44241: Dissertation Introduction to Module Ian Perry Room: C49 Extension: 7287 E-mail: [email protected] 2/44241_DISS

44241: Dissertation

Introduction to Module

Ian Perry Room: C49

Extension: 7287

E-mail: [email protected]

http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/

Ian Perry 44241: Dissertation: Introduction to Module Slide 2

Why do a Dissertation?

The Dissertation module provides: the opportunity for students with a

particular interest in independent study and research methods to engage in a sustained academic study with elements of original work.


Aims & Distinctive Features

Aims The module will result in a piece of

individual and original academic work that reflects a student’s interests set within their broader programme of study.

Distinctive Features Students will be encouraged to analyse

and draw reasoned conclusions from data drawn from multiple sources that refer to a set of research questions that they have devised.


Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you will be able to: plan and construct a self-managed study

programme that works towards definite goals. develop the research skills necessary to

pursue their project. self-manage a research project. obtain and analyse, in an appropriate manner,

relevant qualitative and quantitative material. develop and defend an argument based on

self-directed learning. produce a dissertation to the standard of a

professional research document in terms of content and presentation.


There are 4 Deadlines!

Ass 1 (5%) – Dissertation Proposal Deadline = 25 October 2006

Ass 2 (15%) – Interim Report Deadline = 17 January 2007

Ass 3 (10%) – Oral Presentation Deadline = 05 to 16 March

2007Ass 4 (70%) – Dissertation Document

Deadline = 10 May 2007


Lectures & Deadlines

2. Introduction to Module

5. Hand-in your Dissertation Proposal (25 Oct 2006)

6. Interim Report?

------- Christmas Break -------

17. Hand in your Interim Report (17 Jan 2007)

19. Oral Presentation?

22. Dissertation Document?

24/25 Make your Oral Presentation (05 to 16 Mar 2007)

------- Easter Break -------

6. Hand in your Dissertation Document (10 May 2007)


The Dissertation Web-site

All Documents for the Dissertation Module, i.e.: Module Handbook, Assessment Method, Lectures,

etc.

can be found at the following Web-address: http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/

Check the Dissertation Web-site regularly: There may be changes to the Lecture

Programme. Other sessions/advice may be ‘offered’ in order

to help you complete your Dissertation.


What is a Dissertation?

The communication of a focussed piece of investigative

academic work which demonstrates in the

context of existing knowledge both understanding and critical

analytical thinking and which is original.


Getting Started?

Selecting a Topic This is possibly the most important factor

affecting the success of your Dissertation. You need to choose something that will continue to

interest and motivate you when the going gets tough (which it undoubtedly will).

Selecting a Focus Having decided on the topic or ‘subject area’

you want to study you then need to think about the focus; i.e.: What ‘exactly’ are you going to do?


The Dissertation Proposal?

What the marker will be looking for: a realistic and meaningful research

question(s). a reasonable approach to the research

process. a list/outline of some of the relevant

literature that will be included. a plan of work leading to the

submission of a dissertation.



Contents: Full Name of Student (& Student Number) Title of Dissertation Aim & Objectives Relationship to Previous Work Methodology Plan of Work Resources Required References Form of Presentation Preferred Supervisor



Full Name of Student (& Student Number) Preferably your own!

Title of Dissertation Try to give a clear indication of what this Dissertation is

about. BUT, don’t get too hung up on the Title, as it will almost certainly

change.

Aim & Objectives A general Introductory Paragraph. The main Research Aim. A statement of 3 to 4 specific Research Objectives that

are ‘hoped’ to be achieved. These should be investigative objectives; and therefore problem-

based, rather than solution-based. Bear in mind the need to analyse rather than merely describe.



Relationship to Previous Work NOT your previous work, but the work of other

authors. This is one of the most important parts of the proposal, as

it should place the intended work into relevant contexts. No investigation starts from scratch.

It is therefore NOT sufficient to say, “there has been little work done in this area before…”

Appropriate contexts might be subject-based: “What has been done in this subject area before?”

or problem-based: “How has this kind of problem been approached in

previous studies?”



Methodology This section must detail the way in which the aims of

the investigation are to be achieved. Remember that this means not only a description of the

methods to be used, but also a discussion of the logic of those methods.

“Why are you using these methods?” The discussion should include consideration of

alternatives and demonstrate the appropriateness of the approach being proposed.

This section must go beyond merely itemising a data-collection approach.

If basing your research upon a previously used methodology:

“Which methods have been judged to be appropriate in previous work?”

You have to move beyond this previous work in some clearly identified way (therein lies your originality).



Plan of Work Highlighting the practical way in which the

Dissertation will be carried out. This should detail the means for ensuring that the

objectives are achieved and should, if possible, identify task lists organised into phases or stages with dependencies and time-scales; i.e. an outline project plan in the form of a Gantt Chart.

Whilst it is recognised that this can only be done in general terms, a proposal without a realistic plan of work is unlikely

to receive unconditional approval.



Resources Required The necessary support services should be specified,

e.g.: What library and/or bibliographic facilities will be required? What computer/software facilities will be needed?

This section should refer to other sources of factual material and the kind of access that will be required, e.g.:

to key informants, together with the arrangements for making that possible - it is your responsibility to make these arrangements.

Your own networks, including; family members & friends, Part-time work and personal

interests can all represent valuable resources.



References A reference list of all items referred to in this

proposal should be provided. Only those items actually referred to should be

included. It must be presented using the Harvard

System: See the ‘Study Skills Handbook’, i.e.:

Chapter 8 – Referencing, Bibliography and Plagiarism Appendix A – Referencing and Bibliographies

which is available at: http://www.hull.ac.uk/hubs/05/informationfor/current.ht

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Form of Presentation It will be assumed that you will present your Dissertation in a

‘Traditional Format’; see Assignment 4 – Dissertation Document, which can be

found in the Assessment Method section of the Dissertation Web-site.

If there are any deviations from this you must describe them in this section. e.g.:

If you contemplated submitting video-tape of interviews, or working pieces of software as part of your Dissertation, then this should be explained (and justified) in this section.

Preferred Supervisor Students can indicate their preferred choice of Dissertation

Supervisor. Please list 2 or 3 Supervisors you think you can ‘work’ with. The tutor who is actually allocated as your Dissertation Supervisor

will depend upon the subject/topic chosen and the availability of your Preferred Supervisor.


Don’t miss the first Deadline!

You MUST hand-in a Dissertation Proposal; see Assignment 1 – Dissertation Proposal,

which can be found in the Assessment Method section of the Dissertation Web-site. http://itsy.co.uk/ac/0607/Sem1&2/44241_DISS/

On (or before?); 25 October 2006

If you fail to submit, then: I will NOT be able to allocate you a Dissertation

Supervisor. and you will throw away some easy marks!


Don’t miss the next Lecture!

The next Lecture will take place: 1:15pm, Thursday, 02 Nov, in CG6

i.e. in the week after you have handed in your Dissertation Proposal.

This Lecture will introduce the next stage of the Dissertation Process; i.e. the Interim Report

and I will, hopefully, have sorted out who is to be your Dissertation Supervisor by then.


What is your E-mail Address?

Please send me an e-mail; [email protected]

from an e-mail account that you check regularly.

Including your; E-mail Address, Full Name & Student ID

So that; I, and your Dissertation Supervisor, have an

easy means of contacting you.