Internal Moderators Assessment Evaluation Guide Regent Business School

This assessment guide is intended to make evaluation of the dissertations/reports uniform. The assessment process should reflect the learning opportunities provided by the research project. Each dissertation must be structured using the format. It is, however, flexible depending on the process and outcomes of the research.

Each submission will be assessed in four general areas and weighted as follows:

1. How well the problem was tackled
2. How well the dissertation is reported
3. Use of theory, course material and analytical tools
4. Potential value (to the sponsor or other interested party)

The following will be useful when making the assessments:

How well the problem was tackled: should include

• the student’s interpretation of the problem,
• the thoroughness of the research,
• planning and execution of the work,
• how well the data was analysed.

How well the dissertation is reported: covers both the research and any supporting material used and relates to:

• presentation and style
• language, expression and grammar,
• good communication and conciseness of reporting,
• ease of understanding.

Use of theory and course material: this includes

• the extent to which the dissertation reflects good research practice
• how much it draws from the course material on research methods
• has the student read and used up to date material
• is the theoretical framework relevant to the project.
• have theoretical models been used where appropriate.

Potential value of the research to the sponsor and other interested parties: this includes

• the research output,
• the conclusions,
• the recommendations (identification of suitable courses of action, are they practical)

Regent Business School

Internal Moderator’s Report and Recommendations for the MBA Dissertation

Changes to be affected in Chapter 1

· See in text

· Clarify objectives

Changes to be affected in Chapter 2

· Ensure adequate content is covered on all objectives as stated in chapter 1

· The chapter should be approximately 20 pages in length

· See in text comments

Changes to be affected in Chapter 3

· See in text

Changes to be affected in Chapter 4

· Chapter 4 should be 20 pages in length

RECOMMENDED STRUCTURE

Use the following headings and sub-headings to guide the layout of your chapter:

1. Introduction

   • Briefly explain what this chapter will cover: the presentation, interpretation, and discussion of the research findings.
   • Reiterate the overall aim of the research and refer to the research objectives.

2. Demographic Profile of Respondents

   • Present demographic data such as age, gender, education level, years of experience, department, etc.
   • Use graphs or tables to display each demographic element clearly.
   • Below each graph/table, provide a concise explanation of the data shown.

3. Response Rate

   • Indicate how many participants were targeted versus how many responded.
   • Calculate and present the response rate as a percentage.
   • Provide brief comments on the adequacy or representativeness of the response rate.

4. Presentation of Findings by Research Objective

   Use a separate heading for each research objective. Under each, include all relevant findings and interpretation.

Example Layout for Each Objective

4.1 Objective 1

• Figure 4.1:
  • Provide a clear discussion and interpretation of the graph directly below.
  • Explain what the finding means in relation to the research question and objectives.
  • Discuss the implications of the result for the organisation.
  • Include supporting literature from Chapter 2 to compare and validate the finding.

• Figure 4.2:

  • Follow the same format as above.

Repeat the above structure for each of the remaining objectives:

Presentation of Data

• Use graphs and tables for all quantitative data.
• Figures and tables must appear in the same order as your questionnaire.
• Ensure each figure or table is clearly labelled, e.g., Figure 4.1, Table 4.1, etc.
• Use percentages wherever applicable to make findings easier to understand.
• Always refer to the graph or table number when discussing the results in your writing.
• Keep graphs clear, consistent, and properly formatted.

Explanation and Interpretation

• Write the explanation directly below each graph or table.
• After presenting the data, explain:
  • What does the result mean?
  • Why is this result important?
  • What is the implication for your organisation?

Discussion of Findings

• Discuss how each finding relates to your research objective.
• Support your interpretation by linking to relevant literature from Chapter 2.
• State whether your findings agree or disagree with the literature.
• Evaluate what the findings mean in the context of your research problem and setting.
• Ensure you write clearly, logically, and with academic justification.

For Each Finding, Follow This Four-Step Format:

1. Present the primary research result (graph or table).
2. Interpret and explain the meaning of the result in detail.
3. Refer to literature from Chapter 2 that relates to the finding.
4. Compare and contrast your primary data with the literature – does it align or differ?

Conclusion

• End Chapter 4 with a brief summary of the key findings across all objectives.
• Highlight major patterns, surprises, or trends.
• Transition smoothly into Chapter 5, which will focus on conclusions, recommendations, and implications.

Assessment Requirements – Key Pointers

The dissertation/report evaluation was based on four weighted criteria:

1. How well the problem was tackled

   • Interpretation of the problem

   • Thoroughness of research, planning, and execution

   • Quality of data collection and analysis

2. How well the dissertation is reported

   • Presentation and academic writing style

   • Language, grammar, and conciseness

   • Ease of understanding and clarity of communication

3. Use of theory, course material, and analytical tools

   • Application of relevant theoretical frameworks

   • Integration of research methodology from course material

   • Use of updated academic references and models

4. Potential value of the research

   • Practicality of conclusions and recommendations

   • Value to sponsor/organisation or academic field

   • Identification of feasible courses of action

Additional structural requirements included:

• Chapter 1: Clear objectives and research aims

• Chapter 2: Literature review (approx. 20 pages, aligned to objectives)

• Chapter 3: Methodology clarity

• Chapter 4: Presentation of findings (approx. 20 pages, with graphs/tables, interpretation, discussion, and links to literature)

• Chapter 5: Conclusions, recommendations, implications

Step-by-Step Assessment Process by the Academic Mentor

Step 1: Clarifying Objectives (Chapter 1)

The mentor guided the student in refining the research objectives to ensure they were specific, measurable, and aligned with the central research problem. Feedback emphasized clarity of aims and consistency across later chapters.

Step 2: Strengthening the Literature Review (Chapter 2)

The student was advised to expand the literature review to cover all objectives outlined in Chapter 1. The mentor emphasized the need for updated references, use of theoretical frameworks, and linking existing studies to the current problem.

Step 3: Structuring the Methodology (Chapter 3)

The mentor ensured that the methodology reflected good research practice. Guidance included detailing sampling, data collection methods, ethical considerations, and how chosen methods would address each objective.

Step 4: Presenting and Interpreting Findings (Chapter 4)

The mentor instructed the student to:

• Present demographic profiles clearly with tables/graphs.

• Maintain consistency in figure/table numbering (e.g., Figure 4.1, Table 4.1).

• Write interpretation directly below each figure.

• Relate findings to research objectives and literature from Chapter 2.

• Compare and contrast results with theoretical frameworks.

• Ensure Chapter 4 extended to approximately 20 pages.

Step 5: Developing Discussion and Linking to Literature

The mentor emphasized linking primary findings with secondary sources, showing agreement/disagreement with previous research, and highlighting implications for practice.

Step 6: Conclusions and Recommendations (Chapter 5)

The mentor guided the student to:

• Summarize key findings across objectives.

• Highlight major patterns, trends, or surprises.

• Provide practical recommendations with real-world value.

• Ensure smooth transition into implications and further research suggestions.

Outcome Achieved

Through this structured mentoring process:

• The student produced a well-researched dissertation with logical flow across chapters.

• Research findings were clearly presented, interpreted, and validated against literature.

• Objectives were consistently addressed from introduction to conclusion.

• Recommendations had practical value for the organisation, fulfilling the assessment criteria.

Learning Objectives Covered

• Research Skills: Framing research questions, selecting methodology, and conducting analysis.

• Critical Thinking: Interpreting results, comparing with literature, and evaluating implications.

• Academic Writing: Improving clarity, conciseness, and structure.

• Application of Theory: Using course material and analytical tools effectively.

• Practical Insight: Providing recommendations with real-world relevance.