School of Built and Natural Environment

BN4509
MSc Dissertations
Module Information Pack

Contact: Dr. Champika Liyanage Senior Lecturer/ MSc Dissertation Coordinator Room: Harris Building 242 E-mail: CLLiyanage@uclan.ac.uk Telephone: 01772 89 3221

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 3 DISSERTATION PROGRAMME.............................................................................................. 4 CHOOSING THE DISSERTATION TOPIC ............................................................................. 5 THE INITIAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROFORMA ........................................................... 6 RESEARCH SUPERVISION ..................................................................................................... 7 A COMMON FORMAT FOR DISSERTATION PRESENTATION ........................................ 8 DISSERTATION STRUCTURE .............................................................................................. 10 ASSESSMENT AND SUBMISSION OF DISSERTATION ................................................... 14 PLAGIARISM........................................................................................................................... 15 GUIDELINES FOR FIELDWORK .......................................................................................... 16 USEFUL TEXTS ...................................................................................................................... 16 KEY DATES ............................................................................................................................. 18

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APPENDIX 1 - MODULE DESCRIPTOR .......................................................................................... 19 APPENDIX 2 RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROFORMA ................................................................... 22 APPENDIX 3 HARVARD REFERENCING SYSTEM ................................................................... 24 APPENDIX 4 DISSERTATION CHECKLIST ................................................................................. 25 APPENDIX 5 MARKING CRITERIA .............................................................................................. 26 APPENDIX 6 ETHICAL APPROVAL ............................................................................................. 27 APPENDIX 7 RISK ASSESSMENT FORM .................................................................................... 28

1.0

INTRODUCTION
The dissertation is a major element of the postgraduate taught degree programmes. The main aim is to encourage the detailed study of a topic selected by the student and to expand the student's understanding of managerial, technological, social, cultural or scientific aspects of their subject area. Other aims are to allow independent work which will enhance the skills of evaluation, planning and self management, to allow the student to take control of his/her own learning and to complete and write a professionally presented report using a given format. The dissertation will be supervised by a supervisor who will provide general advice and guidance, and will ensure parity of standard and assessment. The academic guidance to be provided by the supervisor will include help in the initial definition of the research problems and strategy, the establishment of a clear programme of investigation and advice on method and content. However, it is important to realise that the student is responsible for all dissertation work including specifying the topic, writing the proposal, carrying out the investigation and writing the final document. The student is also responsible for obtaining all relevant information and data. The aim of this document is to lay down guidelines for the production and presentation of the dissertation based on the specific requirements of the School of the Built and Natural Environment, University of Central Lancashire. The first important issue to be considered is the choice of topic. It is of great benefit for the student to choose a topic from an area of personal interest. However, whatever topic is chosen it will require to be approved by the School's postgraduate dissertation team, although this approval will not be withheld unreasonably. The production of the dissertation commences with a preliminary study, which may be in the form of a literature review, showing the conflict of evidence or opinion in previous work. This is followed by a second phase, which requires a clear examination and analysis of the issues which the student will investigate. The final phase involves a consideration of the applicability of the findings and, where appropriate, the preparation of a carefully reasoned predictive assessment based on scientific methodology. The length of the dissertation should be between 12000 and 15000 words, excluding the abstracts, any appendices, references and bibliography.

2.0

DISSERTATION PROGRAMME
The student is strongly advised to embark on the dissertation as early as possible. The student should send their chosen dissertation topic to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator on or before the given date (by the Dissertation Coordinator). The Dissertation Coordinator will then allocate the appropriate supervisor for the student based on the topic chosen. It is important that the student and supervisor meet on a regular basis after approval of the initial proposal and allocation of supervisor. The exact timing and number of meetings during the study period will be for you and your supervisor to agree. At each of these meetings, your supervisor will review your work to date and record your progress and the new objectives set for you to accomplish by the next meeting on a progress pro-forma to be provided by the School. It is the responsibility of the student to organise these meetings and further meetings with their supervisor at times which are mutually convenient. On the given deadline for the dissertation submission date you are supposed to submit 2 copies of the dissertation to the Admin Office and also a softcopy through Turnitin. The dissertation largely involves a student-centred programme of private study and research. This is to be assisted and supported by the Research Methods Module (BN4508). The Research Methods Module covers research methodology and such issues as:

Research processes Methods of literature search Design and planning of a dissertation investigation Techniques of data collection: interviews, participant observations, questionnaire surveys, case studies, laboratory experiments Techniques of data analyses: statistical techniques, secondary data analyses, and content analysis The uses of non-numerical data and presentation Research presentation and reporting

Please refer to Appendix 1 for the BN4509 Dissertation Module Descriptor.

