Page 1
Module Guide
MSc International HR
Dissertation Guide
BBM-7-HRP
School of Business
2017/2018
Level 7
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1! GENERAL INFORMATION 3!
2! SHORT DESCRIPTION 3!
3! AIMS OF THE MODULE 5!
4! LEARNING OUTCOMES 5!
5! KEY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS 6!
6! TEACHING AND LEARNING PATTERN 6!
6.1! TIMETABLE 6!
6.2! TOPIC SUBMISSION AND SUPERVISOR ALLOCATION 7!
6.3! ROLE OF THE DISSERTATION SUPERVISOR 7!
6.4! TIME PLANNING 9!
6.5! LEARNING SUPPORT GROUPS 9!
7! ASSESSMENT OF THE DISSERTATION 10!
7.1! PLAGIARISM 11!
7.2! USE OF ENGLISH 11!
8! DISSERTATION STRUCTURE 12!
9! SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION 13!
9.1! PROCEDURE 13!
9.2! FORMAT REQUIREMENTS FOR BOUND COPIES 14!
9.3! USB/CD-ROM VERSION/TURNITIN 15!
9.4! CONFIDENTIALITY 15!
9.5! LATE SUBMISSION/INTERRUPTION OF STUDY 15!
10! LITERATURE SOURCES AND RESOURCES 16!
11! DO’S AND DON’TS 18!
12! MOODLE SITE/VLE 20!
12.1! ACCESSING THE DISSERTATION GUIDE ON THE VLE/MOODLE SITE 20!
MSC INTERNATIONAL HR DISSERTATION MARKING SCHEME 21!
TOTAL AVAILABLE MARK: 100 POINTS 21!
APPENDIX A:! SOME HRM AND HRM-RELATED JOURNALS 23!
APPENDIX B:! REFERENCING YOUR DISSERTATION 25!
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 3
1! GENERAL INFORMATION
Module title: Dissertation
Level: 7 (Masters)
Reference number: BBM-7-HRP
Credit value: 60 CAT Points
Total study hours: 600
Co-requisite
module:
Research Methods
Courses: Full-Time MSc International Human Resources
Academic sessions: Semester 2, Academic Year 2017-18
Dissertation
Contact:
Dr John Opute
oputej@lsbu.ac.uk
Ext. 6475
Room L323
Subject area: Human Resources and Management
Assessment:
External Examiner
appointed for
module:
1)! Submission of a circa 15,000-word Master’s level
Dissertation or Report (70% weighting).
2)! Viva presentation of 30 minutes (30%) weighting.
David Saxon: Middlesex University, London.
Dawn Howard: University of Sussex.
Ronnie Caddow: Glasgow Caledonian University
2! SHORT DESCRIPTION
Researching and writing your dissertation is the most challenging project you
undertake as part of your MSc International HR course and it should also be the
most rewarding. It is a chance to explore in-depth a topic that excites,
fascinates, enthuses, or really matters to you, or one that is vital to your career
development. You carry out in-depth research based on firm academic
foundations addressing an issue of importance to you and to your work
organization (see also Section 3 below), and write it up in a dissertation of
approximately 15,000 words, to the timetable and standards set out in this
Dissertation Guide.
The modules you have studied and will study on the MSc International HR programme
help by developing your background knowledge of the subject and the Research
Methods module, in particular, will assist you with drafting the literature review section
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 4
of your dissertation and planning the research process. Most important, you will have
the support of an individual academic supervisor (see Section 6.3 below). To provide a
focus during the Residential Weekend (which usually takes place in March of every
year), students should have identified a preliminary topic for their dissertation. For
students on the PLUS programme (IGS, Paris cohort), the dissertation can be integrated
with your work placement or internship.
The placement officer at Institut de Gestoin Sociale (IGS) will assist you in finding
your company. If you found your own placement, inform the placement officer as soon
as possible in order to determine whether the placement is appropriate.
There is a Dissertation Module site in addition to the MSc IHR site, which you
should refer to regularly for information and notices.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 5
3! AIMS OF THE MODULE
The specific aims of the Dissertation Module are as follows:
To undertake, complete and present an advanced piece of independent research on a human resources
topic of direct relevance to the individual’s career development. Students’ achievement of the learning
outcomes may also be demonstrated through research focused on a work-placement or other
organization, rather than necessarily an employing organization. To undertake a period of work
placement or internship in the human resource department of a respectable company and produce a
reflective dissertation based on work completed and formulate recommendations (IGS, Paris cohort
students only).
