01
The indicative module outline is as follows:
Semester 3
Mandatory
Specialisation
Thesis
30
ECTS Credits
English
Language
None
Prerequisites
No
Open to Erasmus
Module Description
During the third semester, students are required to either undertake a research project on a topic of their choice or deliver an industrial dissertation provided that certain conditions are met with regards to the host organization. A supervisor will guide students throughout their dissertation while generic guidance will be provided to help students identify a suitable topic, prepare a literature review, choose an appropriate methodological approach and structuring their dissertation. Case studies will be used to support learning.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the literature relevant to their chosen research topic.
- Identify relevant methodological approaches relevant to a given research topic and select the most suitable among competing ones.
- Synthesise the findings of the literature and the evaluation of methodologies to produce testable hypotheses.
- Apply an appropriate methodology to a piece of individual research.
- Interpret and critically discuss the results of their research to synthesize and current economic trends.
- Prepare and present a well-written piece of research work.
Module Outline
6 thematic units across the semester.
02
Introduce students to the principles of conducting a research project
03
Explain how a literature review is conducted and structured
04
Discuss principles of identifying and implementing an appropriate methodological approach
05
Discuss issues related to structuring the research project, dealing with sensitive information and other ethical considerations.
06
Conduct empirical/applied research
Assessment
Description of the assessment process
Assessment Language, Assessment Methods, Formative or Summative, Multiple Choice Test, Short Answer Questions, Essay Development Questions, Problem Solving, Written Assignment, Report/Report, Oral Examination, Public Presentation, Laboratory Paper, Clinical Patient Examination, Artistic Interpretation, Other/Other
Explicitly defined assessment criteria and if and where they are accessible by students are mentioned.
The module assessment language is in English and students are expected to exhibit the required level of proficiency.
The assessment of the course consists of:
Dissertation (100%)
The evaluation criteria across modes of assessment include the following:
Demonstration of key knowledge related to the content of course
Demonstration of an ability to apply the knowledge in a given problem or case study
Critical ability evident in applying appropriate methods/knowledge in a given case and/or developing theory-based and literature based arguments.
Structure and presentation
Use of English language
More detailed assessment criteria will be provided to you in the module handbook document or posted on the course webpage, if deemed necessary.
Suggested Bibliography
- Saunders M., Lewis P., and Thornhill A., (2003 or later). Research methods for business students. Prentice-Hall.
- Flower F.J., (1993 or later). Survey research methods. Sage Publishing.
- Wallace A.W. (1991). Accounting research methods: do the facts speak for themselves?. Richard D. Irwin.
- Other library sources, including journal articles accessible through the Library, as assigned by the instructor.