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CHOOSING THE DISSERTATION TOPIC

The following factors should be considered when choosing the dissertation topic area: 1. The student should be interested in the subject area to be researched. 2. The dissertation topic should be relevant to the area of the candidate's future professional work. If chosen sensibly, research can contribute to the future professional development of the candidate and their employer's work. 3. The dissertation subject should be one in which the candidate can readily gain access to the necessary data. 4 The dissertation should be a relevant topic in the areas of Construction Management, Project Management, Construction Law, Building Conservation and Regeneration, Building Services Engineering, etc.

It can sometimes be difficult to decide on a suitable topic area for study. This process can be made a great deal easier by spending time looking at past dissertations, news media, learned journals and papers from conferences and symposia. Themes from the students coursework may be a useful source of ideas. Problems encountered during work experience, particularly for working Part-time students, may also have aspects which are worthy of investigation. It is also important that the topic chosen is specific with clearly defined objectives and the title chosen should reflect the focal point and the area of study. The students are required to decide their dissertation topic and send it to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator on or before the given deadline.

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THE INITIAL RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROFORMA

The students are required to complete an Initial Research Proposal Pro-forma as part of their BN4509 Dissertation module. This will involve the following:

TITLE

A clear and concise statement of what is being proposed (not more than ten words). You need one or two general aims and a few SMART objectives. By SMART I mean: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time constrained. The time can element is usually left to the plan of work. The objectives should therefore be a short list of things you intend to do as part of your dissertation. This is a mini literature review on the topic highlighting the main issues surrounding your work. This is to convince your supervisor that you have done the necessary reading into the subject, and that you have reviewed the literature sufficiently. Use Harvard System for your referencing. The background literature review should be a minimum of 500 words. Not more than one page setting out: (i) the reasons for the study, and (ii) the tentative chapter headings.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

BACKGROUND

CONTENT

METHODOLOGY This should explain: (i) the sources of data (ii) methods to be adopted for collecting information and data; and (iii) the expected methods of analysing the data.

You may have completed (or in the process of completing) a research paper/proposal as part of your BN4508 Research Methods Module. You may use the same or a modified version of the BN4508 research paper/proposal to complete the Research Proposal Proforma. If not, you can develop a completely new Research Proposal Proforma for the Dissertation Module. Upon acceptance of the initial proposal, the student is required to meet the allocated supervisor immediately to review and refine the dissertation aim and objectives, to develop their ideas to a greater depth and produce a final proposal. This will incorporate the topic proposal pro-forma with the addition of tentative chapter headings with one sentence description indicating the anticipated scope, as well as an initial bibliography and any other details requested by the supervisor.

Please refer to Appendix 2 for the BN4509 Dissertation Research Proposal Proforma.

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RESEARCH SUPERVISION
Your main Research Supervisor will normally be a full-time member of University academic staff. In addition, a student may wish to seek guidance from another member of University staff with a particular specialization. Each student is responsible for negotiating their own supervision schedule with their Research Supervisor(s). The MSc Dissertation Coordinator should be informed of these arrangements. Both the student and the Research Supervisor should: Arrange supervision times well in advance Be prepared to negotiate objectives for each supervision session Come to supervision sessions well prepared, and on time Give as much notice as possible if cancellation of a session is necessary.

The student should: Negotiate any changes in deadlines with the research supervisor Discuss any difficulties at an early stage Be prepared to act on constructive criticism Be realistic as to what the Research Supervisor can do, i.e. they are neither proof readers nor ghost writes for the dissertation report Take responsibility for their own work.

The Research Supervisor will: Allow adequate uninterrupted time for supervision sessions Offer objective, constructive criticism Be honest with the student about the progress of the work Offer advice and support in overcoming difficulties Be realistic as to the constraints experienced by part-time students Guide the student towards alternative avenues of investigation

You should set realistic deadlines for the following tasks and with the help of your Research Supervisor: Obtaining access and / or ethical approval for your study Completing the literature review Carrying out any necessary pilot study Reviewing / refining any data collection method following the pilot study Data collection, handling and analysis Preparation of the first draft of your dissertation report Preparation of the final draft of your dissertation report

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A COMMON FORMAT FOR DISSERTATION PRESENTATION

The objective of any scientific report is to convey the results of a project to readers who may want to verify them independently. The report should take the opportunity of presenting the results in the context of previous work, and should evaluate the significance of the results. Suggestions as to how the work could be extended should be included as appropriate. There is no such thing as an absolutely correct style of scientific writing: instructions to authors printed in scientific journals do differ from journal to journal, and formats of project reports differ from institution to institution. Nevertheless, there are some basic conventions governing the style of writing which are generally held and it is these that this document describes. In this way students can be confident that their assessors are adopting a common policy for assessment. The aim at all times if for a concise but readable style, avoiding jargon, pomposity and sentimentality. This does not mean that there is no scope for individuality of expression it would be a dull world if this were to be the case!

