Brexits impact on free movement of construction material

Description

project management in construction
Module Guide
Dissertation
EBE–7-148
School of the Built Environment and Architecture
2019-20
Level 7
This Module Guide normally applies to full-time students only progressing to the
MSc Dissertation in 2019/20 on the following courses:
MSc/PGDip Building Surveying
MSc/PGDip Construction Project Management
MSc/PGDip Property Development & Planning
MSc/PGDip Quantity Surveying
MSc/PGDip Real Estate
Any part-time students that are registered to attend lectures for this module in
Semester 2 would follow the dates specified in this document UNLESS instructed
otherwise.
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Table of Contents
1. MODULE DETAILS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
2. SHORT DESCRIPTION …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
3. AIMS OF THE MODULE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
4. LEARNING OUTCOMES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
4.1 KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING …………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
4.2 INTELLECTUAL SKILLS ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
4.3 TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
5. ASSESSMENT OF THE MODULE ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
6. FEEDBACK……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
7. INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING THE MODULE & DISSERTATION SUPERVISION ………………………………… 4
7.1OVERVIEW OF THE TAUGHT CONTENT ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
7.2 OVERVIEW OF TYPES OF CLASSES…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
7.3 DISSERTATION SUPERVISION………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Individual tutorials…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Tutor involvement………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
8. THE PROGRAMME OF TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT……………………………………………….. 6
9. STUDENT EVALUATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
10. LEARNING RESOURCES ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
APPENDIX 2: DISSERTATION BRIEF…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
DESCRIPTIONS OF ASSESSED QUALITY ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
6. AUTHOR’S DECLARATION ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
THE DECLARATION BELOW SHOULD FOLLOW THE STATEMENT ABOUT RESTRICTIONS ON
USE:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
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1. Module Details
Module Title: Dissertation
Module Level: 7
Module Reference Number: EBE-7–148
Credit Value: 60
Directed Learning Hours: 30
Contact Hours: 30
Supervision Hours: 10
Private Study Hours: 545
Pre-requisite Learning (If applicable): None
Co-requisite Modules (If applicable): None
Course(s): MSc Building Surveying
MSc Construction Project Management
MSc Real Estate
MSc Property Development and Planning
MSc Quantity Surveying
Year and Semester 2019-20 Semester 2
Module Coordinator: Dr Zulfikar Adamu
MC Contact Details (Tel, Email, Room) Room T603, Tel: 020 7815 7695
adamuz@lsbu.ac.uk
Teaching Team & Contact Details
(If applicable):
Dr Zulfikar Adamu
Room T603, Tel: 020 7815 7695
Subject Area: Construction, Property & Surveying
Summary of Assessment Method: 10% Research Proposal
90% Dissertation
2. Short Description
The dissertation module provides the opportunity for you to undertake an independent piece of
research, investigating in depth a subject in which you have a particular interest and of your own
selection. You will submit a dissertation of between 15,000 and 20,000 words.
There are two main phases. First, you propose a subject area and, during the course of the lecture
sessions, develop a dissertation proposal which is submitted for approval. Second, after approval, you
are assigned to work under the supervision of a selected member of the academic staff, and submit a
dissertation according to the submission dates shown in section 8 below.
3. Aims of the Module
The module aims to develop your capacity for critical analysis, rational thought and to improve writing
and presentation skills, whilst developing your knowledge in a specialist field.
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4. Learning Outcomes
4.1 Knowledge and understanding
 demonstrate research and analytical skills to an advanced level;
 assemble and structure information with clarity and depth of thought,
 critically review the relevant professional and academic literature in the context of their
dissertation,
 demonstrate an ability to pursue an intelligent and informed investigation and analysis,
 demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate approach when undertaking a research
problem
 present a substantial document to a high level of presentational skills.
4.2 Intellectual skills
 assemble information and data from a variety of sources and discern and establish
connections;
 identify and critically analyze issues with reference to pertinent argument and evidence;
 select and use appropriate research methods to undertake research at postgraduate level.
