UNIVERSITY OF SURREY

School of Management

POSTGRADUATE DISSERTATION HANDBOOK

2010 - 2011
QUICK FACTS

(see main handbook for further details!)

Key dates

Deadline Event Comment

Monday 28th February, 12.00 Submission of dissertation Via form in ULearn
topic registration form
Wednesday 16th March 2011 Allocation of Supervisors

Friday 8th April 2011 Submission of dissertation submitted on ULearn and a

proposal copy e-mailed directly to the
supervisor
Friday 9th September 2011 Submission of completed In room advised by Student
17.00 dissertation Support

Other points to note:

• Your dissertation topic must be relevant to your degree, eg: Tourism, Retail, Food,
Hospitality, Financial Services, Finance, IMM, IBM, Man, MIS,

• You must keep copies of all notes/ materials/ drafts as well as the data collected and used in
the dissertation, for at least one year after you have submitted your dissertation. You must
produce these if requested to do so.

• Consult the ULearn module ‘Plagiarism & Referencing: A guide for students’ to refresh
your memory on how to reference correctly.

• If you intend to use Surrey Design and Print (on-campus printers) to bind your dissertation,
you must allow two weeks prior to the submission date.

• If you want a copy of your dissertation, please make sure that you print an extra copy.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction and overview page 4

1.1 Module contact details
1.2 Module Description

2.0 Dissertation Calendar page 7

2.1 Dissertation stages explained

3.0 Research Proposal Guidance page 9

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Your proposal should include:

4.0 Learning and Teaching Strategy and Methods page 12

5.0 Supervision page 12

5.1 The role of the supervisor
5.2 Supervision meetings

6.0 Assessment page 14

6.1 Assessment criteria
6.2 Marking process
6.3 What if I need an extension?
6.4 What happens if I fail?

7.0 Dissertation Content/Structure page 15

7.1 Contents
7.2 Length
7.3 Common faults in Dissertation
7.4 Formatting and binding

8.0 Good scholarship, referencing and academic misconduct page 20

8.1 What is good scholarship? What is plagiarism?
8.2 What do I reference?
8.3 Avoiding plagiarism
8.4 What happens if I am accused of plagiarism?

9.0 Appendices page 23

Appendix A: Example marking sheet
Appendix B: ‘Assessment words’ explained
Appendix C: Supervision meetings record
Appendix D: Layout & format requirements
Appendix E: Title Page Template
Appendix F: Declaration of Originality
Appendix G: Research Ethics form

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1.0 INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW
The dissertation is a core module undertaken by all MSc students in the School of Management.
This means that you must pass the module, and it cannot be compensated. The purpose of the
Dissertation Handbook is to provide support and guidance to you and your academic supervisor
during the completion of the dissertation.

1.1 Module Contact details:

Module convenor:
Dr Anita Eves,

Room 10MS02, ext. 6337, email: a.eves@surrey.ac.uk

Complete the details below when your supervisor is allocated to you.

Supervisor:

Name: ………………………………… Room:…………………………………

Phone: ………………………………… Email:………………………………….

Notes:…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………

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1.2 Module Description

Module Code: MANM061

Module Title: Dissertation
Module Short Name: MA300
Module Provider: School of Management
Level: MSc
Module Co-ordinator: Dr Anita Eves
Number of credits: 60
Number of ECTS credits: 30
Module Availability: Semester 2 to September

Assessment Pattern:

Units of Assessment Weighting Towards Module

Mark (%)
Coursework 100%
Alternative Assessment Not applicable
Qualifying Condition(s)
A mark of 50% is required to pass the module.

Pre-requisite/Co-requisites:
A pass in the Research Methods module

Module Overview:
The dissertation is CORE to all programmes and is the final element of the programme, providing an
opportunity for a sustained period of research. It allows students to concentrate on topics that are of
particular interest to them and it draws upon a range of different aspects of the taught programme particularly
the Research Methods module. It also gives an opportunity for students to work independently with
individual supervision.

Module Aims:
The module is designed to allow students to: undertake an original piece of research; demonstrate an ability
to select and define and focus upon an issue at an appropriate level; develop and apply relevant and sound
methodologies; analyse the issue; develop recommendations and logical conclusions; be aware of the
limitations of research work. The students will also be expected to demonstrate an awareness of any ethical
dilemmas that arise in their research

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module the students will have:
• Developed an in depth understanding and insight of a relevant topic of specific interest
• Demonstrated critical engagement with existing literature relevant to their topic
• Demonstrated an ability to use appropriate methodologies and to justify their use
• Demonstrated the ability to analyse and present their data, and to critically compare these with
existing knowledge
• Demonstrated an ability to critically evaluate results to produce sound conclusions
• Shown an ability to identify modifications to existing knowledge structures and theoretical

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 frameworks
• Awareness of the limitations of their study, and be able to identify new areas for investigation/new
problems/new or alternative applications or methodological approaches
• Synthesised many of the elements covered in the taught part of the programme
• Demonstrated the ability to present a major piece of coherent work based on self-directed research

Module Content:
Students will identify a topic area of interest that they wish to develop further through their dissertation. This
must be relevant to their programme of study. On the basis of this topic, students will be assigned a
supervisor who will guide their work. The module is, however, largely based on self-directed study and
research, which takes place during the Spring semester and the summer.

Methods of Teaching/Learning:
The module commences in the Spring Semester, and is completed by early September of the same year.

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to develop the students’ ability to conduct and report
independent research. It builds on the Research Methods module, allowing students to gain experience of
applying some of the principles and methods learned. Included in the strategy is the development of a
research proposal to help students crystallise their ideas.

The teaching and learning methods include regular supervision. The exact nature and timing of this will be
agreed between the student and their supervisor. Students are expected to meet their supervisor once
allocated to discuss their initial ideas. Following this they will write a short research proposal outlining the
problem, research objectives and their proposed research strategy – including approaches, arrangements for
fieldwork, development of instruments, sample and ethical issues. This is a formative assessment, and allows
a fruitful discussion between student and supervisor about the proposed research. The proposal should be
agreed with the supervisor before proceeding with the dissertation. Where necessary, students must obtain
ethical approval prior to data collection. Subsequent meetings may include discussing details of
methodological approaches, how to organise fieldwork and structuring and writing the dissertation. The
supervisor will also comment and provide feedback on one complete draft of the student’s work.

