Identify and critically discuss the applicability of a range of research methodologies and paradigms within a range of disciplines
1. Introduction to the dissertation
This section aims to provide guidelines and advice to help you to successfully complete your dissertation. By following the information in this guide, you will be able to successfully meet the learning outcomes of the dissertation which include:
- Identify and critically discuss appropriate literature sources
- Identify and critically discuss the applicability of a range of research methodologies and paradigms within a range of disciplines
- Critically evaluate and apply appropriate research tools and techniques
- Appraise the validity and reliability of research
2. What is a dissertation?
The dissertation is a 60-credit module that is expected to be 3 months in duration with up 20 hours of supervision and an indicative 500 hours of independent study. It involves the execution and communication of a piece of investigative academic research which demonstrates an understanding of a specific problem, together with evidence of critical and analytical evaluation.
There are three types of acceptable dissertations, all of which require a literature review. The distinction between the three types comes in the application of material in the literature review.
Type 1 Primary data-based dissertation
Primary data-based dissertations involve students collecting primary data (e.g., resulting from interviews, surveys, focus groups). Here the primary data must be based around the secondary data in that your findings be compared and contrasted with the data presented in the literature.
Type 2 Secondary data-based dissertation
Secondary data-based dissertations require students to find related data which can be further analysed using primarily statistical techniques. The University has data sources, companies and historical macroeconomic time-series data for many countries.
Type 3 Product/service/innovation-based dissertation
Product/service/innovation-based dissertation requires students to develop a new product or service or enhance an existing product or service based on their analysis of secondary data and stakeholder expectations. Such dissertations may be the result of a specific request from an industrial partner. They must follow the normal academic dissertation conventions.
Most students find the dissertation both challenging and rewarding. There will inevitably be ups and downs but by keeping in regular contact with your supervisor you will find that most problems can be overcome before they become too great.
3. The topic
Topics can be generated from a variety of sources, they may be generated from work experience, and they may result from a seminar discussion, newspaper articles, journal article or from a piece of coursework. You will be provided with guidance about acceptable topics but in general you may find the following four steps useful:
| Step 1 | Can you develop a ‘YES’ ‘NO’ question? This will allow you to identify a subject area where there are at least two separate viewpoints | If NO | If you cannot develop a Yes/No question you may find it difficult to develop your discussion past the descriptive stage.
You should reconsider if this is a suitable topic. |
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If YES |
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| Step 2 | Is there sufficient literature to support the yes and no question? | If NO | If you cannot collect data to support both the yes and no points of view you may have difficulty in developing the analytical and evaluative aspects of your discussion. You should reconsider if this
is a suitable topic |
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If YES |
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| Step 3 | Can you identify stakeholders or data sources? Can you get access to stakeholders or data sources? Will the stakeholders or data sources provide you with the data you require? | If NO | It is unlikely that you will get the quality of data for you to develop the application aspect of your dissertation. You should reconsider if this is a suitable
topic. |
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If YES |
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| Step 4 | Can you complete the study in 3 months? | If NO | You should consider redefining the topic
or consider if this is a suitable topic. |
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If YES |
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| This may be a suitable topic | |||||
The topic you choose should be of interest to you as otherwise there is a potential for boredom to set in as you progress with the research.
Your dissertation topic must be approved. It should not be purely descriptive, but should produce original conclusions and/or recommendations even though these may represent only a minor part of the work. The dissertation topic must have theoretical content which is outlined in the literature review and this must be supported by references to academic literature. The literature review should provide the basis for the application stage of your dissertation.
You should submit a provisional topic area (draft proposal) which will allow the dissertation team to check suitability and allocate an appropriate supervisor.
It is difficult, and not advisable, to change your dissertation topic once you have started and this may only take place after consultation with, and counselling by, your supervisor.
