fin4511 module handbook 2010-2011 %28september 2010 intake%29

8/7/2019 FIN4511 MODULE HANDBOOK 2010-2011 %28September 2010 Intake%29

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FIN4511: DISSERTATION

Module Handbook

Academic Year 2010/2011

(September 2010 Intake)

MSc Financial ManagementMSc Financial Management with

Corporate Accountability

MODULE LEADER:

Dr Angathevar Baskaran (Bas)

Accounting and Finance Department

ROOM: W235, Hendon Campus

E-MAIL: [email protected]: 020 8411 57
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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FIN4511: DISSERTATION MODULE HANDBOOK(September 2010 Intake)

Academic Year 2010/2011

Contents

Item of Reference Page No.

Module Aims/ Learning Outcomes 3

Teaching Programme Outline 4

Learning Resources 5

Assessment Pattern & Deadlines 6

Feedback 7

Note on Leaving UK Before Submitting Your Dissertation 7

Viva Voce (Oral Examination) 8

Checking for Plagiarism (Using TURNITIN UK Software) 8Guidelines for Preparing Your Dissertation 11

Supervisors 11

A Note on Plagiarism 12

Identifying a Topic 13

Research Topic Proposal Form (Appendix D) 14

Developing the Research Proposal Document 14

Planning and Execution of Your Research 16

Literature Search/ Data Collection 17

Data Analysis / Preparation and Submission 19

Writing Style 25

Assessment Criteria 26

APPENDIX A: Technical Production of the Dissertation 28

APPENDIX B: Bookbinders 29

APPENDIX C: FINAL DISSERTATION SUBMISSION 30

APPENDIX D: Dissertation Topic Proposal Form 31

APPENDIX E: Supervisor Contact Sheet 34

APPENDIX F: Health & Safety Guidance

Overseas Travel Risk Assessment Form

36

APPENDIX G: The Business Schools Approach to Ethical Issues 37

N.B. This handbook is intended for the guidance of students taking this module in 2010/2011. Whilst the details contained inthis handbook represent teaching staff intentions at the time of writing, it is in the nature of higher education that some module

information, such as syllabus, reading lists and assignments, may be subject to modifications during the teaching of a module.Teaching staff reserve the right to make such minor changes in the matters covered by this publication and will endeavour topublicise any such changes as widely and timely as possible.


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Module Aims

The module provides students with the opportunity to select their own specialised research topic inthe area of financial management and work under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

Students will be expected to apply relevant theoretical frameworks and research

methodologies/methods whilst conducting their research. The module requires students to

independently plan, organise, and coherently produce a limited but a well researched work.

Dissertation students on the MSc Financial Management are required to choose a topic of their

interest in the field of financial management. Students on MSc Financial Management with Corporate

Accountability are required to choose a topic in the field of Corporate Accountability.

Students will research their chosen topic and produce a detailed research proposal (2000-word

document) in Stage 1. The 2,000-word document should indicate that the student has carried out a

literature search on his/her topic and has chosen a suitable methodological approach and will applythe appropriate research techniques. The whole project (approximately 15,000-word document) will

be completed in Stage 2. The final dissertation should have the following characteristics: 1. A clear

statement of the problem to be investigated (Research questions/ Hypotheses, Research methodology/

methods and data sample/ sources); 2. Literature review/ theoretical framework; 3. Evidence of

original data collection; 4. In-depth analysis of the problem, including evidence, ideas of arguments

from major published sources (where available) in the problem area, that is, demonstration of linking

of data to the literature; and 5. A reasoned conclusion based upon the analysis, and where appropriate

recommendations (policy related and for further research).

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

At the end of this module, the successful students should be able to:

1. Identify and choose appropriate methodology and research methods/techniques for a givenresearch topic;

2. Evaluate a number of data collection techniques, together with their strengths andweaknesses, and apply the appropriate method(s)/ technique(s);

3. Critically evaluate a number of sometimes contradictory viewpoints on a single subject orissue and distinguish between them;

4. Gain in-depth knowledge relating to the specific area of research selected.

Skills

At the end of this module, the successful students should be able to:

5. Formulate, organise and carry out independent, but directed research work;

6. Explain the issues involved in the formulation, processing and execution of the dissertation;

7. Select and analyse data from different sources and use them in support of particular line ofargument;

8. Justify the adequacy of the employed methodological approach to theoretical frameworks;

9. Critically evaluate the implications of findings of their research projects, that is, in terms ofpolicy, decision making and future academic research;

10. Organise the structure and write up an academic research project.


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Syllabus

The following areas of study are covered in this module:

Methodological Approaches (Positivism, Phenomenology, Quantitative and Qualitative)

Literature Review

Research Design

Sampling

Measurement and Scales

Survey Research

Archival Research

Data Collection and Analysis

Fieldwork: Questionnaires and Interviews

Using the Internet for Research

Using Statistics

Ethics in Business Research

Writing up and Presenting Research Outcomes

TEACHING PROGRAMME OUTLINE

Learning

Week

Lecture Topic

1 Introduction to the Module / Quantitative Lecture 1

2 Quantitative Lecture/ Computer Lab




6 READING WEEK


8 Research Methodologies/ Methods

9 Research Questions/ Hypotheses & Literature Review

10 Methods of Data Collection/ Questionnaires and

Interviews

11 Electronics Resources/ Databases in the Library

12 Practical Issues Involved in Writing Dissertation/TURNITIN (Plagiarism Detecting Tool)


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TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

Theoretical and practical material will be delivered during a series of lectures/ seminars/

workshops (employing both in-class and e-learning resources), covering research methods

and highlighting the practical and problematic nature of undertaking a dissertation. That

is:

(a) 2-hour lecture/seminar/ workshop for teaching research methodology;

(b) 2-hour lecture/seminar for teaching Quantitative techniques including computer lab

for practical.

The research proposal will allow students to state clearly their research design includingresearch objectives/questions/ hypotheses and research methodology/methods to be

employed.

