IOM 415:

Supply Chain

Management Dissertation

Semester 3

AY2024/25

SECTION A: Basic Information

Brief Introduction to the Module

The dissertation module is a compulsory 20 credit module which all Master students at XJTLU are required to complete as part of their MSc degree programmes.

Key Module Information

Module name: Supply Chain Management Dissertation (Part-Time)

Module code: IOM 415 Credit value: 20

Semester in which the module is taught: 3

Pre-requisites needed for the module: passed all taught components of the programme Programmes on which the module is shared: MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management

SECTION B: What you can expect from the module

Educational Aims of the Module

The aim of this dissertation module is to enable students to undertake a significant piece of independent research on a particular topic in business and management field.   This module provides students with opportunities to: (i) apply their learning to analyse contemporary and ‘cutting edge’ problems and issues of relevance to scholars or practitioners or both; (ii) deepen their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic of interest to them; (iii) produce a complete piece of scholarly work or a project of practical value from conception through to a final thesis or report; (iv) further their independent research skills, i.e. data management, project management, writing and presenting findings; (v) enhance their intellectual and employability skills and their career prospects, and (iv) make an original contribution with either theoretical or practical value.

Students should identify, define and explore one or more problems or issues at the forefront of business and management as an academic discipline. This may lead to a large piece of independent writing in one of the following styles:

•    Standard academic research based dissertation,

•    Company based project on a particular issue,

•    Business plan including sections of literature review and methodology.

The dissertation should demonstrate: (i) an analytical and critical approach to problem definition; (ii) the derivation of appropriate research questions and/or hypotheses; (iii) skills in designing and implementing a suitable methodology for gathering, analysing and interpreting data and information that address the research problem, questions and/or hypotheses; (iv) knowledge and understanding of literature and theories relevant to the area of inquiry, and the ability to apply it appropriately, and (v) the ability to write up and  present the  research as a dissertation in a way that combines academic depth and good scholarship with an appreciation of relevant practical and policy issues as appropriate in relevant subject areas.

Learning Outcomes

A.  Demonstrate  a  substantial  and  systematic  understanding  of  current  and  recent  theory  and research focus in business and management.

B.  Critically evaluate and apply relevant theories to construct suitable conceptual frameworks to study the research topic.

C.  Develop skills of conducting a research project through producing a reasonable research design, paying attention to research ethical considerations, collecting data through appropriate methods and analyzing data using suitable approaches.

D.  Present findings in a coherent and logical flow in the dissertation writing.

E.  Think, learn and work independently whilst demonstrating initiative, responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation,  self-direction  and  originality   in  tackling  and  solving   research   problems  in management.

Assessment Details

The module is assessed through:

1.      Presentation (15 minutes followed by Q&A for 5 minutes)                                            15%

Each student will give a  15 minutes PowerPoint presentation of their project and interim results attended by two assessors.  In addition, there will be a 5-minute session for the assessors to ask questions on the material presented. The presentation is intended for you to present the progress of your project against your targets and get constructive feedback to what the assessors expect you to include in the final report.  An electronic version needs to be submitted via LMO 24 hours before the presentation date.

Due Date: Oct 21 - Nov 3, 2024 upon arrangements between the supervisor and 2nd marker

2.      Dissertation (min. 10,000 and max. 15,000 words)                                                       85%

Each student will complete a research thesis following the structure generally outlined within section D of this handbook. The thesis will develop academic skills (research, evaluation of primary and secondary data, drawing of conclusions from research) and transferable skills (time management, project management, organizing, written communication, presentation and problem solving). An electronic version needs to be submitted via LMO by the due date.

Due Date: 00AM, Dec 23, 2024

Resit/Resubmission information:

1.     Resit/Resubmission for Presentation (15%): No

2.     Resit/Resubmission for Dissertation (85%): Yes

Students who failed the  Dissertation  have  the  opportunity  to  resubmit their  dissertation for reassessment. An electronic version needs to be submitted via LMO by the due date. Due Date: 00AM, May 12, 2025

Methods of Learning and Teaching

As MSc dissertation is an independent research students are required to do, students are expected to independently manage the time and workload with the support of their dissertation supervisor. Support to research methodology and method training has been provided through semester 1 and 2.

Typically, the dissertation work starts in semester 2 when students should firstly identify their dissertation focus. Students can select a research focus in one of the following ways:

1. Select a topic proposed by IBSS faculties and seek agreement with the faculty member.

2. Self-select a topic and approach the faculty who has similar research interest and seek agreement.

Students are expected to work on their confirmed dissertation plan once their supervisor approves it. The role of dissertation supervisor is to support students during their dissertation project time once the supervision is confirmed. Such a support ends with the submission of the final dissertation. Supervisors are expected to meet with their students and support in key aspects of the dissertation project including topic selection, literature review, research methodology, data analysis and findings.

Syllabus & Teaching Plan

On supporting students’ dissertation work, supervisors should consider to give advices and suggestions to the following areas:

•     Research topic selection. Students should propose more narrowly focused topics for discussion.

•     Review  of  relevant literature. Supervisor suggests some readings or some literature searching techniques and students are expected to find and summarize relevant readings.

•     Design of methodology. This is a key area where supervisor should provide more support to ensure that students can better understand how to prepare and carry out data collection.

•     Data management and development of conclusions.

Reading Materials

Recommended Texts On Conducting Research:

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage.

Fink, A. (2014). Conducting research literature reviews: from the Internet to paper. Sage. Hart, C. (2005). Doing your masters dissertation. Sage.

Punch, K. (2000). Developing effective research proposals. Sage.

Phelps, R., Fisher, K., & Ellis, A. (2007). Organizing and managing your research: a practical guide for postgraduates. Sage.