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:

Introduction
Literature review
Justification of the data selected for analysis and research methodology
Analysis of the data
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.