SG7002
Applied Business Project
Term(s): TERM 2 2023
1
ROYAL DOCKS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND LAW
1 CONTACT INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
1.1 MODULE LEADER……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
2 INTRODUCTION TO THE MODULE …………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
3 KEY INFORMATION………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
4 TIMETABLED TEACHING………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
5 HOW TO ACCESS YOUR TIMETABLE ………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
6 MODULE AIMS…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
7 SG7002 – APPLIED BUSINESS PROJECT MODULE SPECIFICATION………………………………………………….. 6
8 TEACHING SCHEDULE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
9 SUPERVISOR ALLOCATION …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
10 SUPERVISOR RELATIONSHIPS…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
11 ROLE OF THE SUPERVISOR …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
12 MINIMUM CONTACT TIME ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
13 WRITING SCHEDULE WITH SUPERVISORS: AN EXAMPLE …………………………………………………………….. 9
14 STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
15 CONDUCTING FIELDWORK FROM ABROAD…………………………………………………………………………….. 10
16 GENERAL READING LIST AND RESOURCES………………………………………………………………………………. 10
16.1 ASSESSMENT ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
17 RESEARCH ETHICS APPROVAL ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
18 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
19 APPLIED BUSINESS PROJECT ASSESSMENT……………………………………………………………………………… 12
19.1 TITLE ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12
19.2 ABSTRACT ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
19.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13
19.4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
19.5 INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13
19.6 CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
19.7 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
19.8 DATA ANALYSIS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
19.9 CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15
19.10 RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15
19.11 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND APPENDICES……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 15
20 MARKING SCHEME …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
21 APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECT STRUCTURE ………………………………………………………………………………. 16
22 PRESENTATION OF APPLIED BUSINESS PROJECTS…………………………………………………………………….. 17
22.1 SKILLS ADVICE……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
23 GUIDANCE ON REFERENCING……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
23.1 WORD COUNT …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17
23.2 SUBMITTING ASSESSMENTS USING TURNITIN ………………………………………………………………………………… 18
23.3 LATE SUBMISSIONS USING TURNITIN ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
2
23.4 EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
23.5 STUDENT APPEALS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19
23.6 RETURN OF WORK AND FEEDBACK …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 19
23.7 STUDENT FEEDBACK………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
24 KEY LINKS …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19
APPENDIX A: SG7002 MODULE SPECIFICATION……………………………………………………………………………….. 22
APPENDIX B: DISSERTATION SUPERVISION POLICY ………………………………………………………………………….. 26
APPENDIX C: RECORD OF SUPERVISION …………………………………………………………………………………………. 28
APPENDIX D: ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK …………………………………………………………………………………………… 29
3
1 Contact Information
1.1 Module Leader
Name: Dr Aidan Kelly
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0208 223 2965
Room Number: US2.16
Student Hours: Tuesdays: 10.00 – 12.00 and Thursdays: 14.00 – 16.00 (On-campus by
appointment and via MS Teams)
The Module Leader/Other Tutors and Contact Details were correct at point of publication.
You will be notified of any changes.
4
2 Introduction to the Module
Welcome to SG7002 Applied Business Project module. This is the capstone project for
selected postgraduate programmes at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law (see details
below) and requires students to conduct an independent business research project under the
supervision of an academic member of staff. This Module Handbook is intended to be a
definitive guide, for both students and supervisors, as to the applied business project process
at the Royal Docks School of Business and Law. It includes the module specification, a detailed
overview of the research planning process, the supervisory process, the structure and
contents of a Business Project, details of electronic submission and other relevant information
to the module.
3 Key Information
The module is a core capstone module for students on MBA, MSc International Business
Management, MSc Finance and Risk, MSc Professional Accounting, MSc Oil and Gas and the
MAccFin. The module includes research methods videos on the SG7002 Moodle site and you
will be allocated a project supervisor who you will work with for one whole term.
4 Timetabled Teaching
There is no scheduled teaching for SG7002. Scheduled “contact” time is between the student
and his/her supervisor, during the academic year. To assist you in your discussions with your
supervisor there are a number of research methodology videos and other resources on
developing your research question, undertaking a literature review, primary and secondary
research, quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and completing your research
project which are available on the SG7002 Moodle site and can be streamed online.
