leeds university dissertation requirements

8/22/2019 Leeds University Dissertation Requirements

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Leeds University Business School

Dissertation briefing sessionMaking a start

Nicolas Forsans

December 6th, 2012


Introduction to the dissertation

What is the dissertation?

Types of dissertation

Linking your dissertation to work-based experience

Process

Questions for you to think about

Deadlines and timescales

Tips


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What the dissertation is

an extended piece of research 12,000 words

on a topic of your choice

to be carried out throughout Semester 2 andover the summer period

centred around a particular problem

that can be broken down into specific research questions

which can be answered using an appropriate choice of methods, such as

qualitative methods, e.g. survey, interviews, observations quantitative methods, e.g. regression / statistical analysis

The dissertation I


What the dissertation involves

the generation of knowledge a piece of work that adds value

produces findings that were not (readily) available

the creation of a new set of data (primary data) or the exploitation of an existing dataset

analysis

Dissertation fully integrated with the Research component of Prof. & Res Skills module

The only compulsory- o-pass module on the programme

The dissertation II


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Three main types Traditional dissertation

more academic in nature

Involves desk-based research, primary data collection or secondary data analysis

Dissertation linked to a company-sponsored project

Focus on (possibly) a more practical problem that is relevant to a specific organisation

Involves desk-based research, primary data collection or secondary data analysis

More applied in nature, but still involves use of theory

Dissertation linked to an internship

Similar to project-based

Main difference is the degree of your involvement

Types of dissertation

Blurred boundaries between all three types


Example of past dissertations

Does the choice of entry modes affect firm performance?

Do multinational firms outcompete domestic rivals in foreign markets? An investigation of theretailing industry in America

Impact of foreign direct investment on firm performance in Thailands manufacturingindustries

Do farmers in Africa benefit from the FairTrade scheme?

Student attitude and behaviour towards illegal music downloads

How can a Facebook-based customer engagement strategy be exported across countries?

Does the strategic positioning of UK-based supermarkets fit with customer perceptions of it?

The traditional dissertation


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What it is

An extended piece of work centred around a particular problem / issue that needs

addressing; can be broken down into a specific set of questions

These questions can be addressed using an appropriate method of enquiry

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Example of past dissertations Understanding the purchasing behaviour of lingerie by Indian women Consumer behaviour towards mobile phones in emerging countries

How can a small Yorkshire-based family firm penetrate the Italian market?

The project-based dissertation


Typical structure / steps

What is the problem that needs solving?

What do we already know about the problem?

Literature review

What questions have been left unanswered? What questions do I want to focus on?

Problem scoping

What would I expect the answer to t hese questions to be, given what we already know?

Hypotheses formulation

How to address the question(s) / solve the problem?

Research methods formulation

Your empirical analysis

Hypotheses testing

Your conclusion

How did your research help address the problem?

Are there limitations attached to your findings?

The traditional dissertation


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The Process (1)

Quantitative Methods for IB

Research Methods

The Dissertation


The Process (2)


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A traditional dissertation or one linked to a project?

Theyre not necessarily very different in scope

In all cases, a dissertation will need submitting

A problem will need identifying

Key advantages of a company project

Access to the firm, possibly on an infrequent / ad-hoc basis

An opportunity to shine and get noticed

Key disadvantage

Need to produce two separate output

A dissertation

A company report - deliverables

Key questions for you to think about.


Two ways to go about it

Do it yourself

Negotiate topic and firm requirements

Well help you link it to a dissertation

Suitable if you have your own business idea, or are capable of leveraging existingbusiness contacts

ork with us

Sourcing a project


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Start thinking about it now

What could be an interesting problem worth investigating

Essential: one that can be researched / investigated / addressed

Choose a topic that interests ou, and ideally one that fits with your aspirations

Linked to your career ambitions? Hobbies? Interests? Business idea? Personal

development?

Make preliminary enquiries

Read and keep up-to-date newspapers, magazines, blogs, tweets

Watch tv programmes; listen talk Question what you read

Dont be afraid to step outside the beaten track

Tips I


Make the most of the Careers Centre

On campus + Elizabeth

One- o-one appointments +regular drop-in sessions

CV checking, letter checking Advice, support etc.

Leverage networking

opportunities

Make the best of professionalsocial networks be active,

contribute to conversations, be

seen employers want safe bets

Follow your interests!

Tips II


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Dissertation timescales and deadlines

eek starting Activity Start thinking about Assignment Deadline

3rd D ec emb er D iss er ta ti on b r ie f Your topic, your interests,

potential problems you wish to

address21st J an ua ry R es ea rc h Ski ll s mo du le

start

28th Janu ar y Li bra ry t ra ini ng The resources available to you,

studies of relevance to the

problem: what do we know about

my research questions?

4th F eb ru ar y L it er at ur e re vi ew a nd

frameworks

Submission of topic,

problem to be addressed

and early literature review

7th March

Throughout February

& March

Data collection, qualitative

analysis, quantitative

analysis

Your research strategy: what is

the best way of answering your

research questions?

Identificationof suitable

research methods

15thApril Dissertation rationale Pulling it together Submission of dissertation

proposal

9th May

May/June/ July P resent at ion

Empirical analysis

Data collection, writing up Dissertation submission 1st August


Any question?

leeds university dissertation requirements

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