The final dissertation should demonstrate comprehensive in-depth knowledge of the area

of the topic including current research and different theories.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Students should obtain up-to-date material relevant to the topic to be researched. The project

supervisor will guide students in this respect.

For learning about research methods, the following works are recommended:

1. Cooper, D. R., and Schindler, P. S. (2006), Business Research Methods (London:McGraw-Hill).

2. Williams, M. (ed.) (2006), Philosophical Foundations of Social Research Methods(London: SAGE).

3. Somekh, B. and Lewin, C. (eds.) (2005), Research Methods in the Social Sciences(London: SAGE).

4. McNeill, P. and Chapman, S. (2005),Research Methods (London: Routledge).

5. Humphrey, C. and Lee, B. (eds.) (2004), The Real Life Guide to Accounting Research: A behind-the-scenes view of using qualitative research methods(London: Elsevier).

6. Bryman A. and D. Carmer, Quantitative Data Analysis with SPSS12 and 13,Routledge

7. Levine, D. M, Krehbiel, T. C, & Berenson, M. (2003), Business Statistics: A First

Course, Prentice-Hall

8. Newbold, P., Carlson, W.L. and Thorne, B. (2003). Statistics for Business andEconomics, Prentice-Hall

9. Seiler, Michael J. (2004). Performing Financial Studies: A MethodologicalCookbook, Prentice Hall.

10. Watsham, Terry J. & Parramore, Keith (2003). Quantitative Methods in Finance,Thompson


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Other than the above learning materials which are available in the school library, students are

encouraged to read and refer to previous and latest works on research methods. Some of the

lecture notes and materials will be provided on OASISplus.

ASSESSMENT PATTERN: 100% COURSEWORK

Research Methodology/Methods Assignment: 10% (Of this 5% is allocated for class

attendance)

Quantitative Methods Assignment: 10% (Of this 5% is allocated for class attendance)

Dissertation Proposal: 0% (2,000 words document)

Final Dissertation: 80% (Approximately 15,000 words document)

DEADLINES

1. Submission of Your Dissertation Topic:

11 February 2011

Submityour Research Topic using Appendix D from Module Handbook directly

to the Module Leader Dr A. Baskaran (Room: W235). This is not part ofassessment, but is used to allocate supervisors. Therefore, please DO NOT SUBMIT

THIS TO THE STUDENT OFFICE.

NOTE: If you fail to meet the deadline for submitting Dissertation Topic Proposal Form

(Appendix D), you will not be allocated a supervisor. It will be your responsibility to find a

supervisor by approaching an academic staff.

2. Submission of Research Proposal (2,000 words)

30 June 2011

Submit this as an electronic or hard copy to your supervisor directly. This usually consists of

two chapters Introduction, and Literature Review. Later, these chapters can be improved and

included as part of your main dissertation.

This is not assessed. This is used by your supervisor to check whether you are on right track.

SO,DO NOT SUBMIT THIS TO THE STUDENT OFFICE.


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DEADLINE FOR THE FINAL DISSERTATION (15,000 words)

14 October 2011

(i) Submit 1 hard bound copy and 1 spiral bound copy to the Student Office

(ii) Also submit the TURNITIN Report for plagiarism (if possible) along with

an electronic copy (e.g. CD) of your dissertation

(iii) Supervisor Contact Sheet signed by your supervisor

Note: Submission of electronic copy (e.g. CD) is compulsory.

Failure to meet the deadline for submission will result in a first fail. Once this happens you

will have one further chance to resubmit.

Please note that if you are unable to submit your dissertation by the due date you may be liable

to payment of an additional fee.

FEEDBACK

Bothformative andsummative assessments will be employed:

Formative assessment that is primarily developmental in nature will be employed to

provide feedback to students during seminars on various tasks performed by students

(individually and in groups) and also on their dissertation proposals and draft dissertation

chapters to help improve their performance in summative assessment.

Summative assessment that is designed to measure the extent to which a student has

achieved the intended learning outcomes will be employed for theoretical and practical

(statistical) assignments and the final dissertation; and feedback will be provided.

1. Feedback on Class assignments (Research Methodology and Quantitative) will be provided

in Week 18

2. Feedback on Dissertation: After the Examination

NOTE ON LEAVING UK BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR

DISSERTATION

Please note that you are expected to stay in the UK and receive direct face to face supervision

and complete your dissertation. You cannot be supervised if you leave the UK. In exceptional

circumstances you may be allowed to leave the UK and complete your dissertation from abroadprovided your supervisor agrees to this in writing to the Module Leader that he/she is willing to

supervise you via email. But the feedback you receive via email may not be of same level as that

of face to face supervision.


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VIVA VOCE (ORAL EXAMINATION)

You will be asked to appear for Viva Voce (Oral Examination) in the following cases:

1. If you leave the UK without consent from your supervisor and submit your dissertationfrom abroad, you will be asked to take a viva voce over Telephone or Skype.

2. If you are in the UK and your dissertation is suspected of plagiarism or academicmisconduct, you will be asked to take a viva voce.

Checking for plagiarism before final submission of Coursework by using

Turnitin UK Software

Please use Turnitin UK Software in the Oasisplus to make sure you have not plagiarised from otherpeoples work without proper referencing in the text. You should upload your work and print out the

plagiarism report from Turnitin UK system.

YOU MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING TO THE STUDENT OFFICE:

1. The Turnitin Software Report on plagiarism (If possible)

2. An electronic copy of the Dissertation (e.g. CD), which is compulsory3. ONE hard bound copy of dissertation in required style and format

4. ONE spiral bound (soft bound) copy

1. Why do you need to reference accurately in your work?

Correct referencing is an academic skill that you will be assessed on.

Correct referencing demonstrates that you have read appropriately on the subject, shows that you are

acknowledging the sources you have used (that you are not trying to cheat) and provides information

on useful sources of information to your reader.