5 How to Access Your Timetable
To access your personal timetable log into the intranet and click on the timetable box and
save to your favourite browser, or use the intranet link (UEL ID required to login)
https://ueltt.uel.ac.uk
All room numbers on our campuses follow the same pattern – the initial of the building,
followed by the floor number and finally the room number e.g., DL4.01 is room 1 on the 4th
floor of the Dockland Library building. Campus maps can be found
here:
• Link to the Docklands Campus Map
• Link to the Stratford Campus Map
5

6 Module Aims
In the Applied Business Project module students will complete an independent research
project. You will have a course-specific project leader who will guide your choice of project in
line with professional body accreditation (if applicable). These might include: applied research
on a contemporary business issue based on primary research, a work-based project, case
study or other empirical research. You will undertake your project under the supervision of
an academic member of staff who will advise you on which approach is most appropriate.
The module aims to develop students’ critical thinking, methodological, analytical and writing
skills through the research process in undertaking a project. In undertaking a business project,
students will critically engage with literature on their chosen topic, formulate valid project
questions and objectives, evaluate different methodological alternatives, execute
appropriate data collection and analytical techniques, develop cogent academic explanations
of their findings and address the project question and objectives originally posed in their
study. Students should also be able to provide recommendations for academic theory and/or
management practice as an outcome of their research project.
The postgraduate business project aims to help students to understand the dynamics of
business research and to develop their research as well as project management skills. It
provides students with a unique opportunity to specialise in a particular subject/vocational
area, and is extremely valuable if students wish to work in a specific industry sector or
undertake research in future study/employment. Overall, the module aims to develop both
students’ independent research capability and enhance their graduate employability.
6
7 SG7002 – Applied Business Project Module Specification
Learning Outcomes for the module
The following codes identify where a learning outcome meets one of the UEL core
competencies:
• Digital Proficiency – Code = (DP)
• Industry Connections – Code = (IC)
• Social & Emotional Intelligence – Code = (SEI)
• Physical Intelligence – Code = (PI)
• Cultural Intelligence – Code = (CI)
• Community Connections & UEL Give Back – Code = (CC)
• Cognitive Intelligence – Code = (COI)
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (EE)
At the end of this module, students will be able to:
Knowledge
1. Demonstrate the ability to analyse complex business and management problems
critically and rigorously and make evidenced based management
recommendations (IC)
2. Demonstrate high levels of expertise in selecting and conducting research
methods and addressing strategically significant organisational problems and
issues. (IC) (CC)
Thinking skills
3. Demonstrate synthesis of knowledge and skills by applying appropriate research
strategies and philosophies to organisational issues (PI)
4. Demonstrate self-directed capacity to plan, design and monitor an individual
piece of research (SEI)
5. Design and present a well-defined and structured report covering the
investigation with appropriate and justified conclusions and recommendations,
while showing awareness of their limitations. (CC) (IC)
Subject-based skills
6. Identify, interpret and engage in critical analysis and discussion of
contemporary literature in your professional field. (PI)
7. Demonstrate the ability to effectively analyse business problems from the
7
professional practitioner perspective in your field and make meaningful and where
appropriate costed business recommendations (DP) (IC) (CC)
8. Demonstrate the skills of logical thought, critical evaluation, data analysis and
reflection that will enhance influencing and negotiation capabilities as
practitioner in your relevant field (SEI)
Skills for life
9. Demonstrate the ability for self-directed learning and the ability to reflect
on learning, and emotional and social intelligence, which will inform future
practice (SEI)
10. Exhibit digital proficiency in computer aided research skills that promotes
the effective presentation of research findings and recommendations (DP)
8 Teaching Schedule
There is no scheduled teaching for SG7002, however there are online teaching
resources available via the SG7002 Moodle page which you should engage with prior
to undertaking your project.
9 Supervisor Allocation
Students will be allocated a supervisor on the basis of the course they are enrolled on.
Students should choose a topic that is relevant to the course they are studying. All supervisory
allocations will be made by the course leader within the Royal Docks School of Business and
Law and will be emailed to students, your supervisor will contact you directly to arrange your
first meeting, it is your responsibility to engage with your supervisor throughout the academic
term.
