Overview

The module enables students to write four dissertation chapters on different topical research issues. Classes during June/July are followed by independent study. Students are supported by a seminar leader for each chapter and by the module leader for the dissertation as a whole.

All students on this module will have taken ASB-4101 Research Methods. The dissertation process will commence with a series of compulsory research workshops delivered each June/July by BBS academic staff. Each workshop will comprise about six hours of contact time. These workshops will provide guidance for students to pursue readings, literature reviews, data analysis and the application of econometric techniques during the summer period. Students will be offered a choice of seminar topics on which to write their dissertation chapters. The following topics are indicative and the selection of topics will vary from year to year: The economics of migration, Behavioural finance, Credit ratings in financial markets, Dividend policy, Financial technology, Insurance and ESG. Workshop content will vary somewhat from year to year in line with research developments and any changes in academic staff expertise. Each student's dissertation will comprise four chapters based on the guidance provided in the workshops.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold c- to c+ (50-59%): Satisfactory performance. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Knowledge of key areas/principles only. Weaknesses in understanding of some areas. Limited evidence of background study. Answer inadequately focused on task and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence. Minor factual/computational errors. Lacking original interpretation.

Good B- to B+ (60-69%): Good performance. Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. Understands most but not all concepts/issues. Evidence of background study. Focused answer with good structure. Arguments presented coherently. Mostly free of factual errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well known links between topics are described. Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication

Excellent standard: 70+ An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Access and critically review literature relevant to a programme of empirical research.

• Articulate a convincing motivation for a programme of research on specific topics.

• Demonstrate an ability to apply advanced quantitative methods and econometric techniques in a financial context.

• Demonstrate competence and skills in accessing a range of financial databases.

• Demonstrate familiarity with previous and current theoretical and applied research across a range of core subjects in banking, corporate finance, economics and financial markets.

• Effectively communicate findings of empirical research.