PROJ08025 2024 Capstone Project / Dissertation
The goal of the capstone project is to put the research proposal into practice by carrying out independent research, (albeit guided with a supervisor) to produce an applied research report that makes a tangible contribution to solving a problem and/or expanding the knowledge base in the specific discipline. The capstone project will be in an insurance related topic, and / or related to the students workplace.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Apply theoretical and methodological understanding and skills to explore researchable ideas and specific research questions or hypotheses.
Conduct a focused review of the relevant literature.
Develop a realistic research design process and undertake research using appropriate research methods.
Articulate concisely findings and conclusions in a written document which is informed by academic writing standards and justify conclusions by reference to evidence gathered and presented.
Demonstrate time, information and project management skills.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Students will be allocated a supervisor for the Project. Learners will undertake guided independent study.
Module Assessment Strategies
The capstone project requires students to undertake a piece of independent, guided research within a specified field or sub-field of business and/or insurance. The final document should be approximately 8,000 words. Topics will normally be related to the student's workplace and / or insurance.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat Continuous Assessment
Indicative Syllabus
The module requires students to undertake a piece of supervised independent research. It allows students to apply the techniques taught in specialist subjects to an academic investigation of a topic of their choosing. This research project will be on a topic related to insurance and / or related to the student's workplace.
LO 1: Apply theoretical and methodological understanding and skills to explore researchable ideas and specific research questions or hypotheses.
- Carry out a capstone research project on an identified relevant topic;
- Identify and explore valid research questions;
- Create research hypothesis.
LO 2: Conduct a focused review of the relevant literature.
- Formulate a search strategy;
- Identify key words;
- Identify key academic search databases;
- Carry out literature searches;
- Identify relevant and up to date literature.
LO 3: Develop a realistic research design process and undertake research using appropriate research methods.
- Identify an appropriate research design;
- Define sample and sampling technique;
- Observe ethical requirements;
- Carry out research project employing identified appropriate research methods.
LO 4: Articulate concisely findings and conclusions in a written document which is informed by academic writing standards and justify conclusions by reference to evidence gathered and presented.
- Carry out research project under academic supervision;
- Compile findings;
- Discuss capstone project results;
- Formulate evidence based conclusions;
- Adhere to academic writing standards.
LO 5: Demonstrate time, information and project management skills.
- Effectively manage the timeline for the research project;
- Manage all information processing requirements;
- Independently manage the research project process with academic supervision support.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dissertation | Project | Individual Project | 90 % | End of Semester | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Interim Review of Progress - Short Report | Coursework Assessment | Individual Project | 5 % | Week 6 | 5 |
3 | Report on Engagement with Dissertation Process | Coursework Assessment | Performance Evaluation | 5 % | End of Semester | 5 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2019-05-17 Research Methods for Business Students Pearson Higher Ed
ISBN 9781292208794 ISBN-13 1292208791
This accessible and clearly written textbook provides a comprehensive and in-depth treatment ofphilosophical, methodological and ethical aspects of conducting business and management research. Illustrative case studies drawing on published research studies are used throughout and readers are given multiple opportunities to consolidate their learning through review and discussion questions, quizzes, and other exercises. At the end of each chapter a case study takes the reader through the realities and practicalities of applying the knowledge to a specific student research project. This will be an invaluable guide for all students seeking to understand and undertake business and management research. Professor Natasha Mauthner, Newcastle University With over 400,000 copies sold, Research Methods for Business Students, is the definitive and market-leading textbook for Business and Management students conducting a research-led project or dissertation. The fully revised 8th edition answers key questions such as: How do I choose my topic and design the research? Why is research philosophy relevant to my research? How do I collect and analyse my data? When and what do I need to write? With the 8th edition you will discover: Fully updated chapters incorporating visual methods throughout, detailed insights on drafting the critical literature review, the latest EU data protection regulations, using audio recordings and visual images in observation research, collecting data using diaries, the use of online survey tools, and preparing and presenting an academic poster New cases using up-to-date scenarios at the end of each chapter Boxed examples throughout of research methods in the news, from student research and in published management research A glossary of clear definitions of over 700 research-related terms Practical guidance and opportunities for checking your learning and self-reflection to enable you to progress your own research Detailed chapters on choosing your topic, critically reviewing the literature, understanding philosophies, research design, access and ethics, secondary data, data collection methods and analysis techniques and writing about and presenting your research Teach yourself guides to research software available at www.pearsoned.co.uk/saunders with practice data sets About the authors Mark NK Saundersis Professor of Business Research Methods and Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.Philip Lewiswas a Principal Lecturer andAdrian Thornhillwas a Head of Department, both at the University of Gloucestershire.
2016-04-08 Introduction to Research Methods and Report Writing Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN 9781498278508 ISBN-13 1498278507
This book provides introductory materials on research methods and report writing that aim at guiding students and researchers towards effective research and reporting of their findings. Unlike the many volumes on research that are mostly theoretical, this book originated in the classroom and grew out of the students' own needs to design and conduct satisfactory research in order to meet academic requirements. It is also designed to help experienced researchers in their research ventures. In fulfilling this purpose, the author uses simple, straightforward language. He also provides appropriate examples and illustrations to enable the reader to grasp the basic concepts of research. The book will prove a useful guide for students and researchers in social sciences and humanities who wish to transform research theory into real and feasible research projects.
2015 Business Research Methods Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 9780199668649 ISBN-13 0199668647
An adaptation of 'Social Research Methods' by Alan Bryman, this volume provides a comprehensive introduction to the area of business research methods. It gives students an assessment of the contexts within which different methods may be used and how they should be implemented.
2014-08-01 Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN 9780335264469 ISBN-13 0335264468
Doing your Research Project is the market leading book for students across the social sciences conducting small scale research projects.
2016 SURVEY & QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
ISBN 1846211883 ISBN-13 9781846211881
2014 Research Methods for Business and Social Science Students Sage Publications Pvt Limited
ISBN 8132113667 ISBN-13 9788132113669
Revised edition of: Research methods for graduate business and social science students / John Adams ... [et al.], published in 2007.
Module Resources
![]() |
Judith Bell 2014 Doing Your Research Project: A Guide For First-Time Researchers Open University Press ISBN-10 0335264468 ISBN-13 9780335264469 |
![]() |
John W. Creswell 2013 Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th Edition SAGE Publications, Inc ISBN-10 1452226105 ISBN-13 9781452226101 |
![]() |
Alan Bryman 2012 Social Research Methods, 4th Edition Oxford University Press ISBN-10 0199588058 ISBN-13 9780199588053 |
![]() |
Joseph A. Maxwell 2012 Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach (Applied Social Research Methods) SAGE Publications, Inc ISBN-10 1412981190 ISBN-13 9781412981194 |
Journal of Insurance Issues
Journal of Risk & Insurance
Review of Financial Studies
Journal of Business & Behavioral Sciences
Journal of the Australian & New Zealand Institute of Insurance & Finance
www.itsligo.ie - Library
The dissertation will be on a topic related to insurance and/or related to the student's workplace.