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MSc Accounting, Governance MSc Dissertation

Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
Revised
MSc Dissertation
Handbook
2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers/2020
MSc Accounting, Governance
and
Financial Management
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
Introduction
Such has been the rapid pace and reach of coronavirus contagion that I find myself having to rewrite
the handbook issued to you only two months ago. This handbook replacesthe one in your possession,
so please discard or ignore the previous ‘MSc Dissertation Project handbook’.
The UK remains in voluntary lock-down and the University continues to follow guidance from the UK
Government, Public Health England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: the latest advice is
available at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/coronavirus.
I realise the anxiety that the disruption to teaching and learning processes and uncertainty over
assessment will have caused you but the safety and wellbeing of students and colleagues is our prime
consideration. You will be aware from emails sent by sumssupportstudents@sheffield.ac.uk team
that the University has adopted a ‘no detriment’ principle to ease that anxiety and ensure that
students are not disadvantaged in any way by the impact of Covid-19 on their learning. This has meant
that the volume of assessments have been reduced and a ‘safety net’ introduced such that your overall
grade for this year cannot be any lower than your weighted average grade as it was on 15 March 2020.
The safety net will be applied to assessments from 16th March 2020. The dissertation module is
included in the safety net calculation and your MSc classification will be calculated as outlined in your
programme regulations. Your cumulative weighted average grade will not be below the “safety net
grade” as calculated on assessments prior to the 15th March 2020.
In keeping with the policy of reducing assessment, your dissertation word count will be between 6500-
7500 and whilst the requirements of the dissertation brief will be reduced the expectations of quality
are maintained: only the quantity of content is reduced. You are able to choose between two options.
The requirement for each of these options is fully explained in the first section of this handbook but
can be briefly described as:-
1. A fully developed Critical Literature Review, containing a deep critique of the literature and
exploration of an appropriate research methodology
2. A Secondary Data Analysis, including a concise review of the literature and the research
approach leading to an in-depth analysis of secondary data
It has been decided that as there are still risks associated with the collection of primary data that this
approach to data analysis is removed to ensure your safety. Should you wish to undertake a
dissertation or company project involving primary data, then you do have another option: that is to
take Leave of Absence and join the dissertation process in 2021. Details to apply for a leave of absence
can be found here https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/leave-of-absence . I need help writing my essay – research paper ensure that you
understand this policy when applying for a leave of absence and also any implications(e.g. visa) should
you wish to pursue this. You should discuss this option with your Programme Director.
I need help writing my essay – research paper read this revised handbook thoroughly. I have kept the content structure as in the original
handbook so that you can perceive the changes made.
Thank you for your tolerance and perseverance in these challenging times.
Barry Pierce May 2020
Dissertation Officer (b.pierce@sheffield.ac.uk)
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
Contents
Section Page No
1) What you have to do
(i) Requirement
(ii) What makes a good piece of work?
(iii) Planning your time – key dates
4
7
2) Working with your supervisor 7
3) Structure and contents of the dissertation 9
4) Presentation and writing style in a dissertation
(i) Font, margins, & indents
(ii) Initial sequence of ‘standard’ pages
(iii) Expression in English
(iv) Word count
(v) Statistics
(vi) Page numbering
5) A bibliography on research methodology
13
15
6) Research ethics principles and practices (Option #1)
(i) Personally-identifiable data & GDPR
16
7) Research ethics procedures (Option #2)
(i) Declaration that ethics approval is not required
18
8) Academic integrity
9) Submission
19
20
10) Extensions criteria 21
11) Assessment criteria 22
12) Examination and results 23
13) Re-examination in the event of failure 24
14) Frequently asked questions re current circumstances
Appendices
24
25
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 4
1) What you have to do
(i) Requirement
Your Programme Director will advise you of the option that s/he has decided is most appropriate for
your cohort or advise you that you can individually choose between the two Dissertation Options
yourself. You must follow the choice made by your Programme Director.
For either option, you may choose the research topic providing it lies within the discipline defined by
your masters degree. For example, if you are registered for the MSc International Marketing
Management, the topic has to be in the field of marketing and have an international dimension. It
would be logical to base your topic on the dissertation proposal that you have already submitted, but
you could extend the proposal that you worked upon during your research methods module if that
differed from the topic submitted to the dissertation proposal database.
DISSERTATION OPTION #1: CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW
This requires a deep literature review and the development and evaluation of an appropriate a
research design. Since you will not be executing the actual data collection, you can develop a
methodology based on any justified approach. This can involve any approach to data collection
including primary data and case studies or applied company projects.
You are required to :-
• Define your research aim or problem, explaining the motivation for your choice of research topic
and its relevance/importance to management theory and practice. Introduce the research setting:
that is the context in which you envisage the research could take place.
• Undertake a critical review of the literature related to your research topic. This should involve an
extensive reading of the academic theory and empirical studies related to your research topic. The
writing up of this review should demonstrate a critical examination of this literature and the
conclusions that you draw from this critique for your research aim that lead to academically-valid
research questions or hypotheses.
• An explanation and justification of the research methodology and the approach you would have
intended to adopt toward achieving your research aim: this should be considered from both
philosophical and practical perspectives. Explain the data collection and sample constructs and
the form of analysis you would have intended to undertake. Online assignment help tutors – Discuss ethical issues relating to the
data, participants, personal safety and research execution and the measures you would have
undertaken to address them.
For qualitative methods: explain your choice of technique (e.g. survey) and include the research
instrument (e.g. questionnaire) you would have intended to use. Link the investigative questions
(to respondents) to the research questions derived from your literature review. Online assignment help tutors – Discuss the
trustworthiness and bias in the data and how you would attempt to mitigate these issues.
For quantitative methods: justify and explain your choice of technique, the derivation of the
model, its variables and data sources. Online assignment help tutors – Discuss the statistical approach to analysis, validity, and
significance that you would have intended to undertake.
For mixed methods, company projects, and case studies: a relevant combination or extract of the
above.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 5
• Provide a self-reflection of your experience of undertaking the above requirement including, if
you so wish, the personal impact of change in lifestyle caused by Covid-19.
DISSERTATION OPTION #2: SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS
With this option, you cannot undertake any collection of primary data – e.g. by on-line survey or
telephone/video discussion. Data sources that are acceptable are defined in Section 8 but include
databases that are in the public domain or subscribed to by the University, corporate websites, and
datasets provided in journal articles. For further specific advice, consult your supervisor who will need
to agree the sources you wish to use.
In order for your data analysis to be comprehended and judged, you will need to include your research
aim and an overview of the literature consulted and the methodological approach your analysis
follows. Justification and debate is not expected, so you need only explain the specifically relevant
theory you have used to develop the research question and hypotheses; you do not need consider
wider theory or alternative models and to engage in critical evaluation.
You are required to :-
• Define your research aim/problem and the context/setting of your research.
Define your research questions or hypotheses and explain the theory you have applied to
determine them.
