Welcome to your dissertation – the capstone project of the Masters programme. It allows you to explore your focus and interests. It provides the opportunity for you to apply, integrate, and deepen the knowledge, insights, and skills that you have learned during your programme of study. You can explore in this project a real-world issue or a research topic, which you execute in a manner consistent with the core philosophy and values of Lincoln International Business School (LIBS).

In keeping with the spirit of LIBS Masters programmes, this module seeks to enable and facilitate innovation and creativity in terms of project foci, form and output. This module also differs in how you engage with it. With the aim of creating independent and critical learners, you are required to not only undertake an in-depth study of a topic related to the title of your named degree but also to take responsibility for your own learning and negotiate the form and output of the final work. So, this work is led by you rather than being prescribed by your supervisor.

You should enjoy the experience because this really is, a module you can own and direct.

The exact choice of topic and format of the final assessment will be negotiated with the supervisor, dissertation co-ordinator and (perhaps) programme leader. You will agree a proposal approach to your research with your supervisor, so as to provide a clear path to follow, goals to achieve and generate a final dissertation thesis / output. Although the foci and form of the dissertation are to be negotiated, you might produce one of the following:

Independent research project

Design of a new enterprise

Guided individual research project (determined and initially scoped by an academic tutor)

Work-based project

Client based project

Other negotiated project (consultancy, event/exhibition design, multi-media project, etc.).

The exact format will vary and can be agreed with your supervisor. As with the delivery last year, we will continue to use and develop the following resources:

The use and integration of the University’s online ethical application and approval process (LEAS)

The use of a structured guide to support your research dissertation (called TIPS).

These changes are reviewed in turn shortly in this book and available on the Blackboard site.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module you should be able to:

LO1 Communicate the aims, objectives and relevance of your chosen research project.

LO2 Develop achievable and logical plans to guide the implementation of your chosen research project.

LO3 Select, collect, analyse and interpret evidence from multiple sources in accordance with sound principles of research and investigation.

LO4 Synthesise and critically evaluate different sources of knowledge in order to articulate logical and cogent argumentation.

LO5 Evaluate critically and apply theoretical and methodological approaches in ways which augment understanding  of the topic

LO6 Reflect critically on your own research practice and intellectual argument particularly in the context of contemporary debates in management or business.

LO7 Propose practical resolutions via conclusions and recommendations when appropriate .

LO8 Demonstrate depth of knowledge, expertise and critical understanding of your chosen topic area.

The dissertation represents the final independent study of your Masters.

It is important to note that it must reflect your chosen degree in terms of subject matter. This is a requirement of your degree programme.

Employability Skills / Skills for your Future

The module enhances your employability by developing the following transferable Work Ready skills:

Learning and Adaptability through – problem solving and critical analysis: analysing facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions.

Research and analysing: the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of business data, sources of information and appropriate methodologies, which includes the need for strong digital literacy, and to use that research for evidence-based decision-making. Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

Organisation through self-management: a readiness to accept responsibility and flexibility, to be resilient, self-starting and appropriately assertive, to plan, organise and manage time.

Organisation, adaptability and initiative through –self reflection: self-analysis and an awareness/sensitivity to diversity in terms of people and cultures. This includes a continuing appetite for development.

Principles of Responsible Management Education

The Lincoln International Business School is committed to the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) to develop future leaders that are socially responsible who will create sustainable environmental and economic value.

To that end, students are encouraged to integrate these principles into their research practice and reflect on the implications of PRME for their own work. All human activity impacts upon our environment (natural, social, political) and should be a consideration in your work.

Research Ethics – LEAS

The University requires that all those carrying out research engage with the University’s commitment to conduct research to high ethical standards; understand the reasons for, and participate fully in, the ethical review process; and fulfil their moral and legal responsibilities in respect of the rights and welfare of participants.

The Research Ethics Policy can be found here (at https://lncn.ac/re).

The conduct of students must always be overseen by their supervisor, who takes responsibility for ensuring that the Code of Practice for Research and all relevant policies and procedures are followed.

