Global MBA

Final Research Project Module

(M26801) February/March, 2021 TB2

Dr Emily Yarrow (Module Coordinator)

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 KEY HAND IN DATES: PROPOSAL 26TH MARCH, 2021

FINAL PROJECT/DISSERTATION: 2ND JULY, 2021

Contents

Module Aims and Learning Outcomes .......................................................................................................... 4

Aims ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Assessment Strategy ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Administration and Teaching ......................................................................................................................... 5
Moodle site .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Blended teaching ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Suggested Readings ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Assessment .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Choice of RP Topic ......................................................................................................................................... 9
The Research Project (RP)............................................................................................................................10
Aims .............................................................................................................................................................10
Requirements...............................................................................................................................................10
Suggested structure of the RP .....................................................................................................................10
Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................13
Referencing ..................................................................................................................................................13
Writing Up Heads up! ..................................................................................................................................13
Formatting ...................................................................................................................................................14
Roles and responsibilities of staff and students ..........................................................................................15
MBA Level Work ..........................................................................................................................................16
Coursework Submission...............................................................................................................................17
Second Attempt ...........................................................................................................................................18
Examination and Assessment Regulations ..................................................................................................18
Extenuating Circumstances .........................................................................................................................19

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PBS Study Support .......................................................................................................................................20
Plagiarism .....................................................................................................................................................20
Ethics in research data collection ................................................................................................................21
Appendices ..................................................................................................................................................22
Appendix 1 – Proposal Form ........................................................................................................................22
RP Proposal Marking Criteria .......................................................................................................................23
Appendix 2- Assessment Criteria .................................................................................................................25
Appendix 3 – Assessment forms ..................................................................................................................27

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Module Aims and Learning Outcomes
Welcome to this core module of the Global MBA, taught at Portsmouth Business School. This
module is valued at 60 M-level credits. Module code M26801.

The purpose of this module it is to provide MBA students with knowledge and skills in research.
Business professionals should be able to demonstrate strategic awareness, a business orientation,
and a concern with adding value to organisations though analytical research skills and critical
thinking. A core element of this is the ability to conduct in depth research into organisational
issues. A key feature of this module is that a blended learning approach is used to enable students
to benefit from a combination of online resources, formative learning activities and group/tutor-
led sessions. The online resources that are part of this module are compulsory. They complement
some of the lectures in this module and are designed to be studied alongside tutor-led sessions
such as workshop and seminars.

Aims
1. To provide students with essential knowledge and skills to enable them to investigate an
organisational issue in an ethical way.
2. To understand research philosophies and methodologies used in the business and
management discipline.
3. To evaluate research methods and develop critical understanding of their uses in
organisational research, in different contexts.
4. To develop analytical, data synthesis and summarising skills, appropriate for MBA level
research.
5. To engage with appropriate reflective practice as learners and business professionals.

Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify a strategically relevant organisational issue, justifying the need for research.
2. Critically evaluate academic and practitioner literature that is relevant to the chosen issue.
3. Compare and evaluate different research philosophies, methodologies, and research
methods.
4. Select and justify the use of data collection methods.
5. Undertake a critical, systematic analysis of data, presenting results in a synthesised and
consistent manner.
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 6. Draw appropriate and realistic conclusions, making recommendations to improve or
enhance an organisational issue and make recommendations that are mindful of
feasibility and the cost of implementation.
7. Conduct research that is ethically sound and sensitive to the realities of organisational
life, and contextually relevant.

Assessment Strategy
This module consists of ONE piece of marked formative feedback and ONE main assessment
piece:

1. Research Proposal (20%) This is due on FRIDAY 26TH MARCH, 2021

The first piece of work is a 1,500 research proposal for the Research Project. This is marked and
constitutes 20% of the overall mark, and will allow you to receive formative feedback. Please
note: failure to submit by the due date will not only constitute a loss of 20% of the overall mark
but also delay the allocation of your supervisor for the RP.

2. Research Project (80%) THIS IS DUE ON FRIDAY 2ND JULY, 2021

The final assessment is the 10,000 word Research Project (RP). It will account for 80% of the
mark for this 60-credit module. The RP assesses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The word
count does not include contents, abstract, appendices or the reference list.

As this course comprises only ONE module, the module mark will be based solely on the
research project, with the assessment weightings shown above. The RP (research project) is
marked in accordance with the University generic marking criteria for Masters level. The
assessment criteria and marking sheet are available on Moodle and at Appendices 4 and 5.

Administration and Teaching

You are welcome to contact any of the staff teaching this module to discuss any problems/ issues
relating to the study of the module, however please allow a few days for a reply. Outside class
times we would strongly recommend the use of email as telephone contact may be difficult (all
members of the team have additional teaching and management responsibilities). Contact details
are provided below:

Dr Emily Yarrow

(Senior Lecturer) Email: emily.yarrow@port.ac.uk

In the event of circumstances that result in you missing one or more classes, please check the
Moodle site as soon as possible to catch up the work you have missed. We always recommend
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students adopt a ‘buddy’ system with fellow classmates who can collect and share notes, etc. for
any missed classes.

