A signed copy of this form must be submitted on Blackboa.docx

A signed copy of this form must be submitted on Blackboard.
Leicester Business School
Topic agreement form
As part of your dissertation process you are required to formally
agree a topic with your supervisor, so that you can effectively
progress onto the next stage of your research. Please note that
once you have agreed your topic with your supervisor, you may
make small adjustments to reflect, for example, a sharper focus
or a specific context, but you will not be allowed to change the
core subject under study.
Applicant
Last Name:
First Name:
DMU Email Address:
Student no.
Programme of study:
Supervisor
Last Name

First Name:
The research
Indicative Title:
Indicative aims and objectives:
Summary of the literature/ rationale for the study (about 200
words):
Indicative data Collection methods (about 80 words)
Signature of Researcher: Date: ………….…….
Signature of the Supervisor:
.................................................................. Date:
.....................
1
What is a dissertation?

A dissertation at De Montfort University is first and foremost
there to fulfill the academic requirements for a Masters degree:
it is a means to an end. It should be 12,000 to 15,000 words
long and be based on research undertaken by yourself. This
research usually includes:
· a literature review – secondary research;
· original research in the form of surveys, case studies,
questionnaires, etc – primary research; and
· analysis and evaluation leading to appropriate
recommendations.
The key difference from other assignments is that youchoose the
topic and the approach to dealing with it. It is yourtopic and
you are in control of it. Your supervisor can advise and support,
but you should initiate and maintain contact.
Topics should be:
· relevant to you and your programme of study; and
· of some general applicability.
Research strategy
You need to consider an appropriate method to address your
research question.
Understanding the framework
This is only a guideline but the standard structure of a
dissertation is:
Title page
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction – what, why and how (outline of what
follows)
Chapter 2: Literature survey
Chapter 3: Methodological discussion
Chapter 4: Empirical data and research findings
Chapter 5: Analysis
Chapter 6: Conclusion
References

Appendices
What is really important is connectedness: that the various parts
of the dissertation fit together:
· the empirical data and analysis needs to relate back to the
literature survey;
· the methodology has to be appropriate;
· the conclusions relate to the research question;
· the dissertation does what it claimed in the introduction; and
· the title accurately describes the contents.
Remember to make use of the resources available (for example,
dissertation text books), to check your understanding of what
constitutes a dissertation.
Also, please be aware that requirements for a dissertations vary
amongst institutions, within institutions, disciplines, levels of
study, etc. Please refer to your module handbook for specific
details and specifications relevant to you.
Faculty of Business and Law
LBPG5017 Dissertation
Academic Year: 2017-2018 (Sept 2017 cohort)
Credit value: 60 credits
Module coordinator: Dr Jillian Yeow
Email: [email protected]
Room: HU 4.104
Advice and Feedback hours: TBA

Module Overview
Assessment 1
Type
Other coursework
Length
12,000 – 15,000 words
Weighting
100%
Contents
1 Introduction 4
2 Purposes of this guidance 5
3 The dissertation defined 5
4 The aims of the dissertation 6
5 Learning Outcomes 6
6 Programme requirements 6
7 Key dates and deadlines, extensions and deferrals 7
8 Reassessment Opportunity 8
9 Criteria for a good dissertation 9
10 The focus of your dissertation 9
10.1 Helping you to choose your focus and identifying a
supervisor 9
10.2 Your final choice of topic and completing the Topic
Agreement Form 9
10.3 Your Plan of Approach 10
11 Research: key aspects 11
11.1 Choice of Methodology and data collection 11
11.2 Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches 11
11.3 The Ethics form and Fieldwork 11

11.4 Fieldwork Abroad 12
11.5 Data Safekeeping and Availability 12
11.6 Enhancing Research Skills 12
11.7 Getting Started on your Research 12
11.8 Reference Material and Referencing13
12 Expectations and Responsibilities of the Student 13
13 Expectations and Responsibilities of the Supervisor 14
14 Meetings: Supervisor/Supervisee and the Discussion
Record Form 15
15 Writing up your research 15
15.1 The Dissertation Content and Sequence 15
15.2 Literature review 16
16 Dissertation: submission requirements 18
16.1 Word Length, Format and Turnitin 18
16.2 Submission Date, Extension and Deferral Requests 18
16.3 Personal Reflection 18
16.4 Compulsory appendices 18
16.5 Viva Voce 19
17 Frequently asked questions 19
18 The appendices19
18.1 Appendix 1 20
18.2 Appendix 2 22
18.3 Appendix 3a: De Montfort University Guidelines for
Ethical Research 23
18.4 Appendix 3b 24
18.5 Appendix 4: Recommended resources 25
18.6 Appendix 5 27
18.7 Appendix 6: Outline of chapter sequence and content 28
18.8 Appendix 7: Dissertation submission requirements 30
18.9 Appendix 8: Title page template 32
18.10 Appendix 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
33

Introduction
The aim of this module handbook is to provide guidance and
support for the Dissertation and fulfils a different function from
most of the other materials produced on the MSc programmes.
The purpose of this handbook is not to provide knowledge, but
rather to act as a resource and guide for a project that you will
devise yourself. Therefore, the handbook contains details of the
expectations of both you and your supervisor, details on proper
presentation of the dissertation and guidance on planning the
research process.
You should also refer to the materials from your research
methodology module (LBPG5018), particularly in recapping any
materials on the research process, including research design and
specific approaches and techniques to research. The handbook
is also supplemented by a range of materials and resources on
the module site on Blackboard.
There are three important points to note with regards to the
process of researching and writing for the Dissertation:
· The process is fundamentally different from any other element
on the Masters programme. Instead of a number of small
assignments, this involves one large piece of work in which the
topic has to be properly sustained.
· The actual subject for the research is devised by you rather
than being set by a tutor. This means that the whole learning
process is largely self-initiated and controlled by you. The role
of the supervisor is responsive and so depends on material
generated by you. The supervisor will not tell you what to look
at, what to include or what to write: they will advise, but not
control the process. This, however, should be seen as a
positive: it is an opportunity for you to look at an issue that
really interests you and which you are able to study in some