Explain, in practical terms alone, the research methodology and approach you have adopted
toward achieving your research aim. Explain the data collection and sample constructs.
For quantitative methods: explain the model and its variables and identify the databases used.
For qualitative methods: explain the conceptual model and identify your data sources.
For mixed methods: a relevant combination or extract of the above.
• Explain your approach to the analysis of the secondary data.
For quantitative methods: discuss the statistical approach to analysis, validity, and significance;
for qualitative methods: discuss the form on analysis (e.g. thematic, text, auto-ethnographic) and
the trustworthiness and bias in the data and how you will attempt to mitigate these issues.
Undertake the analysis and interpret the findings against your research questions or hypotheses.
• Relate your findings to the theory you applied and draw academic conclusions on your research
aim including the limitations of your approach and findings.
• Provide a self-reflection of your experience of undertaking the above requirement including, if
you so wish, the personal impact of change in lifestyle caused by Covid-19.
(ii) What makes a good piece of work?
The requirement specification above is in much greater detail than normally would be provided for a
dissertation as an independent piece of work. This is to help you in the abnormal situation that faces
us, so examine and re-examine it closely.
You should also consider the balance of content on each of the requirements and what assessors refer
to as the ‘vertical thread’ of logical argument throughout the work.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 6
Section 4 of this handbook will help you with balanced content as it indicates the chapter structure of
a typical dissertation and suggests a split of the 6500-7500 words between various chapters for
Dissertation Options #1 and #2.
The vertical thread refers to the link between chapters and, more significantly, the content within
each chapter. The following thread is relevant to Dissertation Option #1:-
> from research aim
> that through consultation with the literature provides the theory to
> turn the aim into academically valid research questions
> that, again through the literature, provide a justification for the methodology that
> turns the research question into hypotheses, if quantitative
> turns the research question into questionnaires or interview questions, if qualitative.
A simpler but extended thread is relevant to Dissertation Option #2:-
> from research aim
> that through consultation with theory to
> turn the aim into research questions, if qualitative
> turn the aim into hypotheses, if quantitative
> that are applied to the sampled data
> to be analysed in your findings on each question or hypothesis
> that are critically compared with the theory
> and provide a conclusion that assesses the extent to which you achieved your original aim.
You are also advised to review the assessment criteria in Section 12 and marking matrix in Appendix
M of this handbook.
(iv) Planning your time
Planning has been and remains difficult because of the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 and the lockdown which remains in place here in the UK. You’ll be aware from ‘student updates’ that a whole
series of decisions have been and continue to be made regarding teaching, learning, and assessment
and it is only recently that the Management School has been able to make decisions regarding
dissertations. The reduced amount of work to be assessed and the removal of the time required for
ethics approval does mean that the commencement of supervision can be delayed from the beginning
of May until after the ‘exam’ period to mid-June.
At this point, knowing the requirement for your dissertation option enables you to start planning the
work you need to undertake. You need to think realistically about the practical implications of
undertaking the research, if you’re doing option #2, and of writing the dissertation.
One tool that might help you plan your time and spot if you are starting to fall behind is your
Dissertation Planner (See Appendix B). This is for your use. You do not need to bring it to the SEO or
to hand it in with your dissertation although your supervisor might want to have a copy of it.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 7
Its purpose is to encourage you to plan your activities and interactions with your supervisor, taking
into account your availability and your supervisor’s availability. If you do not work with your supervisor
in planning this, you risk delays in waiting for feedback. This might impact on your overall schedule of
research.
Make sure you are aware of key dates in the process and that you build these into your planning.
2) Working with your supervisor
The supervisor’s role is not to provide you with expertise on your topic, but to guide you through the
dissertation process and advise upon academic protocol and the rigour of your work. An educational
rationale underpinning the programme is that students will progressively take charge of their own
learning. However, it is also recognised that the dissertation is probably the most sustained piece of
academic work that you have conducted, so you are advised to make good use of the opportunity to
work with your assigned supervisor. All interactions with your supervisor will have to be by email,
telephone, skype or some other remote arrangement. Typically, you should expect three interactions
and a review of your draft dissertation.
(i) First connection
You should request a discussion with your supervisor as soon as is convenient to you both once the
allocation has been notified to you. The purpose of this first connection is to present your topic and
the work you have already conducted in relation to it and to mutually agree the form of contact,
availability, and plan for the work. The initial objective will be to get feedback on your work to date. If
you are doing Dissertation Option #1, this may involve deepening the research setting, your
exploration of theory, or the strength of your proposed methodology. If you are doing Dissertation
Option #2, this may involve the feasibility of your research aims and the viability of your research
design. You may therefore expect to have to read the literature more extensively, explore alternative
methods, and to generally develop your critical thinking.
Key Dates
Early June 2020: notification of your supervisor
15 June 2020: Start of Supervision period
3 August 2020: Extension Request forms become available (See Section 11)
You cannot apply for an extension before 3rd August. Make you sure you complete all
the relevant forms or there may be a delay in getting your extension approved.
28 August 2020: Turnitin becomes available for early submission
8 September 2020: Deadline for submission via Turnitin (see Section 10)
Late penalties will apply unless you have an extension
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 8
(ii) The supervisor’s role
The supervisor’s role is to advise you, not to tell you what to do!
Supervisors would usually expect to review a draft of the whole dissertation or drafts of individual
chapters, but would not normally be expected to read your work more than once. Therefore, if your
supervisor has already read a draft of a chapter, s/he would not read it again. You should not expect
to submit a draft later than two weeks before the submission date. However, because of variations
in the availability and commitments of each supervisor, s/he can agree a different date with you.
You should record this date in your Dissertation Planner and you should anticipate making changes to
your draft based upon the feedback given.
(iii) Your responsibility
Keep in contact with your supervisor and alert your supervisor if you are having any problems.
Use your supervisor’s time effectively by planning what you want from each interaction and letting
your supervisor know in advance. Allow your supervisor adequate time to read material; do not
assume that everybody will be able to respond to emails immediately.
Remember that supervisors are not allowed to indicate whether your work will pass and, indeed, they
are not the first marker. Your supervisor will advise you where there are obvious weaknesses in your
draft, and help you to identify how to overcome them but it is not the responsibility of yoursupervisor
to indicate when a dissertation is of a suitable standard.
I need help writing my essay – research paper Note: The UKVI (Visa & Immigration authority) requires the Management School to
monitor and report upon individual student engagement during the dissertation process.
