The title is the relationship between market ratio and share price or analysis the determinats of market share price movement. Or you can choose a new topic which is around share price and their determinats. (I think my topic range is too large) Please choose a good topic for my dissertation.
Literature review try to use more Uk cases and researches，dont write somthing about banks because my tutor is not happy to see it. You need to analysis these literature review, dont just outline literature review on the paper.
In Data analysis, I choose the sample with UF FS 100 companies in FAME dataset. However, tutor says samples are too large and she hope I can choose same type of firms to analysis. For example, Uk retail firms, technology firms or service firms. In addition, you can use other dataset.
Please write data analysis at first and send it to me before 27th May. This dissertation is very important for me. So write it seriously.
CONTENTS
This handbook provides information about the module and its operation. Please study it carefully.
Section Page
1 INTRODUCTION / WELCOME X
2 MODULE SPECIFICATION X
3 THE MODULE TEAM X
4 DELIVERY INFORMATION X
4.1 Delivery schedule X
4.2 Directed study guidelines X
4.3 Seminar/Tutorial preparation X
4.4 Module specific attendance requirements X
5 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION x
5.1 The assessment strategy X
5.2 Assessment brief(s) X
5.3 Assessment deadlines X
5.4 Process for requesting an extension or submitting a claim for Extenuating Circumstances (ECs) X
5.5 Formative assessment X
5.6 Arrangements for the return of work and feedback X
5.7 Tutor reassessment X
6 GENERAL INFORMATION X
6.1 Academic misconduct and referencing information X
6.2 Further reading X
6.3 Access to facilities X
6.4 Health and Safety information X
6.5 Academic Skills/Technical Support X
1 INTRODUCTION / WELCOME
Welcome to BMA0068 Dissertation.
This handbook gives you an overview of the subject including learning criteria and assessment details. It is very important that you read this booklet and also that you spend some time familiarising yourself with the University regulations.
This module is designed as a student-centred, self-managed study accompanied by in-depth research on a selected topic in accounting, finance and banking with guidance and supervision from a designated supervisor. Students are advised to study this booklet carefully, as it has been prepared with all the necessary information for preparing and submitting the dissertation.
Students will be advised when to make contact with their dissertation supervisors, and work according to milestones set. This should help students produce a dissertation that meets the module learning outcomes and assessment strategy detailed overleaf.
Guidance on Undertaking Research for the Dissertation
The Research Design & Analysis module (BMA0073) introduced various aspects the research process. Here is a summary of the main points covered in that module.
Introduction
• What is Research? It is a planned and systematic search for information for the purpose of increasing our understanding of individuals, groups, events, or phenomena. Thus, the collection of data is not in itself research. It is the methodical analysis, the interpretation of the gathered data and the inferences thereof which form the essence of the research process.
• Types of Research. There are different kinds of research, distinguished by objectives set, the form of the questions posed and the methods adopted to obtain answers. The purpose of the research may be to describe a given situation, to explain why certain events occur, or to predict what is likely to happen under specific conditions. The following are examples of two quite distinct types.
a) Descriptive Research – this is the systematic observation and description of an existing situation or event. An example of descriptive research would be reporting of a case study, and a discussion of how it fitted into a theoretical framework. An example of this might be how budgets are set and used in a medium sized manufacturing company.
b) Experimental Research – this is an attempt to establish a relationship between two or more factors by controlling all the other factors that could account for their apparent relationship. We frequently do this in model building, simulation exercises and in the development of theory. Statistical techniques will be used to handle quantitative data in this type of research. An example of this might be finding out if there is a cause-effect relationship between production technology and product costing systems.
Step-by-Step Approach
Right from the outset and throughout the process, it is useful to set some milestones, for example by asking the following questions:
o Why am I doing this research project, and what do I want to get out of it?
o What do I want to find out?
o Where is the information that I want to find out?
o Who will want to know what I find out?
o How will I be assessed?
o When can I start, and when must I finish my work
o Which are the priorities to focus on when doing my study?
