The central aim of the thesis is to further facilitate the development of the students' academic and research skills to enable them to complete and defend their written-up research thesis. The thesis must focus on analysis, critical thinking, judgement, application of theoretical concepts and investigation in accordance with accepted criteria and ethical standards.

The research thesis will be assessed in accordance with the extent to which it meets the learning outcomes set out above. The examiner will consider: • quality, thoroughness, appropriateness and accuracy, • immediacy and relevance of the research • the quality with which the material was gathered, analysed, assimilated, integrated and ordered, and arguments developed and justified, and the evidentiary-based standing of conclusions • quality of expression and style and standard of language • extent of clarity, focus and readability • quality of presentation and structure • quality of contribution to the extant body of knowledge in the area of business (or closely related fields). Performance and quality in all areas above will be evaluated in the assessment of the final submission.

Structure, layout and submission of the Research Thesis: This is for guidance only and may be varied (as relevant to the research area) by agreement with the individual research supervisor. The sole exception to this is the requirement to present a signed statement confirming the thesis, as submitted, is the independent work of the presenting student. The written submission may include: • Title page • Statement confirming the thesis is the individual and independent work of the presenting student (essential element) • Abstract • Acknowledgements • Table of contents • Statement of research problem and rationale • Introduction • Research methodology • Literature review • Main body of work • Discussion and analyses • Recommendations for practice & further research + final & main conclusion • References • Appendices (to include: research instrument, research contributors in the case of interviews, proof of survey participation, reflection journal & anything else as deemed appropriate).

Layout: At least two bound copies of the research thesis should be submitted. The text must be printed, in double spacing, on one side only of each A4 sheet. Recommended font is 12 point, Times Roman. Indented quotations, footnotes, endnotes, tables and references may be single spaced. All pages must be numbered. Margins should be appropriate to binding and presentation. Harvard referencing should be utilized.

Submission: Submission dates for the research thesis are subject to agreement with the research supervisor. Cognisance should be taken of examination board dates in the year of proposed graduation. Research thesis are to be submitted by 1 September at the latest for consideration at an autumn examination board meeting. Details of submission time frames should be built into the thesis management plan forming part of the research proposal and should be agreed with the research supervisor.