An electronic record will be kept of each of these interactions, as evidence of continued
engagement if required.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: Supervisors have other responsibilities (not least their own research projects) and
are entitled to have a holiday. This means that there will commonly be periods of time when
they will be away over the summer. Note these in your Dissertation Planner, and plan your needs
for supervision – i.e. interactions & draft review – around these.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 9
3) Structure and content of the dissertation
The diagram above is taken from your original handbook and represents a conventional chapter
structure (1 to 6) for a full dissertation of 15,000 words. With the policy of reducing the amount of
assessment, a maximum limit of 7,500 words now applies but you are also encouraged to adopt a
minimum of 6,500 words to ensure the work has appropriate depth. The illustration serves a useful
purpose in showing how the two options have been determined. The left-hand-side of the diagram
represents the research design and is fully aligned with Dissertation Option #1; the right-hand-side
represents the execution of the design and reflects the core content of Option #2. However, for the
execution to be understandable the outline design has to be included so, for Dissertation Option #2,
the essential components in chapters 1 to 3 have to be included in the 6,500 to 7,500 word range.
Notes on the research design for Dissertation Option #2
The essential components are covered in the specification of requirements in section 1 of this
handbook: they are the research aim and research context/setting, the specific theory that is being
applied, and the methodological approach that is to be adopted. What this means for students
choosing Option #2 is that they have to explain the theory and the methodological approach adopted.
They don’t have to undertake an extensive review of the literature and engage in a deep critique of
alternative theories – providing the theory is relevant to the aim and converts that aim into
academically-valid research questions, that is all that is asked. Similarly, they don’t need to engage in
a philosophical justification of your methodology – as it should have a strong functional emphasis or
in an extensive discussion of research ethics – because the secondary data and its source should not
pose ethical issues.
Notes on a critical literature review for Dissertation Option #1
The purpose of a literature review is to provide you with two things: the theory you need to address
your research aims in an academically valid and rigorous manner; and as a potential source to justify
the research method you intend to apply to achieve your research aims. Theory will normally come
from a variety of journal articles in your field of research, as most textbooks don’t have the focused
depth necessary. Methodology will only come from empirical studies in your field of research, again
contained in academic journals. See Appendix D on how to read journal articles quickly.
The review will need to critically evaluate what you have read, and therefore you should go beyond
descriptions of general findings. There should be a clear attempt to relate this material to the research
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 10
aims of your study, and therefore it might be structured to reflect your aims. It should not be
structured by author or by source.
‘Grey’ literature – that is non-academic but authoritative sources, such as government, regulators,
industry trade bodies, etc as well as academic literature, should be reviewed in this chapter.
The literature review is fundamental to producing an integrated research design. Low marks are
associated with reviews that are purely descriptive or disconnected. The literature review should
convert your research aims in the introductory chapter into three or four research questions or specific
and testable hypotheses (if you are using a quantitative methodology). Pose these
questions/hypotheses either at the end of sub-sections in the literature review aims or draw your
argument together into a conclusion and pose them there.
You may also provide your conclusions on methodological practice from the literature as this logically
leads on to the research methodology chapter and can help you to justify the methods and models
you intend to use.
You may also find the library’s ‘seven steps to producing a literature review’ helpful. See
https://librarydevelopment.group.shef.ac.uk/shef-only/research/lit_review/intro.html
Advice on the balance of content
You do not have to adopt the chapter structure and headings shown below in your work but it may be
helpful if they are used to give a rough indication of the balance of content. Note that 7,500 words is
the maximum word count and the lower levels in the following tables indicate that 6,500 words could
suffice.
For Dissertation Option #1
Chapter Words Content (taken from the Requirements)
Introduction 1000 Research topic and its relevance to management theory
and practice. Motivation for your choice.
Research setting/context.
Research aim or problem.
Critical Review of Literature 3000 to
3500
Various theories and empirical studies relevant to your
research topic.
Academic debate between contrasting theories and
findings – critical analysis
Conclusions drawn and how they inform your research
questions and/or hypotheses.
Research Methodology 2500 to
3000
Research method: philosophical justification and
practical considerations.
Research technique/model and instrument.
Variables/factors/investigative questions.
Data sources and collection; sample construct.
Form of analysis, validity and reliability.
Ethical issues relating to the data, participants,
personal safety and research execution and the
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 11
measures you would have undertaken to address
them.
Self-reflection Not
included
in word
count
As an appendix (see page 11)
For Dissertation Option #2
Chapter Words Content (taken from the Requirements)
Introduction 1000 Research setting/context.
Research aim or problem.
Theory applied.
Research Design 1500 Research questions or hypotheses
Research method adopted.
Research technique/model/variables/factors/issues.
Data sources.
Data analysis and findings 3000 to
3500
Sample construct. Data collection.
Form of analysis, validity and reliability.
Analysis by question theme or hypothesis.
Findings
Conclusion 1000
to 1500
Interpretation of findings against theory.
Academic conclusions on your research aim.
Limitations of your research approach.
Self-reflection Not
included
in word
count
As an appendix (see page 11)
Results should be reported selectively. Only the findings that are relevant to your dissertation’s aims
should be reported in the chapter; supporting or more detailed evidence (especially minor statistical
outputs) can be in an appendix, as long as it is referred to in the main text. Unexplained results can be
discussed; however, they must be put into the context of the overall aims of the research and must
not detract from the focus that had been previously identified.
References (relevant to both Dissertation Options)
Your list of references should appear in an alphabetical list (by author name) at the end of the
dissertation but before any appendices, using the Harvard Management School referencing standards.
All sources that have been referred to in the text should be listed in the references- not just academic
sources, but any source; not just theory or opinion, but ‘facts’ as well; not just text, but statistics,
tables, graphs, and images. These should only be the actual sources that you have looked at or listened
to. You should note that:-
• Internet references should also cite the author/organisation, the website address and the date
the website was accessed.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 12
• Fully reference any cut and pasted diagram or text, and put the latter in quotations marks or
fully paraphrase it in your own words – don’t amend the occasional word
• If you read a textbook or article that refers to a previous author you need to reference both
sources. This is called secondary referencing. Make sure you are clear about how to do this.
• Make sure that you self-reference any models, tables, pictures, etc that you have devised
yourself and any previous work that you have done that you refer to in the text.
You should adopt the conventions specified by the Management School using the Harvard System:
https://librarydevelopment.group.shef.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.html
Appendices
The purpose of appendices is to stop the text from appearing cluttered and broken up by
supplementary or peripheral content.
Appendices are presented immediately after the list of references and must be referred to in the text
if you are to be given credit for them.
Your self-reflection is an appendix and is excluded from the word count. There is no designated
content but you are encouraged to comment upon the experience of undertaking the work involved
in the context of the global difficulties we currently face. Self-reflections are not expected to be
objective rationalisations – you can express opinion and feelings. That is why there is no word limit.
For Option #1, If you have designed a questionnaire, you should include a copy in your appendices.