Doing it correctly demonstrates professionalism, doing it incorrectly will lead to reduced marks,

possibly to disciplinary action which includes the possibility of having your studies terminated.

I do see cases where the student has clearly deliberately attempted to cheat. These are dealt with very

firmly. However, most cases I see are where students have either referenced poorly or not botheredwith referencing at all. Work that is otherwise good often fails in these circumstances.

This sheet is to give you guidance on checking that you have referenced appropriately before

submitting. Guidance on referencing itself is available from the resources listed at the end of this

sheet.

If you have any concerns about your referencing ask for help before submitting.

2. Using TurnitinUK Software

You can use the Turnitin software for checking your work for matching text. This will reveal to you

where you may have not fully referenced.


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You will need to reference correctly or remove any significant matching text from your final

submission. The matching source given by the check may not be the one that you used, you should

reference to your source. Make sure you use the Library help sheets on referencing to guide you on

correct referencing style.

If a Turnitin site has been set up specifically for your module/unit then you should use that one. (An

alternative test site is given later in this document).

Keep one project only in each site otherwise you may find you lose the material you need when it is

overwritten. You should not put the same material into two different sites as you will get a 100%

match in the second one to the first that you uploaded.

You can have as many tests as you like on this test site. Each submission overwrites the previous

submission. You will not be judged on the material you upload to this site, it is purely an aid to you

improving your referencing.

We will subject your final electronic version to the Turnitin plagiarism detection software when

marking your work.

If there is not been told of a specific check site set up for an assessment then details of another site are

given below.

Remember, if you upload a piece of work in more than one site you will get matches through the

Turnitin report that will make it difficult for you to interpret your referencing. One project one site.

When you upload material ensure that you use your correct name and that your name and student

number appear in the material uploaded. Put your name and student number in as the first line of thematerial.

If you use different names then the report will show you apparently matching to another student. This

will probably trigger an academic misconduct investigation which will delay you getting your result

and may mean you miss the graduation ceremony.

The first time you upload you will get your report quickly. Subsequent uploads give you a report 24

hours alter. Do not leave it to the last minute to print off the version you need to hand in.

WHEN YOU PRINT OFF YOUR REPORT MAKE SURE YOU ARE PRINTING OFF THE

REPORT AND NOT THE RECEIPT!

The report will show matches (you should be producing the version that shows the numbers in boxes).

The receipt does not show any matches and says it is a receipt. You cannot hand this in.

3. Interpreting your report

When you look at your report it will come up as a quick view (classic) report. This is the one that

shows the matches in colour. Change the setting to Show highest matches first version as this is the

one you will need to print off. You will see that there are a list of sources on the right that match

(numbers in boxes) to the highlighted text on the left.

Remember, the point of this exercise is not to remove all matching text, but to make sure that itis properly referenced.

If you have a match of 1% or less, this will almost certainly be because of coincidence. We are not too

concerned about matches of 1% or less. This does not mean that we ignore plagiarised work if it is 1%


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or less! Bear in mind that 1% of a dissertation could be 200 words. You should look through your

work to check that any small matches are not blocks of material that needs to be referenced such as

quotations or definitions.

You do need to look in detail at all matches of 2% and above.

Where there is such material that is matching you need to make sure it is referenced or remove

it from your work.

Points to note:

1. The source given in Turnitin may not be the source you used. Reference where you got the

material from.

2. If it is a quote make sure you have used quotation marks and give the page number from the

source in your reference too.

3. If you have rewritten somebodys words (this is called paraphrasing) you must reference the

source. You may see this in your report as bits of matching text in a paragraph. Use the site

given below for guidance.

4. If the match given is to another student (either at your or another University), you have

probably both used material from a textbook. Make sure you have referenced the material

correctly to the textbook you have used. Often you may match to another student at your

University because you are both writing on the same subject, particularly if you are quoting

the question you were set.

5. Material may match to another student at your University when it is you. This will happen ifyou upload into different test sites (so dont!). If you have done this and not clearly identified

the upload as being your material then this may trigger a misconduct investigation.

6. If it matches to another student because you have worked together you are almost certainly

going to have to remove it. In an individual coursework this would be seen as academic

misconduct, in a group coursework it may be appropriate, but check your submission

requirements.

7. If you have used material from a source and the Turnitin check does not show it you still must

reference it. Thousands of new sources are added to Turnitin every day.

5. How to Use Turnitin Software to get the Report?

There will be a training session


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1. GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING YOUR DISSERTATION

As part of the MSc in Financial Management/ MSc in Financial Management with Corporate

Accountability programme, you are required to undertake a research dissertation. The purpose of the

following guidelines is to help you through that process.

2. Supervisors

A supervisor will be formally appointed to you upon formal submission of your dissertation proposal

form. Please note that students who fail to submit their completed proposal form by this deadline will

have no supervisors allocated to them and will therefore receive no help and guidance.

A list of supervisor allocations will be uploaded into Oasisplus 2 weeks after the deadline for the

submission of Dissertation Research Topic (Appendix D from your Module handbook).

The supervisory relationship provides a unique opportunity to a detailed exchange of ideas and plans,

for the confirmation of good practice, for advice and instruction particularly over empirical

investigation, and for personal support and to evaluate feedback. In short, the quality of the student

supervisor relationship is extremely important.

It is essential for you to keep in regular contact with your supervisor who will guide your work

throughout the development of your dissertation.

Youshould:

Arrange to meet your supervisor FACE TO FACE at least SEVEN times during the

process of working on your dissertation. Two of the meetings should be held before you

start working on your detailed proposal (2,000 words), two meetings while you are writing

this proposal, and three meetings while you prepare your final dissertation. These are

minimum requirements and more meetings are encouraged. You are advised to agree with

your supervisor what is best for you . Please note that your supervisor is under no

obligation to chase you.

Plan ahead. Supervisors usually have a very heavy workload and therefore you are advised to

make advance appointments and not just show up and expect to be seen. Make appointments


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for specific dates and times with agreed agendas, which can also act as deadlines and

milestones to motivate you to complete particular stages of your work.

