Faculty of Business and Law
Main Assignment Brief 2023/24
Unit Title:
Dissertations / Projects
Unit Code: 5Z7V0044 Core: YES Level: 7
Assignment Identifier: 1CWK100 Report
Unit Leader: Dr Sehar Graham
Contact Details: s.t.graham@mmu.ac.uk
Submission Date: See date on Moodle
Feedback Return Date: See Date on Moodle - 4 weeks after submission date.
Submission Instructions: Submit through submission link on the Moodle channel no later than 21.00 (9pm) on day of submission. All times are in GMT.
Feedback Return Information: Provisional marks and feedback via Moodle. View online feedback against your electronic submission.
Assignment task and word count:
For this assignment you need to produce a 12,000-word dissertation, that identifies and reports on an original piece of research conducting on your own, within an area appropriate to your degree discipline.
Unit learning outcomes assessed:
1. Establish a clear link between the extant literature in the field, the development of research aims/objectives/questions, and the design of a clear conceptual framework.
2. Apply a rigorous and appropriately justified methodology for collecting and analysing primary and secondary data with due regard to ethical considerations.
3. Interpret and present data clearly, integrating data from different sources where applicable and rigorously discussing the findings within extant literature.
4. Appraise the implications of the research outcomes in context.
5. Critically reflect on learning, academic, and personal development
AoL programme learning outcomes developed.
PLO1. Our graduates will apply critical thinking to practical and theoretical problems (developed and assessed)
PLO2. Our graduates will be effective communicators using a range of media (developed and assessed)
PLO3. Our graduates will demonstrate an awareness of ethical, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues appropriate to the level of study and the discipline context (developed and assessed)
PLO4. Our graduates will demonstrate professional and commercial/corporate awareness (developed and assessed)
Assignment Details and Instructions:
(Note: further detailed information is provided in the Student Dissertation Handbook, which is available via the unit’s Moodle area).
The purpose of this dissertation or project is to produce a substantial, original, and independent piece of scholarly work that sets out the following:
• Identifying a research problem
• research projects aim and objectives;
• specific research question or project expected outcomes;
• critical review of the related literature concluding with a synthesis of the analytical models and concepts that can be used to answer the research questions or project aim;
• an explanation of the indicative research or project design including types, sources and methods for collecting data, and appropriate data analysis techniques;
• provide a conclusion that appraises findings and their implications;
• critically reflect on learning, academic and personal development. This should be no more than 500 words and it should be included within the appendix.
Ethical approval is required for all Post Graduate dissertation research projects: -
Manchester Met is committed to ensuring that ALL research undertaken by its staff and students is conducted to high ethical standards. To facilitate that commitment, we have an online system for seeking research ethics approval called EthOS. You do need to discuss any ethical issues arising from your proposed research and ways you intend to address these issues with your supervisor.
The EthOS application portals is at https://ethos-apply.mmu.ac.uk/
For guidance, refer to https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/research/staff/ethics-and-governance/ethics/
Supervision
You will be allocated a supervisor who will provide guidance as you progress your research. Your supervisor will arrange 6 online meetings via MS Teams, with yourself and other students who are also being supervised by your supervisor. Supervisors provide guidance on how to write and prepare each chapter, as well as providing formative feedback (once) on your work. Further details regarding the supervision process can be found within the Student Dissertation Handbook.
Structure of dissertation
The dissertation has the following elements:
• Titles page
• Acknowledgements
• Declarations
• Abstract
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Data Analysis
• Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations
• Personal reflection (included as an appendix)
• Reference list
• Appendices (if used)
Formatting and structuring of dissertation.
Your dissertation should be submitted electronically on Moodle.
The following pages/sections should be included (in addition to the main body of text):
1. Title page, filled in with student number, word count, submission date and title.
2. Acknowledgments (if included)
3. Assessment declaration form (supplied on Moodle)
4. Table of Contents, including page numbers for chapters/sub-chapters, using MS Word Contents page function
5. Reference list (See guidelines)
6. Appendices (As appropriate)
The following formatting should be used:
1. Line spacing: Double-spaced or 2.0 lines.
2. Margins: 3.17 cm (1.25-) left, right and 2.54 cm (1-), top and bottom
3. Font: Type font is optional, but size should be like Times Roman 12 points on the body text.
4. Headings: Chapters and sub-chapters should have headings. Text style (and numbering) is optional but should be used consistently.
5. Page number: All pages, except from title page and Assessment Form page, should be numbered in the bottom corner.
6. Header: Optional but should include student number only if used.
7. Figures and Tables: All figures and tables should be numbered and have a title, plus are fully referenced. Style of numbering is optional. The numbering should be used when referring to a Figure or Table in the text. All tables and figures should indicate the original source, if applicable. Figure and Table lists are advisable as part of your overall contents page.
Additional information.
The expectation is that ALL students will attend all lectures. During the lectures, there will be formative tutorials to introduce the assignment and enhance your ability to draft the assignment.
What you MUST do:
• Use Manchester Met’s Cite Them Right Harvard referencing appropriately and in full both in the text as citations and listed in full, alphabetically, at the end.
• Use grammatically correct formal English.
• Proofread your work.
• Provide a robust structure and context for your analysis.
• You must use your own words – the assignment is designed to demonstrate YOUR knowledge.
