PG Dissertation

Introduction & Process

Dr Sarah Maddock

University of Gloucestershire Business School

What is a PG Dissertation ?
An academic/scholarly piece of work
An individual piece of analytical work
Follows the structure indicated within the research
methods course
Includes a comprehensive and varied literature
review utilising academic sources
Adopts a clear and reasoned methodology linked to
the stated research objectives

Presents a logical argument and conclusion

It is NOT a business report
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Support for Your Dissertation

The Dissertation Handbook

Methods of Enquiry Course
On-line MBA Dissertation Moodle site
Recommended Business Research
Texts
Meetings with your Dissertation Advisor

University of Gloucestershire Business School

Key Stages in the Dissertation Process

Complete PG Diploma
Attend the Methods of Enquiry Course
Submit Research Topic Form on the last day
of the Methods of Enquiry Course
Be assigned a Dissertation Advisor
Meet with Advisor and keep record of
meetings
Submit Formal Research Proposal Form (P3)
in Week 4 your Advisor will give feedback
Complete Dissertation and submit in Week 16
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Key Dissertation Forms

Research topic Form End of Methods of
Enquiry Course (Appendix G Dissertation
Handbook)
Complete Dissertation Student-Advisor
Contact Form once assigned an Advisor
(Appendix K Dissertation Handbook)
Dissertation Proposal Form, P3 Week 4
(Appendix H Dissertation Handbook)
Maintain a Log Book/Reflective Journal of
your Dissertation Work to be submitted with
your completed Dissertation (Appendix D
Dissertation Handbook)

University of Gloucestershire Business School

Minimum requirements of a P3 form

Clear research objectives usually presented as a short
discussion (minimum 100 words) followed by 4 to 6 bullet
points.
Overview of the topic a minimum of 300 words giving a
background to the topic and the proposed study,
supported by the inclusion of at least 6 academic
references.
Identification of appropriate methodology this should
include an indication of how data will be collected and
how this is related to the stated research objectives
(minimum 200 words)
Proposed schedule of work dates/times of key stages of
the work (e.g. completion of literature review,
methodology design, data collection, data analysis, final
writing up), a Gantt chart can be used.
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Additional Hints for the P3 Form

The work you do for your P3 may be used in your
dissertation so it is in your interests to develop the best
P3 you can.
You are allowed TWO attempts at submitting an
acceptable P3. If your P3 does not reach the required
standard after the second submission you will be asked
to withdraw from the Masters programme.
Firmly base your research idea on an academic area of
study.
Do not make your topic too broad or too complex (you
are not writing a PhD and you have a limited amount of
time).
Read as much academic material as you can before
submitting your P3, including other research studies.
Work with your advisor on developing your proposal
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Role of the Student

To produce a dissertation that meets the
requirements outlined at the start of this
presentation.
To abide by the Universitys rules and
regulations (see PMS Handbook on the UofG
web site).
To be a full-time student (regulations limit the
number of hours you can work to 20hrs per
week)
To follow the guidance given in the
Dissertation Handbook and Moodle site
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Role of the Dissertation Advisor

To give guidance on development of your P3 and the
content and structure of your dissertation
Give a limited number of hours of academic support, this
includes reviewing drafts and marking
Provide feedback on draft work
Make initial contact with students and maintain a record of
meetings with students using the Advisor Monitoring Form
(Appendix J Dissertation Handbook)
It is the students responsibility to; keep track of
submission deadlines, follow the advice and
recommendations given
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Submission of the Dissertation

You are expected to follow the 16 Week Dissertation
Plan presented in Appendix E in the Dissertation
Handbook
Completed Dissertations must be submitted to The
University Examinations Office on the submission
deadline.
Dissertations should be marked For the attention of the
PG Dissertation Co-ordinator (not your advisor)
Follow the format as specified in your handbook (e.g. 2
bound hard copies plus an electronic version on a CD
disc) see submission hints on the MBA Dissertation
Moodle site
Keep within word limit (18,000 there are penalties if
you go over the word limit)
University of Gloucestershire Business School

Additional Points

Students are expected to complete their dissertation in 16 weeks. Advisors will

not normally be expected to provide guidance to students after this 16 week
period.

Visas are given for a limited period of time and cannot be extended simply
because you have NOT completed your dissertation.

Submitted dissertations will be accepted by the University of Gloucestershire as

long as they are submitted before a students end of registration date (See
your student card or check with the programme administrator)

Once your P3 form has been accepted and put on the Universitys record
system your end of registration date will be brought forward so that you have a
maximum of approximately one year in which to complete your dissertation.

Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances. Requests for an

extension must be sent to the PG Dissertation Co-ordinator and MUST be
supported by written evidence (e.g. a doctors certificate etc.)

University of Gloucestershire Business School