For Option #2, if you have conducted quantitative analysis, the main statistical outputs should be
included in the dissertation itself, but the dataset and minor outputs should be appended. No
primary data should be collected; only secondary data from approved sources should be utilised.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note that although appendices are not included in the word count, large numbers of
appendices will suggest that you are not able to focus your work. The use of appendices should be
limited to information that is essential to supplement the text.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: Every year some students are investigated for academic integrity (section 9) – for
example, if they do not reference their work properly. Common failings are:-
• not referencing non-academic sources
• not referencing diagrams, tables, or cut & pasted models
• not referencing yourself (i.e. source: Author)
• paraphrasing a source without reference
• quoting a source verbatim without quotation marks
• citing the original author when the source is secondary
Even if this is not done deliberately you can still be penalised which is likely to mean you will fail.
I need help writing my essay – research paper make sure that you are very clear on how to reference your work so this does not happen
to you. Seek advice from your supervisor if you are not sure.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 13
4) Presentation and writing style in a dissertation
(i) Font, margins, & indents
The dissertation should be word processed. Typing should be double spaced or 1.5 spaced in an A4
format, with margins of at least 25mms
Use Times New Roman or another legible font, 12 point for the main body of the text.
If longer than two lines of typescript, quotations should be indented, in 11 point font, single spaced,
and should include quotation marks. Add the page number to the citation – e.g. (Smith, 1985, p22).
(ii) Initial sequence of ‘standard’ pages
A template of the Title Page is provided as Appendix C.
It should include: your name, your student registration number, your supervisor’s name, your
dissertation title in full and the following statement:
“Dissertation submitted in part requirement for the Degree of MBA / MSc [insert your
programme name] of the University of Sheffield”
This statement should be followed by the month and year of submission.
You should also include a word count of your dissertation (excluding references and appendices)
If you want to include acknowledgements, they should appear on a separate sheet following the
abstract. They should be brief and should not identify persons or organisations otherwise kept
anonymous in the body of the dissertation.
Contents Page: list the title of chapters and sections, and include the page number on which each
begin. The reference list follows the main body and thereafter the title of each appendix.
A separate list should then follow of tables, figures, and diagrams
If you use many acronyms, list them on a separate sheet. These should be written in full on first use –
e.g. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – and then adopted consistently thereafter.
Then, the main body of the dissertation starts with the ‘Introduction’
(iii) Expression in English
The dissertation as an academic piece of work requires the use of professionally-expressed English of
reasonable standard. You will not be given credit for work where the meaning is not clear, and you
should always use a spelling and grammar check. If you think that you need help to express yourself
clearly in English, think about getting your work proof-read (this is not a supervisor’s task).
The dissertation should always be referred to as a ‘dissertation’, not a ‘thesis’, ‘report’ or a ‘paper’.
Ace my homework – Write using the passive voice (the ‘third person’) and using the past tense. For example:
“The research was carried out using the following methods” ü
“I am carrying out my research using the following methods” û
Use headings and sub-headings to sign-post your arguments.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 14
Avoid paragraphs that are too lengthy or are too short.
Get someone else to read through your work to help you ensure fluency and the consistent
application of the above principles.
(iv) Word count
The word count should include everything except the list of references and appendices – that is the
title page through to the contents page as well as the main body of text in the dissertation.
Submitting work that is below 6,500 words would suggest that you have not fully made use of the
opportunity to develop your work, whilst going beyond 7,500 words will incur a standard penalty,
according to the following formula:-
[(actual word length – 7,500) / 7,500] x 100, rounded up to form the reduction in marks –
e.g. a 9.5% excess will result in a 10 mark reduction
(v) Statistics (relevant to Dissertation Option #2)
Generally, statistics, especially in the main body of a dissertation, should be presented in the form of
tables. Graphs and diagrams, correctly constructed, can also be effective in presenting results, but
don’t repeat tabulated data in graphical form – choose a single mode for data presentation. Label the
contents of tables or graphs. Computations should be accurate, but excessive decimal places can
disrupt reading and so limit to an appropriate number of places. All graphs, diagrams and tables should
be given a separate heading and the source of the data should be referenced.
These should be numbered sequentially – e.g. Figure 1, 2, 3 etc. Each table should contain all the
information necessary for someone to re-work the data. The raw data and details of the calculations
should be presented in appendices.
(vi) Page numbering
Number the main body of your dissertation at the bottom of the page. It is usual to use a different
numbering system for the appendices – such as roman numerals.
The title of each appendix should be listed on the contents page. Each appendix should begin on a
separate page and designated A, B, C etc. in the order in which it is first mentioned in the text.
Appendices are placed at the end of the dissertation after the reference list.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: You can fail simply because presentation was non-compliant with this format.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: Your word count must be declared on the title page. There is no discretion
over the application of the penalty should your work exceed 7,500 words.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 15
5) A bibliography for research methodology
For more detailed guidance on these and other methods you should refer to your research methods
lectures and the recommended research methods texts, as well as discussing your individual project
with your supervisor.
Useful research methods texts include the following. Þ E-downloads available from the library
Bell, E. (2019: 2024 – Online Assignment Homework Writing Help Service By Expert Research Writers) Business Research Methods (5th edition or earlier), Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Dawson, Jeremy. (2017) Analysing quantitative survey data for business and management students.
London: Sage
Denscombe, M. (2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay For Me Without Delay) The good research guide: for small-scale social research projects. (5th ed).
Maidenhead: Open University Press Þ
Easterby-Smith, M. (2008 – Affordable Custom Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay from Pro Writers) Management Research: an Introduction, (3rd ed). London: Sage
Eden, C & Huxham, C. (1996) Action Research for Management Research, British Journal of
Management Vol 7/1,p p75-86 Þ
Gill, J. (2010 – Essay Writing Service: Write My Essay by Top-Notch Writer) Research Methods for Managers (4th ed). London: Sage.
Saunders, M. (2009) Research Methods for Business Students (5th ed). Harlow: Pearson Ltd. Þ
Xian, Huiping & Meng-Lewis, Yue. (2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online) Business Research Methods for Chinese Students: A
Practical Guide to Your Research Project, London: Sage –
Yin, R. (2014: 2024 – Essay Writing Service | Write My Essay For Me Without Delay) Case Study Research: Design and Methods (5th ed). London: Sage
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 16
6) Research Ethics (relevant to Dissertation Option #1)
This section is relevant to the research methodology requirement in Option #1 that includes:-
“Online assignment help tutors – Discuss ethical issues relating to the data, participants, personal safety and research
execution and the measures you would have undertaken to address them.”
Since students undertaken Dissertation Option #1 do not undertake any research, their research
design can involve any form of data and its collection, including that which would normally require
research ethics approval. Therefore, this section is retained because it covers the principles and
provides practical guidance on common approaches.