Assessment Strategy: The student is assessed entirely on the basis of their written dissertation. The
assessment criteria are available in the Dissertation Handbook provided to all students. All Dissertations are
also checked for plagiarism using an electronic plagiarism detection system.

Selected Texts/Journals:
Essential reading
None

Recommended reading
The majority of the reading required for dissertation will be specific to the topic being investigated. Students
are expected to use a variety of sources, as relevant to their topic. Supervisors will guide such reading.

Background Reading
A number of books have been written as guides to researching and writing dissertations, which students may
find useful. Examples include:

Horn R (2009) Researching and writing dissertations: a complete guide for business and management
students. CIPD
White B (2000) Dissertation skills for business and management students. Cassell.

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2. DISSERTATION CALENDAR

Deadline Event Comment

Monday 28th February, 12.00 Submission of dissertation Via form in ULearn
topic registration form
Wednesday 16th March 2011 Allocation of Supervisors

Friday 8th April 2011 Submission of dissertation submitted on ULearn and a

Friday 13th May 2011
Monday 15th August 2011
Friday 9th September 2011
17.00
proposal, including Ethics form
(Appendix G)
Feedback on proposal and
approval; signing Ethics form;
agreed work schedule
Application for Programme
extensions if required
Submission of completed In room advised by Student
dissertation
copy e-mailed directly to the
supervisor
See Section 6.3; note
extensions are not a right, and
will only be considered where
there are demonstrable
mitigating circumstances that
have affected your progress.
Support

2.1 Dissertation stages explained

It is expected that you will dedicate regular time to your dissertation throughout the whole of the
module, both during and after the scheduled support sessions, and throughout Semester 2 as well as
during the summer period. You will need to bear in mind other module commitments (such as exam
revision and/ or coursework in Semester 2) but try to spend at least some time each week on your
dissertation, even if this is only collecting literature.

Submission of the topic area and provisional title

You need to register the topic area and a provisional title with the Module Administrators in order
for us to allocate you a supervisor. You should do this as soon as you can, via the questionnaire on
Ulearn, and no later than Monday 28th February, 2011. If you do not meet this deadline you will
not be assigned a supervisor.

Allocation of supervisor

You will be allocated a dedicated supervisor for your Dissertation. You will be informed who your
supervisor is by Wednesday 16 March. It is your responsibility to make contact with your named
supervisor as soon as you can. More information about the role of your supervisor is in Section 5.0.

Complete Dissertation Proposal – submit to supervisor no later than Friday 8th April

This is a valuable opportunity for you to get written ‘formative’ feedback on your ideas from your
supervisor early in the process. Writing a proposal is the best way to clarify your ideas and plan
your dissertation (see Section 3).

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The proposal is not given a grade and does not affect your overall dissertation mark, but you are
strongly advised to take advantage of this opportunity for feedback and advice. Submit your
proposal on u-learn as well as directly to your supervisor.

Formative Feedback on the research proposal and signing of the Ethics form:

You need to organise a meeting with your supervisor to get formative feedback on the research
proposal, approval to continue as planned, as well as to sign off the Ethics Form no later than
Friday, 13 May. You cannot start to collect primary data until this form is signed.

Deadline for submitting drafts:

It is unreasonable to expect your supervisor to read and comment on drafts of your work close to the
submission date. Discuss the latest date that your supervisor will receive drafts prior to the
submission deadline. You are expected to plan your time effectively – the final weeks of the module
are for formatting, proofing, printing, binding etc. Your supervisor may still be available for
questions and/ or meetings, but establish the availability of your supervisor at the beginning of your
dissertation period.

Printing and binding

If you intend to use Surrey Design and Print to print and bind your dissertation, you will need to
leave around two weeks to do this prior to the submission deadline. We will endeavour to advise
you of the latest date by which Surrey Design and Print will receive dissertations and guarantee that
they will be available in time for the submission deadline. Off-campus printers may be able to offer
shorter turn-around times, but you should establish this wit them when planning your time.

Submission

Any time between 10.00 and 17.00, Friday 9 September 2011. Location for submission will be
advised by Student Support. Late submissions (even by 5 minutes) attract a penalty of 10%
reduction in marks per working day. The reduction is made after the work is marked. After 5
working days the recorded mark will be zero.

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3.0 RESEARCH PROPOSAL GUIDANCE
3.1 INTRODUCTION

The research proposal of maximum 2000 words (excluding reference list) is designed to provide you
with an opportunity to:

• organise your ideas;

• convince your supervisor that your research falls within the domain of your masters’
programme;
• convince your supervisor that your research is viable and has potential to meet the criteria for
your masters’ programme dissertation;
• develop a clear plan for your dissertation.

Based upon your proposal your supervisor will provide you with formative feedback on your
dissertation ideas at an early stage, thereby helping you to ensure that you have a valid and viable
dissertation. She or he will then advise regarding whether or not it is sensible to proceed with your
dissertation or recommend that you need to undertake more work.

As part of your proposal you must also complete and sign a separate Ethical Issues in Research form
(Appendix G). If you have not completed this and had it signed by your supervisor, you will not be
able to proceed with your data collection.

3.2 YOUR PROPOSAL SHOULD INCLUDE:

• Front page
• Working title
• Academic context and background
• Research objectives
• Methods (including access)
• Research ethics
• Timescale and resources
• References

Front page: The front page should include the proposed title of your dissertation, your name and
URN number, the programme that you are studying and a word count.

Working title: This should represent the content of your proposal. It is recognised that it
may alter as your research progresses.

Academic context and background: This section should introduce your research topic and set it
within the context of the academic literature. It should also explain why you feel the research
which you are planning is worth the effort and, where necessary, clarify terminology used.

In this section, you should begin by addressing the following question:

1. What is your research topic?

This question should be answered briefly. In answering it, you should express your research topic
in the form of a problem which needs solving, a question that needs answering or something which

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you find exciting and has aroused your curiosity. You should also, where appropriate, provide a
brief description of the organisational background and state why your research is worth the effort
from an organisational perspective.
In addition, you should address the following questions:

2. Discuss the key academic ideas (theories) within the area of your research topic referencing
them to their main proponents (authors)?
3. Indicate how your research relates to these ideas (theories)?