The Course Administrator is Niina Sirkesalo. (niina.sirkesalo@port.ac.uk)

Moodle site
A Moodle site is available for this module. Important information relating to this module will be
communicated via the site, apart from emails. This will include the lecture slides of the Research
Methods sessions and other materials.

Access to the Moodle site is essential. Please contact the Course Administrator as soon as
possible if you are unable to access the site.

Blended teaching
Module overview:
A key feature of this module is that a blended learning approach is used to enable students to
benefit from a combination of online resources, formative learning activities and small
group/tutor-led sessions. The online resources that are part of this module are compulsory.

Contact details:
The first point of contact if you have questions about the content of the module or its assessment,
is your module coordinator.

Teaching and planned activities:

The teaching activities in this module include bespoke online resources developed by academic
experts from the Faculty.
In addition to these resources, tutor-led seminar sessions will take place that are aligned and
linked to the online resources. Completion of the online resources is essential, as is attendance
and contribution to tutor-led sessions. Attendance and participation in both will be monitored,
and sessions recorded.
The online and blended learning content is set out in this module handbook. It comprises an
introduction to important research methods topics and explains and outlines the fundamental
knowledge, understanding and skills required to undertake a credible research project.

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The online blended learning resources also include formative learning activities. These learning
activities enable students to apply the principles outlined in the videos, and to develop their ideas
towards their own research project.
The blended learning part of the teaching strategy means that you should expect to carry out
reading, thinking and other preparation before and during the tutor-led sessions, for at least 5
hours per week.
The tutor-led (for example, seminar) sessions will provide the opportunity for you to examine
discipline and course-specific features of research methods. These sessions are also your
opportunity to ask questions and discuss ideas in greater depth with other students and with
module tutors.

Moodle site
A Moodle site has been set up for this module. Important information relating to this module will
be communicated via the Moodle site.

The site also contains additional follow-up resources which you will be expected to read. These
have been put together in partnership with the business faculty librarian, and with other academic
experts.

Access to the Moodle site and to the blended learning materials is essential. Please contact the
module co-ordinator as soon as possible if you are unable to access the Moodle site for this
module or the blended learning materials.

Suggested Readings
For Postgraduate level study you are expected to read widely and develop your own perspective
based on the work of more than one author. For this reason, the course team do not recommend
any one text book. However, you will find that during lectures the following books are used most
frequently:

The essential reading for this course comes mainly from:

Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A (2016). Research Methods for Business Students
(7th ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. {available as E-book}

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Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.

NB. There is no formal requirement to purchase either of these texts, and there are copies in the
central library. However, if you wish to have a book for the course, I would recommend buying a
used copy of Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2011) Business research methods (3rd ed.). Oxford,
England: Oxford University Press, as this is a very useful book for the dissertation. More recent
editions are also available, and either is fine. Saunders, M., & Lewis, P. (2012). Doing Research
in Business & Management: An Essential Guide to Planning Your Project. Harlow: Pearson
Education Limited is also recommended.

Additional recommended reading:

Saunders, M., & Lewis, P. (2012). Doing Research in Business & Management: An Essential
Guide to Planning Your Project. Harlow: Pearson Education Limited. {available as E-book}

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., & Jackson, P. (2015). Management & Business Research (5th
ed.). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Scherbaum, C., & Shockley, K. M. (2015). Analysing Quantitative Data for Business and
Management Students. London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

This is an in-depth, practical guide for Masters students on basic quantitative methods of
analysis, covering the foundations through to analysis.

Silverman, D. (Ed.). (2016). Qualitative Research (4th ed.). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Wallace, M., & Wray, A. (2011). Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates (2nd ed.).
London: SAGE Publications Ltd

Further reading:

Ekinci, Y. (2015). Designing Research Questionnaires for Business and Management Students.
London: SAGE Publications Ltd..

Horn, R. (2012). Researching and Writing Dissertations: A complete guide for business and
management students (2nd ed.). London: CIPD.

Oliver, R. (2010). The Student’s Guide to Research Ethics (2nd ed.). Maidenhead: Open
University Press. {available as E-book}

Pallant, J. (2007). SPSS Survival Manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS for
Windows (3rd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press.

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Salkind, N. J. (2014). Statistics for People Who (think they) Hate Statistics (5th ed.). London:
SAGE Publications Ltd..

Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (5th ed.). Los Angeles, California:
SAGE Publications Ltd.. [Widely cited author and key text for those undertaking case studies.]

Assessment
All assessment tasks must be completed by students individually.