10 Supervisor Relationships
Once students have been allocated a supervisor, they will work with that academic member
of staff for the full semester period (12 weeks). Supervisors will normally provide six-hours of
supervision support to students (which included the time to read their work and provide
commentary) so students should use this time appropriately.
11 Role of the Supervisor
The role of the supervisor is to oversee the research process and act as a sounding board for
the student’s ideas and research approach. The supervisor’s role is not to “co-produce” the
work but to provide critical commentary on the development of the work and offer advice for
improvement. All key decisions regarding literature, research question, methodology and
data analysis approaches are made by the student with the support of the supervisor.
8
Students should take ownership of the project and adopt a proactive approach with their
supervisor. The supervisor is there to offer guidance to the student and ensure the project is
progressing productively.
12 Minimum Contact Time
Students are entitled to 6-hours face-to-face contact time with a supervisor. This includes
email contact and the time it will take a supervisor to read a chapter draft. Students and
supervisors should agree contact via Teams or on-campus as part of these contact hours
(students on Tier 4 Visas would normally attend supervisory meetings in-person but these can
also be arranged on MS Teams, an appropriate record should be kept by both students and
supervisors). Supervisors are expected to provide comments upon only one draft per chapter
and should not read multiple drafts of the same chapter. Students should provide for a period
of 72-hours (business hours only) to allow a supervisor to respond to an email communication
(particularly if this is in the summer period) and comment upon the work. Students are also
advised to keep regular contact with their supervisors throughout the dissertation process,
and not leave all communications until the final weeks and days prior to submission. Any
student who is having difficulty contacting a supervisor should email the project leader for
assistance.
Your supervisor will communicate with you to offer up to six supervisory sessions. Before
these meetings you should email the supervisor the chapter of work that you want feedback
on. You should also seek guidance/advice on the video workshop relevant to the next stage
of research. Whilst there may be some flexibility the following table represents how you
might organise your work with your supervisor over the term.
9
13 Writing Schedule with Supervisors: An Example

10
Arrangements for supervision should be discussed and scheduled with your supervisor at the
start of term. It may be that the 6 supervisory sessions are scheduled in different weeks to
the above due to work and other commitments.
14 Student Responsibilities
The student is ultimately responsible for his/her dissertation project and should see the
supervisor as an important academic advisor for their work.
Students have the following responsibilities in the maintenance of their supervisory
relationship:
• To attend meetings regularly and punctually.
• To email draft work in advance of any scheduled meeting.
• To treat supervisors with respect and consider their advice.
• To inform the supervisor of any difficulties or issues they may be experiencing.
• To minimise email contact to essential communication and allow a reasonable period
of response.
• To be professional and take ownership of their own work.
15 Conducting Fieldwork from Abroad
International students (on Tier 4 visas) must write their dissertations from the UK, and a
record of their dissertation supervision and attendance must be kept by supervisors should
this be requested by the UK Border Agency. However, international students are permitted
to travel to their home country during the dissertation period (subject to Covid restrictions)
should they wish to collect research data. Permission must be obtained from their supervisor
and Head of School of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law and via The Hub. Students
must return once their data collection has been completed and write up their dissertations
from the UK – students on Tier 4 visas cannot write their dissertations from their home
country unless this has been pre-agreed with the supervisor and the Royal Docks School of
Business and Law. Please contact your supervisor if you wish to do this and obtain the relevant
permissions from The Hub ([email protected]).
Any plans to collect research data from home must be discussed with your supervisor at the
outset of your dissertation, as research ethics approval will need to be attained prior to
conducting the fieldwork (as well as a travel risk assessment). Students who are not on an
International visa can write and conduct dissertations from their home country (as there is no
visa requirement for attendance), provided prior agreement has been sought with the
allocated supervisor.
16 General Reading List and Resources
Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2019) Research methods for business students. 7th
edn. Harlow: Prentice Hall.
11
Bell, E., Bryman, M. and Harley, B. (2018) Business research methods. 5th edn. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Creswell J.W. and Creswell J.D. (2018) Research design: Qualitative, quantitative and mixed
methods approaches. London: Sage Publications.