4.3 Transferable skills
 effectively communicate complex ideas, information and data by oral, written and visual means
in a form appropriate to the intended audience, with appropriate acknowledgement and
referencing of sources;
 apply statistical and numerical skills at an advanced level;
 use information and communication technology (ICT) to locate and access opinion, information
and data from a wide range of sources and communicate information to others;
 exercise initiative and personal responsibility in employment and posses the independent
learning ability required for continuing professional development.
5. Assessment of the module
5.1 Elements
The Dissertation Module is made of two elements (A + B), as follows:
A – Initial proposal which meets the criteria set out in appendix 1 of this module guide and is submitted
for approval by the appropriate deadline.
B – The dissertation (15,000 – 20,000 words).
Detailed advice to students about assessment criteria for the dissertation is set out in appendix 2 of this
module guide.
5.2 Weighting
A – 10%
B – 90%
5.3 Pass mark
The module pass mark is 50%.
There is no minimum mark requirement for each element of assessment.
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6. Feedback
Students are advised to contact their supervisor as soon as one has been assigned and discuss how to
proceed from the proposal stage to dissertation. Dissertations will be second marked and moderated
and feedback will be available after the official results have been released.
7. Introduction to studying the module &
dissertation supervision
7.1 Overview of the Taught Content
The taught component of this module has the following indicative content:
• Guidelines for the development of research proposals
• The development of aims, objectives and research questions
• Research methods
• Conducting a literature review and recording information
• Guidance on analysis of evidence
• Guidance on methods of primary research
• Guidance on writing and presenting data/evidence systematically and accurately
• The use of the Harvard system of referencing
• Guidance on assessment criteria and the avoidance of plagiarism.
7.2 Overview of Types of Classes
Student centred learning will be facilitated by the teaching team over the first 10 weeks of semester 2.
Detailed teaching programme in section 8.
7.3 Dissertation supervision
Individual supervision by an assigned tutor will guide you in the development of research and in the
production of the dissertation.
Individual tutorials
Once you have been allocated to an individual supervisor, you will meet on a one-to-one basis at
regular intervals. The role of the dissertation supervisor is to provide academic guidance to the
student. You will then be able to further develop the initial proposal you submitted to provide a
sound framework for your research. The supervisor will also provide guidance about the work
required to complete the dissertation and how to establish a clear programme of work.
Tutor involvement
It is important that your tutor is involved during the production of the dissertation. This is not
merely to provide you with advice and feed-back on the progress of the dissertation. It is also so
that your tutor can confirm during the assessment process that the submitted dissertation is your
own unaided work.
The supervisor’s role is to guide and support you in researching and writing up your
dissertation. However, the dissertation is your work and the primary responsibility rests
with you with regard to success or failure.
You can expect your supervisor to:
Provide you with her/his contact details, agree the nature and frequency of planned contact with
you and the mechanisms for contact outside of scheduled contact times should the need arise
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Help you draw up a realistic programme for completion of your dissertation
Help you develop and refine your research proposal and identify appropriate research questions
and/or hypotheses and appropriate aims and objectives
Provide guidance on choice of research approach and grant ethical approval for your chosen
approach
Comment on and approve questionnaires before distribution to respondents
Read and comment on draft chapters as they are written; the supervisor should only be expected
to read each chapter once and not be expected to assist with continual revisions to bring the
work up to a target grade that you might have set for yourself
Comment on dissertation structure, format, writing style and use of English but not proof read the
work or correct spelling and use of English
Provide guidance on the standards that need to be achieved but not inform you whether you
have passed or what mark you are likely to be awarded
Your supervisor will expect you to:
Provide her/him with your contact details and agree the nature and frequency of planned contact
Agree on mechanisms for making contact outside of planned contact times
Notify her/him if you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting
Keep in regular contact
Make her/him aware of any problems or difficulties that you experience as and when they occur
Submit questionnaires for approval before distributing them to respondents
Maintain an electronic record of contacts with you
Try to make steady progress and meet agreed deadlines for submitting draft chapters (or
parts thereof) so that your supervisor has time to read the material before any planned
meeting
Try to produce drafts that are reasonably well developed in terms of structure and content so that
wholescale rewrites are avoided; it helps to plan the content in advance of writing each chapter
and seek advice from your supervisor as to the appropriateness of your plan
Agree a brief record of each formal meeting with your supervisor (date, feedback received,
actions agreed and date of next meeting).
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8. The Programme of Teaching, Learning and
Assessment
The taught part of the module will follow the book below which is defined as one of the core readings of
the module:
Doing your research project: a guide for first-time researchers by Bell, J. (2014).
The sessions will be in seminar format. You are expected to come to each session having read the
chapters of the book specified in the table below. This is crucial for learning as the sessions will be
around the discussion of the readings specified for each week. Additional reading tasks may be given
by the module tutor in order to better exemplify the issues that will be discussed in the classroom.
Below is the indicative content which may change depending on the specific needs of the group and its
pace in understanding the most important points for each topic:
Teaching
Week
Topic Tutor(s)
1  Overview of the module: Format and Expectations
 Why we do research: benefits and impacts
 General Q&A
Zulfikar
2  Research and knowledge: Pathways of scientific inquiry
 Ethics, integrity in research
Zulfikar
3  Planning your research project
 Approaches to research
Zulfikar
4  Key stages of research: An overview of entire process
 Developing a good research proposal
5  Searching for literature
 What is literature and why do we review it?
 Critical review of literature
Library staff
 Research methodology (and its dissertation Chapter)
 General Q&A
Zulfikar
6  Collecting data to support your research: primary & secondary
sources
 Sampling and sampling techniques
Zulfikar
7  Overview of data analysis (insights and new knowledge)
8  Qualitative Data Analysis (Nvivo)
 Quantitative Data Analysis (Descriptive & Inferential Statistics)
Library staff
Zulfikar
9  Discussion: The chapter (meanings and relevance of findings)
 Drawing conclusions and making recommendations
Zulfikar
10  Compiling your dissertation: The report
 General Q&A
Zulfikar
Key dates:
1. Proposal submission: 25 March 2020 (soft copy ONLY)
2. Allocation of supervisors: 1 April 2020
3. Hand back of proposal feedback: 13 May 2020
4. Submission date for the Dissertation: 30 September 2020 (soft copy ONLY) **
** If final hand-in dates are to differ for spill-over or part-timers, this would be communicated in time
These deadlines cannot be extended. The University’s assessment regulations treat Dissertations like
all other courseworks. Dissertations handed in no more than two weeks late will be marked but late
submission means that you mark is capped at 50%. This is a big price to pay for two more weeks
because the Dissertation mark accounts for one third of the marks that determine the level of your
award. Please, therefore, make every effort to hand in on time.
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If you intend to hand in late then you should complete and submit the Late Submission of Coursework
form, which can be downloaded from forms & publications on MyLSBU. The form is submitted to
Student Administration Office.
You may hand in late without capping if you submit an extenuating circumstances claim that is
accepted by the Faculty panel. This claim must be supported by documentary evidence and can only
be submitted after the deadline for submission has passed. The Claim for Extenuating Circumstances
form can be downloaded from forms & publications on MyLSBU. The form is submitted to the Student
Administration Office.
Notification of results
Students are not notified about their marks until they have been agreed at an examination board.
9. Student evaluation
A student evaluation questionnaire will be available on Moodle towards the end of the module. Your
feedback is valuable to us and will help improve the module in the future.
10. Learning resources
Saunders M, Lewis P. & Thornhill A (2000) Research Methods for Business Students, 2nd Ed Financial
Times/Prentice Hall, Harlow
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Appendix 1: Initial Proposal Assignment Brief
The research proposal is key step in the production of the dissertation. The research proposal should
contain the following:
Working title
This should reflect the general focus of the research. The title will be refined as your work progresses.
