IMA7006 Dissertation Assessment Brief 2026 | Regent College London

IMA7006 Assessment Brief

Learning Outcomes Assessed :

The dissertation is a research project based investigation of a topic approved in term 2. The outcome is likely to comprise answers to a set of research questions. The dissertation represents the culmination of your postgraduate study and is expected to demonstrate independent, critical, and original research capability at Level 7. 

The dissertation is the final stage of the master’s degree and provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you have developed the advanced knowledge, critical understanding, and intellectual independence required to design and conduct a substantial research project. It should demonstrate a systematic and holistic understanding of your chosen topic area, together with a comprehensive awareness of current issues and developments in the field of study. 

The dissertation will enable you to further develop your Research Methods topic from semester 2. It is expected that you will streamline and update introductory content in Chapter 1, expand the Literature Review in Chapter 2 and amplify Research Methodology (with justification of choices) in Chapter 3. You will improve these chapters in conjunction with your supervisor’s guidance. You will then combine primary data gathering and desk research to generate findings. You will evaluate and synthesise these results and must present them clearly. You will also produce a set of conclusions drawn from the findings. At the end you will write a reflective chapter on your overall journey as a researcher. 

Assignment Task

Your task is to devise and conduct an independent research project on an approved topic and write a 14,000 – 15,000-word dissertation, +/-10%, on the chosen subject. Primary data collection is compulsory. You must demonstrate

• Clear alignment between research questions, aim(s) and objectives, methodology and findings.
• Engagement with the most recent, high-quality academic literature.
• Adequate justification of methodological choices.
• Ethical compliance.
• A capacity for cohesive, critical writing.
• Expert scholarly practice, including handling of results and citation.

1. Introduction

• Background to the study context.
• Statement of the research problem.
• Key research questions.
• A clear and succinct statement of the aim(s)  and research objectives the dissertation will address.
• A rationale for conducting the research, e.g., motivation for the project, who could benefit from it and how, the business significance of the study.
• Outline of the dissertation chapter structure.

The following chapters should start with a short introduction and end with a brief conclusion.

2. Literature Review

• Critical review of key areas of literature.
• Discussion of relevant theoretical perspectives.
• Development of a conceptual framework.
• Identification of a literature gap.

3. Methodology

• Research paradigm/philosophy.
• Research approach, strategy and design.
• Methods used, with supporting rationales.
• Sampling framework (for quantitative research).
• Sampling and participant selection criteria (for qualitative research).
• Data collection processes.
• Data analysis.
• Ethical considerations (ethical issues you have identified and means of addressing them).
• Validity and reliability (for quantitative research).
• Credibility and reflexive analysis (for qualitative research).

4. Findings and Analysis

• Summary and analyses of quantitative data (graphs, charts, results of statistical analysis, i.e. frequency distributions, descriptive and inferential calculations).
• illustration of theming and coding plus tabulation of main results  with commentary. (qualitative research).

5. Discussion of findings

• Interpretation and triangulation of results, focusing on trends and patterns.
• Synthesis with literature including research gap outcomes.
• Relationship between findings and theory/theories applied.

6. Conclusions

• Summary of main findings.
• Fulfilment of research objectives.
• Summary of contributions (e.g. theoretical, practical).
• Recommendations.
• Limitations and future research directions.

Personal Reflections Using a reflective model if possible e.g., Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle, you are required discuss the following:

• Key challenges during the dissertation process.
• Development of research and professional skills.
• Growth of ethical and inter-personal professional awareness.

7. Word Count – to be confirmed at the end of the text. See advice below.

Additional Requirements

• Minimum of 50 high-quality sources. A total of 80-100 is strongly encouraged. All sources cited the dissertation text should be included in the reference list.
• Strong preference for peer-reviewed journals, supported by relevant trade/business/industry sources, especially to tailor content to your context.
• Harvard referencing (strict, full adherence is required). Harvard Referencing
• Evidence of independent, critical thinking and cohesive academic writing.
• AI use must comply with the stated category (currently restricted).

Appendices. You are required to include the first three items AND quantitative/qualitative evidence as advised below.

• A completed supervisory meeting form.
• RE1 (Research Ethics) form.
• Ethics checklist accompanied by relevant supporting documents such as the participant information sheet and participant consent form.

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