1.

How to select a topic

2. Writing a Dissertation Proposal
3. Key Criteria of the Proposal
4. Dead Lines/Dates
5. Q/A

Topic
To what management theory it relates to
What case study (organisation) you wish to undertake
Is it based on Aim and Objectives or a Hypothesis
Is it single or multiple hypothesis

M-Level Language
To Investigate
To Critically Analyse
To Examine
DO NOT SAY:
To Find Out
Project Background:

Rationale for selection importance and potential impact of the strategic project for an organisation or
business sector. Word Guide 500-750

Introduction:
Refers to theoretical framework based on which you will develop your dissertation. (350 word)

Research Background:
Refers to the background with reference to your chosen industry or organisation. Explain why did you felt
the need for doing a research on that particular issue in your chosen organisation. (About 400 words)

Important:
Provide references according to Harvard Referencing System
Use latest references to build your case for research

Literature Review:
Identification of the key aspects of the business literature (e.g service quality) to be underpin the study. This
review should briefly cover the main ideas and business practice that will be considered. It should locate a
sample of the some of the main sources and identify key critical issues that might arise. Word Guide 750
1000


Important:
a. Identify the key terms and extract them from your research aim and objectives
b. Discuss, argue, agree disagree, reasoning, Criticism,
c. Opinion -> argument -> Justify -> Give Evidence from a source -> close the argument
d. Do not copy word to ward unless it is absolutely essential
e. This is not just Literature Review, it Critical Literature Review which require a great deal of input
from you.
f. Give appropriate References in line with Harvard Referencing System


.
Objectives:

Identify 3-4 objective outcomes from the project in terms of what the project seeks to achieve for the
organisation or business sector. These objectives should reflect outputs not tasks to be completed and
should emphasise the areas for improvement to business performance the project will concentrate on.

Research Aim:
Which is a comprehensive, broad view of your research intent.

Research Objectives:
a. Must be driven from your research aim
b. They should complement each other to help you achieve the research aim
c. Must be written in M-Level language
d. Maximum 4 minimum 3 (if its a hypothesis, it might be one or two depending on the scope of your
research)
e.








Methodology:

Candidates should include a brief statement as to what they consider the main methods of primary and
secondary research are likely to be the most useful to achieving the project outcomes - Word Guide 300.

Research Paradigm

Consist of:
a. Research Approach Inductive OR Deductive
b. Type of Research Quantitative OR Qualitative OR Mixed Methods
c. Sources of Data Primary OR Secondary OR Both
Quantitative OR Qualitative OR Both
d. Population and Sample size Probability OR Non-Probability Sampling
e. Data Analysis Methods Qualitative OR Quantitative
f. Data Collection Methods Questionnaire AND/OR Interview AND/OR Observation

Important:
Identify your methods
Justify your methods
Briefly explain your methods

Read Chapter 3 of Your Sunderland Study Text










MBA Dissertation

Key Activities
(Milestones)
Time-scale
(Plan of
action)
Resources required
(Equipment, software, personnel etc)
Research Proposal

03 Sep. 2012
To 17 Sep.
2012
Library, Internet, Word Processor,
Printer,
Preparing for Research:
Writing Chapter 2 LR