The research code of practice can be viewed here (at https://lncn.ac./copr)

The University of Lincoln is committed to ensuring that its research activities involving human participants and personal data are conducted in a way which:

• respects the dignity, rights and welfare of all participants in research;

• minimises risk to participants, researchers and third parties;

• appropriately manages personal data;

• aims to maximise the public benefit of research.

Securing Ethical Approval and using the Approved Templates

All research undertaken in the Business School (staff and student (all levels)) requires ethical approval. For this research module – you will need to work with your allocated supervisor to secure ethical approval using the online Lincoln Ethical Approval System (LEAS).

You can find the starting point for this process here.The moment you login to the LEAS system with your university ID, an account (called a Work Space) is created for you.

Your research will fall into one of two types (for the purposes of ethical approval) – it can be broadly viewed as ‘that involving humans’ or ‘that not involving humans’.

Both types of research need approval BEFORE you start any data collection. For ALL research designs, you will complete an individual (ethical) LEAS application. It is easier and better to work with your supervisor when completing this application as you will then request their authorisation which is more likely to be granted. Once your supervisor is happy that you have addressed all their comments, then this request for approval will then go to your second marker for a review of your application (they are the LEAS approver). There is an option in your LEAS application when you select submission to note that you are a PGT student from LIBS to facilitate this.

The second marker will only electronically sign the form when they are happy with it, otherwise they will add comments and reject the authorisation request prompting you to reflect further upon their concerns by making and submitting an amendment to your application.

It is important to understand that you cannot complete a LEAS application until you have progressed with your thinking and reading and writing in your research. This is because to COMPLETE an individual application to LEAS you will need:

Any participant information sheets (PI sheet)

Any questionnaire /interview questions and their schedule

Any schedule for focus groups of other data collection approaches

Have considered the risks and data management of your proposed work

Have considered the literature AND methodological arguments outlined so far for your work before you commence your application.

Have considered the language used in your data collection instruments with your participants

There are approved university templates (see the relevant section of the BlackBoard site) to guide you through a number of these tasks that you can use and adapt. You can also find these templates here and on Blackboard.

All of this information is submitted at the same time as your LEAS application.

You cannot therefore undertake a successful LEAS application BEFORE you have considered a significant portion of your literature and your methodology.

The outcome of an application to LEAS will be either:

A favourable opinion – to support the work and allow it to proceed

An unfavourable opinion – whereby queries have been raised you need to address in your amendment to your application.

PLEASE NOTE – If your proposed research involves any aspect of a special human characteristic (such as working with children) then your LEAS application is reviewed by a committee in LIBS prior to a decision being taken. This will take more time to approve. Where this is the case, LIBS will allocate reviewers for projects that are vulnerable groups or sensitive topics (the second supervisor signature will not be available for those projects).

There are exemplar applications available on the portal here (and which are available of Blackboard -see the ‘ethics’ tab).

Once the module has started, you will be asked for information about what you intend to research which will be used to find and allocate a first supervisor (and a second marker/LEAS approver) who will help you through the ethical approval process and support you in your research.

In all cases of an individual LEAS application, please ensure you allow enough time between submission of an application (and any potential amendments) and the intended start of your data collection (this may take upto 2-3 weeks if there are complications and difficulties in the proposed work and/or the LEAS application requires amendments).

Remember – all LEAS applications must include ALL supporting documentation required – this includes any questionnaires, interview schedules and participant information sheets etc. The University provides a number of templates for this information here. They are available as files also on the Blackboard site.

Remember – you may ONLY use approved questionnaire services – presently this is onlinesurveys.ac.uk (where the university will create an account for you) or MS Forms. An account will be created for you that you will then need to confirm when you receive the email invitation. You can also contact [email protected] directly to set up your account.

Remember – you may NOT start any research involving humans, until your application has received a ‘favourable review’ (received by email) unless it is previously supported by the approved PRF.

FINALLY – a successful ethical application requires you to have a significantly progressed literature and methodological understanding. This is why the LEAS application seems later in the research time available to you. Again – please factor this into your time management.

