Dissertation submission requirements & guide
Dissertation submission requirements & guide
Do ensure you read all of the document below in preparation, planning and finalising your dissertation.
Word Length and Examination
Word Length: The dissertation will normally lie between 12,000 15,000 words in length. The title page, acknowledgements, table of contents, abstract, charts and tables, the personal reflection section, references and bibliography (and appendices) are not included in the word count.
Examination of the dissertation: Following first marking by the academic supervisor, the dissertation will be marked by a second tutor. All dissertations will be made available to the External Examiners for moderation.
A Viva is not required. These may only occur when there are concerns over a students dissertation submission likely an APO case.
Turnitin Submission of Dissertation is compulsory.
It is only the dissertation that is marked.
Presentation
You do not need to print your dissertation, you are only required to submit an electronic copy to Turnitin via Blackboard. The electronic copy must be presented in the same way as if were printing it:
File type: preference is for an MS Word file
Paper size: set to A4 paper (210mm x 297mm). Margins shall be as follows: Left 40 mm; Other margins 20 mm. Font 11 pt Arial.
Title page: should include the following information in large type font:
the full title of the dissertation
the full name of the author
the award for which the dissertation is submitted in partial completion of its requirements (MSc)
that the degree is awarded by De Montfort University
the month and year of submission
Line spacing: single or 1.5 line spacing can be used in typescript. Indented quotations, tables and footnotes are conventionally single-line spaced.
Page numbering: pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the submission, including appendices, photographs, diagrams, figures, etc. Page numbers shall be located centrally at the bottom of the page and 20 mm above the edge of the page.
Chapters and sequence
The following is a suggested standard approach for structuring a dissertation.
Title, Abstract, Acknowledgements, Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, List of Abbreviations/Acronyms
Chapter 1: Introduction overview, rationale, context, scene setting, about your research aims, objectives, summary of chapter contents
Chapter 2: Literature Review policy, research, published & grey literature, approach, definitions, gap in knowledge, themes, evaluative framework, justify research
Chapter 3: Methodology reflective, process, past tense, strategy/methods, logistics, details: research design and research strategy; sampling, response rates, link to aims/question, ethics, replicability, validity
Chapter 4: Findings systematically reporting each method or emerging themes, presenting data
Chapter 5: Analysis review findings, link back to literature review and aims (Findings and Analysis chapters could be combined
Chapter 6: Conclusion include recommendations, auto critique, reflect if met aims/objectives, next steps? (no new information). Also provide a reflection of the dissertation experiences.
References Harvard Cite Them Right
AI Statement
Appendices: e.g. questions/questionnaires, forms
Abstract
The abstract should state the nature and scope of the work undertaken and the findings or results of the investigation. Abstracts should:
Be 200 - 300 words; be produced on one side of A4 paper in single spaced type.
show the author and title of the dissertation in the form of a heading.
Title page templateTITLE PAGE
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
LEICESTER CASTLE BUSINESS SCHOOL
[Full Title]
FULL NAME [and PNumber]
[in lower case letters]
A dissertation submitted in part requirement for the award of
DATE
[Month and year]
Helpful Guidance
Please find below guidance on the structure and chapters for a dissertation. Please note some points related to elements that will be considered in the marking of the dissertation are presented. Also note that the chapters Findings/Analysis and Discussion can be combined into one Chapter. Do ensure you take a look at the provided Dissertation examples available on the Learning Zone LBPG5017_2023_502 DissertationAn Abstract: The abstract summarises the whole dissertation (200-300 words, one side of A4).
Introduction: The introductory chapter explains the background to the topic under investigation and the aims of the study. It should also set out the content of the whole dissertation by giving a brief description of the content of each chapter.
Is the research topic or problem clearly stated and shown to be worth investigating?
Has appropriate background information been provided?
Has student stated and defined any key terms and or concepts?
Are the research objectives/aims clear, relevant, coherent and achievable?
Have the following dissertation chapters been summarised?
Literature Review: This chapter provides a critical review of relevant literature. This should account for a substantial part of the overall word-count. The relevant theory/frameworks/models related to the research topic and objectives should be critically reviewed. May include empirical research already done in the subject/topic area and take a critical perspective. Chapter likely to highlight the research gap in the literature that is being addressed. Academic referencing/Harvard expected. Academic related content expected and acknowledged.