•! To cover a research topic in an integrated way, in terms of hypothesis
formulation, literature review, methodology, and the documentation and
presentation of results.
•! To apply productively, and in a disciplined way, insights, information,
concepts and skills derived from other modules of the MSc IHR.
4! LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
1.! Produce a piece of research which proceeds beyond the presentation of a
synthesis of material derived from secondary sources and exploits
significantly primary sources, as well as displaying investigative and
analytical skills and originality.
2.! Select an appropriate research strategy and data collection methods to
investigate a problem with strategic implications for organizations.
3.! Collect, analyse, present and evaluate primary data as part of the
research process.
4.! Submit a final report in which the treatment of the research problem
shows the student has mastered the relevant analytical tools and
techniques, the conceptual framework and literature sources and/or
assimilated professional values associated with their work as interns.
5.! For students undertaking an internship, show how to resolve a human
resource problem or issue in the employing organization by the making
of implementable recommendations.
6.! Produce a research dissertation that not only brings new elements to a
debated area but does so in a multi-disciplinary and integrative way or
produce a work-based dissertation that provide critical analysis and
reflections on professional work completed.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 6
7.! Critically review the research report and identify ways in which the
research could have been undertaken more effectively.
5! KEY AND COGNITIVE SKILLS
Interpersonal skills via discussion and negotiations with sponsoring
organization, research subjects, supervisor and fellow students
Analysis and problem solving by researching the dissertation topic in the client
organization within the framework provided by academic literature
Viva presentation: Provides an opportunity to defend a thesis/argument that is a
useful skill to have, and which demonstrates ‘masterly’ scholarship. This in
effect is part of personal skills in self-management in relation to continuous
professional development and self managed learning
6! TEACHING AND LEARNING PATTERN
The dissertation (and internship) provides the focus for this module. Most of
the study hours consist of independent study on the part of the student. This
independent research or work placement and writing will be supported by an
academic supervisor and a company professional mentor (IGS students) until
the dissertation is submitted for assessment in early December, 2017 or such
other time that will be advised/agreed with the School of Business/Course
Director.
6.1! Timetable
The timetable for completion of the dissertation module is as follows:
Last date for submission of provisional topic
area by students to Module Leader/Research
Methods teaching team
Subject to Research
Methods teaching team
Allocation of academic supervisors to
students by Dissertation Coordinator
Not later than June 15,
2018.
Start of Internship for IGS students Early June 2018
(Subject to confirmation
– IGS, Paris cohort only)
Last date for submission of complete draft
of dissertation to supervisor for review
Last week in October
2018 subject to
confirmation with
Supervisor.
Last date for submission of bound copies
and USB memory stick/CD-ROM version
of dissertation (submit by 4pm on this date)
Early December 2018,
subject to examination
board confirmation.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 7
or post marked on this date for IGS and
Carlos III cohorts.
Viva (Oral Presentation) for ALL students Dates TBA
6.2! Topic Submission and Supervisor Allocation
To assist the allocation of supervisors, you are required to submit to the school
office in London Road – L105 (for the attention: Paul Charlett) the identified
topic for your dissertation with the form provided during the time of the
residential weekend. This should be done not later than May 7, 2018.
Otherwise, you can email me: oputej@lsbu.ac.uk with the required
information as detailed below: Please use the following format:
Subject Line: MSc Dissertation Topic
Body of email: 1.! Your name, student number, and that you are a
Full-Time MSc International HR student.
2.! Topic description/ Company description
3.! A rationale for your choice of topic, including
key references to indicate the direction of your
reading/ work you will be doing including job
title, section or department, etc. (if necessary).
No attachments please
Bear in mind that your dissertation must reflect the focus of the
programme on International Human Resources issues.
Supervisors will be allocated to students on the basis of these topic submissions.
The list of students’ supervisors (with their contact details) will be posted on the
MSc HR Dissertation VLE Site (Dissertation Guide/Module: BBM-7-HRP).
Alternatively, you will receive a mail directly to you confirming your
supervisor, together with details. You should then contact your supervisor
immediately to arrange a meeting.