There is one formal assessment (the RP) and one formative feedback submission (the proposal):

1) A short research proposal (1,500 words). The proposal details are to be found at
Appendix 1. The proposal is formally marked and weighs 20% of the overall mark. DUE
ON FRIDAY 26TH MARCH, 2021

2) A 10,000 word RP The examination is worth 80% of the total marks for the module. The
RP assesses Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Students are advised to
familiarise themselves with the RP marking criteria at an early stage of the module. DUE
ON FRIDAY 2ND JULY, 2021

Choice of RP Topic
It is expected that students select appropriate topics and seek, when possible, to make
recommendations to improve or enhance current organisational policy/practice. Students are
encouraged to gather primary data. However, suitable secondary data sources may be used. For
example, employee engagement surveys, employee data, or other organisational sources that lend
themselves to the application of quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis techniques. The RP
can relate to:

A) An issue in a work organisation, industry, or across a number of different organisations.

B) It can also related to a wider problem or research gap within the business and
management literature.

It is essential that the subject and level of study are appropriate for MBA level study. You
will receive feedback on your research proposal that will help you to design a suitable study
and you will be allocated a Supervisor to assist you with developing the RP.

The research undertaken for the RP must involve empirical investigation and analysis of data. It
cannot be undertaken on a purely theoretical basis.

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The Research Project (RP)
Aims
The aim of the RP is to enable students to undertake an ordered and critical investigation of a
Business-related topic that will demonstrate their ability to work independently, both in
preparing and presenting their project. The RP will therefore be indicative of the course
member's research potential and will demonstrate an ability to extend the existing body of
business knowledge.

Students will be able to: select a business topic as appropriate, undertake a critical literature
review, set up an appropriate research design, use appropriate concepts, theories and techniques
which may have been introduced on the taught part of the course, collect and analyse data
(qualitatively and/or quantitatively), and draw appropriate conclusions.

Requirements
The overall requirement of the RP is that the design, execution and reporting of the research
should be of an appropriate standard for a UK MBA’s degree. In order to achieve this, the RP
will need to satisfy the following criteria:

• The aims and objectives of the research should be clearly specified, should relate to a
Business issue and be at an appropriate level;
• The work should be grounded in an existing body of knowledge and should review and
assess relevant theory and published research;
• There should be thoroughness and appropriateness of research methodology and design
and in the quality of the empirical investigation;
• The data collected should be reduced, presented and analysed;

• The conclusions drawn should relate the research outcomes to the existing body of
knowledge and the objectives of the investigation; and should be logical, feasible and
flow from the analysis. It is expected that recommendations are mindful of feasibility and
the cost of implementations.
• The research should be ethically sound and sensitive to the realities of organisational life

Suggested structure of the RP

Presentation and layout is important as it identifies that you are able to present the information in
a clear, comprehensible, logical and sequential manner.

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Length
The Dissertation word limit is 10,000 words. This does not include contents, abstract, appendices
or the reference list.

Title Page
The first typed page should contain the dissertation title, your name, the month and year of
completion, and the statement:

This dissertation is submitted in part fulfilment of the Masters in (YOUR DEGREE

TITLE).

If your dissertation is CONFIDENTIAL it must be clearly indicated here in CAPS. It will be

stored separately and not sent onto the library for public access.

Declaration of Originality
On the second page the following statement should be typed in the centre of the page:
“I, the undersigned, declare that this dissertation is the result of my own independent
and original investigation and that all sources are duly acknowledged in the reference
list.
I give permission that it may be photocopied and made available for inter-library loan.”
This must be signed and dated.
If the second sentence cannot be made for reasons of confidentiality, prior arrangements must be
made with the Dissertation Coordinator and a specific statement of confidentiality included.

Acknowledgement (if any)- If you do wish to acknowledge the guidance and support of
supervisors, friends, family etc. please remember to keep this as brief as possible and avoid long
florid tributes.

The final RP should normally consist of six chapters as follows:

Abstract page – a synopsis of no more than 300 hundred words outlining what you did and what
you found out – see Appendix 7

Table of Contents - You should include a Table of Contents giving chapter and section headings
and respective page numbers. You should also have a List of Tables and a List of Figures
(including illustrations and photographs). Tables and Figures must be numbered sequentially by
chapter number and sequence number e.g. 3.3 is the second figure or table in chapter 3.

If you have multiple abbreviations throughout your project it would be appropriate to include a
List of Abbreviations page or a Glossary.

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Chapter 1 Introduction (suggested 1000 words)

Strong, persuasive rationale for the study. Identification of the topic, explanation of the context
of the investigation and the value of the research, the links to business, the articulation of specific
research aim, objectives/research questions.

Chapter 2 Literature review (suggested 3000/3500 words)

A critical review of appropriate literature in relation to the research problem, to reflect

contemporary business & management thinking and research; a critically, thematic approach
should be adopted which includes a summary that identifies the issues/questions to be addressed
when collecting organisational data.

Chapter 3 Methodology (suggested 1000/1500 words)

An explanation of the research methodology and philosophical approach. Description and

justification of the selected method/s of data collection, including an explanation of the questions
being asked; a justification of the sample frame; and, a critique of the methods used.
Consideration of ethical implications of the research design. Ethical approval form included as
an appendix.

