DISSERTATION OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA A. Overall Outcomes: The overall assessment of a dissertation should be based on the student’s ability to achieve the three main aims, which are: 1. Think and work independently 2. Develop and deepen their knowledge of a business topic 3. Relate academic knowledge to an agreed topic. B. Specific Outcomes: In order to achieve these aims, the Dissertation must help achieve the following Outcomes: 1. Identify a research problem with a managerial perspective within an organizational and/or economic environment 2. Relate problem to some relevant theory studied in the MBA programme 3. Formulate the research problem precisely 4. Explain the significance of the study 5. Generate interest in the problem by giving a comprehensive overview of the background to the problem 6. Compile relevant historic and currently available literature / secondary information in and around the field of study 7. Investigate the problem with quantitative and qualitative research methodology 8. Conduct in-depth primary research in 1 or multiple organizations 9. Present the primary findings scientifically and concisely 10. Identify relationships among the variables under study through statistical analysis ** 11. Analyze how the primary findings contribute to the presented secondary literature ** 12. Summarize the broad conclusions of the study 13. Recommend practical / feasible solutions to the problem ** 14. Develop an implementation plan for the recommendations ** 15. Generalize the findings to other relevant organizations / economic sectors. ** (** Effort lacking in these areas) A. Assessment Criteria: Based on the above outcomes, the examiner/supervisor must ensure that the student’s work meets the following criteria:  Is the chosen topic at the appropriate level for the qualification they are seeking to obtain  Has the student satisfactorily met the terms of reference? Examiners must decide this by comparing the terms of reference with the contents of the findings presented mainly in the conclusions and recommendations chapter. The examiner must find that a satisfactory answer to the research question has been found.  Has the conceptual and analytical underpinning of the dissertation been discussed? The student has to show an understanding of why and how things happen and not just a description of what happens.  Has the student related the work to the knowledge of one of the courses major elements e.g. marketing; strategy; human resource management etc.?  Has the student followed the recommended dissertation format? Details of such a format have been given to the student in their research guidelines.

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Is the dissertation written in clear, literate and intelligible English – free from clichés, platitudes and jargon? Has the student conscientiously referred to all sources of information used in the dissertation? All sources of information should be properly acknowledged, in order to avoid any accusations of plagiarism, which if proven will result in a heavy penalty being imposed on the final mark. Is the work of appropriate length? If the dissertation is in excess of the specified limit without a proper justification, the student will be penalized accordingly.

A MASTERS DISSERTATION IS ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:  Purpose of the research  Choice of methodology  Application of theory  Quality of data collection and analysis  Coherence of arguments  Conclusions and recommendations  Presentation An EXCELLENT DISSERTATION (with distinction) would demonstrate the following qualities under the criteria outlined above: PURPOSE Explicit rationale for topic selection stating relevance to the course. A clear definition of the problem or issue based upon a comprehensive understanding of the background material. Clear terms of reference and objectives are used. These may be linked to a well-formulated hypothesis. The dominant nature of terms of reference is based on analysis and evaluation. CHOICE OF METHODOLOGY Demonstrates evidence of understanding of various research methods. Sound rationale for selecting chosen research methods and ability to apply them. Ability to reflect on the limitations imposed by the topic and research method selected and indicates how to overcome or minimize the negative impact of these limitations. APPLICATION OF THEORY Understanding and application of the full range of selected theoretical concepts relevant to the topic. Undertakes an excellent literature review. The scope and breadth of the literature review should be compatible with the scope of the research in terms of depth and breadth and add value to the dissertation. The conclusion of the literature should constructively support the rationale for selecting the methodology and the final conclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Collect relevant and comprehensive data to test the truth of the assertions presented in the hypothesis. Clearly defined methods of data collection within which the chosen techniques are clearly identified. Well clarified methods of testing the validity of data to reflect a sound rationale that fulfills the terms of reference. COHERENCE OF ARGUMENTS Well-articulated arguments that are the product of focused statements related to the objectives of the dissertation. Excellent formulation and exposition of findings reflected in the coherence of the arguments. Evidence of exercising individual judgment with sound supporting arguments. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS CONCLUSIONS