Give your supervisor sufficient time to read your material in order for you to receive good

feedback.

Keep written notes of the comments of your discussions with your supervisor. It is your

responsibility to remember what is discussed and to remind your supervisor if necessary.

Ensure you ascertain the availability of your supervisor during the summer break. Please note

that your supervisor is likely to take annual leave during the summer period.

Youshould not:

Expect your supervisor to be a proof reader. He/she is there to give you guidance not to do

the work for you.

Miss appointments unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If you are likely to miss an

appointment ensure that you inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

The Supervisor Contact Sheet (Appendix E in this Handbook) must be completed and

submitted along with your final dissertation. If you fail to submit this, your dissertation will not

be examined.

3. A Note on Plagiarism

Plagiarism is making use of someone elses work, ideas or writing without acknowledging them.

Plagiarism is academically dishonest. In the most extreme cases it involves copying anothers work

wholesale or with minor amendments. In lesser cases it involved lifting data, pieces of text or ideas

and phrases.

PLAGIARISM IS AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS ACADEMIC OFFENCE.

If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are plagiarising then you must seek the

advice of your supervisor.

All cases of suspected plagiarism will be strenuously investigated.


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Proven plagiarism can have serious consequences for you and your degree.

DONT DO IT!

4. Identifying a Topic

You need to identify a topic which interests you. Do not expect the staff to provide a list of topics. To

identify a topic, you need to read widely, particularly journal articles related to your optional modules.

When you read others works, you will develop an interest on particular area and a topic. You need to

select a topic that you are interested rather than accepting a topic suggested by others. Then only you

will be able to do a good research.

To enable you to choose and make an informed decision on your dissertation topic, you are strongly

recommended to attend the research workshops, organised by the Accounting and Finance Academic

Group. During these workshops, academic members of the group will present their research papers

on various issues in accounting and finance. Details of these workshops will be provided to you. In

addition, you are also strongly recommended to attend the other guest lectures/ seminars, organised at

the school level. In these lectures distinguished guests from the industry and professional bodies talk

about topical issues which will provide good insight into the developments in the business world.

Details about these guest lectures/ seminars will be posted on OASISplus.

Alternatively, your dissertation can be based on your employing organisation. You might intend

using your own organisation as a data source, or you might try and develop something that has a

particular relevance in you work environment. To do this you will need your employers consent.

Whatever the subject chosen, it must also satisfy academic criteria relating to research design,

problem analysis and depth of study.

The following issues will have to be addressed in selecting a topic:

Acceptability to your employing organisation

If you are doing an in-company action report, it is essential to come to an early agreement with your

employer about the focus of your study.

Academic validity

You are required to relate the particular problem area you are studying to the context of a wider

theoretical framework derived from a synthesis of the relevant secondary literature. For example, if

you are evaluating a training programme within a particular firm you will be expected to review the


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literature on job training. Therefore, the breadth and depth of the theoretical literature available on

your proposed topic will be a factor in your choice of topic.

Feasibility (resource and time constraints)

It is important that you can gain access to data or implement your action plan recommendations.

Motivation

Working on a dissertation is a long and often lonely affair, and to see the venture through it is

important to select a topic in which you are interested and/or has relevance to later career ambitions.

Originality

Give serious consideration to the extent to which your contribution will enhance existing knowledge.

5. Research Topic Proposal Form

Please note that all students must fully complete a dissertation topic proposal form (Appendix D).

Completion of this form requires careful thought and consideration, as we need a clear indication of

your precise area of research interest in order to allocate you a supervisor.

The purpose of this procedure is to ensure that you start off your dissertation with a research project

that is well thought through, feasible and that you have an appropriate supervisor.

6. Developing the Detailed Research Proposal Document

Once you have identified a suitable topic you must work towards developing a research proposal

document. You should do this in conjunction with your allocated supervisor. First, you need to meetthe supervisor allocated to you and discuss the feasibility of the topic you have chosen. You cannot

proceed without supervisor agreeing that your chosen topic is feasible. Otherwise, in consultation

with your supervisor, you need to modify or change the topic and then only you should start working

on your dissertation, that is, preparing the detailed proposal (2000 words).

Your research proposal document should address the following:

The research question

Your proposed area of investigation must pass the so what test: must represent an area of study

which is actually worth pursuing. Dont start your proposal by saying no-one else has done this so I

am going to. Rather explain what the background to the issue is and then follow through to explain


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why. What you are going to look at is important as the context. For instance, if you wanted to look at

governance practices in the investment company you work in you would need to explain the

background of corporate governance in the UK, the important role of investment companies under thenew codes of conduct and that there has been little detailed empirical work on how they execute their

roles. Thus you would demonstrate that yours is a worthwhile topic for investigation.

Research by others/literature review

You will need to demonstrate that you have a good basic knowledge of any theoretical/conceptual

work already done relating to your proposed area of research, and that you are aware of any empirical

studies too. You must demonstrate how you research will build upon or extend the existing literature.

Theoretical and conceptual basis

Many students do badly in their research because their dissertations are only descriptive and have no

theoretical or conceptual basis. Discuss with your supervisor how best to incorporate a perspective on

the bigger picture or appropriate theorising into your research. For instance, a study on corporate

governance in a particular industry sector might be strengthened by considering it within a framework

of agency theory.

Research methods

You must explain how you will go about your research, what data you will collect and why/how.

Define any special facilities/access that you will need and any necessary skills which you either have

already or would need to acquire.

Timescale

Your proposal should include some indication of the timetable you intend to keep to in doing your

research and writing it up.

Final format

Give some idea of the final format of the dissertation (i.e. chapter layout, areas covered etc.) A good

research proposal will be an invaluable document for you as you progress with your research. It will

help you to keep on track and measure your progress. Furthermore, it will help you to produce and

organise your dissertation.

