Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to enable students to undertake a
significant piece of independent research on a particular topic
in the business and management field. This module provides
students with opportunities to: (i) apply their learning to
analyse contemporary and ‘cutting-edge’ problems and issues of
relevance to scholars or practitioners (or both); (ii) deepen
their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic of
interest to them; (iii) gain a solid understanding of different
research methods to effectively address research questions;
(iv) produce a complete piece of scholarly work or a project of
practical value from conception through to a final dissertation
or report; (v) further their independent research skills (i.e.,
research mothods, project management, and academic writing);
(vi) improve their presentation skills, enabling them to
effectively communicate and showcase their research to others;
(vii) enhance their intellectual and employability skills and
their career prospects; and (viii) make an original
contribution with either theoretical or practical value.
Students should identify, define and explore one or more
problems or issues at the forefront of business and management
as an academic discipline. This may lead to a large piece of
independent writing in one of the following 5 styles:
• Standard academic research based dissertation
• Business plan
• Business evaluation report
• Teaching Case 
• Company based project on a particular issue
The research work should demonstrate: (i) an analytical and
critical approach to problem definition; (ii) the derivation of
appropriate research questions and/or hypotheses; (iii) skills
in designing and implementing a suitable methodology for
gathering, analysing and interpreting data and information that
address the research problem, questions and/or hypotheses; (iv)
knowledge and understanding of literature and theory relevant
to the area of inquiry, and the ability to apply it
appropriately; (v) the ability to compose the research as a
dissertation in a way that combines academic depth and good
scholarship with an appreciation of relevant practical and
policy issues (as appropriate) in relevant subject areas, and
(vi) the ability to effectively present the research orally to
an audience.

Learning outcomes

A. Demonstrate a substantial and systematic understanding of
current and recent theory in business and management.
B. Select and apply relevant theories to formulate appropriate
research questions.
C. Collect and analyse data using suitable approaches.
D. Present findings in a coherent and logical flow. 
E. Show evidence of independent thinking

Method of teaching and learning

As the MSc dissertation is an independent research project,
students are expected to manage their time and workload
independently with guidance from their dissertation supervisor.
Lectures and tutorials on quantitative and qualitative research
method are provided during the first four weeks of Semester 3.
Typically, the dissertation process begins with identifying a
research focus. Students can choose their dissertation topic in
one of the following ways:
1. Select a topic proposed by IBSS faculties and seek agreement
with the faculty member. 
2. Self-select a topic and approach the faculty who has similar
research interest and seek agreement. 
Students are expected to work on their confirmed dissertation
plan once their supervisor approves it. 
The dissertation supervisor's role is to support students
throughout their dissertation project once supervision is
confirmed, with guidance ending upon submission of the final
dissertation. Supervisors are expected to provide advice and
suggestions in the following areas:
• Research topic selection – Students should propose a narrowly
focused topic for discussion.
• Review of relevant literature – Supervisors may suggest
readings, and students are expected to expand from the
recommended sources.
• Select research methods – A key area where supervisors should
offer substantial guidance to help students understand how to
prepare and conduct data collection nd analysis.
• Development of conclusions – Ensuring students can
effectively interpret and present their research finings.
• Development of presentation skills – Helping students
effectively communicate and showcase their research.