MSc Dissertation Guidelines

MSc Dissertation/MBA Capstone Project Course Booklet

2013/2014

This booklet provides key information on Dissertations/Capstone Projects. Your Programme Director/Advisor may provide more specific advice on the academic nature of your work and/or

Programme specific information.

2

Content Page Number Course Details ......................................................................................................................................................... 3

Course Description and Objectives ........................................................................................................................ 3

Planned Student Learning Experiences .................................................................................................................. 3

Dissertation/Capstone Project Advisors ................................................................................................................. 4

Planning and Writing the Dissertation/Capstone Project ...................................................................................... 5

Dissertation/Capstone Project Formats ................................................................................................................. 7

Guidelines for Formatting and Handing in Assessed Work .................................................................................... 9

Assessment ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

Feedback ............................................................................................................................................................... 11

Statement of Ethics .............................................................................................................................................. 11

Business School Assistance with Research ........................................................................................................... 11

Employment ......................................................................................................................................................... 12

Exam Arrangements for Disabled Students.......................................................................................................... 12

Plagiarism Statement ........................................................................................................................................... 12

Freedom of Information Act ................................................................................................................................. 12

Appeals ................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Updating Student Personal Information .............................................................................................................. 13

Key Contacts and Consultation ............................................................................................................................. 13

APPENDIX 1: Dissertation Support System (DSS) ................................................................................................. 14

APPENDIX 2: PGT Dissertation/Capstone Project Study Leave Request .............................................................. 15

APPENDIX 3: Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Form ........................................................................... 16

APPENDIX 4: Level 1 and 2 Research Ethics Applications .................................................................................... 18

APPENDIX 5: Contact Information ........................................................................................................................ 19

APPENDIX 6: Grade Descriptors for the Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme ............................................. 20

APPENDIX 7: Sample Non-Disclosure Agreement ................................................................................................ 21

APPENDIX 8: Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Checklist ..................................................................... 23

APPENDIX 9: MBA Capstone Project Learning Outcomes .................................................................................... 24

3

Course Details Title: MSc Dissertation/MBA Capstone Project College: Humanities and Social Science School: The University of Edinburgh Business School Contact Hours: A minimum of three meetings and an introductory briefing Prerequisite: Passing the taught course components required to proceed to the

Dissertation/Capstone Project Semester: Beyond Semester 2/2b This is a MSc 60/MBA 40-credit course. As per the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF), this means that it should entail 600/400 hours of student effort.

Self-prescribed study Total MSc 600 student effort hours

Self-prescribed study Total MBA 400 student effort hours

Course Description and Objectives The Business School MSc Dissertation/MBA Capstone Project (PGT) is undertaken in the spring and summer period following Semester 2/2b. Students are required to register and sign up on the Dissertation Support System (DSS) (see Appendix 1) Undertaking the Dissertation/Capstone Project requires you to develop a deep level of analysis and understanding of the theory and processes of organisations and the business environment through the completion of a piece of individual research. Objectives and Learning Outcomes (each programme has learning outcomes specified on the DPT but see Appendix 7 for specific learning outcomes for the Capstone Project) The objectives of the Dissertation are:

To make a study in depth of a topic which you are particularly interested in within the field of business studies

To gain experience of planning, designing, executing and reporting a significant piece of individual research

To gain experience of the processes involved in research, such as obtaining information from people, securing their co-operation, analysing and evaluating data, framing recommendations, and other methods of field study and data collection

To learn how to communicate, via a report, complex ideas and information in a coherent and structured manner

Planned Student Learning Experiences The Dissertation/Capstone Project provides the opportunity for students to engage in a research project and, in particular, the ability to study a specific topic and question, identify the issues and how they may be researched, collect and validate appropriate data, organise and discuss the findings, their reliability and validity and present results in a logical and clear manner.

4

The Dissertation/Capstone Project integrates elements from the course of study and requires students to identify and define a research topic, conduct the research and write it up in a Dissertation format. This is all within a predetermined timeframe, which from start to finish lasts approximately 3 months (May/June through August for 12 month students. Undertaking the Dissertation/Capstone Project provides the opportunity to learn and practice important skills you will need in your career: researching and writing. The writing-up requires you to organise the arguments and communicate these in an effective manner. It is also the part of the programme where you can apply the knowledge and understanding from taught courses, and additional self-directed reading/research, and the analytical and problem-solving techniques you have acquired during your studies to investigate a specialist interest in greater depth. Given the breadth of subject specialisms in Postgraduate Taught studies and the known wide-ranging interests of students, the range of possible topic areas that can be examined is very broad and cannot be covered in this booklet. Every Dissertation/Capstone Project will be different: there is no single right way, but many wrong ways to carry out research. Defining clear aims, careful planning and good organisation as well as listening to advice and feedback will help with the process. Recognising the issues involved, the Business School allocates a one-on-one Dissertation/Capstone Project Advisor who will assist you and provide advice and feedback on the research as it evolves during the various stages of the process.

Dissertation/Capstone Project Advisors It should be noted that the responsibility for the academic quality of a Dissertation/Capstone Project is the student’s alone. The Business School will try to match Advisors to Dissertation topics and areas of specialism but cannot guarantee an internal Advisor in any particular discipline or specialism. However, all internal and external members of staff are capable of acting as an Advisor for the Dissertation/Capstone Project. Nevertheless, we would encourage, as far as possible, a close alignment of student topics to the Advisor’s areas of interest and expertise. Students are required to develop a research proposal and topic for their Dissertation/Capstone Project, which they may discuss with a member of staff. The allocation of Advisors will take place through the Business School’s Dissertation Support System (DSS) which is accessed via the School’s student intranet MyBiz (see Appendix 1). Students are not permitted to make firm agreements with an Advisor out with the DSS but are able to consult academic members of staff regarding their proposal prior to submission on the DSS. Once students have been allocated to an Advisor, they are under that staff member’s guidance throughout the entire process. Even though a student may change their topic they will remain with the same Advisor. Students can only be transferred to another Dissertation Advisor by the Director of Postgraduate Programmes and then only in very exceptional circumstances. A significant change in the topic area is not allowed without prior permission from the Advisor. Students are required to keep in regular contact with their Advisor. As a minimum they should meet with their Advisor three times. In particular, the following key meetings are required:

A preliminary discussion of the student’s proposal with the Advisor (this will cover, broadly, the feasibility of the idea; possible sources of data and reading; methods of analysis; a plan or timetable). Students are responsible for arranging an appointment with their designated Advisor

Assessment of progress to date. This is most likely to be a short meeting to discuss data collection and to map out further progress

Final meeting. In the latter part of the process, students may meet with their advisor to discuss the analysis or interpretation of data collected or to provide feedback on a sample chapter.

5

Leave from Edinburgh 12 month PGT students are to remain in Edinburgh for the duration of their Programme which concludes 28 August when you submit your Dissertation/Capstone Project. If you intend to travel for research purposes your leave needs to be signed off and authorised and approved by your Advisor and Programme Director prior to you departing Edinburgh (if these are one in the same, approval from the Director of PGT Programmes is required). You are required to fill in a Dissertation/Capstone Project leave request form (appendix 2) and submit this to the PGT office either in person, or via email. The leave request must include a written explanation and justification for the absence. No requests for leave will be granted retrospectively. No travel plans should be made prior to requests being considered by Programme Directors and Advisors and formally approved/rejected. If your leave is not approved, you are expected to remain in Edinburgh until 28 August, 2013. Please refer to the DRPS Regulation 25 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/12-13/regulations/postgrad.php#a25 This states that students must be available for assessment and face to face contact with their Programme Director and Advisor. Failure to adhere to this regulation could result in exclusion from the University of Edinburgh, unless express permission to leave Edinburgh is granted. Non-Contact Hours Students are expected to undertake the Dissertation/Capstone Project outside of contact hours. The Dissertation/Capstone Project is a major element of study (and is worth 60 or 40 credits depending on the programme). To successfully complete the Dissertation/Capstone Project requires considerable time to be devoted to researching the topic, gathering relevant data and writing up the research in the appropriate manner. Students should not underestimate the time required and the need to make an early start on reviewing the literature and collecting the data as well as writing up their topic as they research it. In addition, if students intend to use modes of enquiry with which they are not entirely familiar, they will need to spend time to understand the qualitative or quantitative methods of analysis that they intend to use. Writing up in an appropriate manner is also a lengthy process. As the Dissertation/Capstone Project is equivalent to three/four taught courses, and is a complex piece of work, students should expect to devote a considerable amount of time to its completion. As per the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework (SCQF), this means that it should entail approximately 600 hours (MSc 60 credit) or 400 hours (MBA 40 credit) of student effort. It is, therefore, important for students to understand fully the need to “front-load” their efforts as much as possible so as to allow plenty of time to complete the Dissertation within the time allowed.

Planning and Writing the Dissertation/Capstone Project It is vital that students have a clear idea of the process involved so they can progress through it smoothly and with confidence. The specifics should be discussed with the Advisor, so that there is early understanding about what roles are expected at each stage. The time available for the Dissertation is from the completion of the taught element of the Programme until 28 August. There is no right way to plan a Dissertation: different projects require different approaches and the ways people work will vary. However, the outline below is an indication of the critical points you will have to pass.

