This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This research project forms a major assessed element of the course. The dissertation must be on a topic relevant to the MSc in International Business and Economic Development, as proposed by the individual student and approved by the relevant supervisor. Students are assigned a supervisor upon submission of the dissertation proposal to topic and staff expertise. Supervision of work on the dissertation is concentrated in the second half of the academic year.
Total contact hours: 12
Private study hours: 588
Total study hours: 600
Main assessment methods
Project (10000 - 15000 words) (100%)
Reassessment methods
100% project
The research reading list will vary according to topic, but the following list is of general readings offered to students:
Biggam, J. (2011) Succeeding with your Master's Dissertation: a Step by Step Handbook, (2nd edition), Open University Press: Maidenhead, UK
Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2011) Business Research Methods, (3rd edition), Oxford University Press: Oxford, UK
Saunders, N. K. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students, (6th edition), Pearson Education Limited: Harlow, UK
Wisker, G. (2007) The Postgraduate Research Handbook: Succeed with your MA, MPhil, EdD and PhD, (2nd edition), Palgrave: Basingstoke, UK
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:
- demonstrate understanding of ontological, epistemological, and methodological issues involved in the research design of dissertation projects in international business, and the relationship between these concepts;
- demonstrate awareness of the difficulties involved in formulating a meaningful and feasible research question, as well as of the ways of overcoming these difficulties;
- demonstrate awareness of the need to be methodical and systematic in their studies, and to be critical in their use of the work done by other international business scholars;
- demonstrate familiarity with learning resources in international business;
- demonstrate familiarity with the literature, theories, concepts and methods relevant to their research topic;
- critically engage with international business phenomena, including the terminology, concepts, theories and methods of international business analysis;
- examine and evaluate different interpretations of international business issues, events and solutions to problems;
- describe, evaluate and apply different approaches involved in collecting, analysing and presenting data relevant to international business;
- demonstrate familiarity with the various conventions of academic writing (style, citation, bibliography, etc.).
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- work with theoretical knowledge at the forefront of their discipline;
- be aware of the ethical dimensions of the scholarly work done in their discipline in general as well as of their own work in particular;
- develop a comprehensive understanding of methods and methodologies in their discipline;
- undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory areas of knowledge;
- develop a level of conceptual understanding that will allow them to critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and methodologies and argue alternative approaches;
- become reflective and self-critical in their research work;
- engage in academic and professional communication;
- develop independent learning ability required for continuing professional study.
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