Ethics are about how we conduct ourselves in relation to society and the environment – with honesty,
integrity, respect for others, and minimising the risk of harm. Research ethics observes these principles
in relation to the design, conduct, and impact of research and so applies to dissertation projects. You
must think carefully about how your topic, research method, and dissemination of findings could
cause economic or psychological harm to organisations, participants, and, indeed, yourself. The topic
itself could be problematic – for example, corruption, gambling, or illegal/immoral activities – or the
participant group – the young (< 18 years), the elderly, or vulnerable adults – but the common issues
management school students have to confront are confidentiality and anonymity surrounding the
collection, storage, and public access to findings. This means that ethical issues will present
themselves whenever data is being collected by the student – that is ‘primary data’. You should also
note that secondary data may also capture personal data – for example publicly available social media
where participants are identifiable (e.g. YouTube, WeChat). Whilst such data sources are often
distinct, for case study research within organisations, multiple sources – including access to internal
databases – commonly avail themselves. Guidance is provided here on common issues for research
methods involving primary data.
Confidentiality & Anonymity
Most management school research involving primary data must ensure that commercially or
personally sensitive information is not disclosed to a wider audience than the assessors of the
dissertation project unless the organisation or person gives explicit permission to do so. This means
that organisations and human participants (and possibly even the data itself) should be disguised – if
the data can be aggregated this ‘anonymises’ the source but, more commonly it cannot be, and
therefore a false/artificial name is used rather than the real name of the organisation or person – this
is called a ‘pseudonym’.
Personally-identifiable data & GDPR
The term ‘personal data’ has taken on a new meaning since the European Union’s General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in May 2018: 2024 – Write My Essay For Me | Essay Writing Service For Your Papers Online, and includes anything by which an
individual may be identified. It is for this reason that the phrase ‘personally-identifiable data’ to
distinguish the common interpretation of the word ‘personal’ as characteristics related to human
participants – gender, age, etc. For example, identifying the gender of a participant in research doesn’t
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 17
identify them if there are others of the same gender and the sample is sufficiently large. So, what is
‘personal data’ depends on your research context. GDPR’s purpose is not just to protect the privacy
of EU citizens – it also covers personal data processed or held by any EU organisation anywhere in the
world – and Sheffield University is such an organisation – and thus all dissertation students who collect
data from human participants must adhere to GDPR.
Personal data should only be collected where it is germane to the research aim – many students collect
demographic data that has no relevance in the subsequent data analysis. Personal data revealing
racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership;
or data concerning health, sex life or sexual orientation, or criminal/illegal activities is subject to
additional controls and is not encouraged.
An information sheet relating to the research and containing content as specified by the University’s
Research Ethics Committee should be provided to potential research participants. The real name of
the participant should not be recorded if possible (as in an on-line survey) or should only appear on
the consent form and thereafter only the pseudonym should be used in data analysis. Transcripts and
data analysis files should be stored separately from the signed consent forms.
Specific guidance:-
Individual or group interview: this is a common dissertation research method and requires an ethics
application. The usual process of providing an information sheet in advance and gaining consent at
the time of discussion applies.
On-line survey or (previously) distributed questionnaire: both these methods offer scope for
anonymisation of sources. An information sheet should be provided on the landing page (if on-line) or
by e-mail (in advance) which the potential respondent can read in full and consent acquired by the
respondent’s acknowledgement of the information sheet (i.e. a simple tick box on the survey).
Personally-identifiable data (e.g. name, address) should be avoided – if it isn’t, full consent is needed.
Impromptu survey: this is an in-person survey where potential respondents cannot be provided with
an information sheet in advance. This method is quite common (i.e. occurs at an event or location).
The need to read an information sheet, even if concise, is very likely to deplete response rates. No
recording or collection of personally-identifiable data must be made. In these circumstances, an
abbreviated combined information sheet & consent may be used. Hard copies of the full information
sheet (in the native language) must be offered to the respondent.
Case studies: this includes Company Projects arranged by the Employability Hub, some MBA and
independently arranged MSc dissertation projects. The ethics application should identify all the
potential sources of primary data (e.g. interview, observation, documentary, databases). A clear
understanding, in writing, should be obtained by the tutee from the organisation of the research aim
and data/personnel access. The use of pseudonyms and the principles of anonymity apply to the
organisation as much as to human participants and the protocols above apply depending on data
sources. Tutee access to internal databases containing personal data is prohibited, even if the case
organisation permits. The tutee can agree a specification of the data sought and request an authorised
employee to download the dataset and anonymise any personal data.
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7) Research ethics procedure (relevant to Dissertation Option #2)
Students undertaking Dissertation Option #2 must complete a Declaration that an ethics application
is unnecessary before they conduct their data collection. This is so that your supervisor can ensure
that the databases and data sources you intend to use are not subject to ethics approval as this cannot
be granted under Covid-19 restrictions.
The following are acceptable sources of secondary data, but please liaise with your supervisor if you
desire to use a source that is not covered:-
• Databases that are available through the University library’s star-plus system (Database A-Z)
o e.g. Mintel, Economist
• Databases that are subscribed to by the Management School
o e.g. Compustat, CSMAR, KLD, & BoardEx through WRDS
• Databases/datasets that are publicly available (e.g. national statistics)
• Websites of governments, supra-national agencies, professional bodies, charities and other
institutions, business press, companies
Social media sites (e.g. YouTube, Youku, Weibo, WeChat) are problematic as they contain personal
data. You can only use social media sources of organisations listed under ‘websites’ and you must
not initiate or participate in a conversation or post comment – you may only passively observe or
download content. If you are in doubt over the acceptability of an internet source, then request advice
from your supervisor.
The Declaration procedure
Follow this link: https://emits.group.shef.ac.uk/dissertation/index.php?action=ethics_declaration
When you log on you will see the following details:
• Your name
• Your registration number
• The name of your supervisor (this will not be available until mid-May)
• Your research project title
If you want to change any of these details you will need to go back to your Research Proposal Form
using this link: shef.ac.uk/emits/dissertation.
You must then tick Declaration B and, in the drop down table, list the databases or data sources you
intend to use. Note that Declarations A and C are not available.
Declaration A: no datasets or empirical data.
Declaration B: select this declaration as you are not using any participation from people but you will
be using publicly available datasets. List the datasets that you’ll be using.
Declaration C: datasets that are not publicly available.
You will receive an email that tells you if and when approval has been given.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: If you do not submit a Declaration that ethics approval is unnecessary, your data
collection and analysis will not be assessed.
If your project should change significantly after you have submitted your declaration, you
should complete a new one. I need help writing my essay – research paper contact your supervisor to discuss any changes proposed.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 19
8) Academic integrity
The material you submit for your dissertation must be your own original work. Where other materials
are used, you must state the source(s) from which the information is derived and show the extent to
which you have made use of the work of others. University regulations for the award of a higher
degree state: a “candidate may not submit a dissertation, a substantial part of which consists of
material which has been submitted for any other Degree or qualification”.
Self-plagiarism
In some cases, there will be an acceptable overlap between your dissertation and previous work you
have undertaken. Examples of this include:
• Literature review material, ethics forms, and proposed methods submitted for a Research
Methods module on your programme. This is the situation for many of the students
undertaking Option #1 and some of those undertaking Option #2
• A proposal of objectives, literature review and methods submitted as assessed work at
Sheffield International College.