depth.
· It is important to develop a strong relationship with your
supervisor. Whilst the supervisor will not direct the process,
they will respond to requests for advice and guidance. They
will be experienced both in writing academic pieces, but also in
the supervision of dissertations. They can therefore act as an
important resource and as a sounding board for ideas. There is
a direct correlation between working closely with the supervisor
and successfully completing a dissertation.
Purposes of this guidance
The dissertation is an element of the Masters degree which
requires you to take an independent and self-structured
approach to your learning. In order to complete your
dissertation successfully you will be required to focus on a
particular topic, carry out an investigation and write-up your
findings and discussion in a 12000 – 15000 word dissertation.
During your period of study you will require and learn skills
such as time-management and networking with other people
along with the ability to express your ideas in the form of a
coherent written text.
The purpose of this guidance is to:
· Set out the technical requirements for your dissertation
submission
· Advise you on the processes involved in dissertation
preparation
· Provide you with reading material on research and dissertation
preparation
It is intended that this guidance should facilitate your ‘research
journey’, which we hope will be an interesting and beneficial
learning experience for you. Therefore, you should take time to
read through this guidance. If you have any questions about
any of the content, you should ask your dissertation supervisor

for clarification in the first instance or the module leader.
The dissertation defined
The dissertation is an extended piece of scholarship in which
you have the opportunity to pursue in some depth an interest in
a topic which is largely of your own choosing. This process
encompasses:
· the choice of topic;
· searching and reviewing the literature related to the topic;
· the formulation of a research strategy;
· collecting and analysing data and incorporating all of these
aspects in your write-up of a comprehensive and integrated text.
Your dissertation is the final written document that embodies all
of these activities together with your conclusions and where
appropriate, recommendations and reflection. The dissertation
should embody two things:
· Focus: it should clearly state what the issue to be considered
is; why it is important and then how it is going to be
considered.
· Coherence: all the parts of the dissertation need to be related
together into a cohesive whole. It is important to always
consider the relevance of the material and how it fits in.
In addition, you need to remember that at postgraduate level a
dissertation should be properly analytical and reflexive and not
merely descriptive. Your dissertation is the final written
document that embodies all of these activities together with
your conclusions and where appropriate, recommendations and
reflection.
The aims of the dissertation
The aims of the dissertation are to:

· Develop your ability to work independently on a task that
requires a wide range of analytical and self-organising skills
· Give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of
business within an international context, by investigating a
topic in some depth
· Enable you to utilise and integrate your learning from your
programme of study by applying aspects of your learning to a
particular topic of investigation
Learning Outcomes
By completing the dissertation successfully you will
demonstrate your ability to:
· Identify a research topic which is realistic and manageable
· Learn about your topic in some depth through a review of the
literature and the various activities involved in the process of
dissertation preparation
· Formulate a research strategy that allows your topic to be
properly investigated
· Interpret and analyse ideas, concepts and data which are
generated by your research
· Draw appropriate conclusions and make recommendations
concerning your investigation
· Reflect upon the implications of your study for the literature
and research in this area
· Manage the various elements of the research process within a
set timescale
· Produce a clearly written and well-presented text which
includes all the elements required for the dissertation
Programme requirements
This dissertation module is part of the following programmes:
MSc International Business and Management
MSc International Business and HRM
MSc International Business and Finance

MSc International Business and Entrepreneurship
MSc International Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
MSc International Business and Marketing
MSc Risk Management
MSc Project Management
MSc Intercultural Business Communication
Each programme has specific requirements for the dissertation.
These are outlined in the relevant programme handbooks and
have been drafted to ensure that you are able to deepen your
programme specific specialist interest through your dissertation
work. You need to ensure that programme requirements are
followed when selecting your topic of interest.
As a general rule, you need to ensure that your dissertation
topic reflects your Master’s specialty.
Key dates and deadlines, extensions and deferrals
Module commences: Week 19 (see Blackboard for details
of Introductory workshop)
Topic Proposal Form: Recommended submission by 9th
March 2018 (week 23)
Supervisor allocation: by w/c 16th April 2018 (week 29)
Topic Agreement Form: 1st June 2018 (week 35)
Draft literature review: 29th June 2018 (week 39)
Ethics Form: 6th July 2018 (week 40)
Dissertation deadline: 6th September 2018 (week 49)
(11.59pm)[footnoteRef:1] [1: It is recommended that you do

not wait until the last minute to submit your dissertation in
order to avoid any unforeseen computer issues that might
jeopardise your submission.]
Feedback and provisional mark:
Normally within 20 working days as per the DMU Assessment
and Feedback Policy, if submitted on time and there are no
specific problems whilst marking and moderating takes place
Viva: All students must be available and make appropriate
arrangements to attend a viva, if requested. Depending on
circumstances and subject to prior agreement, video
conferencing or Skype may be considered as appropriate
alternatives to being present on campus.
Submission deadlines are published in order to ensure equity for
students and to facilitate sound administration by assessors. It
is expected that such deadlines will be met at all times. Only in
exceptional cases, and with the prior consent of the Dissertation
Module Leader and / or Programme Leader, will extensions to
deadlines be granted.
If in advance of the given submission date you consider that you
need an extension of time, you must:
· Discuss the matter with your supervisor, explaining why you
consider that an extension is necessary, in order to obtain his or
her support. An extension will not be considered, without the
support of your supervisor. Appropriate evidence must be
provided to the supervisor to support any request for extensions
(e.g. medical note, etc).
· Complete the appropriate Extension Application form and
follow indicated procedures. An electronic version is available