Methodology: This chapter describes and explains your approach to your research and the methods you have used to generate and analyse your data. The chapter should demonstrate your awareness of different methodological approaches and research methods and justify your particular choice. It should also acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses of your research design and methods.
Is there a clear rationale for the research design and methodology? Philosophy considered
Are research methods fully described?
Are relevant research instruments included?
Are, if necessary, sampling methods described in detail and justified?
Are data analysis methods discussed?
Was the methodology applied appropriately?
Has ethics been considered and is there evidence ethical approval was obtained?
Have the limitations of the methodology discussed? this may be outline in the conclusion/recommendations.
Has the methodology been critically evaluated?
Key research methodology sources/references/authors cited?
Case-study: In dissertations that are based on an organizational case study, a chapter that provides relevant information about the organization and the background to the situation or issue that is being explored may be included/added.
Findings/Analysis: One or more chapters that present your data analysis and synthesize your research findings. Data analysis should be presented clearly and effectively. The primary aim of this chapter is to give an effective synthesis of the issues explored in the study. Note if a student is presenting primary data they have collected they must have had ethical approval. If not their work must be seen by the APO officer. Ensure you have submitted a Worktribe application that has been approved in advance of collecting data.
Discussion: This chapter reflects on the theoretical and conceptual implications of the findings. It includes a discussion of the findings that makes appropriate reference to theory and other aspects covered in the literature review. The research questions must be addressed in this chapter. This chapter may be combined with the Findings/Analysis chapter.
Is all the data presented relevant to the aims and objectives?
Is the analysis thorough and appropriate to the data collected?
Are findings presented clearly?
Have findings been discussed and evaluated?
Have findings been compared and contrasted with theories, models and concepts derived from the literature review?
For good or above findings sections evidence (e.g. in text referencing) of appropriate literature to support analysis must be evident.
Evidence of use of theoretical frameworks/concepts/models. If quantitative have appropriate tools been used.
Conclusions: This chapter should summarise the key findings of your research and assess their implications for practice and/or theory. Where appropriate, the chapter may include recommendations for action or for further research that are derived from the conclusions. This chapter should never introduce new materials.
Have the research objectives been reviewed and addressed?
Does the conclusion follow on from the findings?
Are the conclusions well grounded in the evidence and arguments presented?
Reflection: A brief section in which you reflect on the process of researching your project and writing your dissertation. In this chapter you should try to identify how your experience of the dissertation process has contributed to your personal, academic and professional development.
Reference List: All the works that you have referred to in your dissertation listed in alphabetical order. The list should be accurate, complete and in full detail. You should use the Harvard style.
AI Statement: Statement Required if AI tools have been used also if not used. See Generative AI tools section below for statement you can edit and use in your Dissertation.
Assessment Details
The word count is 12000-15000 +/-10%
There will be a penalty of a deduction of 10% of the mark for work exceeding the word limit by 10% or more.
How to Submit your Assessment
The assessment must be submitted by 12:00 noon (GMT/BST) on 10/05/24. No paper copies are required. You can access the submission link through the module web.
Your coursework will be given a zero mark if you do not submit a copy through Turnitin. Please take care to ensure that you have fully submitted your work.
Please ensure that you have submitted your work using the correct file format, unreadable files will receive a mark of zero. The Faculty accepts Microsoft Office and PDF documents, unless otherwise advised by the module leader.
All work submitted after the submission deadline without a valid and approved reason will be subject to the University regulations on late submissions.
If an assessment is submitted up to 24 hours late the mark for the work will be capped at the pass mark of 40 per cent for undergraduate modules or 50 per cent for postgraduate modules
If an assessment is submitted beyond 24 hours late the work will receive a mark of zero per cent
The above applies to a students first attempt at the assessment. If work submitted as a reassessment of a previously failed assessment task is submitted later than the deadline the work will immediately be given a mark of zero per cent
If an assessment which is marked as pass/fail rather than given a percentage mark is submitted later than the deadline, the work will immediately be marked as a failThe University wants you to do your best. However, we know that sometimes events happen which mean that you cant submit your coursework by the deadline these events should be beyond your control and not easy to predict. If this happens, you can apply for an extension to your deadline for up to five working days, or if you need longer, you can apply for a deferral, which takes you to the next assessment period (for example, to the re-sit period following the main Assessment Boards). You must apply before the deadline for your assessment. You will find information about applying for extensions and deferrals here.Students MUST keep a copy and/or an electronic file of their assignment.
