MANG 6563
SBS PGT Dissertation Handbook
2022/23: MSc Digital Strategy and
Information Systems (DSIS)
March 2023
PGT Dissertation Handbook MSc DSIS 2022/23
2
Table of Contents
Section 1. How to use this handbook .......................................................................................................................... 1
Section 2. Objectives of the dissertation .................................................................................................................. 2
Section 2.1. Structuring your dissertation ........................................................................................................... 2
Section 3. How will your dissertation be assessed? ........................................................................................... 3
Section 3.1. Specific marking criteria ..................................................................................................................... 4
Section 4. Choosing a topic ................................................................................................................................................ 8
Section 5. Planning your work ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 6. Research topic and proposal ................................................................................................................ 11
Section 7. Working with your supervisor ............................................................................................................... 12
Section 8. Ethical approval (ERGO) and Risk Assessment ........................................................................... 14
Section 8.1. What is ERGO ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Section 8.2. ERGO Amendments ............................................................................................................................. 17
Section 8.3. Risk Assessment Guidelines.......................................................................................................... 18
Section 9. Presentation and Formatting ................................................................................................................ 20
Section 10. Academic Integrity ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Section 11. Guidance on submission and extensions ................................................................................. 25
Section 12. Additional resources and support links ...................................................................................... 27
Section 12.1. Recommended software, where needed ............................................................................ 27
Section 12.2. Library support and databases ................................................................................................ 28
Section 12.3. Study Skills and Language support ....................................................................................... 28
Section 12.4. One-to-one Data Analysis Support Sessions ................................................................... 29
Appendices................................................................................................................................................................ .................. 30
Appendix 1. Example of a typical Dissertation Structure ...................................................................... 31
Appendix 2. Dissertation Writing Schedule ..................................................................................................... 37
Appendix 3. Example of a Research Proposal ............................................................................................... 38
Appendix 4. Supervision Meeting Notes ........................................................................................................... 40
Appendix 5. Risk Forms .............................................................................................................................................. 41
Appendix 6. Lists of Databases .............................................................................................................................. 58
PGT Dissertation Handbook MSc DSIS 2022/23
1
Welcome to the MANG 6563 Dissertation!
Welcome to an exciting and important part of your degree – the MSc DSIS
Dissertation. This dissertation represents your chance to apply the theoretical
knowledge you have gained throughout your programme through a piece of
independent study. You will be able to identify your own area of interest to explore
in-depth using appropriate research tools. The dissertation will contribute
significantly to your final grade. Please read this handbook carefully and let your
supervisor know your questions.
Section 1. How to use this handbook
This handbook has been written to guide you through the key stages of the process
of writing your dissertation. It is intended to accompany the five sessions held for
our programme, and will be made available on the MANG 6563 Blackboard site,
alongside other useful materials and announcements. It gives you an idea of timings
and deadlines so that you can plan your work. Importantly, it includes essential
information on how to choose a research topic, how to work with your supervisors,
how to structure your dissertation, and guidance on referencing and avoiding
plagiarism etc. We encourage you to read the handbook thoughtfully and go back
to it as a reference while working on your dissertation. You can get in touch with
the module or programme leader if you have any questions regarding this
dissertation handbook.
We advise you to follow the handbook for your own module/ programme for your
dissertation and not refer to other programmes’ guidance since the requirements
and information could be different.
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Section 2. Objectives of the dissertation
The dissertation is an extended 15,000-word (±10%) assignment based on an
independent study of a topic of your choosing.
Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your ability to create, on your own initiative,
a text which demonstrates a Masters-level understanding of a particular issue. You
will be assigned a supervisor to advise you on how to approach your work, and it is
your responsibility to manage and undertake the necessary work independently.
Your dissertation should draw on concepts, techniques and frameworks from your
previous studies to:
• Identify a suitable topic for study
• Plan and manage an appropriate schedule of work
• Design and undertake an appropriate investigation strategy
• Identify and access useful and suitable sources of information
• Ensure that you have ethics approval and undertake a risk assessment before
collecting any data for your research
• Write a well-presented dissertation with a logical structure and suitable
formatting.
Section 2.1. Structuring your dissertation
A key feature of any dissertation is the way in which it is structured or organised.
Structure is important because it dictates the topics discussed and the order in
which they are discussed. A good structure can considerably enhance the finished
quality of a dissertation.
Characteristics of a good dissertation structure include:
• Chapters and sections that are ordered in a logical way
• A contents page that clearly differentiates chapter titles and major sub-headings
• Chapter and section headings that are informative, concise and accurate
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• Discussion and analysis that develops logically – from general principles or
concepts to more specific or detailed analysis and discussion
• Repetition of points is minimal.
The structure of your dissertation will vary depending on whether it is primarily
literature-based (e.g. a systematic literature review), empirical research (e.g. a
survey of company employees), action research, etc.
Additional Resources: An example of the structure and format of a typical
dissertation is provided in Appendix 1.
Section 3. How will your dissertation be assessed?
Masters dissertations are assessed according to the indicative criteria set out below:
1. Purpose & objectives: Clarity and suitability of the research question, or
problem definition, theoretical focus, or case study focus, and the project
/case study development (where applicable)
2. Literature Review: Is there evidence of appropriate selection and discussion
of relevant literature? Is there evidence of understanding and critical
engagement with what has been read? Does the literature add to the
understanding of the problem/ planned development/ case study through
effective evaluation and synthesis of a range of literature?
3. Research Methodology: Is the approach adequately explained, appropriate
to the problem and data? Does the collected data avoid bias and is it carefully
collected?
4. Analysis of Primary and/ or Secondary Data: Collection and analysis. It is
very important to check the data availability before you make any topic-
related decision. For example, you should know where you can get the data,
whether the data is legal for you to use; how long it would take to collect
such data.
5. Discussion & Findings: Does the discussion of findings reflect (personal)
learning from analysis, and an understanding of the implications and
limitations, the strengths and weaknesses of the research or development?
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6. Conclusion: Do the conclusions do more than re-state the findings? Do they
relate to the existing academic debates and /or current evidence? Are they
effectively linked to the central theoretical themes/ story/ development?
7. Presentation, Structure & Language: Is it written in clear English? Is it
presented using appropriate graphics, illustrations and accurate referencing?
Is it well structured, logical and coherent, using appropriate chapter
headings?
Section 3.1. Specific marking criteria
Your dissertation will be marked by two examiners, one of whom is normally your
supervisor. Marking follows the University of Southampton Double-Blind Marking
and Moderation Policy.
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Each marker is expected to assign approximately equal weight to the criteria listed below, to the extent that they are deemed appropriate
to your chosen type of dissertation. Your final mark is to reflect the first and second marker's assessment.
Criteria 0 - 24% 25 - 34% 35 - 49% 50 - 59%
Pass
60 – 69%
Merit
70 - 79%
Distinction
80 - 100%
Distinction
1. Purpose & objectives
• Research question or
• Problem definition or
• Theoretical focus or
• Case study focus
• The project /case study
development
Not stated,
confusing,
unrelated to title,
difficult to
understand,
inappropriate
study
Very limited lacks
effective focus
and clear rational
Too ambitious or
too basic
Poorly defined
and presented,
some confusion in
rationale
Clearly stated,
some relevance,
straightforward
Well stated
purpose,
appropriate and
realistic
explanation of the
context
/problem/case
Very clearly
stated, feasible,
innovative
Exceptionally well
stated,
interesting,
sophisticated,
original, full and
convincing
justification
2. Literature Review
• Is there evidence of
appropriate selection
and discussion of
relevant literature?
• Is there evidence of
understanding of, and
critical engagement
with what has been
read?
• Does the literature add
to the understanding of
the problem/ planned
development/ case
study through effective
evaluation and
synthesis of a range of
literature?
Inadequate and/or
irrelevant
evidence, virtually
no evidence of
appropriate
selection, no
discussion of
selection criteria,
unsystematic or
omitted
referencing
Rudimentary
coverage, very
limited evidence
of understanding
Lacks structure
with clear gaps,
no discussion of
selection criteria,
unsystematic
referencing.
Limited evidence
of understanding
and evaluation of
the selected
literature.
A basic coverage
of relevant
literature.