Collis, J. and Hussey, R. (2003) Business research: a practical guide for undergraduate and
postgraduate student. London: Macmillan Press Ltd.
Crowther, D. and Lancaster, G. (2012) Research Methods a concise introduction to research in
management and business consultancy. 2nd ed. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.
16.1 Assessment
The Applied Business Project for selected Masters programmes at the Royal Docks School of
Business and Law, requires students to conduct applied research under the supervision of an
academic member of staff. It is a 6000-word project which accounts for 30-credits of your
programme of study.
The expectation is that you will undertake a research project which is appropriate to your
vocational area. This could include primary research into a business problem, a work-based
project, business simulation, case study or other empirical research. For some course’s
students will have to select a particular activity based on programme or professional body
accreditation requirements (please see below for details).
The project takes one semester to complete and submission takes place in January (Term 1),
May (Term 2) and September (Term 3).
17 Research Ethics Approval
All research projects involving primary research using human participants in the Royal Docks
School of Business and Law must seek research ethics approval before collecting any primary
data from human participants. Please discuss the ethical research process with your
supervisor as he/she is responsible for your application’s review and approval. Primary
research undertaken without ethical approval will achieve a mark of 0.
The ethics application forms and link will be available on the SG7002 page, applications must
be approved by your supervisor, full details are available on Moodle. The deadline for
approved uploaded applications is Wednesday, March 22nd at 16.00.
12
18 ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
The module is assessed via a 6,000-word individual report, the specific details of which are
outlined in Section 19, some key information on assessment guidance is located below.
A guide to submitting your work through Turnitin:
https://moodle.uel.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=762499&chapterid=46648
A guide to viewing and understanding the similarity report in Turnitin:
https://moodle.uel.ac.uk/mod/book/view.php?id=793923&chapterid=46752
Guide to Extenuating Circumstances:
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/sites/studenthandbooks/SitePages/Extenuation.aspx
Assessment & Feedback Policy:
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies (click on other policies)
19 Applied Business Project Assessment
If you are undertaking a dissertation style business project, involving primary or secondary
research, this section guides you on what is required. Students are required to produce
applied research that contains six chapters – Introduction, Literature Review, Research
Methodology (Interviews/Questionnaires/Case Study/Secondary Data, etc.), Data Analysis,
Conclusions and Recommendations. The nature of research should be applied rather than
theoretical and focused on a contemporary business/management problem/issue.
Students must evaluate the literature on their chosen topic, formulate a valid (applied)
research question and objectives, design an appropriate research methodology, collect
relevant primary and/or secondary data, analyse the findings and develop cogent conclusions
and recommendations on the basis of their analysis. The following is a brief outline of the
approximate length and contents of each section and chapter.
19.1 Title
The title of a dissertation style business project is important. It is, however, expected to
evolve with the research process. Students can choose a provisional title for their dissertation
proposal and use a working title for their dissertation as they conduct their research. The title
should as much as possible encapsulate the topic and approach taken to the research.
13
19.2 Abstract
The Abstract is typically 250-words long and is not included in the 6,000-word count for the
dissertation. It should provide the reader with an overview of the focus of the dissertation,
the theory incorporated into the project, the methodological approach and data collection,
key findings, conclusions and recommendations of the project. The abstract should not
contain academic references and is intended to provide a short summary for the reader of
the work. Students should invest time into this section, as it’s often the very first paragraph
an examiner will read.
19.3 Acknowledgements
An Acknowledgements page is optional, but some students like to use this opportunity to
thank their family, friends, colleagues, sponsor and supervisor for support during their
studies. Students should not feel compelled to include this section. The acknowledgements
section is not included in the overall word count for the business project.
19.4 Table of Contents
A Table of Contents is absolutely essential for a dissertation style business project and is used
by examiners to navigate the various sections of the project. A Table of Contents can be quite
simply added using Microsoft Word®, and students should familiarise themselves with how
to use this function. The Table of Contents is not included in the overall word count for the
dissertation.