7. Planning and Execution of Your Research


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Good planning and execution are essential if you are to complete your dissertation and obtain

maximum value from this learning experience. A successful dissertation depends to a large extent indeveloping a good working relationship with your supervisor and any people whose assistance you

need to complete your research.

You should consider how you will minimise any resistance there may be to performing your

assignment, how you can use people you know, both professionally and socially, to help you and

whether there is anyone else, other than your supervisor, you could use as a mentor or advisor?

Make sure that everybody concerned knows what you are trying to achieve and why.

You need to approach research systematically. It may be helpful to keep a journal and or to build up a

file or portfolio of relevant document, letters, notes of events etc. It is important to think about this

task at the start of the dissertation, rather than trying to recall the early phases when the dissertation is

under way.

It is always advisable to work out the time it will take to complete the dissertation. One of the

potential difficulties of studying is that structured activities will generally take precedence over

unstructured work. One way of achieving this is to spend time at the beginning in planning and

establishing tasks for the dissertation and estimating times for each of the tasks. You should outline

the number of tasks that need to be completed, and put them in order of priority with the estimated

time required for completion.

A regular note of the amount of time spent on research activities, compared to time spent on other

matters, might alert you to question whether your major resource (time) is being used to its full

potential.

Try from the outset to set yourself a timetable and keep to it. The first task here is to estimate the

amount of time you are likely to spend on each task. Agree this with your supervisor. You should

define the major research task connected with your project and estimate the time required for each.

Students consistently underestimate the time to write-up research. The standard estimate is four hours

per double-spaced page (manuscript). Many students require more than four hours per page. The

summary and conclusions are often rewritten several times, so the standard time is doubled to eight

hours per page. Appendices, which may include computer printouts, copies of questionnaires, etc.

can take considerable time to collate.


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The important concept is realisticplanning and this must depend on realist time estimates. The best

estimates are usually made by breaking down the activities into small tasks and combining these

estimates. You should not be dissuaded from making time estimates because there is a task thatcannot be estimated. You should estimate the other activities and then include a pessimistic,

optimistic, and best estimate for the hard-to-estimate activity. It is better to have an imprecise

estimate than no estimate at all.

8. Literature Search

A crucial stage in executing your research is to undertake a literature search in your chosen topic area.

The search should encompass any books, journals or other written material than is pertinent to the

wider field of what you are studying. The purpose of this exercise is to ground you in the knowledge

about an area, to get you thinking conceptually about what you are researching and try to ensure that

you know what you are doing, albeit in a limited way, extends existing knowledge.

You should lay out your literature search in your dissertation in one of the early chapters. In it you

should demonstrate what literature you have read and what its findings are (not just what we

researched). You should be able to discuss this in a critical way, not merely recite and describe

contents.

There are plenty of electronic databases including full text online journals, printed indexes and

abstract services in the library to assist with literature searches and you should ask the library staff for

assistance. In addition, do not forget about chaining references - following up the references of

others in their published work. You should also engage in browsing where possible - looking a few

feet along the shelves in either direction in the library around a book that you are trying to locate.

Alternatively, when you find a good journal for your area have a quick look through all the contentspages to see if there might be anything else of interest there. You may be surprised how much useful

material can be turned up this way.

9. Data Collection

You must consider what methods and sources you will use to collect information. There are three

ways of collecting information:

Published material

Reading already published materials by various sources to identify relevant information and

extracting appropriate data from these materials, analysing them and drawing conclusions.


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Observation

Watching and listening, social interaction, noting what happens and drawing conclusions: observingphysical environments.

Interview or questionnaire

Seeking information form individuals or groups on topics that you decide are significant, from within

you organisation or externally.

You should decide how you are going to collect information on your chosen topic area. You will

probably find that a mixture of all three methods is most effective because you can use one to

reinforce the other.

There are numerous sources of data:

People

Colleagues, managers, staff, customers, officials, fellow students, friends, professional associates, and

relations.

Literature and documents

Academic writing, industry/ company specific reports and research, professional journals,

organisational material, IT databases, official statistics, government reports.

Other media

Trade journals, newspapers, TV, radio, world wide web.

It is important that you recognise the variety of sources available to you and that you judge thereliability of information by its source. For example, the results of industry specific research will

generally be of a higher level of reliability that the content of an advertisement.

Gathering data usually requires a good deal of time and effort. Data must me located, collected,

recorded in a form suitable for the analysis and checked. Adjustments have to be made for any errors

or omissions or for data that are for some reason unusable.

It is sometimes difficult to collect data if the organisation(s) or group(s) that you wish to study are

unwilling for reasons of confidentiality or lack of time. If access to information does prove difficult,


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attempt to negotiate. Ultimately, co-operation is likely if the organisation is getting something in

return for providing access.

In considering sources of internal information you need to bear in mind the extent to which

organisational information is open to you and whether and to what extent organisational personnel

will be available to you.

10. Data Analysis

In analysing the material you have collected for your dissertation you may find it useful to try the

following techniques:

categorising information under headings;

linking information;

reading between the lines of information you have collected;

summarising the information;

focusing your attention on key areas;

evaluating any assumptions in the information you have collected, or your own assumptions

about that information;

prioritising the issues raised;

supporting your analysis by reference to your own knowledge, experience, and what you have

learnt from the module.

You must analyse your data in such a way that you address your initial research issue or question.

Quite simply, what can you say about the issue you set out to examine?

11. Preparation and Submission

Structure of dissertation

Your dissertation should be presented in the following sequence:

Title Page

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Table of contents

List of figures


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List of tables

Body of the dissertation (divided into appropriate chapters)

Summary/Conclusions/RecommendationsAppendices

References

Lets look at each of these in turn:

Title and title page

The title should describe the content of the report accurately and concisely. The readers first

impression of your document is based on the title, so be clear and imaginative. Remember that many

people use electronic databases to locate material such as dissertation in libraries, so make sure that

the words in your title equate with the contents.

