Programme: BA (Hons) Business and Management (Top-Up

Part-time)

Module Code: BAMG3118

Module Title: Strategy and Management Dissertation

Academic Year: 2021/22

Credit value: 30

Module coordinator: Mr. Y O LAM 3442 7119

Email: yo.lam@cityu.edu.hk
Room: P6513, Yeung Building, Kowloon Tong Campus

Module Overview

Assessment 1 Assessment 2

Type Literature Review Dissertation

Length 2,000 Words 6,000 - 8,000 Words

Weighting 20% 80%

Deadline 26/11/2021 04/04/2022

Return Date 10/01/2022 30/04/2022

Note: all coursework must be submitted electronically via Turnitin by the deadlines unless
there are mitigating circumstances. Information on penalties and late submissions can be
found at: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/deferral-of-assessments.aspx

The Faculty is committed to a 20 day turnaround time for the marking and return of
coursework. The turnaround time does not include weekends, bank holidays or university
closure days.

1
 CONTENTS PAGE

CONTENTS PAGE

1. Introduction 3

2. Aim and Objectives 4

3. Teaching and Learning Strategies 5

4. Assessment/Re-assessment in the Module 10

5. Plagiarism and the use of TURNITIN 11

Appendix 1 Topic Proposal Form 12

Appendix 2 Literature Review Feedback Sheet 13
Appendix 3 Completing the Dissertation Marking 15
Appendix 4 Ethics approval form 16
Appendix 5 Grade Descriptors 21
Appendix 6 Further Information 22

2
1. INTRODUCTION

The dissertation provides an opportunity for students to undertake

independent study in an area of special interest within the broad area of
strategy and management. Students are able to research areas of interest in
depth over a sustained period. It is the longest piece of writing you will
undertake while at university, and requires careful planning and time
management. It can be fantastically rewarding, and result in a finished product
that can be promoted at interviews as an example of your work. It might also
enable you to research an industry which you are interested in working in.

Undertaking such a large piece of work can be an intimidating prospect and

can be hugely time consuming at certain stages. However, the finished
product will demonstrate your ability to plan and undertake high quality work
independently. The carrying out of independent research can be a rewarding
experience.

Consider your previous experience and how your interest has been sustained
over the course of a year. It is important to choose a subject area with which
you are interested, and your enthusiasm can be sustained over the course of
the year.

Students will be allocated a supervisor for their dissertation. The format of the
module is also very different to that of others, in that the majority of your
contact with staff will be 1-to-1 with your supervisor. They will be a specialist
in business research or enterprise. Please keep them informed of your
progress, and talk to them about problems you are having, they may be able
to help. They will have written dissertations too, so they know what you are
experiencing.

Things to remember:

- The dissertation is independent, supported by your supervisor. They

will not keep a track of your progress, this is your responsibility. Be
aware of the deadlines (see indicative scheme of work).

- It is important that you are organised as your dissertation is your

independent piece of work. It is therefore very important to plan this
work carefully as it cannot be completed in the course of the last few
weeks! Plus you can not expect your allocated supervisor to do the
work for you.

3
2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES

Module aim

This module aims to provide an opportunity for students to undertake an

independent study in an area of special interest within the broad area of
strategy and management.

Objectives

By the end of this module students will:

1 Develop skills in the collection of data (Dissertation)

2 Be aware of different methodological approaches (Literature Review and
Dissertation)
3 Utilise and integrate their academic studies and where appropriate, work
experience (Literature Review and Dissertation)
4 Produce an academic piece of work of substantial length (Literature Review
and Dissertation)

4
3. TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES

The module is divided into two parts. Part 1 involves the completion of a topic
form and a Literature Review (20%). Part 2 involves the completion of a
dissertation (80%).

Part 1 lasts from the start of term through to the end of March
Part 2 from early May until the end of the Summer term.