6.3! Role of the Dissertation Supervisor
Supervisors are expected to meet their students for the first time after the
Residential Weekend following allocations. Subsequently, meetings should
take place on average approximately every 3 weeks (if resident in the UK),
supplemented by email or telephone contact (or other agreed means of contact),
until the submission of the dissertation.
Every effort is made to match dissertation topics to supervisors’ particular
interests, but this is not always possible given the wide range of dissertations
involved. However, at the very least, supervisors should be able to advise you
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 8
on current relevant journals and articles and to comment constructively on your
work.
The academic supervisor’s specific role includes:
i)! Assisting the student in the definition of the problem to be researched.
ii)! Assisting the student in the development of the research proposal.
iii)! Acting as a point of reference on relevant literature.
iv)! Acting as a sounding board for decisions on the methodology to be
adopted.
v)! Providing a critical appraisal of draft elements of the dissertation.
vi)! Reading through and commenting upon the completed draft of the
dissertation.
vii)! Giving the Dissertation Coordinator reports on your progress.
viii)! Participating in the assessment of the dissertation.
To enable the supervisor to provide feedback to you at meetings, it is always
helpful if elements for consideration are submitted to them before the relevant
meeting.
Students are encouraged to use email to maintain contact with supervisors
between meetings. However, you are asked not to send your draft dissertation
by email because of the time etc involved in printing. These logistics can be
talked through with individual supervisors.
The company supervisor/mentor’s specific role (IGS cohort only) includes:
i)! Induct the student into company processes
ii)! Identify appropriate work for the intern
iii)! Help the student settle in his/her new team of work
iv)! Provide adequate fortnightly or monthly supervision and feedback to the
feedback to the institution , alert the institution if there is a problem, so
mediation can take place
v)! Insure the intern maintains a professional log of key activities
undertaken during the placement period
vi)! Provide an evaluation of performance with a questionnaire to support the
student.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 9
6.4! Time Planning
It is helpful if, early on in your work with your supervisor, you agree a detailed
schedule to plan the various aspects of your reading, research and writing. This
can, of course, be revised later on if necessary, but it will provide a framework
against which your progress can be assessed.
6.5! Learning Support Groups
Students are encouraged to form learning support groups that may reflect, for
example, similarities in topic area, a shared supervisor, or a shared employer.
These provide an opportunity for students to present to peers their current work
in progress and receive feedback, discuss common problems and experiences,
and learn from each other.
In some cases, supervisors convene and facilitate initial meetings of such a
group. In other cases, students form them on their own initiative.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 10
7! ASSESSMENT OF THE DISSERTATION
A copy of the assessment scheme (used by staff to mark dissertations/viva
presentations) is attached as pages 21/22. The following are indicative of some
of the factors that can impact on the assessment:
i)! The relevance and originality of the topic chosen, and its significance for
the resolution of a major human resource issue in the researched
organization. For MSc IHR PLUS students (IGS Paris cohort only), the
suitability of the chosen company, the level of work done will be
included.
ii)! The clarity and precision of the objectives adopted and the extent to
which these objectives have been attained.
iii)! The breadth of knowledge displayed of the published literature available
on the topic chosen.
iv)! The appreciation demonstrated of the constraints, limitations and
weaknesses of existing theories, models and approaches to the issue
being examined.
v)! How research methods are used to obtain data and information about a
particular subject and how established techniques are applied to analyse
data and information thus obtained.
vi)! How the results of research are organised in an orderly, logical and
structured manner and the way that considered conclusions and
recommendations are derived from them.
vii)! A coherent log detailing skills gained and variety and level of problems
solved during the placement period.
viii)! A viva presentation. This in essence provides an opportunity for the
students to defend their written dissertation report.
ix)! For MSc IHR PLUS students (IGS, Paris only), mentor’s support letter/
reference will be taken into account. These must be satisfactory.
Two members of staff initially assess the dissertation, the supervisor and
another member of staff nominated by the Dissertation Coordinator. An
external examiner from another university may also review the mark awarded.
The pass mark is 50 per cent. In the event of a mark being awarded of 70% or
above, and where this mark is consistent with performance in the course-based
elements, a distinction may be awarded. Informal feedback from your
supervisor can be requested after you have been informed of your results.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 11
Assessment Criteria: There will be 2 assessment criteria for the module as follows:
1)! 15, 000 words report based on the dissertation: (70% weighting)
2)! 30 minutes Viva presentation. (30% weighting)
The viva presentation will be moderated by not less than 2 assessors.