19.5 Introduction
The Introduction chapter should be 500-words in length approximately. It sets the scene for
the entire project and introduces the topic. In this chapter, the student should outline the
focus of the project, and the origins of the research question. If possible, the student should
frame the professional/industry context for the inquiry, and provide some industry insights in
the form of media commentary and/or statistical facts. In this chapter, the student introduces
the research question and objectives/hypotheses, and provides rationale and justification for
them. Students should ensure that their research question is phrased as a question (i.e. a
sentence expressed in such a way as to elicit information), the research objectives are
relevant to the research question and phrased in appropriate Masters-Level language (EG:
“To critically evaluate…”, “To investigate…”, “To determine…” etc.). In this chapter, students
should also introduce the structure of the thesis and provide readers with an overview of the
contents of each chapter.
19.6 Critical Literature Review
The Critical Literature Review should be 1,500-words in length approximately. It is the chapter
in which students critically evaluate academic scholarship on their chosen topic. The student
should read the literature on their topic, form key headings for the literature review and
critically evaluate previous research on the topic. In the context of a literature review,
“critical” means that the student is intellectually engaged with the key debates in the
literature on the topic in question. Students conduct the literature review to understand the
14
academic conversation on a particular topic or subject and determine what the expert
perspective is. There may well be a divergence of opinion on a subject, or that different
aspects of the subject have been previously explored. The goal of the literature review is to
evaluate the current body of knowledge and formulate an academically relevant research
question from this review. Students should try, wherever possible, to identify gaps in the
current body of knowledge and ways in which they could contribute to the discourse on a
particular topic. For students engaging in quantitative research, it is useful to refer to
hypotheses formulated during the research process in the Critical Literature Review, so
examiners can see a clear link between the hypotheses and the extant literature.
19.7 Research Methodology
The Research Methodology should be 1,000-words in length approximately. In this chapter,
the student should re-state the research question and objectives/hypotheses for the benefit
of the reader, having completed the literature review the focus of the research project should
be made clear. The student should then explain the paradigm the research approach is
located in and the research philosophy guiding the inquiry. The nature of the research
question will determine the paradigm the project will be located within, and the philosophy
which will underpin the ontological and epistemological assumptions of the research
approach. Generally, research will be either located in the positivist or interpretivist paradigm
(although other paradigmatic positions, such as Pragmatism or Critical Realism, are possible),
the research methods used in the inquiry will depend upon the research paradigm the work
is located within. Students should explain the research methods used and provide rationale
and justification for the research design of the study. They should explain how they have
collected their data, and the sampling strategy they adopted for the work. Students should
also explain how they have conducted their analysis and interpretation of the data they have
generated during the inquiry, and the ways they have ensured the trustworthiness, reliability
and validity of their data and analysis.
In this chapter, students should also discuss the limitations of their research, and any
challenges they may have encountered in the research process (access to interviewees,
survey response rates, etc.). Students can use a single methodology (EG:
Questionnaires/Depth Interviews) or use multiple data collection approaches as part of either
a case study or mixed methods study. Primary and/or secondary data collection approaches
are acceptable for the dissertation project. Students are often unsure as to how much primary
data they should collect for an MSc/MBA dissertation project. Students are advised to collect
a minimum of 8 hours of qualitative data (for a qualitative study), 100 questionnaires (for a
quantitative study), or whatever appropriate balance for a mixed methods study. The nature
of the topic and the methodology must also be considered in how much data the student will
collect, and consultation with the supervisor is vital prior to the data collection phase of the
project. Students collecting secondary data as part of a case study or other secondary data
project should agree an appropriate level of data collection with their supervisors.
15
19.8 Data Analysis
The Data Analysis chapter should be 2,000-words in length approximately. This chapter
accounts for 35% of the marks, and is a vitally important chapter for the dissertation. In this
chapter, the student must analyse the data collected and identify key patterns from the
analysis. These can take the form of overarching themes (in qualitative research), hypothesis
testing (in quantitative research), or key tabulations from secondary quantitative data using
SPSS or other statistical software. Students should read their data with their research
question and objectives in mind and ensure that the analysis adequately helps to address the
overall aims of the research project. In this chapter, students should also compare and
contrast their findings with previous studies for consistency and evaluate the significance of
their findings. It is also useful if students formulate a clear thesis (argument) from their
analysis of the data collected in this chapter.