Throughout staff supervision is provided. A formal lecture programme of 1

hour per week for 5 weeks is provided that outlines the requirements of the
module, facilitates and explains the preparation of a Literature Review and
introduces students to research platforms and library databases. You will be
allocated to a supervisor. The supervisor is not allocated to do the work
for you but will provide a sounding board for your ideas, help guide you with
your topic and questions, provide some limited guidance on methodological
issues, and mark the Literature Review:

Part 1 has a number of functions:

• it allows and requires students to develop a thorough knowledge of the

background to their topic;
• it provides a springboard to subsequent work on the introduction-;
literature review-; methodology-; and findings/analysis sections of the
completed dissertation;
• it provides early formal feedback on their research, writing and other
cognitive skills and a percentage mark.
• it encourages students to begin to select their topic, to research the
literature and above all to write and commit their ideas to paper early
on in the process.

Students will produce a Literature Review. The typical structure of the

literature review is:

• Abstract (separate word count and no longer than 100 words)

• Introduction
• Main Body – critical literature review, research methods
• Conclusion – summary of literature and should include a research question
• References

5
Part 2 is the dissertation itself.

It will involve a lecture on methodology as well as a number of discussions

with your supervisor.

A typical structure for a disertation is as follows:

• Title Page
• Abstract
• Contents Page
• Dedication
1. Introduction
2. Literature review
3. Methodology
4. Data/Findings
5. Analysis/Discussion
• Conclusions and recommendations
• References
• Bibliography
• Apendicies

This is indicative and may change depending on your topic. Chapters 4 and 5
for example can be combined. Discuss with your supervisor. This is the final
goal of your dissertation, chapter 2 (the literature review) is the first
assessment (Literature Review) due prior to Christmas, with the full
dissertation due towards the end of the year.

The final dissertation will be read as a linear document, from the first page to
the last. It’s construction is much more fluid, often many stages will be worked
on simultaniously, and changes in sections worked on later will necesitate
chages earlier on. For this reason it is strongly advised that writing is started
early on and worked at consistantly through the year.

Lecture Schedule – Indicative Scheme of Work

Trimester 1 Lecture
Week 1 Getting Started – What is a dissertation and topic
Week 2 The Components of a Literature Review
Week 3 Research Methodology, Conclusion and Recommendations
Week 4 Dissertation Workshop- Data Analysis 1
Week 5 Dissertation Workshop – Data Analysis 2

6
 1. How this module relates to your programme of study
The dissertation is an opportunity to undertake a relatively large piece of research.
This research maybe in an area of Strategy and Management that has either
interested you during your degree or you would like to develop your knowledge
further. It may also be a piece of research that you believe may be viewed positively
by employers. Making use of knowledge obtained from your programme of study is
advised.

2. How this module enhances your employability

The dissertation allows you to focus on areas of Strategy and Management that may
be very relevant to employers as well as your own development. Depending on your
choice of research topics you may engage with businesses in terms of research
activities. The dissertation requires good planning and organisational skills which
employers are keen to see evidence of.

3. Your responsibility
Students are expected to attend and participate in all timetabled activities, including
lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions. Students are also encouraged
to fully participate in the academic and cultural life of the Faculty and University,
including guest lectures, seminars, public debates and external visits.

As students, your responsibilities are:

Preparation: Complete the required readings before coming to each timetabled
session on this module and to undertake the required follow-up work.

Participation: Participation in class is based on participation in class lecture/seminar,

as well as group activities in class. To assist your engagement in class you should
come prepared by writing down ideas, quotes, or concepts from the reading list that
you find interesting as well as thought provoking. You should come prepared so that
you can fully engage in class discussions and activities. If you are late to class, then
please take the first available seat and settle yourself as quietly as possible.

Respect: Throughout your studies it is important that you treat other students with
respect as well as engaging in a respectful manner with academic staff. It is
imperative that you listen to others and treat their contributions with respect, even
if you disagree with them. In particular it is important that:
• You are respectful of your peers’ learning and resist talking through seminars,
workshops and lectures.
• You do not answer your phone unless it is an emergency.
• If you are late, then please take the first available seat and settle yourself as
quietly as possible.

The student charter sets out commitments from the university to students,
from students to the university, and from the Students’ Union to students. You can
consult it at:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/student-resources/student-charter/student-
charter.aspx
7
The module last for 9 months with the milestones below.

Submission
Key Date Learning Activities
Requirements
31 Aug 2021 Start of Trimester 1
1. 31 Aug 2021
2. 07 Sept 2021
3. 14 Sept 2021 Module Lecture,
4. 28 Sept 2021
5. 12 Oct 2021
Commencement of Weekly
31 Aug 2021
Supervision
15 Oct 2021 Friday Students determine the Email the Literature Review
dissertation topic and Topic Proposal Form
prepare a research outline (Appendix 1 , Module
using the Literature review Handbook) to respective
Topic Proposal From. supervisor on or before 15
Oct 2021 Friday
26 Nov 2021 Friday Students complete the Hand in a hardcopy of
Literature Review Literature Review report to
Report and submit it to SCOPE Counter on or
Turnitin before 7:00pm Friday, 26
Nov 2021, and Turnitin
Required.
End of -Trimester 1 and Examination Period
10 Jan 2022 Monday Students receive formal
feedback from supervisor in
the form of a Grade mark
and written comments on
the LR Report and SIGN
ETHNICS FORM
04 April 2022 Friday Students complete the Hand in a hardcopy of
research and finalize the dissertation report to
dissertation report and SCOPE before 7:00pm on
submit it to Turnitin. Friday, 04 April 2022, and
Turnitin Required.

8
 4. Module Resource
Reading for this module is largely self-directed and will vary greatly depending
on students choice of subject area. Google Scholar is a fantastic source of
information, particularly look for articles which have been cited a large number
of times, and explore their references related to your topic choice. I would
strongly recommend that rather than buying a textbook you use assorted
research methods books from the library appropriate for the research that you
intend to do. Talk to your supervisor for guidance.

Recommended text on Methods

Saunders, Mark, Lewis, Philip and Thornhill, Adrian, (2016),

Research Methods for Business Students, 7th edition, Harlow:
Financial Times Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0273716867

Other Recommended Reading:

Bryman, A. and Bell, E., (2015) 4th ed., Business Research Methods,
Oxford: Oxford University Press ISBN: 9780199668649

Cooper, D. R. and Schindler P. S., (2013). Business Research

Methods, 12th edition. Boston: McGraw Hill. ISBN: 00721244301

Kumar, R (2014) Research Methodology: A Step-By-Step Guide For

Beginners, 4th Ed. London : Sage. ISBN: 141291194X

Sekaran, U (2003). Research Methods for Business: A Skill-building

Approach, 4th edition, New York: Wiley ISBN: 0471203661

Yin, R. K. (2014) Case Study Research - Design and Methods, 5th

edition, Applied Social Research Methods Series, Volume 5,
London.: SAGE Publications. ISBN: 1412960991

Please access Module Resource List via Blackboard.

5. Blackboard and module communications

Important information relating to this module can be found on Blackboard. This
includes information on the module, lecture and seminar materials, all
communications and announcements, as well as the procedure for submitting
assignments via TurnitinUK.

You can access Blackboard by going to this link: https://vle.dmu.ac.uk

Login using the same username and password that you have for access to the
University’s computer services.

Further information on Blackboard can be accessed from the Centre for Enhancing
Learning through Technology (CELT): http://celt.our.dmu.ac.uk/blackboard/

If you have any difficulties logging into any computer on campus, then you should
contact the Help Desk located on the 1st floor of the Kimberlin Library. In addition,
you might contact the ITMS helpline ( +44 (0)116 250 6050) or send an email to
itmsservicedesk@dmu.ac.uk noting your name and degree programme).
9
4. ASSESSMENT/ RE-ASSESSMENT IN THE MODULE

Assessment:

• A literature review of 2,000- 2,100 words. (2,100 is maximum)

• A dissertation of 6,000 - 8,000 words (including the literature review -
which may be updated from the first assessment).

Weighting:

• Literature review 20%.

• Dissertation 80%

NOTE: Further details about each of the assessment elements will be

discussed in the lecture schedule and further documents to assist
students will be available on Blackboard. This is ultimately a self study
module and you are expected to read in depth across your topic/subject
and ensure you have read everything that is available on Blackboard.

To pass the module:

• The overall pass mark for the module after both assessments have
been combined is 40%.

Re-assessment:

1. Referred Literature Review requires a student to revise the original paper

sufficiently to obtain a pass mark of 40%.

2. Referred Completed Dissertation requires a student to revise the

dissertation sufficiently to obtain a pass mark of 40%.

3. Deferred Literature Review requires a student to submit a Literature Review

to the required specification as above.

4. Deferred Dissertation requires a student to submit a Dissertation to the

required specification as above

10
5. PLAGIARISM AND THE USE OF TURNITIN

Turnitin is a piece of software that detects plagiarism and all dissertations

must have been scrutinised by it, before they will be accepted for marking.
Please ensure that you have understood how Turnitin works and how it can
help to prevent plagiarism. Please ensure you are aware of the procedures if
plagiarism is suspected and of the penalties for those found guilty.

The formal regulations concerning allegations of academic offences are

contained in the General Regulations and Procedures affecting Students.
Useful material about ‘Turnitin’ and plagiarism can be found on Bb.

Plagiarism can be defined as, the significant use of other people’s work and
the submission of it as though it were one’s own work. This definition
embraces:
 Copying from another student’s work.
 Copying from a published or unpublished text without full
acknowledgement.
 Downloading information and/ or text from the Internet and using
it without acknowledgement.
 Paraphrasing source material without acknowledgement.
 Submitting work that you claim to be your own, when it has been
produced by other(s).

Poor academic practice that falls short of plagiarism can also incur penalties.
For example, where a student has included significant amounts of text from
sources, even where that text is fully referenced, some penalty may be
imposed such as a reduction in the mark awarded.

11
 Appendix 1. LITERATURE REVIEW TOPIC PROPOSAL FORM

LITERATURE REVIEW TOPIC PROPOSAL FORM (BABAM PT-

BAMG3118-STRATEGY AND MANAGEMENT DISSERTATION)

FAMILY NAME:
FIRST NAME (S):
STUDENT NUMBER:

Literature Review

I. Please outline your Literature Review topic. Indicate the discipline(s) it

will draw upon and try to describe its scope.

II. Please indicate the key academic databases, journals and other
sources that you will use.

III. Please identify the seminal journal articles that you expect to influence
your work and those contributors of theories and ideas upon whose
work you expect to draw.

12
 APPENDIX 2, LITERATURE REVIEW FEEDBACK TEMPLATE

LITERATURE REVIEW FEEDBACK TEMPLATE (weighted 20%)

TO BE SUBMITTED WITH LITERATURE REVIEW TO SCOPE AND ALSO
SENT AS AN EMAIL ATTACHMENT TO STUDENT’S SUPERVISOR ON OR
BEFORE
TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT
STUDENT’S NAME FAMILY NAME:
FIRST NAME:
UNIVERSITY P
NUMBER
I have SUMITTED THIS LITERATURE REVIEW FOR SCRUTINY BY Turnitin
and a copy of the submission record is attached.
Date:__________________________
Signed:_________________________

TO BE COMPLETED BY STUDENT’S SUPERVISOR

1. Is the LR in an acceptable format
including an appropriate
1. abstract, YES or NO (please circle
2. introduction, answer)
3. main body, YES or NO (please circle
4. conclusion and answer)
5. bibliography? YES or NO (please circle
answer)
YES or NO (please circle
answer)
YES or NO (please circle
answer)
2. Does the Turnitin report seem proper? YES or NO (please circle
answer)
3. No adverse finding constituting reject? YES or NO (please circle
answer)
If YES, what are they?
4. 4. Is the Harvard Citation accurate? YES or NO (please circle
answer)

Submission will be rejected and returned if any of the above items were
judged in the affirmative (YES) except item 3.

