MG5642 PG Dissertation Coursework Assignment Brief 2024-25 | BUL

PASS

FAIL

Assessment criteria and weighting

90-100%

70-89%

60-69%

50-59%

40-49%

30-39%

0-29%

Introduction

Clarity of problem definition, context and aims

(15%)

There is a particularly clear and concise abstract presented, covering all key points, that is, purpose, background, rationale, method(s), key finding(s), and contribution(s). The first chapter presents an excellent introduction, including an overview and motivation for what follows. There is an excellent overview/summary of the literature, clearly highlighting the gaps within existing works, leading to a well justified and argued research aim, which explicitly presents the overall intent of this research. The objective(s), in particular, are explicitly presented and provide very clear directions on how to achieve the overall aim of the research. This chapter suggests that this Dissertation has an interesting and relevant ‘story’ which identifies a suitable ‘research problem/issue or an opportunity to explore’. This chapter includes a particularly clear and concise summary of material to be covered in subsequent chapters.

There is a very clear and concise abstract presented, covering all key points i.e. purpose (background, rationale), method(s), key finding(s), research limitation(s)/implication(s), practical implication(s), and contribution(s). The first chapter presents a well articulated introduction including an overview and motivation for what follows. There is an excellent overview/summary of the literature. The research gap is identified, leading to the development of the research aim, which explicitly presents the overall intent of this research. The objective(s) are explicitly presented and provide very clear directions on how to achieve the overall aim of the research. This chapter suggests that this Dissertation has is a good ‘story’ which identifies a suitable ‘research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’. This chapter includes a very clear and concise summary of material to be covered in subsequent chapters.

There is a clear and concise abstract presented, covering all key points i.e. purpose (background, rationale), method(s), key finding(s), research limitation(s)/implication(s), practical implication(s), and contribution(s). The first chapter presents a good introduction including an overview and motivation for what follows. There is a good overview/summary of the literature. The aim is clearly presented and highlights the overall intent of this research. The objective(s) presented provide clear directions on how to achieve the overall aim of the research. This chapter suggests that this Dissertation has a ‘story’ which identifies a ‘suitable research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’. This chapter includes a clear and concise summary of material to be covered in subsequent chapters.

 There is a reasonably clear abstract, covering most key points i.e. purpose (background, rationale), method(s), key finding(s), research limitation(s)/implication(s), practical implication(s), and contribution(s). The first chapter presents a satisfactory introduction including an overview and motivation for what follows. There is a satisfactory overview/summary of the literature, which is to be discussed later, in the review of the literature chapter. The aim is presented and somewhat highlights the overall intent of this research. The objective(s) presented provide some directions on how to achieve the overall aim of the research. This chapter suggests that this Dissertation has a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable ‘research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’. This chapter, to some extent, indicate the material to be covered in subsequent chapters.

The abstract covers in a superficial way some key points i.e. purpose (background, rationale), method(s), key finding(s), research limitation(s)/implication(s), practical implication(s), and contribution(s). The first chapter presents an introduction that is less than satisfactory. There is a vague summary of the literature but there is no linkage between the literature and the research aim. The aim presented is somewhat unclear and does not highlights the intent of this research. The objective(s) presented provide limited directions on how to achieve the overall aim of the research. This chapter suggests that this Dissertation has a ‘story’ but it does not clearly identify a suitable ‘research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’.

There is evidence of many deficiencies due to any number of the following. Abstract is either missing or does not serve relevant purpose. The introduction chapter, which likely includes an overview and motivation for what follows, is either inadequate or missing. The overview/summary of the literature is either inadequate or missing. Reasonable aim(s) and objective(s) are not set in a clear nor concise manner. It suggests that this is not a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable ‘research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’. If there is a summary of material to be covered in subsequent chapters this is inadequate.

The work is unacceptable. The work presented does not show achievement of some (or all) of the learning outcomes described for this aspect of the task. This may be due to most of, or all of, the following. Abstract is either missing or is not clear. The introduction chapter, which likely includes an overview and motivation for what follows, is either inadequate or missing. The overview/summary of the literature which is to be discussed later, in the review of the literature chapter, is either inadequate or missing. The aim(s) and objective(s) are either inappropriate or missing. It suggests that this is not a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable ‘research problem/issue or opportunity to explore’. If there is a summary of material to be covered in subsequent chapters, this is inadequate.

Literature review

Critical evaluation of the literature

(20%)

There is a particularly excellent description and an equally excellent critical discussion of the literature in the field and its treatment, demonstrating a highly sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the subject matter. The literature is plentiful and wholly appropriate. The particularly excellent introduction includes an overview and motivation for what follows. The discussion, drawing on an excellent interpretation and understanding of the literature gathered to support the claim(s) made, is highly sophisticated in its critical powers. The analysis demonstrates an exceptional insight into the aspect(s) of business/management that have been chosen to be explored. It is a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable research problem/issue. If there is a framework of any type, this is well explained and it addresses to the identified research ‘gaps’ in an excellent manner. When hypotheses or research problems are presented, they are well argued and phrased in a logical manner, specifying the relations between independent and dependent variables.

