MM358: Dissertation

All About MM358: Dissertation

The MM358 dissertation is a final-year research project that requires students to conduct independent research on a business-related topic. It involves selecting a relevant issue, reviewing existing literature, and applying academic theories to real-world business challenges. The research must be structured with a clear methodology, whether qualitative or quantitative, to ensure reliable data collection and analysis.

A well-executed dissertation demonstrates critical thinking, originality, and strong research skills. Data analysis plays a key role in identifying patterns and drawing conclusions, which must be supported by evidence. The final section includes conclusions and recommendations, highlighting the significance of the findings and suggesting future research or practical applications.

Successfully completing an MM358 dissertation requires strong time management, analytical skills, and attention to detail. It provides students with an opportunity to showcase their understanding of business concepts and contribute valuable insights to academic research and industry practice.

Module code: MM358

Module provider: International Business and Strategy; Henley Business School

Credits: 40

Level: 6

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor:

Pre-requisite module(s): Entry to module to be determined by application (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE AC317 OR TAKE IC305 OR TAKE MM310 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 19 November 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module leads to the production of a dissertation of 10,000 words, excluding title page, contents page, tables, illustrations and their captions, appendices and bibliography. The aim is to allow a student to conduct an extended in-depth examination of a chosen topic in business and management broadly speaking, based on guided independent research.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify and summarise a key issue / problem / research topic within a business and management area.
2. Conduct a literature review demonstrating, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the contribution of a range of academic and professional authors.
3. Select the appropriate research methodology or methodologies.
4. Engage in a significant piece of independent academic research.
5. Critically appraise ideas / contributions from theoretical, empirical and practice-based sources.
6. Organise and critically evaluate different types of data or information.
7. Organise and present information clearly, succinctly and in the required format to be able to formulate defensible conclusions based on robust evidence.
8. Make an effective oral presentation on their dissertation topic and respond effectively to questions.

Module content

Students will engage in the following academic activities relating to the production of the Dissertation:

• Identification and Development of a Dissertation topic.
• Searching for, and organisation of, source material.
• Framing the study and consideration of appropriate methods.
• Construction of an in-depth literature review.
• Collection and analysis of data/material.
• Evaluation of data.
• Interpretation of meaning and discussion of findings.
• Referencing sources.
• Preparing a presentation for oral examination.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Guided independent study is the main teaching and learning method for the dissertation. Students opting for the module will be briefed at the end of the Semester 2 of Part 2 and asked to begin thinking about topic ideas over the Summer break.

An initial series of lectures and briefing tutorials/seminars in Semester 1 will deliver more focussed research methods training. Following the production of a substantive research proposal, a more specialist supervisor will guide the student to completion of the dissertation.

Study hours

At least 6 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities	Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
Lectures	2
Seminars	4
Tutorials
Project Supervision	3	3
Demonstrations
Practical classes and workshops
Supervised time in studio / workshop
Scheduled revision sessions
Feedback meetings with staff
Fieldwork
External visits
Work-based learning

Self-scheduled teaching and learning activities	Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
Directed viewing of video materials/screencasts
Participation in discussion boards/other discussions
Feedback meetings with staff
Other
Other (details)

 

Placement and study abroad	Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
Placement
Study abroad

Please note that the hours listed above are for guidance purposes only.

Independent study hours	Semester 1	Semester 2	Summer
Independent study hours	191	197

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Type of assessment	Detail of assessment	% contribution towards module mark	Size of assessment	Submission date	Additional information
Capstone project	Dissertation	90	10,000 words	Semester 2, Teaching Week 12
Oral assessment	Oral Presentation	10	15 minutes	Semester 2, Assessment Period	An oral presentation of 10 minutes with 5 minutes of questioning.

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Students will submit a dissertation proposal document to their supervisor during Semester 1 for formative feedback on the early stages of idea development and research.

Reassessment

Type of reassessment	Detail of reassessment	% contribution towards module mark	Size of reassessment	Submission date	Additional information
Capstone project	Dissertation Resubmission	90	10,000 words	During the University resit period August/September	Resubmission of dissertation.
Oral reassessment	Oral Presentation Resubmission	10	15 minutes	During the University`s resit period August/September	Resubmission of dissertation requires oral examination.

MM358: Dissertation – Key to Success

MM358 is not just about writing a long paper; it’s about demonstrating independent research, critical analysis, and structured argumentation. Here’s what truly matters:

1. Choosing a Strong Research Question – Your topic must be specific, relevant, and manageable within the given timeframe. A well-defined question will shape your entire dissertation.

2. Literature Review with Purpose – Don’t just summarize sources—critically engage with them. Show how your research builds on existing knowledge and where gaps exist.

3. Methodology Matters – Be clear on your research design. Whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, justify your choice and explain how it ensures reliable results.

4. Data and Analysis – Your findings should align with your research objectives. Present them clearly with well-structured discussions, linking back to your literature review.

5. Clear, Concise Writing – Avoid unnecessary complexity. A well-written dissertation is logical, structured, and easy to follow. Proofreading and proper referencing (Harvard, APA, or required style) are crucial.

6. Time Management – Start early, set milestones, and seek feedback. A rushed dissertation rarely achieves top grades.

MM358 is your opportunity to showcase your ability to conduct meaningful research. Approach it strategically, and you’ll produce something truly valuable.