Subject Discipline: Business
Master’s Dissertations: Assessment Guidelines
The assessment of a dissertation is not indexed to a fixed marking scheme. Instead,
the work is assessed under a number of detailed headings in a matrix structure with
marking band descriptors. It should also be noted that assessment will take into
account such issues as the suitability of the research strategy and methodology
(including the enquiry instruments used); the overall coherence or ‘flow’ of the work;
the extent and level of conceptualisation; the degree of critical insight demonstrated
in the use of relevant literature and theory; and in the discussion of results. The
headings used for assessment are:
- Abstract
A succinct statement outlining the topic, describing the methodology, briefly
summarising the results, conclusions and recommendations. - Introduction
Places the study within an organisational/business context clearly outlining the
research problem and providing details of the specific supporting objectives of
the study. Selective use of literature as necessary to support narrative. - Methodology
Brief philosophical perspective and the appropriateness of research instruments
and justification for their choice should be clear. An explanation of justification
of the selected analytical techniques; sampling, research ethics and study
limitations. Evidence of coherence and rigour, validity/credibility,
reliability/dependability and applicability to the research question should be
incorporated. Effective organising and sequencing of work. Use of research
methods literature as necessary to support narrative. - Findings, Analysis and Discussion
Relevance, validity and appropriateness of the data collected. An appreciation
of any limitations of the data. An ability to discover, understand, analyse and
judge, evidence of critical reasoning. Usefulness within context. Use of
research literature and wider grey literature as necessary, for example to
support or contrast findings. - Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions and recommendations arising as a result of the study and
suggestions for future research. Selective use of literature as necessary to
support narrative. - General academic merit of the finished work
Coherence, originality and depth of study. Evidence of creativity. Use and
application to organisation/business practitioners. - Format, structure and presentation of the written dissertation
This should be coherent and conform to the details provided in the module
specification and the relevant University regulations. Full and complete Glyndŵr
Harvard referencing should be incorporated throughout. In some cases,
corrections may be needed and your supervisor will notify you if this is the case.
Other / additional comments
The headings above are not intended to be exclusive of other factors that might
feature in a satisfactory dissertation, nor are they intended to be equally
weighted.
All dissertations are subject to first and second marking. In exceptional
circumstances a third marker may be utilised to arbitrate.
Dissertations are awarded a ‘Fail’, a ‘Pass’, a ‘Merit’ or a ‘Distinction’. The pass
grade is only notionally equivalent to a mark of 40%; the distinction grade is only
notionally equivalent to a mark of 70%.
Internal readers will make comments and recommendations to the external
examiners under the above headings to maintain an equitable and robust system.
Type of service: Dissertation services
Type of assignment: Dissertation
Subject: Business
Pages/words: 33/9000
Number of Sources: 8
Academic level: Doctoral
Paper Format: Harvard
Line spacing: Double
Language style: UK English
