MBA dissertation report chapters: info about the content, 2022

 MBA dissertation report chapters: info about the content, 2022 (as per the latest module guide )  [2020 /21 (October 2020 cohort)]:

(** bear in mind that 1 page is about 400 words)

Executive summary:

There should be an Executive Summary (approximately 200 words) at

the beginning which should review what has been covered and the

main outcome proposed.  

Chapter 1, Introduction, and context of the study. This should cover a strategic 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)

Chapter 2, Literature Review 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 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 2000 words). 

Chapter 3 Methodology 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)

Chapter 4 Presentation of Research findings 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. (Approximately 2000 words)

Chapter 5 Discussion of Findings 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 2000 words) 

Chapter 6 Conclusion and Recommendations You will need a conclusion which draws 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 1000 words)

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   terms.  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 500 words)

Chapter 7 Reflections on developing your personal competence. This chapter provides the opportunity for you to reflect on your programme experience and the learning which has impacted on the development of your professional identity. Drawing on evidence you have collated throughout the module you are to write a reflective commentary which addresses the following: what were your initial motivations for undertaking a MBA and what were the central components of your professional identity during semester 1? What did you learn about yourself as a developing business professional and how that learning will shape your future professional self? (Approximately 2000 words)

The dissertation/project should be approximately 12000 words. However, the exact make-up of the sections may vary. 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 12000 words. 

The remainder of the dissertation/project should comprise your research proposal (final) and the reference list and appendices which evidence content in the main body of your report. 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.