Sunderland Business School

Master of Business Administration

MBA Project Guide

PGBM161

Academic Year

2019 / 2020 (March 2020 cohort)

19/0 FSUND NSSEM2

Module Leader

Dr. John Dixon-Dawson

Room 103a

St. Peters Campus

Tel: – 0191 515 3128

Email: – john.dixon-dawson@sunderland.ac.uk

TITLE:                                                MBA Project

CODE:                                                PGBM161

CREDITS:                              60

LEVEL:                                   7/MASTERS

FACULTY:                             BUSINESS, LAW AND TOURISM

MODULE BOARD:               MARKETING,             MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY

PRE-REQUISITES:               NONE

CO-REQUISITES:                 NONE

LEARNING HOURS:            600 hours, the exact nature of which is specified in the module guide

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated;

Knowledge

K1.       An understanding of specific substantive problems or issues within an organisation or business sector placing them into a strategic context within the research investigation.

K2.       A critical understanding of valid research questions via a review of the academic literature; a critical review of the activities and operations of the organisation/sector and the environment in which it operates.

K3.       A clear understanding of different research methodologies and their limitations, and be able to critically explain when one might be more appropriate than another in the context of the chosen research topic.

K4.       That the project findings have been logically derived and that the conclusions/solutions and recommendations are fully supported by the evidence presented.

K5.       That the recommendations for strategic change in the organisation/business sector investigated are capable of implementation

K6.       How the personal and organisational learning that has taken place has affected the development of your skills and competences during the completion of your programme of study.

Skills

S1.       The necessary skills to design and undertake appropriate qualitative and / or quantitative research as necessary to analyse your chosen organisation/business problem or task.

S2.       How to interpret record and analyse data relating to the research topic.

CONTENT SYNOPSIS

Final Project

Utilising an applied business research approach, students will choose the format of the final project:

• Business Dissertation
• Applied Corporate Project
• Route Specialism – Applied Corporate Project or Business Dissertation

The chosen project will include:

A clear abstract.
A clear account of the organisation/business sector being investigated.
A review of relevant academic literature and derivation of valid research questions both from the literature and the organisation/business sector issues.
A review of the methodological issues concerning the research question including critical evaluation of alternative research methodologies and their limitations.
A review of the research method adopted and data collection techniques including interviews, observations, and participant observation and their implications and limitations.
Interpretation and analysis of qualitative, and if appropriate quantitative data, using appropriate statistical and computational techniques.
A clear presentation of empirical findings and implications for the activities and operation of the organisation/business sector.

The workshops will reflect and develop the lecture content to enable a dissertation/project proposal to be developed during the initial phase of the module and working with the academic supervisor, the student will identify the key issues to be analysed within the main body of the dissertation or project. The proposal is a purely formative element to enable the student to begin the investigation phase. The supervision process will involve a series of one-to-one meetings during which the academic supervisor will:

• Aid the student with the strategic context in which the project is being set as well as determining the scope of the literature review to be undertaken by the student.
• Help the student to clarify the research methodologies that will be used by the student in gathering data/ intelligence for the project.
• Discuss with the student the findings arising in the project and help the student to reflect upon the conclusions and recommendations of the project.
• Review with the student any final issues before submission.

Developing Leading and Management Competence

Part of the formal teaching will include the delivery of practice-based workshops covering critical skills, research practice skills and employability, this will support the portfolio element of the assessment to enable the student to demonstrate personal development and mastery of postgraduate skills.

The portfolio will also encompass an evidence-based approach to experiential learning opportunities embedded or available to students during the course of the programme. These can take the form of a study visit; company visits, guest speakers; interaction with professional bodies the MBA challenge events.

The overarching style will be critical self-reflection on the part of the student to enable them to build a portfolio that shows their personal development. The Portfolio will also show evidence of reflection on the personal and organisational learning as a result of undertaking the project and how that learning relates to the programme as a whole.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment   

Each element of the assessment strategy is assessed internally by two members of staff. A sample of work is also sent to external examiners.

Assessment 001

Students will be required to submit one written report of approximately 15000 words (this is for guidance only), containing a literature review, methodology, data analysis and recommendations. The issue of how recommendations for change could be implemented given the studies undertaken and will be based on prior experience of the organisation or business sector which has been investigated. Within the recommendations an outline plan detailing the timescales, management interventions and resources that would need to be available to implement the recommendations will be included.

Note: As part of the development of the dissertation/project, the student will be required to complete a 1500 word research proposal which the academic supervisor will confirm as appropriate and provide feedback to enable the student to continue with the dissertation. This element will be formative to support the student in preparation for the main phase of the research.

Assessment 002

This will be a portfolio of critical self-reflection supported by evidence and will take the form of a critical reflection upon the development of skills and competences derived from the experience of undertaking the programme of study, the added value activities and the final project. This element of the assessment will be approximately 2,500 words (for guidance only).

My Module Resources List Link

https://moduleresources.sunderland.ac.uk/#/list/16695

Relevant journals will be consulted by the students depending upon the area of study and chosen topic.

The module will draw upon a range of printed and electronic sources suitable to reflect on the contemporary issues of the subject material. Some texts are regarded as key to understanding the development of the subject and may not therefore be the current edition of a particular text but the reading list will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and appropriateness.

PROGRAMMES USING THIS MODULE AS CORE/OPTION:

MBA (Core)

MBA (Finance) (Core)

MBA (Marketing) (Core)

MBA (HR Management) (Core)

MBA (Supply Chain Management) (Core)

MBA (Enterprise and Innovation) (Core)

MBA (Hospitality Management) (Core)

MBA (Cybersecurity) (Core)

MBA Final Stage (Core)

Is the programme delivered On Campus or off campus:            On and off campus

College(s)                                                                                                                 

Various Approved Colleges

Work based learning:                                                                       Yes

Professional Accreditation:                                                            Yes

MODULE LEADER

Dr. John Dixon-Dawson, Room 103a, Tel: (0191) 515 3128

Email: john.dixon-dawson@sunderland.ac.uk

LEAD DELIVERER

John Dixon-Dawson

JACS CODE: N100

Dear Student,

Welcome to the module guide for PGBM161. I hope you find the guide useful and that it answers many of your questions. If not, then just get in touch or ask your Supervisor who will be able to assist.

We sincerely hope you enjoy the experience.

Good luck

John D-D.

MBA Project Supervision Team

The module has a number of Supervisors which will support you through the dissertation phase of your Programme. The contact details for those Supervisors supporting this cohort will be circulated separately and a note will be posted on the VLE.

The scheduled dates for meeting your Supervisor will be determined by your Supervisor in conjunction with yourself and it is your responsibility to make and maintain contact with your Supervisor. The Supervisor is there to support you not to do the work for you. Make use of their expertise in the subject area. They are a very experienced team and will support you in your studies.

Assessment Brief

Task Overview

Assessment   

Each Project is assessed internally by two members of staff. A sample of work is also sent to the Programme External Examiner.

Students will be required to submit one written report of approximately 12000 words (this is for guidance only). The main project will contain a literature review, methodology, data analysis and recommendations. The issue of how recommendations for change could be implemented given the studies undertaken and will be based on prior experience of the organisation or business sector which has been investigated. Within the recommendations an outline plan detailing the timescales, management interventions and resources that would need to be available to implement the recommendations will be included.

Note: As part of the development of the dissertation/project, the student will be required to complete a research proposal which the academic supervisor will confirm as appropriate and provide feedback to enable the student to continue with the project. This element will be formative to support the student in preparation for the main phase of the research.

The critical self-reflection element of the final report, supported by evidence, will take the form of a critical reflection upon the development of skills and competences derived from the experience of undertaking the programme of study, the added value activities and the final project. This element of the assessment will be approximately 2,000 words (for guidance only).