The work involved will be done in stages (some will be continuous throughout your studies and there may be flexibility in terms of the stages encountered) as follows:
[Note that this is not the structure of the learning sets]
Stage 1 – Research mini – proposal
o Identify potential topic
o Set up the dissertation goals, and outline plan (objectives)
o Complete initial literature review
o Identify overall research aim + research questions and objectives
o Consider research method approach
o Prepare proposal, and schedule of work, and submit for approval
Stage 2 – Research Design
o More detailed literature review
o Identify research approach
o Identify research methods, e.g. secondary sources, etc.
o Arrange access to sources of data
Stage 3 – Primary Research (Data Collection and Analysis) –
o Gather sufficient and relevant data
o Analyse findings
Stage 4 – Interpretation of Results
o Interpret results and draw conclusions
o Check results against research objectives and questions
o Check results against literature used
Stage 5 – Final writing-up and submission
o Finish writing-up dissertation
o Check final draft and make corrections, following advice/suggestions from supervisor
o Submit two identical copies of the checked final draft of your dissertation. See below for advice on dissertation structure.
When do I start and how do I manage the dissertation?
The dissertation work effectively starts from the initial research ideas, finding and refining a topic and writing a research mini-proposal. In other words, it is an ongoing process until the student completes and submits the final draft of their dissertation.
Carrying a Masters dissertation through to successful completion is a time consuming activity. Students are advised to set themselves a timetable and develop a plan of action with the help of their dissertation supervisor. It is important that regular contact is maintained with the supervisor, as is the regular submission of draft copies of the various sections of the dissertation as they are completed (as instructed by your supervisor).
When pursuing literature search and secondary data trawls, students should be wary of becoming distracted from the main research problem. The exciting potential of information technology, in particular the Internet, to generate data may lead to searches that become too broad and lack focus; thus it is essential to stay focused on the research plan agreed with the supervisor and embodied in the research proposal.
Many students find that intense intellectual activity conducted on an independent basis for the dissertation, places them under considerable stress. The initial enthusiasm for a topic may sometimes turn into frustration, boredom, and on such occasions students may find progress difficult to make. The maintenance of a good relationship with the supervisor, based on regular contact and submitting of draft copies of the sections of the dissertation, can help enormously to keep the effort rolling. In other words, the student needs to play an active role in the supervision process.
Dissertation Structure
A typical dissertation should contain the following (see Table below for detail)
• Framing of research objectives and questions
• Familiarity with the literature
• Methodology – the methods or approach taken
• Analysis, evaluation, and appraisal of results, and critical judgement
• Awareness of theoretical and practical implications
• Clarity of conclusions and recommendations
• Clarity of expression and presentation
The Different Sections of a Dissertation:
Section Content
Introduction This section should provide an explanation of what the purpose of the enquiry is and sets out the research objectives. Hypotheses, if applicable, should be clearly stated.
Literature Review This section deals with existing literature and provides a critical analysis of that literature. Research questions finalised.
Methodology In this section you should provide an explanation of why certain data has been collected, what has been collected, from where it has been collected, when and how it was collected, and how it has been analysed.
Results In this section you need to present your research results.
Analysis and Discussion This section is where you offer an analysis of the results and their contribution to knowledge. Also, you should identify any weakness or limitations with the research.
Conclusions and Recommendations This section sets out the main lessons learnt from the study and the implications for parties involved, together with indications for further research.
Referencing In this section you will need a detailed, alphabetical list of the sources from which information has been obtained and which have been cited in the dissertation text. These must be in the APA 6th format.
Please follow the link for the latest referencing guide methods.
http://www.hud.ac.uk/library/finding-info/apa-referencing/
Appendices This should contain any detailed data that is referred to in the main body of the text but not shown elsewhere.
Avoiding the Pitfalls
The common features of a poor dissertation can be summarised as follows:
– Too Descriptive
Instead of employing an analytical approach that aims to understand and measure causal relationships among phenomena, the student relies upon describing phenomena as they exist.
– Lacks Adequate Conceptual Framework
Dissertations should include a conceptual underpinning of the problem area, utilising appropriate theory that is integrated into the body of the discussion, and not added as an isolated appendage. This is usually the result of a poor literature review.
– Has a Poor Literature Review
A critical review of the relevant literature should provide the reader with a statement of the major questions and issues in the field under question. If undertaken with rigor, it should assist the student to improve their knowledge of their chosen subject area, have a significant impact on the quality of their research, and help to demonstrate their understanding of the field. The dissertation supervisor may provide valuable guidance to the student, especially with regard to the focus of the review; not too narrow, nor too broad.
– Has a Poor Primary Research
Poorly conceived, inappropriate methodology, or sloppily collected data are opposites of the systematic, rigorous approach demanded. Students are advised to be careful, detailed and exacting in their approach to their dissertation, especially to data collection. Be aware of the importance of demonstrating your understanding of the research methods chosen.
5 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
5.1 The assessment strategy
Formative assessment:
This will be provided via regular, scheduled meetings between the dissertation supervisor and the student either on an individual basis or through learning sets.
Summative Assessment:
Assessment of all learning outcomes will be through the presentation of a dissertation on a topic relevant to accounting and finance, normally of the order of no less than 15,000 and no more than 20,000 words. Assessment weighting 100%. Not marked anonymously. Eligible for tutor re-assessment. This is the final piece of assessment.
5.2 Assessment brief(s)
Submission of the Dissertation
Dissertations must be submitted by the set deadline to the reception desk of the Business School (2 identical copies with signed cover sheets) and also electronically to Turnitin UK via UniLearn. This will be set up within the Dissertation UniLearn site.
The submission date for the dissertation is (as announced for a particular cohort) for students who started the course in September or January. Students must be aware that the dissertation MUST be in, on or before the due date.
Format of the Dissertation
Margins, and type face required for the Dissertation
• 1.5 Or double line spacing should be used in the typescript, except for indented quotations or footnotes where single line spacing may be used.
• A suitable, clear type face or font style (a point size of 12) should be used for the text.
• Left and bottom margin should be 40mm wide.
• Other margins to be 20mm wide.
• Block paragraphs should be used with a justified alignment.
• The author shall indicate any material contained in the dissertation that has been used in other publications.
• Any abbreviations should be those in normal use. Where necessary a key to abbreviations should be provided.
Dissertation Table of Contents
The dissertation must include the following materials, and sections, in the sequence indicated:
• Title Page
• Abstract
• Acknowledgements (if any)
• Table of contents
• List of Tables (if any)
• List of Figures (if any)
• List of Abbreviations (if any)
• List of other types of materials: maps, photos, etc. (if any)
• Body of Text
• References
• Appendices (if any)
Sample Layout of Table of Contents:
Page
ABSTRACT i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
PREFACE iii
1 TITLE OF FIRST CHAPTER 1
1.1 Title of First Major Subheading 1
1.2 Title of Second Major Subheading 7
1.3 Title of Third Major Subheading 7
1.3.1 Title of First Subsidiary Subheading 8
1.3.2 Title of Second Subsidiary Subheading 10
1.4 Title of Fourth Major Subheading 23
2 TITLE OF SECOND CHAPTER 31
2.1 Title of First Major Subheading 31
2.2 Title of Second Major Subheading 43
3 TITLE OF THIRD CHAPTER 45
4 TITLE OF FOURTH CHAPTER 65
5 TITLE OF FIFTH CHAPTER 76
5.1 Title of First Chapter Subheading 76
5.2 Title of Second Chapter Subheading 82
References 92
APPENDICES
Assessment Criteria
The Bearing in mind the different forms that a research project and dissertation might take, the assessment criteria will normally cover:
• the selection of an appropriate topic area in accounting and finance and the establishment of a clear set of feasible research aims;
• the articulation of a wide range of academic literature relevant to the specific area research design and conceptualisation developed from the academic literature;
• methodological sophistication
• the application of appropriate analytical tools; and
the formulation of appropriate recommendations and conclusions, related back to the research findings and research analysis
Agreed mark %: 1st / 2nd Marker’s signature ………………………………………………………………. Date ………..……………
A+ A A- B C D R F
Distinction
Outstanding
90-100% Distinction
Excellent
80-89% Distinction
Very Good
70-79% Good pass
60-69% Satisfactory pass
50-59% Bare Pass
40-49% Refer
30-39% Fail
0-29%
• Introduction / Research Problem
Aim & Formulation
Outstanding formulated research aim / question Excellence in formulation of research aim / question Very clearly formulated research aim / question Clearly formulated research problem Competently formulated research problem Limited formulation of research problem Poorly formulated research question Incoherently formulated research question
Focus
Superb clarity and subject based focus Excellence in clarity & focus Clear subject based focus. Good evidence of subject based focus Satisfactory evidence of subject focus. Little subject focus Lacks subject focus Inadequate subject focus
Rationale Outstanding delivery in providing rationale Excellent and convincing rationale. A very good and convincing rationale. Clear and well thought through rationale. Competent rationale is provided Rationale present but of marginal relevance Rationale poorly articulated and justified. Inadequate rationale
• Literature Review
Range of reading
Outstanding depth of reading required Excellent production of extensive reading Extensive reading Wide reading Evidence of appropriate reading Evidence of only limited knowledge of the literature Reliance on limited sources Over reliance on very restricted range of sources
Critical evaluation of literature
The detail and thoroughness is of outstanding quality Excellent & very thorough critical evaluation of literature Thorough critical evaluation of literature. Evidence of critical evaluation of literature More limited evaluation. Little critical comment. Lack of evaluation of literature. No evaluation of literature.
Relation to research question Outstanding in-depth coverage of literature that has pure focus of questions Excellent literature production that covers all questions Literature is explicitly related to the research question. Literature is clearly related to the research question. Literature is not consistently clearly related to the research question. Literature is limited in its relation to the research question. Literature is poorly related to research question. Not related directly to research question. Very little evidence of independent research for sources.
Independent research & overall coherent argument
Outstanding independent research and thorough coherent arguments in justifying research problem Excellence of independent research and overall coherent arguments in justifying research problem Explicit and well justified subject related the research problem.
Clear development of subject related issues which addresses the research problem
Presents framework which satisfactorily addresses the research problem Vaguely implicit subject related framework which is poorly articulated Scant reference to a subject related framework No reference to subject related framework.
• Design & Methodology
Appreciation of methodological issues and justification of the methods adopted Relevant methodological issues & methods adopted are of an outstanding standard Excellent appreciation of relevant methodological issues and excellence in clarity of justifying methods adopted Very clear appreciation of relevant methodological issues and justification for the methods adopted Very good appreciation of relevant methodological issues and clear presentation of the justification for the methods adopted Competent presentation of key methodological issues and satisfactory justification for the methods adopted Limited awareness of methodological issues and basic justification for the methods adopted
Limited awareness of methodological issues and little justification for the methods adopted.
Little awareness of methodological issues.
Rationale for research approach /
Data collection methods
Rationale and data collection method used is of outstanding quality Excellent, clear & concise research rationale. Data collection methods should be well supported with excellent logic in determining method Very good rationale for research approach adopted and the data collection methods used.
Clearly presented rationale for research approach adopted and the data collection methods used Competent rationale for research approach adopted and the data collection methods used.
Limited rationale for research approach adopted and data collection methods used Little rationale presented for research approach adopted and the data collection method used.
Inappropriate or non-existent rationale presented for the research approach and the data collection methods used.
Awareness of strengths and weaknesses & past research
Outstanding critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken. Thorough understanding & formulation of past research showing outstanding breadth of methodologies used
Excellent critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken. Thorough understanding & formulation of past research showing excellent breadth of methodologies used
Critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken and formulation of past research showing breadth of methodologies used
Some awareness of strengths and weakness of approach taken and past research.
Some awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the approach taken and past research.
Limited awareness of strengths and weaknesses of approach taken and past research.
Little awareness of strengths and weaknesses of approach taken & past research.
No evaluation of strengths and weaknesses taken and no past research.
• Analysis & Discussion
Actual data collected & Data presentation
Data collected & presented is of outstanding quality Excellence in systematic and appropriate data collection
Excellence in clarity and appropriate presentation of results using both table and text to a high standard Extremely systematic and appropriate data collection
Clear and appropriate presentation of results using both table and text appropriately. Very competent and appropriate data collection.
Good presentation of results using both tables and text appropriately. Competent data collection
Satisfactory presentation of results using both tables and text appropriately Limited data collection
Adequate presentation of results but with limitation in style.
Weak data collection but sufficient information gathered to allow for a possible reworking of data.
Poor presentation of results but could be reworked Poor and inappropriate data collection and analysis, not capable of being reworked.
Poor (or no) presentation of results
Appropriate analysis / Evaluation of findings / Reference back to the literature & clear audit of data extraction Extensive and high level analysis/
evaluation/
literature tie back which is outstanding + shows outstanding clarity of audit data trail Extensive and high level analysis/evaluation/
literature tie back that is deemed of an excellent standard + shows excellent clarity of audit data trail Extensive and high level analysis (e.g. inferential statistics) using appropriate analytical techniques. Excellent evaluation methods adopted and clarity of referencing to literature
+ shows very good clarity of audit data trail Clear evidence of high level (e.g. inferential statistics) of analysis using appropriate techniques. Good evaluation methods adopted and clarity of referencing to literature. Majority of audit trail is shown but some irregularities Evidence of satisfactory but more limited analysis / findings and tracing of literature (e.g. restricted to use of descriptive methods of analysis). Evidence of audit trail but some errors Appropriate but limited analysis which relies on basic use of analytical techniques. Some evidence of evaluation and referring back to literature. Audit trail is attempted but lacks clarity and coherence
Evidence of analysis but which is limited and/or logically flawed. Evaluation is poor and limited literature cohesion. Audit trail is difficult to identify
Little or no evidence of appropriate analysis and/or extensive logically inconsistent. No logical findings and no conclusive referencing back to literature. No audit trail exists.
• Recommendations & Conclusions
Identify main findings, including weaknesses & strengths going forward An outstanding portrayal of the main findings from the research. Relevant and appropriate s & w are suggested with a high degree of supportive evidence Excellent production of main findings which address the main issues raised from the research. Associated and relevant links to s & w from the analysis are applicable and appropriate Clarity and cohesiveness is deemed very good in terms of findings identified. These are relevant and of high quality s & w of research Clear correlation and cohesiveness of recommendations and conclusions Evidence of cohesive and satisfactory identification of findings. Some evidence of relevant weaknesses and strengths of related research Appropriate conclusions made but which shows limited conclusion / recommendations going forward Some evidence of cohesion but has some flaws. Poor identification of research strengths and weaknesses Inconclusive conclusions / recommendations that do not relate to findings. No weaknesses or strengths identified
• Presentation & Expression
Referencing
Outstanding, appropriate & consistent referencing throughout thesis Excellent, appropriate & consistent referencing throughout thesis Fully and appropriately referenced Very good referencing Generally well referenced Competent referencing but some inconsistencies. Major inadequacies in references. Poorly referenced,
Writing & Presentation Outstanding presentation Excellent presentation Very good presentation The majority is well presented Well presented Adequately presentation Adequate presentation but with clear deficiencies Poorly presented
Use of language Outstanding use of language. Excellent use of language. Very good use of language. Clear use of language. Clear use of language but with some errors. Clear use of language but with significant errors. Generally correct use of language, but with aspects of unclear expression and a number of imprecise statements Very unclear language with serious errors.
6.2 Further reading
Further reading is widespread and some texts are listed below. It is meant as a guidance and there are further applicable texts on line via Summon.
It is also encouraged that students visit accountancy governing body websites for any developments as well as what AIS / IS news appears.
Bell, J. Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education and Social Science, (Open University Press).
Bryman, A. Social Research Methods (Oxford University Press).
Bryman, A. & E. Bell Business Research Methods (Oxford University Press)
Easterby-Smith, M., Thorpe, R. & Low, A. Management Research, (Sage).
Hakim, C. Research Design, Strategies and Choices in the Design of Social Research (Routledge).
Moser, C. & Kalton, G. Survey Research in Social Investigation, (Dartmouth).
Oppenheim, A.N. Questionnaire Design, Interviewing and Attitude Measurement (Pinter).
Ryan, B., Scapens, R.W. & Theobald, M. Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting, (Thomson).
Saunders et al. Research Methods for Business Students (Financial Times Press).
Yin, R.K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods, (Sage).
Accounting and Business Research
Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal
Accounting, Organizations and Society
British Accounting Review
Management Accounting Research
British Accounting Association (http://www.shef.ac.uk/~baa)
Resource Guide for the Social Sciences (http://www.jisc.ac.uk/subject/socsci)
Social Science Information Gateway (http://www.sosig.ac.uk/)
6.3 Arrangements for borrowing equipment/accessing labs/studios
If you wish to borrow equipment or gain access to specialist facilities please discuss your requirements with your Course leader or Year Tutor.
6.4 Aspects of Health and Safety specific to the module
An overview of the Health and Safety arrangements in place for both the University and the Business School can be found within your course handbook.
6.5 Academic Skills/Technical Support
The Learning Development Group offers study skills support to all students within the Business School, covering topics such as reading, research, academic writing (including referencing) and reflective practice. Their contact details can be found within Unilearn under the ‘Learning Development Group’ tab.
Last Completed Projects
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