A GUIDE TO THE MBA

DISSERTATION
A comprehensive dissertation handbook for MBA programme

This Dissertation guide has been developed by the Research Unit, Postgraduate Department at ICBT Campus.

Copyright 2017 © Research Unit, ICBT CAMPUS. All rights reserved.

Contents
1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….......................................... 2

1.1. Module descriptor………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

1.2. Required reading………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

1.3. Further reading……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4

1.4. The background of the dissertation………………………………………………………………………. 5

2. Choosing an appropriate topic for the dissertation……………………………………………………………. 5

2.1. The role of the research supervisor………………………………………………………………………. 5

2.2. Changes to topic and methodology………………………………………………………………………. 6

2.3. Meeting with the assigned supervisor…………………………………………………………………… 6

2.4. Keeping records of key Meetings ………………………………………………………………………….. 6

3. Good research practices and ethics regulations…………………………………………………………………. 7

3.1. Referencing and ethical practice…………………………………………………………………………… 7

3.2. Dissertation structure…………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

3.3. Length, submission deadline and number of copies……………………………………………… 8

3.4. How to name the soft copy of your dissertation……………………………………………………. 9

3.5. Binding your dissertation……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

3.6. Copyright and format……………………………………………………………………………………………… 9

4. Plagiarism, duplication and assessment.…………….……………………………………………………………… 10

5. Assessment criteria………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………… 11

6. Preparation of the hardbound Dissertation Copy, filing and publication……………………………. 13

7. Dissertation action plan.……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 14

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Introduction
We are happy to welcome you for the third semester of your MBA programme offered by Cardiff
Metropolitan University. The objective of this dissertation handbook is to provide you all necessary
information and the regulations related to your dissertation process. The research dissertation is an
essential part of your MBA programme. You will be getting an opportunity to learn and practice
researching and writing skills during this process. These skills will help you to succeed in your career
and further studies.
The Dissertation is a 40-credit module, so your effort and the inputs for this module should be
extremely high. Therefore, you are requested to keep your dissertation plan on track based on the
weekly action plan given out in this handbook. In addition to the above, it is essential to refer to more
textbooks, journals, magazines, and whitepapers relevant to your research topic for the success of
completing your dissertation. The literature review is the most important section of your dissertation.
Please note that the students are required to critically evaluate the literature not to just report them in
the dissertation. We would like to remind you that your academic writing technique is extremely
important and it will be critically marked by the examiner.
Another extremely important section is referencing. In academic culture, References and
Bibliography are the most crucial tasks. It is mandatory to list all referred resources in the reference
section of your dissertation to avoid plagiarisms. Please practice the Harvard Referencing System
for your dissertation. Without proper referencing please note the students may not have awarded the
higher grade.
If you have any problem during the dissertation process, your supervisor will normally be the first
person to contact on most academic issues. If you have an administrative problem, you should contact
the Research Unit of ICBT Campus. Please note that dissertations have to be submitted by the
deadlines set by the Research Unit, Postgraduate Department of ICBT Campus.

We wish you all the best for your dissertation

ICBT Research Unit

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The background of the dissertation
The dissertation is not proposed to be an original contribution to knowledge. The dissertation should
demonstrate your skills in the critical evaluation of academic literature, methodical collection of data,
organization of your research findings and presentation of research outcomes. You will be required
to read widely during your dissertation process and should learn how critically evaluate the academic
literature. A significant amount of time is required for your reading; therefore, it is your responsibility
to manage your time more effectively. The dissertation requires a higher standard of written
expression, so it is important for you to clearly and briefly express your perspective.
The dissertation should demonstrate the knowledge that you have acquired throughout your MBA
programme and also the ability to integrate knowledge from various subject areas in order to apply
critical analysis.

Choosing an appropriate topic for the dissertation

Choosing an appropriate topic for your dissertation is extremely influencing the success of a
dissertation and you should spend some good time and effort in choosing the right topic carefully.
The dissertation must focus on a topic that is closely related to your MBA specialization. If any
doubt, please consult with a member of Research Unit staff at Postgraduate Department of ICBT
Campus as early as possible.

The role of the research supervisor

To guide you with your MBA research dissertation, a member of the research supervision panel will
be allocated to you as a supervisor. The research committee of the Research Unit at Postgraduate
Department of ICBT Campus will read your research proposal and will select an appropriate member
of research staff to act as your supervisor. Your supervisor will be familiar with your topic of research
however may or may not be an expert in the particular research area you have chosen.

