Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Successful completion of taught component of degree

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This compulsory module provides the opportunity for students to undertake independent academic research into a problem relating to an area of international business management. Drawing on their knowledge, skills and analytical tools across the AIBM/M programmes, students are required to:

• undertake independent research to examine a relevant research topic;
• review the academic literature to identify, analyse, and synthesise relevant information;
• critically evaluate and apply an appropriate methodology;
• apply established techniques of research and enquiry to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline;
• deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly;
• produce an individual written dissertation providing information on the use of literature, research methods, findings and conclusions;
• defend their research in an oral viva voce examination.

Outline Of Syllabus

The content of this capstone module includes contemporary research relating to international business management issues covered as part of the AIBM/M programmes that students will examine in independent study.The module allows students to demonstrate their understanding of a wide range of materials covered on the programme, building on research methods tuition and guided by a supervisor from each institution. There is no set syllabus.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will:
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding and a critical awareness of current knowledge and applicable research methods at the forefront of their field of study
• Have a comprehensive understanding of methodologies, methods and techniques applicable to the research and particularly the respective strengths and limitations.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:
• Demonstrate skills in critically evaluating and synthesising information across a range of international business and management academic material to apply to their own research.
• Demonstrate key transferable skills, such as decision-making, data collection and analysis, synthesis and evaluation of information and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Research methods modules and workshops delivered at the respective institution will underpin the dissertation. The dissertation is an independent piece of work that will be supported by a joint supervision team. Students are entitled to up to six hours of supervision. This includes, but is not restricted to, individual meetings, group meetings, telephone calls, and email support. It is for the supervision team to agree on the most appropriate methods for supervision at the different stages of the dissertation. It is expected that students will coordinate their supervision team and include both supervisors in all communications.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The 15,000-word dissertation is the main assessment of this module, complemented by an oral defence (viva voce examination). An in-depth written report allows students to demonstrate their ability to undertake independent research at Master's level. The oral defence tests students' ability to defend their work and establish whether they have a satisfactory knowledge of the wider field surrounding the research topic.

Formative assessment will take place through a preliminary research proposal submitted at the start of the dissertation journey (May/June), a full research proposal submitted at the start of the supervision period (September) and a draft dissertation submitted prior to the final submission deadline. Formative feedback will also be provided as part of the supervision process. There is no dedicated word count for the three formative assessment tasks.

General Notes

N/A