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Module Aim:

The principal aim of the dissertation is to allow you to carry out a detailed study which reflects one or more of the academic themes of the course. Additionally, the dissertation encourages students to develop their research and analytical skills.

Objectives:

To develop a dissertation proposal with well-focused aims, encompassing evidence to support the issues being investigated in the study. The proposal should also demonstrate an understanding of the research methodology, sources of information and the probable structure of the finished project. The student will be required to present a work programme of study activities in order to successfully complete the dissertation.

To submit a final dissertation which presents evidence with supporting or conflicting arguments accurately put forward, in such a way as to be able to develop conclusions from the material submitted. The dissertation should also identify, and use, the Harvard referencing system.

Learning Outcomes:

• On completion of their dissertation students will have developed skills to:

• Undertake literature searches

• Record information systematically

• Critically analyse data

• Develop original thought

• Carry out experimental or investigative study

• Present ideas supported by argument and evidence both clearly and concisely.

Syllabus:

The dissertation comprises three phases:

• A preliminary study, which may be in the form of a literature survey, which identifies the conflict of evidence or opinion in previous work, or the lack of specific data or opinion. The second phase leads to a clear examination and analysis of the problems which the student has set out to identify. The final phase concludes the dissertation by a consideration of the applicability of the findings and, where appropriate, a carefully reasoned predictive assessment based upon scientific methodology.

• Student-centred learning will be supported by a core programme of research method tutorials, selected reading and individual tutorial supervision to assist the student in the production of the dissertation proposal and in the work as a whole.

• The requirement is for a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words. The written dissertation tutors are responsible for the establishment of an appropriate process for assessment of dissertations. This will include the reading of a dissertation by at least one member of the teaching team other than the dissertation supervisor.

Reading List:

• Course Module BCPM0075 Dissertation Guide, The Bartlett, UCL.

• Naoum S.G. (2007) Dissertation Research & Writing for Construction Students, 2nd Edition, Butterworth Heinnemann.

• Fellows R. & Lui A. (2008), Research Methods for Construction, 3rd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell