This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module develops the necessary knowledge and skills for students to be able to successfully complete a business report/dissertation proposal. Topics are:
- Choosing a company for analysis/ the finance topic of interest
- Identifying suitable finance issues relevant to the chosen company
- Searching and reviewing the literature and Bloomberg
- Choosing suitable methods and approaches for analysing the chosen company
- Preparing the business report/dissertation proposal
- Structuring the business report/dissertation
Total contact hours: 12
Private study hours: 138
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Project proposal (1000 words) (100%)
Reassessment method:
100% coursework
Beattie, V., Ryan, B., Scappen, R. W. and Theobald, M. (2002), "Research Methods and Methodology in Finance and Accounting", Cengage Learning
Blumberg, B., Cooper, D.R., and P.S. Schindler (2008), "Business Research Methods", 2nd European Ed, McGraw Hill
Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2006) "Business Research Methods", Oxford University Press
Hussey, J. and Hussey, R. (1997) "Business Research: A Practical Guide for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students, Palgrave
Weyers, J. and McMillan, K. (2007) "How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports", Prentice Hall
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- identify a topic on which to write a research proposal which is appropriate to the student's degree;
- identify and apply appropriate tools and techniques to support the proposal;
- carry out an effective literature search using electronic sources such as Web of Knowledge and Business Source Complete; accurately summarise the literature sources and critically evaluate their relevance;
- specify what data they will need to collect to carry out the report/dissertation and how they will go about obtaining it;
- be aware of a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that might be necessary to analyse the data.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate critical thinking;
- select, organise, develop and synthesise complex material;
- demonstrate problem solving;
- plan, work and study independently;
- demonstrate competence in numeracy and quantitative skills including the use of models of finance; qualitative research skills;
- conduct research into finance and management issues;
- identify, find, record, organise and manipulate and communicate knowledge relevant to the evaluation of the financial performance and management of organisations.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