6.1

Grammar and Style All MSc Dissertations submitted to the School of Built and Natural Environment should be written in English and word processed. All text should be grammatically correct, properly punctuated and consist of complete sentences. The overwhelming majority of scientific reports are written using the impersonal Third Person, Perfect Tense, Passive Mood, avoiding, if possible the use of the personal pronoun. If you are not sure what this means, the following examples illustrate what is intended: Preferred: Not preferred: Data was collected using a questionnaire survey. I collected the data using a questionnaire survey.

Spelling mistakes are unacceptable and care should be used to check spelling in the manuscript, and during proof reading. It is emphasised that adequate time must be allowed for proof reading the typescript and for attending to the consequent corrections. Most word-processing packages have spell checking and grammar check features to aid you with this. Poor grammar, bad spelling and an unreasonable number of uncorrected typing errors will result in marking penalties.

6.2

Page Format Page size to be used is A4 (210mm x 297mm), orientated vertically. We recommend that the top, right and bottom margins are 20mm, the left margin 40mm, and that page numbers are 20mm from the bottom edge of the page and central between the margins (i.e.110mm from the left edge of the paper).

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Typescript Font size 12 - Times New Roman, with typing on one side of the page only using preferably laser quality printing. Font size used 12 should be used for the main body of text but different font sizes may be used for long quotations, chapter headings and table, figure and appendix text. Upper case or bold type is often used for chapter, table, figure and appendix headings, the title page (usually the cover itself) and the names of authors in references listed in the reference section. Whatever the style used, consistency is essential.

Spacing: One and half spacing (1.5 spacing)

6.4

Section Numbering Section numbering allows ease of cross-referencing within a report and should be consecutive through the report. Chapter 1 Section 1.1 Sub-section 1.1.1

6.5

Binding A printed report cover, which will require your Dissertation title, your name and your supervisors name typed on it, together with a blank back cover, should be bound to the body of your project by means of perfect binding; plastic comb-binding strips are not acceptable.

6.6

Pagination Pages containing preliminary information (Contents, Acknowledgements and Abstract) are usually paginated in small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc). Pages of the main body of the report are given in Arabic numerals (1. 2. 3. etc). Pages of Appendices are also numbered in Arabic numerals, but starting again from 1.

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DISSERTATION STRUCTURE
The dissertation must have a content page containing chapter headings and page numbers, with a list of figures/plates given. The following shows a typical contents listing of the dissertation as a guide:

Title page Abstract (not more than 300 words) Table of contents Table of appendices List of Figures, Tables Acknowledgements Roman Page Numbering i.e. I, II, III, IV

MAIN TEXT (to be arranged in Chapters and sub-headings) Chapter 1 General Introduction Aims/objectives, scope etc. Description of the research methodology etc. Chapter 2 Chapter 5 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Literature Review Statement of results / Data Analysis Standard Discussion Summary and conclusions Recommendations for further study References Bibliography Appendices Standard Arabic Page Numbering i.e. 1,2,3,4

Note: This is only a suggested structure and is not intended as a template for students to adopt. The example structure is based on a natural science subject and may not be suitable for social science based studies.

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7.1

Abstract The abstract should not exceed 300 words and should be typed single-spaced on one page. The abstract is the one section of the report that you can be sure that all the examiners will read and you should perhaps allow a disproportionate amount of time for writing it. The abstract should provide an unambiguous and specific synopsis of the report by identifying the nature and scope of the work, the major outcomes and the contribution it makes to the knowledge of the field. Brevity and comprehensiveness may appear to be mutually exclusive, but they are both characteristics of a good abstract.

7.2

Introduction The Introduction should establish the context of the project, and explain the rationale for undertaking it (i.e. why it is worth doing at all). The introduction often contains a brief summary of previous work on the project subject and must describe the particular aims / objectives of the project. It should leave the reader with the feeling that the project has a general relevance and that to read on would be worthwhile.

7.3

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements serve two purposes. Firstly, they enable you to express your thanks to people who have helped you your supervisor, research students, technicians, etc. By all means acknowledge parents or friends who have been especially tolerant or sympathetic, but be as concise as is consistent with courtesy. A second purpose of acknowledgements is to declare how much of the dissertation is due entirely to your own efforts. It is quite common and acceptable practice for a member of staff, research student or technician to provide assistance with a piece of work.

7.4

Literature Review An essential component of the project is the literature review, in which previous work on the project subject is summarised and actual references to published work are cited. The literature review should be up-to-date and comprehensive. The question What is the correct number of references to cite? is impossible to answer. All references cited in the text must be listed in the references section, and no reference should appear in the references section unless it is cited in the text.

