Module Code - Title:
AU5004
-
Dissertation
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
AU5003
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
1. To provide students with an understanding of the primary issues and decision stages involved in the completion of a research dissertation.
2. To provide students with the theory and its application of the various research philosophies, and research methods.
3. To develop a set of research skills including developing research question, sourcing information, analysis and interpretation skills project management.
4. To develop the competencies required assembling a research thesis, competencies in report writing, layout and presentation.
Syllabus:
Workshops will provide students with knowledge on the stages involved in the process of completing a thesis. Key issues to be addressed include: choosing a research topic, writing the research proposal conducting a literature review; applying concepts and theories; methodologies of research and structuring and writing a thesis. The elements of completing a critical literature review are addressed to include where and how to source relevant material, summarising, how to map out the literature, identifying the concepts, theories and arguments relevant for their research and how to critique the information. The research philosophies, strategies and design methods in the completion of empirical research are explored. Collecting the material, questionnaire design, sample selection, pilot testing of research instrument, data analysis are elements examined. Structuring and writing a thesis, constructing and supporting arguments concludes the subject areas examined.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
1. Understand how to write research proposals.
2. Understand how to conduct a literature review.
3. Be able to critically evaluate, interpret and critique secondary research.
4. Appreciate the importance of time management and self-directed research.
5. Fully understand the various research methodologies that can be adopted by researchers and how to choose the methodology that is right for a research proposal.
6. Be able to discuss and present research findings.
7. Understand how to conclude the thesis.
8. Understand how to reference material properly.
9. Understand how technology can be used to interpret data.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Written Communication Skills
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
None
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Delivery is a hybrid of traditional distance education and online learning together with a number of face-to-face / on-line tutorials. In addition, there are online discussions moderated by a subject matter expert on elements of each module to reinforce the learning and maximise the benefit of the programme for participants.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
AUA (2007)
Module Study Notes
, AUA
Saunders, M., Thornhill, A and Lewis, P. (2006)
Research Methods for Business Students
, Pearson Publishers, UK
Fisher, C. (2004)
Researching and Writing A Dissertation for Business Students
, Prentice Hall Financial Times
Morley, M. (2005)
A guide for Research ¿ Students and Supervisors
, Graduate Studies Office: University of Limerick
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Module Leader:
ingrid.hunt@ul.ie