19.9 Conclusion
The Conclusion chapter should be 500-words in length approximately. In this chapter,
students should reflect upon their research question and objectives/hypotheses, and the
answers they have developed from the findings of their research project. They should also
consider the theoretical (do the findings challenge existing theory?) and managerial
implications (what do the findings imply for practicing managers/practitioners/public sector
leaders of the research project?). Crucially, students must show how they have addressed the
research question and objectives they originally formulated for the research project.
19.10 Recommendations
The Recommendations chapter should be 500-words in length approximately. It should
consider what recommendations would be made on the basis of the findings of the study and
the answer to the research question/objectives/hypotheses posed. Students should make
recommendations for management practice, wider society (if applicable) and importantly for
future research projects, which may be particularly helpful for students undertaking
dissertations in future cohorts. Students should also critically reflect upon their findings and
consider their implications.
19.11 Bibliography and Appendices
The bibliography of sources should include all sources cited in the dissertation as well as all
sources which helped to formulate the approach to the topic, this is not included in the overall
word count. All references should be cited using “Cite Them Right” (See:
https://www.citethemrightonline.com), and dissertations should all conform to this
referencing standard. Footnotes and/or Endnotes can be provided if students wish to further
elaborate on a particular point made in the text of the dissertation. All references cited in the
Bibliography must be in alphabetical order. Students can also include an Appendices which
should include a sample of the questionnaire used, interview guides, sample interview
transcripts (a minimum of three), or any other secondary documentation referred to in the
dissertation. Any material in the appendices in any language other than English must be
translated for the benefit of the reader.
16
20 Marking Scheme

21 Applied Research Project Structure
A postgraduate piece of applied research (dissertation) should contain the following:
• Title Page, including the given title in full
• Word Count; excluding abstract, appendices and reference list
• Abstract (No more than 250 words and not included in the overall word count)
• Contents Page
• Introduction Chapter (500 words)
• Literature Review (1,500 words)
• Research Methodology (1,000 words)
• Data Analysis (2,000 words)
• Conclusion (500 words)
• Recommendations (500 words)
• Appendices, which should be numbered – Make sure you refer your reader to them as
required.
17
22 Presentation of Applied Business Projects
Your work should be word processed in accordance with the following:
• Font style, Lucida Sans, font size 12
• 1.5 line spacing
• The page orientation should be ‘portrait’
• Margins on both sides of the page should be no less than 2.5 cm
• Pages must be numbered
• Your name should not appear on the script
• Your student number must be included on every page
22.1 Skills Advice
Pay particular attention to:
• Your introduction
• Your conclusion
• The use of headings and/or signpost words
• Paragraph structure
• Include any additional commentary on aspects of the dissertation in endnotes or footnotes
23 Guidance on Referencing
As a student, you will be taught how to write correctly referenced essays using UEL’s standard
Harvard referencing system from Cite Them Right (See:
https://www.citethemrightonline.com). Cite them Right is the standard Harvard referencing
style at UEL for all Schools apart from the School of Psychology which uses the APA system.
This book will teach you all you need to know about Harvard referencing, plagiarism and
collusion. The electronic version of “Cite Them Right: the essential referencing guide” 9th
edition, can be accessed whilst on or off campus, via UEL Direct. The book can only be read
online and no part of it can be printed nor downloaded.
Further information is available at: Library and learning – University of East London (UEL)
23.1 Word Count
Your word count should not include your abstract, contents, reference list or appendices and
should not exceed 6,000 words. You should provide your word count at the end of your
report. Exceeding the word count by more than 10% will result in a penalty of 10% of your
18
marks for your work. If your work is significantly shorter, then you will probably have failed
to provide the level of detail required.
23.2 Submitting Assessments Using Turnitin
Turnitin is required for coursework assessments, such as report/research papers or projects
in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and in PDF format. There are two main reasons we want you
to use Turnitin:
• Turnitin can help you avoid academic breaches and plagiarism. When you use Turnitin
before a submission deadline, you can use the Originality Report feature to compare your
work to thousands of other sources (like websites, Wikipedia, and even other student papers).
Anything in your work that identically matches another source is highlighted for you to see.
When you use this feature before the deadline, you will have time to revise your work to
avoid an instance of academic breach/plagiarism.
• Turnitin saves paper. When using Turnitin to electronically submit your work, you will
almost never have to submit a paper copy.
