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Marketing Dissertation (Academic) - MAN00156M

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 60 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
    • See module specification for other years: 2023-24
  • Notes: This is an independent study module

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Summer Semester 2024-25

Module aims

The dissertation (academic) is a research-based activity involving sustained private study over a three-four month period, culminating in submission of a dissertation of not more than 10,000 words.

The aim of the dissertation is to develop students’ abilities to initiate, design, and implement a substantial research project, and to write-up the results of it.

Module learning outcomes

Academic and graduate skills

  • Undertake a significant independent research piece

  • Apply knowledge of research philosophy and methods

  • Undertake empirical research involving collection of primary data (where appropriate)

  • Undertake secondary analysis of existing data and information (where appropriate)

  • Critically analyse significant bodies of literature in the chosen topic area

  • Prepare and write a well-presented and substantial analytical report of the research process in form of an academic dissertation

  • Engage with ethical issues in undertaking research

  • Critically reflect upon the implications of research for your future career in management

Skills-related learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate ability to solve problems in a logical and in parts creative way.

  • You will demonstrate resilience by finishing this significant independent research piece.

  • Think critically to Produce logical and structured arguments supported by relevant evidence.

  • Sharpen your academic writing and referencing skills.

  • Reflexive understanding of strengths and weaknesses based on the experience of developing an individual research project over an extended period.

Module content

Subject content

In preparing the dissertation students will typically be required to:

  • Critically engage with the relevant literature in the chosen topic area

  • Engage with the key issues and questions arising in the topic area

  • Consider appropriate research methodologies and the philosophies of enquiry underpinning them

  • Collect and analyse data (where appropriate)

  • Extrapolate key findings from data analysis and relevant literatures

  • Consider the contribution of the dissertation to scholarship, policy, and practice.

  • Finally demonstrate a reflexive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses based on experience of developing an individual research project over an extended period.

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

Brown, R. (2006), Doing your dissertation in Business and Management, the reality of researching and writing, London, Sage

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.

Additional readings to be provided in the “Advanced research methods” Module


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.