The minimum pass mark for each element of assessment will be 50% and the overall
pass mark for the module will be 50% as well.
7.1! Plagiarism
Students are expected to undertake the research work necessary for the
dissertation on their own. They are also expected to write the dissertation
independently. However, in an academically appropriate manner, they are
expected to draw on other people’s ideas and may be required to collaborate
with others. In such situations, the work of others must be used in a principled
way with due acknowledgement of authorship.
Thus, students are required both to acknowledge the ideas of others and to
indicate when direct quotations are used. Attribution, through both text
references and the list of references at the end of the dissertation, must be
complete. Plagiarism is deemed to have occurred where a substantial amount of
work is that of other people and proper and appropriate attribution is not made.
Plagiarism is a very serious offence and its consequences are severe. Where
plagiarism is deemed to have occurred, assessment of the dissertation will be
dealt with in accordance with University Regulations. This may result in
disciplinary procedures that could include the student not being awarded a
degree of any sort at all.
If you are in any doubt about how best to acknowledge the work of others, you
are advised to consult your supervisor.
7.2! Use of English
The dissertation must be in very good English, well expressed and clearly
written. Poor English is likely to result in a student being penalised for lack of
clarity or understanding. Thus, students whose native language is not English
are encouraged to have their English checked, and are permitted to use
professional dissertation correctors, but only to ensure their English is of an
adequate level.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 12
8! DISSERTATION STRUCTURE
The completed dissertation shall normally include the elements indicated below:
i)! Abstract of Dissertation (maximum 500 words) – including research
question(s), statement on methodological approach, and brief summary
of results, conclusions and recommendations.
ii)! Introduction/Background
A concise background to the organization/department and also the
project area of investigation is very useful to the assessors. A glossary
of terms can also be useful in some cases.
iii)! Aim and Objectives
These should always be specific, clear and achievable. It must be
remembered that the assessment will examine the degree to which the
dissertation effectively addresses stated objectives. The research
problem should be clearly stated and relevant variables identified.
iv)! Critical Examination of Literature
This should be relevant to the problem under investigation.
v)! MSc IHR PLUS (IGS students) writing a work-based dissertation should
consider the literature associated (and other associated elements of the
dissertation structure) with the area of work that they were involved in
during the internship. Please agree the details of this with the Course
Director and your Supervisor.
vi)! Methodology
There has to be a section on your methodology outlining your chosen
research orientation and its associated methods of data collection and
presentation. You are expected to analyse and defend your choice.
Your choice should be related to the examination of relevant literature.
You should also reflect on your own role as researcher and the impact of
other stakeholders on your choice of methodology.
vii)! Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion/ Main Report
The dissertation should include primary and secondary data, its critical
evaluation, and an informed discussion of its implications. MSc IHR
PLUS students should identify their significant achievement during their
placement period in the allocated company.
viii)! Recommendations and Conclusions
This should be a substantial chapter, not a couple of pages or a list of
points. It should refer back to the literature review and relate
conclusions to this. It should discuss implementation problems with the
recommendations. It should indicate the need for any further research.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 13
ix)! References
This fully lists the books and articles (and any websites) cited in the
dissertation (see Appendix B for more details).
x)! Reflective Statement
You should include a statement of about 500 words reflecting on the
process and significance, for you, of researching and writing the
dissertation or working in a company during the placement period and
writing up a report. Your reflective statement must make it clear how
your dissertation contributes to your learning in relation to International
Human Resources issues.
xi)! Appendices
Some dissertations need to cite detailed supporting evidence or
considerable statistical data. This should be placed in the appendices.
9! SUBMISSION OF THE DISSERTATION
9.1! Procedure
London and Paris Cohorts
Two identical bound copies (see Section 9.2 below) of the dissertation must be
submitted, as well as one copy on USB memory stick/CD-ROM (see Section
9.3 below). These should be addressed to Paul Charlett (Course Administrator,
MSc International HR) and handed to the School Office by 4pm on the deadline
date or post marked on this date. They should be accompanied by a dissertation
submission form available from the Course Administrator in L105. Please
ensure you pick up a copy of the submission form from the school office.
