DISSERTATION - 2023/4
Module code: MAN3161
Module Overview
The Dissertation module involves students in an original research project. It provides students an opportunity for a directed individual study focusing on topics of interest related to their programme of study. Using one or a variety of methods, students will collect data and contribute to problem solving in relevant management contexts. Emphasis will be placed on the process of scientific research. Students will develop skills on how to plan, carry out, and communicate research work as well as knowledge of theoretical and practical specialisation within relevant subject areas.
Module provider
Surrey Hospitality & Tourism Management
Module Leader
KNOX Dan (SII DUFE)
Number of Credits: 30
ECTS Credits: 15
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Lecture Hours: 6
Seminar Hours: 3
Tutorial Hours: 10
Guided Learning: 281
Module Availability
Year long
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
Students must have completed MAN3160
Module content
Students will identify a topic area of interest that they wish to develop further through their dissertation. This must be relevant to their programme of study. This module is largely based on self-directed study and research, with direct guidance from the module convenor(s).
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Project (Group/Individual/Dissertation) | Dissertation (7000 words) | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The summative assessment consists of:
- Dissertation
The student is assessed on the basis of a 7000 word project report, which includes a 1000 word Executive Summary.
All Dissertations are checked for plagiarism using an electronic plagiarism detection system.
Formative Assessment and feedback
Students receive feedback throughout the semester via face to face teaching which will support them to complete the assessments.
Module aims
- undertake an original piece of research
- demonstrate an ability to select and define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level
- develop and apply relevant and sound methodologies
- collect and analyse information to address the issue
- develop recommendations and logical conclusions
- be aware of the limitations of research work
- demonstrate an awareness of any ethical dilemmas that arise in the research
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Write cogently to show an in depth understanding and insight of a relevant topic of specific interest | KCPT |
| 002 | Demonstrate critical engagement with existing literature relevant to their topic | KCPT |
| 003 | Use appropriate methodologies and to justify their use | CT |
| 004 | Analyse and present their findings, and to critically compare these with existing knowledge | CPT |
| 005 | Critically evaluate findings to produce sound conclusions | KCPT |
| 006 | Be aware of the limitations of their study, and be able to identify new areas for investigation/new problems/new or alternative applications or methodological approaches | KCPT |
| 007 | Communicate their findings in a concise manner, suitable for presentation to industry (the executive summary) | PT |
| 008 | Synthesise many of the elements covered in the taught part of the programme | KCPT |
| 009 | Present a major piece of coherent work based on self-directed study | KCPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The teaching and learning strategy is designed to develop the students’ ability to conduct and report independent research.
It builds on the Business Research Methods module, allowing students to gain experience of applying some of the principles and methods learned.
The teaching and learning methods include regular consultation and support by an experienced tutor in more generic aspects of the process.
Students will present initial ideas and Module convenor(s) will provide formative feedback.
Students will arrange meetings with the teaching team to discuss details of methodological approaches, how to organise fieldwork, and writing the report.
Where necessary, students must obtain ethical approval prior to data collection.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN3161
Other information
This module adopts the university curriculum framework, which aims to develop learners with strong capabilities in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module contributes to the development of all of these and the following capabilities in particular:
Employability
As this is an independent learning and research-based module, the students will have opportunities to develop research and analytical skills of direct relevance to many workplace contexts.
Digital Capabilities
Students will be required to use appropriate methodology tools and communications platforms, as well as engage with the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), SurreyLearn, and video conferencing platforms such as Microsoft Teams to facilitate learning (particularly the guided learning resources).
Resourcefulness and Resilience
Independent study for a dissertation requires both resourcefulness and resilience. The module will provide the students themselves with opportunities to further develop these skills, as they learn in and contribute to the workshops and reflect on their own experiences and problem-solving abilities.
Global and Cultural Capabilities
The module workshops will provide students with the opportunity to work in groups with other students from diverse backgrounds. This will broaden their world view, challenge their perspectives, and enhance their understanding of the values, norms, and behaviors, which exist in other cultures
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.