In answering these questions you will demonstrate some knowledge of the relevant academic
literature and show where your proposal fits into this debate (a minimum of 10 articles/books from
the academic literature is expected). You will also provide precise references (in Harvard format) for
these ideas. This section is not the same as a critical literature review. It just outlines, compares and
contrasts the key ideas from academic literature sources which will provide the academic starting
point for your dissertation and provides prima facie evidence that your research is grounded in the
academic literature.

Research objectives: In this section you need to address the follow question:

4. What are your research aim and objectives?

Remember your background section should lead smoothly into clear statements of your overall aim
and objectives. These should leave your dissertation supervisor in no doubt as to precisely what
your research seeks to achieve. Your research aim should be a sentence stating what you intend to
achieve through your research. Your research objectives should provide more detail,
operationalising your research. Remember, you should have one aim and between two and four
research objectives. Your research objectives should be achievable within the time frame of your
masters’ programme and within your available resources.

Methods (including access): This section will outline how you intend to go about achieving your
research objectives and help establish that your proposal is viable.

Initially you should address the following questions:

5. What is the strategy you are intending to use?

6. Why are you intending to use this strategy?

In addressing these questions you should explain briefly the strategy or strategies you intend to use
(e.g. case study, survey, experiment, action research or perhaps a combination) and why you intend
to use them referring to the philosophical position you intend to adopt.

If you intend to base your research within a single organisation then you should state and justify
this. However, if your research is more generic you should explain, for example, which sector(s) of
the economy or setting or group of population/respondents you have chosen to research and why
you chose these. You therefore need to address the following questions:

7. What is the setting in which you intend to base your research?

8. Why are you using this particular setting?

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If you are collecting primary data as part of your research you should state and justify, using the
research methods literature the data collection techniques you intend to use (e.g. observation,
interviews, questionnaires, etc.), your sample size, the method you will use to select your sample
and the likely response rate. There is no need at this stage to have designed your research
instrument. However, you must have ensured that access will be granted to enable you to collect
these data and report this in our proposal. For example if you intend to collect data from an
organisation’s employees, you must have obtained or been promised permission to do this from the
organisation prior to submitting your proposal.

If you are using secondary data as part of your research you should state and justify this choice of
method using the research methods literature. You must also ensure that you can gain access to the
data you require. Where these data are organisationally based you must have checked their
suitability for your research and obtained or been promised permission to do this from the
organisation. This must be reported in your proposal. Where these data are published you must
have checked their suitability for your research and provide precise references (in Harvard format)
of these sources.

You therefore need to address the following questions:

9. How do you intend to obtain your data?

10. Why are you using this or these data collection methods?
11. Have you ensured that you will be able to gain access to these data?

Research ethics: This section will provide evidence that you have considered issues associated
with research ethics and that you intend to observe the highest ethical standards when undertaking
research. The School of Management requires all students undertaking research to comply with the
University’s Code on Good Research Practice. This is available from the University web site at

http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=719,333084&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

In addition you must also complete and sign the Faculty of Management and Law’s Ethical Issues in
Research form (Appendix G). If you have answered ‘yes’ to any questions on the form you will
have to apply for ethical approval before collecting data. If you need to apply for approval, you will
be provided with details of the application process.

If the research involves staff and patients and falls within the National Health Service (NHS), then it
is likely that you will also need to submit it to the correct NHS ethics review committee. This
submission is your responsibility and it is quite normal for students’ proposals to be rejected at the
first attempt. Although for student projects there is recognition of the short timescales involved and
an attempt to expedite the review process, be aware, that such organisations’ ethical committees
have their own timetables and deadlines which you will need to meet. In some organisations these
committees meet infrequently, perhaps only two or three times a year.

If you wish to collect data from vulnerable groups, you may also need to apply for a Criminal
Records Bureau check before you can access the respondents. This can take up to a month or more,
and time would need to be built in to allow this.

Timescale and resources: This section will help you to assess the viability of your research
proposal within the time and resource constraints of your masters’ programme. It will be helpful if
you divide your research plan into activities with clear completion dates. This will give you a clear

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idea as to what is possible in the given time scale. However, experience has shown that however
well you organise your time the whole process seems to take longer than anticipated. Ensure that
you build in time for your supervisor to approve your data collection instrument. This is particularly
important if you intend to collect data outside of the UK and will be making travel plans.

In this section, you should address the following questions:

12. What are the key activities that you will need to undertake to complete you dissertation?
13. How long do you think each of these activities is likely to take?
14. Are there any activities that need to be completed before others can be started?
15. What are the likely dates associated with the completion of these activities?

Many students choose to present this information as either a table or Gantt chart. When doing this
remember to include the activities in sufficient detail (e.g. designing questionnaire, piloting
questionnaire, administering questionnaire) to ensure the time scale is meaningful.

16. Do you have sufficient resources (money etc.) to undertake the proposed research?

This is particularly important. For example, if you are planning to interview people in different
locations can you afford associated travel and accommodation costs? If you are using a
questionnaire, have you budgeted for photocopying, stationary and postage costs? Alternatively, if
you are using on-line statistical data, will you have to pay for this?

References: It is not necessary to try and impress your supervisor with an enormous list of
references. What is important is that you reference all the sources to which you have referred in
your proposal using the Harvard form of referencing.

4.0 LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY AND METHODS

The overall aim of the learning and teaching strategy is to encourage you to take responsibility for
your own learning within a supportive environment, developing self and dissertation management
skills along the way.

A range of resources are available to you including:

• This handbook
• Research Methods Lectures
• Dissertation lecture in Semester 1
• Advanced library tutorials
• Your Dissertation Supervisor

5.0 SUPERVISION
This section details the supervision arrangements and mutual expectations for Postgraduate students
and their dissertation supervisors. It also includes advice as to how to get the most from your
supervisor.