Madrid Cohort
Two identical bound copies (see Section 9.2 below) of the dissertation must be
submitted as follows:
i)! One copy as well as one copy on USB memory stick/CD-ROM (see
Section 9.3 below) is to be addressed to Paul Charlett (Course
Administrator, MSc International HR) and handed to the School by 4pm
on the deadline date or post marked on this date. They should be
accompanied by a dissertation submission form available from the
Course Administrator in L105. Please ensure you pick up a copy of the
submission form from the school office.
ii)! One copy of the dissertation to be submitted to the Course
Administrator, Master in Human Resources Management at Carlos III,
in Madrid by 4pm on the deadline date.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 14
9.2! Format Requirements for Bound Copies
Students shall submit their dissertations according to the format laid down
below. The copies submitted shall then become the property of the University.
However, the author of a dissertation may request that a moratorium be imposed
preventing the consultation, loan and photocopying/ reproduction of it for a
maximum period of three years from the date of the award.
a)! Paper: Both copies shall be on good quality, A4 (210mm x 297mm)
paper.
b)! Method of Production: The text shall be in printed form and of such a
quality as will ensure a high standard of reproduction. All other material
submitted (e.g. computer print-outs, diagrams and maps) shall be of
similar quality.
c)! Title Page: The dissertation shall contain a title page giving the name of
the University Academic Area, the title of the dissertation, the name of
the author, the degree (MSc International Human Resources), and the
year of submission of the dissertation.
d)! Acknowledgements Page: The dissertation may include an
acknowledgements page, immediately after the title page.
e)! Abstract: The dissertation shall include an abstract of the contents, not
exceeding 500 words in length, which shall be immediately before the
contents page.
f)! Contents Page: The dissertation shall include a contents page at the
beginning of the general text followed by a list of tables and appendices.
g)! Layout: The text shall appear on the top side of the page only with lines
one-and-a-half spaced. There shall be a margin (before trimming) of
40mm at the left-hand (binding) edge, 25mm at the fore edge, and 20mm
at the head of the page and 40mm at the bottom.
h)! Pagination: Text pages shall be numbered in continuous sequence.
Preliminary material (e.g. contents pages and abstract) and appendices
may be given separate pagination.
i)! References: The Harvard name and date system should be used. See
Appendix C for advice on the Harvard system.
j)! Covers and Binding: The covers shall be board, covered in black
buckram. Both copies shall be sewn, preferably on tapes but softbinding
shall be accepted.
k)! Lettering: The lettering on the covers of all copies shall be in gold. On
the front board shall appear the title in 24-point capitals, and the author’s
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 15
name in 18-point capitals. On the spine shall appear, in 14-point
capitals, the author’s surname, followed by the author’s initials, the
degree for which the dissertation was submitted (MSc International
Human Resources), and the year of submission. The direction of the
lettering shall run from the top of the spine.
9.3! USB/CD-ROM Version/TURNITIN
At the same time as submitting the printed and bound copies of the dissertation,
an electronically accessible version of the dissertation should also be submitted
on a USB memory stick/CD-ROM. This also becomes the property of the
University. If this USB memory stick/CD-ROM is not submitted, then it will be
considered that the student has not submitted the dissertation.
One of the KEY requirements for submission of the dissertation is that you
include a TURNITIN report. The link to TURNITIN will be found in the
VLE site of the dissertation module.
9.4! Confidentiality
Your dissertation is seen in the first instance by the staff involved in assessing
and marking it (in the case of IGS students, your company supervisor must have
sight of your dissertation prior to submission). This will normally include your
supervisor and a second marker, and often it will additionally include an
external examiner from another university. The Dissertation Coordinator and
other academic staff may also view the dissertation at this stage. As can be
seen, from Sections 9.2 and 9.3 above, the copies you submit are then the
property of the University. You can put a moratorium on consultation, loan and
photocopying/ reproduction of the dissertation only for a period of three
years. For this reason, it is worth bearing in mind that other students and
academics might consult your work in the future.
You may wish to discuss with your supervisor the use of pseudonyms and other
devices in order to protect privacy or confidentiality when this is an issue. If
such devices are used, this must be stated in the text of the dissertation.
Confidentiality is likely to be a critical issue for MSc IHR PLUS (IGS, Paris)
students who may have access to important company documents and
information. Such students should discuss how to address confidentiality issues
with both the in-company mentor and academic supervisor to ensure there is no
breach of company policy and academic ethical issue.