Inconsistent
referencing,
The literature
offers some
additional
understanding of
the problem/
project /
development of
project /case
study
Good coverage,
awareness of
relevant prior
research, clear
structure, stated
selection criteria,
consistent
referencing,
clarity of
understanding,
the literature,
informs and adds
to the
development of
the project /case
study
Comprehensive
and inclusive use
of highly relevant
literature, good
structure, clearly
articulated
discussion that
relates to the
topic of research
Exceptional
section that fully
demonstrates a
discerning,
creative and
critical
engagement with
what has been
read
3. Research Methodology
No theoretical
basis, no
discussion or
justification of
Irrelevant, very
limited
explanation of the
Irrelevant
theoretical basis,
poorly explained
approach
Some evidence of
a theoretical
basis, reasonably
explained
Clear and relevant
theoretical basis,
appropriate
approach, useful
Very clear and
relevant
theoretical basis,
persuasive
Provides excellent
theoretical
understanding,
rigorously argued
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Criteria 0 - 24% 25 - 34% 35 - 49% 50 - 59%
Pass
60 – 69%
Merit
70 - 79%
Distinction
80 - 100%
Distinction
• Is the approach
adequately explained,
appropriate to the
problem and data?
• Do the collected data
avoid bias and are they
carefully collected?
approach, highly
inadequate, no
evidence of critical
evaluation of
sources and data
approach to the
study
and appropriate
information. An
awareness of
strengths and
weaknesses of the
approach.
rationale for
research
approach, or
methods used for
the development
of a project/ case
study, evidence of
critical evaluation
approach,
evidence of
exceptional
understanding
4. Analysis of Primary
and/ or Secondary Data
• Collection and analysis
None, totally
inappropriate and
unrelated
Extremely limited
collection of data,
poorly identified
data, no criteria
for evaluation, no
analysis
Casual acquisition
of data, lacks
structure, limited
evaluation against
unclear or
inappropriate
criteria, mostly
descriptive
Standard
approach to
collection, limited
validity, limited
and basic, but
acceptable
evaluation or
techniques
Standard
approach to
collection, clear
validity and
reliability, critical
analysis using
appropriate
techniques and
appropriate
criteria
Advanced
approaches of
collection, clear
validity, critical
analysis using
appropriate
techniques and
appropriate
criteria, fully
justified
Outstanding
analytical
techniques and
approaches,
evidence of
creation of new
approaches (if
appropriate),
thorough and
rigorous analysis,
exceptionally well
justified
5. Discussion & Findings
• Do the discussion of
findings reflect
(personal) learning from
analysis, and an
understanding of the
implications and
limitations, the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
research or
development?
No attempt to
relate findings to
theory
Findings are not
effective,
discussion shows
no learning from
the evidence
presented
Discussion shows
a very limited
awareness of
theory and
attempt to link
this to the
findings. There is
a very limited
discussion of the
implications, and
limitations of the
research or
development
Adequate level of
critical analysis
and reflection on
personal learning.
Adequate
discussion of
implications of
the findings and
reflection on the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
research or
development
Some links with
theory, discussion
justified with
appropriate
evidence, good
critical analysis of
the implications
of the findings,
and reflection on
the strengths and
weaknesses of the
research or
development
Comprehensive
links with theory,
complete
justification with
appropriate
evidence, very
good critical
analysis of the
implications of
the findings, and
reflection on the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
research or
development
Sophisticated and
critical discussion
of the issues
involved,
outstanding
reflection on the
strengths and
weaknesses of the
research, offers
fresh/new
insights on the
problem or
development
6. Conclusion
Conclusions are
not justified by
evidence, they do
Conclusions
poorly justified by
evidence, they
Conclusions have
limited
justification in the
Adequate attempt
to use evidence to
reach appropriate
Clear conclusions
relating to the
topic of the
Clear conclusions
with a very good
relationship to the
Exceptional
conclusions that
relate strongly to
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Criteria 0 - 24% 25 - 34% 35 - 49% 50 - 59%
Pass
60 – 69%
Merit
70 - 79%
Distinction
80 - 100%
Distinction
• Do the conclusions do
more than re-state the
findings? Do they relate
to the existing academic
debates and /or current
evidence? Are they
effectively linked to the
central theoretical
themes/ story/
development?
not relate to the
topic of the
dissertation, their
development is
unclear and
incomplete, no
recommendations
/ opportunities for
further
development
have a poor
relationship to the
topic of the
dissertation, their
development is of
poor quality,
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development are
not of practical
use
evidence, there is
limited
relationship to
existing theory
and the topic of
the dissertation,
very limited
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development
conclusions that
relate to the topic
of the
dissertation,
conclusions may
be general and
uncritical,
adequate
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development
dissertation and
justified by the
evidence.
Identifies clear
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development
topic of the
dissertation and
justified well by
the evidence.
Identifies clear
and practical
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development
the topic of the
dissertation with
excellent
justification in the
evidence.
Conclusions add
new insight to the
topic of the
dissertation and
identify clear and
practical
recommendations
/ opportunities
for further
development
7. Presentation, Structure
& Language
• Is it written in good
English? *
• Is it presented using
appropriate graphics,
illustrations and
accurate referencing?
• Is it well structured,
logical and coherent,
using appropriate
chapter headings?
Mostly inarticulate
and
incomprehensible,
very hard to
understand and
follow, confused
and unstructured.
Inappropriate use
of language with
poor grammar,
punctuation and
spelling.
Poor presentation,
many spelling and
grammatical
errors, difficult to
understand,
inappropriately
structured
Basic layout,
inconsistent flow,
basic use of
language with
mostly correct
spelling,
punctuation and
grammar, poor
citation and
reference list,
poor structure,
confused.
Adequate use of
graphics and
charts, good
command of
spelling and
grammar, some
typos, some
omissions or
inconsistencies in
the reference list,
most sections
have a logical flow
and structure
Clear and
effective use of
graphics and
charts, proper use
of language with
correct spelling
punctuation and
grammar,
appropriate and
consistent
referencing,
logical, clear and
coherent
structure
Very good logical
flow and
cohesion,
Discerning use of
graphics, charts
and tables, skilful
use of language
with correct
grammar
punctuation and
spelling,
appropriate and
consistent
referencing, well
developed and
appropriate
structure
Outstanding
logical flow,
excellent use of
language with
correct grammar
punctuation and
spelling,
appealing and
effective use of
graphics, charts
and tables,
appropriate and
consistent
referencing, very
skilfully
developed
structure,
outstanding
logical flow, most
effective use of
conventions
appropriate for
purpose
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Section 4. Choosing a topic
Choosing a suitable brief for your research topic and then deciding on a more
specific title for your dissertation can be a bit daunting, especially if you have not
written a dissertation before. In general, more successful dissertations are those
that attempt an in-depth study of a focused topic, rather than attempt a wide-
ranging study, which can lack depth.
A wide range of topics related to information systems or digital technologies
(broadly defined) may be eligible, as far as they are relevant to some aspect of your
studies and overall degree programme. For example, you may wish to focus on a
conceptual problem or issue related to (a class of) such systems or a particular
technology (e.g. an aspect of their use or implications thereof), or one that is
apparent in a given (type of) organisation (or part thereof), industry or country. Your
project might also be relevant to your career plans, which can help to enhance your
employability. When in any doubt, discuss suitability with a member of staff from
the DSIS teaching group – and of course later on your dissertation supervisor (once
assigned).
You may find the following tips helpful when choosing your research topic:
• Identify which broad topics you are interested in, then think about more
specific questions within that topic
• Think about particular modules which you found enjoyable
• Think about topics that relate to your strengths
• Think about topics that relate to your career plans
• Read review articles or quality news sources in the broad topic area that you
want to study to find out what has already been researched and if there are
any unknowns that might make good topics. The section of future research
from your reviewed articles might provide some ideas
• Read the section of future research from your reviewed articles that might
provide some ideas
• Importantly, think about access to potential sources of data.
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A parallel consideration is what kind of dissertation work you want to undertake.
Dissertations can take a number of forms. In some instances, they may consist of
an in-depth extended critical review of an area of literature. More often though,
your dissertation will feature some form of empirical work involving quantitative
and/or qualitative analysis of collected (primary or secondary) data. In the past, we
have seen a variety of research methods applied to study a chosen topic, including
surveys, interviews, experiments, etc. Bear in mind, however, the time constraints
of your dissertation – for example, attempting a mixed method may be unrealistic.