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5.1 The role of the supervisor

A supervisor will be allocated to you on the basis of the title of your proposed dissertation and on
what you have written in your Dissertation Proposal Form. Whilst the exact nature of the role of
supervisor may vary, they will all undertake to:

• Discuss the proposal for the dissertation
• Agree on the approach to be adopted and timetable of work
• Give guidance on reading (as appropriate)
• Give advice on structure and presentation
• Give advice and feedback on the acceptability of elements of student draft chapters.

Your supervisor, although experienced in dissertation supervision, may not have subject-specific
information on your dissertation topic. Obtaining this material inevitably is your responsibility.
Since the expertise of the School is extensive the supervisor may be able to refer you to another
member of academic staff. However, it should be emphasised that the onus of responsibility for the
dissertation rests with you, the student, and that the role of supervisor is one of guidance and not
dependency. Your supervisor may wish to complete a progress sheet of supervision (Appendix C)
or ask you to take and submit ‘minutes’ after each meeting, summarising your discussion and
agreed actions.

Please note: if you contact and send work to your supervisor in the last minute, you cannot expect
your supervisor to have the time to do the necessary checks. Supervisors will not normally read and/
or comment on a complete draft close to the deadline for submission. You should establish, with
your supervisor, the last date on which they will receive a complete draft. In addition, your
supervisor cannot be expected to correct English. You should make use of the service provided by
the English Language Institute in the University, and your supervisor may direct you to this service
if they feel it is necessary.

5.2 Supervision meetings

You must arrange to meet your supervisor at least twice between March and May and three times
between June and September. These meetings should be spaced evenly throughout the time period.
You should remember that your Supervisor will be supervising other dissertations and that they
have to share their time fairly. Please also ensure that you establish the availability of your
supervisor over the summer, as it is likely that your supervisor will not be available throughout the
period. By doing this you can plan your time effectively.

The following points are intended as guidance for you regarding your responsibilities during the
process of supervision. Taking control of these meetings will ensure that all parties benefit.

• Be well prepared

• Make sure you have read any texts suggested
• Note down any problems you have and discuss strategies to overcome them
• Have a clear view on how the dissertation is progressing
• Submit written work well in advance of the meeting for discussion

Remember that this is your dissertation and you are expected to guide the meeting.

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Make notes during meetings and keep a record of what has been discussed and agreed – your
supervisor may ask you to submit this to them. Before ending the meeting with your supervisor
think about whether you have:

• Raised all the key issues

• Agreed the date of the next meeting and discussed future work

5.2.1 Suggestions for meetings

The following notes may help to focus your ideas on the purpose of each meeting at the different
stages of the supervision process. It should be emphasised that the following are only suggestions,
and you and your supervisor may decide on your own approach to supervision, eg: group
supervision, by email etc.

First Meeting (following allocations of supervisors)

• Establish initial contact
• Discuss suitability of initial ideas as registered
• Agree time plan and contact arrangements
• Discuss reading and commence literature review

Second Meeting (after submission of proposal)

• Feedback on Dissertation Proposal
• Progress Update
• Discuss any difficulties
• Consider the overall structure of dissertation
• Discuss progress as above
• Sign the Ethics form (see Appendix G)
• Review time-plan

Subsequent Meetings

• Discuss your draft literature review

• Discuss detailed aspects of your methodology
• Approval of research instruments, as appropriate
• Submit preliminary drafts of sections of the dissertation for feedback on your writing style,
and coherence and presentation. Early sections are likely to be corrected in more detail, after
which you are expected to carry through the advice to subsequent written work.
• Submit a final draft of your dissertation by the agreed date.

6.0 ASSESSMENT
In order to achieve the threshold standard for the award of credits for this module, you must
demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes and described in the module description. The
pass mark is 50%.

6.1 Assessment criteria

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The dissertation will be assessed on the weighted criteria listed in Appendix A. Please note that the
marking scheme is slightly different for the students studying MSc HRM to reflect the CIPD
requirements (in this case, please ask you supervisor for the marking scheme).

6.2 Marking process

Your dissertation will be marked independently by two academic staff, one of whom will be your
supervisor. Your grade is agreed by these two markers and will be ratified by External Examiners
and the Board of Examiners. As you are at the end of your studies, qualitative feedback on your
dissertation is not automatically forwarded to you. If you would like feedback, please contact your
supervisor who will arrange for it to be sent to you by email.

6.3 What if I need an extension?

There is no automatic right to an extension.

If you believe significant extenuating circumstances will prevent you from submitting your
dissertation on time (for example sustained serious illness), please inform your supervisor and
submit a mitigation form as well as a programme extension registration form by 15 August 2011.
This will be forwarded to the Director of Postgraduate Studies for consideration. Any extension
form will need to be accompanied by supporting evidence. Please note: IT failure is not a valid
extenuating circumstance at any stage of the dissertation – keep regular back-ups! Please read the
extension regulation in the PG Handbook, which also includes the forms you need to complete.
Please ensure that you request an extension by the deadline above, as extension requests will not be
considered after this date or retrospectively.

6.4 What happens if I fail?!

The pass mark for the dissertation is 50%. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of
achieving a mark below 50% you will be advised by the Board of Examiners as to whether you can
resubmit your dissertation. Dissertation can not be considered for compensation. In most cases, a
second submission is permitted within 6-months of the Board of Examiners, usually based on the
original work improved using the feedback from markers. The maximum mark that can be achieved
on resubmission is 50%.

If you are told that you have failed, you should contact your supervisor who will summarise the
feedback from the two markers to guide your resubmission. They will meet with you once to
confirm that you understand the feedback and what you need to do. They will also look over one
draft of the work that you intend to resubmit, and give general feedback. The draft must reach the
supervisor no later than one month before the resubmission date.

7.0 DISSERTATION CONTENT AND STRUCTURE

Although you are free to structure your dissertation how you choose (heeding your supervisor’s
advice) you may find it easier to include all the material necessary by using the following structure.

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Inevitably you will need to make decisions as to what to include in which section, if in doubt,
devote your best critical material to those sections that carry the most of the mark weighting.

7.1 Contents

Your dissertation should include the following elements:

• Title page (see Appendix E for template): This should include the word count of your
dissertation.