Your supervisor will guide you and advise you on methodology as well as to help you to avoid
routine research errors. However, you should not expect supervisors to act as a proof reader of
English. It is your responsibility to make sure the acceptable standard of your dissertation. It is up to
you to make use of your supervisor. It is not the supervisor’s role to chase you on your progress.

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Good Practices
You should keep clear and accurate records of the procedures followed and the approvals granted
during the research process, including records of the dissertation meetings, ethical approvals as well
as of the final research outcomes. This is not only proper research practice, also in case of queries
about research conduct and the outcome of the research.

Changes to topic and methodology

The appropriateness of the dissertation title and the methodology will be discussed throughout the
dissertation process. Any changes to this area need to be signed off with the approval of the
dissertation supervisor. No changes will be accepted after the deadline set by the Research Unit.
Students are not allowed to submit the final work without the approval of the changes proposed from
the supervisor.

Meeting with the assigned supervisor

It is your responsibility to check your e-mail regularly. The Research Unit of ICBT and the Cardiff
Metropolitan University expects that the student mandatory to attend minimum three official
meetings with the supervisor to discuss the dissertation. However, number of meetings between
student and supervisor will vary depending upon the student progression and the and supervisory
requirement. Some supervisors may choose to hold group supervisory meetings with several students
together. This is a useful way for you to learn from the experiences of other students.
Please note meetings could be arranged in weekday evenings. ICBT has the right to amend the
meeting schedules based on the availability of the supervisors. In order to qualify for the submission
students must attend all three official meetings. It is the responsibility of the students to take the
appropriate meeting noted and get them approved, manually or electronically (via email) from the
supervisor. Non-attendees for the 3 compulsory meeting are not eligible to submit the dissertation
and may be failed in the dissertation.

Keeping records of key Meetings

Students need to complete the dissertation meeting Record Sheet (appendix 3), and get the signature
of the supervisor (or approve them electronically via email). It is mandatory to attach the 3 meeting
minutes. If you failed to attach required meeting minutes, the dissertation will not be accepted by the
research unit. The dissertation meeting record sheet should be attached as an annexure to the final
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report. It is student’s responsibility to keep the records of each and every meeting, and no
dissertations will be accepted without the signed meeting record sheet attached.

Referencing

All sources of information must be referenced using “Harvard referencing” where in-text citation
rules should be followed and a full reference list should be included at the end of the report.

Ethical practice
Cardiff Metropolitan University is committed to maintaining standards of professional conduct in all
university and research activities. The purpose of the exemplar pack is to assist in the completion of
an appropriate and acceptable ethics application on the first submission. This document is the official
Cardiff Metropolitan University ethics application form which must be completed by any student or
staff member undertaking a research-type project. Applications for student projects must be
completed by the student themselves, acting as Principal Investigator (PI) but must be endorsed by
the supervisor. The dissertations without the ethics form attached will be awarded 0 (zero) marks.
Please attach the relevant ethic exemplar documents in the appendixes in your submission
copy.

Exemplar 1 (Mandatory)
Exemplar 2 - filled example of
Exemplar 1

Questionnaire

Exemplar 7, 8 & 9 (these are

examples provided as an additional
support)

Data Collection Method

Exemplar 1 (Mandatory)
Exemplar 2 - filled example of
Exemplar 1

Interview

Exemplar 3, 4, 5 & 6 (these are

examples provided as an additional
support)

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Dissertation Structure
The students are advised to structure the research report as per the given dissertation structure
(appendix 2). There are 5 main chapters of your research report.
Chapter 01 - Introduction
Chapter 02 - Critical review of Literature
Chapter 03 - Research Methodology
Chapter 04 - Data Presentation and Analysis
Chapter 05 - Conclusions & Recommendation
Please refer the appendix 2 for the detail research structure. Certain aspects in a dissertation structure
can only be varied after discussion with the supervisor for good reason.

Length
8,000 – 10,000 (with a maximum upper limit of 10%). This excludes the word count of references,
bibliography, table of content, Abbreviation, Acknowledgement, List of Table, and List of figures,
Numeric digits and text included in graph or pictures. Please note all appendices and the executive
summary are also excluded from the word count list. Dissertations which are either lengthier or
shorter than the specified word count may be subject to penalty.

Submission Deadline
The dissertation should be submitted before 4.00PM on Tuesday 18th October 2022 at the Research
Unit of Postgraduate Department. Submissions after the submission deadline will be considered as
late submissions.

If a dissertation is not submitted, it will be counted as an attempt and marked as 0 (zero). This will
result in the overall module being failed.

