AC320: Accounting Dissertation

Module code: AC320

Module provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting; Henley Business School

Credits: 40

Level: Level 3 (Honours)

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Biao Mi, email: biao.mi@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: na

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 28 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module permits a student to conduct a research study (substantial or in parts original) on a selected topic in consultation with the module convenor and a specific supervisor. The module is delivered at Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT). All students must have met the progression requirements from Part 2 of BA Accounting (BIT).

This module aims to develop and add to the knowledge, understanding and critical appreciation of a broad range of topical issues facing the accountancy profession and industry. This is achieved via a more detailed consideration of the theoretical and empirical evidence relating to a range of contemporary contextual topics.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Produce a research proposal outlining a research project suitable for the undergraduate level. 
2. Critically analyse the synthesise literature on a given topic and develop an understanding of the research process and the challenges encountered.
3. Produce an original dissertation that critically analyses a particular research question and examines this question using empirical analysis and appropriate data.  
4. Put forward a generalisation of the findings leading to conclusion and implications for policy or research. 
5. Enhance skills in collecting and analysing large volume of data. 
6. Apply theoretical models to practical reports. 

Module content

• Introduction to research 
• How to select your preferred research topic 
• How to use library resources 
• Structure, Reference, and Literature review 
• Introduction to Research Method 
• Research method training- Stata/SPSS 
• Dissertation writing and Good academic practice 

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is primarily research-based, where the students are expected to carry out research on a particular topic in discussion with their supervisors.

1. Lectures will provide general guidance on research methods, literature reviews, and dissertation writing.
2. Students are provided with one-to-one supervision meetings for their dissertation over the autumn and spring terms, so they are supported during the research process. Students are expected to read a number of academic articles and carry out independent research in consultation with their supervisors.
3. Supervisor will support students in selecting research topics, answering specific questions, and providing feedback on students’ progress.

Study hours

At least 20 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

The supervisor will provide feedback once on literature review, research proposal, and draft dissertation.

Reassessment

Additional costs