Course Catalogue

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This dissertation provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial, independent, research-driven study on a contemporary issue in international marketing. Building on the knowledge and skills developed throughout the programme, students will identify and refine a research problem, engage in an in-depth critical review of relevant literature, and apply appropriate theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches. The dissertation requires the systematic collection and analysis of data, enabling students to generate original insights and draw well-supported conclusions with clear academic and/or managerial relevance.

Supported by academic supervision, the dissertation fosters advanced capabilities in critical analysis, research design, methodological rigour, and scholarly writing. It further develops key graduate attributes, including independence, intellectual curiosity, and reflective thinking. Through the process of managing a complex, extended research project, students enhance their ability to construct and defend arguments, demonstrate academic integrity, and develop high-level organisational and time management skills, all of which contribute to their future professional and academic development.

The dissertation is typically carried out through the summer months, between early May and mid-August.

It is supported via regular individual and collective supervisory meetings, including 5 x 1-hour supervisory meetings..

A 2-hour preparatory lecture will be delivered by the relevant programme coordinators towards the end of the second semester to explain aims and learning objectives, supervisory arrangements and key deadlines.

Students must be registered on one of the associated programmes listed in this course specification.

ISM Project - MGT5517P

None

Dissertation between 10,000 to 12,500 words (excluding the cover page, table of contents, references, and appendices if any), normally submitted before the end of August. The submission should include a section containing the student's critical evaluation of their own performance in working through the dissertation process, with recognition of the reasons affecting that performance. The reflection should include identification of their strengths and weaknesses (supported by evidence) and areas for improvement.

The aim of this dissertation is to enable students to design and conduct an independent, rigorous research study in marketing by critically engaging with existing literature, formulating relevant research questions, and selecting and applying appropriate research designs, methods, and analytical approaches, in order to generate original insights and present them to a high academic and professional standard.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Apply and appropriate research methodologies to investigate complex marketing problems across different contexts, demonstrating methodological rigour and justification of research design choices.

2. Critically analyse diverse perspectives in marketing theory and practice, integrating academic literature, industry insight, and contextual factors to demonstrate independent reasoning and professional judgement.

3. Critically evaluate and synthesise information from multiple sources to support evidence-based decision-making in both academic research and professional marketing practice.

4. Develop evidence-based conclusions and/or recommendations to answer/respond to the marketing problem.

5. Reflect critically on their own professional performance and learning, identifying strengths, limitations, and development needs within academic and/or workplace contexts.

6. Demonstrate adaptability and autonomy in learning and professional practice, responding effectively to changing requirements, ambiguous problems, and evolving marketing environments.

7. Communicate research findings and marketing insights effectively, using appropriate academic conventions and professional formats tailored to specialist and non-specialist audiences.