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Number of Copies
All students are required to submit an electronic copy (word format only) of their dissertation via
ICBTSIS. Please note that you also have to submit an electronic copy to the TURNITIN (UK) via
Cardiff Met Student’s portal or Moodle.

How to name the soft copy of your dissertation?

The electronic copy of your dissertation should be named by the Module name and your University
student id.

Ex – RSU Code Cardiff Student ID (RSU XX 20191111)

Copyright
Copyright of your Dissertation will normally remain yours, but the ICBT and University reserves the
right to retain the second copy and an electronic copy of your dissertation, including use in the
Library.

Format
The dissertation normally should be word processed. The report must be typed. Students are
responsible for correcting the typing errors before the final submission. The dissertation should have
a plastic back and a clear plastic cover. The margin on the left should be sufficient to accommodate
the binding (e.g. at least 1.5 inch for left margin, 1 inch for right margin). All pages are to be
numbered. The dissertation should use font size 12, font colour black, font style Times New Roman
and should use 1.5 spacing.

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Plagiarism
Plagiarism is treated as a major offence by the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Plagiarism is an
academic misconduct and is defined as copying and using others ideas and thoughts without
acknowledging them. The source which is plagiarized may take any form including words, graphs
and images, data, source code, ideas, judgments and so on. Plagiarism carries very serious penalties,
may range from the failure of the dissertation to failing even the entire programme. The most severe
penalty could lead to dismissal from the Cardiff Metropolitan University. Please do not attempt to
purchase or outsource your dissertation from the internet or elsewhere. Examiners can easily identify
the genuineness of the dissertation report.

Duplication
All work submitted must be your own and original. Please note that any work previously submitted
for another course or programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University or any other institution is not
acceptable.

Assessment
The dissertation is an essential element in your MBA. All Dissertations will be double marked by
the internal examiners, and will be moderated and validated by the external examiners from Cardiff
Metropolitan University, during the external verification visit. The external verification process will
be conducted by the external examiners appointed by the Cardiff Metropolitan University. As a
student you are the one is responsible for the quality and academic standard of your dissertation.
Approval by the supervisor is considered to be the eligibility for your submission, and not to be taken
as a guarantee for a favorable results. Attending the viva examination (Oral defense) is mandatory
for the dissertation evaluation process.

Assessment criteria
The pass mark for the dissertation is 50 %. Students who achieve less than 50 % in dissertation will
have one opportunity to resubmit the dissertation. The mark for the resubmitted dissertation will be
capped at 50%.

50% - 100% : Pass

0% - 49% : Fail

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90 - 100 An exceptional and outstanding submission, providing original insights which add to the
discipline area or academic area and, with some editing, could be published as a study in its own
right. In addition to the next section, a submission in this range would be distinguished by superior
organization and comprehensiveness, given the maximum word limit and time scale.

80 - 89 A submission that demonstrates an excellent understanding of the question and issues under
consideration and of the complexity of the issues involved. Theoretical considerations are used to
underpin the overall design and the relevance of factual information. There is some measure of
original and creative thinking. There must be evidence of wide reading with a critical focus.

70 - 79 This range will cover a submission that has a number of original insights and also provides a
comprehensive and accurate coverage of the question and issues under consideration with a high
level of consistency throughout the dissertation.

60 - 69 The submission will show evidence of ability to maintain a personal position in original terms
and show a command of the accepted critical positions with some attempts at innovation. There is a
demonstration of the dissertation question being clearly put and understood in relation to the
complexities of the issues involved. There is a sound use of relevant factual knowledge and
theoretical issues.

50 - 59 The submission shows a reasonable ability to defend a position on the basis of use of evidence.
It shows evidence of evaluation of the ability to use information and synthesis of generalizations
from it. There is clear evidence of selection of appropriate material, research design, logical structure
and argument but with lapses of integration. The answer demonstrates an understanding of the major
basic issues, both factually and theoretically.

30 – 49- Fail Grade

There is little or no evidence of understanding the basic issues. There are significant factual errors
and contradictions. The submission is poorly planned and integrated with little evidence of a clear
train of thought or development of argument. Some evidence of ability to collate information and
construct generalizations, but with little discretion.

20 - 29 The submission does not clearly specify a basic question and shows little logical development
or structure. There is no evidence of criticism, synthesis or evaluation.

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 0 - 19 Little evidence of getting beyond the proposal.

