INMR90-MSc Dissertation (Information Management)

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 40 [20 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Dr Stephen Gulliver
Email: s.r.gulliver@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The dissertation project is an independent piece of research, carried out by students throughout the duration of the Information Management and Digital Business MSc programme. The dissertation is considered to be the most important element of the MSc degree since it demonstrates the knowledge and skills acquired both in terms of the subject area and academic research. The dissertation is conducted by an individual student, guided by an academic supervisor, in a chosen specialised domain. This specialisation gives the student the opportunity to undertake a substantial applied research project that draws on prior knowledge and skills, acquired from the past experience or from the taught part of the MSc programme, and i) enables students to gain experience writing a scientific report, ii) allows students to develop their problem-solving skills, and iii) enables students to manage research activities and critically assess the outcomes from the project. 

Aims:

The aim of the module is to enable the student to conduct a systematic piece of research, and apply the knowledge into practice (as appropriate) through an independent project. The student should show a detailed understanding of a particular subject field, demonstrated by  a literature survey of recent developments in the field, systematic application of methods, and  critical analysis of data in order to high a scoped contribution to knowledge, critical evaluation of findings, and identification of future developments. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module the student will be able to: 

• Develop and demonstrate an understanding of the research


• Develop and acquire new skills in conducting research


• Plan and manage a systematic approach to a research project 


• Carry out a literature review 


• Critically approach a research problem


• Demonstrate a systematic application of methods


• Undertake a critical analysis of data in order to determine findings


• Evaluate the solution and provide a critical appraisal 


• Derive logical conclusions 


• Produce a dissertation 


• Present the work in form of oral presentation 

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Guidance on dissertation is provided in the Autumn Term to clarify the requirements for the dissertation. Lectures and workshop sessions on research methods and skills are provided during the Autumn and Spring Terms. 

The dissertation project normally commences with an outline proposal submitted by the students at the end of the Spring Term based on which a supervisor is assigned. The topic is normally proposed by the student and developed further  in consultation with the appointed supervisor, which should result in submission of a formative research proposal. 

The research work must be conducted in an ethical and professional manner.  

The text of the dissertation would not normally exceed 12,000 words but it may be supported by ancillary material. 

Students may carry out their dissertation projects in organisations as part of placement or internship of up to six months in duration. The placement needs to be arranged by students and requires an approval by the Programme Director who ensures that the placement enables the students to satisfy the academic requirements of Dissertation. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The dissertation project is normally conducted by an individual student guided by a supervisor. The student is expected to organise regular meetings with the supervisor, and is responsible for contacting other members of staff (as required) to gain additional expertise and support in the chosen research field. There is an opportunity to give an oral presentation at an interim stage to seek for feedback from staff and peers. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment will consist of Dissertation (12,000 words) (90%) due early September, and presentation (10 minute oral presentation followed by 10 minute Q&A) (10%) to take place in the at the end of June. The presentation focuses on the assesses the student’s presentation skills.

Formative assessment methods:

Students receive formative feedback from their project supervisors during supervision meetings based on their work, which also includes discussion of outline and research proposal content, and/or research progress. They will also receive comments and feedback from the audience at the interim (oral) presentation reporting on progress of research. 

Penalties for late submission:

University standard penalties for late submission are automatically generated

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Students will be required to obtain a mark of 50% overall through weighted average of the two components. 

Reassessment arrangements:

By resubmission of Dissertation in accordance with University policy. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 22 September 2022