9.5! Late Submission/Interruption of Study
a)! Late Submission
The following are important guidelines which all students must consider when
submitting level 7 dissertations:
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 16
1. You may submit extenuating circumstances to support your late submission. All
extenuating circumstances must have independent, supporting evidence, i.e.
doctor’s note. If your extenuating circumstances are supported by the University
you will receive the full mark achieved for your work. If your extenuating
circumstances are not supported by the University you will receive a capped
mark.
2. If you are registered with Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) you will
receive the full mark for your work without the need to submit extenuating
circumstances. You will need to confirm on the dissertation submission form
that you have arrangements in place. You will also need to identify that you are
registered with DDS when you notify that you will be submitting your
coursework late. Disability and Dyslexia Support (DDS) web address is:
http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/current.student/disability.shtml
3. If you submit your dissertation after two weeks later than the published deadline
date, you will receive a mark of 0% (zero). It will be at the discretion of the
Award and Progression Board whether you may be allowed to repeat the
module in the next Academic Year. You will be required to pay the module fee
and to complete all components of assessment (including any previously
passed).
b)! Interruption of Study
If for whatever reason your study is interrupted (for example, you change jobs or place
of work), you can put your dissertation on ‘hold’ until the necessary work to complete
it can be undertaken. During this period no fees are charged, but no supervision will be
offered nor will you have access to any University resources. Application for
interruption of study will be handled by the Student Advisory Service in the Student
Life Centre.
10! LITERATURE SOURCES AND RESOURCES
You will rely on a considerable range of sources while you work on your
dissertation, particularly for the literature review, definition of the problem, and
choice of methodology.
Attached is Appendix B, which lists many of the academic journals in HR and
HR-related fields to help in your search for references. Most of these are
accessible at the University, either in hard copy or online as detailed below. For
a small fee, the Library will borrow books or order copies of journal articles for
you when they are not otherwise available.
Many of the resources you will need are accessible via LISA, the South Bank
Learning and Information Services website:
www.lisa.lsbu.ac.uk
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 17
There you will find a ‘catalogue’ link, which lists all the library books, hard
copies of journals, electronic journals and article databases. You will also find
an ‘e-resources’ link that has alternative searchable lists of the electronic
journals and the article databases.
Also accessible via the LISA site is a list of useful websites collated by
Learning and Information Services. A direct link is:
www.lisa.lsbu.ac.uk/resources/subjects/bm/hrresources.html
Finally, a key resource on the LISA site is the link to ‘Help Sheets’. These help
sheets are well worth browsing. They include guides to using the electronic
databases, and a guide to off-campus access to LSBU computing facilities
(such as the electronic journals).
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 18
11! DO’s AND DON’Ts
1.! General
Do not see your supervisor for the first time in late 2015 and show them
your “finished” dissertation (it will hardly pass).
Do not allow work or other commitments to displace your dissertation
without facing up to the problem, discussing it with your supervisor and
reaching an agreed strategy for dealing with the situation.
Do not do your fieldwork before you have completed a full literature
review.
Do choose a topic that is likely to be supported by your organization (if
applicable).
Do choose a topic that is underpinned by a body of academic literature, has
academic depth, and has connections to concepts that are subject to debate
in the HR literature.
2.! Literature Review
Do not leave all your referencing till you write up the dissertation. Take
full details of literature you might cite at the time you read it.
Do structure your literature review coherently by themes relevant to your
research problem, which you should lay out at the beginning of the chapter.
Do summarise what you have learnt at the end of the chapter and indicate
the issues/model(s) you are taking forward to the rest of the dissertation.
Do put an emphasis upon academic journal articles in your reading.
3.! Research Methodology
Do not spend several pages explaining the differences between qualitative
and quantitative methodology.
Do not ignore the methods adopted by other researchers in the field that you
have come across in the literature.
Do not make ambitious claims for the sophistication of your methods that
are difficult to substantiate.
Do not under-sell the value of secondary data from your organization.
Do show the relationship between different data collection methods you
may have used.
Do collect enough data, of sufficient depth.
Do reflect on issues or problems you encountered whilst collecting data.
Do justify your choice of methods.
4.! Presentation and Analysis of Results
Do not allow the presentation of results to be dominated by tables, graphs
and charts.
Do include a typical example of an interview transcript or completed
questionnaire in your appendices.
Do fully reflect variations of response, in both the presentation and the
analysis of results.
Do analyse quantitative data systematically.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 19
Do analyse qualitative data systematically.
Do include significant quotations from interview data.