Chapter 4 Analysis and discussion of results (suggested 3000/4000 words)

Reduction, aggregation, synthesis and presentation of the data collected, grouped by the
important issues, using visual display or respondent quotes as appropriate. Together with an
analysis which interprets and communicates the research findings to the reader and interacts with
the literature reviewed. A quantitative study may have a separate chapter of analysis of results
followed by a chapter of discussion.

Chapter 5 Conclusions (and recommendations when/if appropriate) (suggested 1000/2000

words)

The conclusions drawn should relate to the overall aim of the research and should flow from the
discussion in the main body of the dissertation. You should make recommendations based on
your conclusions, and also identify the limitations of the study, and areas for future research.

Reference list- Your References List should follow the Chapters and go before the Appendices
(see below for further details)

There is a + 20% and – 10% for the 10,000 word limit. Students will be penalised if they exceed
the word count because this is poor scholarship.

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Appendices

You must have an Ethics Appendix to contain your ethics form, permissions and any changes.
Otherwise you will need to be selective as to what to include in any Appendices. Main tables,
graphs, etc. should be included in the main body of the Dissertation. Your Supervisor will advise
you on what should go where.

Note: details of page layout, margins etc. can be found in detail in the next section of this
handbook.

Referencing
References are how you identify the sources – including websites – you used in your work in
enough detail that someone else could find those sources independently. A citation is the
acknowledgement of someone else's ideas or work when you mention it in your own coursework.
It shows evidence you have done research and are able to evaluate others' opinions, ideas,
research, etc.

Use the University Library's interactive referencing website to learn how to cite and reference
accurately in your academic work – this will be expected of you: http://referencing.port.ac.uk/

You are required to use APA 7th edition referencing conventions including using doi numbers
when available.

'Referencing and citation' are formalised academic skills. You will gain marks if your references
and citations are in APA 7th edition format – it is straightforward when you take the time to
understand it.
• GO TO THE REFERENCING WEBSITE TO LEARN HOW TO CITE AND REFERENCE IN YOUR WORK:

http://referencing.port.ac.uk

You will need to use your institutional login (your university username and password) to access
the Library’s electronic resources.

Writing Up Heads up!

Writing up is precarious as it becomes an issue of style often lost between the writer and the reader,
below are some pointer that might help:

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 1. As pointed out elsewhere – allow time, writing is like cooking you must allow the food and
the dissertation time to ‘rest’ it may take as much time to proof and correct as it did to write
in the first place. You will also need to edit and edit to get the work down into a manageable
size that is concise and reads well.
2. Plan and re-plan. Try to keep to deadlines as much as you can but allow some space for the
unexpected.
3. Keep the work in a shape.
4. Use headings and sub-headings wisely don’t overdo them so the work becomes fragmented
but use them so the reader knows where they are and why they are reading the section.
5. Don’t overdo the Methodology/Method chapters – keep it practical and clear.
6. Avoid colloquialisms “everybody knows”, “as we enter the digital age”, “many writers
believe” etc.
7. Avoid diversions – if something is important but is taking up too many words – push it into
an appendix.
8. Play about with the data until you think you have found the best way to present it, pie
charts, graphs, tables.....
9. Tables, graphs etc. need to be clear – it is your job to explain, not the reader’s job to go
through your data for you.
10. Keep sentences simple – “It is not often the case and in this instance it isn’t unlikely to be
probable either that the use language is able to confuse.”
11. Avoid jargon – it often acts as a shield for a lack of understanding – especially if you don’t
know what the jargon means. Also the second marker may not be familiar with your
research area and so not familiar with your jargon.
12. Proof read your work.
13. Proof read your work.
14. Proof read your work.

Formatting
Your final dissertation should follow these requirements:
• The dissertation should be word processed in 1.5 line spacing on A4 paper with wide
margins – at least 3 cm on the left hand side to allow for binding.
• A ‘sans-serif’ typeface should be used such as Calibri or Ariel. Times new Roman is also
strongly encouraged. This helps readers.
• Text should be ‘fully justified’ and paragraphs should not be indented.
• The front Title Page has your name and the title of the dissertation together with the Degree
submitted and whether it is ‘Confidential’.

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 • The second page is a signed Declaration regarding plagiarism and access rights.
• The abstract (i.e. a summary of your key findings) must be no more than 300 words on a
single sheet after the Title and Declaration pages.
• The Contents Pages identify chapters and their main sections; references/bibliography, and
the numbered appendices. A List of Tables and a List of Figures must also be given.
• Headings and sub-headings need consistent style and numbers (not each paragraph).
• Tables and Figures must be numbered sequentially.
• The pages of the main text must be numbered.
• The dissertation will be split into Chapters. The reference list/ bibliography follow, and
finally the Appendices that include Ethics containing your form(s) and permission
evidence.
• Only include Appendices which are relevant and demonstrably add value to your work –
Appendices follow the references/bibliography.
All work submitted must adhere to the University Policy on ‘Cheating, Collusion and Plagiarism’.

https://regulations.docstore.port.ac.uk/ExamRegs12AssessmentOffences.pdf

Roles and responsibilities of staff and students

The roles and the responsibilities of the Module Coordinator, supervisor, second marker, and
student differ. The Module Coordinator liaises with the students and staff to find an appropriate
supervisor with knowledge of the subject area. The supervisor and second marker each mark the
project and then agree a final grade to be awarded.