• Abstract: Set out on a page of its own immediately after the title page. The abstract is
likely to be the last section to be written. It is a short (300 words max.) summary of the
dissertation and should outline the nature and scope of the work, the research problem, main
methodological approach, key findings and conclusion/ recommendations.

• Declaration of Originality (see Appendix F)

• Table of contents: An outline of the entire dissertation in list form, setting out the
sequence of the sections with page numbers. It is conventional to number the preliminary
pages (abstract, table of contents) with lower case Roman numerals (i.e. (i), (ii), (iii) etc.)
and the main text pages (starting with the first chapter) in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3 etc.) as
shown below:

CONTENTS PAGE
List of Tables i
List of Figures ii
List of Abbreviations iii
Acknowledgements iv

CHAPTER 1 (Title) 1
1.1 (First section heading)
1.2 (Second etc.)
1.3 (Third etc.)

• List of tables and figures: A table is a presentation of data in tabular form; a figure is a
diagrammatic representation of data or other material such as graphs, photographs, images
or maps. Tables and Figures should be numbered consecutively according to chapter (eg:
Table 1.3 is the third table in Chapter 1, and Figure 4.2 is the second figure in Chapter 4).
Each should be separately listed with page numbers.

• List of abbreviations: Abbreviations should be used sparingly, and those that are not
self-evident or in common use should be explained where they first appear in each chapter
by giving the full expression and the abbreviation in brackets, e.g. ‘gross domestic product
(GDP)’. Abbreviations not in common use should appear at the beginning of the
dissertation.

Useful rules for abbreviations:

No full stops in abbreviations consisting of initial capital letters, UK, US (adjective), EEC, OECD,
BBC, UN. Note : ‘United Kingdom’ and ‘United States’ should be spelt out when used as nouns;
No full stops after abbreviations ending with last letter of word abbreviated, Dr Mr Mrs St;

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Full stops to be used in abbreviations consisting of phrases or single words, e.g., i.e., cet. par., op.
cit., et al., p., pp., vol., No.

• Introduction and/or definition of research problem: The introduction should set out
the purpose and scope of the dissertation, clearly explaining what it is about, how it is
structured, but more importantly, why the research is necessary and to whom. You need to
ensure that the academic and applied rationale is well explained and justified. An academic
rationale should answer the questions “Why don’t we know this already? Why is more study
on this topic needed?” and an applied rationale should demonstrate the relevance of the topic
to contemporary business environments. The section should end with the main aim and
objectives of your study.

• Literature review (this may be more than one chapter): This section gives an overview
of the context and background to the research problem. It builds on your problem definition
and aims and objectives and so is an expansion of the concise arguments you make there. It
is probably the section that will give you most scope to show off the wide range of sources
you have consulted. Although based on existing literature, you should still present your
material critically.

• Methodology: This section evaluates and justifies the research methodology that will
be used to obtain the data to answer the research questions. It states the research problem,
discusses the operationalisation of hypotheses (where relevant), discusses the research
instrument used, the method of collecting the data – including sampling, the analysis of the
data and the validity and reliability of data. It should contain enough detail to allow someone
else to repeat your study.

• Results: You should present your data in an appropriate form, which may include
tables, graphs or in the case of qualitative data, verbatim quotes. Select the format that best
suits your data, and do not present your data in more than one form. Ensure that the text
around your presented data pulls out the key findings, rather than repeats what is already
given. A table/figure should never be presented without supporting text. Tables and figures
should be clearly and consistently labelled either above or below, and the reader should be
able to understand the table/figure from the title without referring to the text for
explanations. Units of measurement, the year to which the data refer, geographical area
covered, and sources should be clearly stated. The labels in the text and in the lists should
correspond exactly.

• Critical analysis and discussion: It can be hard to know which section to discuss your
results – this or the preceding one – and you may decide to combine these two sections into
one or more chapters based on theme, depending on your topic and your supervisor’s views.
However, what is vital is that your Dissertation contains sufficient analytical discussion in
addition to the more descriptive ‘scene setting’ material of the literature review sections, and
presentation of results. It is here that you will compare and contrast your findings with those
already reported in the literature.

• Conclusions: Here you need to answer the “So what?” question. What significance
do your research findings have? For whom? Why? and How? In this chapter you link the
research problem with literature review and findings, stating what you can conclude based
on the work conducted. Based on your conclusions you should comment on managerial
implications, the limitations of the research, suggest further work and better ways to resolve

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 the problem. Students on CIPD accredited programmes are also required to include a
section on ‘recommendations for management practice’.

• Full list of references used in the dissertation: You should provide correctly formatted
bibliographic details for every citation included in the dissertation. Do not include material
which is not referred to in your text (also see Section 8.0 below on referencing and academic
misconduct).
• Appendices: Often misused and misunderstood, an appendix should only be used
to include supplementary (but non-essential) material which, if included, would disrupt the
flow of the text. Appendices are not marked so do not include any vital information, e.g.:
results of analysis, in one if you want the content to be considered as part of the assessment.
Appendices do not contribute to the overall word length.

7.2 Length

The dissertation should be no more than 20,000 words in total. A margin of 10% above this is
acceptable, but any submitted dissertation which is above these limits will be subject to penalties.
All penalties will be applied at the discretion of the module convenor, in consultation with the
supervisor.

The following do not count in the word-limit:

• Supporting text pages (abstract, table of contents, bibliography, references).

• Tables, graphs, legends, annotations or illustrative material.
• Footnotes and Appendices

You must state the actual word count on the Title page of the dissertation.

Including large amounts of important material in footnotes, tables and/ or appendices is poor
practice and will be reflected in the marks awarded.

7.3 ` Common Faults in Dissertation

Title Page
• Title too long
• Wrong degree title
• Surplus information

Abstract
• Too long; should be 300 words max
• waffles about project; should be 1/3 problem, 1/3 method and findings, 1/3 implications
• Must not have references or statistics

Statement of the problem

• In the introduction, this must be clear and of managerial importance. There must be some
evidence that there is a problem.

Literature Review
• It is just a listing of paragraphs quoted directly from different authors. It has no logic or coherence.