Teaching & Learning Methods

Contact Time

There will be a series of keynote lectures delivered across Semester A or B (depending upon the delivery mode for the module) and up to 6 hours of combined individual supervision. Please see the Blackboard site for what this means in practice and the weekly topics [Teaching Sessions].

Directed Study

You will be allocated an individual supervisor and research group based upon a submitted Research Intention Form (RIF) and/or completion of the Research Survey (both available on the Blackboard site). Your supervisor will advise and facilitate the process of your independent study. You are encouraged to reflect on the database of staff interests (see the Blackboard site) to seek to align your research with available staff and where possible and feasible, to nominate potential supervisors.

Whilst the allocation of supervisors, aims to align staff and your interests, this cannot be guaranteed. All supervisors are capable of supporting you in your independent research journey.

Independent Study

You are expected to invest approximately 600 hours of time into your Masters dissertation. This is a significant volume of time as befits a significant part of your Masters study.

Most of this time will be used in your independent study.

Module Delivery

The module will be delivered by periodic supporting online workshops with the majority of time being used on 1-1 support meetings with your supervisor. You are expected to articulate your research focus and develop key research questions to guide your investigation. Supervisors will advise, but will not direct your study.

Module Delivery	Total Hours
Lectures	5 or 6
Supervision (max.)	6
Independent Study (nominal)	589
Nominal Total (60 CATS)	600

Feedback Strategy

Receiving formative feedback during your learning is essential to ensure you are prepared for your final assessments. To support your learning throughout the module the following formative feedback strategies are used:

Feedback on draft work, directions and themes

One-to-one meetings with your supervisor

Assessment Rationale

Assessment Method	Weighting(%)	Due	LO’s Assessed
Assessment Method		Due	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Proposal and Plan	10	8^th November 2022	x	x
Final Dissertation	90	21^st February 2023	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X

The module is assessed by two written submissions. Full assessment details are available in Appendix 2.

Assessment Criteria Grids will be used to provide feedback on Blackboard and indicate how marks will be allocated, they are included in Appendix 3.

Assessment and other Submission Details

This module will be assessed through a portfolio of work comprising three distinct outputs (although only TWO are graded and contribute your mark for the module).

To start your research planning – you must complete EITHER 1 or 2 below:

FORMATIVE (not graded) – You will complete the Research Intention Form (RIF) on Blackboard if you have a reasonably developed idea you intend to pursue in your dissertation. Please email this to me ([email protected]) by the 15^th October 2022.

FORMATIVE (not graded)- You will complete the Research Themes Survey (the link is provided on Blackboard) if you have not focused upon an idea yet . The survey will seek to gather and understand what your interests are and any themes that you may be thinking about. Complete this by the 15^th October 2022.

NOTE – Either 1 or 2 MUST be completed so that an appropriate supervisor and group membership can be allocated to you. Either must be completed by the end of September ideally. Later submissions are accepted but there may be limits on the availability of supporting staff.

SUMMATIVE (graded) – You will produce a project plan and proposal (One document) – this will be the equivalent of 1000 words and will form the basis of an agreed Plan of work. Please use the template for this found on Blackboard. The submission date of this Assessment is 8^th November 2022 12 noon (UK) time 2022.

FORMATIVE but contributing to your SUMMATIVE experience – You will create and document an online supervision log that will be used to gauge your engagement and your progress. This is documented below in this handbook and on Blackboard.

SUMMATIVE (graded)- You will create a final dissertation/thesis (or a portfolio / format output equivalent to 14000 words (+/-10%).The exact format is agreed with your supervisor as part of your negotiated project and written into the agreed Plan of work. The deadline for this submission is the 21^st February 2023 12 noon (UK) time 2022

NOTE – your FINAL mark for the module is constructed from EITHER your dissertation / thesis mark ONLY OR the combined proposal and thesis/dissertation mark.

IF your proposal mark is greater than your final thesis/dissertation mark then your final mark for the module is constructed as (10% Proposal +90% thesis/dissertation)

IF your proposal mark is less than your final thesis/dissertation mark then your final mark for the module is constructed ONLY from your thesis/dissertation mark (100%).

This flexibility accommodates and recognises that typically your research thinking and execution will improve as you progress through your research.

Full assessment details are available in Appendix 2 and on Blackboard.

Recording your meetings with your supervisor

As a minimum – once a month (October, November, December, January) you must meet with your supervisor.

Following the meeting you must complete the dissertation supervision form. You must fill in all information, detailing what was discussed in the meeting and any outcomes or feedback. [ Blackboard]

You must input/select the email address for your dissertation supervisor. If the email is not typed correctly then the form will not be processed. If the email address for the supervisor is not in the list to select then please type it in.

Once the form has been completed it will be sent straight to the dissertation supervisor for approval.

If you do not complete a form for a particular month then the PGT admin team will send you a reminder to complete the form. If a form is still not submitted then you may be invited to an attendance panel meeting and if you have a Tier 4 Visa, your visa may be at risk.

Below is the link to the dissertation supervision online form which you need to complete once a month to evidence your engagement with the dissertation process. All students need to complete the form, Home and International students.

*Here is the link you need (it is also available on BlackBoard)

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xEculd4FgkKDr19LRrFij4KpavXL2V9Hgoadw4QyfxJUOU9VNEtIWEMxREZHM0ZYUk9FVFY0SERDSi4u

You need to complete the meeting forms in order to be able to submit the dissertation.

The University’s Student Engagement and Participation Policy states that students need to engage during the dissertation period as well as during the timetabled sessions.

Please remember –If you hold a Tier 4 visa and do not submit the form each month to show your engagement then you are breaching the terms of your visa.

Returning Home

If you have a Tier 4 visa and wish to return home to work on their dissertation then you need to ask for your supervisor’s approval and then complete a Change of Circumstances form and Tier 4 will review the request – you must not return home until the absence has been authorised. The change form can be accessed via the link below and you need to select the category of ‘change of research location’.

https://ps.lincoln.ac.uk/services/registry/Assessments/Tier4ChangeOfCircumstances/SitePages/Home.aspx

Unwell? Need to take a break from your studies?

If you need to request authorised absence during the dissertation period, for example if you are unwell and unable to study full time, please request authorised absence via the link on Blackboard. [See the ‘Need help?’ tab on Blackboard.]

KEY ASSESSMENT DATES and ACTIVITIES

DATE to be completed by	ACTIVITY	What you need to do	Who does this?	Support
15^th October 2022	Research Intention Form (RIF) [on Blackboard]	Complete this form IF you have a reasonably developed idea for your dissertation.	ALL	Ian Pownall + any LIBS staff member
	Research Survey [on Blackboard]	Click the survey link if you do not have any reasonably developed idea for a dissertation. These questions will aim to identify themes of interest to you.	ALL
	You MUST complete EITHER the RIF or the Survey- so you can be allocated a suitable supervisor.
By End of October 2022	Confirmed allocation of supervisors	N/A – confirm you are on the listing!	MODULE TUTOR	ALL-Complete online log Of your meetings with Your supervisor
8^th November 2021	Assessment 1 Submission – Your Proposal [on Blackboard]	Submit your Research Proposal	ALL
Meetings between October and January – to be agreed with your supervisor.	Submit your LEAS Ethical Application Form Submission + supporting materials [this submission is made via LEAS and NOT via a link on Blackboard]	Work with your supervisor to complete your LEAS application.	ALL
23rd February 2023	Assessment 2 Submission [on Blackboard]	Submit your Research Dissertation	ALL

Formative and Summative Assessments

You will receive formative feedback through regular supervision meetings with your allocated supervisor. The Proposal and (where necessary) the supervisory records will be assessed using assessment grids; but you will also receive feedback guidance and support through your supervisory meetings.

Information about your weighted assessments

This is a portfolio normally comprising three summative elements:

Initial Research Proposal and Project Plan (One Document) (10%)

Completion of an online supervision log and LEAS application (where required) (Pass/Fail)

Final Project/Dissertation (90%)

The weighting of the assessed elements is indicative; the final grade will be based on a combined mark, unless, once all elements have been completed, the final dissertation is awarded a higher grade, in which case the higher grade will stand. Please see the earlier discussion on this.

Detailed instructions for each of these assignments are also contained on the module’s Blackboard page, under Assignment Guidelines. Where you have negotiated a project you are still required to adhere to the above assessments. For an Enterprise Based Dissertation the ‘pitch’ contributes to the final dissertation component.

Dishonesty and Plagiarism

The University Regulations define plagiarism as ‘the passing off of another person’s thoughts, ideas, writings or images as one’s own. Examples of plagiarism include the unacknowledged use of another person’s material whether in original or summary form. Plagiarism also includes the copying of another student’s work.

You can find the Postgraduate Regulations here.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and is treated by the University as a form of dishonest means in assessment. Students are directed to the University Regulations for details of the procedures and penalties involved. Plagiarism is, however, easily avoided by the full and correct use of referencing.

You can learn more about academic offences here.

When available, always check your ‘similarity’ index (SI) on Turnitin submissions to ensure you percentage rating is in the ‘green’. Please note however, that such a rating is indicative only and tutors will consider other evidence in assessing the academic integrity of your work. Where there are doubts about your work you may be called in for an interview.

If you are at all unsure of what unfair academic means are or what plagiarism means – you can watch this presentation.

[All LINKS tested December 2021]

Learning Resources

Reading

The key text(s) for this module are:

Biggam, J. (2018) Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation 4^th Edition Sage:London

Saunders, M.N.K.,Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods, 8^th edition.Pearson: Harlow.

Other recommended reading for the module is:

Booth, A.,Sutton,A. & Papaionnou, D. (2016) Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review Sage: London

Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods 4^th Edition OUP: Oxford

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. & Jackson, PR (2018) Management and Business Research Sage: London

Fisher, C. (2010) Researching and Writing a Dissertation: An essential guide for business students FT:Prentice: London

Saunders, M.N.K., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2015) Research Methods for Business Students Pearsons:London

Wallace, M.& Wray, A. (2016) Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates Sage: London

Other more specific references are provided on the Module Blackboard site and will be signposted in class. You are also expected to read independently for this module This module requires that you follow the Harvard System of referencing.[Link tested August 2021].

The Library (www.library.lincoln.ac.uk )

Our Subject Librarians are Martin Osborne and Daren Mansfield. They can assist you to use the catalogue, do subject searches and so on. Contact details are:

Martin Osborne’s contact details:

Work telephone: (01522) 886316

Email: [email protected]

Room: University Library

Daren Mansfield’s contact details:

Work telephone: (01522) 886094

Email: [email protected]

Room: University Library

If you cannot find Martin Osborne or Daren Mansfield, any of the subject librarians will help you.

Digital Learning Resources (https://digitaleducation.lincoln.ac.uk/resources-hub/ )

In addition to the above it is recommended you make use of the digital learning resources to support your learning on this module:

You can reflect on your study skills development here.[Links tested December 2021].

Research and Dissertations

You can also review the University Library’s referencing guide here.

Appendix 1: Schedule of Activity

Date (WEEK Expected (TBC))	Lecture Topic	Reading
15^th September	Introduction to the module: This will provide an outline of the scope and flexibility of the LIBS dissertation	Saunders et al (2019) chapter 1,2 Biggam (2018) chapter 4
22nd September	TIPS and finding a focus	Saunders et al (2019) chapter 2 Biggam (2018) chapter 4
6^th October	Supervision: This will outline how to get the most out of the supervision process.	NA
27^th October	Literature, LEAS and Reading	Saunders et al (2019) chapter 3,4 Biggam (2018) chapter 5
TBC	Methodology and Critical Thinking	Saunders et al (2019) chapter 5,6 Biggam (2018) chapter 8
TBC	LEAS walk through [additional session confirmed with the class]	NA

Appendix 2: Assessment -Proposal Brief

Module Code & Title: Dissertation BUS9036M

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 10%

Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:

The aim of this assessment is to produce a research proposal and work plan for your dissertation. This must be in the format of the form on Blackboard and outlined here.

USE THE TEMPLATE PROVIDED ON BLACKBOARD FOR THIS SUBMISSION

Further Guidance:

Specific texts and source materials are dependent upon the focus and methodology of your research. Generic guidance can for example be found in texts such as:

Biggam, J. (2018) Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation 4^th Edition Sage:London

In addition, learning Resources which will support this assessment include:

Postgraduate Study Skills: Managing the Dissertation Process

These Learning Resources are available via the blackboard module site.

Learning Outcomes Assessed:

Presently, the learning outcomes for this assessment are as follows- that at the end of an effective submission you will be able to:

LO1 Communicate the aims, objectives and relevance of your chosen research project.

LO2 Develop achievable and logical plans to guide the implementation of your chosen research project.

Knowledge & Skills Assessed:

The successful completion of this assessment task will contribute to the development of the following for you:

Subject Specific Knowledge, Skills and Understanding: Literature searching, Referencing, Subject-specific knowledge, Project Planning, Techniques and Skills.

Professional Graduate Skills: independence and personal responsibility, written communication, critical thinking, working under pressure to meet deadlines, self-reflection, problem solving, effective time management.

Emotional Intelligence: motivation, resilience, self-confidence.

Assessment Submission Instructions:

You are required to submit your essay on or before noon (12pm) – 8^th November 2022 using the online assessment submission facility on the Module Blackboard site. Pay careful attention to instructions provided.

The expected date to return grades and feedback is 15 working days after the deadline

Feedback & grades will be available electronically using a rubric on blackboard. If you have any specific questions relating to the feedback comments email the module co-ordinator to discuss.

Date for Return of Feedback: 3 weeks after submission

Format for Assessment: Please use the template provided on the Blackboard Site.

Marking Criteria for Assessment:

Please see the Appendices for a detailed rubric across all grading thresholds.

Feedback Format: Feedback is provided by Grademark Studio on Turnitin and through the use of the rubric. Additional time slots will be available for face to face feedback as required/requested.

Please note that all work is assessed according to the University of Lincoln Management of Assessment Policy and that marks awarded are provisional on Examination Board decisions (which take place at the end of the Academic Year.

Important Information on Dishonesty & Plagiarism:

University of Lincoln Regulations define plagiarism as ‘the passing off of another person’s thoughts, ideas, writings or images as one’s own…Examples of plagiarism include the unacknowledged use of another person’s material whether in original or summary form. Plagiarism also includes the copying of another student’s work’.

Plagiarism is a serious offence and is treated by the University as a form of academic dishonesty. Students are directed to the University Regulations for details of the procedures and penalties involved.

For further information, see plagiarism.org

Assessment Rubric (Assessment 1)

Clarity 12%	Excellent (5)	Good (4)	Satisfactory (3)	Fair – with risk of failure (2)	Poor – needs significant improvement (1)	Not Evidenced (0)
Is the focus of the project clear and suitable? Do we have a central aim and related objectives? Is the focus suitable for the degree title?	Excellent Clarity	Aims and objectives clearly expressed but would benefit from further improvement/tightening	Aims and objectives apparent and workable, but some further clarification required	General aim apparent but are insufficient to provide the guidance or structure required.	General aims weekly identified but need further refinement and objectives need to be articulated appropriately	Not Evidenced
Rationale 20%
What is the justification for and relevance of the topic; in terms of academic literature, contemporary business practice and/or enterprise development?Is there scope for critical thinking and originality/creativity?	Excellent Rationale – clear and concise.	Rationale fundamentally sound but would benefit from further thought/stronger argument in some areas.	Rationale as outlined is generally relevant, but lacks originality and/or scope for creativity/criticality. The rationale needs to be clearer/stronger in some respects; to enable the work to make appropriate recommendations/develop stronger conclusions.	Rationale is weak and arguments need strengthening in several important respects if the work is to meet a pass standard.	Rationale unclear/inconsistent. The argument insufficiently supported and lacks clarity/relevancy.	Not Evidenced
Suitability 20%
Is the approach to the problem or project sound? Are the potential sources of evidence identified and to what extent can this material be assembled? Have sources of evidence been evaluated? Are the sources/subject accessible?	Excellent – clear relationship between aims/objectives and chosen approach. If followed through competently the work should address all aims and objectives.	The approach is generally suitable and, if carried out competently should enable the general aims and most of the objectives to be met. There are some minor concerns/potential improvements required	Approach being taken is broadly appropriate. However, there are some doubts about some aspects and further work is needed in several important respects. However, there is confidence that the approach should enable the work to succeed.	There are significant doubts about the suitability of the approach being taken/proposed. Unless the issues are addressed then the work is unlikely to meet the standard expected.	Methods/Sources are either inappropriate or ill defined. Unless the approach is changed/further developed the work is likely to fail.	Not Evidenced

References 12%
Is the scope and extent of the literature understood? Have the key sources been identified an accessed? Are the citations correct?	Excellent – precise and appropriate with no obvious limitations	The references/sources are broadly and specifically appropriate to the purpose of the research. If used well they should enable the work to reach a high standard. Some minor additions/adjustments are needed to improve the potential.	The evidence presented confirms that the sources are broadly sufficient and accessible. Further work is needed to either identify more focused material/sources and/or broaden the evidence base. If used appropriately, the evidence base is sufficient to enable the work to reach a pass standard.	Basic sources identified but further sources are needed to scope the study. Unless the sources are developed, the work is unlikely to pass.	References inappropriate/insufficient, further literature search needed. As it stands the evidence base is insufficient to enable the work to pass.	Not Evidenced
Structure 12%
Is the proposed structure logical and consistent with the aims and objectives?	Excellent – no further improvements required	The proposed structure is consistent with the proposed approach and follows conventions. There are only minor improvements needed.	The proposed structure of the work is consistent with the general principles of research. If the work was presented in the manner suggested it would be likely to meet a pass standard. However, the proposed structure could be enhanced in some key respects.	Structure needs more work and unless improvements are made the final output is unlikely to pass	Structure flawed in several respects and unless these issues are resolved, the dissertation is highly likely to fail	Not Evidenced
Schedule 12%
Is the proposed structure of final output appropriate? Is the schedule fully outlined and agreed with the supervisor? Is the schedule clear and achievable?	Excellent – the schedule has built in contingency and is highly likely to succeed.	The schedule is clear and logical. However, there are some minor concerns and/or limited evidence of contingency planning.	The workflow is generally clear and milestones appropriate, The schedule may be ambiguous in part and have limited contingency; or be inconsistent with some of the supervisor’s expectations. However, if all goes according to plan, the work has a high probability of being completed on time.	More work needed to clarify workflow and milestones, and more importantly, the work is at risk of failing to meet the deadline	Schedule flawed in several respects and the work is highly unlikely to be completed satisfactorily unless these are resolved	Not Evidenced
Ethics 12%
Has the proposal considered likely /primary ethical issues, will be responsibly managed and consistent with the values of LIBS?	Fully articulated and all potential dilemmas identified and outlined	Generally well articulated and no significant issues unidentified. There may be minor issues associated with argument and presentation – but fundamental issues have been initially addressed. There are no reasons to limit progress of the project.	Generally sufficient to allow a LEAS application to be made but some minor matters need to be resolved. Ethical approval is likely.	Some ethical dilemmas either need further argument or resolutions needed before the work can expect to secure ethical approval. Ethical approval is unlikely to be supported at this stage	Limited awareness of ethical principles and/or responsible management. The work cannot proceed until these are addressed.	Not Evidenced

Appendix 3: Final Dissertation Assessment Brief

Module Code & Title: Dissertation BUS9036M

Contribution to Final Module Mark: 90%

Description of Assessment Task and Purpose:

The aim of this assessment is that you are required to submit a dissertation or equivalent (as agreed with your supervisor). This must be compliant with the presentation requirements stated on Blackboard.

Further Guidance:

Specific texts and source materials are dependent upon the focus and methodology of your research. Generic guidance can for example be found in texts such as:

Biggam, J. (2018) Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation 4^th Edition Sage:London

In addition, learning Resources which will support this assessment include:

Postgraduate Study Skills: Managing the Dissertation Process

These Learning Resources are available via the blackboard module site.

Formative feedback is core to successful progression with the learning materials and outcome achievements and supported by supervisory discussions.