Do consider how articles you have read present data.
5.! Conclusions and Recommendations
Do not cut corners on this section because it is at the end and you are
pressed for time.
Do not be too definitive in your language if more tentative conclusions
would be appropriate.
Do refer to your literature review in your discussion of findings.
Do discuss recommendations in some detail, considering implementation
issues, e.g. in relation to stakeholders, timing, practicality, cost implications,
etc.
Do suggest areas where further research is needed.
Specific to MSc IHR PLUS (IGS, Paris):
-! ensure you maintain a professional log documented
weekly as a minimum
-! Ask questions to your company mentor
-! Keep in touch with your academic supervisor
-! Ensure you keep reading for the purpose of the literature
review
-! Network with peers
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 20
12! MOODLE SITE/VLE
12.1! Accessing the Dissertation Guide on the VLE/Moodle site
Information about the dissertation will be posted directly to Dissertation
Folder/Module on the Moodle site.
The dissertation module has its own E-Learning site on Moodle and you will
find it as:
Dissertation (IHR) (BBM-7-HRP-1718)
You are all automatically registered on this module following your
progression to the dissertation module.
This dissertation site will continue to be available to you while you are
developing your dissertation, and it is advisable that you visit the site regularly
to receive updates (news and announcements) on the dissertation module.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 21
MSc International HR Dissertation Marking Scheme
Total Available Mark: 100 points
Structure of the study
a)! Research problem identification
b)! Research objective(s)
c)! Logical layout of the study
10 points
Knowledge of relevant theories/literature
a)! Up-to-date acquaintance with literature in the field
b)! Knowledge of theoretical issues and discussions/debate in the field
c)! Comparing, contrasting, and linking theoretical concepts
d)! Consistent, appropriate and effective use of text references
25 points
Methodology of the study
a)! Awareness of various methods of research
b)! Justification of research method(s) adopted in the study
c)! Use and appropriateness of statistical and other analytical techniques in the study
d)! Consideration of any ethical and professional issues (where applicable)
15 points
Core research result
a)! Use and appropriateness of data presentation
b)! Any appreciation of problems encountered in the study?
c)! Any indication of areas to be researched to supplement this study?
d)! Potential for implementation.
25 points
Conclusions and recommendations
a)! Logical and consistent with research results?
b)! An appreciation of problems encountered in the study?
c)! Specific business-focused recommendations related to conclusions, with clear action
plans for implementation?
d)! Any indication of areas to be researched to supplement this study?
15 points
Overall presentation
a)! Clarity, coherence and appearance
b)! Ability to discuss, analyse and present arguments in simple and good English
c)! Use of appropriate data presentation methods
d)! Appropriateness of appendices
e)! Presentation of references at the end of the study, corresponding exactly to those cited in
text
f)! Inclusion of Reflective statement
10 points
Eliminado:* …”[1]
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 22
MSc International HR/Plus Viva – Oral Presentation
Total Available Mark : 100 points
EVALUATION GRID FOR ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Concise presentation of the research issues, literature review and research method and results
(academic and field survey).
GRADE
……/30
Analysis and proposals: Discussion of implementation and justification of recommendations
GRADE
……/20
Clarity of the presentation: Ability to discuss, analyse and present arguments.
GRADE
……/20
Quality of answers to the questions of the panel (20 points)
GRADE
……/20
Your personal point of view, impact of the research/study and professional achievements.
GRADE
……/10
TOTAL SCORE ON A SCALE OF 100:
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 23
APPENDIX A:! Some HRM and HRM-related Journals
Academy of Management Executive
Academy of Management Journal
Academy of Management Review
Administration and Society
Administrative Science Quarterly
British Journal of Industrial Relations
British Journal of Management
Employee Relations
Equal Opportunities Review
European Industrial Relations Review
European Journal of Industrial Relations
European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology
Gender, Work and Organisation
Harvard Business Review
Human Relations
Human Resource Development International
Human Resource Management
Human Resource Management Journal
Human resource management review
Incomes Data Services Focus
Incomes Data Services Report
Incomes Data Services Studies
Industrial & Labour Relations Review
Industrial Relations (US)
Industrial Law Journal
Industrial Relations Journal
International Journal of Human Resource Management
International Labour Review
International Studies of Management & Organisation
International Review of Administrative Sciences
Journal of Applied Behavioural Science
Journal of Applied Psychology
Journal of Business Ethics
Journal of Human Resources
Journal of Management Development
Journal of Management Inquiry
Journal of Management Studies
Journal of Management
Journal of Managerial Psychology
Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology
Journal of Organisational Behaviour (UK)
Journal of Organizational Change Management
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Journal of Policy Analysis and Management
Management Learning
Management Science
New Technology, Work & Employment
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 24
Organization Science
Organization Studies
Organization
Organizational Behaviour & Human Decision Process
Organizational Dynamics
People Management
Personnel Psychology
Personnel Review
Public Administration (London)
Public Administration and Development
Public Administration Review
Sloan Management Review
Work & Occupations
Work, Employment & Society
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 25
APPENDIX B:! Referencing your dissertation
Use the Harvard system to reference your dissertation. An alphabetically ordered list
of references that are cited in the text should be included at the end of your
dissertation. This should begin on a separate page headed ‘References’. A wider
bibliography should not be included.