The Supervisor will:

• Be open about their availability (including time away from the University and vacations)
so that a schedule of meetings can be drawn up;
• Provide adequate time for supervision so that chapters/drafts can be read once and
feedback provided to the student; and also read through the final draft and provide
feedback;
• Respond to questions from the student regarding the complexity of the research/project
task;
• Guide the student in focusing their effort effectively to facilitate the final project meets
the University’s requirements for good scholarship;

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 • Ensure the student and the University are aware of any ethical, legal or political problems
associated with the work and any necessary approvals required;
• Authorise the Ethics Opinion Form, following agreement of ethical issues and before the
primary data collection occurs; and in the case of a ‘confidential’ project agree this with
both the student and the module coordinator.

The Student will:

• Ensure that an appropriate amount of time and effort is applied to the Project;
• Be available to meet during the work period and engage with the Supervisor to establish a
mutually acceptable and appropriately timed series of supervisory meetings.
• Be receptive to advice from the Supervisor;
• Properly acknowledge all material and ideas created by others;
• Meet all University regulations relating to the work;

• Communicate any problems likely to affect the quality or timeliness of the work to the
Supervisor when such problems arise;
• Initiate and arrange meetings with the Supervisor and keep them up to date with progress
of the work;
• Provide work on dates agreed with the supervisor so that the supervisor has time to read
the draft;
• Ensure that informed consent is gained from participants in the research and obtain all
organisational approvals needed prior to data collection;
• Ensure that the Ethics Opinion Form has been discussed and agreed with the Supervisor
prior to any data collection; and if the project is considered to include confidential
information that it has been agreed with the Supervisor that the project be ‘confidential’.

Please make contact with your supervisor as soon as possible. It is not your supervisor’s job to
chase you. At the first contact you should discuss the supervision process to establish how best to
work together. If you experience problems with supervision it is important you raise any
concerns as soon as you experience them.

The main learning resource used to support this course and its students is ‘Moodle’, which is a
virtual learning environment (VLE).

Handbooks/study guides will be on these Moodle pages and can be downloaded as pdf
files/documents if necessary. There will be other valuable study resources and links to further
study/student support made available on these Moodle pages.

MBA Level Work

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Working at Masters level involves you becoming an independent learner. You are expected to
take responsibility for the progress of your research and to achieve the standards expected of a
Masters level research project. As stated earlier in this Module Handbook, the study support
tutors are available Monday – Friday throughout term time and most holiday periods. You may
book a tutorial with one of the tutors by email: studysupport@port.ac.uk or by telephone: 02392
844007 (internal ext. 4007). Guidance and helpful study tips are also available on the PBS Study
Support Moodle site.

The University of Portsmouth also provides support to students through the Academic Skills
Unit. Visit their web pages for further information on workshops and individual support:

https://myport.port.ac.uk/guidance-and-support/supporting-your-studies/academic-skills-support

Coursework Submission
1. The research proposal should be submitted as one electronic Word document via the
Moodle drop box. The submission date is FRIDAY 26TH MARCH, 2021

Work submitted on time will returned to students, with feedback within 20 working days. You
will be informed of any delay to feedback as soon as possible. The requirements for prompt
return of work will not apply to work that is submitted late.

Work submitted later than 20 working days after the submission date, will not be given feedback
and will be recorded as a non-submission.

2. The RP final project should be submitted online via Turnitin. The submission date for the
RP is: FRIDAY 2ND JULY, 2021

IMPORTANT NOTES:

You are expected to upload your final RP to Turnitin before submission. This will be checked
and your RP will not be marked unless you have submitted it to Turnitin. You do not need to
submit a Turnitin report with your RP.

‘Confidential’ RPs are the exception to this rule. If you believe your RP is confidential, discuss
this at the earliest opportunity with the Module Coordinator and your Supervisor. ALL proposals
are to be submitted via the Moodle drop-box.

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS REQUIRE THAT

STUDENTS SHOULD RETAIN AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THEIR COURSEWORK.

https://regulations.docstore.port.ac.uk/ExamRegs12AssessmentOffences.pdf

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In summary you need to submit:

o ✓ A copy of your RP proposal via Moodle (word document)

o ✓ You are required to also submit the final version of the RP to Turnitin. (Unless
the project has been agreed to be ‘confidential’). If your RP is NOT submitted to
Turnitin this will be recorded as a non-submission
o ✓ A signed Ethical Opinion Form must be embedded in the project as an
appendix
o ✓ You are not required to submit your raw data, but you must retain it until the
Board of Examiners confirms your marks in case the University asks to see your
raw data.
• ✓ A copy of your RP will be retained by the University and may be placed in the library
as a soft copy unless you have marked it as ‘Confidential’.