23.3 Late Submissions Using Turnitin
UEL has permitted students to be able to submit their coursework up to 24-hours after the
deadline. Assessments that are submitted up to 24-hours late are still marked, but with a 5%
deduction. However, you have to be very careful when you are submitting your assessment.
If you submit your work twice, once using the original deadline link and then again using the
late submission link on Turnitin, your assignment will be graded as late with the 5% deduction.
Turnitin System Failure Best advice: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your
assessments electronically. If you experience a problem submitting your work with Turnitin,
you should notify your lecturer/tutor by email immediately. However, deadlines are not
extended unless there is a significant systems problem with Turnitin. UEL has specific plans
in place to address these issues. If UEL finds that the issue with the system was significant,
you will receive an email notifying you of the issue and that you have been given a 24-hour
extension. If you don’t receive any email that specifically states you have been given an
extension, then the original deadline has not been changed. Students can also apply for a 7-
day extension once per term, but can only apply in advance of the deadline and must do so
via The Hub, details of how to do so are located here. If a student has suffered some
unforeseen circumstance that has impaired their ability to complete the project, they are
advised to apply for extenuation rather than an extension.
Students who fail the dissertation at the first attempt must re-submit their applied business
project at the next available opportunity for a capped mark of 50% unless they are granted
extenuation from UEL (students should inquire as to when their re-submission is due with
their supervisor to confirm what the next available opportunity is). Students who fail the
Applied Business Project on the first attempt are entitled to only one remedial hour with their
supervisor to discuss the reason for their failure, they are not entitled to another full set of
19
supervision. Students who fail the dissertation on the second attempt must pay to re-take the
module with a new topic and full supervision for a third attempt (please contact your course
leader for the precise fee involved), their work will still be capped at 50%. Should a student
fail on the third submission, they will have one more remedial hour with their supervisor and
must submit at the next available opportunity for the fourth and final attempt.
23.4 Extenuating Circumstances
Extenuating Circumstances are circumstances which:
• impair your examination performance in assessment or reassessment, or
• prevent you from attending for assessment or reassessment, or
• prevent you from submitting assessed or reassessed work by the scheduled
date
If you need to apply for extenuating circumstances please find the relevant information at:
Link to the Student Handbook page on Extenuation
23.5 Student Appeals
Students who wish to appeal against Award Board decisions can find the relevant
information at: Student appeals
23.6 Return of Work and Feedback
Students will receive all feedback on their work via Turnitin, usually within 3-weeks of
submission. Students are also entitled to individual feedback from their supervisors once
grades have been released.
23.7 Student Feedback
UEL values student feedback and there are lots of channels for gathering your views. Module
evaluation is your opportunity to provide feedback on your learning and teaching experience
of studying on your modules. All undergraduate and taught postgraduate students are
provided with the opportunity to contribute feedback on their experience for each taught
module that they study.
24 Key Links
Academic Appeals
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies/Student-Appeals
20
Academic Integrity
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/LibraryandLearningServices/Pages/Academic-integrity.aspx
Academic Tutoring
https://www.uel.ac.uk/centre-for-student-success/academic-tutoring
Assessment and Feedback Policy
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies (click on other policies)
Bus Timetable
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/EstatesandFacilitiesServices/Pages/Timetable.aspx
Centre for Student Success
https://www.uel.ac.uk/centre-for-student-success
Civic Engagement
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Connect/Civic-Engagement
Complaints procedure
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies/Student-Complaint-Procedure
Counselling
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/StudentSupport/Pages/Health-And-Wellbeing.aspx
Disability support
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/StudentSupport/Pages/Disability-And-Dyslexia.aspx
Engagement & Attendance Policy
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies (click on other policies)
Equality and Diversity Strategy
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies (click on other policies)
Extenuation Procedures
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies/Extenuation-Procedures
Frequently-Asked Questions
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/sites/studenthandbooks/ModuleGuides/SitePages/Frequently
-Asked-Questions.aspx
Health and Safety
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/EstatesandFacilitiesServices/Pages/health-&-safety.aspx
IT Support
21
https://uelac.sharepoint.com/sites/ITServices/SitePages/Problem_Reporting/ReportingProblems.aspx
Library Archives and Learning Services
https://www.uel.ac.uk/lls/
Manual of General Regulations
https://www.uel.ac.uk/Discover/Governance/Policies-Regulations-Corporatedocuments/Student-Policies/Manual-of-General-Regulations
Mentoring
https://www.uel.ac.uk/centre-for-student-success/mentoring
22
APPENDIX A: SG7002 Module Specification

23

24

25

26
APPENDIX B: Dissertation Supervision Policy
ACADEMIC PRACTICE & STUDENT EXPERIENCE
DISSERATION SUPERVISION
Rationale
This Policy has been prepared in response to issues raised in the Annual Report on Formal
Complaints in 2006/07, relating to the need for greater consistency and clarity in Dissertation
Supervision processes.