My Module Resources List Link

https://moduleresources.sunderland.ac.uk/#/list/16695

Relevant journals will be consulted by the students depending upon the area of study and chosen topic.

The module will draw upon a range of printed and electronic sources suitable to reflect on the contemporary issues of the subject material. Some texts are regarded as key to understanding the development of the subject and may not therefore be the current edition of a particular text but the reading list will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and appropriateness

Opportunities for Formative Assessment

Critical Self Reflection

Students are advised to begin thinking about the assessment at the earliest opportunity. During the delivery of the Competence workshops, workshop leaders will be available to offer advice on the development of the portfolio but of course it is your responsibility to complete all the tasks associated with your final submission.

Final Dissertation or Applied Corporate Project

Research Proposal

A research proposal which will outline the approach you are going to take in your research. Although the proposal is not an element of summative assessment by developing a proposal to discuss with your Supervisor you will be able to focus your thinking and obtain feedback on the approach you are considering.

Students should complete their work in the format of the template attached and should ensure that this is completed in conjunction with the early meetings with the designated supervisory Tutor who will be asked to sign off before submission.

If for any reason your dissertation/project proposal has to change during the course of the subsequent research period, then this proposal must be updated and agreed with your supervisor to reflect new objectives and new subject and strategic interventions. The proposal and feedback sheet should be submitted with the final submission to ensure that we can assess the new intentions of the dissertation appropriately.

The aim of the proposal is to ensure that you become clear at an early stage of the boundaries of your study such that you can work as effectively and efficiently as possible. The selection and focus of the dissertation can be one of the most difficult early decisions you make but it is important that you make this as soon as possible. It will allow you to focus on the literature and direct it toward the research objectives effectively. Your reading and research will be more precise and targeted .It will also allow you to think clearly about the desired and valuable business performance outcomes that can be derived from the dissertation. The philosophy of a MBA is to develop leaders who are able to propose improvement and change that can have a significant impact on an organisation or a business sector e.g. banking, manufacturing etc.

The research proposal will review your ability to achieve the following:

1. To identify a suitable strategic project for an organisation or sector and select a project that could if designed and implemented well be of strategic importance (not just operational) with a significant impact on results. For example, in reducing costs opening up new markets, introducing a new product or service, enhancing skills capability and knowledge, improving quality and or service, redesigning internal business operations etc. This is not an exhaustive list.
2. To define and locate the main academic ideas, theories and business practices evolving from these ideas in a critical literature review. This should cover the main subject area (e.g. service quality) and thereafter briefly review the main ideas: the main ideas and business practices and key areas of possible contention where there are alternative issues either in the nature of the idea or methods of implementation etc. This review should aim to locate some of the primary sources / authors you believe it necessary to review. This will not at this stage be exhaustive as your study is at an early stage in its development.
3. From this you will be required to specify the objectives of the dissertation as clearly as possible. These should be presented as outcomes to be achieved for the dissertation in terms of what business improvement or change the dissertation seeks to implement. The reason and rationale in terms of the sector/ organisation need to be covered under 1 above. You should avoid hypotheses and statements that reflect ‘what’ you are going to do in terms of say investigation or information review. These are not objectives.
4. Finally you will be asked to identify some appropriate ways that you could investigate:

• The subject you have selected to ensure that the objectives are met and that information is collected from both primary and secondary sources to ensure that the study can be completed in appropriate depth to achieve masters learning outcomes. These methods should aim to reflect the real methods that can actually be introduced rather than the theory.
• Any limitations to data collection can be stated but the methods should reflect the realities of such things as sample size and availability, validity of the methods against the objectives, reliability of data and a blend of primary and secondary sources. As with point 2 above at this stage this aspect will not be complete and you have the opportunity to update and comment in more depth in the final submission of the full project.

The final dissertation/project must be submitted by the due date at the end of the term in accordance with the student guide.