Second Attempt
Second Attempt coursework will be of the same form as described above. If a student does not
meet the module pass mark of 40%, second attempt coursework will be of the same form as
described above for the RP, i.e., a revised RP (as required by the Boards of Examiners). Second
attempt coursework is capped at 40%.

Individual feedback will be provided on feedback sheets which will be attached to your proposal
and RP. These sheets will highlight the strengths of the work and identify development points to
help you to work out where you went wrong and how you can improve your performance in the
future. General feedback on performance in coursework will be posted on the module Moodle
site.

Please note that Postgraduate students can only undertake second attempt assessment in modules
totalling no more than 60 credits. Students should note that the decisions of Module Assessment
Boards and Boards of Examiners may mean that any work undertaken before the second attempt
assessment proves to be redundant because the volume of individual second attempt assessment
necessary may mean that the student has the opportunity for second attempt assessment
withdrawn.

Examination and Assessment Regulations

Please note that all coursework and examination marks remain provisional until they have been
confirmed by the Module Assessment Board.

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Part 12 paragraph 1.4 of the Examination and Assessment Regulations September 2013 makes it
clear that students may not question the academic judgement of the academic staff and states that
any requests for a review of a mark based on such grounds alone will be dismissed. Students can
only request a re-mark under the following circumstances: there has been a material and
significant administrative error; or there has been a procedural irregularity in the assessment
process as defined in the Examination and Assessment Regulations. You can obtain a full copy
of the Regulations by following this link:

Although you cannot question the academic judgement of a lecturer, we are happy to meet with
students to discuss their performance. However, you must make sure that you have read and
reflected on your individual feedback before you get in touch with a tutor to arrange a meeting to
discuss your work.

Extenuating Circumstances
The University operates an Extenuating Circumstances Policy for students who have a serious
health or personal problem which has prevented them from sitting an examination or has resulted
in the submission of coursework after the due date. The details can be found on Moodle
(Postgraduate Administration) or on the University website.

http://www.port.ac.uk/accesstoinformation/policies/academicregistry/filetodownload,10380,en.p
df

If you are unable to sit an examination or submit coursework on the due date as a result of
circumstances relating to your health and/or other personal matters, which are sufficiently
serious to have prevented you from completing or submitting the assessment artefact, you should
submit an ECF within 20 working days of the submission date.

You are strongly advised to speak to your Course Manager or RP supervisor as soon as possible
after the circumstances arise or when you realise that you will not be able to sit/submit the
assessment. Continuing students should be aware that the regulations have changed and therefore
you should ensure that you understand the changes that have been made by referring to the
Moodle or website pages.

Please note that you may not submit an ECF to cover the second attempt assessment period.

Important Note:

Regulations can change during the course of the year. You will be notified of any changes to the
ECF Regulations, the Examination & Assessment Regulations, and/or any other important

19
changes via your university email account so you must check this regularly. However, please
note that all regulations are available to view at any time.

https://regulations.docstore.port.ac.uk/ExamRegs12AssessmentOffences.pdf

PBS Study Support

The Business School Study Support Tutors offer confidential support with all aspects of study
skills. You can send work (drafts or completed documents) to them electronically, or arrange a
face-to-face appointment to help develop your skills and enhance your work. They can provide
guidance and feedback on things like academic writing, English language, planning and producing
assignments, research skills, working in groups, presentations and exam/revision skills. Domestic
and international students are welcome to use this service. The tutors are available Monday-Friday
throughout term time and most holiday periods. For more information, email them
(studysupport@port.ac.uk) or visit their website (www.port.ac.uk/studysupport).

Plagiarism
THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS OFFENCE
Students are reminded of the need to avoid plagiarism in all assessments. The University
Regulations describe plagiarism as:

The incorporation by a student in work for assessment of material which is not their own, in the
sense that all or a substantial part of the work has been copied without any adequate attempt at
attribution, or has been incorporated as if it were the student’s own when in fact it is wholly or
substantially the work of another person or persons.

Any student suspected of plagiarising will be referred to the PBS Student Assessment and
Assessment Regulations Lead and an Academic Misconduct Hearing will be arranged. Students
should ensure that all sources are fully cited and in the reference list, in accordance with APA
7th Edition, and that indentation or quotation marks (as appropriate) are used when quoting.
Students who fail to include a reference list will be penalised.

Guidance may be found at : www.referencing.port.ac.uk

If any student has a query about any of the above matters and wishes to obtain clarification or
further information, please contact the Module Coordinator or your Course Manager.