• Literature review material developed from work in a taught module.
All these must show development upon the previous work.
Avoidance
You must use appropriate and sufficient referencing to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Guidance on
this is provided in Section 4 of this handbook but you may also recall the introductory dissertation
workshop in February covered common failings in referencing and the avoidance of plagiarism. A
recording of this workshop is available on the MGT Dissertation Blackboard site.
Turnitin
You must submit your dissertation to be electronically processed through Turnitin, the University’s
plagiarism software, by the submission date at the very latest. The Management School will review all
submissions for academic integrity.
Should there be any suspicion of a breach of academic integrity or ethics then these will be referred
to senior members of the Management School for investigation. You will be notified of this action and
you will have the opportunity to discuss these in an investigative meeting. Failure to justify the
dissertation content at this stage will lead to further and more severe action.
The University takes a very serious view of academic integrity and the penalties can be severe. The
work may be failed and in extreme cases students can be expelled from the University.
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9) Submission
The deadline for electronic submission is 8 September 2020 by 12.00h (midday) although you may
submit your dissertation before this date. Note that you should allow sufficient time for the
submission process to clear, particularly if you are uploading from outside the UK. I need help writing my essay – research paper do not
leave submission until the last minute in case there are any problems.
Turnitin submission will be available from 24th August 2020.
If submission is delayed beyond the deadline, late penalties will be applied as for any module
coursework – i.e. 5% for every working day, including part days. If your submission is over 5 working
days late, the mark will be 0. If in any doubt, email mgt.dissertations@sheffield.ac.uk
Submission format
The SEO will email a link to the Access to Dissertation form (Appendix A). I need help writing my essay – research paper scan it for inclusion
at the front of the Turnitin submission, followed by the title page, complete dissertation, references,
and appendices. I need help writing my essay – research paper upload a .pdf version of your dissertation as the formatting of text, paragraphs,
and diagrams in .docx files can be distorted when viewed in Turnitin. The upload file and the upload
title must be your registration number then your programme’s dissertation module code e.g.
190123456_MGT689.
A hard copy of the dissertation is not required.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: if you have changed the title of your dissertation since you completed the
Research Proposal form you are advised to go back and amend your proposal form
(shef.ac.uk/emits/dissertation). This will ensure that the correct title appears on your final
transcript.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: once the deadline has passed, your submission is final. You may upload updated
versions of your dissertation to Turnitin as many times as you wish before the deadline, but
when the deadline passes the last uploaded version of your work is final and cannot be changed
for any reason. I need help writing my essay – research paper therefore make sure that you have uploaded the correct version of your
work before the deadline passes.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 21
10) Extensions criteria
You are expected to have the self-discipline and motivation to complete your dissertation on time.
However, we do recognise that there will be exceptional circumstances, especially relating to the
pandemic, when an extension to the deadline is justified. These circumstances include chronic or
serious illness or a recent family bereavement for which medical evidence is normally required.
However, where the circumstance results from Covid-19 or government-approved precautions in
relation to it, a relaxation has occurred as the following statement indicates:-
If you have to self-isolate or your circumstances affect your ability to complete assessments,
you should contact your academic department in the first instance – they will be
sympathetic to your situation and support you in using the extenuating
circumstances process if required. You do not need to get supporting medical
documentation and you do not need a medical professional to authorise the form.
Criteria not normally considered to be valid reason for applying for extension include:-
• Financial problems
• Loss of preparation material, computing or transmission problems or delays
• Resit examinations
It must be emphasised that the programme finishes only when the dissertation is successfully
completed and you should plan an appropriate commitment to the programme up to this point.
Obviously, there may be unforeseen circumstances which cause you delays. These delays do not
always guarantee any extension.
If you request an extension, this should be on the appropriate forms, available from 3rd August on the
dissertation Blackboard site. In your application you will need to say why your work has been delayed
and give a timetable for work leading to a new submission date. Your supervisor will usually need to
support your application so you should discuss this with your supervisor first. Evidence must be
provided for all submitted requests. Your request for an extension should be submitted as soon as
possible and not later than the dissertation submission date.
The maximum extension possible is 3 weeks. Extensions of more than 3 weeks may mean that it
is not possible for the dissertation to be marked and second marked in time for you to graduate
in the same academic year. If you want a longer extension you are advised to discuss the
implications of this with the dissertation team.
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11) Assessment criteria
The assessment criteria follows logically from the requirements set out in Section 1 of the handbook.
DISSERTATION OPTION #1 Critical Literature Review
Effectively structured extended research proposal
The vertical thread from the research problem/aim(s), to research questions /hypotheses as informed
by theory, to the justification of the proposed research design.
Logical arrangement of information and argument.
Ability to draw upon relevant academic literature to inform the research
Identification and critical evaluation of relevant academic and industrial literature; theoretical
derivation of hypotheses or research questions; quality of the bibliography.
Quality of the methodology
Justification of method; data collection and sample construct; form of analysis; ethical issues relating
to the data, participants, personal safety & research execution.
For quantitative methods: the choice of technique, derivation of the model, variables, data
sources, and statistical approach to analysis, validity, and significance are to be presented.
For qualitative methods: the choice of technique, derivation of investigative questions,
research instruments, trustworthiness, and bias are to be presented.
For mixed methods, company projects, and case studies: a relevant combination or extract of
the above.
Presentation and Style
Clarity of writing; use of tables, figures, & appendices; citation of references; adherence to formatting
protocols in the dissertation handbook.
Self-reflection.
DISSERTATION OPTION #2
Quality of the research design
The logical derivation of research questions/hypotheses through the application of appropriate theory
to the research aim and context.
Suitability of method; data collection and sample construct; form of analysis.
For quantitative methods: the choice of technique, derivation of the model, variables, data
sources, and statistical approach to analysis, validity, and significance are to be presented.
For qualitative methods: the choice of technique, derivation of investigative questions, data
sources, trustworthiness, and bias are to be presented.
For mixed methods: a relevant combination or extract of the above.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 23
Secondary data analysis
Explanation of the statistical approach to analysis, reliability, and significance or qualitative approach
to analysis, trustworthiness, and bias.
Presentation of the data. Clarity, level, and rigour of the analysis.
Quality of the interpretation as findings and their relation to theory and published studies.
Conclusions
Extent to which the conclusions reflect / flow from the analysis and discussion; limitations of the
research; were the research aims achieved in full or in part?
Presentation and Style
Clarity of writing; use of tables, figures, and appendices; citation of references; adherence to
formatting protocols in the dissertation handbook Logical arrangement of information and argument.
Self-reflection
The assessment criteria used by the markers is shown in Appendices M1 and M2.
12) Examination and Results
Your dissertation will be marked by both your supervisor and another marker. The two markers will
arrive at independent judgements and then discuss the dissertation and give an agreed mark.
If your dissertation passes but the mark is below your weighted average grade as at 15 March 2020,
the mark given will be adjusted upward by the Exam Board.
