Assessment Consideration

Each project will be subject to a system of second marking, before being passed to the external examiner. This process ensures that a consistent and appropriate standard of marking is being applied. Assessment consideration will include the following:

Clarity of the dissertation’s purpose and objectives

This should make it clear to the reader what the organisation involved does, or, if the study is not organisation based, what the context of the inquiry is. There should be a definite statement of the purpose of the study. The topic or problem must be clearly explained and include an outline of what it is intended to achieve for the client organisation or target audience. Theories or conceptual frameworks guiding the work should be outlined and their application explained.

Use and critical understanding of theory

Relevant previous work should be reviewed and appraised. The dissertation should demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and make use of relevant sources.

Relevance and justification of methodology

The methodology used should be adequately explained and must be appropriate to the problem and the data. Reasons for using particular techniques should be explained. Data must be carefully collected and bias avoided. There should be evidence of a critical evaluation of sources and data. Data must be relevant.

Use of critical understanding of analysis

The dissertation should demonstrate rigour in analysis of information, taking an appropriate critical attitude. There should be a high standard of interpretative skills in analysing and understanding the results of the investigation.

Ability/demonstration of understanding study’s implications and limitations

The dissertation should demonstrate a clear reflexive mode of thought and clarity of action. The dissertation should discuss what the student learned about the application both of concepts and techniques in carrying out the dissertation. This should include an appraisal of research and management competencies enhanced, reflections on successes or failures, more general lessons of interest and any areas identified as needing further investigation. This section should demonstrate a high standard of understanding of the reality of the research process, a developed awareness and understanding of the business setting and contain a genuinely thoughtful and well considered critique.

Academic content

Appropriate application of theories and concepts should be demonstrated. Candidates should show that they are able to relate theory to practice either to a specific organisational setting or to illuminate the managerial implications of a more general enquiry.

Conclusions and recommendations

These should be based on the evidence and be clearly derived from the preceding analysis. Practical effectiveness and sensitivity should be shown in conclusions and recommendations with realistic awareness of constraints where appropriate. Costs and benefits of recommendations should be quantified wherever practicable. Action plans should be well thought out and practicable.

The lessons learned

The project should discuss what the student learned about the application both of concepts and techniques in carrying out the project. This should include an appraisal of research and management competencies enhanced, reflections on successes or failures, more general lessons of interest, and any areas identified as needing further investigation. This section should demonstrate a high standard of realism and sophistication, a developed awareness and understanding of the business setting and contain a genuinely thoughtful and well considered critique.

Quality of presentation

The dissertation should be written in good English and be well presented with appropriate use and quality of graphics and illustrations. It should be well structured with clear and explanatory section headings. The sections of each part of the project should be clear and logical and hang together particularly well. Projects should be correct in terms of mechanics i.e. typing, spelling, grammar, tables, references etc. The dissertation should observe the word count and adhere to the structures outlined in this booklet. Assessment criteria are outlined in your course handbook. 

Graduation

The dissertation phase of the Programme is the final stage of the degree. Graduation ceremonies are normally held twice each year in Leicester, i.e. summer (July) and winter (February), although there may be alterations from time to time, depending on special circumstances at the University. Final submission dates for course work are published well in advance and you should check on Blackboard and with your local Resource Centre if you are in doubt. As a general rule, students wishing to graduate in July need to submit all of the work by 1st March. For students wishing to graduate in february all of the work needs to be submitted by 1st September.

Important: These days refer to when all work needs to be delivered to the University of Leicester.

Please remember that you will be invited to attend only one graduation ceremony. If you are unable to attend this ceremony you will not be permitted to attend at a later ceremony, irrespective of personal circumstances. This is University policy and applies to all students.