13
Please refer also to DMU’s undergraduate award descriptive.
COMMENTS AGAINST MARKING CRITERIA 1-4 BELOW, TO BE
COMPLETED BY STUDENT’S SUPERVISOR
1. Presentation (15)
a. coherence of structure
b. clarity and
c. flow
2. Discourse (35)
a. Comprehension of topic
i. issues,
ii. theories,
iii. ideas,
iv. concepts
b. Effectiveness
i. convincing
ii. concise
iii. conclusive
3. Literature reviewed (15)
a. quality
b. topicality
c. range
4. Suitability of Research
Questions (25)
a. Implication on strategy 0f
business
b. Applicability or usability
c. Efficiency or return on
investment
d. Implication to
organization
e. Time & cost viable
f. Technology ready

ANY OTHER REMARKS (10)

e.g. innovations, strengths/weaknesses
& areas for further development

TUTOR NAME Signed:

MARK/100 AWARDED DATE

All comments and grades/marks regarding this assessment feedback sheet will be
subject to ratifications by the Assessment Board and De Montfort University.

14
 Appendix 3. Completing the Dissertation Marking Template

‘COMPLETING THE DISSERTATION’ MARKING TEMPLATE, (80% weighting)

TO BE COMPLETED BY MEMBER OF STAFF

STUDENT Name FAMILY: FIRST:
Number P
TITLE OF DISSERTATION:
Has work submitted been scrutinised by Turnitin? YES/NO (circle answer)
Are there any adverse findings? YES/NO (circle answer)
If YES, what are they?

NAME OF MEMBER OF STAFF: The DMU Dissertation Module Leader

Date: Signature:

NB The marker is to comment upon the dissertation using the headings below
(more space is available in the actual form). Markers must use the Faculty of
Business and Law’s Undergraduate Grade Descriptors to determine a student’s mark
and must be willing to use the full range of marks available when doing so.

Specific Comments Descriptor Level Attained Wt

Clarity and coherence of the Abstract and 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
Introduction (explaining the purpose and scope): know achieve produce
impress
Knowledge of theories and ideas discussed in the 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
Literature: know achieve produce
impress
Awareness of methodology choices and quality of 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
methodology used: know achieve produce
impress
Extent of analysis and logic of discussion of findings: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2
know achieve produce
impress
Consistency of conclusions with preceding sections: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
know achieve produce
impress
Presentation of material and communication of ideas 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
(structure, referencing and quality of English Language): know achieve produce
impress
Overall impression: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1
know achieve produce
impress
Total (Max 80) Mark
MARK/100 AWARDED :
All comments and grades/marks regarding this assessment feedback sheet will be subject to
ratifications by the Assessment Board and De Montfort University.

15
 Appendix 4. ETHICAL GUIDANCE AND ETHICAL APPROVAL FORM

Tracking No:
Date approved:
Initials:

Faculty of Business and Law

Application to Gain Ethics Approval for Research Activities
All research activity conducted by members of staff or students within the Faculty of
Business and Law requires ethics approval. To gain ethics approval this form
should be completed and submitted to the appropriate designated officer (see
below). Students should complete this form in consultation with their supervisors.
Applicant

Last Name: First Name:

DMU Email Address: Staff/student no:

SECTION 1. The Research

Title:

Aims of the research:

Research methodology (please provide a brief description of your research method):

Will the research be carried out off University premises?