The Dissertation or Applied Corporate Project will comprise a number of key sections;

1. There should be an Executive Summary (approximately 300 words) at the beginning which should review what has been covered and the main outcome proposed.

2. The main body of the work should cover a Strategic Project overview developing and enhancing the first section of the proposal covering the rationale for the project and its importance to an organisation or business sector. This may be expressed in terms of sustaining competitive position or improving that position. This section might usefully consider the subject from the threats, opportunities, and business contextual factors. It should avoid too broad a scope. This might discuss improvement to internal business processes: customer care, service quality, improvement in skills and or organisation of resources etc. It might include better service delivery, marketing strategies or identification of new markets and or products or services to the external business environment. These are illustrative only. (Approximately 500 words)

3. The work will include a robust and critical literature review. The main purpose is to establish the important areas of research and enquiry such that the project objectives can be achieved. It serves an important purpose in expanding the body of knowledge that we have with which to understand current performance and as a secondary base to build better informed practices for the future. It should review both the academic literature and the empirical practices that organisations operate. Your ability to shape the ideas and practices is one of the key skills. It is not just a question of presenting other authors ideas without comment. The better marks are to be achieved whereby you identify areas of difference and consensus and from these works and draw a strong conclusion as to what is important in managing the particular area under review. The outcome is likely to have not much more than 4-6 key ideas and principles in the conclusions and will be framed around the question ‘what makes this a successful strategic business practice- and how can it be managed effectively in practice’. These will be the areas you will further examine in your research. This needs to be written in logical and coherent chapters that flow together. It should be clear as to what is being covered and it should avoid extending into too many areas otherwise critical depth is lost. The number of primary sources will vary. We expect a good range of relevant and contemporary sources but the treatment of them is more important than shear number. (Approximately 5000 words).
4. The project must include a critical review of both primary and secondary research methods that are possible but more importantly those deployed in the project from the perspective of such things as selecting valid and reliable sources of information against the objectives. Discussion of sample sizes and drawing reliable conclusions). It should address specific tools used (interviews, questionnaires, case studies etc.) and the various strengths of these and how they can be best designed and used for the designated project.  Approximately 2000 words
5. There must be a strong section which presents and discusses the research findings from both primary and secondary sources but emphasising new material collected specifically for the project. This section is important as this is the area where you engage with new and original material that you have collected and the skills deployed here are definitive in terms of the scope final assessment grade together with the recommendations. Data must be presented systematically and structured clearly around tables – if appropriate- or in terms of outcomes against the areas identified from the literature and linked back to project objectives. Having presented the data descriptively you will be expected to interrogate the findings by asking questions of your information such as: what is significant here, where is there key agreements between participants /sources what are the main areas of disagreement, how does this information reflect the outcomes (confirm or deny) from the literature review etc. What does this say about important ideas to shape policy /strategy and its implementation. Approximately 2500 words.

6. You will need a conclusion. This needs to draw together the findings from your research and the literature review and start to feedback and comment on the possibilities that now arise in terms of meeting the objectives. It should shape the agenda and start to define what it is you now think can be done. It should summarise main points and decide what stance you are taking with respect to the practice /policies under review. It should flow naturally from the earlier work .This section should not introduce new ideas or new debates even if you have discovered new information! If this is the case earlier chapters need reworking. Approximately 1500 words.

7. Recommendations should follow the conclusions. At this stage you move away from a research stance and adopt a leadership stance. Here you will advocate a possible direction for the organisation or sector. It can be specific as to future strategy and policy or it might offer an alternative view and scenario depending on particular future contexts. It should be carefully presented in management   Imagine you are presenting to a body of interested organisational managers with different levels of commitment to what you are proposing! It should clearly state what issue / opportunity is being addressed and the impact desired. It should state what should be done and it should say something on the implementation around; resources, barriers, risk, timescales and organisation of the changes. It should not overly direct to further work or decisions otherwise the project is likely to be overly ‘contextual ‘and general and not solution driven. Again no new ideas should be introduced here and it should be clear how the recommendations can be derived from the foregoing work. Approximately 2000 words.