The title should be simple and descriptive.
Part one: Rationale and aim of the research (500 words)
Rationale: this should be a one-page discussion of approximately 500 words which set out (with
supporting data fully referenced) the problem and the reason for the proposed study, highlighting the
issues to be investigated; it would be appropriate here to include a short statement about the research
question(s) or hypothesis.
Aim: a one-sentence aim, highlighting the ultimate goal of your research.
Part two: Literature review (1000 – 1500 words excluding the bibliography)
Bibliography: indicate the key initial sources that you have used. Do not present more than 20 sources;
use the Harvard system of referencing.
Initial literature review: present an introductory (referenced) overview of the literature that is relevant to
your task; it should identify the books and articles which you expect to be key and how they will
contribute to your research (in terms of ideas, analysis, data etc.).
Please note the literature review is a page or two, which includes the current knowledge including
substantive findings, as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to your particular topic, not
a listing of articles that you intend to use and/or you have read
Part three: Dissertation objectives and suggested approach (1000 words)
Objectives: ideally about six single sentence operational objectives should be given.
Proposed method of research: explain the research approach you intend to adopt, approaches; this
should be clearly related to the suggested contents of the dissertation and should indicate how you will
achieve the objectives you have specified; give as much detail as you can.
Work plan: the proposal should contain a work plan identifying a timeline of key activities during the
course of the research.
Assessment
The weighting of the assessment of the proposal will be as follows:
Part One: rationale and aim 20
Part Two: initial bibliography 40
Part Three: suggested approach 40
Total 100
Submission date: 25 March 2020
Please submit your research proposal online using Moodle/VLE
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Appendix 2: Dissertation Brief
1 Dissertation requirements
Research can be defined as “careful search or inquiry; endeavour to discover new or collate old facts
etc. by scientific study of a subject; course of critical investigation” (Concise Oxford Dictionary).
We can conclude that the word research may be used interchangeably with inquiry, study or
investigation. Yet something more is implied. The study or investigation must be conducted in a
careful, scientific and/or critical manner. Others have added to this list of adjectives words like
methodical and systematic. It does not really matter which combination of words is chosen (i.e.
systematic inquiry or critical investigation) so long as both words are kept in mind.
In addition to a specific method of inquiry, a research project must have aims and objectives. In general
terms, the aim of all research is to expand knowledge. But we do not simply want a list of facts. A good
piece of research will focus on certain aspects of a topic. It will seek to answer a specific research
question or questions, solve a particular problem, or test a hypothesis. The issues to be addressed
must be clearly stated at the outset, so that a framework for the research can be developed. The
dissertation will involve the critical examination of a research question or hypothesis or problem.
2 Choice of topic
When embarking on research as part of a post-graduate study programme, it is vital that special
attention is given to the topic or subject for research. There are a few factors influencing the choice of
research topic, which can be summarised as follow:-
a. students should choose a subject which interests them;
b. the research topic should have some relevance to the course of study;
c. there should be sufficient data (quantitative or qualitative) available and the student
should have access to it;
d. the subject and scope of the research should be compatible with the time and
resources available to the student to complete the work; and
e. appropriate academic supervision can be given.
The dissertation topic will be approved via the acceptance of the initial proposal. Any major change of
topic from that in the research proposal must be approved by the Dissertation Module Co-ordinator.
If the proposal has not been approved prior to the submission of the dissertation, then the dissertation
cannot be accepted for assessment.
3 Contents of dissertation
Dissertations may vary in content, methodology and style, but they all should include:
– a clear statement of aims and objectives;
– a discussion of the research question, or hypothesis or research problem;
– a discussion of the methodological issues involved;
– a clear overall structure and development of the study; and
– well developed conclusions which are related to the research question or hypothesis and which
are also based on the evidence presented.