7.5

Research Methodology Research Methodology section should contain a concise but adequate description of all the research methods that you adopted in your research study. Justification for the choice of the research method should be provided within the research methodology chapter. Any form of qualitative and quantitative technique used must be very fully described both the technique and the strategy.

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7.6

Results and Discussion The results obtained either through qualitative approaches or quantitative approaches are an exceptionally important part of your dissertation research. Therefore great care should be taken when presenting them in your dissertation. Attending BN4508 Research Methodology classes will be crucial in understanding different methods of presenting results. The Discussion should draw all the threads of the report together. In doing so, no new data and result should be included. The discussion offers the widest scope for individual freedom of expression and may include such items as: discussion of the possible limitations of the methods and confidence of the results: comment on to what extent the aims outlined in the General Introduction have been achieved; comparison of the results with those obtained or published elsewhere; discussion of the significance of the results; comment on the value of the results in a wider scientific or commercial context, etc.

7.7

Tables The caption of a table is clearly important if indeed the table is to stand as a separate entity: it is a common mistake to make table captions too brief. Each table has its own Arabic numeral, running sequentially through the whole report (i.e. not starting from 1 in each chapter) and captions are typed in upper case with single line spacing. Table captions are always placed at the top of the table.

7.8

Figures Like tables, figures should follow the first textual reference to them, and should be numbered in Arabic numerals running throughout the report (i.e. not starting from 1 in each chapter). Figure legends are typed below the figure. A list of figures and tables used in the dissertation should be provided after the contents page. Tip: Anything that is not a table is a figure (e.g. images, charts, graphs etc).

7.9

Conclusions The conclusions section should summarise the main findings of the research. Revisiting the aim and objectives and making critical comments on the research process as well as the chosen topic are essential in the conclusion. A strong conclusion is powerful - 'leave the reader on a high!!! You could also include suggestions for further work within the conclusion section.

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7.10

References References cited in the text should follow Harvard style referencing system (refer Appendix 3 for further information): e.g. It is well known that milk goes missing from unlocked fridges (Williams and Mair 2001) Parsler (2000) described the behaviour of inmates on the Big Brother house, whilst Butt et al. (2001) analysed the reactions of the mass media to the nominations process. If a reference has more than two authors then the citation should be abbreviated using et al., for example Butt et al. (1997). If more than one paper by a particular author in the same year is cited, distinguish them by appending letters to the date, e.g. Webster (1995a). If the papers span more than one year, they should be cited in chronological order. It is unwise to cite papers that you have not read (or at the very least for which you have not seen an abstract). It is perfectly acceptable to write: (Clark 1994, cited in Dawson 2001), or to cross refer to an authors References. The best advice is, of course, to read all the relevant literature and to cite it properly! The references include details of all references which have been cited in the text. It does not include peripheral reading (i.e. it is not a Bibliography). The details of each reference include: the name(s) of the author(s); the year of publication; the title of the publication. In the case of books, the name of the publisher is also given. For Construction Law students; Please follow the OSCOLA Referencing System. The OSCOLA system (The Oxford Standard for Citation of Legal Authorities) should be used to reference (cite) Law Reports (Cases), Legislation (Acts of Parliament) Legal Journals / Law Reviews and books which you have used in your research (OSCOLA, 4th Edition). e.g. For Case Law Nagy v Weston [1965] 1 WLR 280 (QB). Or [1965] 1 WLR 280 (QB).

For more information on OSCOLA Referencing, please refer to: OSCOLA, Oxford Standard for the Citation of Legal Authorities, Fourth Edition (http://www.law.ox.ac.uk/published/OSCOLA_4th_edn.pdf)

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8.0

ASSESSMENT AND SUBMISSION OF DISSERTATION

The final mark for the dissertation will be determined based on the content and presentation of the dissertation. Some of the points the examiners will consider are:

The complexity of the project Understanding of the topic Reliance or otherwise on your supervisor to determine the course of the work. Originality of contribution Clarity of the abstract Quality of the literature survey Quality of any experimental/theoretical work including data analysis Analysis of the results Presentation and cross referencing of diagrams Construction of the dissertation Clarity of the conclusions

The dissertation will be marked by the supervisor and second-marked by another member of staff. Where discrepancies exist between markers, a third independent assessment will be made of the work. The student, whose work tends towards the category of either a Distinction Degree Award or a Fail; or at the request of the External Examiner(s), may be required to attend a viva voce examination. (Please refer to Appendix 4 for the Dissertation Checklist and Appendix 5 for the Marking Criteria)

8.1

Extension of Time The university requires students to adhere to submission deadlines for any form of assessment. A penalty will be applied in relation to unauthorised late submission of work. Authorisation for late submission of work requires written permission. If granted, extensions are for a maximum of 10 working days. The University penalty scale for unauthorised late submission states, students who submit work within 5 working days after the published submission date without an authorised extension will obtain a maximum mark of 40% for that element of assessment. All work submitted later than 5 working days after the published submission date will be awarded a mark of 0%. Students who are unable to submit work due to verifiable extenuating circumstances, may submit a case for consideration in accordance with the Universitys Extenuating Circumstances Procedure.

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8.2

Grievances If at any time you are experiencing difficulties in relating to your supervision then you should discuss with your supervisor. If this does not resolve the issue then contact the MSc Dissertation Coordinator.

9.0

PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is unacknowledged copying. It is repeated or habitual, intentional presentation or publication of the work of others without proper acknowledgement to the source of that work by a responsible, informed individual as if it were that individuals own work. If you lift anything from anywhere (books, journal articles, reports, internet sources etc), you must acknowledge the source. To acknowledge the work of others you need to provide citation in the main body of the text, with a supporting reference list at the end of every assignment (using the Harvard System). To help you do this, keep details of sources and particular materials (e.g. specific evidence, examples, diagrams/ tables and quotations etc.) with your notes. A reference list (by definition) is only the material cited in the text. Therefore does not include other material you may have read, which is uncited in the text. Plagiarism is an academic offence, and is regarded as a serious matter by the University. You will be required to sign a declaration of originality on the School Assessment Cover Sheet that should accompany all submitted work. If you fail to sign this declaration, your work will not be marked. In the event of a single offence of cheating or plagiarism in an undergraduate or postgraduate assessment, the appropriate penalty should be 0% for the module with an opportunity to re-submit for a maximum mark of 40% for the module. In the event of a repeat offence, the appropriate penalty should be 0% for the module with no opportunity for re-submission.

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10.0 GUIDELINES FOR FIELDWORK

Remember that when you are engaged in fieldwork, you are a representative of both your profession and UCLan, and must at all times act in accordance with professional and University regulations. The following are a list of important considerations: Ensure that you have the necessary ethical approval, access clearance and risk assessment forms documented before you commence your fieldwork (be it qualitative or quantitative approaches) Be rigorous about ensuring you have informed consent Adhere to Health and Safety regulations in the area of your work Respect the property of both individuals and organizations Ensure that you maintain confidentiality and privacy, as appropriate Always carry identification on you, and be prepared to show this on request When you have made appointments with people in the course of your fieldwork, be punctual you may have to wait but you should not make others do so When an individual or organisation has been particularly helpful, a letter of acknowledgment will be appreciated Maintain security of your data during collection, transport and storage Allow a realistic timescale for carrying out your fieldwork, always allow more time than you think you will need.

(Refer to Appendices 6 & 7 for Ethical Approval and Risk Assessment guidelines)

11.0 USEFUL TEXTS

Bell, J. (1993) Doing Your Research Project - A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science. Open University Press. Blaikie, N. (1993) Approaches to Social Enquiry. Cambridge: Polity Press Blaxter, l., Hughes, C., Tight, M., (1996) How to Research, Open University Press Brenner, M. Brown, J. Canter, D. (1985) The Research Interview Uses and Approaches, Academic Press Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. Oxford: Oxford University Press Coles, D. and Naoum, SG. (2008) Dissertation Research Writing For Construction Students. Davies, M.B. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods, Palgrave Macmillan de Vaus, D. A. (1991) Surveys in Social Research. London: UCL Press. Dey, I. (1993) Qualitative Data Analysis: A User Friendly Guide for Social Scientists. London: Routledge Fellows R & Liu A. (2008) Research Methods for Construction. 3rd Ed. Blackwell Scientific

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Glatthorn, A. A. (2005) Writing the Winning Dissertation: a step-by-step guide, (2nd Edition). London: Sage Publications Ltd. Hinton, P. R. (2004) Statistics Explained: A Guide for Social Science Students (2nd Edition). London: Routledge. Hoinville, Jowell. (1985) Survey Research Practice, Gower Press Holt, G. (1998) A Guide To Successful Dissertation Study For Students Of The Built Environment. University Of Wolverhampton Print Services. Kirkup, L. Experimental Methods- An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data, Amazon Kish, L. (1965) Survey Sampling, John Wiley and Sons Laserwitz, B. (1971) Sampling Theory and Procedures in Methodology in Social Research, ed. Blalock, H, Blalock, A. pp 278-332, McGraw Hill, 1971 McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2007) How to Write Dissertations & Project Reports. Harlow, England: Pearson Education Ltd. Oppenheim, A. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interviewing & Attitude Measurement. Pinter Orna E & Stevens G. (1995) Managing Information for Research. Open University Phelan, P. & Reynolds, P. (1995) Argument and Evidence: Critical Thinking for the Social Sciences. London: Routledge Phelps, R., Fisher, K., Ellia, A.H. (2007) Organising and Managing Your Research- A Practical Guide for Postgraduates, Sage Publications Rose, D. Sullivan,O. Introducing Data Analysis for Social Scientists, Open University Press, 1997 Yin. (2009) Case Study Research Design & Methods. Sage Publications.

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12.0 KEY TASKS

Task Dissertation Topic Assigning Supervisor Remarks E-mail it to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator The students will be informed about their assigned supervisors The students will receive the information on the tutorials.

Dissertation Tutorials

Initial Research Proposal Proforma

E-mail it to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator on or before the given date

Ethical Approval Form

E-mail it to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator on or before the given date

Risk Assessment Form

E-mail it to the MSc Dissertation Coordinator on or before the given date Student should keep a record of the meetings. A softcopy of the dissertation to be uploaded on WebCT. A draft copy (hard copy or soft copy) of the dissertation to be sent to the Supervisor. - 02 Hard copies to be submitted to the School office - 01 soft copy to be uploaded on WebCT.

Meeting with the Supervisors Literature Review Draft Dissertation Draft Submission Final Dissertation Submission

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APPENDIX 1 - MODULE DESCRIPTOR

MODULE TITLE MODULE CODE MODULE DELIVERY MODULE TUTOR DATE APPROVED SCHOOL Dissertation BN4509 (L7) CREDIT 40 VALUE Blended e-learning /Semester/Year/Block Dee Davenport April 2010 (PCR) Built & Natural Environment VERSION NUMBER PARTNER INSTITUTION 1.0

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER MODULES CoPreBN4508 requisites requisites

Excluded Combinations

MODULE AIMS Students will be required to carry out an in-depth study, on an individual basis, which includes theoretical, experimental or investigative analysis or a combination of these. Part of this study requires the preparation of a research proposal that sets out the aim and objectives, and formulates a research problem or hypothesis related to the programmes subject specialism. The work should: be based on proven research/investigative techniques; make an original contribution to knowledge; and demonstrate advanced scholarship of the research discipline. MODULE CONTENT Students will be required to manage their own research programme supported by a designated supervisor. To supplement and consolidate information acquired in BN4508 there will be a series of four Dissertation Seminars delivered on campus or on-line through e-learn. Students must complete a Masters Dissertation Proposal Form available on e-learn and present it, by prearrangement with the Dissertation Tutor, at one of the Dissertation Seminars for discussion and feedback. A draft dissertation should be presented to the supervisor (by the agreed review date) for detailed reflection and feedback prior to formal submission date. The four sessions cover the following : Session 1: The importance of the literature search. Research proposals. Session 2: How to structure your first chapter and the rest of the dissertation

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Session 3: Data collection and analysis - recording results Session 4: Writing the final chapter - Conclusions and recommendations Individual sessions with supervisors can take place at a pre-arranged time either on-line on E-learn or on campus.

LEARNING OUTCOMES On successful completion of this module a student will be able to: 1 2 Demonstrate critical understanding of research: purpose, process, philosophical and objective contexts, logic and outcomes; Evaluate the tensions associated with research methodology selection and appropriateness to the research problem and context and identify, select and retrieve source materials appropriate to the research topic and focus of investigation; Conduct a literature review of primary and secondary sources and relate research findings to those published in existing literature; Demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to problem identification and resolution, and be able to effectively employ techniques of evaluation and critical analysis to investigate solutions and present findings in an unbiased and objective form; Critically evaluate and articulate research findings (reliability, validity and applicability), and demonstrate wider intellectual skills and rigour in the evaluation, synthesis and holistic reflection of the research process; Present research findings in a professional written form, using a planned approach and complying with the requirements of acceptable research protocols.

3 4

TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY The course integrates effective use of electronic distance learning and face-to-face interaction between the students, the course team and other contributors to the course. A series of seminars delivered on-line and on campus will be programmed within the module and detailed in the Module Information on e-learn. Electronic learning materials that offer directed study through a series of subject sections assessment questions have been selected for their relevance and rigour and are constantly reviewed and updated in order to maintain currency. Students are encouraged to participate in on-line discussions and seminar presentations in which they will be expected to demonstrate independent research and the development of their problem solving and analytical skills. Detailed requirements for study methods are set out within the module information on e-learn. INDICATIVE CLASS CONTACT Contact with tutors and the cohort through online or on campus seminars/tutorials is a minimum of 20 hours across the duration of the module

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INDICATIVE ASSESSMENT Number Assessment Weighting Type/Duration/ (%) Word count (indicative only) 100% 12,000 15,000 Learning Outcomes being assessed 1- 6

Dissertation

MODULE PASS REQUIREMENTS To pass this module students must achieve an overall minimum mark of 50%

