The dissertation will enable course members to undertake a sustained investigation in an area of their choice. It will require the course member to identify an appropriate quality or management issue, undertake adequate background research, apply theoretical knowledge in a practical situation and propose realistic solutions to the problems in identified.

The dissertation thus provides an opportunity for course members to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired during the taught elements of the course, to diagnose quality/management/business problems, devise and evaluate solutions and produce realistic, acceptable recommendations for action.

You can expect to receive dissertation guidelines in good time for the commencement of your work on the final dissertation. The dissertation process is divided into two stages:

Stage I– Dissertation proposal:
This is the first formal stage of the dissertation process and will account for 15% of the total mark associated with the final dissertation. Your dissertation proposal will normally be submitted during the Advanced Specialist Modules.

Stage II – the final dissertation:
The dissertation is a written report of approximately 15,000 words which provides details of individual research into an agreed management or Quality issue. This report must contain an extended Executive Summary as well as more technical information relating to the study undertaken.