MSc Digital Strategy and Information Systems
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MANG 6563
SBS PGT Dissertation Handbook
2022/23: MSc Digital Strategy and
Information Systems (DSIS)
1
Welcome to the MANG 6563 Dissertation!
Welcome to an exciting and important part of your degree – the MSc DSIS
Dissertation. This dissertation represents your chance to apply the theoretical
knowledge you have gained throughout your programme through a piece of
independent study. You will be able to identify your own area of interest to explore
in-depth using appropriate research tools. The dissertation will contribute
significantly to your final grade. Please read this handbook carefully and let your
supervisor know your questions.
Section 1. How to use this handbook
This handbook has been written to guide you through the key stages of the process
of writing your dissertation. It is intended to accompany the five sessions held for
our programme, and will be made available on the MANG 6563 Blackboard site,
alongside other useful materials and announcements. It gives you an idea of timings
and deadlines so that you can plan your work. Importantly, it includes essential
information on how to choose a research topic, how to work with your supervisors,
how to structure your dissertation, and guidance on referencing and avoiding
plagiarism etc. We encourage you to read the handbook thoughtfully and go back
to it as a reference while working on your dissertation. You can get in touch with
the module or programme leader if you have any questions regarding this
dissertation handbook.
We advise you to follow the handbook for your own module/ programme for your
dissertation and not refer to other programmes’ guidance since the requirements
and information could be different.
PGT Dissertation Handbook MSc DSIS 2022/23
2
Section 2. Objectives of the dissertation
The dissertation is an extended 15,000-word (±10%) assignment based on an
independent study of a topic of your choosing.
Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your ability to create, on your own initiative,
a text which demonstrates a Masters-level understanding of a particular issue. You
will be assigned a supervisor to advise you on how to approach your work, and it is
your responsibility to manage and undertake the necessary work independently.
Your dissertation should draw on concepts, techniques and frameworks from your
previous studies to:
• Identify a suitable topic for study
• Plan and manage an appropriate schedule of work
• Design and undertake an appropriate investigation strategy
• Identify and access useful and suitable sources of information
• Ensure that you have ethics approval and undertake a risk assessment before
collecting any data for your research
• Write a well-presented dissertation with a logical structure and suitable
formatting.
Section 2.1. Structuring your dissertation
A key feature of any dissertation is the way in which it is structured or organised.
Structure is important because it dictates the topics discussed and the order in
which they are discussed. A good structure can considerably enhance the finished
quality of a dissertation.
Characteristics of a good dissertation structure include:
• Chapters and sections that are ordered in a logical way
• A contents page that clearly differentiates chapter titles and major sub-headings
• Chapter and section headings that are informative, concise and accurate