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 • Literature reviewed is often irrelevant to the problem or outdated,
• Contains personal opinion, not substantiated through the use of the literature

References
• Poor referencing; some missing, spelling mistakes, inconsistencies
• Use of third hand sources - avoid listing works which others have referred to but you have not
actually read yourself. In these cases, use the ‘cited in…’ construction in the text, and reference the
source that you actually read in the reference list
• Excessive use of inappropriate sources

Hypotheses (where relevant)

• Very poorly written
• Often expressed in causal form
• Obsession with use of word “significant”
• Not stemming from theory / Not related to problem

Methods
• Inadequate justification for chosen approaches
• Lack of detail about what you actually did

Research instrument(s)
• Indiscriminate borrowing
• Lack of understanding

Analysis
• Inadequate feel for data through careful descriptive work
• Lack of understanding of appropriateness of a test
• Obsession with significance, yet it is set randomly, without reference to subject norms or literature
• Inadequate development of results in relation to their practical importance
• Too much naïve material in the form of simple % (nothing wrong with %, but not suitable for
everything); too many pretty pictures repeating information available on tables

Logic
• Inadequate link between problem, theory, hypothesis, method, data analysis

Critique
• Insufficient evidence to support ideas

Conclusions
• Insufficient evidence of awareness of the limitations
• Conclusions not based on facts established through the study

Tables and Graphs

• Inadequate title
• Source not given
• Not referred to directly from the text
• Inappropriately located in text or appendix

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Appendix
• Pages must be numbered, ideally in continuation of text
• Material must show title
• Contains material irrelevant to the main body of the work

English
• Far too many spelling, grammar and syntax errors.
• Ambiguity and misinterpretation more frequent than lack of clarity

Attribution
• Mixture of writing styles and insufficient attribution, leading to suspicion of plagiarism

7.4 Formatting and Binding – Please see Appendix D

If you intend to use Surrey Print and Design to print and bind your dissertation, you will need to
allow around two weeks prior to the submission deadline to do this. We will endeavour to give
more accurate timings closer to the submission date. Off-campus printers may be able to offer
shorter deadlines, but you will need to ascertain their requirements well ahead of the submission
deadline.

8.0 GOOD SCHOLARSHIP, REFERENCING AND ACADEMIC

MISCONDUCT
In your dissertation, as with all academic work you will be expected to demonstrate a high standard
of academic referencing. To recap, this is for three reasons:

1. To show the breadth and depth of research you have carried out
2. To enable the reader to follow up on interesting ideas/ research that you have discussed
3. To avoid being accused of plagiarism.

8.1 What is good scholarship? What is plagiarism?

Academics (including you!) are engaged in the generation of new knowledge and insights that
contribute to what we already know about the natural, supernatural and social world – this is called
‘scholarship’. Good scholarship is the result of conventions that help the readers of academic
research to see exactly what is new, what is the work of others and how it all fits together – the
main way this is done is through the referencing system.

In the academic context, plagiarism is generally understood to mean the use and citing of the words,
scientific results, inventions or ideas of others and presenting them as one’s own, without due
reference to or acknowledgement of the author, whether the author is a researcher, journalist or
another student. Sources may be many and varied and will include the spoken word, printed text,
data or text held electronically on a database or accessed via the Internet. Put simply, authors
(including you!) need to add a citation after every idea or set of ideas they write about that are not
their own. Thus you need to reference any idea that comes from another source, not just direct
quotes. There are several different ways of doing this, and at the School of Management we use the
Harvard Referencing System.

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The Library has a web page about Bibliographic Referencing at
http://www.surrey.ac.uk/library/subject/bibref/.

There is also a new page on Learning Skills at

http://libweb.surrey.ac.uk/library/skills/learningskills.html which includes some useful links for
plagiarism.

There is also a ULearn module called ‘Plagiarism and referencing: A guide for students’ which
contains a wealth of useful information.

Be advised that all dissertations are put through a plagiarism detection service, which in the past has
detected plagiarism from academic sources, the internet, other students in Surrey, and students in
other academic institutions. The University takes plagiarism very seriously, and has strict penalties.
Through the ULearn module above, you have the opportunity to submit your work through Turnitin
® for checking before you submit your dissertation.

8.2 What do I reference?

As the above section suggests, you should attribute all your sources regardless of the medium the
material comes in (eg: You Tube video, journal article, blog, radio programme, book chapter etc.)
There is a general rule of thumb that says that which is ‘common knowledge’ does not need to be
referenced, but it can be difficult to define common knowledge. If it is common knowledge, there
are usually numerous sources supporting this, so use them! It is also a good idea to completely
avoid cutting and pasting text from the Internet, even if you correctly enclose a paragraph in
quotation marks and add the reference underneath, you are very unlikely to get many marks since
this is not your own work and does not demonstrate your understanding.

Quotations are good to see, when appropriate, but use them judiciously for the above reasons. If you
can say it just as well yourself, write it in your own words and integrate it into your text, adding the
citation at the end of the sentence/ passage.

8.3 Avoiding plagiarism

In writing your dissertation, you may often be working with ideas and terms which are not familiar
to you. This can lead to the temptation to ‘lift’ words or sections of text from books or other
sources. Your supervisor must be able to see your own thought processes, copying from the text
suggests you cannot use the ideas yourself, and thus a lack of understanding. Supervisors are
familiar with differences between the writing style of students and experienced authors.

Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, is a form of cheating, as a result of which an

individual gains or seeks to gain an unfair academic advantage. It includes the use of another
author’s words verbatim, summarising or paraphrasing another person’s argument or line of
thinking, or use of a particularly apt phrase, without proper attribution.

Tips for avoiding ‘unintentional’ plagiarism:

• Don’t cut and paste from the web
• Don’t copy notes from sources word for word – reword at the time you are reading the
material (this also helps your understanding)
• Fully reference your notes as you go, including page numbers if applicable

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 • Use several sources in your writing, this minimises the reliance on any one author and
reduces the risk of accidentally leaving passages unreferenced.
• Run a draft of your work through the Turnitin software available on ULearn to check any
problematic areas. A tutorial is also available on the ULearn to help you understand how to
do this, and how to interpret your report.