In addition to the title itself, the title page should also provide the following information:

the qualification for which the dissertation is submitted, that is, MSc in Financial

Management or MSc in Financial Management with Corporate Accountability;

the name of the institution to which the dissertation is submitted, i.e. Middlesex University

Business School;

the year of submission.

Abstract

An abstract is a resume (approximately 600 words) of the subject under investigation, the aim of the

dissertation, and how it was tackled, together with a short reference to the main conclusions and

recommendations.

Acknowledgements

This item gives the student the opportunity to express thanks to her/his employer and other

individuals who have given any assistance or advice. Avoid being too flippant at one extreme or too

humble and pathetic at the other.


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Table of contents

The table of contents follows the title page. It should list in sequence, with page numbers, all relevantsubdivisions of the report including the titles of chapters, sections and sub-sections as appropriate.

Lists of Figures and Tables

There should be a list for each and they should appear on a separate page. Give the serial number,

title and the page number for each table or figure.

Introduction

Typically, the introduction, which is likely to be Chapter One, will be divided into;

Introduction: Briefly explaining and introducing the subject of your dissertation.

Significance and Context: Briefly discussing why your topic is significant and in what

context.

Research Questions: Clearly and sharply stating the research questions that the study aims

to examine (maximum two to three).

Research Methodology/ Methods: Providing the details of the methods you will employ to

achieve the research objectives.

Data Collection: You should explain how you will collect required data for the dissertation.

For example, if this involved a survey you would have to give details of who will be contacted,

how they are selected, and how the data will be analysed. Also provide your rationale for

adopting a particular research method rather than another. You also will discuss various data

sources that you are planning to access.

Limitations: You need to discuss the limitations and constraints of your project such as time

and resource constraints, problem of sample size and composition, and problem of reliability and

quality of data.

Chapter Layout of Dissertation: Briefly discuss the way the dissertation is structured.

Describe the contents of each chapter briefly and explain how they fit together.

Body of the Dissertation

Clearly it is difficult to prescribe the structure for the body of your dissertation. It will typically be

between five to eight chapters in length, each with a number of sub-headings covering relevant topics.

(Paragraph numbering is optional but if is applied it should be done so consistently throughout).


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Without question the main weakness with student dissertations is a lack of structure. Your task is to

explain your objectives and take your reader logically through the evidence that led to your final

conclusions and recommendations.

Ensure that the arguments you are presenting are based on evidence rather than anecdote. They must

be based on valid empirical or secondary data in a way that is consistent with existing theoretical

perspectives on this issue.

Also ensure that arguments flow in a logical way that is clear to the reader. The chances are that if

you have written 500 words without introducing a sub-heading then you are drifting into a woolly

essay, as opposed to a tightly structured dissertation.

Each chapter (except Conclusions Chapter) will begin with an Introduction section and will end with

a Summary section.

Conclusions and Recommendations

First of all, concisely summarise what you set out to do (and why), what you did and what the results

were.

Conclusions represent the answers that you have reached based on your research as documented in the

dissertation.

Sometimes your conclusions will need to be extended by recommendations on ways of improving or

enhancing the function or procedure under investigation. With recommendations it is acceptable,

within reason, to go slightly beyond the immediate available evidence, bringing in an element of

judgement. Recommendations will focus on two areas: recommendations for policy making and

recommendations for future research.

Appendices

Appendices are not counted as being within the word limitation of the dissertation (15,000 words) but

must not exceed 25 percent of the text. Material for appendices, e.g. organisational charts, copies of

questionnaires, sales for particular products for particular time periods should be letter referenced in

the text, e.g. see Appendix A, see Appendix B., etc.


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It is also helpful if the appendices section is preceded by a separate contents page e.g. Appendix A:

The survey questionnaire, Appendix B: Regional Sales Turnover, etc. (Sometimes you may wish to

supplement the arguments advanced in the main body of the text by using footnotes, rather than viaappendices. Various methods can be used. One common practice is to number each point in the text,

referring the reader to the footnote at the bottom of the page. But, the excessive use of footnotes can

interrupt the smooth flow of the text).

References

Written and electronic material used in your dissertation project should be referenced using the

Harvard system. This is the system you will see in accounting and finance journals.

Material should be referenced in the text (main body of the dissertation) by giving the authors name

followed by the date of the work, and page number if appropriate. For instance:

Kyriacou states (1998) that

or

Some authors contend (Kyriacou, 1998; Clark, 1997)

Where there are two co authors both names should be given e.g. (Johnston and Kyriacou, 1998)

Where there are more than two co authors the name of the first is given followed by et al e.g.

Johnston et al(1996). Et alis always written in italics as are all Latin words and phrases.

If the reference is the product of an organisation and does not carry and individual authors name use

the name of the organisation: e.g. British Bankers Association (1995).

In some cases, especially where you have a direct quote, you should cite the page reference. This

should be done as follows: (Johnston and Kyriacou, 1998, pp35-37) or (Johnston and Kyriacou, 1998,

p.35)

If an author has produced two works in the same year you must add a lower case identifying letter:

e.g. (Kyriacou, 1997a; Kyriacou, 1997b). Use the same letter in your list of references.


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If you refer to more than one source in a set of brackets then separate the two with a semi-colon: e.g.

(Kyriacou, 1997; Johnston, 1998).

That deals with the text. To enable the reader to trace your sources you must provide a list of

Bibliography at the end of your dissertation. This should be in alphabetical order of the authors

surnames. The detail given should enable the source to be traced.

How to write different sources in the Bibliography: Some Examples

Journal articles:

Carnegie, G., and Napier, C. (1996), Critical and Interpretive Histories: Insights into Accounting'sPresent and Future Through It's Past, Accounting, Auditing, and Accountability Journal, Vol.9, No.3,

pp.7-39.

Notes:

The authors (or authors) family name followed by initials

The date of publication in brackets

The title of the paper in quotation marks

The title of the journal in bold and italics

The volume, issue number and page numbers of the paper (from/to)

Book by one author:

Gilligan, S. (1982), In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Womens Development,

Cambridge: University Press.