from the Module leader or Programme Administrator.
If you are granted an extension, the first 28 days of the
extension are free, but please note that extensions beyond 28
days may incur a fee. The Programme Administrator will
contact you in due course should you request an extension to
confirm the outcome.
Under exceptional and documented circumstances, you may
request a deferral for your dissertation. A deferral can be
requested by a student if extenuating circumstances have been
experienced which have prevented the student from completing
a module assessment by an agreed deadline. A student should
only request a deferral if a short extension is not sufficient.
The Dissertation Module leader can authorise 14 day
extensions, or 28 days with approval of the Head of Studies. A
deferral request should be made using the relevant form which
is available via the Student Advice Centre and/or Programme
Administrator. Please note that relevant evidence must be
included by the student with their deferral request to support the
extenuating circumstances they have experienced. Should your
request be successful when considered by the appropriate
deferral panel, you will be given a new deadline within the next
assessment period. Please note that this will delay your
graduation.
If you submit your dissertation after the published deadline,
without an agreed extension or deferral, your mark will be
capped to a maximum of 50% (if submission is within 14 days
after the published deadline), after this, the dissertation will be
marked at 0%.
Reassessment Opportunity
Students are entitled to one reassessment opportunity in each
module, including the dissertation. Reassessments must be

completed within the maximum period of registration of the
programme.
Reassessment is permitted in relation to fail marks only. The
outcome of a reassessment will be given on a student’s
transcript, together with the original fail mark. A reassessment
outcome shall count as a minimum pass mark of 50%.
Students must take reassessments when required by the Faculty.
Criteria for a good dissertation
Your dissertation must demonstrate that it has met the following
criteria:
· The focus is on a specific business topic that reflects your
programme specialisation.
· The research has been undertaken in a systematic and
sustained way
· There is a demonstration of originality in the application of
knowledge
· An analytical and critical approach has been taken in the
investigation
· Appropriate methods and techniques are applied in the enquiry
· It incorporates an understanding and evaluation of theory
· It demonstrates the implications of any findings for business
and management and research
The focus of your dissertation Helping you to choose your focus
and identifying a supervisor
You need to choose a topic that is of interest to you. It might
be related to your past or present work experience and one that
might be beneficial to your chosen career. The topic needs to
be concerned with business and reflect your programme
specialty. You also need to make sure that information on the
topic is likely to be available. You will be asked to list up to
three indicative titles and up to 5 key words or phrases that
suitably describe your topic(s) of interest in the Topic Proposal

Form (Refer back to key dates and deadlines and see Appendix
1). You will also be asked to show which other modules your
proposed topics draw upon so that we can find supervisors who
have the relevant expertise in that area. Please note that whilst
we will make every effort to match supervisors in relevant
topics, this cannot always be guaranteed.
Your final choice of topic and completing the Topic Agreement
Form
The dissertation must have a clear focus with definable
boundaries. It is your responsibility to agree your topic with
your supervisor, so ensure that you have sufficient opportunity
to refine your focus. You will need to complete a Topic
Agreement Form (refer back to key dates and deadlines and see
Appendix 2). This has to be agreed with and signed by your
supervisor. It commits you to doing a study in a particular
topic area. Whilst moderate changes can be expected as your
study progresses, and your knowledge of the subject increases,
major topic changes will not be allowed at a later date.
Your Plan of Approach
A ‘plan of approach’ for your topic choice is given in Figure 1.
This shows how you might think through your topic ideas in
order to complete the Topic Agreement Form.
Figure 1: Dissertation Topic Choice: A Plan of Approach
Identify your general area of interest / Review your research
proposal (submitted to the Research Methodology module).
Brainstorm/write down topics that are of particular interest to
you
Identify specific ideas for your investigation
Use these to identify key words and a topic

Do some reading around the topic
Start making notes
Discuss your ideas with your supervisor
Ask further questions to deepen your research
Update your original ideas with information from your reading
and your supervisor’s advice
Can you identify particular sections where your research is
more focused?
Within one of these can you identify?
· Key topics to focus on
NoNoNNoo
· A research question that you would like to try to answer in
your research
· Emerging arguments
Are you in agreement with your supervisor?
Yes
Complete your topic agreement form
Research: key aspects
Choice of Methodology and data collection
Your choice of methodology and data collection methods must

be agreed in advance with your supervisor. You are normally
expected to carry out some primary research for your
dissertation. You can achieve this for example, by designing a
questionnaire to send/give to respondents; to interview
managers in a business organisation and interpreting and
analysing the data obtained. Exceptionally, a dissertation which
uses secondary sources only may be acceptable, especially
where there is a tradition of such research, e.g in Finance and
Economics. However, be careful not to confuse the literature
review with documentary analysis or desk research. A
submission that is merely an extended literature review would
not meet the Dissertation requirements.
Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches
The approach which you will use in your research will depend
on a number of factors and will be heavily influenced by the
research question which you set out at the beginning. A
quantitative study is predominantly concerned with facts and
figures and with any aspects of the investigation, which are
measurable. For example if a researcher wishes to compare the
extent of ‘diversity of the workforce’ in a number of business
organizations this could be carried out by categorizing into
male/female; age range; ethnic origin; length of service. So, the
comparison would be a breakdown and analysis of measurable
data. In contrast, a qualitative approach is less concerned with
accurate measurement and the comparison of figures and is
more concerned with the depth of information, for example, by
obtaining comments and opinions from individuals. So, if a
researcher wishes to carry out an investigation about ‘diversity
of the workforce’, a qualitative approach might find out from
particular groups of employees if they feel that they are given
sufficient opportunities to participate in and contribute to the
goals of the organization. The opinions and views of
individuals are ‘open ended’ and open to interpretation and are
not directly measurable and are not set out in the form of a set
of figures.

