DETAILED MARK CRITERIA TO FOLLOW – SEE BELOW FOR EXPECTED STRUCTURE OF THE DISSERTATION
Introduction – ~1500 words / 10%
• Produces a clear and concise executive summary, which summarises the whole of the research.
• Situates the research within an organisational context.
• Introduces the key academic themes / concepts / frameworks of the research.
• Produces a clear statement of the research questions and objectives
Literature Review – ~3000 words / 20%
• Critically analyses the literature relevant to the research questions and objectives.
• Defines working concepts and conceptual frameworks (themes) which have guided data collection and analysis.
• Demonstrates how the literature has informed the research.
• Concluding paragraph that summarises the key themes identified within this chapter.
Methodology – ~3000 words / 20%
• Explains and justifies the philosophical stance which underpins data collection and analysis
• Justifies research strategy and methods utilised to address the research question and objectives
• Fully considers how data will be analysed
• Evaluates the validity and reliability of research
• Discusses steps taken to ensure ‘ethical’ research.
Research results – ~2500 words / 15%
• Analyses and presents the research findings in a user-friendly and informative way.
• Ensures analysis is informed by previously defined concepts, themes, and / or conceptual frameworks
Discussion and Conclusions – ~3000 words / 20%
• Discusses how the analysed data and concepts, themes, and / or conceptual frameworks relates to the academic literature covered in the literature review
• Justifies the interpretation of the data, i.e. what do the findings actually mean.
• Makes explicit how the research objectives/questions have been achieved.
• Makes a persuasive business case for conclusions reached which supports the recommendations section.
Recommendations – ~1500 words / 10%
• Draws together key points from the conclusions to provide recommendations that are persuasive, realistic, timely and cost-effective.
• Produces a credible action plan, to include cost benefit analysis and measurement relevant to the organisation.
Personal Reflection – 750 words / 5%
• Writes with a logical structure, chapters and sections flow logically.
• Uses appropriate and consistent referencing.
• Uses appendices appropriately.
