The aim of this dissertation module is to enable students to undertake a significant piece of independent research in the field of finance and its related disciplines. In many ways serving as the culmination of the MSc Finance programme, this module provides students with opportunities to: (i) apply their learning from other parts of the programme 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 finance related topic of interest to them; (iii) produce a complete piece of scholarly work from conception through to a final thesis; (iv) augment their independent research, analysis, project management, writing and presenting skills; (v) enhance their intellectual, transferable and employability skills and, it follows, their career prospects, and (iv) make an original contribution to knowledge that could potentially serve as a basis for more advanced study. Students should identify, define and explore one or more problems or issues at the forefront of finance as an academic discipline. This may be achieved by means of either an in-organisation project, through surveys or other methods of obtaining primary data, through collection and analysis of secondary data, or by a library-based study. The final thesis 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, and (v) the ability to write up and present 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 finance and its related disciplines.;Students should identify, define and explore one or more problems or issues at the forefront of finance as an academic discipline. This may be achieved by means of either an in-organisation project, through surveys or other methods of obtaining primary data, through collection and analysis of secondary data, or by a library-based study. The final thesis 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, and (v) the ability to write up and present 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 finance and its related disciplines.
Students completing the module successfully should be able to:
A Demonstrate a substantial and systematic understanding of current and recent research, theory and advanced scholarship in the areas of finance and its related disciples that are of relevance to their research topic.
B Critically evaluate and apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to the identification and framing of specific research questions at the forefront of the finance discipline.
C Investigate questions and problems through the design and implementation of a research strategy and methodology appropriate to advanced study in their field.
D Demonstrate appropriate academic rigour in the acquisition, organisation, critical analysis and presentation of conceptual and empirical materials obtain from primary and secondary sources.
E Accurately, coherently and persuasively communicate the research project, methodology and findings in an oral presentation.
F Successfully produce a well-written, coherent and well-presented piece of work that makes an original and reflective contribution to knowledge whilst demonstrating good scholarship and conforming fully to standard academic conventions in the field of finance and its related disciplines.
G Demonstrate a sound understanding of research ethics appropriate to the research topic.
H Think, learn and work independently whilst demonstrating initiative, responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-direction and originality in tackling and solving research problems in finance.
At the beginning of the semester, a workshop will take place in which the Module Leader provides guidance to students on the overall process, research methods, and possible topics necessary for the successful completion of the module. In addition to this, there are several components to the teaching and learning methods employed in this module. First, private and independent research is undertaken by the student, supported by regular meetings and consultations with a supervisor from the IBSS faculty. Supervisors are allocated by the Programme Director or Module Leader. In Semester 1 of Year 2, students are expected to devote at least 30 hours per week of unsupervised time to private study for this module. Second, students are expected to meet with their supervisors at the beginning of Semester 1 of Year 2 to discuss the current status of their research project. This meeting provides an opportunity for students to outline the progress made over the summer, clarify their research direction, identify any challenges encountered, and receive preliminary guidance on the next steps. It also enables the supervisors to ensure that each student is on track and appropriately supported as they move into the more advanced stages of their research. Third, students will be required to make an unassessed oral presentation on the interim progress of their research during regular seminar meetings (the precise number of which depends on student enrolment). These presentations are designed to elicit formative feedback, comments, and advice from the Programme Director, supervisors, other IBSS faculty members, and fellow students. Attendance at these seminars is compulsory for all students. Together, these elements help ensure that all parties remain informed about the student's research progress. They also establish several formal checkpoint mechanisms, allowing the supervisor and Programme Director to provide timely support, troubleshooting, and feedback whenever necessary