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MODULE DESCRIPTOR
Module Title
Dissertation (Research Methods Route)
Reference BSM581 Version 4
Created April 2017 SCQF Level SCQF 11
Approved August 2013 SCQF Points 60
Amended August 2017 ECTS Points 30

Aims of Module
To provide students with the opportunity to undertake supervised, independent research on a topic of their choice in an area related to their subject discipline, applying the associated research skills acquired in the Research Methods module, to produce a dissertation, which sheds new light on the selected topic and which may be able to create new knowledge and understanding.

Learning Outcomes for Module
On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:
1 Critically evaluate a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and to select data collection and analysis techniques appropriate to their dissertation.
2 Apply information retrieval techniques to access relevant published materials and prepare a literature review.
3 Undertake a major piece of independent research in an area related to their subject discipline, involving the design and implementation of an appropriate methodology and present and discuss the findings critically and coherently in writing.
4 Synthesise and apply in a practical context, the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in the taught elements of the programme.

Indicative Module Content
Philosophy and practice of national and international research; reviewing literature; qualitative and/or quantitative research techniques; surveys and sampling; information retrieval; project management; questionnaire design; data analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Research Ethics.

Module Delivery
This module consists of independent work. All students are allocated a dissertation supervisor at the earlier proposal stage in the Research Methods module. This supervisor continues to work with the student towards the development of their dissertation. Tutorial meetings or distance learning equivalent will be mutually agreed to help, direct and monitor the progress of the dissertation.

Indicative Student Workload Full Time Part Time
Contact Hours 22 22
Non-Contact Hours 578 578
Placement/Work-Based Learning Experience [Notional] Hours N/A N/A
TOTAL 600 600
Actual Placement hours for professional, statutory or regulatory body    

ASSESSMENT PLAN
If a major/minor model is used and box is ticked, % weightings below are indicative only.
Component 1
Type: Coursework Weighting: 100% Outcomes Assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4
Description: Assessment is based on the submission of a written 20,000 word dissertation.

MODULE PERFORMANCE DESCRIPTOR
Explanatory Text
The module is assessed by one component: C1 - Coursework - 100% weighting. Module Pass Mark = Grade D (40%)
Module Grade Minimum Requirements to achieve Module Grade:
A 70% or above
B 60% - 69%
C 50% - 59%
D 40% - 49%
E 35% - 39%
F 0% - 34%
NS Non-submission of work by published deadline or non-attendance for examination

Module Requirements
Prerequisites for Module Successful completion of BSM577 Research Methods.
Corequisites for module None.
Precluded Modules None.

INDICATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 GIRDEN, E.R., 2011. Evaluating research articles from start to finish. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
2 JOYNER, R.L., ROUSE, W.A. and GLATTHORN, A.A., 2013. Writing the winning thesis or dissertation: a step by step guide. 3rd ed. California: Corwin.
3 ROZAKIS, R., 2007. Schaum's quick guide to writing great research papers. 2nd ed. London: McGraw-Hill. ebook
4 SAUNDERS, M., LEWIS, P. and THORNHILL, A., 2016. Research methods for business students. 7th ed. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall. ebook
5 SEKARAN, U. and BOUGIE, R.,2016. Research methods for business. 7th ed. New York: John Wiley.

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee House, Aberdeen, AB10 7QB, Scotland, UK: a Scottish charity, registration No. SC013781