Checks will be made on your work using anti-plagiarism software and approved plagiarism checking websites.
Return of Marked Work
You can expect to have feedback returned to you on 03/06/24 (15 working days). If for any reason there is a delay you will be kept informed. Marks and feedback will be provided online via rubric and feedback. It is important that you access the feedback you receive as this will help to make improvements to your later work, you can request a meeting with your Module Leader or Personal Tutor to discuss your feedback in more detail.
Marks will have been internally moderated only, and will therefore be provisional; your mark will be formally agreed later in the year once the external examiner has completed their review. More information on assessment and feedback can be found here.
Academic Integrity and Generative AI Use
In submitting a piece of work for assessment it is essential that you understand the University's requirements for maintaining academic integrity and ensure that the work does not contravene University regulations. Some examples of behaviour that would not be considered acceptable include plagiarism, re-use of previously assessed work, collusion with others and purchasing your assignment from a third party. For more information on academic offences, bad academic practice, and academic penalties, please read chapter four of our academic regulations.
Generative AI tools may be used selectively for this assessment.For example you may use ResearchRabbit to support the literature review process or Elicit as a research assistant. You must if used state use and reference the AI sites you have used. Follow the Cite Them Right Harvard referencing for web sites when referencing.
Any use of generative AI needs to be appropriately acknowledged. Students should add a statement explaining which technologies were used, how they were used and how this output was then used to complete the assignment. This may be included after the reference list. Direct use of outputs should be cited and in the reference list.
Examples of a student acknowledgement statement are shown below:
Statement of acknowledgment 1 - generative AI used when module leader allows it.
I have used (list all AI system (s) used and links e.g., Googles Bard, https://bard.google.com) to (provide details of how you have used generative artificial intelligence e.g., to breakdown some of the concepts taught on the module). The prompt (s) I have used are (include the prompt (s)e.g., you are an enthusiastic tutor who is also an experienced economist, help me understand the concept of game theory with explanations and examples). What was generated from these prompts was used to (explain how they were used in your submission, e.g., develop a section on game theory exemplars).
Statement of acknowledgment 2 generative AI not used when module leader allows it.
This assessment has not used any generative-AI.
You can find the library guide on generative AI use here - https://library.dmu.ac.uk/genaiAcademic Support and Your Well-being
Referencing is the process of acknowledging other peoples work when you have used it in your assignment or research. It allows the reader to locate your source material as quickly and easily as possible so that they can read these sources themselves and verify the validity of your arguments. Referencing provides the link between what you write and the evidence on which it is based.
You identify the sources that you have used by citing them in the text of your assignment (calledcitationsorin-text citations) and referencing them at the end of your assignment (called thereference listorend-text citations). The reference list only includes the sources cited in your text. The main referencing guide can be found here and includes information on the basics of referencing and achieving good academic practice. It also has tabs for the specific referencing styles depending on whether you require Harvard style used in business or OSCOLA style used by the Law school.The University has a wealth of support services available to students; further information can be obtained from Student Gateway, the Student Advice Centre, Library and Learning Services and, most importantly, your Personal Tutor. If you are struggling with your assessments and/or deadlines please do seek help as soon as possible so that appropriate support and guidance can be identied and put in place for you. More information can be found on theHealthy DMU pages.
Dissertation submission requirements & guide
Do ensure you read all of the document below in preparation, planning and finalising your dissertation.
1.1 Word Length and Examination
Word Length: The dissertation will normally lie between 12,000 15,000 words in length. The title page, acknowledgements, table of contents, abstract, charts and tables, the personal reflection section, references and bibliography (and appendices) are not included in the word count.
Examination of the dissertation: Following first marking by the academic supervisor, the dissertation will be marked by a second tutor. All dissertations will be made available to the External Examiners for moderation.
A Viva is not required. These may only occur when there are concerns over a students dissertation submission likely an APO case.
Turnitin Submission of Dissertation is compulsory.
It is only the dissertation that is marked.
