.

   • Techniques for evaluating and synthesising findings were demonstrated, ensuring alignment with research objectives.

6. Chapter 4 – Results and Discussion

   • Guidance was provided on interpreting results in context with literature.

   • The mentor ensured critical assessment of outcomes against objectives, addressing LO3.

7. Chapter 5 – Conclusions and Recommendations

   • The mentor guided the student to draw evidence-based conclusions and propose actionable recommendations where relevant.

   • Areas for future research were highlighted, completing the formal structure of the dissertation.

8. Personal Reflection

   • The student was encouraged to reflect on their learning journey, challenges faced, and skills developed.

Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

Through this structured mentorship and stepwise approach, the following outcomes were achieved:

• LO1: Mastery of the research topic demonstrated through thorough literature review, methodology design, and analysis.

• LO2: Skills in analysis, evaluation, critical reflection, synthesis, and conceptualisation developed through systematic assessment of primary and secondary data.

• LO3: Critical assessment of research results against objectives accomplished through discussion and interpretation of findings.

Final Outcome: A coherent, structured dissertation fulfilling all formal requirements, with robust data analysis, actionable recommendations, and personal reflection, showcasing the student’s research capabilities.

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