Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
At the end of this module, the successful students should be able to:
Skills
At the end of this module, the successful students should be able to:
Syllabus
The following areas of study are covered in this module:
Reading materials/ Learning materials
Students should obtain up-to-date material relevant to the topic to be researched. The project supervisor will guide students in this respect. For learning about research methodologies/methods and other related issues the following books are recommended:
Recommended Texts:
Fisher, C, (2010), Researching and Writing a Dissertation (3rd Ed.). FT Prentice Hall
Ghauri, P., Gronhaug, K, (2010), Research Methods in Business Studies (4th Ed.). FT
Prentice Hall
Sekaran, U., Bougie, R., (2013), Research Methods for Business (6th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons
Other Texts:
Asteriou, D., Hall S.G., (2011), Applied Econometrics (2nd Ed.). Palgrave Macmillan
Brooks, C, (2008), Introductory Econometrics for Finance (2nd Ed.). Cambridge University Press
Bryman, A., Bell, E., (2011), Business Research Methods (3rd Ed.). Oxford University Press
Bryman, A., Carmer, D., (2011), Quantitative Data Analysis with IBM SPSS 17, 18 and 19. Routledge
Davis, G., Pecar, P., (2010), Business Statistics using Excel. Oxford University Press
Koop, G., (2004), Analysis of Economic Data (2nd Ed.). John Wiley & Sons
Levin, P., (2006), Excellent Dissertations. Maidenhead, UK: Open University Press
Munger, D., Campbell, S., (2012), What Every Student Should Know about Researching
Online (2nd Ed.). PEARSON
Ryan, B., Scapens, R.W., Theobald, M., Beattie, V., (2002), Research Methods and
Methodology in Finance and Accounting (2nd Ed.). Cengage Learning
Seiler, M.J., (2004), Performing Financial Studies: A Methodological Cookbook. Prentice
Hall
Swanborn, P., (2010), Case Study Research: What, Why and How? Sage Publications
Wisker, G., (2008), The Postgraduate Research Handbook (2nd Ed.). Palgrave Macmillan
For additional learning materials consult the module handbook or the on-line reading list.
Other than the above learning materials which are available in the School library, students are required to read and refer to latest works on research methods.
Learning Strategies
This module utilises a learner-centred approach, employing directed reading, resource-based learning and online guidance as primary supports. Students are expected to engage in selfmanaged learning activities.
Theoretical and practical related material will be delivered during a series of lectures/ seminars of other modules in the programme (employing both in-class and e-learning resources).
The research proposal will allow students to state clearly their research design including research objectives/questions/hypotheses and research methodology/methods to be employed and preliminary literature review.
The final dissertation should demonstrate comprehensive in-depth knowledge of the area of the topic selected including related theories and findings of research studies.
E-learning
Moodle will be used to provide students online access to Module handbook and other resources such as TURNITIN, Announcements, and Discussion Board.
MODULE ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment will be employed to provide feedback to students on various tasks performed by students such as dissertation proposals and draft dissertation chapters to help improve their performance in summative assessment.
Students will submit a compulsory (non-assessed) dissertation proposal. Students who fail to submit a dissertation proposal will not be allocated a supervisor and therefore will not be permitted to proceed to the dissertation stage of the programme.
Summative assessment (to measure the achievement of intended learning outcomes) will be employed through dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. For this both face to face and online feedback will be provided before submission.
Assessment Weighting
Coursework: 100%
The dissertation is assessed through:
Research Proposal: Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 words (0% marks)
Once the selected research topic is approved by the supervisor, the student is expected to prepare a detailed research proposal covering Introduction of the study, Literature Review, and Research Design. This documents is not assessed, but is used by the supervisor to provide feedback to the student and ensure the student is on right track.
Final dissertation: Approximately 15,000 words (100% of total marks)
Each student is required to select a specialised research topic in the area of financial management and work under an allocated supervisor and produce a dissertation. Feedback will be given throughout the period of the research project from approval of the topic until submission. This will address learning outcomes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Assessment Criteria
Your dissertation will be assessed using the following criteria:
NOTE:
The dissertation will be marked by two internal markers, one being your supervisor.
You may be examined orally (a “viva voice”) by a small panel of internal and/or external assessors. A viva involving external assessors is likely to take place where a dissertation is particularly good, where it displays distinctive or unusual features or where there is the possibility of failure. It will be the responsibility of the Programme Leader in consultation with your supervisor and the second marker to determine whether or not a viva is required.
An internal viva may be set at a time to be determined by the Programme Leader with regard to the availability of the staff and student but in any event before the internal Assessment board. A viva involving an external examiner would normally take place on the day that the assessment board meets.
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