1.2 Presentation
You do not need to print your dissertation, you are only required to submit an electronic copy to Turnitin via Learning Zone. The electronic copy must be presented in the same way as if were printing it:
File type: preference is for an MS Word file
Paper size: set to A4 paper (210mm x 297mm). Margins shall be as follows: Left 40 mm; Other margins 20 mm. Font 11 pt Arial.
Title page: should include the following information in large type font:
the full title of the dissertation
the full name of the author
the award for which the dissertation is submitted in partial completion of its requirements (MSc)
that the degree is awarded by De Montfort University
the month and year of submission
Line spacing: single or 1.5 line spacing can be used in typescript. Indented quotations, tables are conventionally single-line spaced.
Page numbering: pages should be numbered consecutively throughout the submission, including appendices, photographs, diagrams, figures, etc. Page numbers shall be located centrally at the bottom of the page and 20 mm above the edge of the page.
1.3 Chapters and sequence
The following is a suggested standard approach for structuring a dissertation.
Title, Abstract, Acknowledgements, Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, List of Abbreviations/Acronyms
Chapter 1: Introduction overview, rationale, context, scene setting, about your research aims, objectives, summary of chapter contents
Chapter 2: Literature Review policy, research, published & grey literature, approach, definitions, gap in knowledge, themes, evaluative framework, justify research
Chapter 3: Methodology reflective, process, past tense, strategy/methods, logistics, details: research design and research strategy; sampling, response rates, link to aims/question, ethics, replicability, validity
Chapter 4: Findings systematically reporting each method or emerging themes, presenting data
Chapter 5: Analysis review findings, link back to literature review and aims (Findings and Analysis chapters could be combined
Chapter 6: Conclusion include recommendations, auto critique, reflect if met aims/objectives, next steps? (no new information)
References Harvard Cite Them Right
Appendices: e.g. questions/questionnaires, forms
1.4 Abstract
The abstract should state the nature and scope of the work undertaken and the findings or results of the investigation. Abstracts should:
Be 200 - 300 words; be produced on one side of A4 paper in single spaced type.
show the author and title of the dissertation in the form of a heading.
1.5 Title page templateTITLE PAGE
DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
LEICESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL
[Full Title]
FULL NAME [and PNumber]
[in lower case letters]
A dissertation submitted in part requirement for the award of
MASTER IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND (specify pathway)
or
MASTERS IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT
DATE
[Month and year]
1.6 Helpful Guidance - Details
Please find below guidance on the structure and chapters for a dissertation. Please note some points related to elements that will be considered in the marking of the dissertation are presented. Also note that the chapters Findings/Analysis and Discussion can be combined into one Chapter. Do ensure you take a look at the provided Dissertation examples available on the Learning Zone LBPG5017_2023_502 DissertationAn Abstract: The abstract summarises the whole dissertation (200-300 words, one side of A4).
Introduction: The introductory chapter explains the background to the topic under investigation and the aims of the study. It should also set out the content of the whole dissertation by giving a brief description of the content of each chapter.
Is the research topic or problem clearly stated and shown to be worth investigating?
Has appropriate background information been provided?
Has student stated and defined any key terms and or concepts?
Are the research objectives/aims clear, relevant, coherent and achievable?
Have the following dissertation chapters been summarised at the end?
Has referencing been appropriately used to support and justify statements, background and key definitions?
Literature Review: This chapter provides a critical review of relevant literature. This should account for a substantial part of the overall word-count.
The relevant theory/frameworks/models should relate to the research topic/objectives.
Theory/frameworks/models should be critically reviewed.
May include empirical research already done in the subject/topic area and take a critical perspective of others research in the topic area.
Chapter likely to highlight the research gap in the literature that is being addressed.
If a conceptual framework is developed. It must be fully explained and justified critical. Why develop it?
Academic referencing/Harvard cite them right expected to be followed/used. Academic related content expected and acknowledged.
The purpose of a literature review is to convey clearly and concisely the value of a published body of knowledge (mainly academic and empirical) to a reader who may not be familiar with the topic in question. There are many ways in which the material may be organised. One possible sequence is as follows:
Introduction: The introduction should identify the general topic, issue, or area of concern, thereby providing an appropriate context for the review. It might also establish the writer's reason for reviewing this particular body of work.