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND LEARNING SUPPORT MATERIAL Core Texts Generally Bell, J. (1993) Doing Your Research Project - A Guide For First-Time Researchers In Education And Social Science. Open University Press. Blaxter, l., Hughes, C., Tight, M., (1996) How to Research, Open University Press Brenner, M. Brown, J. Canter, D. (1985)The Research Interview Uses and Approaches, Academic Press Bryman, A., Cramer, D., (1995) Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Scientists, Routledge Coles, D.Naoum SG. (2008) Dissertation Research Writing For Construction Students. Davies, M.B. (2007) Doing a successful research project using qualitative or quantitative methods, Palgrave Macmillan Fellows R & Liu A. (2008) Research Methods For Construction. 3rd Ed. Blackwell Scientific Finch E. (2000) Net Gain In Construction: Using The Internet In Construction Management. Arnold. Field,A. Hole, G. (2003) How to Design and Report Experiments, Sage Publications Gill, J & Johnson, P. (2009) Research Methods For Managers. Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd., London. 4th Ed. Hoinville, Jowell. (1985) Survey Research Practice, Gower Press Holt, G. (1998) A Guide To Successful Dissertation Study For Students Of The Built Environment. University Of Wolverhampton Print Services. Kirkup, L. Experimental Methods- An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data, Amazon Kish, L. (1965) Survey Sampling, John Wiley and Sons Laserwitz, B. (1971) Sampling Theory and Procedures in Methodology in Social Research, ed. Blalock, H, Blalock, A. pp 278-332, McGraw Hill, 1971 Oppenheim, A. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interviewing & Attitude Measurement. Pinter Orna E & Stevens G. (1995) Managing Information for Research. Open University Phelps, R., Fisher, K., Ellia, A.H. (2007) Organising and managing your research- a practical guide for postgraduates, Sage Publications Rose, D. Sullivan,O. Introducing Data Analysis for Social Scientists, Open University Press, 1997 Rowntree, D. Statistics without Tears, Penguin, 1981 Yin. (2009) Case Study Research Design & Methods. Sage Publications.

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APPENDIX 2 RESEARCH PROPOSAL PROFORMA School of Built and Natural Environment University of Central Lancashire BN4509 - Masters Dissertation

Initial Research Proposal Pro-forma

NAME: (Surname first)

TITLE: (Not more than 12 words)

AIM: (Description of the work in one or two sentences)

OBJECTIVES: (Between 3 and 5 single sentences to identify investigative elements which support the overall aim - these may develop into chapters)

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RESEARCH BACKGROUND (500 words): (This is a mini literature review on the topic highlighting the main issues surrounding your work)

PROBLEM STATEMENT (250 words): (Set out the reasons for the study and highlight the issues to be investigated)

METHODOLOGY (150 words): (Identify the sources of data, method(s) to be adopted for collecting data and information and the expected method of analysing the data)

DATE:

SUPERVISOR COMMENTS:

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APPENDIX 3 HARVARD REFERENCING SYSTEM

References in the text should be quoted in the following manner: Jones (1990) . . . . or (Luke and Banks, 1980) . . . . . or, if there are more than two authors . . . . Mark et al. (1987).

Publications by the same author should be listed in chronological order. If references to the same author have the same year, they should be differentiated by using, for example, 1989a and 1989b etc.

The use of this method within the 'Text' and 'List of References' is shown below Text: Purely quantitative or mechanically generated forecasting assume complete and stable information concerning the model (McNees, 1985) and, as a result, most published forecasts of macroeconomics variables contain some judgmental adjustment (McNees and Ries, 1983). Whether such a procedure provides the best forecasting is a debatable issue (Evan et al, 1972; Haitovsky and Treyz, 1972; Sim, 1980). According to Bowerman and O'Connel (1987), the art of forecasting involves a complex interaction between the model, the input assumptions and the forecaster's judgmental abilities.

List of References: Bowerman, B.L. and O'Connel, R.T. (1987) Time Series Forecasting. Duxbury Press, Boston. Evan, M.K., Haitovsky, Y., Treyz, G. I. (1972) An analysis of the forecasting properties of US economic. In Hickman, B.G. (ed.), Econometric Models of Cyclical Behaviour, National Bureau of Economic Research, Studies in Income and Wealth, No. 36, New York, pp. 9491139 Haitovsky, Y. and Treyz, G.I. (1972) Forecasts with quarterly macroeconomics models, equation adjustments and benchmark predictions: The US experience. Review of Economics and Statistic, Vol. 54, pp. 317-325. McNees, S.K. (1985) Which forecast should you use. New England Economic Review, January/February, pp. 3-10. McNees, S.K. and Ries, J. (1983) The track record of macroeconomics forecasts. New England Economic Review, November/December, pp. 5-18 Sim, C. A. (1980) Macroeconomics and reality. Econometrica, Vol. 48, pp. 1-48. Bibliography should follow List of References. Bibliography is a list of books, sources or general reading used or consulted in the course of preparation of your dissertation, that may not necessarily required to be referenced.