Principal data collection methods (delete as applicable)

a) Interviews yes /no
b) Questionnaires yes /no
c) Observation yes /no
d) Documents/archives (inc. doctrinal law) yes /no
e) Other (please specify) ______________________

16
Sensitive Research

If your research topic is concerned with the following ‘sensitive research’ areas: illegal
activities, including the collection of source data, e.g. crime statistics, or access to web
sites normally prohibited on university servers, or extremism and radicalisation please
complete the questions on page Error! Bookmark not defined..
(For more information see http://preview.dmu.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-
governance/sensitive-research.aspx)

If you have completed these questions indicate here: No

Participants

Will your research involve human participants? If YES then proceed to section B. If NO
then proceed to section A.

A – No human participants

I confirm that my data collection technique is documentary and will not involve human
participation:

Signature of Researcher: ....................................................... Date: ………….…….

In these circumstances you can omit the remaining sections of the form. Please forward
to the appropriate designated officer for approval

B – Human Participants

What is the research population

How will participants be selected?

17
SECTION 2. Research ethics and the protection of participants’ interests.
NB. Participants should suffer no harm as a result of participation in the
research

Please confirm the following by deleting as applicable.

[If you are not able to confirm any of the statements please provide further information
in the section below].

Participation in the research will be:

Voluntary y/n
Based on informed consent y/n

Participants’ identities will be protected via:

Confidentiality with respect to the data y/n
Anonymity in terms of any reported findings from the
research yes

The research process will:

Respect the privacy of individuals and avoid undue intrusion
yes
Avoid emotional harm or upset to those taking part y/n

Data from the research will:

Be stored securely in line with data protection principles
yes
Be kept away from third parties y/n

The research be conducted with integrity including:

Fair and honest treatment of the data y/n
Open dealing with participants y/n
Declaring any sponsorship or vested interests y/n
Avoiding any plagiarism y/n

The research complies with the law in all relevant respects y/n

Further comments relating to the checklist above

18
SECTION 3. Additional Codes of Ethics

Which Code of Research Ethics will be adhered to during the course of your research?
Examples of Codes can be found at http://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-governance/faculty-specific-
procedures/business-and-law-ethics-procedures.aspx

Name: The Research Ethics Web address:

Guidebook http://www.ethicsguidebook.ac.uk/Professional-
Guidelines-313
Some types of research activity require additional advance ethical approval to be given
from the relevant governing body. For example, advance NHS approval is required
where participants include NHS patients or social care users. It is the responsibility of
the researcher to ascertain whether such approval is required and to obtain this where
necessary.

My study requires additional approval no

I have obtained additional approval from

Reference number: Date of approval:

SECTION 4. Declaration and Signatures

I have read the Responsibilities of the Researcher guidelines at

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/ethics-and-governance/responsibilities-of-the-
researcher.aspx and I will comply with them.

I have considered my own personal safety and a separate Risk Assessment has not
been completed.

Signature of Researcher:……………………. .......................... Date: ………….

Students Only:

This form must be agreed with your Supervisor prior to authorisation by the Designated
Officer. For Research Students a copy of the research proposal (Application for
Registration (RDC:R) form) must be attached to this application.

Programme of Study: ……………..

Name of Supervisor: ..........................

Signature of Supervisor:……………………............................ Date: ………….

19
Designated Officer approval:
This is signed off on the condition that a Risk Assessment (if required) has been
completed.

Name: ...............................................................................................................................

Signature of Designated Officer: ......................................... Date: .................

20
 Appendix 5: Grade Descriptors

Modules are marked on a range of 0-100%. Mark descriptors are given in the
table below. A mark below 40% indicates a Fail grade (the shaded boxes).