Notes:

The author (or authors) family name followed by initials

The date of publication in brackets

The title of the book in bold and Italic

The place of publication: The publisher

The place and the publisher are separated by a colon.

Books by more than one author:

Boden, R., and Corden, A. (1998),Child Maintenance and self-employment, London: Routledge.

Book Edited by one author:

Boden, R., (ed.) (1996),Measuring Outcomes in the Public Sector, London: Taylor and Francis.


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Book Edited by two or more authors:

Gluck, S., and Patai, D. (eds.) (1991), Women's Words: The Feminist Practice of Oral History, London:

Routledge.

Referring to a chapter in an edited book:

Borland, S. (1991) Thats Not What I Said: Interpretive Conflict in Oral History Narrative Research, in

S. Gluck and D. Patai (eds.), Women's Words :The Feminist Practice of Oral History, London:

Routledge.

Notes:

In the above reference:

1. Borland, S. (1991), Thats Not What I Said: Interpretive Conflict in Oral History Narrative Research,

This part gives the author and the title of the book chapter in an edited book.

2. S. Gluck and D. Patai (eds.), Women's Words: The Feminist Practice of Oral History This part

gives the names of the Editors of the book and the title of the book.

Referring to two or more reports from a news paper:

Financial Times, Various years.

Referring to internet sources:

Website A: British Biotech plc. Available at: http://www.britishbiotech.co.uk (Accessed on 24 July

2009).

Government of India (2002), Economic Survey 2001-2002, Ministry of Finance. Available at:

http://indiabudget.nic.in/es2001-02/general.htm (Accessed on 27 July 2009).

Referring to a company annual report:

British Aerospace(2004-05),Annual Report, London:British Aerospace.

12. Writing Style

Your dissertation should be written using simple language. Avoid long-winded, rambling accounts

with no natural flow or sequence. It should be written in the past tense and usually, in general the

third person, not the first person singular. For instance, say it could be argued that this shows... and

not I think this shows.... The exception is where you are reporting your own action/decisions or

where you wish to introduce a personal note in your final recommendations (e.g. I think the way

ahead is...).


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Remember, very few people redraft thing many times to reach the final polished version. Try to make

use of a word processor. This will considerably enhance your presentation and may help yourwriting.

It is also important to thoroughly check the report for errors, omissions or inconsistencies.

Four checks are usually needed:

a check for the logical flow of the written arguments.

a check for accuracy and constancy of numerical data;

a check for spelling or typing error.

a second typing and spelling check (try to get a friend or colleague to do this as you may be

too close to it by this stage.

Spelling mistakes, whilst of limited importance themselves, tend to lower reader confidence in the

overall thrust of the argument, so make every effort to avoid them. Use the spell checker function on

the word processing package and, if available, the grammar checker too.

13. Assessment Criteria

Your dissertation will be assessed using the following criteria:

The research questions and hypotheses of the study should be clearly stated.

The ability to use relevant theoretical knowledge should be demonstrated through literature

review and analysis of your data by linking that to the literature.

A clear description of the research method(s) adopted and the reasons and the justification for

the choice of method(s) should be provided.

A clear description of sources of data, method of collection and analysis should be provided.

Evidence of original data collection by the author should be provided either within the mainbody or in Appendix.


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A justification for the appropriateness of data collected and data analysis should be provided

and awareness of the limitations imposed by, and opportunities offered by, the chosen project

design should be demonstrated.

The research findings should be analysed and their implications set out clearly.

Appropriate structuring of the research study and presentation.

Provision of 600 words (approx.) Abstract after the contents pages(s).

Succinct and coherent presentation of material.

Acknowledgement and citing of all external sources throughout the report.

Providing a complete list of bibliography in required format and style.

NOTE:

1. If you want to achieve distinction, you should demonstrate very high level of clarity,

evidence and capacity in all the criteria set above.

2. If you want to just pass, you are expected to demonstrate clarity in research questions

and hypotheses, research methodology, good literature review including recent writings,

evidence of original data collection, attempt to analyse the data, and appropriate

structure of the study.

The dissertation will be marked by two internal markers, one being your supervisor.

You may be examined orally (a viva voice) by a small panel of internal and/or external assessors.

An viva involving external assessors is likely to take place where a dissertation is particularly good,

where it displays distinctive or unusual features or where there is the possibility of failure. It will be

the responsibility of the Programme Leader in consultation with your supervisor and the second

marker to determine whether or not a viva is required. An internal viva may be set at a time to be

determined by the Programme Leader with regard to the availability of the staff and student but in any

event before the internal Assessment board. A viva involving an external examiner would normally

take place on the day that the assessment board meets.


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APPENDIX A

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE DISSERTATION

Paper size and typing

The project should be typed on A4 white paper, and lines should be double spaced.

Margin

The left hand margin should be not less than 40mm and the other margin not less than 20mm (a sheet

of A4 double spacing will produce 29 lines of type and a maximum of about 300 words, so your

project should be around 40 pages in length).

Page Numbering

All pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the project report, including the appendices.

The page numbers should be located centrally at the bottom of the page approximately 10mm above

the edge. Tables should be numbered consecutively throughout the dissertation. The opening pages

(Abstract, Acknowledgements etc.) may make use of Roman numerals, with text having Arabic

numerals.

Binding

The project must be case bound in black such that the pages are permanently secured between board

that is sufficiently rigid to support the weight of the work when standing upon a shelf. The normalbinding size is 297mm x 210mm. The title of the project and the name of the author should appear on

the front cover. The spine should contain (reading from top to bottom): the course title, the initials

and surname of the author, and the year of submission.

For convenience, a list of companies which have been used in previous years by our students for the

binding projects is given in Appendix B.