Each type of dissertation requires a slightly different approach and advice should
be sought from your supervisor on the most appropriate way to proceed.
You should consider a number of factors when deciding on your topic:
• Is the topic original, or has it already been researched by somebody else?
• Is the topic relevant to your field of study?
• Does the topic have value to organisations, industries, or other researchers
in your field?
• Is the topic achievable with the time and resources you have available? For
instance, if you are collecting company data, is it realistic and have you
spoken to your supervisor about this in the early stage?
• Does the topic require access to data (for example company information) and
if so do you have that access?
Please refer to relevant research and get yourself informed about how to get the
data for your research. For instance, if you are planning on using secondary data,
it is essential for you to check whether the data is licenced to be used for research
and of sufficient quality, or log into any relevant databases with your university
account and double check the data availability to make sure you can work through
your topic. Also, it will be helpful if you have an initial plan for data collection and
get a clear mind about how long your data collection process would be.
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Section 5. Planning your work
Give yourself as much time as possible to complete your dissertation by starting
early. No two dissertations are the same and different projects will progress at
different rates. Table 1 below therefore shows indicative key stages in a generic
dissertation process with suggested dates. The dates here are for guidance, and
you should plan target dates for your dissertation with your supervisor. In any case,
you should make an early start, work proactively, and contact your supervisor in a
timely fashion to set up meetings. Your final submission deadline is Thursday 14th
September 2023.
Table 1: The Key Stages in an example dissertation process.
Key Date/Time Key Event
April Look at examples of dissertations available on Blackboard.
Read around potential topics of interest, identify a problem
that you may wish to focus on, and prepare an initial
research proposal.
Monday 24th April Submit your initial research proposal/ topic idea.
First meeting with supervisor:
May (soon after allocation)
Normally, in May, you will be notified via email which
supervisor has been allocated to you. Arrange a first
meeting, at which you may wish to discuss your initial
proposal and broad approach. Also ensure the ERGO1
approval process is considered.
Second meeting with supervisor:
latter half of May/start of June
Revised proposal discussed with supervisor. Discuss plans
for data collection. Consider what ethics approval and risk
assessment may be needed. Discuss any draft ERGO
paperwork.
Third meeting with supervisor:
first half of June
Discuss literature review. Discuss/agree a more detailed
data protocol/design and research instrument (where
applicable). Note: The latter may go through a number of
iterations before deemed ready for ERGO submission.
ERGO:
mid June
ERGO documentation should be completed and submitted
before any data collection can commence (timing to be
discussed with your supervisor). Risk assessment to be
completed too.
Fourth meeting with supervisor:
second half of June
Progress update. Review data analysis strategy/preparation.
Discuss plans for first draft chapter and submission date.
Fifth meeting with supervisor:
first half of July
Progress meeting. Feedback on first draft chapter (usually
either methodology or literature review).
Sixth meeting with supervisor:
end of July
Feedback on second draft chapter. Share early findings if
available. Final checks on dissertation structure.
Supervision ends.
Thursday 14th September 2023 Submission deadline for (full-time) students
1 ERGO (Ethics and Research Governance Online) is an online system, please see Section 8 for more information.
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Additional Resources: you can use the template in Appendix 2 to plan a schedule
for writing your dissertation.
Section 6. Research topic and proposal
After you have chosen a tentative topic, you will be required to produce a short,
initial proposal for your dissertation project.
Your dissertation proposal will form the basis of your early discussions with your
supervisor and you will expand this as you read more about your topic and develop
your research. The main items to include in your research proposal are:
• Introduction (briefly introduce the topic area and justify why it is important)
• Research problem (identify knowledge gaps, i.e. limitations in existing
research, and problem you seek to address)
• Research question(s) (articulate the main research question(s) you wish to
explore relating to this topic)
• Research objective(s) (state what do you want to achieve by answering your
research question(s))
• Research method (identify which method, e.g., survey, interviews, etc., you
intend to use to achieve your objectives; you are advised to stick to a single
method)
• Potential contributions (discussion of how your research will
contribute/extend/advance knowledge and practice)
• Conclusion
• References (list of references cited in the proposal).
Additional Resources: please see Appendix 3 for an example (initial) research
proposal template.
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Section 7. Working with your supervisor
After you have submitted your initial proposal, you will be assigned a supervisor by
your Programme Leader. The role of your supervisor is to:
• Advise on the suitability of the title and scope of your dissertation
• Advise on an appropriate dissertation structure
• Advise on the suitability of your methodology
• Advise on your ethics and ERGO application
• Advise you on your work timetable
• Provide formative feedback on your proposal and two chapters of your
dissertation (once only and provided these are submitted by the dates agreed
with your supervisor).
Supervisors will not normally provide specific advice or guidance on sources of
information or literature for your particular topic. The time available for
supervision is six hours in total. This time includes group and individual meetings,
approving your ERGO application, risk review, email correspondence, and reading/
advising on chapters. Please understand that you should not expect your
supervisor to be available during non-working hours. Please also don’t expect an
instant response, or frequent and lengthy guidance.
To get the most from meeting with your supervisor:
• Be proactive about contacting your supervisor for meetings, it is up to you to
drive the process.
• Attend all meetings or reschedule them if you are not able to attend.
• Prepare for your meetings by reading your notes from the previous meeting
and completing any actions that you have agreed.
• Send your draft chapter in advance if your meeting is going to discuss your
writing.
• You may send a list of your concerns or questions to your supervisor before
your meeting.
• Use a range of communication methods and make sure you are contactable
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during the dissertation process (e.g., face-to-face meetings where if possible,
email, phone, Teams, etc.).
Additional Resources: you are welcome to use the form in Appendix 4 to record
your meetings with your supervisor.
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Section 8. Ethical approval (ERGO) and Risk Assessment
Guidelines for ethical approval are based on the belief that all your work should be
conducted within an ethic of respect for persons, respect for knowledge, respect for
the quality of project, and respect for justice and within the law.
In any study, participants will have to establish precise ethical principles of procedure
taking the specific context into account. The University of Southampton Research
Ethics Policy can be found at:
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/about/governance/policies/ethics.page.
Section 8.1. What is ERGO
The University uses an online system called ERGO (Ethics and Research Governance
Online) to ensure that you maintain the highest standard of ethics and risk
management for your dissertation. ERGO ensures that you have considered ethics
and assessed ethical and reputational risks related to your study. Please note, you
must also carry out a separate risk review and possibly a risk assessment, which
will mean that you are then covered by university Insurance.
You MUST use ERGO to complete all of the relevant ethics forms for the type of
research you are conducting and submit them online. You MUST obtain ERGO
approval before collecting any data. Under no circumstances will ERGO approval be
granted retrospectively. Remember an ERGO application takes time to process and
you won’t get an instant response. Applying too late may lead to penalty.
To create your ERGO application, please go to https://ergo2.soton.ac.uk/. For this
application, you will need to use your University login and click ‘Create a new
submission’ to do this. Note that you will have an ERGO reference number from the
‘Submission Overview’ tab of your application. Please make a note of your ERGO
number. You need to insert it in various documents and cite it if you have an enquiry.
If you are doing your survey in non-English environments, you must provide English
and non-English versions. It is best to make sure that you label the files correctly so
that the reviewer can see you have included English translations.
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There are a range of forms in ERGO, which you will need to work through. You are
recommended to approach your supervisor at a very early stage to discuss what you
need to do, and which of the documents you need to use for your project. Complete
the ‘Submission Questionnaire’ first, the system will then indicate which additional
forms you will need to complete. Table 2 below indicates which forms are required
for different types of dissertation:
Table 2: Information of ERGO Application Forms.
Type of Dissertation Additional Forms required
Secondary data: no individuals
• Analysis of aggregated individual level
data (e.g. GDP, labour force participation
rates, fertility rates...)