Mark Range Criteria

Indicates that no fault can be found with the work other than
very minor errors, for example typographical, or perhaps failure
90-100%
to satisfy the most challenging and exacting demands of the
assessment.
Indicates a very high level of understanding evidenced by an
ability to engage critically and analytically with source material.
80-89%
Likely to exhibit independent lines of argument. Only minor
errors or omissions.
Judged to be very good, yet not outstanding. May contain minor
errors or omissions. A well-developed response showing clear
70-79%
knowledge and the ability to interpret and/or apply that
knowledge.
Indicates a sound understanding of basic points and principles
but with some failure to express or to apply them properly.
60-69%
Hence the answer is essentially correct, has some errors or
omissions, and is not seriously flawed.
Indicates a more limited understanding of basic points and
principles, with significant errors and omissions. These errors
50-59%
and omissions, however, do not cast doubt on the basic level of
understanding.
Indicates questionable understanding of basic points and
40-49% principles yet sufficient to show that learning outcomes have
been achieved at a rudimentary level.
Indicates an answer that shows only weakly developed
30-39% elements of understanding. The learning outcomes have been
insufficiently realised.
Very little knowledge has been demonstrated and the
20-29%
presentation shows little coherence of material or argument.
0-19% Only isolated or no knowledge displayed.

21
 Appendix 6 : Further Information

Attendance: Attendance and engagement in all learning activities is expected in all

Faculty of Business and Law modules. For absences due to illness, lasting up to six
consecutive calendar days, students must inform tutors, whose classes they are
missing, of the reasons for their absence. For absences of seven consecutive days or
more due to illness a medical certificate must be submitted to the Faculty Student
Advice Centre. Student who wish the illness to be taken into account in relation to an
assessment of work must follow the procedures relating to deferral.

Extensions: Extensions to relevant deadlines are only granted where there is a

satisfactory explanation provided in advance. Module leaders may be able to grant a
short extension of up to 14 days or they can, if appropriate or practical, make
alternative arrangements for the assessment. Remember it may not always be
possible to make alternative arrangements. In exceptional circumstances extensions
beyond 14 days can be granted by the Associate Dean Academic or their nominee.
You may apply for an extension by completing an extension request form available
from the Student Advice Centre.

Unauthorised late submission of assessments

If an assessment is submitted later than the deadline without an approved extension
or deferral the mark received will be capped. If an assessment is submitted 1-14
calendar days late the mark for the work will be capped at the pass mark of 40 per
cent for undergraduate modules. If an assessment is submitted beyond 14 calendar
days late the work will receive a mark of zero per cent.

Deferrals
If your circumstances are such that an extension of 14 days would not be sufficient,
or if you feel that, despite being granted an extension of up to 14 days, your
performance in a piece of coursework has been seriously impaired, you may apply
formally to your faculty panel for a deferral of assessment of coursework. You will
have to fill in the appropriate form that is obtainable from the Faculty Student
Advice Centre and supply supporting evidence. Forms should be submitted to the
Faculty Student Advice Centre. Further information on the deferrals policy can be
consulted at: http://dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-
support-office/deferral-of-assessments.aspx

Style and Referencing: Students in the Faculty of Business and Law follow specific
referencing guides for all written work. There are separate guidelines for Law
students (https://libguides.library.dmu.ac.uk/law/referencing) and for students in
the Leicester Castle Business School
(https://libguides.library.dmu.ac.uk/business/referencing).

Law students follow the footnote referencing system:

https://libguides.library.dmu.ac.uk/ld.php?content_id=26780459

Leicester Castle Business School students follow the Harvard referencing system:
http://www.library.dmu.ac.uk/Images/Selfstudy/Harvard.pdf

22
Return of submitted work: All students will be informed via a Blackboard
announcement when their assessment is marked. You are strongly encouraged to
discuss your written or in some cases audio feedback with your module leader if you
have any questions or concerns. Modules assessed wholly or in part by examination
may have generic feedback on examination performance made available via
Blackboard.

All marks on assessed work are provisional marks only and they will not be
confirmed until the Assessment Board meets. Marks and feedback on assessed work
will be available within 20 days. The turnaround time does not include weekends,
bank holidays or university closure days
The full Assessment and Feedback policy can be consulted at:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/quality-management-and-policy/academic-
quality/learning-teaching-assessment/assessment-feedback-policy.aspx

Good academic conduct and discipline: All students are expected to adhere to the
University’s regulations in relation to expected standards of behaviour.