Work that is not your own

20
As a student it is expected that you demonstrate the ability to select appropriate reading material,
think, analyse, synthesise and then produce your own work to submit for assessment. When you
graduate you know that you earnt your MBA’s degree and that it reflects your personal effort. In
future, you may look back with pride on your achievement.

Sadly, some students deliberately submit work for assessment that is not their own. Work
commissioned form contract tutors or paying a friend / other person to write your assessment
work means that this is not your work. Using on-line ghost writers, private tutors, contract
cheating or any third party (i.e. paying any third party for an essay or assignment) and
incorporating it as if it is your own work is plagiarism.

If you have any questions about what is meant by ‘your own work’ please contact the Module
Co-ordinator, your RP supervisor or any of your lecturers or the Course Manager. PBS Study
Skills and the University Academic Skills Module (ASK) will be pleased to offer advice about
what ‘your own work’ means. Do not de-value your, or other’s qualifications, by submitting
work that is not your own.

Ethics in research data collection

Ethical standards must be maintained in the collection and reporting of primary and secondary
data. No data collection is permitted until your RP Supervisor has approved and signed the
Portsmouth Business School (PBS) Ethical Approval Form AND the relevant employer has
approved the proposed research. If appropriate, you should ensure the employer’s ethics
procedure is adhered to - this is your responsibility.

N.B Failure to submit the approved and signed PBS Ethical Approval Form with the final RP is
an automatic failure.

For the current Version of the PBS Ethical Approval Form and other useful documents please
see the PBS Dissertations Library and Useful Resources Moodle Site. Click on Ethics Guidance.
You will find a copy of the form, guidance notes, and examples of standard forms, templates and
information sheets.

Ethical Approval can only be granted by your Supervisor.

You are reminded that your Supervisor may ask to see your raw data at any point up to the Board
of Examiners meeting.

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Appendices
Appendix 1 – Proposal Form
This proposal must be submitted via turnitin as a WORD document (not PDF)

The format of the proposal should include:

Indication of student number on the front page

A. Title:

B. Introduction (300-500 words):

C. Literature Review (1000 words)

E. Objectives / Research Questions (100 words)

F. Research design (500 words)

G. References List (with a minimum of 30-40 relevant academic papers/books in addition to

practitioner-based references)

Please highlight the appropriate responses for YOUR study

Answer all 6 questions

1. Is your study positivist / pragmatist / interpretivist ?

2. Will your data be quantitative / qualitative / mixed ?
3. Are you gathering secondary data / primary data / both ?
4. How will you gather the data semi structured interviews / surveys / focus groups /
ethnographic / other ?
5. (a) If you are using secondary data, what is your source?
6. (b) If you are gathering primary data, what is your sample?

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RP Proposal Marking Criteria
The proposal is your opportunity to check if you are on track with your project. The following template
will be used to provide feedback on your proposal. Remember that the word count for the proposal is
strictly 2000 word (+/- 10%).

Student Number: Tutor:

Excellent Moderate Poor

Title Clear and related to Lacks some clarity in Vague and not suggestive of the project
the topic what the project will content
be about

Introduction A clear, articulated Some indication of No clear indication of what the project
introduction of the what the project is consists of and justification of the choice
project, with a strong about but rationale of topic
research rationale and logical flow could
be stronger

Research Clear and related to Too many/few or Impractical questions or unrelated to the
Questions the rationale vague questions topic

Literature Provides a clear outline Some indication of Little or no engagement with existing
Review of contemporary academic debates research on this topic, few sources and/or
academic debates on based on a sufficient inappropriate references
the area in question number of sources
using a good number
of sources

23
Methodology A clear understanding Some understanding Little or no discussion of these issues
of methodology and shown of
methods shown. methodology and
methods

References Excellent level of A quite Poor reference list with weak sources (e.g.
breadth and depth of comprehensive list of non-academic) and inaccurate formatting.
academic and academic and/or
practitioner sources practitioner sources
properly formatted

Tutors Comments (suggested template):

What was good about this proposal?

What needs improvement?

Suggestions for improvement?

Mark:

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Appendix 2- Assessment Criteria

The dissertation will be graded on the basis of the following specific criteria defined below:

70%+ Independent thought. ‘Flair’, originality in style, a personal response. Original

insights and/or synthesis of theory and practice. ‘Surprise’ for others. Lateral,
creative and sophisticated connections with other ideas and disciplines. Wide and
original reading. Criticism of opinions and arguments found in literature. Ability to
generalise and hypothesise. Style and credibility - clarity and conciseness. Ability to
plan, carry out and evaluate own work without guidance.
60-69% Ability to inter-relate concepts and ideas. Able to relate theory to practice. Able to
make connections with wider issues. Ability to exercise research techniques. New,
unusual or imaginative texts/sources. Sense of controversy or disagreement.
Appreciation of moral and ethical considerations. Accurate comprehensive coverage.
Flow, style, presentation, consistency and credibility. Independence in planning and
carrying out work.
40-59% Technically competent in academic conventions with some but limited reading of
mainstream texts and lecture notes citations used and some evidence of clear
arguments being developed alongside personal and/or general opinions/assertions
not always fully supported. Main aspects covered with some uncritical acceptance of
popular or current ideas or rhetoric. Generally accurate in research methods and
content, attempts to relate and balance theory and practice with some limitations.
Generally coherent with some style and presentation issues that restrict the audience.
Some evidence of independence in planning and carrying out work with some
guidance and help needed.
0-39% FAIL – Some knowledge of relevant concepts and literature but significant gaps in
understanding or knowledge. Little attempt at evaluation and/or conclusions vague,
ambiguous or not based on researched material. Limited or inappropriate research.
Deficits in length, structure, presentation and/or prose.