• Analysis of data not relating to
individuals (e.g. data on firms or
businesses; financial data)
• Meta-analyses (i.e. the analysis of
studies)
• Literature reviews or reviews/analyses of
reports, policies, documents, meeting
minutes, newspaper articles, films
• Analysis of published biographies,
diaries, letters, interviews
None (just the ERGO Submission Questionnaire)
Secondary data: incl. individuals
• Secondary data sets (interviews or
surveys) involving human participants
Also include:
• Ethics Application for Secondary Data Analysis
Social media data Also include:
Ethics Application Form for Social Media Analysis
Interviews and/or focus groups Also include:
• Ethics Application Form
• Consent Form for UG and PGT students
• Participant Information Sheet for UG and PGT
students
• Debriefing Form (if deception used)
• A list of your questions
• Letter/email of invitation if researching in an
organisation. (Organisational approval must be
acquired before the research / recruitment
begins)
Questionnaire Also include:
• Ethics Application Form
• Combined PIS and Consent Form for
Anonymous Online Surveys v1.1 (will be first
page of your questionnaire)
• Debriefing Form (will be last page of
questionnaire if deception used)
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• Invitation email (that you will send to
respondents)
• A draft of your questionnaire
• Letter/email of invitation if researching in an
organisation. (Organisational approval must be
acquired before the research / recruitment
begins).
Failure to get ERGO approval before collecting or analysing data is a breach of
academic integrity. You will not be able to use any data collected before ERGO
approval in your final dissertation. You should therefore ensure that the stated
dates for conducting research are consistent on all forms that are presented to ERGO.
Ensure that you have allowed sufficient time to receive ERGO approval. You should
be aware that approval may take up to 3 weeks. For example, if you submit
your ERGO application on 1st June, you may not receive approval until 21st June.
You should NOT, therefore, plan to collect data until at least three weeks after you
submit your ERGO forms.
If you are collecting primary data, the date that you enter on your ERGO application
as the date you will start to collect your data should be after the date you expect
to receive ERGO approval.
Once you have completed the Submission Questionnaire and uploaded the
necessary forms, click ‘Submit’. At this point, you will be able to add any additional
comments for the reviewers. You should then add a Supervisor to your submission
(this will be your dissertation supervisor). Once you have added your supervisor,
there are a few more questions to answer, and then you can click “Submit” to submit
your application. You will both receive an email confirming your submission to the
ethics system. It is good practice to contact your supervisor to let them know that
your ERGO application is ready to review.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are requested to revise your ethics application you will
need to address all the corrections recommended and consequently should
adjust your data collection dates accordingly.
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If you are going to try a different way of collecting your data or recruiting
participants, you must submit an amendment to your ethics application and wait
for it to be approved. This may take a further three weeks.
Section 8.2. ERGO Amendments
Given that the ERGO process may take up to 3 weeks, please give yourself enough
time for the process to go through and do not submit another ERGO application
due to anxiety of waiting. This will actually slow down the process.
There is considerable flexibility in your initial ERGO application. For example, you
may change the title of your project after your application has been approved
without needing to re-submit your ERGO form.
If you think that you may need to re-apply to ERGO, because of any change to
your original application, please CHECK WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR first.
You DO NOT revise your ERGO application for any of the following:
• If you are modifying a questionnaire by adding, deleting or changing some
questions
• If you are modifying the number of interviews you intend to complete
• If you are transferring from a secondary financial database to another. For
example, it is acceptable to change from CSMAR to Compustat without
needing to change your ERGO application
• If you are changing the sample size of secondary data
• If you are changing your method of data analysis. For example, changing
from using NVivo to a manual system
• If you decide to omit something for which you already have approval. For
example, you may decide that you will not have time to conduct a Focus
Group that was part of your initial methods
• If you are modifying your dissertation title.
You DO need to revise your ERGO application for any of the following:
• You are changing your research design. For example, from qualitative to
quantitative research
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• You are changing your data collection method. For example, from a
secondary database to a primary data source; from administering a
questionnaire electronically to conducting face-to-face interviews
• If you are adding something to your original design or methods. For
example, if you subsequently decide that you want to meet with a Focus
Group
• You change the subject or initial direction to a new topic for research.
Section 8.3. Risk Assessment Guidelines
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring risk reviews are completed for all
dissertation research studies. In addition to obtaining ERGO approval you are
required to complete a risk review for your planned dissertation research. This
must be done BEFORE you begin collecting any data. This is to ensure that you
consider fully all the risks to yourself and others for both on-site (e.g., interviews)
and off-site research (e.g., surveys), including both domestic and international
travel and research conducted outside the university or the UK.
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The risk review will help you identify whether you require a full risk assessment. If
a risk assessment is needed it will help you to assess the risks and think about
how to reduce them. If travel is considered essential to your research, you and
your supervisor must request permission from the Dean for international travel
and Head of School for UK travel.
Additional Resources:
all Risk Assessment templates are available at Appendix 5.
Stage One – Prepare for your meeting with your supervisor about the risk
review
1. Read through the risk review form.
2. Agree the form with your supervisor and if you need to, complete a full risk
assessment.
3. If you don’t need a full risk assessment, make sure that both you and your
supervisor keep copies of the fully completed risk review.
4. If you do need to complete a risk assessment move on to stage two below.
Stage Two – Risk Assessment (SBS ON- CAMPUS or SBS OFF-SITE)
5. Read through the risk assessment form to familiarise yourself with what
information you will need to complete with your supervisor in your risk
assessment meeting.
6. Read the basic guidance on how to assess and control risks.
7. Consider what potential hazards there are going to be (meeting students or
visitors on campus, travel, working, living in a foreign country etc.), both
regarding your health as well as your personal safety.
8. If there is anything you do not understand, or do not know, please speak to
your supervisor in your risk assessment meeting.
Stage Three – Risk Matrix
9. This is a general template only, so consider how it could apply to your own
research.
10. For each risk you will need to estimate the inherent risk to yourself. You
will discuss this with your supervisor.
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11. If you know of a risk relevant to your research which is not mentioned on
the form, please advise your supervisor.
12. Through discussion with your supervisor, you will consider controls to
reduce any risk.
13. The matrix includes suggested controls but you can add to this if you think
of any further action you could take.
Stage Four – Approval Confirmation
14. Make sure the risk assessment is signed by both yourself and your
supervisor.
15. If there are any risks which may pose particular problems and cannot be
mitigated, the risk assessment will need to be considered by the Head of
School, and this may require a change of plans.
16. Once completed, ensure that you keep a copy for yourself and for your
next of kin! It’s important to keep all your contact details safe and remind
yourself of what control measures you should be undertaking when doing
potentially hazardous activities.
Finally, If, during your research, if you feel that a risk has significantly increased,
please notify your supervisor as you may need to complete a new risk assessment.
Section 9. Presentation and Formatting
Good presentation is important because it ensures that all your hard work is
efficiently and effectively communicated to the reader. It implies neatly set out
work; a well-organised, clear and logical structure; and clear, understandable
analysis. In particular, it is important to ensure that you:
• Write clear, grammatically correct English without spelling mistakes. Remember
the Study Skills and Language support available (see details at
http://www.sbsaob.soton.ac.uk/study-skills-and-language-support/).
• Make use of chapters, helpful headings, and subheadings to structure your
work clearly (see example above). Number your chapters, and number sections
within each chapter. Don’t forget page numbering throughout.
• Format pages, headings and paragraphs to make the text easy to read.
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• Clearly cite ALL sources of information and list FULL details of ALL cited
sources in a list of references.
• Logically order material across and within individual chapters.
• Tables, graphs and figures are effective ways of presenting data, especially in
the results and analysis sections of your dissertation. You should label tables
and figures clearly and refer to them consistently in the table of contents and
text of your dissertation. Be sure to cite the source of any figures or tables (if
you have not developed them yourself).
• If possible, try not to split tables over two pages. You may need to use a
slightly smaller font in tables, or format column headings to read vertically in
order to do this.
Formatting requirements by the Southampton Business School
All dissertations must be in Arial size 12 font typescript at 1.5 line spacing.
Double spacing may be used at a candidate's discretion for parts involving formulae.
The page size should be A4 (210 x 297 mm). Exemption from the use of this size
can only be granted by the School in cases where the subject matter of the project
renders the A4 size unsuitable. Margins should not be less than 38mm.
Pages should be numbered consecutively. Tables and diagrams must be numbered
serially in typescript.
Word Limit:
The word limit for your dissertation is 15,000 words (±10% either side of this word
count is deemed to be acceptable). Any text that exceeds an additional 10% will not
attract any marks.
The relevant word count includes items such as cover page, executive
summary/abstract, title page, table of contents, tables, figures, in-text citations and
section headings, if used. The relevant word count excludes your list of references
and any appendices at the end of your dissertation submission. Beyond the above
points, if you are not sure about whether something is included or not in the
relevant word count, please do ask the programme leader or your supervisor.