Final contribution to academic knowledge area. There are clear lessons that can be learned for research from applying the conclusions. There are possibilities that can be identified for widening the future scope of research in relation to the topic. The conclusion identifies specific conclusions to the problems discussed in the research. RECOMMENDATIONS The recommendations are relevant and comprehensive. It produces an action plan for companies that are involved in the research. PRESENTATION It is clear and appropriate in the format as specified in the student guidelines. The dissertation should demonstrate continuity and development. It should read as a coherent whole. A PASS LEVEL DISSERTATION WOULD MEET THE STANDARDS OUTLINED BELOW IN RELATION TO THE SET CRITERIA. PURPOSE The purpose is a critical evaluation criterion, which should approximate to the excellent definition of all levels of pass. APPLICATION OF THEORY There is evidence that some relevant theory has been applied to the topic. A general literature review has been undertaken. There is some evidence that evaluation of literature review has been undertaken. DATA COLLECTION AND ANLYSIS Data collection meets minimum acceptable standards to support topic hypothesis. No explicit rationale is provided for selecting data collection methods in evidence. CHOICE OF ARGUMENT The dissertation is scattered with loose arguments although they are broadly relevant and cohesive. It possibly lacks some focus in discussion. There is some evidence of individual judgment but not in a very professional manner. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Conclusions may be too obvious, possibly reflecting limitations in quality of dissertation analysis. There are no obvious distinctions between practical and academic conclusions and recommendations. PRESENTATION There is a possible lack of clarity in the layout and presentation. It may read in a disjointed fashion. A FAILED DISSERTATION DOES NOT FULFILL THE MINIMUM CRITERIA OUTLINED ABOVE. NB. Clarity of purpose is a major differentiating factor in discerning the overall quality of the dissertation.

ASSESSMENT OF MBA DISSERTATIONS Dissertations are assessed by the following criteria: 1. Quality of the conceptual analysis, argumentation and critical evaluation of the business management problem, 2. Originality of ideas and aims, 3. Relevant use of secondary literature, knowledge of existing research in the field, 4. Accuracy of information, 5. Application of theory to the problem under consideration, 6. Argumentation and understanding of topic related to critical issues, 7. Structure and organization of argument, 8. Quality and range of expression and 9. Referencing, citation and general presentation. The assessment of the MBA Dissertation will be based on how well the 5 aims are fulfilled. All assessments are completed and submitted using the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mancosadissertation. Dissertations will be categorized into one of six bands: 1.1 Assessment Bands

EXCELLENT - “A” - (75 %+) The work:  Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the requirements for a MBA dissertation;  Applies relevant theoretical knowledge properly referenced from the literature;  Collects adequate primary and secondary data and information to support the investigation;  Shows the ability to exercise judgment;  Incorporates some originality and personal insights;  Clearly meets the terms of reference and achieves the objectives set;  Has excellent presentation.  OVERALL, the dissertation is a very comprehensive piece of work that achieves a very high standard. (If not confidential, then a copy will be placed in the library).

VERY GOOD - “B" - (70% - 74%) The work:  Demonstrates a broad understanding of the requirements for a MBA dissertation;  Applies selective relevant knowledge from the literature;  Collects more than adequate data to support the investigation;  Shows ability to evaluate the problem, but lacks the originality and depth of judgment of the top band;  Achieves well the terms of reference set;  Demonstrates very competent grasp of the whole dissertation process;  Is well presented and organized.  OVERALL, the standard is above average. (If not confidential, then a copy will probably be placed in the library).

GOOD - “C” - (60% - 69%) The work:  Demonstrates acceptable understanding of the requirements for a MBA dissertation;  Applies some relevant knowledge from the literature;  Collects adequate data to support the investigation;  Expresses ideas and concepts sufficiently well to answer the terms of reference;  Demonstrates a coherent grasp of the whole dissertation process;  Is adequately presented and organized.  OVERALL, of an adequate standard with a coherent response to the task set. (If not confidential, a copy may be placed in the library).

ACCEPTABLE - “D” - (50% - 59%) The work:  Demonstrates some limited understanding of the requirements;  Is rather simplistic in the application of knowledge;  Collects some relevant data, but is imprecise in arguing the case;  Lacks any in-depth evaluation of the issues;  Achieves only just an adequate coverage of terms of reference;  May be poorly presented.  OVERALL, the dissertation should achieve at least some of its terms of reference and what it lacks in some areas should be compensated for in others.

UNACCEPTABLE / MARGINAL FAIL - “E” - (40%-49%) The work:  Shows some basic understanding, but tends to have errors or goes off at a tangent;  Is descriptive rather than evaluative;  Collects inadequate data to investigate problem(s);  Does not really argue the question;  Achieves an inadequate coverage of the terms of reference;  May be poorly presented.  OVERALL, the work just fails to achieve an adequate standard and it is NOT condonable.

UNACCEPTABLE / TOTAL FAIL - “F” - (0%-39%) The work:  Shows wholly inadequate understanding of what is required;  Is much too descriptive;  Little evidence of systematic collecting of any relevant data;  Fails to achieve the terms of reference;  Little evidence of theory and coherence;  May be poorly presented.