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APPENDIX B

BOOKBINDERS FOR DISSERTATIONS

1. Bardel Bookbinding

Unit A1A

Aladdin Business centre

426 Long Drive

Greenford

UB6 8UH

Tel: 020 8575 2583

2. Alinea Bindery

46 Porchester Road

London

W2 6ET

Tel: 020 7727 6659

Website: http://www.alineabindery.com/
http://www.alineabindery.com/http://www.alineabindery.com/


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APPENDIX C

FINAL DISSERTATION SUBMISSION

You need to submit the following to the Student Office:

(a) ONE HARD BOUND COPY and ONE SPIRAL BOUND copy of your dissertation laid

out in the correct format.

(b) TURINITIN UK Software Report for plagiarism check (If possible).

(c) An Electronic copy (e.g. CD) of your dissertation (This is compulsory).

Deadline: 14 October 2011

The University reserves the right to charge an additional fee where dissertations fail to meet the

submission date.


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Appendix D: Dissertation Topic Proposal Form

Please complete and return this form to Dr A. Baskaran (Room: W235) by 11 February2011.

This is used for allocation of supervisors not for assessment. DO NOT SUBMIT TO THE

STUDENT OFFICE.

Name:

Student Number: Email: Tel:

Which Intake? September: January:

Programme of Study: MSc in Financial Management / MSc in Financial Management withCorporate Accountability

PROVISIONAL TITLE

This may be your first attempt at a title. It may change as your work progresses. At this stage it should

closely mirror the content of your proposal.

BACKGROUND

This should explain why you feel the research you are planning is worthwhile. This may be expressed

in the form of a problem which needs solving, or something you find of interest. You are expected to

demonstrate, in brief, a clear link between the previous work that has been done in this field and the

content of your proposal. You should indicate the key literature sources from which you intend to

draw your ideas.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND HYPOTHESES


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This should provide a clear indication of what your research seeks to achieve.

PROPOSED METHODOLOGYThis section should detail how you intend to achieve your research objectives.

Research Design: This section gives an overall view of the method chosen and the reason for

that choice.

Data Collection: This section should include much more detail about how specifically the

data are to be collected and associated issues of access and ethics.

TIMESCALE

This should provide a guide to the anticipated completion of each stage of your research.

Target date Tasks to be achieved

RESOURCES


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This will provide an indication of the viability of your proposal, in terms of finance, data access and equipment,

and should include an acknowledgement of any anticipated problems in any area.

Finance: include realistic costs such as travel, subsistence, help with data analysis or postage

for questionnaires

Data Access: state how you will access the required data, for example, do you have contacts

within relevant organisations?

Equipment: state how you intend to analyse the data, including computer software packages tobe used

REFERENCES

Provide a list of 5 literature sources to which you have referred in the background section that relate

to the previous work undertaken in your area of study.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


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Appendix E: Dissertation Supervisor Contact Sheet

To be completed by student and signed by supervisor to confirm contact. This form must be submitted with the

dissertation.

Name:

Student Number:

Email Address:

Telephone Number:

Programme of Study: MSc in Financial Management / MSc in Financial Management WithCorporate Accountability

DISSERTATION TITLE

SUPERVISOR CONTACT SHEET

Date Purpose of Meeting/Agreed Actions Supervisors

Signature

NOTE: You must see your supervisor at least three to four times before

submitting detailed proposal (2,000 words) to your supervisor

Submit a hard copy or electronic copy by the deadline directly toyour supervisor for the purpose of receiving Feedback

(DO NOT SUBMIT THIS TO THE STUDENT OFFICE or TO DRBASKARAN)


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Date Purpose of Meeting/Agreed Actions SupervisorsSignature

NOTE: You must see your supervisor at least three to four times before

submitting Final Dissertation (15,000 words). You should submit

the final dissertation with the approval of your supervisor.

Otherwise, your dissertation may be failed.


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Appendix F:

Health & Safety Guidance Overseas Travel Risk Assessment Form

The risk assessment proforma is applicable to, and must be completed in advance for, any overseas

travel (i.e. outside the UK) undertaken by all students for the purpose of conducting overseas field

work and /or data collection.

This form must be completed by the student and signed by his/her supervisor and submitted to

the Module Leader Dr A. Baskaran before leaving the UK for overseas field work. You can

collect this form from the Accounting and Finance Administrative Office (Room: W201)


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Appendix G:

THE BUSINESS SCHOOLS APPROACH TO ETHICAL

ISSUES

Introduction

The universitys mission and vision statements require both staff and students to take an

ethical approach to their work. In 2002 a University Ethics Committee was established to

advise on policies and procedures in relation to ethical issues. In 2005 the Business School

created its own ethics committee (SEC) which has the following among its terms of

reference:

to ensure that suitable procedures are in place for approving both staff research proposals and all studentprojects;

to liaise with the University Ethics Committee and other Business School committees on ethical issues;

to ensure that ethical issues form part of the curriculum within Business School programmes.

It should be emphasised that SEC is concerned both with research and other areas whereethical issues arise, for example, teaching and assessment. Although anyone is entitled torefer matters to the SEC, for most students the subject of ethics will be raised as part of the

curriculum and in relation to projects.

Students who have any concerns about general ethical issues in relation to their studies

should normally contact their Programme Leader in the first instance.

Research ethics approval (REA) forms

All students intending to conduct any form of research as part of their programme must

complete an on-line REA form, print off a copy and obtain the written approval of their

supervisor/lecturer before proceeding. In most cases, there will be no major ethical

implications in the work being undertaken. The use of the form ensures that students consider

whether any ethical issues may arise and either develop strategies to deal with them or

modify their project to ensure that it is conducted in accordance with university policies.

Where there is doubt about research ethics issues, the student must consult with theirsupervisor /lecturer and, where necessary, the matter should be considered by the Academic

Groups Research Leader. Particularly difficult cases may be referred to the School Research

Committees Ethics Panel.

Guidance on how to complete the REA form will be announced during one of the regular

teaching sessions.

fin4511 module handbook 2010-2011 %28september 2010 intake%29

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