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Appendices:
Appendices are not always needed or expected, but they can be a useful way of
providing supplementary material which your dissertation draws on but which is
not essential for the reading of the dissertation. It may include background
material, supporting evidence or synthetic visuals. Additionally, appendices may
contain your research instrument, an example interview transcript, or detailed
quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative data, which might be important for
further reference but is not directly related to the main thrust of your argument.
The attention of the reader should be drawn to the content of the appendices at the
relevant parts of the dissertation. Statistical and other analysis of direct relevance
to the written text must be included in the main body of the dissertation, possibly
as graphs or histograms. Appendices are not a dumping ground for material that
you are uncertain how to use and you should be critical about whether the material
adds value to your dissertation.
You should always include the word count (from Microsoft Word), at the end of your
dissertation, before your list of references.
Section 10. Academic Integrity
By now you should be familiar with the requirement for academic integrity in all the
work you do. Given the nature of the dissertation, it is particularly important that
you are careful to avoid breaching academic integrity in your dissertation. In
previous years students have received significantly reduced marks (in some cases
zero) as a result of breaching academic integrity, with consequent significant
implications for achieving their qualification overall.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your dissertation meets the University
regulations for Academic Integrity. These are available at:
http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/academic-integrity-regs.html
Apart from plagiarism, there are also some other breaches of Academic Integrity
regulations.
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Generative artificial intelligence tools (e.g. ChatGPT)
Generative artificial intelligence tools, such as the ChatGPT chatbot, are now being
used widely, but our guidance on academic integrity stresses that you must
produce your own work.
Unless specifically authorised in your assessment guidance, you are not permitted
to submit content produced by AI platforms. Presenting such content in any form
as your own original work would breach our academic integrity regulations. Visit
the Knowledge Base for general guidance about artificial intelligence tools in
relation to academic work.
If you would like to understand more about the academic integrity regulations,
please visit the updated University advice here:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~assets/doc/calendar/Academic%20Integrity%20
Regulations.pdf. The following are definitions of breaches of Academic Integrity
from the University Calendar. In extreme cases, these may result in failure of the
dissertation module or your overall programme:
• Plagiarism: is the use of ideas, intellectual property or work of others
without acknowledgement or permission, as appropriate.
• ‘Cutting and pasting’: Cutting and pasting of textual material is poor
practice and is best avoided altogether, even if you cite material properly
and put everything in quotations. The presence of large amounts of cut and
pasted material usually demonstrates lack of understanding, lack of
originality, rushed work.
• Cheating/Collusion: is any action before, during or after an assessment or
examination or assessment by which the student seeks to gain unfair
advantage or assists another student to do so.
• Falsification: is any attempt to present fictitious or distorted data,
evidence, references, experimental results or other material and/or
knowingly to make use of such material.
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• Breaching ethical standards: is failing to comply with your ethical
obligations when carrying out your Academic Work as set out in the
University Ethics Policy and the applicable ethical requirements for your
subject area, such as failing to obtain free and informed consent.
• Misconduct in Research: includes any of the above examples in relation to
research and/or other factors including a failure to comply with regulatory,
legal and professional obligations such as a breach of confidentiality,
infringement of intellectual property rights, failure to take due care for
participants in research or of personal data, and abuse of research subjects
or materials (including artefacts).
• External Authorship/Assistance: is where somebody else, outside of the
university, contributes towards your work. This can be either paid or
unpaid. Only submit your own work – presenting others’ work as your own
is cheating.
• Proofreading: we do not recommend any proof-reader services, or editing
or similarity-checking services. Using these services could involve Academic
Integrity (AI) issues. Please find the University's guidance link here in
Section 6 for detail. If your supervisor suggests you need to proof-read
your work, it may mean that you should look through your work yourself for
errors and do a grammar and spelling check.
Additional guidance on recycling a research proposal
Recycling (sometimes known as 'self-plagiarism') is an academic offence and is
defined in the University academic regulations as:
“where a piece of work which has already been used in one context is
used again (without declaration and without the University's
permission) in another context.” (University of Southampton Calendar)
If you do use a proposal that was written earlier, it should be reviewed and
improved for use as the basis for your dissertation. This must be acknowledged in
the declaration of authorship (see example title page in the appendices).
If you include material from assessed coursework other than research proposals,
(for example essays relating to the subject of your dissertation) then you must
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acknowledge this as a source in your references. Material that has been previously
submitted for assignments (other than research proposals) will not attract marks
for your dissertation. It is good academic practice to expand and develop on
previous work and acknowledge the original source, even if it is your own work.
You can refer to your own work in the Harvard Referencing style as follows:
Surname, Initial. (Year of submission) 'Title of essay/assignment', Module code:
Module title. Institution. Unpublished essay/assignment.
For example:
Bloggs, J. (2016) 'Globalisation has increased the complexity of managing people
in the 21st century. Briefly summarise why this is and, where possible, illustrate
your understanding of this complexity with reference to real world examples.',
MANG6212: Essay Writing Skills. University of Southampton. Unpublished essay.
Referencing
It is essential that you indicate clearly throughout your dissertation the source of
any material you refer to including papers, textbooks, websites, interviews,
newspapers, questionnaires, etc. This applies to all text, diagrams, data, tables,
and appendices in your dissertation. You should refer to the latest version of
the Business School Harvard Referencing Guide produced by the library. This
is available from https://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/referencing
Section 11. Guidance on submission and extensions
Specific guidance on how to submit your dissertation via e-assignment will be
provided in advance of the submission date.
Your dissertation will be marked by two examiners, one of whom is normally your
supervisor. Marking follows the University of Southampton Double-Blind Marking
and Moderation Policy.
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Late Submission
Late submissions will be penalised in accordance with the standard University of
Southampton regulations that apply to your programme.
Extension Requests
There are strict criteria for granting extensions. You will need to fill in a form
available on the Student Hub – full advice on this is given here but you should
consult your supervisor and personal academic tutor as advised. Extension
requests, along with supporting evidence, should be submitted prior to the
submission date. Extensions can only be granted for circumstances beyond your
control. Further information regarding the regulations governing extension
requests can be accessed via the Calendar:
http://www.calendar.soton.ac.uk/sectionIV/special-considerations.html
Full guidance on Extensions can be found on the Quality Handbook:
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/quality/assessment/special_considerations.page
The form can be found on the Student Hub and you will find full guidance there,
including advice to talk to your supervisor or tutor.
Special Considerations
If you believe that illness or other circumstances have adversely affected your
academic performance, you must complete a Special Considerations form. All
claims must be substantiated by written documentary evidence, for example a
medical certificate or GP/consultant letter, self-certification or a statement from
your academic tutor. The purpose of asking for supporting documentation is for
you to be able to corroborate the facts of your submission. All claims will be
reviewed by the Faculty’s Special Considerations Board. Information regarding the
regulations governing Special Considerations can be accessed via the Calendar:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/calendar/sectioniv/index.page
The Special Considerations Request Form can be found on the Student Hub and you
will find full guidance there, including advice to talk to your supervisor or tutor.
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The Quality Handbook contains further guidance:
http://www.southampton.ac.uk/quality/assessment/special_considerations.page?
Attendance Requirements
Tier 4 Visa holders should be aware that there are strict requirements until their
programme end date. You are expected to stay in the UK for the duration of your
course and only travel if you have explicit permission from your supervisor.
More information is available at:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentservices/visa-and-immigration/during-
your-studies/attendance-and-absence.page
Section 12. Additional resources and support links
Section 12.1. Recommended software, where needed
 The University recommends and offers support for various survey software.
Microsoft forms is recommended for simple surveys – see the iSolutions page
at this link (https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/IT/SitePages/Survey-
Applications.aspx?cid=b75c1fb9-65de-4445-8700-1e50b1f5c920)
 Qualtrics is also available for conducting more complex on-line surveys. To
register a Southampton Qualtrics account you need to follow this link
(https://soton.eu.qualtrics.com/login) by using your University email
account.
 You must have the agreement of your supervisor to use any other
platform for survey collection.
Please note that the Faculty discourages students from surveying University of
Southampton staff or/ and students. If you decide to do so, you will need to
obtain a permission from the Head of School or the Dean.