Our Policy
1. Module specifications
– All Module Specifications for Dissertations/ Projects should indicate the number of
contact hours that students can expect to be offered for dissertation supervision,
identified within the section relating to ‘Contact hours’
– Contact hours will not be prescribed centrally, but identified within individual
dissertation modules
– Each School will clarify what is meant by ‘supervision’ in their context (e.g. face-toface contact, email review of transcripts etc.)
2. Record of Supervision
– A template is offered to Schools for taught programmes at undergraduate and M
level (see Appendix A)
– The Record of Supervision will provide a summary of discussion undertaken, and any
key actions arising
– As a minimum template, it is not intended to preclude existing good practice (e.g.
agreeing the number of sessions to be undertaken; recording contact through a
27
‘credit system’ of hours; recording length of supervision sessions; use of learning
contracts)
– Completion of the Record may be undertaken by either the supervisor or the
student, it will be signed by both parties, and a copy (in either paper or electronic
format) will be maintained by both parties.
– The Record of Supervision is not currently intended to exclude an application within
PGR, merely that it need not apply routinely since different arrangements are in
existence.
Implementation
– All Module Specifications were required to include this information, including those
at Collaborative Partners, by the end of Semester A 2008-9
28
APPENDIX C: Record of Supervision
Record of Supervision
(suggested template)
Student name ………………………..…….. Student number………..…..….…
School …………..…………………… Programme ( Level 2 / 3 / Taught M )
Supervisor name ……………………………………………………………………
Other colleagues present (e.g. supervising team members)
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Date of supervision session ……………………..
Summary of main points of discussion
Any agreed actions for student
Any agreed actions for supervisor / supervising team
Agreed date for next supervision ………………………………………………
Student signature …………………………………………………………………
Supervisor signature ………………………………………………………………
29
APPENDIX D: Assessment Feedback
FEEDBACK – This aims to answer a few questions you may have about feedback.
1. What is FEEDBACK?
2. Why is FEEDBACK important to students?
3. What forms does FEEDBACK come in?
4. The FEEDBACK Loop
1. What is FEEDBACK?
Feedback is crucial for your learning and it is an important part of the academic cycle. It tells you what
the strengths are of your work, what its weaknesses are and how it can be improved.
2. Why is FEEDBACK important to students?
Its purpose is to help you: understand how questions, essays or problems should be answered. This
will help you produce better work for the future.
It might suggest alternative sources of assistance such as the Skillzone in order to help you produce
work which is better expressed or structured.
It might tell you that you need to change the content of your work e.g. in law you do not provide
sufficient cases or analysis. In all disciplines within the School you might be told that you need to
reference correctly, use more source materials or ensure that you answer the question set.
If you pay attention to feedback, particularly where the same comment is made in several modules
you can use the information to improve.
3. What forms does FEEDBACK come in?
• When a tutor comments on your answers in
seminars/lectures/workshops
• General comment on assesment
performance in lectures and seminars
• General comment on questions prepared for
seminars
• When another student makes comments on
your presentation
• When you produce practice questions for a
tutor who gives comments
• When you receive written comments on your
work submitted either as coursework or
exam
• When you look at general feedback on
module performance on UEL Plus
• When you see your personal tutor with all
your assessment feedback for general
advice. You should always do this after each
assessment period.
4. THE FEEDBACK LOOP

Instead of thinking about
FEEDBACK as the end of a
process, think of it as the start of
another one.
Preparation
Assessment
Feedback
Reflection