6

Reading and Planning Stage

Select broad topic and identify possible objectives

Initial reading (plus note-taking and reflection) to focus the project

Present proposal – indicating firm title, objectives, outline, agreed methodology and provisional bibliography

Main Research and Writing Stage

Complete reading (there is always a point to stop)

Conduct any fieldwork

Produce detailed chapter outlines with bibliography

Write

Submit a draft chapter for Advisor to review

Presentation and conclusions Completion Stage

Reflect, revise and redraft (check spelling and bibliography)

Submit final version for examination A typical Dissertation/Capstone Project is usually broken into four to six chapters, including a short introduction and conclusion. The chapter structure helps break the Dissertation into manageable parts and ensures progression from one theme to another. The introduction spells out the focus of the study and its objectives or research questions, explaining why these were interesting to the author and 'locating' them in the field. It should also include an outline of the subsequent chapters. In the case of primary research, there should be a separate chapter providing an account and justification of the research design and methodology adopted. The conclusion should reflect on the implications of your “findings” for wider theory and where relevant, for practice, picking up themes about the rationale of the study in your introduction. How the substantive chapters are organised will depend on personal preference and the nature of the research. However, you must ensure that your treatment is sufficiently analytical, integrating conceptual and empirical material. This integration may run through the body of the work or it may take place largely in a discrete analysis chapter. It is a good idea to reread the guidelines on writing an essay (which can be found at MyStudy/Guidelines on MyBiz http://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/mybiz), bearing in mind that your substantive chapters are likely to be around essay length. Each substantive chapter should have a beginning and an end which between them signpost clearly

How this chapter fits into the rest of the Dissertation

The structure of the chapter

The main points which the reader should take from it. Always ensure that your argumentation is as tight as possible and clearly presented.

Students often rush their conclusions so it is advisable for your Advisor to see one draft chapter earlier on, as they are written, so that you can incorporate any feedback into subsequent writing, but again all of this should be negotiated. For students, the simple lesson is the more methodical your approach, the more enjoyable the experience and the greater the quality of the final Dissertation.

7

Review before Submission Your Advisor will not agree to read and comment on a complete draft of your Dissertation prior to submission as this is not part of their obligations to you. While they will only review a section for comment, they are able to address on-going specific issues regarding content and methodology via meetings and communication by email. Students who are unsure as to particular elements in their Dissertation are advised to seek advice in the first instance from their Advisor by email. Many questions can be resolved by a simple exchange of emails which is likely to be quicker than setting up a meeting. Your Advisor will have academic duties, and you should make provision for a delay between requesting advice and receiving a response or confirming meetings.

Dissertation/Capstone Project Formats The majority of Business School Dissertations/Capstone Project are traditional research projects. If you chose to complete a non-traditional Dissertation/Capstone Project, you should be looking for comments on each of the elements expected in a non-traditional format. The following guidelines are offered by the School but individual programmes can offer specific guidance. We currently offer five types of Dissertation/Capstone Project: Traditional Business research Dissertation/Capstone Project: Critically engaging with a body of literature and concepts and designing and conducting research that generates new data or new theory addressing gaps in the literature and adding to the body of knowledge. Business Report: Reflecting upon business issues gathered from experience in or study of a business setting, which addresses questions chosen by the student from a cited body of literature. Dissertations/Capstone Projects of this type may be the result of internship, casework or previous experience; such Dissertations/Capstone Projects may reflect upon business strategy, though without the detail and completeness expected of a Business Plan. Business Project: Analysis of an issue chosen by a business that provides data for analysis, which the student reintegrates with issues or gaps in general literature. This type of Dissertation/Capstone Project is often the result of a work-based project and differs from a Business report in that the research questions and data are the result of negotiation between the business and the researcher. Business Plan: A fully-costed and complete plan for a business project such as might justify investment against a predicted return. Case Study/Teaching Note (MBA only): For this type of Capstone Project, students must produce two related documents - the Case Description and the Teaching Note. If you are completing a Dissertation/Capstone Project focussed on a Business, please see Appendix 7 for a sample non-disclosure agreement which you may wish to use when agreeing terms of your Dissertation/Capstone Project.

8

Formal Requirements Length: MBA Capstone Projects should be between 10,000 and 14,000 words, MSc Dissertations should be between 12,000 and 15,000. These are real targets: a maximum of 10% margin is allowable in either direction, but anything over that limit will result in loss of marks. Included in the word count is the main body of the Dissertation/Capstone Project, interpreted as counting from the first word which generally falls within the “Introduction” and until the very last word in the final chapter. Explicit permission is required for greater length over that stated in this booklet. This will only be forthcoming under special circumstances. Other inclusions/exclusions from the word count are as follows:

Component Yes No

Footnotes

Numbers in tables/diagrams

Words in tables/diagrams

Abstract X

Table of contents X

References/Bibliography X

Appendices X

MSc students in Finance and Investment, MSc students in Accounting and Finance, MSc students in Banking and Risk Management and MSc students in Financial Management are encouraged to covert tables containing numbers into an image. Words describing the content within the table will be included in the word count, but the numbers in the table will not be counted as they will be in image format. If appendices are used, they should not be excessive, and should not be ‘essential reading’. Style: The Dissertation/Capstone Project should be written in good English and meet normal academic standards concerning the use of citations, references, presentation of data, and the marshalling of arguments and evidence in general. See guidelines on writing an essay (which can be found at MyStudy/Guidelines on MyBiz http://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/mybiz) Structure: The introduction should present the aims, scope, rationale and an outline of the Dissertation/Capstone Project. Where empirical research is conducted there should be a separate methodology chapter. The conclusion should summarise the main themes of the argument, reflect on the wider implications of your work and, if relevant, suggest areas for future research. Referencing: Please refer to the Citation and Referencing Guidelines (which can be found at MyStudy/Guidelines on MyBiz http://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/mybiz Format: Dissertation/Capstone Projects must be typed, in one-and-a-half spacing and printed on good quality white A4 paper. You must use moderate margins and are permitted to print double-sided. The pages in the main text, appendices and bibliography must be numbered consecutively. Font style Arial, size 11 is recommended. Binding: 2 copies of should be handed in and soft (glued) bound (an example of appropriate binding can be viewed at the PG office).

9

The title page should be set-out as follows:

The University of Edinburgh Business School

Title of Dissertation/Capstone Project

By

EXAM NUMBER

Dissertation/Capstone Project Presented for the Degree of

[insert Programme name]

2013/2014

Given the amount of time it takes to prepare and write a Dissertation/Capstone Project, students are not expected to transcribe interviews as this can be a lengthy exercise. If students choose not to transcribe interviews, they are asked to enclose 2 copies of the recording when submitting their project. It is a requirement that any quotations within the project are marked up with a time reference to the recording. Dissertation/Capstone Project Title If you have changed the title of your Dissertation/Capstone Project since uploading your proposal on the DSS, you must change it on the DSS prior to submission. It is very important that the DSS has the correct information so that the marking process can take place without delay. This also needs to be done in the case that your Dissertation/Capstone Project is selected for publication on the Hub website - the title list for the Hub is produced from the DSS. To change your title, please visit MyBiz/MyStudy/Dissertation change of title. You will be notified when the change has been accepted.

Guidelines for Formatting and Handing in Assessed Work Two copies of the Dissertation/Capstone Project should be handed in to the PG reception before the deadline of 4pm on Thursday 28 August. Students must also submit their work electronically to TURNITIN which can be located on Learn. This is to enable checks to be carried out for plagiarism on a random basis, or if suspicions are raised. Please refer to the Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Checklist when you are submitting your Dissertation/Capstone Project (Appendix 8). All completed Dissertation/Capstone Projects should be clearly labelled with the student’s examination number. Names should NOT be written on the documents themselves, so that they can be marked anonymously. Students are asked to attach a Dissertation/Capstone Project submission sheet as front cover. The student’s name should be written on this sheet along with the examination number. A template for this can be found at www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/mybiz in the Forms section (Appendix 3). When the Dissertation/Capstone Projects are received, the submission sheet will be removed before the work is sent to the Advisor and second marker for marking.

10

The University has a standardised penalty for late submission of coursework. The School will apply a uniform penalty of a reduction of 5 per cent for each 24 hours beyond the coursework deadline (Saturday, Sunday and University Public Holiday not included) unless late submission has been requested in advance of the submission date and approved in writing by the course organiser. For example:

an essay with a mark of 65% which is less than 24 hours late will be given a final mark of 60%

an essay with a mark of 65% which is between 24-48 hours late will be given a final mark of 55%

an essay with a mark of 65% which is 48-72 hours late will be given a final mark of 50% and so on The penalty will not be applied if good reasons can be given, such as documented illness. DEADLINES ARE ABSOLUTE AND MUST BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO OTHERWISE THE STANDARDISED PENALTY WILL BE APPLIED WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Extensions to deadlines will normally only be granted in cases of illness or other extenuating circumstances. An extension can only be granted by the Director of Postgraduate Programmes; requests for an extension to the deadline must be agreed with the Advisor and the Director of Postgraduate Programmes prior to the submission deadline and supporting evidence provided. Extensions should only be considered to be approved when written consent is given and the Postgraduate Office informed. Verbal confirmation of an extension should not be considered approved. If you do receive an extension, this will delay the marking of your work and your mark and recommendation for award may not be ready for consideration at the October exam board, in which case, you would not be eligible to graduate at the winter ceremony. Any student continuing study beyond the period for which annual fees are payable is required to pay one matriculation fee of £90 in the following academic year and then a continuation fee for every authorised extension until they submit their Dissertation/Capstone Project. Continuation fees are charged for the full period of an approved extension. Extensions cannot be granted retrospectively. Unacceptable Reasons for Late Submission Students are expected to manage the process of delivery of their Dissertation/Capstone Project in a suitably professional manner and—in particular—to ensure that electronic material is appropriately backed up and protected. As a result, the following reasons will NOT be considered for late submission:

Lost or mislaid files

Difficulties in printing out copies of the Dissertation/Capstone Project

Computer or hard drive problems, which include failure, theft or other forms of incapacity

Difficulties in collecting data (e.g. making interviews or undertaking surveys, obtaining access to private information)

Breakdown or other travel difficulties before on the due date

Employment

Failure of a friend to hand in your dissertation on your behalf

Problems with postage

11

Assessment The grading of the Dissertation/Capstone Project follows the University’s Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme (see appendix 6) and the assessment is out of 100 per cent. Students are required to submit two hard copies and an electronic copy to Turnitin via Learn on or before the due date. The Dissertation/Capstone Project should be able to demonstrate technical understanding and be able to integrate knowledge in order to apply it to a research question. Examiners will be looking for a range of attributes when assessing the Dissertation, these include:

Well-defined objectives and clear focus

Thorough review and evaluation of relevant previous literature/work

Methodology and methods appropriate to research focus

Adequate discussion of methods adopted (including rationale and limitations)

Rigorous and appropriate analysis of research findings

Conclusions/recommendations follow on from findings

Thoughtful engagement with literature and findings

Contribution to knowledge is clear (includes quality of argument)

Dissertation is clearly structured

Dissertation is presented to clear and professional standard

Non-original work is adequately referenced

It is clear which parts of the work are the student’s own For MSc in Human Resource Management students that are writing a Dissertation with the aim of CIPD Professional Accreditation, separate guidance is available on Learn in the Dissertation folder.

Feedback The final mark for the Dissertation/Capstone Project will usually be available after the final Board of Examiners in October. Individual feedback on the Dissertation/Capstone Project will be available online via the Dissertation Support System on MyBiz, usually by the end of October.

Statement of Ethics Research undertaken for the Dissertation is governed by the ethical guidelines as set down in the University of Edinburgh Business School’s Research Ethics Guidelines, which are available on MyBiz http://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk All students whose research includes any ‘human subject participation’ (such as surveys or focus groups) are required to complete, sign and submit the ‘Level 1 and 2 Research Applications Self-report Form’ prior to starting the research work on their Dissertation/Capstone Project (Appendix 4)

Business School Assistance with Research Due to the large number of students involved in Dissertation/Capstone Projects, the Business School cannot provide assistance to individual students who are seeking help with their data collection. This extends to the Business School facilitating surveys of undergraduate or postgraduate students studying at the University of

12

Edinburgh or elsewhere, the provision of travel or other sources of support for fieldwork, guaranteed access to databases, or other sources of data and information.

Employment Postgraduate Taught degrees are designed to be a demanding full-time programme of study and students are registered on the programmes as being in Full-Time study. You will seriously compromise your performance if you undertake part-time employment. In practice very few of our students have part-time jobs of more than a few hours a week. It is possible to undertake an internship during the summer months, but you will be expected to write a Dissertation/Capstone Project at the same time. Please check your visa regulations prior to working within the United Kingdom and seek guidance from the University of Edinburgh’s International Office http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/international-office

Exam Arrangements for Disabled Students If required, specific reasonable adjustments will be made to enable disabled students to sit examinations, including any written, practice or oral examination, continuously assessed coursework or Dissertation/Capstone Project which counts towards the final assessment. For more information about the support disabled students can receive and the approval process for making reasonable adjustments visit http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/disability-office/students/support-we-offer.

Plagiarism Statement Plagiarism and cheating are offences against the University discipline. The full text of the University’s regulation on plagiarism and cheating can be found on the University’s website at http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Discipline/StudentGuidanceUGPGT.pdf

Freedom of Information Act Please be aware that, under University Guidelines, the School is not permitted to keep copies of confidential work, except as “examinable material”. The University’s guidelines on Freedom of Information and the Dissertation/Capstone Project state that material which contributes to the final assessment of the degree, including Dissertations/Capstone Projects, should be retained in the School for four months after the Board of Examiners meeting which decides the overall classification or award of the degree, after which it will be destroyed. You will then be the only holder of the Dissertation/Capstone Project. Excerpt from: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/records-management-section/freedom-of- information/guidance-policies/Dissertations The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 requires the University to make available to any enquirer any information held by the University (unless one of the legislation’s narrowly defined exemptions applies), regardless of the date of the information, the identity of the enquirer or their reasons for requesting the information. This requirement will apply to copies of undergraduate and postgraduate Dissertations held by the University. Exemptions that might apply to Dissertations/Capstone Projects include:

Information provided in confidence (most likely to apply to situations where individuals were interviewed in confidence and are quoted in the Dissertation)

13

Substantial prejudice to commercial interests (most likely to apply where the author includes information about commercial companies not already in the public domain)

Research in progress (most likely to apply where the Dissertation/Capstone Project includes information about recent research findings which have not yet been published but where an intention exists to publish them)

Each exemption must be applied on a case-by-case basis so it is not possible to take a blanket decision as to whether or not Dissertations/Capstone Projects would qualify for an exemption. In most cases it would be likely that we would have to release a Dissertation/Capstone Project to an enquirer as the scope of the exemptions is narrowly defined and often includes an assessment of the public interest in releasing the information. It is conceivable that an exemption will apply to only part of a Dissertation/Capstone Project. In these cases, the University would be expected to withhold the exempt portions of the Dissertation/Capstone Project but to release the remainder. Please see sample Non-Disclosure Agreement in Appendix 7, this has been drafted by the legal team at ERI (Edinburgh Research and Innovation).

Appeals The process for students appealing against the assessment of grades is described in the Code of Practice for Taught Postgraduate Programmes. Students have the right of appeal against the decisions of Board of Examiners on specific grounds, which are set out in the University’s Appeal Regulations: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/students/postgraduate-taught/academic-appeals

Updating Student Personal Information Once you have submitted your Dissertation/Capstone Project, it is very important that you update your contact details on MyEd so that Academic Registry can correspond with you about graduation, and send out your Academic Transcript when available. You also must confirm your personal details with the Business School by submitting a contact information form (see appendix 5), which should be submitted when you hand in your Dissertation/Capstone Project.

Key Contacts and Consultation If you are having any difficulties whilst completing your Dissertation/Capstone Project, in the first instance, please consult your Programme Administrator in the Postgraduate Office who can advise you on administration, support and policy regarding Dissertations/Capstone Projects – or direct you to the most suitable person to assist you. Students are always encouraged to raise any concerns of an academic nature with their relevant Advisor, Personal Tutor or Programme Director. In the event that your Advisor/Personal Tutor/Programme Director cannot be contacted, please let your Programme Administrator in the Postgraduate Office know; they can assist you in making contact.

14

APPENDIX 1: Dissertation Support System (DSS) Students are required to submit Dissertation/Capstone proposals on the Dissertation Support System (DSS) this is used to match student proposals with Advisors. The DSS can be accessed from your My Study section on MyBiz. Students are required to: Upload a completed copy proposal form. It is important to complete this as fully as possible; poorly thought-through proposals are less likely to be accepted by nominated Advisors. Provide on the DSS:

A title

A summary (50-200 words)

An indication of methodology (qualitative, quantitative, mixed, or undecided)

The subject group/area from which you would prefer your Advisor to be drawn, and

A member of staff from that group/area who you would like to nominate as your Advisor (there is also an option not to nominate a particular member of staff).

On average staff will advise up to 10 students across the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Please note that not all members of staff will be available as Advisors, due to study leave or other commitments. Please also note that requests for Advisors can ONLY be made, and accepted, via the DSS system. The DSS will go LIVE on 10.00 a.m. on 10th March and will CLOSE to proposals on Monday 17th March at 9.00 a.m. You have ONE WEEK to upload your proposal. The matching process will begin on 18th March and we will inform students of the outcome by April 4th, via the DSS. If your proposal has not been selected by your nominated member of staff we will match you with another Advisor from within the chosen subject group/area, or another member of staff who can advise.

15

APPENDIX 2: PGT Dissertation/Capstone Project Study Leave Request This form should be completed, authorised and forwarded to the Postgraduate Office, before the leave commences. Student Matriculation Number: Full Name (in BLOCK CAPITALS): Programme: Written explanation and justification for the absence: While away I will be based in (city / country): Dates of proposed leave: Start End The student must:

Have firm arrangements in place regarding appropriate supervision at both the Edinburgh and the remote-from-Edinburgh site, and

Have the plan of work agreed between the degree Programme Director, the Edinburgh Advisor and the place at which the work will take place, and that this plan will deliver information suitable for the preparation of a Dissertation to masters standards, and

Have established to the satisfaction of the Edinburgh Advisor and the Programme Director that the remote site has the resources available for the work planned, and that the work can be completed within the given time scale, and

Have in place points of contact at the remote site such as to allow adequate pastoral care and oversight of the student’s work, and

Have established effective links between student and Advisor at Edinburgh, which must be regularly used and that use recorded on file, and

Have established the means to have their progress regularly updated, and the use of these means monitored, and

Have suitable arrangements made for the analysis and reporting of the work, and

Have agreed to be available to return to Edinburgh if required so to do by the Programme Director. I understand and agree to comply with the conditions. Student’s Signature: Date Advisor’s Signature: Date Programme Director’s Signature: Date

16

APPENDIX 3: Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Form

PAGE 1 of 2 Student Matriculation Number: Full Name (in BLOCK CAPITALS): Programme: Title of Dissertation/Capstone Project: This must be exactly what is listed as the title on the DSS. If you need to change your title on the DSS, please visit MyBiz. What form of Dissertation/Capstone Project have you chosen? (E.g. Research-based, Business Plan): Dissertation/Capstone Project Adviser: Date submitted: Number of words: Main text only; not including appendices and contents. Explicit permission (which should be attached) is required for greater length over that stated in your Dissertation/Capstone Project booklet. This will only be forthcoming under special circumstances. Marks may be deducted for excessive length. Declaration: I certify that the information above is correct and that I have read the Notes about Plagiarism (copied overleaf) and that the content of this Dissertation/Capstone Project is my own work. Student’s Signature:

17

Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Form

PAGE 2 of 2

Plagiarism Plagiarism (this is to say the action of including, without adequate acknowledgement, the work of another in one’s own work as if it were one’s own), is regarded as academically fraudulent and an offence against University discipline. The University attaches special importance to the academic duty of acknowledging the work of other scholars and researchers, and may invoke the following sanctions in cases where plagiarism has been proven.

The relevant Board of Examiners may, in assessing any piece of work that makes inadequately acknowledged use of another person’s work, penalise that piece of work accordingly

Recourse may be had to action under the code of Discipline where there is prima facie evidence of the intention to deceive, and where sanctions beyond those in (i) above might be invoked

Electronic Submission In addition to the 2 paper copies, you are required to submit your Dissertation/Capstone Project in electronic form via the Turnitin System. Confidentiality Non-confidential Dissertations/Capstone Projects Dissertations/Capstone Projects that are non-confidential and obtain marks of 60% or above for MBA students and 65% and above for MSc students are made available in The Hub and online to other students. With the Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) 2002, these Dissertations/Capstone Projects are also made available to the wider public on request. Confidential Dissertations/Capstone Projects Please be aware that, under University Guidelines, all confidential Dissertations/Capstone Projects must now be destroyed by the School. The University’s Assessment Regulations state that material which contributes to the final assessment of the degree, including Dissertations/Capstone Projects, should be retained in the School for four months after the Board of Examiners meeting which decides the overall classification or award of the degree. Thereafter, it will be destroyed, and you will be the only holder of your work. http://www.docs.sasg.ed.ac.uk/AcademicServices/Regulations/TaughtAssessmentRegulations.PDF We would therefore ask that you think carefully before assigning confidentiality. Please discuss and agree with your adviser and any relevant organisations whether your Dissertation/Capstone Project should be confidential. My Dissertation/Capstone Project is: (Failure to express an option will result in this form being returned to you.) 1. Non-Confidential 2. Confidential How does freedom of information affect Dissertations/Capstone Projects? See: http://www.recordsmanagement.ed.ac.uk/InfoStaff/FOIstaff/Dissertations/Dissertations.htm

18

APPENDIX 4: Level 1 and 21 Research Ethics Applications Names of Student: Title of Proposal: I have read the Business School Research Ethics Guidelines and agree to abide by its policies. (Research Ethics Guidelines can be found at MyStudy/Guidelines on MyBiz www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/mybiz) Participants will be told about the objectives of the study. Yes/No

Any hazards will be explained to them. Yes/No

Participants will be informed they are participating of their own free will and consent.

Yes/No

They will be informed that they are free to withdraw at any point should they wish to.

Yes/No

Information will be held in confidence and any information used will be used anonymously unless consent has been given otherwise

Yes/No

I confirm that this study does NOT involve children (under 18), institutionalised people; or other individuals who are vulnerable or unable to give consent.

Yes/No

I have considered the risks of physical or psychological harm to research participants (including the researchers) and how to address these

Yes/No

Please provide explanations in the case of a negative response to any of the above questions.

Student’s Signature: Date Advisor’s Signature: Date 1 Level one: applies to 'straightforward' non-intervention, observational research (data, observation, questionnaires)

Level two: 'straight-forward' engagement with participants or participant groups (interviews, focus groups etc.)

19

APPENDIX 5: Contact Information

Name:

Programme:

Home address:

Work address:

Personal email:

Work email:

Home telephone: Mobile:

Work telephone:

Employment Status: (please tick appropriate box)

In permanent job Still actively seeking work

In temporary job Not actively seeking work

In further education

If you are in permanent/temporary work or continuing education, please complete the appropriate section below:

Company name and location of job:

or institution name if in further education:

Job title (example – Fixed Income Analyst):

Programme title:

Industry:

Dates:

Description of job responsibilities: (example – Analysing credit default swap pricing and risk)

Description of study: (example – PhD research topic)

Please email this form back to the Alumni Office [email protected]

20

APPENDIX 6: Grade Descriptors for the Postgraduate Common Marking Scheme Mark Description

90-100% Fulfils all criteria for 80-89%. In addition work has exceptional insight and independent thought, and possibly publishable quality. Could change conventional understanding of the topic.

80-89% Outstanding work. Insight and depth of analysis beyond usual parameters. Sustained, fluent and authoritative argument. Comprehensive knowledge and convincing command of the topic. Accurate and concise use of sources.

70-79% Focused, clear and well-structured work. Effectively and convincingly argued. Critical understanding of conflicting theories and evidence. Excellent presentation and referencing.

60-69% Substantial knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and evidence relating to the topic. Answers the question fully. No significant errors of fact or interpretation. Good presentation and referencing.

50-59% Accurate knowledge of topic. Satisfactory interpretation and uses of sources and evidence. Some gaps in knowledge, or limited use of evidence. Overly descriptive. Possible confusion or lack of clarity. Writing, referencing and presentation satisfactory.

40-49% Diploma-level performance. Some knowledge of the topic, and use of relevant sources. Likely to have significant deficiencies in argument, evidence or use of literature. Likely to contain factual errors. May fail to answer the question. Writing, referencing and presentation may be weak.

30-39% Fail. Flawed understanding of topic. Poor awareness of theory. Poor approach. Poor coverage of the topic. Writing, referencing and presentation likely to be very weak.

20-29% Fail. Seriously inadequate knowledge of the subject. Little awareness of relevant issues or theory. Major omissions and inaccuracies.

10-19% Fail. Short, unclear, factually inaccurate. Lack of understanding of key reading and academic concepts.

0-9% Fail. No academic merit. No indication that the course has been followed.

21

APPENDIX 7: Sample Non-Disclosure Agreement CONFIDENTIAL To: Dear Sir/Madam; 1. Considering that you hold certain information, whether in written, oral, visual or electronic format, of a

technical or commercial information, (including, without limitation, specifications, drawings, designs, computer software and know-how), which is, or would reasonably be expected to be, of a confidential nature, (“Confidential Information”), and further considering your proposed disclosure to us of certain of such Confidential Information for the purpose of carrying out a Dissertation/Capstone Project with “insert name of client organisation here”, as part of a MSc/MBA course at the University of Edinburgh Business School (“the Purpose”), we undertake:

To keep all such Confidential Information confidential and to take all reasonable steps to ensure that copies of the Confidential Information made by us are protected against theft or other unauthorised access.

Not to use Confidential Information other than solely for or in relation to the Purpose, unless (and then only to the extent to which) any other use shall have been specifically authorised in writing, in advance, by you.

Not to communicate or otherwise make available any such Confidential Information to any third party (other than other students or academic staff engaged in the Purpose who are also subject to similar terms of confidentiality) except with specific prior written consent from you.

2. The above obligations will not apply to any Confidential Information which:

Has become public knowledge, (other than as a result of any breach of the confidentiality undertaking contained herein).

We are able to establish was already known to us or was independently developed by us without recourse to or use of any Confidential Information.

Is received by us from a third party who did not acquire it in confidence from you or from someone owing a duty of confidence to you.

Must be disclosed by law or by a requirement of a regulatory body. 3. We shall make only such copies of the Confidential Information as are strictly necessary for the Purpose,

and shall ensure that all such copies are clearly marked as confidential, and can be clearly separated from our own records. Any copy so made shall constitute Confidential Information. We shall, upon your written request, return to you all Confidential Information as is in tangible form (together with all copies thereof within our possession or control) or make such other disposal thereof as may be stipulated by you.

4. This Letter shall be governed by Scots Law.

22

We hereby agree to the foregoing terms: __________________________________ __________________________________ Signed on behalf of the University of Edinburgh Witness signature _________________________________ _________________________________ Name Witness Name __________________________________ __________________________________ Date Address Signed Witness signature _________________________________ _________________________________ Name of Student Witness Name __________________________________ __________________________________ Date Address

23

APPENDIX 8: Dissertation/Capstone Project Submission Checklist

Two hard copies of your Dissertation/Capstone Project

Completed submission form

Completed level 1 & 2 research application

Completed contact information form

Two copies of interview transcripts (if applicable)

Proximity card returned

Submit to TurnItIn

Ensure title is correct on DSS

Ensure personal details are correct on MyEd

Ensure you have completed your End of Programme survey

24

APPENDIX 9: MBA Capstone Project Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding After completing the capstone project, students should:

Display an understanding of appropriate research design and the communication of research findings

Have a greater awareness of the various modes of enquiry used to analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data

Have a better knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of particular research methods and what constitutes evidence

Understand how theory is used in social science and business research and how theory can be applied to empirical phenomena

Be able to critically review literature on a particular topic and draw conclusions Research and Critical Enquiry Upon completing the dissertation/capstone project students should be able to:

Identify and justify their chosen topic or research question

Appropriately apply models and frameworks for analysis in business

Use the mode of enquiry selected for the research in a knowledgeable and professional manner

Collect information and critically assess, analyse and interpret complicated business problems and cases

Integrate knowledge and information from different business domains to produce holistic plans and solutions

Know how to organise evidence and create an argument based on empirical evidence, including its validity and reliability

Personal Intellectual Autonomy The capstone project will develop the following personal intellectual autonomy skills:

Undertake independent learning and display independent thought, acknowledging the importance and limitations of their own knowledge

Better manage your time

Be better able to manage the scheduling of a major project

Understand how you personally operate best as an individual when facing a major task and respond to deadlines and milestones

Develop cognitive skills such as those of analysis, synthesis, creativity and evaluation Communication The dissertation/capstone project will develop the following communication skills:

Recognise the purposes of a dissertation/capstone project

Understand the generally accepted structure for preparing and presenting reports

Become better at the communication of research findings

Be able to write up clearly and to the point original research and make references to the existing body of knowledge in the dissertation topic

Be able to use references, quotations and acknowledgements according to generally accepted academic standards

Reflect on how best to communicate information and arguments to a wider audience

Become better at the communication of research findings

Be able to write up clearly and to the point original research and make references to the existing body of knowledge in the Dissertation topic

25

Be able to use references, quotations and acknowledgements according to generally accepted academic standards

Reflect on how best to communicate information and arguments to a wider audience