There is an excellent description and an equally excellent critical discussion of the literature in the field (the subject matter) and its treatment demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the subject matter. The literature is plentiful and wholly appropriate. The introduction includes an overview and motivation for what follows. The discussion, drawing on an excellent interpretation and understanding of the literature gathered to support the claim(s) made, is well articulated in its critical powers. The analysis demonstrates insight into the aspect(s) of business/management that have been chosen to be explored. It is a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable research problem/issue. If there is a framework of any type, this is explained, addressing to the identified research ‘gaps’ in a clear manner. When hypotheses or research problems are presented, they are briefly argued and phrased in a logical manner, to specify the relations between independent and dependent variables.

There is a very good description and an equally good critical discussion of the literature in the field (the subject matter) and its treatment demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The literature is plentiful and wholly appropriate. The very good introduction includes an overview and motivation for what follows. The discussion, drawing on a good interpretation and understanding of the literature gathered to support the claim(s) made, has good critical powers. The analysis demonstrates very good insight into the aspect(s) of business/management that have been chosen to be explored. It is a ‘story’ which identifies a suitable research problem/issue.  If there is a framework of any type, this is described in relation to the research ‘gaps’. When hypotheses or research problems are presented, they are phrased clearly to specify the relations between most of independent and dependent variables.  

There is a satisfactory description and a critical discussion of the literature in the field (the subject matter) and its treatment demonstrates a systematic and substantial understanding of the subject matter. The literature is sufficient in terms of type/amount and is for the most part appropriate. The satisfactory introduction includes an overview and motivation for what follows. The discussion, drawing on a satisfactory interpretation and understanding of the literature gathered to support the claim(s) made, is satisfactory in terms of its critical powers. The analysis demonstrates satisfactory insight into the aspect(s) of business/management that have been chosen to be explored. It is a ‘story’, although some parts may feel incomplete.  If there is a framework of any type, it is briefly described in relation to the research ‘gaps’. Some hypotheses may be presented; however they could be better argued for clarity amongst the constructs.

There is some descriptions and discussion of the literature in the field (the subject matter). However, most parts of the literature review is only descriptive and does not hold a critical view.

 The introduction does not include a clear overview and motivation for what follows. The discussion draws on a weak interpretation and understanding of the literature gathered to support the claim(s). The analysis demonstrates some insight into the aspect(s) of business/management that have been chosen to be explored. If there is a framework of any type, this is not well explained or justified. The ‘gaps’, expressed as questions or hypotheses (or however “a … research problem/issue or opportunity” is termed) are not really identified or discussed.

There is evidence of many deficiencies. This may be due to (any): there is an inadequate narrative and an equally inadequate critical discussion of the literature and its treatment demonstrates some, but an insufficient, understanding of the subject matter. The literature is inadequate in terms of type/amount and/or is for the most part inappropriate. The introduction, including an overview and motivation for what follows is either inadequate or missing. The discussion is shallow and lacks of depth, overall demonstrating very-limited understanding of the literature. Evidence is not gathered to support the claim(s) made. If any framework presented, this is not explained or justified in a logical and convincing manner.

The work is unacceptable. The work presented does not show achievement of some (or all) of the learning outcomes described for this task. This may be due to most of, or all of, the following. There is an inadequate narrative and an equally inadequate critical discussion of the literature and its treatment demonstrates an insufficient understanding of the subject matter. The literature is inadequate in terms of type/amount and/or is for the most part inappropriate. The introduction is either inadequate or missing. The discussion is shallow and lacks of depth, overall demonstrating poor understanding of the literature. The analysis demonstrates little insight into the aspect(s) of business/management.  If any framework presented, this is not explained or justified in a logical and convincing manner.

Methodology

Case for research design and methods

(20%)

The research methods chapter is particularly excellent in terms of its clarity, and its treatment of the issues involved demonstrates a highly sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of research methods more generally. An excellent argument is made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. A particularly excellent justification is provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen, and there is a particularly excellent, comprehensive description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved. There is clarity as to how the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates an exceptionally good treatment of this issue.

The research methods chapter is excellent in terms of its clarity, and its treatment of the issues involved demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of research methods more generally. Well articulated argument is made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. An excellent justification is provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen, and there is an excellent, comprehensive description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved. There is clarity as to how the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates an excellent treatment of this issue.

The research methods chapter is very good in terms of its clarity, and its treatment of the issues involved demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of research methods more generally. A very good argument is made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. A very good justification is provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen, and there is a very good, comprehensive description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved. There is clarity as to how the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates very good treatment of this issue.

The research methods chapter is satisfactory in terms of its clarity, and its treatment of the issues involved demonstrates a systematic and substantial understanding of research methods more generally. A satisfactory argument is made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. A satisfactory justification is provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen, and there is a satisfactory description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved. There is reasonable clarity as to how the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates satisfactory treatment of this issue.

The research methods chapter fails to achieve the satisfactory level required in terms of clarity and does not demonstrates sufficient understanding of research methods more generally. A vague or unclear argument is made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. The justification provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen was weak. The data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved, was not described in a clear and concise manner.  It does not show much clarity as to how the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates inadequate treatment of this issue.

There is evidence of many deficiencies. This may be due to any number of the following. The research methods chapter fails to demonstrate clarity, in its treatment of the methodological issues involved. It does not demonstrate sufficient understanding of research methods. The argument made for the instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data is inadequate. The justification provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen is either very weak or missing. The description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved does not have sufficient detail or justification. How the literature in the field (the subject matter) informed its/their design is missing.

The work is unacceptable. The work presented does not show achievement of some (or all) of the learning outcomes described for this aspect of the task. This may be due to most of, or all of, the following. The research methods chapter lacks of clarity and shows very little understanding of research methods. There is no argument made for the choice of instrument(s)/tool(s) which have been used to gather the data. The justification provided as to why that/those selected have been chosen is either inadequate or missing. The description of the data collection and analysis process, including consideration of the ethical issues involved is either inadequate or missing. How the literature in the field informed its/their design is either inadequate or missing. How/why data is gathered is crucial in a piece of research and this Project demonstrates poor treatment of this issue.

Results/findings

Analysis and interpretation

(20%)

The presentation and analysis of the results is particularly excellent and of high standard. Findings/results are presented with exceptional clarity and in an exceptionally effective manner. Advanced statistical and/or qualitative analysis is employed and appropriately discussed, leading to well justified and meaningful results. There is evidence of originality and independence of thought, and the work clearly demonstrates the exceptional ability to develop a highly systematic and logical or insightful solution or evaluation.

The presentation and analysis of the results is excellent. Findings/results are presented with clarity and in a highly effective manner. Advanced statistical and/or qualitative analysis is employed and appropriately discussed, leading to meaningful results. There is evidence of independence of thought, and the work clearly demonstrates the ability to develop a highly systematic and logical or insightful solution or evaluation.

The presentation and analysis of the results is very good. Findings/results are presented with clarity and in a very effective manner. Appropriate statistical and qualitative analysis is employed and discussed, leading to meaningful results. There is evidence of independence of thought, and the work clearly demonstrates the ability to develop a systematic and logical or insightful solution or evaluation.

The presentation and analysis of the results is satisfactory. Findings/results are presented in a sufficiently effective manner. Some statistical and qualitative analysis is employed, leading to meaningful results. There is evidence of a satisfactory degree of competence in developing a solution or evaluation.

The presentation and analysis of the results is not of sufficient standard.  Findings/results are discussed or presented in an adequate manner. Basic statistical and qualitative analysis is employed, leading to some results. However, they are not always correctly interpreted. There is no evidence of an acceptable degree of competence in developing a solution or evaluation.

The presentation and analysis of the results is very basic and not of sufficient standard.  Findings/results are not discussed or presented clearly. Basic statistical and qualitative analysis is employed; however they do not lead to meaningful and/or correct result, showing little understanding of data interpretation. There is little evidence of competence in developing a solution or evaluation.

The work is unacceptable. The presentation and analysis of the results is insufficient or missing.  Findings/results are not presented clearly. Basic statistical and qualitative analysis may employed but understood in an incorrect manner, leading to incorrect results or data interpretation. Overall, there is no evidence of competence in developing a solution or evaluation.

Conclusions

Conclusions and recommendations

(15%)

Conclusions drawn follow from the discussion of the results/findings and demonstrate an exceptional ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter). There is a highly sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described. Some excellent suggestions for future work, which follows from this are identified and discussed. The practical or other recommendations for business/industry are not only targeted, specific and realistic but follow directly from the preceding analysis of the data/results presented.

Conclusions drawn follow from the discussion of the results/findings and demonstrate  ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter). There is a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described. Some good suggestions for future work, which follows from this, are identified and briefly discussed. The practical or other recommendations for business/industry are not only targeted, specific and realistic but follow directly from the preceding analysis of the data/results presented.

Conclusions drawn follow from the discussion of the results/findings and demonstrate a very good ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter). There is a well-developed and comprehensive understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described.

Some possible suggestions for future work, which follows from this, are identified.

The practical or other recommendations for business/industry are realistic, although some of them could be more targeted and follow directly from the preceding analysis of the data/results presented.