8.4 What happens if I am accused of plagiarism?

It is unacceptable to the University of Surrey that any student registered with the University or one
of its Associated Institutions for an award of the University should cheat in order to gain themselves
an academic advantage. The University will penalise any student who is found to have cheated in
accordance with its Regulations for the Conduct of Examinations and Other Forms of Assessment
(see your Student Handbook for details).

If an allegation of plagiarism arises, you will be offered an opportunity to defend your work (which
may include bringing all your notes and other materials used to write your dissertation) to a panel
convened for the purpose. This panel will recommend action to the next Board of Examiners.
Penalties for academic misconduct, including plagiarism, extend from reducing marks to zero for
the assessment in question through to awarding zero for ALL assessments in that semester. If you
do not attend a panel when given the opportunity, a recommendation will be made in your absence.
Repeated plagiarism will eventually result in termination of your studies, and you will not be able to
repeat your work and receive your Masters degree.

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9.0 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: DISSERTATION MARKING FORM – EXAMPLE FOR STUDENTS

School of Management
University of Surrey
DISSERTATION MARK SHEET
Supervisor Copy / Examiner Copy (please delete as appropriate)

Student Name

Course

Dissertation Title

Supervisor Name

Internal Examiner Name

CRITERIA MARKS
1. Originality and Relevance
For example: originality and creativity; relevance; thoroughness and coherence of
literature review; critical evaluation of extant theory and research; identification of
research problem, etc.
/20
2. Structure, Argument and Focus
For example: clarity and definition of research objectives; use of an appropriate
conceptual framework; continuity of themes; logical development; internal logic of
arguments; use of evidence to support arguments, etc.
/20
3. Methodology and Findings
For example: critical evaluation of available research approaches and methods; selection
of methodology appropriate to research objectives; selection of analytical techniques
appropriate to data collected; quality of results obtained and relevance to research
questions, etc. /25
4. Insight and Understanding
For example: analysis, critical evaluation and application (rather than mere description);
interpretation of results; justifiability of conclusions; recognition of limitations;
implications for management practice; suggestions for future research, etc.
/25
5. General Presentation
For example: abstract; style, structure and layout; appropriate use of tables, diagrams,
appendices; correct referencing, etc.

/10
TOTAL MARK /100
COMMENTS

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Please record your comments on the dissertation, such that the basis of your mark is evident. For
failed dissertations, indicate the major weaknesses that the student should attempt to address in
any subsequent submission. Please continue on a separate sheet if necessary.

MARK (%)

Signature of Supervisor / Examiner

Date

Rationale for the agreed mark

Note: the examiners should give a rationale for the agreed mark if the mark difference is
more than 10% or the marks cross degree classifications. If the examiners can not agree
on a mark the dissertation should be sent to a 3rd marker. The mark of the third marker
is final.

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APPENDIX B – ‘Assessment words’ explained

Please refer to the following notes to ensure you fully understand the criteria your work will be
assessed against (see also Section 6.1 ‘contents’).

Descriptive
Work which is labelled ‘descriptive’ simply gives the reader information that communicates what
the topic or issue is about. It usually means you have just restated what others’ have said about the
subject and often reads like a list of points or statements. Work which contains too much
description will attract lower marks even if it is correctly referenced.

Critical
Writing critically does not necessarily mean being negative! A critical reading of something means
to ask questions about the information you are using so that your text includes more information
than was in the original source. When you are reading, ask yourself ‘why did the author write this?’,
‘what are they trying to prove?’ ‘who benefits?’, ‘so what?’ ‘how is this similar or different to what
I have read before?’ ‘do I agree with this? – why? or why not?’– this will give you good grounding
for writing a more critical account of the material you include in your dissertation. Critical writing
attracts higher marks because it shows what you think about the topic in question based on logical
thought and the use of different authors’ perspectives on the topic.

Analysis
An analysis is the result of critical writing. It means that you have ‘pulled apart’ what you’ve read
to find its strengths, weaknesses, importance or error in relation to your research problem and
reformulated this as a thorough brainstorm of an issue from different angles, not just the one you
find most persuasive (although you can certainly give different interpretations different emphasis).

Discussion
Once you have critically analysed several issues, the next step is to evaluate the relative importance
of each with regard to your research problem. Evaluation is usually hinted at throughout the main
body of the text and then more fully undertaken in the discussion and conclusion. Evaluation always
implies criteria to evaluate against – eg: if you are saying something is important, you need to say
how, why and for whom. It will also involve comparing and contrasting your findings with existing
literature. Evaluation is usually closely related to application.

Application
Business problems are by their very nature applied. They concern real industries, people, products,
places and things. You need to show that you are aware of the ways your evaluations might impact
on the ‘real’ world of work and organization.

Range of sources
You are expected to have read a variety of different types of material and this should be reflected in
your reference list. You are expected to draw your academic material from high quality peer-
reviewed journal articles and use reputable trade sources for your industry information. Broad sheet
newspapers, quality news media, professional organizations, government sources and so on are all
potentially valuable sources too. There are occasions where you may need to glean information
from more ‘popular’ sources (eg: for really new social or technological phenomena or for a
‘public’s eye’ view of things) but before you use them, ask yourself ‘does this organisation have a
particular bias?’, ‘can I find this from a more convincing source?’ – this is especially so for theory,
statistics and research findings.

25
Conclusions
A good conclusion is more than just a summary of what you have already discussed. This is an
important part of it – but the significance of each of your key points (or findings) should be
evaluated and applied (see above) and their implications stated. A good way to approach your
conclusion is to imagine you are a lawyer trying to persuade the jury that your argument is the truth.
This will mean identifying the flaws in other possible arguments to show how your analysis is the
best. Conclusions must, however, be based on the information that you have collected for this study
– both literature sources and primary data.

Limitations
No knowledge or source is ever the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Similarly, no
primary research is ever perfect – there is always something that could have been done better,
whether in hindsight or given unlimited resources. You need to show that you understand what the
differences are between different types of information/ methods and how they may be limited in
helping you to understand your research problem. In discussing limitations you should do more than
just list ‘pros and cons’ – think about the particular ways your sources are limited in relation to your
research problem.