Your research question(s) as well as your data collection and
analysis skills should be key considerations when making
methodological choices.
The Ethics form and Fieldwork
Your choice of methodology and data collection methods must
be agreed with your supervisor. If you are collecting primary
data and your proposed fieldwork involves the issuing of
questionnaires and/or the carrying out of interviews you must
seek agreement to such proposals from your supervisor prior to
any fieldwork being carried out. All fieldwork should be
managed carefully and appropriately and in accordance with
DMU’s ethical guidelines (see Appendix 3a: De Montfort
University Guidelines for Ethical Research). Therefore no
primary data collection can take place prior to the formal
completion of the ethics form (see Appendix 3b). Your
dissertation may not be marked without the ethical approval
process being completed.
Fieldwork Abroad
If you consider that fieldwork abroad is manageable and an
important aspect of your dissertation methodology, then the
arrangements must be agreed in some detail with your
supervisor and receive his/her approval before you travel to that
country where the fieldwork is to be carried out. Any fieldwork
carried out abroad which has not been agreed with your
supervisor, will not be accepted as a contribution to your
dissertation.
Data Safekeeping and Availability
It is essential that all data gathered is kept safe and is protected
in accordance with the ethical considerations appropriate to the
study undertaken. It is also essential that should the supervisor,
module, or programme leader request to view collected data,
these are made available to them. Such requests will generally
be related to the assessment of the work.

Enhancing Research Skills
During the dissertation, you will attend a number of lectures/
workshops that have been organised to help support the key
phases of the dissertation. Attendance to these sessions is
compulsory as they are designed to help you progress through
your dissertation process smoothly and add to the one-to-one
supervision sessions that you will have.
Getting Started on your Research
Once you have identified a possible topic, you will need to
invest quite a lot of time in refining it so that you can express it
in the form of a clear research question and objectives. In order
to help you in this process of refining and clarifying your topic
you will need to:
· Read the literature which is relevant to your topic and which
examines current issues and perspectives linked to the topic
· Talk to others about your topic, including tutors who might
have an interest in your particular topic
· Discuss the topic options and ideas with your supervisor
· Consider whether the topic is feasible as a research project,
taking into account availability of data; time taken to collect
and analyse data; costs involved in data collection; and access
to organizations
· Consider whether the enquiry is realistic and manageable,
given your time and other constraints
Reference Material and Referencing
A list of references on the various aspects of the research and
dissertation writing process is given in Appendix 4:
Recommended resources. These are provided as a guide only
and during the course of your research you might also find your
own references which might be helpful to you. You should
discuss the literature relevant to your topic with your

supervisor.
You will be expected to use the Harvard system of referencing
for your dissertation. At the end of your dissertation you
should provide a full list of references. This is a list of all of
the books and articles that you have cited in your dissertation,
ordered alphabetically by author surname. You should make
use of a wide range of sources.
For further information about the conventions and formatting
for different types of resources, refer to the Faculty guidance,
available on Blackboard, entitled ‘Referencing in Coursework:
Guide to the Harvard System of Referencing’.
Expectations and Responsibilities of the Student
It is important to realise that the dissertation is owned by you; it
is topic that you have devised and which you control. This
places certain responsibilities and expectations on you which
may be different from the other modules you have studied.
Accordingly, you are expected to:
· Read and assimilate this dissertation module guide and, if
necessary, ask your tutors/supervisor to clarify any aspects
which you don’t understand;
· Ensure that you meet all milestone deadlines;
· Select a topic suitable for research within the business context
and be prepared to research/obtain data on that topic and to
critically analyse material and draw valid and relevant
conclusions;
· Complete and submit an Topic Proposal Form as fully as
possible, to provide the foundation for initial and on-going
discussions ;
· Complete and submit a Topic Agreement Form in consultation
with your supervisor;
· Complete and submit the required Research Ethics Approval
Form and adhere to the relevant Code of Practice;
· Accept responsibility for conducting a detailed review of
relevant and up-to-date texts, articles and case-studies in
connection with your topic;

· Take responsibility for remaining in regular contact with your
supervisor throughout the dissertation process;
· Engage in effective time management, e.g. produce an outline
plan showing key milestones in the dissertation process, taking
into account holidays and other commitments;
· Submit written drafts of chapters and research instruments
(questionnaires etc) in a timely and presentable fashion and in
electronic form;
· Respond to the advice and guidance you receive. If you decide
not to respond, to discuss alternative action with your
supervisor;
· Advise your supervisor and/or a member of the programme
team if you are having problems in progressing any aspect of
your research, so that you can be given help to do so;
· Only submit your own work and comply with the university’s
guidelines for sound academic writing.
Expectations and Responsibilities of the Supervisor
You are allocated a supervisor who will guide and advise you
during the process of your research. In effect, a partnership is
established between you and your supervisor. It is essential
that you get to know your supervisor and meet with him/her on
an on-going basis, throughout the period of your research. For
the supervisory relationship to work well, it must be appreciated
that you and your supervisor have rights and responsibilities.
The supervisor is a resource for you who is there to:
· Comment constructively on the initial thoughts and ideas for
your research, suggesting areas for further exploration and
development;
· Advise you on how to finalise your topic and will formally
agree it with you (with the Topic Agreement Form);
· Critically review and provide written feedback for your
Literature Review Chapter. (NB: To preserve the
independence and integrity of the dissertation, supervisors will
review a draft work ONCE only).
· Advise you if there are likely to be any delays in providing
feedback so that alternative arrangements can be made;

· Make you aware of any long periods of non-availability so that
alternative arrangements can be made;
· Respond to all forms of communication– acknowledging
receipt of communications where there may be a delay;
· With prior agreement, advise on draft sections provided to
them in good time;
· When agreed in advance, comment on the structure and
presentation of the final, assembled draft dissertation prior to
submission. As an indication, if comment is requested on the
final complete draft, this must be done at least two weeks
before the final submission date;
· Act as a first marker of the completed dissertation.
Meetings: Supervisor/Supervisee and the Discussion Record
Form
As already mentioned, there is a direct correlation between
working closely with the supervisor and successfully
completing a dissertation. There should be regular meetings
with your supervisor. You should normally meet (face-to-face
or can be online or on the telephone) at least three times whilst
you are undertaking your dissertation. You should create a
written record after each meeting with your supervisor,
outlining the discussion and setting out any agreed actions. This
information should be captured on a Discussion Record Form
(Appendix 5). The discussion forms are also available on
Blackboard. The completed forms should be kept on file by all
attendees and at least three forms should submitted with your
dissertation.
Writing up your research
The writing-up of your research is a process which begins when
you start to think of your topic. You should have the discipline
of setting out your ideas and thoughts in writing on a continual
basis.
You are advised to provide your supervisor with text that you