You must synthesise and interpret what the various authors are saying.
• You must read the assignment brief.
• You must use UK English, not USA English.
• Include a word count on your front page.
• Adhere to the 9:00 pm (21:00) submission deadline on the submission date.
What you must NOT do:
• Do not use Wikipedia or other inappropriate websites.
• Do not use generic texts books, these will not contain the information you need.
• Do not leave the task to the last minute.
• Do not go over the word count, no work will be marked over the maximum limit.
• Do not use unnecessary quotations; you have a limited word count.
• Do not submit late.
Referencing:
Please ensure to reference all work using the Cite Them Right Harvard style. See the library guide for further information at https://www.mmu.ac.uk/library/referencing-and-study-support/referencing/citethem-right-harvard
Submission
The proposal must be submitted via the assessment submission link on Moodle by 9pm on the submission date stated in Moodle. The only exceptions are if you have applied, and received, an approved extension (see section on Late Submissions and Assessment Mitigations). In the event that there is a problem and you are unable to submit your work via Moodle, please use the Contingency Submission Assist form. The Contingency Submission Assist form for assessments is now available and can be accessed via the following link: https://manmetuni.cherwellondemand.com/CherwellPortal/AssistDL/SAMLlogin/OneStep/DLARConSub
Feedback and support
The unit’s Moodle areas provides a wealth of information, including lecture content, lecture recordings, videos and podcasts, plus additional resources from the academic skills team. Your supervisor will provide formative feedback one chapter at a time and support you as you prepare to write each chapter. After making improvements as suggested by your supervisor, you can send your work to the study skills tutors for further feedback.
Academic support
In addition the university provides a range of academic support delivered by study support tutors, please have a look here for more information and how to book sessions.
Academic Integrity, Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity is about engaging in good academic practice. It means being honest and transparent, and demonstrating rigour and accuracy in your work. This can include the proper citation and referencing of the sources of your ideas and information, ensuring that you are using appropriate research methods, or checking that your work is free of errors.
Additional information, video tutorials and guides to support good academic practice and maintain Academic Integrity in your assignments can be found on the Academic Integrity area of the Academic and Study Skills page on Moodle.
Academic Misconduct is any action that could give you an unfair advantage in coursework, exams, or any other assessed work, which could lead to undermining the academic standards of the University. This includes practices such as plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, contract cheating or falsification of data, and failing to secure Ethics approval for your work where this is required. Full details of the Manchester Metropolitan University guidelines for Academic Misconduct and definitions of terms can be found here.
Use of AI technology for your assessment task(s)
As this is a very new area, there are several questions which we don’t have answers to. These include the balance of your text and AI generated text for it to be considered your own work and what form the acknowledgement should take. The important thing is to consider these things and make a judgement based on your context.
OpenAI has a content policy that must be followed when using their tools. It states, ‘Don’t mislead your audience about AI involvement’, so if you use ChatGPT and don’t acknowledge it, you are not abiding by their terms of use.
The University Library provides some guidance on the form this acknowledgment might take here.
Late submissions & Assessment Mitigations:
Please refer to this link which will take you to MMU Student Life Assessment & Results guidance. Here you will find information for MMU’s assessment mitigations process. Further guidance can be found in this video link for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for your extension via Moodle.
Please note: If you think you are unable to submit on time due to a health or some other unforeseen issue you must request this via your unit Moodle page, referring to the guidance in the links provided above.
Late submission
Late submissions will be accepted up to seven days after the deadline. The mark for any assessment submitted during this period shall be capped at 50%. The overall unit mark will not automatically be capped, and application of a late cap at assessment level shall not be considered as a reassessment. Where, following a late submission, you have an approved request for an extension that covers the original submission period, the mark for the assessment will revert to the original, uncapped, grade. You shall not be entitled to undertake reassessment in any element(s) with a capped mark of 50% applied as a result of late submission.
Additional Resources:
See Moodle channel. In addition to the teaching resources used in lectures, this will also be used to give you access to various articles, journals and lecture recordings plus a reading list linked to Library Resources for more general textbooks to support your learning and understanding.
Marking Criteria:
Your submission will be marked using the stepped marking scheme. Your grade will show which marking band your work is in, and whether you are at the top, middle, or bottom of the band. Stepped marking is used to simplify the marking process for staff and make it clearer to students in which band their work sits.
Mark UG Classification PGT Classification
95 - 100% Outstanding First Distinction
90% Very High First
85% High First
78% Mid First
75% Low First
72% Marginal First
68% High 2.1 Merit
65% Mid 2.1
62% Low 2.1
58% High 2.2 Pass
55% Mid 2.2
52% Low 2.2
48% High third Fail
45% Mid third
42% Low third
38% Marginal Fail
35%
32%
28% Clear Fail
25%
22%
18% Very poor Fail
15%
12%
8%
5%
2%
0% Non submission
See Moodle for Unit Specification
Assessment Marking Criteria Rubric
This is how your work will be graded. You will receive an overall grade that will be GUIDED by each of the criteria. The mark will fall into a 2, 5, or 8. This grade may be achieved by the demonstration of strengths in different areas.
Above pass mark
CRITERIA 50-59% 60- 69% 70-79% 80-89% 90-100%
LO1