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Section 12.2. Library support and databases
 Guidance on literature sources and library support is available from:
http://library.soton.ac.uk/business/home
 Guidance on the databases available to support your dissertation research is
available from:
http://library.soton.ac.uk/business/databases
 Specific guidance on financial databases is available from Finlab and there
will be further support offered in the summer.
Additional Resources:
you can find more Databases information in Appendix 6.
Section 12.3. Study Skills and Language support
Southampton Business School students can access a wide range of support to help
you to develop study skills and improve your academic English as you complete
your dissertation. There will be lots of relevant resources on your Blackboard
module for S4B. We would advise against writing in your mother tongue and
translating-but you write your work in English.
LinkedIn Learning is a library of high-quality video tutorials on a wide range of
software and business topics. Your University account gives you access to all of it
for free.
A series of materials relating to research methods can be found here:
https://generic.wordpress.soton.ac.uk/researchmethods/
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Section 12.4. One-to-one Data Analysis Support Sessions
The Education Development Office (EDO) at Southampton Business School will offer
a series of tutorial sessions to support PGT students in doing data analysis for their
dissertations. Specifically, qualitative/quantitative/financial data analysis and ERGO
will be covered in these sessions. Students can book one-to-one sessions to speak
to a data tutor, and each session runs for 20 minutes. Students will receive an email
when these sessions become available.
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Appendices
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Appendix 1. Example of a typical Dissertation Structure
PLEASE NOTE: the dissertation structure may vary depending on the type and
subject of the research.
The University of Southampton
2022/23
Faculty of Social Sciences
Southampton Business School
MSc Dissertation
(Title of your dissertation)
ERGO number: (your ERGO reference number)
Student number: (your student registration number)
Presented for MSc (your degree programme)
This project is entirely the original work of student registration number (your student
number). I declare that this dissertation is my own work, and that where material is
obtained from published or unpublished works, this has been fully acknowledged in the
references. This may include material of my own work from a research proposal that has
been previously submitted for assessment for this programme.
Word Count: xxxxx words
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[INCLUDE A PAGE BREAK AFTER EACH CHAPTER]
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Abstract
The abstract is a brief summary of your dissertation (normally no more than 300 words)
that includes: a summary of the situation or problem you have researched; an overview of
the methods you have used to investigate it; what you found out and your main
conclusions and recommendations.
Acknowledgements
This section is optional and provides an opportunity to thank those who have supported
you with your dissertation (for example friends, family, academics, or participants)
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction……………………………………………………………………..1
Chapter 2: Literature Review………………………………………………………………2
2.1 Sub section……………………………………………………….……………..3
2.1.1 Sub sub section etc……………………………………….………….4
Chapter 3 Methodology…………………………………………………………………….5
etc…
List of Tables
Table 4.1. Example of a table in a dissertation document……………………….……..6
etc…
List of Figures
Figure 4.1 Graph showing the relationship between one thing and another thing…..6
etc.
Chapter 1: Introduction
All dissertations should have an effective introduction which may include the following:
• A brief explanation of the nature and significance of the dissertation topic, and the
problems or issues implicit in the dissertation title. Some contextual statistics/general
information may be useful here.
• What your interest/motivation for working on this topic is (for example, relevant
previous work experience, or personal links with a company or issue).
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• The objectives of your dissertation and research questions you aim to explore.
• A brief indication of the approach/methodology you have adopted.
• An overview of how the remainder of your dissertation is structured (not simply a list
of chapters).
Chapter 2: Literature review
Discusses prior research in order to: identify relevant theories and concepts; describe the
extent of current understanding and identify outstanding problems/issues.
An effective review will critically analyse the literature to support the rationale for your
dissertation research by:
• Comparing and contrasting different perspectives in the literature
• Evaluating the relevance, reliability and validity of the sources
• Identifying any limitations or biases that may have affected the research
• Identifying connections between the literature and how knowledge of the subject is
structured
• Identifying how the literature is relevant to the topic of your dissertation, thereby
identifying a/ some gap(s) in understanding that you seek to address in your work.
If your work employs a deductive approach, you may also use this chapter to develop the
hypotheses that you set out to test.
Chapter 3: Methodology
Describe and provide a rationale for how you conduct the research, by discussing
methodological considerations such as your research philosophy, choice of research
methods, and any research instrument used. For example, if you have used a questionnaire,
your methodology chapter may, among other things:
• Identify the pros and cons of questionnaires to explain your reasons for choosing
this methodology
• Explain the rationale for the questions asked, relating this to your literature review,
and giving reasons for the questionnaire structure and measures adopted (e.g.
multiple choice, Likert scales, etc.)
• Refer the reader to the complete list of questions (which may be included in
appendix)
• Explain who was involved, how and why they were selected (i.e. your sampling)
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• Explain how the questionnaire was delivered and why (e.g. online).
Chapter 4: Results and Analysis (sometimes called Findings)
Present results in as complete, clear and helpful way as possible, analyse and explain
results in a useful way, critically comment on the quality of responses and the
reliability/limitations of the findings. It is common to use tables and figures in this section to
communicate your data clearly and concisely. Tables and figures should be numbered and
titled. Refer to tables and figures in your text by using the table or figure number. For
example (see Table 4.1 or see Figure 4.1 below).
Table 4.1: Example of a table in a dissertation document
Category Result 1 Result 2
Category 1 Data 1 Data 2
Category 2 etc… Data 3 Data 4
Figure 4.1 Graph showing the relationship between one thing and another thing
Chapter 5: Discussion
Relate your findings back to the literature review, discuss similarities and differences.
Explain the implications of your findings for research, managers, and decision-makers.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Anothe
r thing
One thing
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Chapter 6: Conclusion
All dissertations need a conclusion chapter that adds value, rather than merely summarises
previous chapters. An effective conclusion should include:
• A brief summary of key points made in the dissertation.
• A ‘so what?’ section which discusses the implications of the dissertation for: (a) a given
organisation context, (b) organisations in general and (c) concept/theory/technique
development. There may also be implications for any stakeholder, such as policy makers.
• Limitations of the scope, quality, and validity of the analysis undertaken in the
dissertation.
• Recommendations for further research.
• Personal reflections on any challenges in designing and carrying out your research (if
any), and what you have learnt.
References
A single list of all sources used in your dissertation using Harvard referencing. You should
consult the library webpages for guidance on how to reference with Harvard using the
examples in Cite Them Right (available online via the library webpages or in hardcopy). See
http://library.soton.ac.uk/sash/referencing for more information.
Appendix 1
Label each appendix using roman numerals (e.g. Appendix I, Appendix II, Appendix III etc.)
and pages numbered within the appendix (I1, I2, ... II1, II2 etc).
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Appendix 2. Dissertation Writing Schedule
Use this schedule template to help you to plan your dissertation writing process.
You may find the following tips helpful:
• It is best to start with the submission date and work backwards.
• Plan to submit your dissertation at least two weeks before the final deadline to
give you some protection against delays caused by unexpected problems.
• Include in the schedule any other major commitments you may have during the
dissertation-writing period (e.g., examination revision).
• Once you have drafted your schedule, think about when would be the best times
for you to meet with your supervisor, agree the dates with your supervisor and
insert them into the schedule.
Stage of the dissertation writing process
Number of days/
weeks needed Start date
End
date
STAGE ONE: Reading and research
a) Seek to identify an original, manageable
topic
b) Reading & research into chosen topic
STAGE TWO: The detailed plan
a) Construct a detailed plan of the
dissertation
STAGE THREE: Initial writing
a) Draft the various sections of the
dissertation
b) Undertake additional research where
necessary
STAGE FOUR: The first draft
a) Compile and collate sections into first
draft of dissertation
b) Check the flow of the dissertation
c) Check the length of the dissertation
d) Undertake any additional editing and
research
STAGE FIVE: Final draft
a) Check for errors
b) Prepare for submission
c) Final proof-read and final editing
d) Compile reference list
e) Submit your dissertation
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Appendix 3. Example of a Research Proposal
The University of Southampton Business School
MSc Dissertation – Research Proposal, Ethical Approval and Risk Assessment
This will be the basis for initial discussion as to the ethics (ERGO) and risk approval
you need. Please check the Blackboard Dissertation module for guidance on how to
submit for your programme and share your proposal in advance of your first meeting
with your supervisor.
