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Dissertation in Marketing - MAN00067H

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 40 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Related modules

Prohibited combination: any 20 credit Independent study module, any dissertation module on other degree programmes.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The dissertation is designed to both enable students to integrate knowledge and skills acquired across the degree programme, and to assess their ability to analyse a complex issue or problem within a management context. The dissertation will be based upon primary or secondary research undertaken by the student. It may either take the form of an analysis of a current issue in management, and/or it may be in the form of an answer to an organisational problem. In both cases the dissertation will require the collection and analysis of primary empirical or secondary data.

Module learning outcomes

  • Integrate knowledge and understanding gained from across the Marketing degree to the analysis of a complex management issue or problem.

  • Collect, analyse and present appropriate empirical or secondary data in order to arrive at knowledge of, and/or solutions to the chosen issue or problem.

  • Research a marketing issue or problem in depth using a variety of sources of information including a critical evaluation of current literature in their chosen topic and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of underlying theory.

  • Effectively write a longer and more complex document than module assignments usually require.

  • Demonstrate an awareness of the research methods available and justify the selection of methods.

  • Integrate empirical and or secondary data, a review of appropriate literature, and own reflections and observations into a coherent, well-supported argument.

  • Demonstrate an ability to draw conclusions and/or propose feasible solutions based on valid research methods, analysis and arguments.

  • Demonstrate a high degree of competence in referencing and constructing a reference list.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Bryman, A., and Bell, E. (2011). Business Research Methods (3rd. Edition). Oxford University Press

Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., Jackson, P., and Lowe, A. (2012). Management Research (4th Edition). Sage.

Fisher, C. (2007) Researching and Writing a Dissertation: A Guidebook for Business Students (2nd Edition). Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Saunders, M., Thornhill, A. and Lewis, P. (2012) Research Methods for Business Students (6th Edition) Financial Times/Prentice Hall.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.