Order of contents
The dissertation should contain contents in the following order:
author’s declarations: see last page of this appendix
abstract: about 200-300 words summarising (like a catalogue) the research
objectives, methods and findings
table of contents: the title of each chapter and sub-sections within
each chapter with page numbers
list of figures: give page numbers
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list of tables: give page numbers
list of appendices: give page numbers
acknowledgements: to whoever has helped you with your research
chapters of the dissertation (see below)
list of references or bibliography
appendices
Guidance on dissertation structure
The dissertation should normally be structured in the manner indicated below.
Introductory chapter
Chapter 1, the introduction to the study, should explain the purpose of the research and should provide
the reader with an outline over-view of the contents and approach of the dissertation that you have
written. There should be a discussion of the aims and objectives and an explanation of the research
question(s) or hypothesis; this should include an indication of the main issues that will be dealt with.
There should be an outline discussion of the methodology adopted and the reason for the chosen
approach. The structure of the dissertation should be indicated.
Central chapters
In the central chapters of the study there should be evidence of information, data, ideas and arguments
that support the discussion. All the material used and the discussion that is developed should be
organised and written in a structured, logical and clear fashion. There should be evidence of the
student’s ability to identify and evaluate conflicting arguments, to draw sources together and to
distinguish differences in the material used. Methodological detail relevant to the study should be
provided.
Conclusion
The concluding chapter (Chapter 6) should draw together the strands of the arguments and evidence
that were presented in the earlier chapters. The central research question(s) or hypothesis (as set out
in the introduction to the study) should be discussed. The findings of the research should be set out
and an evaluation of these findings should be made but new evidence should not be introduced in the
conclusion of the study. Some reflection on the difficulties of the task and the appropriateness of the
chosen approach to the task should be included.
 In summary, the typical chapters expected in a dissertation include: Literature Review (Chapter
2); Methodology (Chapter 3); Data Analysis (Chapter 4); Discussion (Chapter 5); and
Conclusions and Recommendations (Chapter 6). Note that this is just a general guide. Your
study and supervisor’s opinion could alter these.
Presentation
The dissertation should be carefully presented and should be written in an essay style rather than a
report style. Headings and sub-headings should be clear, references and sources should be cited
correctly, and there should be accurate labelling of all tables and graphical material. It should be written
in good English.
There should be identification of all source material, which must be attributed to it’s author(s) through
the correct use of the Harvard system of referencing. All tables and graphs must show the sources of
the material.
A dissertation that does not meet an acceptable standard of presentation may be referred.
4 Assessment of the module
Two members of the academic staff, the first of whom will be your supervisor, assess dissertations. A
second marker is appointed to read the dissertation without knowing the mark awarded by the
supervisor. The two markers then meet to agree the final mark and a summary of their comments. The
dissertation may also be sent to an external examiner. The pass mark is 50%.
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Descriptions of assessed quality of work
Distinction (70 marks or over)
The dissertation will contain some originality in the research subject chosen or in the research
question(s) or hypothesis that has been developed. The study will demonstrate a sustained and
rigorous use of theoretical/conceptual or empirical evidence to support the argument or discussion.
Definitions and assumptions will be clear throughout the work. There will be strong evidence of critical
analysis, judgement, originality or interpretation.
There will be a discussion of methods and sources that links the research design or research approach
to an appropriate literature about research methods. There will be reflection about the research process
or the questions for further research, which are suggested by the findings of the study. There must be
an argument put forward to support the methods adopted.
The study will be well structured and written in good English. A coherent and well-considered argument
will be developed. Accurate referencing of sources will be show in the correct way throughout the
study.
Pass (50-69 marks)
The study will include a systematic review of relevant literature or other sources of information or data.
There may some evidence of originality in the research question(s) or in the approach taken to the
subject. The research will contain a synthesis of appropriate ideas, evidence or data. Good use will be
made of data and information to highlight new knowledge, to support argument, or to criticise current
ideas, approaches, research, methods or practices.