NAME (in full): ............................................................... Student No.: ….........................
Programme: ...................................................................................................................
Proposed Dissertation Title: …………………………………………………………………………...
1. Introduction
2. Research problem
3. Research question(s) and objective(s)
4. Research method
5. Potential contributions
6. Conclusion
References
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Supervisor Comments - This section may be used by your supervisor to provide
feedback after your first meeting. Please note: some supervisors may provide feedback
in other ways, for example, at a scheduled meeting or using email.
(Please submit this proposal by the stated deadline and share it with your allocated supervisor in advance of
your first meeting.
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Appendix 4. Supervision Meeting Notes Use this template for recording your supervision meetings.
Meeting Date:
General notes:
Agreed action points:
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Appendix 5. Risk Forms
1. University of Southampton Health & Safety – Research Risk Review Form Please tick the box that applies to you - Undergraduate ☐ Postgraduate (Taught) ☐
Degree programme/Certificate :
Name: University email address:
Supervisor :
Other researchers /collaborators (if applicable):
Title of Study:
Expected start date and duration:
1. Does your research involve collecting your own (primary) data?
Specifically, do you intend to use: Interviews/ Focus Groups: YES ☐ NO ☐ 2. Questionnaires/Surveys: YES ☐ NO ☐ 3. Physical Observation/ Company Visits: YES ☐ NO ☐
If you have answered ‘NO’ to all of the above you do not need to do a full risk assessment.. If you answered ‘YES’ to any question please answer question 2
2. You have indicated above that you will collect your own data – how will you collect it?
Method of data collection (please tick all relevant boxes): a) OFF-SITE research ☐ b) ON-CAMPUS interviews ☐ c) Teams or online: ☐ d) Telephone ☐ e) Email/Web ☐ f) Post ☐
If your answer to a) or b) above is yes, you will need to complete a full risk assessment. If you are collecting data remotely, by phone, online or by post, you are not at any additional risk in
comparison to normal university activities. If your planned research requires on-campus interviews you need to consider all possible risks. This also applies for travel and off-site visits,
when you must also understand if your activities will be covered by University insurance or if you need to have your own cover. Due to COVID19 the current university advice is that only
absolutely essential travel of any kind is permitted.
3. If you are intending to collect data face to face during a visit what travel will this involve?
Nature of travel (please tick all relevant boxes): a) Day visits within the UK ☐ b) Overnight stays within the UK: ☐ c) Day visits in home country ☐ d) Overnight stays within home country ☐ e) Other ☐
If your planned research requires travel and off-site visits, and in particular overnight stays, you need to consider all possible risks and understand if your activities will be covered by
University insurance or if you need to have your own cover. Due to COVID19 the current university advice is that only absolutely essential travel of any kind is permitted. Student Signature: Date
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Supervisor Signature: Date
2. SBS OFF-SITE Dissertation Generic Risk Assessment
*Generic Risk Assessment for Southampton Business School Students carrying out OFF-SITE research for their dissertations
NOTE: Students undertaking research for their dissertations may be involved in visiting organisations or companies to carry out interviews or gather data. This risk assessment is intended
to ensure students consider and mitigate these risks and any involved in travelling or other activities connected to it.
1. The Supervisor may sign either this unaltered generic document, or one which includes additional low risk hazards in PART G, which are not identified in PARTS A-F. The title
above must be changed from *Generic to Specific.
2. Any proposed additional hazards of concern/higher risk should be referred to the Head of School. If approved, then a specific risk assessment must be completed by the Student,
independently or together with the Supervisor. This document can be used as a template, but the title above must be changed from *Generic to Specific.
Before you commit to this form:
1. Read through this generic risk assessment and decide whether all hazards relevant to the proposed research are covered
2. If existing hazards are identified as needing further controls for ANY category, then these must be entered in the further controls column
3. If there is any additional hazard not included in this risk assessment, it must be added in Part G
4. Once all hazards have been recognised, residual risks must be calculated depending on the individual situation and control measures. Refer to the assessment guidance at the bottom of this
document to calculate the risks
Important:
• It is an essential requirement that a copy of the final version of this risk assessment is kept by the student and by the supervisor
• An incident/accident report must still be completed where incidents occur out of the office, but whilst working on University business, whether in the UK or overseas. LINK:
Incident Reporting
Information to assist with determining generic/specific requirements
TRAVEL/ACTIVITIES that may require further/specific assessment due to an increased, may include but are not restricted to:
 Travel Warnings  Health Warnings  Terrorist Warnings  Natural Disasters  Political unrest  Extreme Weather
 Any other warnings – so please check as requested.
 Personal Physical/Mental Health support/requirements  Organisational Risks (ie. Factories/Construction Sites)
 Overseas Research
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Risk Assessment for the Activity of Research for UG or PGT dissertations
Note of declaration for this Generic Risk Assessment: After careful consideration of the content of this document and the proposed overall low risk research, the Student and Supervisor
have both confirmed that this is a suitable & sufficient risk assessment in each of the following categories - PARTS A-G inclusive. It is mandatory for the Student and Supervisor to read and
understand this generic risk assessment, and for the Student to adhere to the controls for all the relevant hazards that will/may apply.
Note of declaration for a Specific Risk Assessment: After careful consideration of the content of this specific risk assessment and the proposed research, the Student and Supervisor have
both confirmed that this is a suitable & sufficient risk assessment in each of the following categories - PARTS A-G inclusive. It is mandatory for the Student and Supervisor to read and
understand the specific risk assessment, and for the Student to adhere to the controls for all the relevant hazards that will/may apply.
Student Name Student Signature and date
NB When filling in this risk assessment there may be sections within PARTS A-F which are not relevant to your research activity. If both you and your supervisor agree, then
you may strike through those you have identified as unnecessary, for your individual research. But be aware that any condition/ situation identified as HIGH RISK will require
further careful consideration and will need a specific risk assessment.
University of Southampton
School/Programme/Year
Supervisor
Date
Name
Signature Date
If permission for travel or specific activities
needed:
Head of School/Dean of Faculty
Name
Signature Date
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PART A – Research Location/Area (where visits to organisations/ companies are required)
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(Student;
those nearby;
those in the
vicinity;
members of
the public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use the
assessment guidance, page
11)
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1. Lack of
awareness of
area/location of
organisation and
associated
accommodation
Threat to personal
safety due to evident
lack of confidence in
unfamiliar
surroundings/
locations
Student Students should be aware that studying or working offsite is not in itself a dangerous experience but, like every person travelling, you may need to be more aware of your personal safety than when you are at home.
While you are offsite:
• don’t take any unnecessary risks
• seek local advice where necessary, such as local areas to avoid
• be alert when travelling alone or at night
• consider buildings and persons you are visiting
• consider clothing and behaviour, prior to planning research/study trips
• be aware of laws, tradition, religious and cultural customs, depending
on both your destination and research
2. Adverse weather
conditions
Delays, anxiety,
additional costs,
Injury
Student Students is advised to:
• research possibility of adverse weather conditions prior to travel,
keeping updated with news coverage and weather forecasts, it may
include your destination.
• ensure they are adequately prepared for extreme weather conditions,
either hot, cold, fog, flood, ice, snow etc…
• travel to their destination, only if it is safe to do so
3. Terrorism,
natural disasters,
hostage/political/re
ligious situations
Injury, imprisonment
etc.
Student, those
nearby, those
in the
vicinity,
members of
the public
Student is advised to:
• keep updated with news coverage, it may include your destination/
location
• be aware of suspicious behaviour, particularly near public buildings,
structures or bridges, also inside buildings at specific entry/exit points,
stairwells, hallways or fire escapes
• be aware of vehicles parked in suspicious circumstances, possible
watching of buildings or structures, also slow moving vehicles, near
public buildings, structures or bridges
• Know how to react
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PART B – Emergency Preparedness
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(Student;
those nearby;
those in the
vicinity;
members of
the public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use the
assessment guidance, page
11)
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1. Fire, Incident,
Accident at
destination with no
available contact
information and/or
communication
Damage to
belongings, injury,
death. University
unable to establish
student’s safety and
health.
Student,
others
Student will:
• adhere to health and safety information provided by the designated
organisation(s), to include the location of fire exits/routes and assembly
points at both the workplace and accommodation visited and any further
instructions provided.