ablish a clear link ween the extant
rature in the field, development of
earch objectives,
the design of a
ar conceptual mework
O1 | PLO2 | PLO4) There are sufficient relevant links between the literature, research objectives and the data collection (primary or secondary). This is underpinned sufficiently by the conceptual framework underpinning the research,
but further detail is required.
There are good relevant links between the formulation of the research objectives relative to literature and context, and this is derived from a clear analysis of the separate streams of literature and how they form the focus for the current study. The data collection (primary or secondary) is clearly informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.
An excellent literature base is assimilated accurately in formulating the study objectives and
there is clear consideration of a research gap and the relevance of making a contribution to knowledge. The data design and collection (primary or secondary) is clearly and largely informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.
An exceptional literature base is assimilated accurately in formulating the study objectives and there is clear consideration of a research gap and the relevance of making a contribution to knowledge. The data design and collection (primary or secondary) is very clearly and very largely informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.
An outstanding critical literature base is assimilated accurately in formulating the study objectives and there is a very clear and thoughtful consideration of a research gap, contribution to knowledge and the strategies needed for design of the current study. The data collection (primary or secondary) is clearly and very thoroughly informed by the conceptual framework underpinning the research.
Est bet
lite the res and
cle fra (PL
LO2

Apply a rigorous and appropriately justified methodology for collecting and analysing
/ evidence primary or secondary)
with due regard to ethical considerations. PLO1 | PLO3) Data, methods and sources are sufficiently justified. Research approach is sufficiently informed by theory. There is sufficient awareness of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). Research methods are applied, and
its choice and appropriateness are sufficiently justified. Justification for the chosen consultancy approaches (if applicable) is limited. Data, methods and sources are well justified. Research approach is well informed by theory. There is a good understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). There is a competent use of research methods, and its choice and appropriateness are adequately justified. There is a review of and adequate justification for the chosen consultancy approaches (if applicable).
Excellent justification of data, methods and sources.
Excellent use of theory to inform the research approach. There is an excellent understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of
consultancy approaches (if applicable). There is a competent and thorough use of research methods, and its choice and appropriateness are
well justified. There is a thorough review of and Exceptional justification of data, methods and sources. Exceptional use of theory to inform the research approach. There is an exceptional understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). There is a very competent and thorough use of research methods, and its choice and appropriateness are well justified. There is a very thorough review of and well argued choice of consultancy approaches (if applicable).
Outstanding justification of data, methods and sources. Outstanding use of theory to inform the research approach. There is an outstanding understanding of currently recognized research methodologies and methods, and of consultancy approaches (if applicable). There is an outstanding use of appropriate (even innovative) methods, and a very robust justification of the methodology / methods employed and of the consultancy approaches taken (if applicable).
data
(
(
well argued choice of consultancy approaches (if applicable).
LO3