The list of references should have a hanging indent. Book and journal titles should be
italicised and have their main words capitalised. On the other hand, the titles of journal
articles and chapters in edited books should not be italicised and should be in lowercase
except for the initial letter of the title. Entries in the list of references should be
ordered by the last name of the author (first author if more than one) or editor. Include
authors’ surnames and their first initials. If a work has multiple authors, include them
all. Here are some examples.
Clark, T. & Salaman, G. (1996) The management guru as organizational witchdoctor.
Organization, 3, 85-107.
Halton, W. (1994) Some unconscious aspects of organizational life: contributions from
psychoanalysis. In Obholzer, A. & Roberts, V. (eds) The Unconscious at Work:
Individual and Organisational Stress in the Human Services. London: Routledge.
Hirschhorn, L. (1988) The Workplace Within: Psychodynamics of Organizational life.
Massachusetts: MIT Press.
Kets de Vries, M. & Miller, D. Interpreting organizational texts. Journal of
Management Studies, 24, 233-247.
Neumann, J., Kellner, K. & Dawson-Shepherd, A. (eds) (1997) Developing
Organizational Consultancy. London: Routledge.
Note that the volume number and page numbers are included for journal articles. The
issue number is only included if the journal’s pages are not numbered consecutively
throughout the volume, i.e. if each issue begins with page 1. The Harvard Business
Review would be an example:
Hirschhorn, L. & Gilmore, G. (1992) The new boundaries of the “boundaryless”
company. Harvard Business Review, 70(3), 104-15.
References to works by the same author should be ordered by year of publication, with
the earliest listed first. Works by an author written in conjunction with others are listed
after works they have written alone. In the event of references to works by one author,
or a group of authors, with the same year of publication, they should be differentiated
with the addition of small letters (a, b, etc) after the year.
DISSERTATION MODULE GUIDE
Page 26
Citations in the body of your dissertation should be designated by text references
enclosing the author’s name and the year of publication in brackets, or by appending
the publication year in brackets to the surname of the author. If the work has more than
two authors, use the term “et al.” after the surname of the first author. For example:
Some authors (Mintzberg, 1987; Weick, 1988) have argued that the concept of strategy
is open to many interpretations.
OR
Both Mintzberg (1987) and Weick (1988) argued that the concept of strategy is open to
many interpretations.
Gheradi et al. (1999) take the view that working and learning cannot be separated.
If a direct quotation is employed, page numbers must be included in the citation. Short
quotations (less than about 40 words) should be in the body of the text, enclosed in
single quotation marks. Longer quotations should be separated from the text and
indented, without quotation marks.
There are many reasons that secrets are kept from consultants. These include ‘personal
ambition, treachery, a publicly unpopular agenda, ethically questionable aims, or
strategically sensitive actions’ (Baum, 1987: 123-4).
According to Edgar Schein:
Shared assumptions derive their power from the fact that they begin to operate
outside of awareness. Furthermore, once formed and taken for granted, they
become a defining property of the group that permits the group to differentiate
from other groups… They are not only “our” assumptions, but by virtue of the
history of our success they must be right and good. (Schein, 1992: 12)
However other writers assign the concept of shared assumptions a far less central role in
their discussions of organizational culture.
For more help with referencing, consult your supervisor or the relevant LISA help
sheets (see Section 10).
Best Wishes.
Página’21:'[1]’Eliminado’ hackpod2′ 31/5/11’10:36:00′
‘