Generic Level 7 Master/MBA criteria

Excellent work – able to express an original reasoned argument in a lucid manner by
70 reviewing and critiquing a wide range of material. Original, critical thinking based on
and outstanding insight, knowledge and understanding of material. Material contributes to
over current understanding and is of potentially publishable quality in terms of presentation
and content. Wide reaching research showing breadth and depth of sources.

25
 As below plus: Clear, balanced coherent critical and rigorous analysis of the subject
60-
matter. Detailed understanding of knowledge and theory expressed with clarity.
Extensive use of relevant and current literature to view topic in perspective, analyse
69
context and develop new explanations and theories.
50- As below plus: Detailed review and grasp of pertinent issues and a critical contextual
overview of the literature. Thorough knowledge of theory and methods and uses this to
59 underpin arguments and conclusions. Confidence in understanding and using literature.
Demonstrates grasp of key concepts and an ability to develop and support an argument
40
in a predominately descriptive way with valid conclusions drawn from the research.
Familiarity with key literature which is cited and presented according to convention.
49
Logical and clear structure, well organised with good use of language and supporting
material
FAIL – Some knowledge of relevant concepts and literature but significant gaps in
30- understanding and / or knowledge. Little attempt at evaluation, conclusions vague,
ambiguous and not based on researched material.
39
.
0-
Limited or inappropriate research. Deficits in length, structure, presentation and / or
prose
29

26
 Appendix 3 – Assessment forms
Global MBA
Final Research Project Module
Research Project Assessment Form

Student Name:

Student Number:

RP Title:

Date Ethical Approval Form signed:

Name of Supervisor: Signature:

Name of Second Marker: Signature:

Agreed Mark: % Date:

Guidance for markers

The supervisor is the first marker. Both markers should mark separately, each completing a mark
sheet (typed). Both markers should meet and agree a final mark, using the marking criteria sheet
as the focus for discussion. The first marker should then on their feedback sheet type up comments,
indicating the discussion that took place and justifying the final agreed mark and also complete
the accompanying highlighted criteria sheet. Both mark sheets should be signed and returned with
the hard copy IBP to the Postgraduate Centre. The module will be subject to internal verification
by the Module Coordinator prior to marks being released to individual students. Markers are
therefore requested not to provide feedback sheets or marks to students prior to verification.

27
 Research Project Assessment Form cont.
Student Feedback and Development Points

Student Name:

First Marker Feedback and Mark*

Second Marker Feedback and Mark*

*marker please delete as appropriate

Chapter and Feedback and Development Points

Achievement of
Learning
outcomes
Introduction
Identify a strategically
relevant organisational
issue, justifying the need
for research.

Present research aim and

objectives/research
questions.

(LO1 & LO7)

Literature Review
Critically evaluate
academic and practitioner
literature that is relevant to
the chosen issue.

(LO2)

Methodology
Compare and evaluate
different research
philosophies,
methodologies, and
research methods. Select
and justify the use of data
collection methods.

28
 Conduct ethically sound
research.

(LO3 & LO 4 & LO 7))

Data analysis and

discussion of
findings
Undertake a critical,
systematic analysis of
data, presenting results in
a synthesised and
consistent manner.

(LO5)
Conclusions and
Recommendations
Draw appropriate and
realistic conclusions,
making recommendations
to improve or enhance It
is expected that
recommendations are
mindful of feasibility and
the cost of
implementation.

(LO6)
Presentation
Develop and present a
persuasive report to MBA-
level academic standards.

(GAC 8)
Overall comment
and provisional
mark

Note to markers: feedback should highlight good points, weak ones and also how the student could
improve their work.

29
 Research Project Assessment Form cont.
Summary Feedback and Verification

Student Number:

First Marker to Complete

Summary of markers’ discussion and justify agreed final mark

Please attach the final agreed highlighted marking criteria sheet.

Module Coordinator Verification

Is the assessment decision for this student internally consistent across the cohort?

Do feedback comments reflect the mark awarded?

Is marker feedback sufficient and constructive to enable the student to develop strengths
and address development points?

Is this a fair assessment against the marking criteria?

Is it necessary to moderate the mark?

Markers will be consulted if moderation is considered necessary.

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31