Filing and Publication

The research unit of ICBT Campus will keep an electronic copy of your dissertation. This may be
made available and stored on the e-library of research unit of postgraduate department. You are
encouraged to publish the results of your dissertation. Supervisors are the best people to advice on
this matter. All publications should acknowledge the help of your supervisor and mention your
Master’s degree programme at ICBT, Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK).

Module descriptor
Module Title Dissertation
Module Code MBA 7099
Credits 40
Teaching Period Semester 03
Word count of the dissertation 8000-10000
Aims The dissertation provides an opportunity for in depth study of a topic
relevant to management. It requires students to:

• Critically evaluate major schools of thought within relevant

management theory.
• Translate theory into practice through the study of its application
in the real world.
• Undertake empirical research in this area.
• Draw conclusions about the implications of the results for
managerial decision- making, in particular strategic.

Learning Outcome At the completion of the dissertation the student should be able
to:

• Formulate research questions at a level appropriate for a Masters.

• Critically review the relevant literature.
• Select the most appropriate methodology for the collection of
data, justifying that choice.
• Apply that methodology to collect primary or secondary data.
• Select a method of analysis appropriate to their research
• Question, within the context of what is commensurate to Masters
Level.
• Present the results in a manner that is clear and
comprehensive.
• Draw conclusions about the results for the conduct of
management

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Required reading
▪ Gill, J., and Johnson, P., (2007), Research Methods for Managers, (Third Edition), Sage
▪ Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A., (2009), Research Methods for Business Students,
(Fifth Edition), Financial Times/Prentice Hall Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A.,
2007. Research Methods for Business Students. 4th Ed. New Jersey: Financial
Times/Prentice Hall.
Further reading

• Biggam, J., (2011), Succeeding with your Masters Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Handbook,
Sage; London
• Fisher, C., (2007), Researching and Writing a Dissertation: A Guidebook for Business
Students, FT/Prentice Hall; London
• Furseth, I., & Everett, E.L., (2013), Sage Study Skills Series; London
• Gill, J., and Johnson, P., (2011), Research Methods for Managers, e-book
• Hart, C., (2004), Doing your Masters Dissertation Sage Study skills; London
• Lomas, R., (2011), Mastering your Business Dissertation: How to Conceive Research and
Write a Good Business Dissertation, Routledge; Oxon

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 MBA Dissertation Action Plan – December 2022 Exam Board

Week No Main tasks to be completed by end of this week Interim Deadlines

Week 1 Background reading

25 Jul – 31 Jul More background and focused reading on your chosen aspect of the
topic

Week 2 1st Official Meeting with the Supervisor Agreement of title

1 Aug – 7 Aug Finalize topic and title Brief annotated bibliography

Overview of design of
dissertation plan

Week 3 Literature search – what has already been written about your topic?
Seek out up-to-date resources. Investigate methodological issues,
8 Aug – 14 Aug Finalizing Literature collection
implications of particular methods and ethical issues

Completion of Ethical approval process

Week 4 Dissertation plan, informed by your literature search Investigate Completion of 1st Chapter
methodological issues, implications of particular methods and ethical
15 Aug – 21 Aug
issues

Week 5 Develop dissertation plan begin to conduct your research and gather
evidence or data
22 Aug – 28 Aug
Gathering evidence or data begin to analyse evidence or data

Week 6 2nd Official Meeting with the Supervisor Completion of 2nd and 3rd
Chapters
29 Aug – 4 Sep This is when the bulk of your writing should be completed.
Remember that, as you write, your ideas will change and develop so
your timetable must be fairly flexible

Week 7 Use initial findings to begin to draft the dissertation Continue to

analyze and evaluate evidence or data
5 Sep – 11 Sep

Week 8 Refine assignment plan and develop draft, focus on adopting an

appropriate academic tone and style, together with accurate, reader-
12 Sep – 18 Sep Completion of 4th and 5th Chapters
friendly presentation of evidence

Week 9 3rd Official Meeting with the Supervisor

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19 Sep – 25 Sep Continue drafting and refining

Week 10 Complete draft Refine style. Aim to complete a draft in advance of

the deadline and submit it to your supervisor for review
26 Sep – 2 Oct

Week 11 Last refinements of written style and presentation Completed draft

3 Oct – 9 Oct Final check of data and its presentation. Completion of your Get the Signature (e-signature
dissertation, allowing plenty of time for revisions, and finalizing the or an email confirmation) of the
draft Supervisor before the
submission

Week 12 Produce final report Submission of Dissertation (18th

October 2022)
10 Oct – 16 Oct Deadline for submission of final dissertation. Only the final soft copy
should be submitted to ICBT SIS (in word format only)

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 Appendix 1 – Cover page and the declaration page

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff School of Management

MBA

[TITLE OF YOUR DISSERTATION]

Submitted in October 2022

By

[Your Name]

(Student ID - [your University ID] – [ICBT Id])

This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

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DECLARATION

This work is being submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

…………………………………………………………………………………………. and has not previously

been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any
degree.