You will be notified after the Exam Board in early November that your result is ready by the SEO. The
email will contain a hyperlink that will enable you to review the feedback from both markers and the
mark awarded. If you have returned home and experience difficulty accessing your Sheffield.ac.uk
account, notify mgt.dissertations@sheffield.ac.uk with your personal email address.
If you had a long extension or if your dissertation is being investigated for unfair means, then there
will be a delay in getting your mark.
I need help writing my essay – research paper note: You must retain all of the material that you have used in producing your
dissertation until this time to ensure that you can use it if you are required to resubmit or if you
are required to attend an interview to talk through your work. An interview may be conducted
to confirm details of the research – not to alter the mark.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 24
13) Re-examination in the event of failure
Having a resubmission opportunity is subject to you meeting the requirements of the taught
modules. If your final grade is a Diploma or Certificate, you will not be allowed a resit opportunity.
If failure is solely the consequence of the application of penalties for late submission (i.e. the
academic quality of the dissertation was awarded a grade of 50 or above), then the original
dissertation will be automatically resubmitted on your behalf by the Dissertation Team. It will be
awarded a grade of 50 at the next exam board and you can expect to receive a formal certificate from
the University in April 2021.
If you do not pass your dissertation because of insufficiency in its academic quality, you have one
opportunity to resubmit your dissertation to try and bring it up to a pass mark.
You will be provided with feedback about why you have not reached the appropriate standard with
comments of the two markers and possibly by additional comments from the external examiner.
In addition you may have one discussion with a supervisor to get some guidance as to the amendments
that you will need to make and to help you interpret the feedback. Students may make additional
enquiries on particular questions concerning their resubmission work. Supervisors will also read and
comment on a draft though this is likely to be only what you have amended. Supervisors will not
review more than one draft of any resubmission material.
You should re-submit the dissertation to a Google drive using a link and following the instructions from
mgt.dissertations@sheffield.ac.uk. The resubmitted dissertation will be marked and where the grade
is 50 or more the grade will be recorded as a 50 in line with Management School guidelines. A resubmission of a dissertation is required by 7 September 2021 but you can submit before then if it is
ready (i.e. following review of the draft by your supervisor). The earlier resubmission deadlines are 28
January 2021 and 4 May 2021. Graduation ceremonies only occur in January but a formal certificate
will be issued by the University in your absence. If you are late submitting against your intended
deadline, the submission will not be considered until the next deadline indicated above.
If you have any queries about the dissertation process, please email
mgt.dissertations@sheffield.ac.uk
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 25
14) Frequently Asked Questions
I need help writing my essay – research paper review the FAQs at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/coronavirus/faqs/students. These provide
the University’s advice concerning a wide range of aspects that have been affected by the pandemic.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 26
APPENDICES
A: Access to dissertation form
B: Dissertation project planner
C: Sample title page
D: LSP declaration sample title page
D: Speed reading journal articles
M1: Dissertation Option #1 marking matrix
M2: Dissertation Option #2 marking matrix
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Access to Dissertation form: Appendix A
Student registration number
Student name
Programme
Supervisor
I need help writing my essay – research paper indicate which dissertation option you have undertaken:
Dissertation Option #1: CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW
Dissertation Option #2: SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS
I need help writing my essay – research paper indicate whether you are willing for your dissertation to be accessible to staff and students.
I agree that my dissertation can be made openly available within the Management School.
Signed _____________________________________________________
Date _____________________________________________________
Option #1 Option #2
Yes No
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 28
Dissertation Project Planner: Appendix B
Dissertation Planner
Student Details
Forename
Surname
Student Registration Number
Programme of Study
Draft Title of Dissertation
Student Contact Details
Email address:
Telephone number:
Where will you be doing your research? Students writing up outside the UK should inform their supervisor
Sheffield area Elsewhere in UK Abroad
Dates Or Periods When Supervisor Is Unavailable
Dates Or Periods When Student Is Unavailable
You should plan a timetable for your dissertation which takes into account the availability of
yourself and your supervisor. Tick the interactions required by UK Visa & Immigration
Planned schedule Timeframe UKVI
Introduction
Literature review
Methodology
Data analysis (option #2)
Conclusion & self-reflection
Submission of provisional draft and feedback
Submission of dissertation
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Sample Title Page: Appendix C
SRN: Your student registration number
Name: Your name
Supervisor: Your supervisor
Title: The title of your dissertation
Dissertation submitted in part requirement for the Degree of MSc [insert your programme
name] of the University of Sheffield
September 2020
Word count: Your word count
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 30
SRN: Your student registration number
Name: Your name
Supervisor: Your supervisor
Title: The title of your dissertation
Dissertation submitted in part requirement for the Degree of MSc [insert your programme
name] of the University of Sheffield
September 2020
Word count: Your word count
Students with a Learning Support Plan
You may choose to use this title page if you have a disability, which can affect aspects of your
written communication (for example students with specific learning difficulties such as
dyslexia, autism spectrum conditions) and which is verified by a Learning Support Plan
LSP Declaration Sample Title Page: Appendix D
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1 31
Speed-reading journal articles: Appendix E
Articles in academic journals are the most important source of literature for dissertations but the
length and use of sophisticated expression can discourage students. You need articles for four
purposes: theory; method; findings and focusing your research ideas. Key tips for effective searching
selection and reading of journals are given below.
If your supervisor advises you that your research aims are too broad, then a good way to gain greater
focus is to review the conclusions of articles in your general field of interest as most contain
recommendations for further research.
If you can’t find articles relating to your specific field of research, then you are probably searching
using the wrong phrase or keyword. Play around with the phrase until you find an abstract that is in
your chosen area, and then check the ‘key words’ it cites and modify yours. For example, you could
be searching for ‘feedback on performance’ and find the literature uses ‘performance monitoring’.
You need theory on your chosen field. In a conventionally structured article, you will find this in the
second section of the article – make a note of the author, year. Then repeat the process on other
articles in your field – are some of the names the same? These will indicate seminal articles upon
which you can concentrate.
You have the theory, but you need a methodology or, at least, justification for the methodology you
intend to adopt. Select articles that have undertaken the sort of research (e.g. quantitative; case study;
interview) that you intend – you can usually tell this from the abstract. Every author has to explain the
methodology they have adopted and this will be contained in a separate third or fourth section. Here
you will be able to note the model used; data sources; sample construction, etc.
In your literature review, you will also need the findings from published studies with which you can
compare your own findings in the chapter on interpretation. Go back to your portfolio of articles and
in the conclusion section, you will find their key findings – if any are particularly important to your
research, track back through the article until you reach the sub-section which explains it in detail.
Obviously, you can combine many of these activities into a single review of the article.