erpret and present
a clearly; integrating a from different
rces where
licable and
rously discussing findings within
ant literature. O1 | PLO2) There is sufficient primary data and/or secondary data collected which is evidenced. Data analysis techniques were satisfactorily applied. The interpretation of data addresses the organizational issues and most of the research objectives but there is room for improvement in the integration of data. Presentation of findings is sufficient, with acceptable referencing supporting the argument, clear structure, and appropriate writing style. There is a good amount of relevant primary data and/or secondary data collected which is evidenced. Data analysis techniques were properly applied. The interpretation of data appropriately addresses all the organizational issues and research objectives.
Presentation of findings is good with accurate referencing supporting the argument, clear structure and reasonably fluent writing style. An excellent collection of extensive and relevant primary data and/or secondary data is evidenced. Data analysis techniques were well applied, exploring several dimensions of the body of evidence. A thorough interpretation of data addresses fully the organizational issues and research objectives. Presentation of findings is clear and accurate. There is consistent referencing interweaving the points made, supporting well the development of the argument. The text is fluently written reflecting a well linked structure.
An exceptional collection of extensive and relevant primary data and/or secondary data is evidenced. Data analysis techniques were very well applied, exploring several dimensions of the body of evidence. A very thorough interpretation of data addresses fully the organizational issues and research objectives. Excellent presentation of findings. There is consistent referencing interweaving the points made, supporting well the development of the argument. The text is fluently written reflecting a very well linked structure.
An outstanding collection of extensive and relevant primary data and/or secondary data is evidenced. Data analysis techniques were extremely well applied, exploring several dimensions of the body of evidence and fully integrating various data sources. A thorough and insightful interpretation of data addresses in great depth all the organizational issues and research objectives.
Outstanding presentation of findings. There is very clear, accurate and consistent referencing interweaving the points made, thus providing a sound and robust corroboration to the findings. The text is fluent and very convincing, reflecting a well linked and very cohesive structure.
Int dat dat sou app rigo the ext (PL
LO4

Appraise the implications of the
research outcomes in
PLO1 | PLO2 | PLO4) There is a sufficiently detailed discussion of the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice. The discussion is in line with the scope of findings, though lacks critical and forward thinking.
There is a good discussion of the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice. The discussion, in line with the scope of findings, has some elements of critical and forward thinking.
There is a thoughtful and excellent discussion of the impact of findings on
organization strategy and management
practice. The discussion, in line with the scope of findings, has substantial elements of critical thinking and a reasonably justified vision (forward thinking).
There is a thoughtful and exceptional discussion of the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice. The discussion, in line with the scope of findings, has substantial elements of critical thinking and a reasonably justified vision (forward thinking).
There is an outstanding discussion of the impact of findings on organization
strategy and management
practice. The discussion, in line with the scope of findings, demonstrates original and creative thinking with a wellargued and convincing vision (forward thinking).
context
(
LO5