Main Body: The body of the review should not just simply summarise the individual pieces of work. However, it may compare and contrast the approaches where it is merited and where it supports a critical discussion and review. This can be achieved by, for example, presenting chronologically the development of the field. Alternatively, a thematic approach can be used, whereby the key issues related to the topic are reviewed critically. This section should clearly focus on the topic being investigated and identify where appropriate the gaps in the literature, hence providing a justification for the proposed study. Do avoid simply discussing an individual journal article one at a time. Avoid having simply individual sections for each journal article or textbook you have read. Referencing throughout is very very important. There is an example on Learning Zone of a very good dissertation do take a look at the literature review.
Summary: The summary should summarise the major contributions of the prior research, maintaining the focus that was established in the introduction. It should evaluate the current "state of the art" and explain the rationale for the focus of the study. It should clearly state the research questions and if developed hypothesis that will be addressed in the study.
Methodology: This chapter describes and explains your approach to your research and the methods you have used to generate and analyse your data. The chapter should demonstrate your awareness of different methodological approaches and research methods and justify your particular choice. It should also acknowledge any limitations or weaknesses of your research design and methods.
Is there a clear rationale for the research design and methodology? Philosophy considered
Are research methods fully described?
Are relevant research instruments included?
Are, if necessary, sampling methods described in detail and justified?
Are data analysis methods discussed?
Was the methodology applied appropriately?
Has ethics been considered and is there evidence ethical approval was obtained?
Have the limitations of the methodology discussed? this may be outline in the conclusion/recommendations.
Has the methodology been critically evaluated?
Key research methodology sources/references/authors cited?
Chapter Structure Guide:
Introduction
Methodology should/likely to include sections:
Research Philosophy
Research Design
Research Strategy
Time Horizon
Sample Strategy
Data Collection Method
Data Analysis Methods/Techniques
Ethics
Methodology Limitations
Case-study: In dissertations that are based on an organizational case study, a chapter that provides relevant information about the organization and the background to the situation or issue that is being explored may be included/added.
Findings/Analysis: One or more chapters that present your data analysis and synthesize your research findings. Data analysis should be presented clearly and effectively. The primary aim of this chapter is to give an effective synthesis of the issues explored in the study. Note if a student is presenting primary data they have collected they must have had ethical approval. If not their work must be seen by the APO officer. Ensure you have submitted a Worktribe application that has been approved in advance of collecting data.
Discussion: This chapter reflects on the theoretical and conceptual implications of the findings. It includes a discussion of the findings that makes appropriate reference to theory and other aspects covered in the literature review. The research questions must be addressed in this chapter. This chapter may be combined with the Findings/Analysis chapter.
Is all the data presented relevant to the aims and objectives?
Is the analysis thorough and appropriate to the data collected?
Are findings presented clearly?
Have findings been discussed and evaluated?
Have findings been compared and contrasted with theories, models and concepts derived from the literature review?
For good or above findings sections evidence (e.g. in text referencing) of appropriate literature to support analysis must be evident.
Evidence of use of theoretical frameworks/concepts/models. If quantitative have appropriate tools been used.
Conclusions: This chapter should summarise the key findings of your research and assess their implications for practice and/or theory. Where appropriate, the chapter may include recommendations for action or for further research that are derived from the conclusions. This chapter should never introduce new materials.
Have the research objectives been reviewed and addressed?
Address findings/analysis in relation to the objectives what has been learnt from the study
Does the conclusion follow on from the findings?
Are the conclusions grounded in the evidence and arguments presented?
Reflection: A brief section (can be a separate chapter or included at the end of the Conclusion chapter) in which you reflect on the process of researching your project and writing your dissertation. In this chapter you should try to identify how your experience of the dissertation process has contributed to your personal, academic and professional development.
Reference List: All the works that you have referred to in your dissertation listed in alphabetical order. The list should be accurate, complete and in full detail. You should use the Harvard style.
Appendices. Appendices should include material not generated by you (eg company organisation chart or material) that is important to the research but is too detailed for inclusion in the main text (which would interfere with the narrative flow of the text). Questionnaire and interview schedules and samples of raw data should be included as appendices, as should a sample of the transcripts of interviews but not all. DO NOT use appendices simply as a way to add quantity to your dissertation. Material in the appendices does not count towards the word length required. Forms used during the development of the dissertation should not be attached to the dissertation.
Do not forget AI statement if not used or use (See assessment brief guidance for this to be added in final dissertation submission)