Finally, build up your list of references as you undertake your research. You can order, refine, and
transfer this list into the dissertation itself – there’s nothing more frustrating than reading something
and, discarding it, only to find later that it is highly relevant to an unexpected direction in your
research. Using a specific software app like ‘Endnote’ makes this process really easy.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
32
Dissertation Option #1 Critical Literature Review marking matrix: Appendix M1
Hard Fail (0-39) Soft Fail (40-49) Pass (50-59) Merit (60-69) Distinction (70+) Distinction (80+)
Effective
structure
Incoherent arrangement
of content. Unclear
research aims. No
research context.
Incoherent arrangement
of content or unclear
research aims or absence
of research context.
Adequately logical arrangement
of content and research aims.
Descriptive research context.
Clear structure and
research aims. Good
contextualisation.
Plus good argument
justifying the research
aims (due to context,
knowledge gap, or
personal motivation).
Innovative or
challenging
research design
with a strong
vertical thread.
Ability to draw
upon relevant
academic
literature to
inform the
research
Sparse bibliography.
Theory not relevant to
research context.
Knowledge not
demonstrated.
Weak engagement with
literature. Descriptive.
Disjuncture from the
research aim and
questions.
Relevant academic literature but
largely descriptive. Reasonable
comprehension but theory
insufficiently links research aim
with investigative questions or
hypotheses.
Reasonable analysis of
relevant literature to
provide theory leading to
academically-valid
investigative questions or
hypotheses.
Good critique of relevant
literature that has led the
student to adopt a
logically argued position
to investigative questions
or hypotheses.
Plus critique of
empirical studies in
the literature to
inform the research
method adopted.
Research
methods
Methods are unclear or
irrelevant to the research
context. Philosophical &
functional justification is
absent. Inadequate
specification of relevant
data, collection, and
mode of analysis. No
ethical consideration.
Lack of clarity/relevance
or justification or
specification or ethics.
Adequate explanation of
methodological elements but
disjointed, asserted, or
unconvincing. Tends to be
descriptive. Lapses in content
coverage and inadequate use of
methodological literature.
Adequate consideration of ethical
issues.
Reasonable discussion of
methodological elements
with good use of
methodological literature.
Lapses in content coverage
may be present but ethical
considerations must be
present.
Comprehensive coverage
of methodological
elements and clear
rationale for selection
drawing upon literature
specific to the research
context. Relevant ethical
issues are fully explored.
Plus critical
consideration of
alternatives and
cogent argument
for choice.
Presentation
and Style
Poor presentation. Weak
syntax and spelling.
Significant lapses in
referencing or noncompliance with Harvard
protocol.
No self-reflection.
Poor presentation or
expression or referencing.
No self-reflection.
Weak presentation or expression.
Satisfactory standard of
referencing.
Self-reflection must be present.
Reasonable presentation
and expression. Meaning is
conveyed. Good standard
of referencing.
Self-reflection is functional
and affective.
Good presentation and
expression.
Comprehensive
referencing and
adherence to protocol.
Insightful self-reflection.
Superb and
comprehensive.
Self-reflection
demonstrates
strong experiential
learning.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
33
Dissertation Option #2 Secondary Data Analysis marking matrix: Appendix M2
Hard Fail (0-39) Soft Fail (40-49) Pass (50-59) Merit (60-69) Distinction (70+) Distinction (80+)
Effective
structure
Not available
Disconnection between
research design and
secondary data analysis.
Adequately logical arrangement
of content.
Clear structure from
research aims to
conclusions.
Strong vertical thread
throughout the entire
work.
Not available
Academic
literature to
inform research
Sparse bibliography.
Theory absent or
irrelevant.
Acceptable (short) bibliography.
Relevant theory explained but
weakly linked to RQs/hypos.
Moderate bibliography inc
methodological readings.
Relevant theory engaged &
linked to RQs/hypotheses.
Good use of theory to
inform research
questions or hypotheses.
Research method
(no ethical
consideration
required)
Methods are unclear or
irrelevant to the research
aim.
Inadequate specification
of data.
Adequate explanation of
methodological elements but
disjointed / unconvincing. Lapses
in content and inadequate use of
methodological literature.
Reasonable explanation of
methodological elements.
Full coverage of secondary
data, its source, and model.
Comprehensive coverage
and comprehension of
methodological elements.
Secondary data
analysis
Poor or incomplete
presentation of data.
Analysis is superficial.
Interpretation is
flawed. Hypotheses or
RQs unanswered.
Data presented but is
descriptive and/or
analysis is superficial.
Analysis (diagnostics) or
interpretation is flawed.
Adequately presented data.
Reasonable depth of analysis
(with minor flaws) or logical
interpretation of findings or
partially addresses hypotheses or
RQs.
Well presented data.
Reasonable depth of
analysis (with minor flaws)
and logical interpretation of
findings. Addresses
hypotheses or RQs.
Well presented data.
Comprehensive analysis
and cautious
interpretation of findings.
Addresses hypotheses or
RQs.
Excellent
presentation of
data, containing a
deep and insightful
analysis. Critically
interpreted.
Conclusions Minimal / meaningless.
No feedback of findings
to theory or research
aim/problem.
No comment on the
limitations of research
design and execution.
Perfunctory.
No feedback of findings
to theory or research
aim/problem or
comment on the
limitations of research
design and execution.
Largely repeat the findings.
Cursory feedback present on
theory or research aim/problem.
Some limitations of the research
recognised.
Flow from the findings.
Credibly contrast the
findings with theory or
comment on achievement
of research aim. Limitations
of the research recognised.
Critically consider the
findings in relation to
research aims and theory.
Limitations of the
research recognised.
Conclusions
demonstrate an
outstanding level of
competence in
research execution.
Effective from 12th May 2020 v1
34
Presentation and
Style
Poor presentation.
Weak syntax and
spelling. Significant
lapses in referencing or
non-compliance with
Harvard protocol.
No self-reflection.
Poor presentation of text,
tables, statistics or
expression or referencing.
No self-reflection.
Weak presentation or expression.
Satisfactory standard of
referencing.
Self-reflection must be present.
Reasonable presentation
and expression. Meaning is
conveyed. Good standard
of referencing.
Self-reflection is affective
as well as functional.
Good presentation and
expression.
Comprehensive
referencing and
adherence to protocol.
Insightful self-reflection.
Superb presentat’n
engagingly written.
Self-reflection
demonstrates
strong experiential
learning.
Notes on the marking matrices
The descriptors are guidelines and should not be taken as relating to precise percentages. They are indicative of a level of performance across the key criteria
upon which the dissertation is assessed – students are also not penalised twice for, say, a weakness of capability and the expression in English of that capability
that is recognised in ‘presentation and style’, providing the meaning is clear. Each criterion covers multiple aspects whose individual quality might indicate
different grade classifications – the marker will adopt a view that spans these grades to form an overall view on the classification. There is no specific weighting
on the criteria – in the case of Option #1 greater emphasis in the overall mark will be given to the review of literature and the methodology whereas, in Option
#2, the greatest emphasis will be placed on the secondary data analysis.

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