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APPENDIX 4 DISSERTATION CHECKLIST

Tick when completed

Receive briefing about Dissertation Submit the Dissertation topic Submission of Research Proforma Refine Research Proposal after feedback Begin literature search Receipt of Ethical and Risk Assessment approval (if applicable) Agreement of finalised project timetable with the supervisor Completion of literature review (first draft) Planning and completion of pilot study (if applicable) Data collection Data collation and initial analysis Data interpretation and critical evaluation Complete first draft of dissertation Review first draft of dissertation o Contents page and abstract?
o o o o o o o o

Clear aims and objectives? Up-to-date literature review? Referenced and justified methodology? Correctly presented tables, figures and plates? Appropriate qualitative/quantitative analysis? Conclusions and recommendations for further research? Correct pagination? Complete and correct references?

Complete final draft of dissertation Review final draft of dissertation Submit dissertation

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APPENDIX 5 MARKING CRITERIA

Element

Marks Allocated (%) 10

Introduction- background introduction; clarity of aims & objectives; description of method, main achievements & general structure Literature review- adequacy of literature search; identification of relevant issues; determination of relevant questions for discussion/investigation; adequacy (& correctness) of referencing Review of methods- awareness of available methodologies; reasoned choice of appropriate method(s); awareness of limitations Investigation- evidence of planned approach; lack of bias in implementation, description of primary data; analysis of data and statistical testing of results for confidence levels Conclusions & recommendations- logicality of findings; sensible & considered recommendations for further work Presentation & management- General quality of presentation; syntax, grammar & spelling; Conformity with School' guidelines on layout, binding; pagination, referencing, etc. Use of graphics. Evidence of good time/project management Total

30

10

30

10

10

100%

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APPENDIX 6 ETHICAL APPROVAL Application for safety and ethical approval for all projects Faculty of Science and Technology
All undergraduate, postgraduate, commercial and research projects need ethical approval. No field work, experimentation or work with participants can start until approval is granted. The questions below should be completed by the Principal Investigator or supervisor of the proposed project. Where projects involve students, the Principal Investigator is always the supervisor and never the student. For undergraduate and postgraduate taught projects: use the questions to identify whether the project should be referred to the relevant Ethics Committee. If you answer No to questions, then do not apply for approval. If you answer Yes to any of the questions, please discuss them with your supervisor. If your supervisor is confident that you can follow standard forms, protocols or approaches, then your supervisor can approve your application. If your supervisor is not, then the application should be sent for approval. For research, commercial and other projects: use the questions to help compile suitable evidence to support your application. If you answer No to questions, then your application is likely to be approved quickly. If you answer Yes to any of the questions, please provide evidence relating to the management of the activity. If your approach seems appropriate, then your application is likely to be approved quickly. Submit the application form and any supporting evidence to an appropriate Ethics Committee. Different committees might have different approval processes. Principal Investigators, or project supervisors, are responsible for ensuring that all activities fall within the principles set down in the University Code of Conduct for Research and the University Ethical Principles for Teaching, Research, Knowledge Transfer, Consultancy and Related Activities. They are also responsible for exercising appropriate professional judgment in undertaking this review and evaluating the activity according to the criteria laid down in this application. If you are uncertain about any sections of this document, or need further information and guidance, please consult a member of the relevant Faculty/School Ethics Committee. The Faculty and School Ethics and Safety Committees are to ensure that you comply with the Universitys ethical principles in the conduct of the activity. Committees can ask for clarification or set conditions for you to meet before approval is granted. Refer to WebCT to download the Ethical Approval form.

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APPENDIX 7 RISK ASSESSMENT FORM

Safety, Health and Environment Section RISK ASSESSMENT FORM Risk Assessment For
Service / Faculty / Dept: Location of Activity: Activity:

Assessment Undertaken By
Name: Date: Signed by Head of Dept / equivalent

Assessment Reviewed
Name: Date:

REF:
List significant hazards here: List groups of people who are at risk:

Date
List existing controls, or refer to safety procedures etc. For risks, which are not adequately controlled, list the action needed. Remaining level of risk: high, med or low

APPENDIX 8 SUPERVISORY RECORD FORM

Name of Student: Name of Department/Centre: Name of Supervisor present: Title of Project: Date/Time of Meeting: Summary of activities since last meeting:

Comments by Supervisors (if any):

Supervisors Signature: Date: Agreed plans for period before the next meeting

Proposed date/time of next meeting: