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Dissertation for Human Resource Management - MAN00070M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

Prerequisite - Research Skills for Human Resource Management

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Semester 2024-25

Module aims

The dissertation is based on an individual research project. Students are required to investigate a HRM issue and write a thesis of not more than 12,000 words. The thesis will provide an in depth and critical review of the relevant HRM research literature and a critical consideration of methods and methodology used to investigate the issue and a discussion of the findings. The dissertation will also advance a set of recommendations for dealing with the issue. The applied nature of the dissertation requires a critical evaluative approach, empirical investigation and analysis and a combination of academic research and business writing skills. There will also be a reflective statement indicating what the student has learnt during the project, and how this learning might be applied in the future.

Module learning outcomes

Successful completion of the dissertation will demonstrate that students are able to
1. Undertake a significant enquiry into a HRM issue
2. Critically analyse significant bodies of literature in the relevant topic area
3. Apply knowledge of research skills
4. Engage with ethical issues in undertaking research
5. Analyse appropriate data and present findings clearly
6. Prepare and write a well-presented and substantial analytical report in the recommendations
7. Demonstrate an ability to summarise and communicate research findings and implications to a business audience
8. Develop the capacity for self-reflection

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation 100

Module feedback

Written feedback on the dissertation and grade is released to students after the final exam board.

Indicative reading

  • Anderson, V. (2013). Research Methods in Human Resource Management, 3rd edition. Wimbledon: CIPD.

  • Biggam, J. (2018). Succeeding with your Master’s dissertation: a step by step guide. 4th edition. Open University Press.

  • Bryman, A., and Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods. 5th Edition. Oxford University Press.

  • Cameron, S., and Price, D. (2010). Business Research Methods: a Practical Approach, Wimbledon: CIPD.

  • Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R., and Lowe, A. (2014). Management Research, 4th edition. London: Sage.

  • Fisher, C.M. (2010) Researching and writing a dissertation: an essential guide for business students, 3rd edition. Financial Times/ Prentice Hall.

  • Gill, J., and Johnson, P. (2010). Research Methods for Managers, London: Sage.

  • Hart, C. (2005). Doing your Master’s dissertation. SAGE publications.

  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students, 8th edition. London: Prentice Hall.

  • Yin, R.K. (2018) Case Study research and applications: design and methods, 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, California.


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.