have drafted, as part of your write-up, as you progress your
research. This is in order that you can incorporate any feedback
into your subsequent writing. The text which you submit and
the deadlines for doing so must be negotiated with your
supervisor.
You will be required to formally submit your complete draft of
the Literature Review Chapter, through Turnitin. Your
supervisor will comment on your draft and provide feedback
electronically.
Normally supervisors will only comment on form and structure
of the final draft. If your supervisor agrees to comment on the
content of the full final draft, you must make sure that this is
presented at least two weeks before the deadline to allow time
for comment, reflection and redrafting.
The Dissertation Content and Sequence
The dissertation is normally arranged in about six chapters. The
chapter structure helps break the dissertation into manageable
parts and ensures progression from one theme to another. How
the substantive chapters are organised will depend on personal
preference and the nature of the research and what you agree
with your supervisor. However, you must ensure that your
treatment is sufficiently analytical, integrating conceptual and
empirical material. This integration may run through the body
of the work or it may take place largely in an analysis chapter.
As a guide, a descriptive summary of each chapter is given in
Appendix 6: Outline of chapter sequence and content.
Literature review
The purpose of a literature review is to convey clearly and
concisely the value of a published body of knowledge to a
reader who may not be familiar with the topic in question (see
Figure 2). There are many ways in which the material may be
organised. One possible sequence is as follows:

· Introduction: The introduction should identify the general
topic, issue, or area of concern, thereby providing an
appropriate context for the review. It might also establish the
writer's reason for reviewing this particular body of work
· Main Body: The body of the review should summarise the
individual pieces of work, and compare and contrast the
approaches where it is merited. This can be achieved by, for
example, presenting chronologically the development of the
field. Alternatively a thematic approach can be used, whereby
the key issues related to the topic are reviewed critically. This
section should clearly focus on the topic being investigated and
identify where appropriate the gaps in the literature, hence
providing a justification for the proposed study.
· Conclusion: The conclusion should summarise the major
contributions of the prior research, maintaining the focus that
was established in the introduction. It should evaluate the
current "state of the art", and explain the rationale for the focus
of the study. It should clearly state the research questions that
will be addressed in the study.
Figure 2 Some of the Questions the Review of the Literature can
Answer
Themes
What are the key concerns, themes, ideas?
Sources
What are the key sources eg books, journals?

Problems
What are the main problems that have been studied to date?
Literature Search &
Review on your Topic
Issues
What are the major issues, debates about the topic?
Origins
What are the origins and definitions of the topic?
Structure
How is knowledge on the topic structured and organized?

Dissertation: submission requirements
Word Length, Format and Turnitin
You are required to submit a dissertation of 12000 – 15000
words. The detailed requirements, including the format of your
submission, are outlined in Appendix 7: Dissertation submission
requirements. The dissertation must be a complete piece and
include all the compulsory appendices.
You do not need to print your dissertation, you are only
required to submit an electronic copy to Turnitin via
Blackboard. The electronic copy must be presented in the same
way as if were printing it.
Submission Date, Extension and Deferral Requests
Please refer to Section 7 above for details of submission dates,
extension and deferral requests.
Personal Reflection
The dissertation is to include a short section at the end entitled
‘Personal Reflection’. In this section you are asked to reflect
on the process of researching and writing up your dissertation.
You should try to explore your learning experiences during the
period of your research and set out how these have contributed
to your personal, academic and professional development.
Please note the key aspects of this section, as follows:
· The text should be 600-800 words in length (about two sides
of A4)

and is additional to the total word count for your dissertation
· The purpose is to reflect on your learning and evaluate the
application
of subject knowledge and skills (theoretical & practical) to the
issues studied during the period in which you have been
working on your dissertation
· The text should be evaluative and self-critical as well as
reflective
· It may be referenced to subject based &/or methodology
literature
· The quality of this section may be critical if the overall mark
achieved in
your dissertation is marginal
Compulsory appendices
In addition to your dissertation, there are several “compulsory
appendices” that need to be submitted in fulfilment of the
module. These are: Topic Agreement Form, Ethics Form, and a
minimum of three Discussion Record Forms. These should not
be included in the main dissertation file submitted, but should
be uploaded in a separate area on the Blackboard site. Please
note that if these appendices are missing from the final
submission, you can be penalized for up to 5% of the final grade
of the dissertation.
Viva Voce
In accordance with current university taught postgraduate
programme regulations, the dissertation supervisor, dissertation
module leader, or programme leader can request a viva of any
student completing the dissertation module, LBPG5017.
The viva is an oral examination that can sometimes be requested
by supervisors or second markers or module leaders (as the
dissertation is examined by the supervisor and a second marker
and moderated by the module leader).
A viva is normally requested when one or both examiners need
some of their questions answered before they can agree a final

mark for the dissertation.
Frequently asked questions
You should make a note of any questions which you wish to ask
your supervisor or a tutor about your dissertation. There are a
number of questions which students tend to ask each year.
Typical questions, with answers, are listed in Appendix 9.
The appendices
Reference has been made throughout this guide to the attached
appendices. You should take time to read through each of the
appendices so that you are clear on all the requirements that are
expected of you, in order to carry out your own research and to
produce a dissertation.
Appendix 1
Tracking No:
Submission date:
Decision date:
Allocation:
Initials:
Topic proposal form
We encourage all postgraduate students to select research topics
that reflect the areas within which they wish to deepen their
business knowledge.
Please use this form to indicate the area you wish to study,
bearing in mind the requirements of your programme of study.

We cannot guarantee that students will be supervised by their
preferred supervisor.
Applicant
Last Name:
First Name:
DMU Email Address:
Student no.
Programme of study:
The research
Indicative Titles for possible dissertation topic areas:
1.
2.
3.
List up to 5 key words or phrases that suitably describe your
dissertation topic E.g. organisational behaviour, innovation,
technology, consumer behaviour, entrepreneurship, brand
management. Please do not use your programme of study as
keywords, i.e. NOT International Business, Management, HRM,
Finance
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Identify key (seminal) journal articles and/or books that you
expect to influence your work, and those authors/ contributors
of theories and ideas on whose work you intend to draw upon
(in Harvard Style)
e.g. Mintzberg, H., & Gosling, J. (2002). Educating managers
across borders. Academy of Management Learning and

Education, 1, 64–76.
Argyris, C. (1980). Some limitations of the case method:
Experiences in a management development program. Academy
of Management Review, 5, 291–298.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Indicate which modules your proposed topic(s) draw upon
ACFI5007
International Taxation Policies
ACFI5018
Risk Management
ACFI5020
Accounting for Managers
ACFI5021
International Finance
ACFI5022
Strategic and Financial Decision Making
ACFI5029
Corporate Governance
ACFI5031
Internal Control and Audit
ACFI5056
Global Supply Chain Management
CORP5039

International Strategic Management, Markets and Resources
CORP5042
Creative Action in International Organisations
CORP5060
Corporate Social Responsibility
CORP5061
Managing the Client Experience and Expectations
CORP5066
Contemporary Business Model Generation
CORP5068
Critical Management in a Global Context
CORP5069
People Management and Organisations
ECON5006
International Trade Theory and Policy
HRMG5027
Managing Organisational Change
HRMG5057
Managing Employment Relations
HRMG5059
International Human Resource Management
LCBS5002
Business Creation and Innovation
MARK5054

International Marketing
MARK5055
Managing Advertising and Communications
MARK5062
Social and Sustainable Face of Marketing
POPP5007
Globalisation
Other (please state)
A signed copy of this form must be included in the appendix of
the submitted dissertation.
Appendix 2
Topic agreement form
agree a topic with your supervisor, so that you can effectively
progress onto the next stage of your research. Please note that
once you have agreed your topic with your supervisor, you may
make small adjustments to reflect, for example, a sharper focus
or a specific context, but you will not be allowed to change the
core subject under study.

Applicant
Last Name:
First Name:
DMU Email Address:
Student no.
Programme of study:
Supervisor
Last Name
First Name:
The research
Indicative Title:
Indicative aims and objectives:
Summary of the literature/ rationale for the study (about 200
words):
Indicative data Collection methods (about 80 words)

.................................................................. Date:
.....................
Appendix 3a: De Montfort University Guidelines for Ethical
Research
Responsibilities of the Researcher
Within a framework of good governance and appropriate
training, responsibility for the conduct of ethical research must
ultimately lie with the researchers themselves. They will be
expected to recognize the relevant ethical principles, to operate
within the spirit of these principles, and be able to justify any
research activity that does not accord with these principles.
Principle 1: Protection of the participants’ interests
• Gain informed consent from participants
• Protect the interests of vulnerable groups
• Assure the anonymity of participants
• Assure the confidentiality of information
• Respect the privacy or participants (and avoid undue
intrusion)
• Operate with transparency (open dealing with participants)
• Provide equality of treatment
Principle 2: Compliance with the law
• Ensure data security
• Establish ownership of the data (intellectual property &
copyright)
• Recognise legal (and moral) sensitivities surrounding the
topic of research
• Use legally acceptable methods of research (avoiding
fraud, ‘hacking’, ‘spamming’ etc.)

Principle 3: Scientific integrity and beneficence
• Demonstrate the value of conducting the research
• Have the necessary credentials (researcher qualifications
and experience)
• Use an appropriate research design (with suitable
strategies and methods)
• Be open and honest in dealing with colleagues and funding
agencies
The form in appendix 4b may be updated in the course of the
programme. Please ensure that you always use the most up-to-
date electronic version available from
[http://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-governance/faculty-
specific-procedures/business-and-law-ethics-procedures.aspx]
This can be found through the DMU website:
DMU > Ethics and Governance > Faculty Specific Procedures >
Business and Law Procedures
Appendix 3b
Faculty of Business and Law
Application to Gain Ethics Approval for Research Activities
All research activity conducted by members of staff or students
within the Faculty of Business and Law requires ethical
approval. To gain approval a faculty specific form must be
completed and submitted to the appropriate designated officer.

Students should complete this form in consultation with their
supervisors.
Students should upload their completed forms to Blackboard for
approval. More details about how to do so can be found on
Blackboard.
The most recent version of the form can be downloaded from:
DMU website section: Ethics and Governance (Business and
Law Procedures > Faculty Application Form.
Link for the form: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-
governance/faculty-specific-procedures/business-and-law-
ethics-procedures.aspx
Click here and then click on Faculty application form (Word
Doc)
Appendix 4: Recommended resources
Furseth, I. & Everett, E.L. (2013) Doing Your Master’s
Dissertation: From Start to Finish, London: Sage.

General
Anderson, V (2004) Research Methods in Human Resource
Management
London, CIPD Publishing.
Bryman, A & Bell, E (2011) Business Research Methods,
Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Collis, J & Hussey, R (2009) Business Research: A Practical
Guide for UG and PGStudents, 3rd Edition, Basingstoke,
Palgrave MacMillan.
Cresswell, J. W. (2007) Qualitative Inquiry and Research
Design: Choosing AmongFive Approaches London, Sage
Denscombe, M. (2014) The Good Research Guide for Small-
scale Social Research Projects, 5th edition, Buckingham, Open
University
Easterby-Smith, M (2011) Management Research, London,
Sage Publications.
Eriksson, P & Kovalainen, A. (2007) Qualitative Methods in
Business Research, Sage Publications.
Fisher, C. (2010) Researching and Writing a Dissertation,
Prentice Hall.
Hair, J Money, A Samouel, P & Page, M ( 2007)
Research Methods for Business, Wiley
Hobbs , D & Wright R. (2006) The Sage Handbook of
Fieldwork, Sage PublicationsJaukowiz, A D (2000) Business
Research Projects for Students, 3rd Edition, London
Oliver, P 2004 Writing Your Thesis, London, Sage Publications

Outhwaite, W. and Turner, S. ( 2007) The Sage Handbook of
Social Science Methodology, Sage Publications
Phelps, R Fisher, K & Ellis, A ( 2007) Organising and
Managing your research: A practical Guide for postgraduates,
Sage PublicationsRemenyi. D Williams, B Money, A &
Swartz, E (2002) Doing Research in Business & Management:
An Introduction to Process & Method, Sage PublicationsRyan,
B Scapens, RW & Theobald, M (2002) Research Method &
Methodology in Finance & Accounting, 2nd Edition, Thomson
Learning
Rudestam, K. E. and Newton R. R. (2007) Surviving Your
Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process,
London, Sage Publications, 2nd Edition
Partington, D (Ed) 2002 Essential Skills for Management
Research, London, Sage Publications
Riley M, Wood RC, Clarke. M.A, et al, (2000) Research &
Writing Dissertations in Business & Management,
ThomsonSmith, M. (2003) Research Methods in Accounting,
London, Sage Publications
Quinton, S. and Smallbone , T. ( 2006) Postgraduate Research
in Business : A critical Guide , Sage Pub Skills Series
Yin, R.K. (2013) Case Study Research: Design and Methods,
London, Sage Publications
Literature Review
Fink A. (2013) Conducting Research Literature Reviews: From
the Internet to Paper, London, Sage.
Ridley D. (2012) The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

for Students, Second Edition, London Sage.
Kimberlin Library Resources
Study Guides to be accessed via
http://www.library.dmu.ac.uk/Support/Guides/index.php?page=
359
Study guides that may be of particular interest can include the
following:
1. How to find journals and journal articles
2. How to Undertake a Literature Search and Review: for
dissertations and final year projects
3. Harvard system of referencing
4. How to avoid Plagiarism and be citation wise
5. De Montfort University Guidelines for Students on Proof
Reading
A minimum of three signed and dated copies of this form must
be included in the appendix of the submitted dissertation.
Appendix 5
Discussion Record Form

agree how your research project should progress. You are
therefore required to keep a record of your discussions and
meetings with your supervisor. You will be required to include
a minimum of three signed and dated copies in the appendix.
Student
Last Name:
First Name:
DMU Email Address:
Student no.
Programme of study:
Supervisor
Last Name
First Name:
Brief Record of Discussion
Actions by the student
Supervisor comments

................................................................... Date:
.....................
Appendix 6: Outline of chapter sequence and content
· An Abstract: The abstract summarises the whole dissertation
(200-300 words, one side of A4).
· Introduction: The introductory chapter explains the
background to the topic under investigation and the aims of the
study. It should also set out the content of the whole
dissertation by giving a brief description of the content of each
chapter.
· Literature Review: This chapterprovides a critical review of
relevant literature. This should account for a substantial part of
the overall word-count.
· Methodology: This chapter describes and explains your
approach to your research and the methods you have used to
generate and analyse your data. The chapter should demonstrate
your awareness of different methodological approaches and
research methods and justify your particular choice. It should
also acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses of your
research design and methods.
· Case-study: In dissertations that are based on an
organizational case study, a chapter that provides relevant
information about the organization and the background to the
situation or issue that is being explored.
· Findings/Analysis: One or more chapters that present your
data analysis and synthesize your research findings. Data

analysis should be presented clearly and effectively. The
primary aim of this chapter is to give an effective synthesis of
the issues explored in the study.
· Discussion: This chapter reflects on the theoretical and
conceptual implications of the findings. It includes a discussion
of the findings that makes appropriate reference to theory and
other aspects covered in the literature review. The research
questions must be addressed in this chapter.
· Conclusions: This chapter should summarise the key findings
of your research and assess their implications for practice
and/or theory. Where appropriate, the chapter may include
recommendations for action or for further research that are
derived from the conclusions. This chapter should never
introduce new materials.
· Reflection: A brief section in which youreflect on the process
of researching your project and writing your dissertation. In this
chapter you should try to identify how your experience of the
dissertation process has contributed to your personal, academic
and professional development.
· Reference List: All the works that you have referred to in
your dissertation listed in alphabetical order. The list should be
accurate, complete and in full detail. You should use the
Harvard style.
· Appendices. Appendices should include material not generated
by you (eg company organisation chart or material) that is
important to the research but is too detailed for inclusion in the
main text (which would interfere with the narrative flow of the
text). Questionnaire and interview schedules and samples of raw
data should be included as appendices, as should a sample of
the transcripts of interviews. DO NOT use appendices simply as
a way to add quantity to your dissertation. Material in the
appendices does not count towards the word length required.

Compulsory appendices: Topic Agreement Form, Ethics Form,
a minimum of three Discussion Record Forms. Please note that
if these appendices are missing from the final submission, you
can be penalized for up to 5% of the final grade of the
dissertation.
Appendix 7: Dissertation submission requirements
Word Length and Examination
Word Length: The dissertation will normally lie between 12,000
– 15,000 words in length. The title page, acknowledgements,
table of contents, abstract, charts and tables, the personal
reflection section, references and bibliography (and appendices)
are not included in the word count.
· Examination of the dissertation: Following first marking by
the academic supervisor, the dissertation will be marked by a
second tutor. All dissertations will be made available to the
External Examiners for moderation.
· All students should be available for a viva: A sample of
dissertations will be selected for a viva.
· Turnitin Submission is compulsory.
Presentation
You do not need to print your dissertation, you are only
required to submit an electronic copy to Turnitin via
Blackboard. The electronic copy must be presented in the same
way as if were printing it:
File type: preference is for an MS Word file
Paper size: set to A4 paper (210mm x 297mm). Margins shall be
as follows: Left 40 mm; Other margins 20 mm. Font 11 pt
Arial.

Title page: should include the following information in large
type font:
· the full title of the dissertation
· the full name of the author
· the award for which the dissertation is submitted in partial
completion of its requirements (MSc…)
· that the degree is awarded by De Montfort University
· the month and year of submission
Line spacing: single or 1.5 line spacing can be used in
typescript. Indented quotations, tables and footnotes are
conventionally single-line spaced.
Page numbering: pages should be numbered consecutively
throughout the submission, including appendices, photographs,
diagrams, figures, etc. Page numbers shall be located centrally
at the bottom of the page and 20 mm above the edge of the
page.
Chapters and sequence
The following is a suggested standard approach for structuring a
dissertation.
Title, Abstract, Acknowledgements, Contents, List of Tables,
List of Figures, List of Abbreviations/Acronyms
Chapter 1: Introduction – overview, rationale, context, scene
setting, about you, aims, objectives, summary of chapter
contents
Chapter 2: Literature Review – policy, research, published &

grey ‘literature’, approach, definitions, gap in knowledge,
themes, evaluative framework, justify research
Chapter 3: Methodology – reflective, process, past tense,
strategy/methods, logistics, details, sampling, response rates,
link to aims/question, ethics, replicability, validity
Chapter 4: Findings – systematically reporting each method or
emerging themes, presenting data
Chapter 5: Analysis – review findings, link back to literature
review and aims (Findings and Analysis chapters could be
combined
Chapter 6: Conclusion – include recommendations, auto
critique, reflect if met aims/objectives, next steps…? (no new
information)
Appendices: e.g. questions/questionnaires, forms
Abstract
The abstract should state the nature and scope of the work
undertaken and the findings or results of the investigation.
Abstracts should:
(1) Be 200 - 300 words; be produced on one side of A4 paper in
single spaced type.
(2) show the author and title of the dissertation in the form of a
heading.
Appendix 8: Title page template

TITLE PAGE
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
LEICESTER CASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL
[Full Title of Dissertation]
FULL NAME [and qualifications]
A dissertation submitted in part requirement for the award of
MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND (specify
pathway)
or
MASTERS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
DATE [Month and year]
Appendix 9: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
In terms of giving weight to each of the chapters, should the
Literature Review be given more emphasis in terms of word

length?
There are no set rules about word length for each of the
chapters. It is important to make your own judgment as to how
you progress your write-up but seek advice from your
supervisor as well. The literature review is an important
chapter as it is in your reading that you will build up and
develop your knowledge on the subject. In general, the
literature review should be fairly substantial and is usually
about 30% of your dissertation.
How much time do I have with my tutor?
Each tutor has allocated hours for supervision in his/her
timetable. The amount of time the tutor devotes to you will
depend on a number of factors and especially your commitment
to the research process and your willingness to keep in touch
with your tutor. It is expected that you should have regular
one-to-one meetings and also communicate regularly by email.
It is also expected that you should keep a record of the issues
discussed during meetings.
Can I do case-study research that looks at more than one
organization?
If your research is case study based, it is normally expected that
you look at one company/organization in some depth and from a
number of perspectives. It is possible to compare two
organizations in this way but, but given your time and other
constraints, this might be unrealistic.
Am I required to carry out research abroad, in another country?
No, this is not a requirement and is not essential. However, if
you intend to carry out primary research, eg interviews or
issuing of questionnaires in another country, this must be

discussed and agreed in advance with your supervisor. Also if
you intend to be abroad to collect data, you must seek
authorization to leave the country from your programme leader.
Must the research be carried out only on multi-national
companies?
No, you can carry out research on any company or business
organization and it does not have to be a multi-national
company.
Must my research be useful to the company that I am
researching?
If you are researching a particular company or organization, it
is making best use of your research to set out recommendations
that might help to improve the ways that the company operates.
Do I need to collect primary data, for example, carry out
interviews and issue questionnaires or is it OK to use secondary
data only by using material such as books and the internet for
my enquiry and write up?
As stated in Section 9.1, you are normally expected to carry out
some primary research for your dissertation. Exceptionally, a
dissertation which uses secondary sources only may be
acceptable, especially where there is a tradition of such
research, e.g in Finance and Economics. This is a matter for you
and your supervisor to decide, depending on the topic that you
choose and, for example, the personal contacts that you might
have in an organization.
If I interview people or ask them to complete a questionnaire,
how many should I choose for my sample?
There are no set rules for this. The sample that you choose will

depend on a number of factors, including the amount of time
that you have to carry out the fieldwork. The choice of sample
and numbers involved must be agreed with your supervisor.
What is meant by the ‘literature review’?
Your purpose in writing the review is to convey to your reader
the knowledge and ideas that have been established on the topic.
The review needs to be organized and evaluative and should not
just be a descriptive list of available literature.
I’m concerned that the topic I choose might already have been
researched by another student. How do I check on this?
Firstly, it is possible to research a topic which is similar to a
previous dissertation. However, your approach must be
original, for example using a different company or a different
concept. You can check on what has been researched
previously by students by consulting previous dissertations
which are held in the Student Advice Centre.
How do I go about choosing a topic to research?
Your choice of topic will be dependent on a number of factors:
your interest in a particular aspect of business, your programme
of study; the availability of information on the topic; its
originality ie if little research has been carried out on it
previously; and availability of access to a business organization
if doing primary research. You need to think of all of these
matters when making your choice. You will find it helpful to
discuss your possible topic choice with your supervisor and
other tutors.

Programme:
MSc International Business Suite; MSc Risk Management; MSc
Project Management; MSc Intercultural Business
Communication
Module Credit Value:
60
Module Credit Level:
7
Module Leader:
Dr Jillian Yeow
Acknowledgments:
Mrs Ros Lishman, Dr Hulya Oztel
Revised:
28 September 2017
Version:
2.0

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