The dissertation/project should be approximately 15000 words. However the exact make-up of the sections may vary (See Appendix 2 for a suggested format). It is unlikely you will be able to meet the learning outcomes in terms of depth and range of analysis in a study of less than 15000 words.

The remainder of the dissertation/project should comprise your research proposal (final) and the bibliography and any appendices that you have chosen to include.  Appendices should be carefully selected. They should be referenced in the main body of the study and should clearly relate to and provide further important reference for the reader. They should not be included if they have no central bearing on the study or simply a catalogue of all organisational information you can find.

Please treat all word guides flexibly as different projects will emphasise different priorities and weightings so these are indicative.

 RESEARCH ETHICS PRINCIPLES

When considering the methodological approach to your submission it is important that you consider the ethics of your approach. It is crucial that you consider the following principles:

How your research should be designed, reviewed and undertaken according to the highest possible standards. It should comply with University Governance, Professional Codes of Practice and the law.

Research with human participants must protect their dignity, rights, safety and well-being.

Participants must be completely informed about the purposes, methods and intended uses of the research. They must be informed about what participation will involve and the risks and benefits fully explained. Any research proposing deviation from this principle may be approved but only in very specific contexts in which the lack of complete information is justified by the benefits of the research. Participants must consent to participate in the research having been fully informed about what participation will involve. Participation must be voluntary. The use of incentives to encourage participation is acceptable but these must be appropriate.

Participants must be allowed to withdraw themselves from participation at any time and for any reason without disadvantage.

Information and data obtained about participants must be confidential. Anonymity should be maintained wherever possible. All information held about the participants must be processed, retained, stored, and disposed of in accordance with the law.

The research must protect the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of the research workers who should completely understand the risks and benefits of the research.

The research must protect the reputation, safety and well-being of the University of Sunderland.

The issue of research ethics and data collection must be discussed with your Supervisor and their advice considered and observed.

Details of the Research Ethics Review process are found on the University website and by following the link below.

https://my.sunderland.ac.uk/download/attachments/105484848/The%20Code%20of%20Practice%20for%20Research%20v2.pdf?version=3&modificationDate=1535108392000&api=v2

You must discuss the Ethics approval process with your Supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

OUTLINE PROJECT PROPOSAL

Candidate

Name:……….…………………………………………………………………..………..

Name of Supervisor:

Registration number:

Title:……………………………………………………………………………………………..

 Hand in Date of Proposal:

………………………………………………………………………….…..

Project Background:

Rationale for selection – importance and potential impact of the strategic project for an organisation or business sector. Word Guide approximately 500

Literature Review: 

Identification of the key aspects of the business literature (e.g service quality) to be underpin the study. This review should briefly cover the main ideas and business practice that will be considered. It should locate a sample of the some of the main sources and identify key critical issues that might arise. – Word Guide approximately 750.   

 Objectives: 

Identify 3-4 objective outcomes from the dissertation in terms of what the dissertation seeks to achieve for the organisation or business sector. These objectives should reflect outputs not tasks to be completed and should emphasise the areas for improvement to business performance the dissertation will concentrate on.      

Methodology:

Candidates should include a brief statement as to what they consider the main methods of primary and secondary research are likely to be the most useful to achieving the project outcomes – Approximately 300 words.

MBA Proposal

First Line Supervisors confirmation that the project has been discussed at a supervisory meeting and inclusion of any comment:

Name ……………………………………………………..date of meeting……………………………………………

Comments

Feedback on Project Proposal:

Quality of the Strategic Project overview and objectives 

 Literature review synopsis and methodological synopsis 

Any actions to be discussed with Tutor:

Reviewed by:                                                                                      Date:

 Research Methodology Workshops

Ten two hour workshops will be provided to give you a sound understanding of the significance of research towards the development of an effective dissertation. The topics covered will consider the following areas although the exact allocation of time to topic will be determined in the workshop outlines.