Conclusions drawn follow from the discussion of the results/findings and demonstrate a satisfactory ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter). There is a systematic understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described, and suitably appropriate future work which follows from this are presented. The practical or other recommendations for business/industry are presented, although some of them are over general and some of them could be more targeted, specific and follow directly from the research findings. 

The conclusions do not demonstrate a reasonable ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter). The work lack of a systematic understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described. Some suggestion for future research are mentioned but they are either very generic or do not follow from the research findings. The practical or other recommendations for business/industry are mentioned, but they are not really relevant and do not follow directly from the research findings.

The conclusions fail to demonstrate an ability to synthesise the data/evidence with the literature in the field (the subject matter).

Conclusions drawn do not follow from the discussion of the results/findings, or are missing. Whilst there is some evidence of some understanding of the literature in the field (the subject matter), it is too limited. There is insufficient understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described, and either the future work which follows from this is inadequate or missing. The practical or other recommendations are missing or irrelevant.

The work is unacceptable. The work presented does not show achievement of some (or all) of the learning outcomes described for this aspect of the task. This may be due to most of, or all of, the following. Conclusions drawn do not follow from the discussion of the results/findings, or are missing. Whilst there is some evidence of some understanding of the literature in the field (the subject matter), it is too limited. There is little understanding of the limitations of the piece of research identified and described, and either the future work which follows from this is inadequate or missing. If there are practical or other recommendations for business/industry, there is an attempt at providing them, but it is too poorly executed.

Presentation, structure, writing style and referencing

(10%)

The work is presented in an exceptionally highly professional manner in all respects. The work adheres fully to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader does not have to work hard at all in order to ‘follow the plot’ given the exceptional ‘story telling’. The lay person can easily understand it. If there is jargon, it is fully explained. Material taken from other sources is accurately paraphrased; the text/style/content is that of an exceptional report writer. There are no grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are no errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is excellent. The ‘story’ is exceptionally well told; there is an exceptionally high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication at all levels.

The work is presented in a highly professional manner in all respects. The work adheres to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader does not have to work hard in order to ‘follow the plot’ given the ‘story telling’. The lay person can easily understand it. If there is jargon, it is fully explained. Material taken from other sources is accurately paraphrased; the text/style/content is that of the report writer. There are no, or hardly any, grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are no, or hardly any, errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is excellent. The ‘story’ is excellently told; there is a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication at all levels.

The work is presented in a very professional manner in nearly all respects. The work adheres fully to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader does not have to work hard in order to ‘follow the plot’ given the very good ‘story telling’. The lay person can easily understand it. If there is jargon, it is very well explained. Material taken from other sources is accurately paraphrased; the text/style/content is that of the report writer. There are no, or hardly any, grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are no, or hardly any, errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is very good. The ‘story’ is very well told; there is clarity, focus and cogency in communication at all levels.

The work is presented in a professional manner in most respects. The work mostly adheres to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. With some effort, the reader can ‘follow the plot’ given the reasonable ‘story telling’. The lay person can understand it. If there is jargon, it is explained. Material taken from other sources is for the most part accurately paraphrased; the text/style/content is for the most part that of the report writer. There are likely some, but not many, grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are likely some, but not many, errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is appropriate. The ‘story’ is well told; there is clarity and focus in communication at all levels.

The work is not presented in a reasonably professional manner. The work does not adhere to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader has to work hard in order to ‘follow the plot’. Jargon is either inadequately explained or not explained at all. Material taken from other sources is not reasonably or accurately paraphrased. There are some or many grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are likely some or many errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is inadequate. The ‘story’ could be told better; there is a lack of effective communication at all levels.

There is evidence of many deficiencies This may be due to any number of the following. The work is presented in an unprofessional manner. The work does not adhere to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader has to work very hard in order to ‘follow the plot’ given the poor ‘story telling’. The lay person has great difficulty understanding it. Jargon is either not adequately explained or is not explained at all. Material taken from other sources is not sufficiently well paraphrased. There are too many grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are too many errors or inconsistencies when it comes to the citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is inadequate. The ‘story’ is not adequately told; there is a lack of effective communication at all levels.

The work is unacceptable. The work presented does not show achievement of some (or all) of the learning outcomes described for this aspect of the task. This may be due to most of, or all of, the following. The work is presented in an unprofessional manner. The work does not adhere to the requirements described in the study guide/other documentation associated with this. The reader has to work very hard in order to ‘follow the plot’ given the poor ‘story telling’. The lay person has great difficulty understanding it. Many Jargons are not explained. Material taken from other sources is not paraphrased. There are too many grammatical and/or other errors at sentence level. There are too many errors/inconsistencies in citations/references. The organisation of the text at the structural level (paragraphs, sections, chapters) is poor. The ‘story’ is badly told; there is a lack of effective communication at all levels.