BMG847 MSc International Business Dissertation Module Handbook 2024- 25 | Ulster

Aim

The aim of the module is to allow those students who are pursuing the Masters degree to have a further opportunity to develop their chosen specialism by preparing and presenting a research based Dissertation. The final submission will be not more than 12,000 words. The Dissertation will build on previous studies and will fuse them into a major piece of research related to an international business issue/s.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of different research strategies and approaches.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and development of a critical literature review on an international business and topic.
3. Apply research skills to carry out empirical research on an international business subject, including collecting, analysing and interpreting data.
4.  Develop writing skills and be able to present an independently reasoned and logical argument in written communication.

Content

On completion of the Dissertation module, students will have identified topics within the international business domain that are of particular interest to them. The development of their research proposal document is a key component of this process, as are ongoing discussions with academic staff, the modules studied prior to their Dissertation and the research expertise available within the Department.
By the end of semester two/year two, students will therefore have prepared and have had approved a Research Proposal Document and will each be allocated a suitable academic supervisor who will provide them with specialist guidance, advice, and editorial comment.
Key tasks of the supervision will be to ensure that the proposed research is theoretically and methodologically sound and that the student can complete it within the timescale available. Typically, the thesis will contain a rationale for the chosen subject of study, a review of the relevant literature, research methodology, findings and analysis and conclusions and recommendations.

Summary Description

The Master's Dissertation enables students to carry out research on a chosen topic within the domain of international business. Academic supervisors are allocated who provide advice and guidance to students throughout this process. On successful completion of their 12,000 word Dissertation students will be awarded their MSc in International Business.

Required:

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2016) Research Methods for Business Students. 7th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education, ISBN: 978-0-273-71686-0

Recommended:

Bryman, A. and Bell, E. (2015) Business Research Methods. 4th ed. Oxford University Press.
Easterby- Smith, M., Thorpe, R. Jackson, P. and Lowe, A. (2012) Management Research. 4th edn. London: Sage.
Keleman, M. and Rumens, N. (2008) An Introduction to Critical Management Research. London: Sage.

Background Readings

Alreck, P. L. and Settle, R.B. (2004) The Survey Research Handbook. Chicago, IL: Irwin. Research Texts - General
BEARDEN, W.O. & NETEMEYER, R.G. (1998) Handbook of Marketing Scales. London: Sage.
BRYMAN, A (1994) Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Scientists. London: Routledge.
CRESWELL, J. W. (1994) Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. London: Sage.