Dissertation

Module Description

The dissertation is a compulsory element of the MSc in Construction Management.

The aim of it is to produce an original piece of research work on a clearly defined topic.

Additionally, it is to enable the student to develop deeper knowledge, understanding, capabilities and attitudes in the context of the programme of study.

Guidelines:

• It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be below 22,000 words and not to exceed 25,000 words.
• The dissertation must be submitted for examination upon completion of all required modules (It is pre-requisite that all required courses have been passed (7 core and 3 electives)
• Dissertation submission will be done via online portal that has its plagiarism detection tool installed.
• The dissertation aims to provide the candidate with first hand exposure to a real industrial or commercial study; it might involve a literature survey, feasibility study or market research, data collection, analysis, costing and recommending solutions to a particular problem, or perhaps some novel research. Selection of topic is based on student and their interests in relation to the modules studied.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for this course must possess one of the following: 

• a Level 6 degree in a related field; 

OR  

• a Level 5 diploma or higher diploma and 5 years’ work experience in a managerial role.  

Preference is given to applicants having a Level 6 degree in a discipline related to construction, and a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in management within the industry. 

Target Audience

This course is targeted at professionals with supervisory and/or middle management experience in the construction industry who wish to have a more thorough background in the subject in order to further advance their careers , namely:  

• Architects and Civil Engineers 
• Mechanical and Electrical Building Services Engineers  
• Project Managers and Coordinators 
• Project Owners 

The target group can be extended to groups working within the construction industry, such as logistics managers, maintenance managers and facilities managers. 

Module / Unit Instructions

Student is to produce an original piece of research on a clearly defined topic.

It is the most substantial piece of independent research work done by the student and may not be shorter than 22,000 words and not to exceed 25,000 words.

Student will receive a support of the assigned Dissertation Supervisor during that period. Supervised time is 10 hours for the students.

Student can meet with supervisor face to face, via Skype or communicate via email or phone calls.

Guidelines from the supervisor 

• Help decide the topic of dissertation and advise about primary and secondary reading.
• Help with formulating ideas and hypotheses.
• Discuss the progress of work with students.
• Offer guidance on the proposed structure. 
• Require students to produce drafts of sections or chapters of the dissertation.
• Offer feedback on some of student drafts, which you can then revise. 
• Advise about the organisation of dissertation into sections or chapters. 
• Advise about matters of presentation, such as the title page, contents page, pagination, footnoting and bibliography.

Additionally, student will be provided with a manual/guideline for the submission of the research proposal and dissertation to be presented during Research Methods module and one more time at the beginning of this this component.

Research Methodologies to be used are: 

• Literature Review.
• Quantitative Research.
• Qualitative Research.
• Mixed Methods.

How you’ll be assessed

This module shall be assessed through a dissertation not shorter than 22,000words and no longer than 25,000 words to be submitted via online portal.

Dissertation marking guidelines will emphasize originality, clarity, and candidate’s critical abilities.

Final MSc qualification grade is suggested to be a weighted score of:

• Final Modular Grades – 60%
• Final Dissertation Grade – 40%

Grading Structure

Between 86 and over – Pass with Distinction

Between 71-85 – Pass with Credit

Between 56 to 70 – Pass with Merit

Between 41 and 55 – Pass

40 and less– Fail