SMGT40080 Dissertation

Academic Year 2022/2023

The research project constitutes the final stage of the MSc programme and is one of the most important elements, accounting for a third of students’ final grade. The module presents an opportunity for students to conduct applied research, demonstrate creativity and critical thinking, as well as to develop and defend their ideas. The projects will typically focus on current sport related issues from a management perspective in an Irish and / or international context. In researching the specific topic, students will draw upon and further develop the knowledge and skills acquired during the MSc programme.

To successfully complete this research project, students will be required to analyse and synthesise the relevant academic literature, to develop a conceptual framework, to produce a formal research design and to carry out data analysis and synthesis. Working within the research process, students will develop skills in the analysis of complex material, gain a working knowledge of methodologies for data collection and analysis and develop skills in planning and managing effectively a substantial investigation of an organisational practice, issue or problem. The projects will focus on thematic areas proposed by staff members.

The aim of the project is to enable students to focus on specific topics which have practical relevance to the sport industry and to conduct a body of research which is substantial enough to potentially make a contribution to a particular area/organisation.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of the research process
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in addressing a specific management related issue within a specific sport context.
3. Undertake a critical review of literature to synthesise the available research evidence and identify areas for further exploration.
4. Act autonomously in managing the research process over a prolonged period of time.
5. Communicate the findings of the research process effectively through the production of a written document and oral presentation that demonstrates clarity of thinking and evidence based decision making in suggesting practical conclusions and recommendations

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

244
Autonomous Student Learning

464
Lectures

24
Tutorial

6
Total

738
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In line with the MSc programme values, the module utilises a teaching and learning approach which places students at the centre of the learning experience; promoting a collaborative and interactive learning process. Students have the opportunity to actively engage and learn during the module through research seminars, individual or group meetings with their research supervisor, and through autonomous self-directed learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Oral Examination: Recorded (5 min) oral presentation (use slides) on the original contribution of study and the main findings. Accompanying slides on research project to be used. Recording uploaded on Brightspace. Unspecified n/a Graded No

10
Assignment: 1000 word Research proposal plus ethical approval application where applicable Unspecified n/a Graded No

10
Essay: Literature review (3000 words) Unspecified n/a Graded No

10
Project: Research dissertation document (5000-6000 words) Unspecified n/a Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will also be provided with feedback on their research proposal and individual literature review assignment post assessment. Students will also be provided with formative feedback on selected draft sections of their dissertation.

Name Role
Dr Andre Andrijiw Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Tom Fabian Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Seamus Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor James Matthews Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Ross Neville Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joel Rookwood Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Eleni Theodoraki Lecturer / Co-Lecturer