Presentation
This includes more than just making your dissertation look nice on paper. Of course, your
formatting should be clear, consistent and look professional, but presentation also includes your
standard of English and grammar, punctuation, referencing and the quality of your vocabulary and
expression. In particular you should avoid jargon (unless you define it), slang or casual language,
and unnecessarily complex or ‘flowery’ language. Don’t be tempted to waffle or use meaningless
‘management speak’ – make sure all your sentences convey their point in an interesting but concise
manner.

26
APPENDIX C: SUPERVISION MEETINGS RECORD

Student:

Course:

Topic:

Date:

Comments:

Next Meeting:

Date:

Comments:

Next meeting:

27
APPENDIX D: Layout and formatting requirements

Page layout: Please lay out your text using 1.5 line spacing one side of the paper only. Your
margins should be a minimum of 3cm on the left and 2.5cm on the right, top and bottom. Text
should be left or fully justified. Use a new paragraph for each substantive point you make and leave
a blank line between paragraphs please. Include page numbers on every page and ensure they
correspond with the relevant entry in the table of contents.

Font & formatting: For the body of the text, use a professional font of 12 pt and black in colour.
A judicial and professional use of colour is fine, but you should avoid fussy formatting. Ensure your
emphases (eg: bold or italics) are consistent throughout the text.

Headings and subsections: Please number your chapters and subsections including meaningful
subject headings. This helps your reader to follow the flow of your argument and find important
information quickly and should correspond to the list in your table of contents.

Tables, figures and images: All tables, figures and images must be numbered consecutively within
each chapter, and have a self-explanatory title. Do not use clip art or any other form of decorative
image unless it is essential to the analysis you are undertaking, e.g: a screen shot to illustrate a
specific feature of an organization’s website.

Footnotes: Use footnotes only when absolutely necessary – e.g: when you want to signal an
important but tangential issue that would otherwise interrupt the flow of text. Overuse of footnotes
is poor practice and will be reflected in marks awarded.

Binding: Students should submit 2 soft bound (heat bound with a clear plastic cover) copies of
their dissertation along with 1 electronic copy via ULearn. Please note that spiral bound
dissertations will not be accepted.

Students can get their dissertations bound anywhere, providing it conforms to the above format.
Dissertations not conforming to the above format will not be accepted for marking.

Recommended Binders:
Surrey Design and Print Youngs of Guildford Priory Bookbinders
George Edwards Building 12 Holford Road 37 Invincible Road
University of Surrey, Guildford, GU1 2QF Farnborough, GU14 7QU
Guildford, GU2 7XH Tel/Fax +44 (0)1483 Telephone +44 (0)1252 515 843
Telephone +44 (0)1483 68 3068 534488
Email: design&print@surrey.ac.uk

Students who achieve a distinction have the opportunity to have their dissertation lodged in the
University Library. Students who wish to take advantage of this should present the School of
Management with one hard bound copy of their dissertation (at their own cost).

• The hard bound copy should be bound in mid-blue cloth i.e. colour 544.
• The following information ONLY should be shown on the spine, in gold blocking (reading
from top to bottom):

The degree Year of Submission Family name and initials

Eg. MSc 2009 Smith J.A.

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APPENDIX E: TITLE PAGE TEMPLATE

Submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Management

The Outlet Manager and Pricing Decisions by Supermarkets

by

Katherine Summers

School of Management
University of Surrey
September 2010

Word count:

© Katherine Summers

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APPENDIX F: DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY

This declaration must be included in your project and should be on the page immediately following
the abstract. The statement is written below and you should fill in the necessary details and make
the relevant deletions:

"I hereby declare that this thesis has been composed by myself and has not been presented or
accepted in any previous application for a degree. The work, of which this is a record, has been
carried out by myself unless otherwise stated and where the work is mine, it reflects personal views
and values. All quotations have been distinguished by quotation marks and all sources of
information have been acknowledged by means of references including those of the Internet. I agree
that the University has the right to submit my work to the plagiarism detection sources for
originality checks."

Author's signature, full name and date.

30
APPENDIX G: Ethical Issues in Research
Please complete this form in discussion with your Supervisor and sign where indicated. Your Supervisor
must countersign the form. Once completed, take the form to the Student Support desk. All forms
must be presented by 16 May at the latest (this date applies to FT students). Staff will record that your
form has been completed. If no ethical approval is required, the form will be stamped and returned to you. If
ethical approval is required, you will be provided with instructions on how to obtain ethical approval.

YOU MAY NOT COLLECT DATA BEFORE IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT ETHICAL APPROVAL IS
NOT REQUIRED, OR UNTIL ETHICAL APPROVAL IS OBTAINED.

If data are collected without ethical approval, it is possible that you could be asked to destroy the data.
If you change your method or sample, a new form must be completed.

Name of student:____________________________ Course: _____________________________

Supervisor: _______________________________________

Dissertation topic: _______________________________________________________________________

Please answer Yes or No to the following questions, by circling your response. If you answer Yes to any
question, ethical approval will be required for your study either from the Faculty of Management and Law
Ethics’ Committee or the University Ethics’ Committee.

Does the study, or may the study, involve Faculty of YES Seek Faculty of Management and Law ethical
Management and Law students? approval
NO

Does, or may the study, involve Undergraduate YES Seek approval from University Ethics’ Committee
students across the University of Surrey?
NO
Does, or may, the study, involve Faculty of YES Seek Faculty of Management and Law ethical
Management and Law staff as subjects? approval
NO
Does, or may, the study involve staff across YES Seek approval from University Ethics’ Committee
The University of Surrey?
NO

Does the study involve vulnerable groups (e.g. YES Seek Faculty of Management and Law ethical
children)? approval
NO
Will the respondents receive payment (including YES Seek Faculty of Management and Law ethical
in kind or involvement in prize draws)? approval
NO
Could questioning – in questionnaire or in interview – YES Seek Faculty of Management and Law ethical
or other methods used, cause offence or be deemed approval
as sensitive? NO
Does the study involve invasive procedures YES Seek approval from University Ethics’ Committee
(e.g. blood tests) or feeding trials?
NO
Does your research study involve staff or patients YES Seek approval from NHS Research Ethics’ Committee
from the NHS? AND University Ethics’ Committee
NO

Supervisor comments:

Student’s signature _____________________________________ Date ______________________

Supervisor’s signature___________________________________ Date______________________

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