Module manager: Dr Dicle Kortantamer
Email: d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 30 Sept (13mth) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in civil engineering or a related subject.
This module is not approved as an Elective
The dissertation module equips the students with the ability to undertake a substantial piece of original, independent research on a complex management problem. The module develops a critical awareness of current problems informed by the forefront of the debates in the field of study.
The dissertation module aims to develop the ability to formulate and analyse a complex management problem. ICME students will choose a construction management topic, and EPM students will choose a project management topic. The students will identify a management problem within their chosen topic area and then design and conduct a research project with the support of their supervisor.
1. Appraise current problems by critically engaging with other people’s work and diverse sources of information, including key theories of the academic discipline. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, J, Q)
2. Evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline. (CIOB Learning Outcome I, J)
3. Formulate valid and reliable research questions, hypotheses or conclusions related to a current problem through critical analysis and interpretation of information. (CIOB Learning Outcome I)
4. Develop a research design that is suitable and justifiable to address a particular research question (CIOB Learning Outcome I, O)
5. Demonstrate the adoption of ethical standards in research environments (CIOB Learning Outcome H, P)
6. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences (CIOB Learning Outcome I, J, K, L)
7. Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems and applying knowledge, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level (CIOB Learning Outcome I, K, Q)
- Complex problem solving and decision making.
- A critical awareness of current problems and new insights
- A thorough understanding of a current management practice and its limitations.
- Originality in the application of knowledge.
- Ability to apply and adapt research design processes and methodologies in unfamiliar situations.
- Ability to learn new theories, concepts, methods in unfamiliar situations.
- Ability to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
- Ability to generate an innovative design for products, systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs.
- Critical thinking
- Reflection
- Academic writing
- Academic language
- Ethics
- Digital proficiency and productivity
- Systems thinking
- Communication
- Time management planning & organizing
- Active learning
- Managing uncertainty, ambiguity and risk
- Critical reflection
- Research methodology (philosophy, approach, design)
- Qualitative / quantitative research methods
- Conducting library search
- Undertaking a literature review
- Critically reading academic articles
- Articulating the problem, aim and objectives
- Research project proposal writing
- Dissertation writing
- Ethics and academic integrity
Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Seminars | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Practicals | 6 | 1.5 | 9 |
| Independent online learning hours | 18 | ||
| Private study hours | 400 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 32 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 450 | ||
Formative feedback will be provided during lectures. Students will also work on practical examples and cases during the seminars and practicals and will receive feedback during these sessions. Supervisors will provide formative feedback during the supervision sessions, comment on the structure of the proposal and the dissertation (i.e., appropriate chapter titles and order) and provide feedback on the academic writing style of a sample text. To ensure all students are adequately prepared for the professional discussion, opportunities for practice and skills development will be embedded throughout the module. There will be practice during supervision meetings, lectures and practicals where students will become familiar with the professional discussion format and expectations.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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