Critically reflect on learning, academic and
personal development
4) Sufficient critical reflection on learning. Descriptive personal critical reflection consistent with other elements. Good critical reflection on learning, demonstrated by managing the planning and review process. Personal critical reflection demonstrates critical self-awareness of professional development and learning from unit. Excellent critical reflection on learning demonstrated. Personal critical reflection demonstrates critical
analysis of professional development and learning from unit. Exceptional critical reflection on
learning journey and professional skills gained. Outstanding critical reflection on learning journey and professional skills gained.
(PLO
Below Pass Mark
CRITERIA 0-19% 20-29% 30 - 39% 40-49%
LO1

ablish a clear link between
extant literature in the
d, the development of
earch objectives, and the ign of a clear conceptual
mework.
O1 | PLO2 | PLO4) There are no relevant links between the literature, research objectives and the data collection (primary or secondary). The research lacks focus. Research objectives are not explicitly stated.
There are very limited relevant links between the literature, research objectives and the data collection (primary or secondary). Very weak attempt to identify relevant research focus. Very limited evidence to support arguments. Objectives are unclear.
There are limited relevant links between the literature, research objectives and the data collection (primary or secondary).
Weak attempt to identify relevant research focus. Limited evidence to support arguments made. Objectives are too broad.
There are some but still insufficient relevant links between the literature, research objectives and the data collection (primary or secondary). Relevant research focus is identified but explanation and justification may
lack detail, clarity, and evidence, and demonstrate some misunderstandings. Objectives are still loose in expression.
Est the fiel res des fra (PL

LO2

ply a rigorous and
ropriately justified
thodology for collecting and
lysing primary data with
regard to ethical
siderations (ETHOS lication).
O1 | PLO3) No attempt to justify data, methods and sources. Weak attempt without use of theory. Unclear explanation of approach. No evidence of
ethical conduct or consideration of ethical issues. Very limited attempt to justify data, methods and sources. Any use of theory either too generic or demonstrates fundamental misunderstandings. Extremely limited consideration of generic ethical issues. Unclear if conducted ethically.
Limited attempt to justify data, methods and sources. Use of theory may be too generic and/or demonstrate little understanding. Some ethical conduct and consideration of generic ethical issues. Basic attempt to justify data, methods and sources. Some descriptive use of relevant theory. Evidence of ethical conduct, but still weak on rationale for this.
Ap app me
ana due con
app
(PL
LO3

Interpret and present data clearly; integrating data from different sources where applicable and rigorously discussing the findings within extant literature.
PLO1 | PLO2) Data largely in raw state. Any analysis show fundamental misunderstanding(s) of technique(s) and only partially addresses research objectives. No discussion in relation to the literature. Very limited data analysis. Presentation unclear/poorly organised. Analysis show several misunderstanding(s) of technique(s) and only partially addresses research objectives. Minimal discussion in relation to the literature review.
Limited data analysis. Data is descriptively presented. Analysis show some connection to research objectives but with some misunderstanding(s) of technique(s). Superficial discussion in relation to the literature review. Some critical analysis that partially addresses organizational issues. Basic and still insufficient discussion of the findings in relation to the research objectives, poorly related to the literature review. Shows broad understanding of data analysis techniques.
(
LO4

praise the implications of the
earch outcomes in context
O1 | PLO2 | PLO4) No implications drawn from discussion. This is not addressed or is severely impaired by the insufficiency of research findings. There is no attempt to derive the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice. Very limited implications drawn that have tenuous links to the discussion. This link is impaired but the insufficiency of research findings. There is very little attempt to derive the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice.
Limited implications drawn from discussion. There is limited attempt to derive the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice.
Some but still insufficient implications drawn from discussion. There is a weak attempt to derive the impact of findings on organization strategy and management practice.
Ap
res
(PL
LO5

Critically reflect on learning, academic and personal
development
4) No evidence of critical reflection on learning demonstrated. Missing written personal critical reflection Very limited evidence of critical reflection on learning. Minimal and descriptive personal critical reflection, possibly unsupported by other elements. Limited evidence of critical reflection on learning. Some limited descriptive personal critical reflection, possibly unsupported by other elements. Some but still insufficient evidence of critical reflection on learning. Some descriptive personal critical reflection consistent with other elements.
(PLO