The discussion of methods and sources will include arguments in support of the methods or approach
taken or a description of the project design. There will be some reference to the research methods
literature or similar appropriate material. An attempt will be made to reflect on the research methods
used.
The dissertation will be well structure and written in good English. Accurate referencing of sources will
be shown in the appropriate way.
Fail (49 marks or under)
The research question(s) or hypothesis will not be well developed. There will be a limited review of
appropriate literature or sources of information or data. The dissertation will contain an incomplete or
sketchy treatment of theoretical or empirical material. The development of the data or information
collected will be descriptive and may not be used in the right way. Argument is less likely to be
developed or sustained.
Discussion of research methods will not be developed and is likely to contain important errors. There
will be lack of judgement about the research methods used. The dissertation will be poorly structured
and poorly written. Referencing will be generally inaccurate or inadequate.
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Assessment Criteria
The assessors arrive at their agreed mark using the following criteria.
1 Rationale, formulation of research question (and/or hypothesis), aims and objectives
(10%)
Clarity of formulation
Appropriateness in terms of level and breadth
Clarity in articulation of background to and rationale for the research
2 Literature review (30%)
Relevance to the research question
Range of reading
Effectiveness in synthesis and evaluation
3 Selection and use of research methods (20%)
Appreciation of relevant methodological issues
Articulation of the rationale for selection of research approach
Competence in relation to information gathering and analysis
Awareness of strengths and weaknesses of approach taken
4 Coherence and quality of argument in response
to the research question (30%)
Internal consistency of the whole work
Use of information to support argument throughout the whole work
Validity of conclusions
Awareness of strength and limitations of the work
5 Presentation (10%)
Use of Harvard referencing; style and comprehensiveness
Appropriateness of structure and presentation of text, figures and tables
Appropriateness of writing style and use of English
Mark & performance feedback
You will be informed of the mark that you received by post after the examination board has met. Your
supervisor will provide you with written feedback on request but not until after the examination board
has met to agree your mark.
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5 Submission requirements
1. Only soft copies of the final dissertations are required.
2. You should upload the dissertation after saving it in the following format:
a) The actual dissertation in MS Word or PDF file, titled in the format of:
o Surname_Initials_Year: Example: David_MK_2020
b) Your full Turnitin Originality report. This can be obtained by uploading your final dissertation
file to the Turn-it-in link on the Dissertation module Moodle site (Look in the Assessment
section of the site). Note that the Turnitin Originality reports may take up to one day to generate
and much longer after the first attempt. Please also note that uploading multiple times will
increase your Turn-it-in score as the programme ‘reads’ your submissions and views it as work
which has already been submitted. (It can’t tell that it is your work that it is re checking).
3. The dissertation should be word processed, single sided, on A4 paper with 1 ½ line spacing.
All pages should be numbered.
4. Information on cover page of dissertation:
The front cover should bear the following information:
London South Bank University
School of the Built Environment and Architecture
Division of Construction, Property and Surveying
Title
Year
Author’s name
Supervisor’s name
Degree
5. Restrictions on use
If there are no restrictions on the use of the dissertation, the following statement (signed by the
author) should be put in place of the copyright statement after the title page:
This dissertation may be made available for consultation within London South Bank
University and may be downloaded or lent to other libraries for the purposes of consultation.
When confidential information is included in a dissertation, a restriction may be placed by the
author on the use of the dissertation. However, restrictions on the use of the dissertation by
others for the purposes of study should be the exception rather than the rule.
6. Author’s declaration:
The declaration below should follow the statement about restrictions on use:
I declare that this dissertation is my own unaided work except where specifically referenced
to the work of others.
(——Author’s signature——)
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Important Notes:
 All dissertations should be submitted online via TurnitIn and an e-receipt of submission
obtained.
 Usual DDS provisions apply regarding extra submission time.