Information on student regulations can be viewed at:

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/student-regulations.aspx

Plagiarism and bad academic practice

De Montfort University's Academic Regulations describe plagiarism as:
“the significant use of other people's work and the submission of it as though it were
one's own in assessed coursework (such as dissertations, essays, experiments etc)”.

This includes:
• Copying from another student's work
• Copying text from sources such as books or journals without
acknowledgement
• Downloading information and/or text from the Internet and using it without
acknowledgement
• Submitting work which you claim to be your own when it has been produced
by a group
• Submitting group work without acknowledging all contributors.

De Montfort University describes bad academic practice as:

Low level duplication without citation for example errors made through carelessness
or misunderstanding or
Passing off ideas, data or other information as if originally discovered by the student.

Information on academic offences can be found at:

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/academic-offences.aspx

Further advice on academic offences can be obtained by emailing

acasupportoffice@dmu.ac.uk Full details can be found in the University regulations 23
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/student-regulations.aspx
Students are reminded that module assessment results are provisional until ratified
by the programme management boards and that results released to students can be
revised or redacted if there are concerns regarding academic practices.

Proofreading:
If you do use a third party to proof read your work or a professional proof reading
service you must discuss this with your tutor and declare this in a written statement
accompanying your work when you submit it for assessment.

Faculty of Business and Law Grade Descriptors

This is a guide to the criteria used by staff in the Faculty of Business and Law
assigning a mark to a piece of undergraduate work. The final mark awarded to a
piece of work will be informed by its predominant correspondence to these
descriptors. The University generic descriptors as well as advice for students can be
accessed at:
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/quality-management-and-policy/academic-
quality/learning-teaching-assessment/mark-descriptors.aspx

How we support you

Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control, for example, illness or
personal problems. If things start to affect your studies, you need to let someone
know. There are processes and people to help you.

Your personal tutor is an important starting point for help. He or she will be able to
advise you about the various University procedures. Many things can be dealt with
by your Programme Leader. Academic matters within the Faculty are led by the
Associate Dean Academic in conjunction with Associate Professor Student
Experience. The staff in the Student Advice Centre are there to provide support and
guidance.

There are in addition a number of sources of help that are listed in the Useful Links
and Contacts section below, such as the Student Gateway.

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USEFUL LINKS AND CONTACTS

Careers Service:
Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/careers-and-employability/careers-
and-employability.aspx

Counselling and Wellbeing

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/counselling-mental-
health-and-wellbeing/counselling/counselling.aspx

Disability Advice and Support

Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/disability-
advice-and-support/disability-advice-and-support.aspx

Student Advice Centre

Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/schools-and-departments/leicester-
business-school/contact-us.aspx

Student Finance and Welfare

Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/student-
finance-and-welfare/student-finance-and-welfare.aspx

Student support
Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/student-
support/student-support.aspx

Students’ Union
Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/welcome-to-de-montfort-students-
union/welcome-to-de-montfort-students-union.aspx

Support for Mature Students

Website: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-study/student-
support/advice-and-guidance-for-mature-students/advice-and-guidance-for-mature-
students.aspx

The Student Gateway

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/student-and-academic-
services.aspx

Other Services and Links

Academic Appeals
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/academic-appeals.aspx

Change in student circumstance (e.g. suspension of studies) –

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/student-finance-and-
welfare/changes-affecting-finances/taking-a-break.aspx

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Complaints Procedure
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/the-student-gateway/academic-support-
office/student-complaints/student-complaints-procedure.aspx

Information Technology and Media Services (ITMS)

http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/professional-services/information-technology-
and-media-services/service-desk.aspx

Nightline
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/dmu-students/student-resources/it-and-media/24-hour-
support.aspx

Student Code of Conduct

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/Documents/DMU-students/Academic-Support-
Office/Student-Code-of-Conduct.pdf

26