Introduction to Business Research

Introducing you to the importance of business research in a changing business environment and helping you to identify the fundamentals of a valid research proposal.

Literature Review and Identification of Research Objectives

Helping you to understand the importance of a robust and critical literature review in shaping your knowledge and approach towards identifying and addressing research questions.

Qualitative Research Methods

Helping you to identify and evaluate the different stages involved within a qualitative research process i.e. project planning, sampling, data collection, data analysis etc. You should also be able to identify different qualitative research tools [projective techniques, brand mapping, word association etc.] available to a researcher in order to optimise research outcomes.

Quantitative Research Methods

Helping you to identify and evaluate the different stages involved within a quantitative research process i.e. determining sample size, sampling and non-sampling error, data collection, data analysis etc. Aiding you also to identify different statistical methods [studies involving means, studies involving proportions] available to a researcher in order to optimise research outcomes.

Analysing Data and Writing Recommendations

Helping you to consider the various ways of analysing primary and secondary empirical data that you collect as part of your research and analyse it by linking it with existing literature. Helping you to understand how recommendations for your dissertation can be derived from your analysis and findings.

Finally the workshop will help you to understand how your programme of work has helped you to build your managerial and leadership skills as part of your personal development plan.

MEETINGS – WORKING WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR

You will be placed in a small supervisory group of students with whom you will work as a support group.  Your supervisor will set a framework of meetings that you are required to attend as normally supervision will not be offered outside of these sessions. The supervisory support will be based on the following –

Meeting 1 and 2 – These two meetings will be group meetings which will help you to ensure that you have a sensible and credible research proposal. Your supervisor will agree an appropriate date for submission of your proposal and provide relevant feedback.

Meeting 3 – This individual meeting with your supervisor will focus on the following:

Structuring the dissertation

The literature review

Key management concepts and theories to consider

Meeting 4 – This individual meeting with your supervisor will focus on the following:

Research methodologies – the extent of primary and secondary research being undertaken

Processes of data analysis

Challenges being encountered in gathering information

Ethical considerations

Meeting 5 – This individual meeting with your supervisor will focus on the following:

Presentation of Findings

Relationship between Findings and the Objectives of the Dissertation

Development of Recommendations

Review of Personal Development

Meeting 6 – This individual meeting with your supervisor will focus on any final problems/issues that need to be resolved prior to the submission of the dissertation.

SUBMISSION DATE FOR THE DISSERTATION – by 23.59 on 26th January 2021.

Submission Arrangements 

Students are required to submit their work through the module Canvass site. You must put your submission through the Turnitin process and include a copy of the Turnitin report with the work. Work should include a cover page detailing your full name (not informal names adopted in English), course, student number, the dissertation title and module number as relevant to the course. Work should be presented in word processed form using appropriate spacing. The remaining detail of the structure of the work is covered in the module guide and the related programme of research methods.

Finally we wish you every success with your work and will work with you to make it as fulfilling as possible. Good luck.

John Dixon-Dawson – Module Leader

Statement of Originality and Authenticity

I confirm that the work I am submitting is an original and authentic piece of work compiled by myself that satisfies the University rules and regulations with respect to Plagiarism and Collusion.  I further confirm that I have fully referenced and acknowledged all material incorporated as secondary resources in accordance with the Harvard System.

I also clarify that I have taken a copy of the submission, which I will retain until after the Programme Assessment Board has published the results, and which I will make available on request in pursuance of any appropriate aspect of the marking and moderation of the work within the University Regulations.

Name

Registration Number

Programme of Study

Signed………………………………..

Please note that work will not be assessed without the inclusion of this declaration by the student.  

Personal Competence Workshops (Indicative schedule subject to confirmation).                                                           Appendix 1