Signed - ............................................................ (Candidate)

Date - ...................................

SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION STATEMENT

Student Name –
Supervisor’s Name
-

I acknowledge that the above named student has regularly attended the meeting, and actively engaged in
the dissertation supervision process.

Signed - …………………………………………….
(Supervisor) Date - …………………......
 Appendix 2 – Dissertation Structure

COVER PAGE (See appendix 1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.

DECLARATION i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ii
ABSTRACT iii
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 – Background of the Study

1.2 – Research Problem Identification

- Symptoms of the Problem

- Justification of the problem

- Defining Research Problem

1.3 – Research Question

1.4 – Objectives of the Study

1.5 – Significance of the Study

1.6 – Limitations of the study

1.7 – Chapter Outline

CHAPTER TWO – CRITICAL REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER THREE – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 – Conceptual Framework of the research
3.2 – Development of Hypotheses (Optional)

3.3 – Operationalization
3.4 – Research Design
-Sampling Design
-Population

-Sample Selection Procedure

-Sample Size
-Data collection methods and Techniques Used for Research Analysis

CHAPTER FOUR – DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

CHAPTER FIVE – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 – Summary of the Study

5.2 – Conclusion of the Study

5.3 – Recommendations

5.4 – Suggestion for Further Research

LIST OF REFERENCES

APPENDIX 1 – Questionnaire (Blank)/ Interview Guidelines vii

APPENDIX 2 – Minutes of the Mandatory Supervisor’s Meeting viii

APPENDIX 3 – Ethics Application Form ix

APPENDIX 4 - Any Other Related Documents x

 Appendix 3 – Dissertation Meeting Record Sheet

Name of the Student :

ICBT ID :
UWIC ID :
Name of the Supervisor :

Date Covered Topics/ Areas to improve Signature of the

Supervisor
Appendix 4 – Mitigation Form

Mitigating Circumstances Form

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Before completing this form, students are advised to read the attached Guidance. The completed
form and supporting evidence must be submitted as instructed in the relevant Programme
Handbook in time for consideration by the Mitigating Circumstances Committee.

Section 1: Student’s Personal Details

Full Name:

Student Number:

Programme:

Year/Level of Study:

Contact Address:

Telephone Number:

Email Address:

I confirm that I have read the Mitigating Circumstances Procedure and that, to the best of my
knowledge, the information given on this form is a true and accurate statement of my
exceptional personal circumstances. I accept that a false claim may result in disciplinary action
being taken against me.

Signed: Date:
For office use only

Date Reference no Decision taken System updated Communication

sent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Please be noted that all non-submissions and mitigations of MBA 7099 are subjected to a
payment of Rs. 20000/ = and the payment should be made on or before the next submission
deadline of MBA 7099.

Please fill the section 2

Section 2: Details of the Modules and Assessments Affected by Mitigating Circumstances

Please give details of each assessed component of module(s) affected by your mitigating
circumstances and the relevant Code for the effect on your work you must include all modules
affected. Please start a new line for each assessed component.

Module Module Title Assessment Type Exam or Code(s)

Number Submission
Date
Section 3: Details of Mitigating Circumstances

Please describe clearly and concisely the factors that you believe have adversely affected your
academic performance in the assessments listed in Section 3 above.

Section 4: Evidence Attached

Please list all documentary evidence (letters, certificates etc) attached to this form.
Please make sure you have detached the Guidance Notes, inserted your Student Number in the
box at the top of each page of this form, signed and dated the front page of this form, and that
you have attached all required supporting evidence; then, submit the form as instructed in the
relevant Programme Handbook.

Section 5: For School Administrative Use Only

Date received:

Date considered:

Decision: ACCEPT / REJECT (delete as appropriate)

Recommendation to
Examining Board:

To be signed and dated Signed:

by the Chair of the
Mitigating
Circumstances Date:
Committee

Date of notification of
outcome to student:
 Appendix 5 – Late Submission Form

Ref No:

Degree Programme Master of Business Administration

Subject Subject Code

Name

Student ID (Cardiff Met)

Student ( ICBT)

Submission date and time

Reason for late submission

Evidence attached

For Office Use only

Previous late submission reference number -

--------------------------------------

Authorized Signatory