• lodge their itinerary and contact details with their academic
tutor/supervisor
2. Loss or theft of
passport, driving
licence, money,
belongings
Stress, isolation,
inconvenience and
financial loss due to
loss, theft or fraud
Student Student is advised:
• to keep important documents/items on hand, or secured, if possible
• to use secure storage in accommodation, do not leave valuables on
display, carry documents, cards or cash discreetly; carry bags across
body rather than on shoulder
• to have back-up arrangements and contact number in case of theft
• to have access to a copy of passport/driving licence, as proof of identity,
and an appropriate credit card that can be used to pay for expenses if
money is lost or stolen
• to have access to emergency numbers to cancel lost or stolen cards and
make arrangements to obtain alternative monies
3. Travelling
without insurance
details.
(For Specific
queries contact:
insure@soton.ac.
uk
023 8059 2417 or
023 8059 4790)
Unable to make
contact with the
University’s
Insurance
Office/University’s
insurers. Unable to
get medical treatment,
resulting in the
worsening of medical
conditions/injuries
Student Prior to departure, student should:
• research whether the trip is covered for the area(s) visited and the
activities that are undertaken, (planned and un-planned).
• have access to and understand, the cover provided under the University’s
travel insurance details throughout the trip. (overnight stays and longer)
• have access to and understand the cover provided under the University’s
Liability insurance details for single day trips.
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PART C – Travel/Transport required for research
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(user; those
nearby; those
in the vicinity;
members of
the public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment guidance,
page 11)
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1. Travel accident/
incident when
commuting in own
or hired vehicle,
bicycle or walking
Accident/Incident,
resulting injury to
self, loss of property
or worse
Student,
members of
the public
Student will
• be aware of and consider weather conditions, laws, rules and road
safety, prior to travelling
If using own or hired form of transport at any stage:
• driving licence must be valid and in date and suitable for the vehicle
being used and ensure own cars, scooters or motorbikes are fit for
purpose, roadworthy with adequate and valid insurance cover, the same
will apply to the hiring of scooters and motorbikes, however this should
be avoided if possible. Ensure bicycles are roadworthy
• wear protective clothing and equipment including crash helmets and
good working lights - visibility to be of utmost importance
• must be fully aware of other road users when using a bicycle, and
remain vigilant of vehicles and use marked crossings where possible
when walking
2. Travel
and commuting
using public
transport
Accident/Incident,
resulting injury to
self, loss of property
or worse
Student,
members of
the public
Student is advised to:
• be aware that coach and rail stations are often in less reputable areas of
cities/towns
• plan journey from arrival point using pre-booked coach/taxi or
recognised public transport; avoid travelling alone if possible
• travel in occupied parts of carriages or buses; arrange to arrive in
daylight if possible – if after dark then arrange to be met and avoid
walking alone
• keep important documents/items hidden and out of sight when travelling
• always carry a mobile phone to make calls to friends, family or
emergency services if necessary
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PART C – Travel/Transport required for research
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(user; those
nearby; those
in the vicinity;
members of
the public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment guidance,
page 11)
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3. Travelling alone
or to unknown
areas for research
Getting lost or stuck,
working remotely
and unable to ask for
help
Student Student is advised to:
• plan trips in advance, always travel during the day and check in with
the organisation/accommodation when arriving and leaving.
• have a contact number at the organisation/accommodation for further
assistance
• take a physical map and phone for directions
• avoid taking lone trips wherever possible
• check government and local advice on travel destination
4. Travelling in
own vehicle or
organisation’s
vehicle for research
purposes
Accident/Incident,
resulting injury to
self, loss of property
or worse
Student,
fellow
travellers,
members of
the public
Student must:
• ensure adequate business use insurance covers the vehicle
• let a colleague know the purpose and location of trip, as well as
expected arrival and return times
• have an organisation contact number in case of emergency
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PART D – Accommodation, if required, for visits
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(Student; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment guidance,
page 11)
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1. (see Emergency
Preparedness) –
PART B 1.
2. Poor Standard of
accommodation
(hotel or similar)
(e.g. in an unsafe
location, a poor state
of repair, unsafe in
terms of fire risk, poor
hygiene and
inadequate security.)
Crime, violence,
accidents due to the
condition of
accommodation,
serious injury/death
due to inadequate fire
controls and poor
hygiene standards
Student Student is advised to:
• investigate beforehand to ensure only reputable and recommended
agencies are approached – preferably recommended by the
organisation or University.
• get advice about suitability and safety of location and check on
accommodation security
• Consider distance and route from accommodation to work/study
location
• any requirements, including mobility impaired accessibility have been
considered
• personal belongings of high value should be kept in a safe/stored out of
sight. NOTE: keep passports, mobile phones, credit/debit cards, wallets
secure at all times
3. Living with new
people or back at
the family home
Disagreements and
arguments. Poor
mental health.
Loneliness
Student, those
nearby
Student is advised to:
• see A1 above
• keep an active social life and regularly check in with friends and family
• access support services available through the University or recognised
organisations
• use support services such as the University Enabling First Support
Service if/when necessary
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PART E – Activity
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might be
harmed
(Student; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment guidance,
page 11)
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1. Slips, trips and falls Injury Student, those
nearby
Student is advised to:
• take due care and attention
• report incidents, accidents to the organisation being visited, and also via
the University’s reporting system ( please see link on page 1)
• avoid potentially hazardous areas and take care on narrow staircases
• avoid using the mobile phone when trying to undertake other activities
such as walking
2. Remote Working Neck and eye
strain. Lack of
communication
with colleagues
and managers
Student Student must:
• take frequent breaks to allow for time to rest and use the correct desk
furniture wherever possible
• schedule regular meetings with tutors/supervisors to monitor progress,
keep communication open and clarify if any help is needed
• keep emergency contact details on hand in case of incident or accident
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PART F – Wellbeing
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might be
harmed
(user; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment
guidance, page 11)
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1. Threat to personal
safety
Injury, stress Student Student is advised:
• to follow the controls for personal safety in PART A (3) and PART C (3)
• if after dark avoid walking alone if at all possible and avoid less reputable
and dark areas
• to remember it is often noticeable to others, that you are in an unfamiliar
location, so remain vigilant at all times
2. Threat of
illness/disease
(including COVID)
Being infected
and/or becoming
unwell. Spreading
to others
Student, those
nearby, those in
the vicinity,
members of the
public
Student must:
• follow University, organisation(s) and government guidelines
• wear facecoverings and wash hands frequently
• keep updated with UK and other news and ensure professional medical
advice is obtained prior to placement when necessary
• ensure vaccinations are up to date where relevant
• avoid other people if feeling unwell and seek medical help
• obtain adequate supplies of prescribed medication within sufficient time
prior to travel
3. Physical, mental
health conditions,
underlying phobias,
allergies*
Students may not
be adequately
supported if
underlying health
conditions are not
disclosed
Student unable to
travel or placed in
unsafe situations.
Student Student will ensure:
• engagement with occupational health professional/other support
professionals to develop reasonable adjustments
• engagement with services such as Enabling First Support to access additional support where necessary
• Additional time allocated, prior to travel, to prepare plans in relation to accessibility requirements.
• Advanced planning and consideration to include transport, accommodation, food (diabetics) and destination(s).
Students are encouraged to disclose personal factors to enabling
practioner/academic tutor/supervisor, so that reasonable adjustments can
be made
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PART G – Additional Hazards
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might be
harmed
(user; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the risk hierarchy) Residual Further controls (use
the risk hierarchy)
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1.
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Assessment Guidance
1. Eliminate Remove the hazard wherever possible
which negates the need for further
controls
If this is not possible then explain
why
2. Substitute Replace the hazard with one less
hazardous
If not possible then explain why
3. Physical controls Examples: enclosure, fume cupboard,
glove box
Likely to still require admin controls
as well
4. Admin controls Examples: training, supervision,
signage
5. Personal protection Examples: respirators, safety specs,
gloves
Last resort as it only protects the
individual
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5 5 10 15 20 25
4 4 8 12 16 20
3 3 6 9 12 15
2 2 4 6 8 10
1 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
IMPACT
Likelihood
1 Rare
2 Unlikely
3 Possible
4 Likely
5 Very Likely
Impact Health & Safety
1 Trivial - insignificant Very minor injuries e.g. slight bruising.
2 Minor Injuries or illness e.g. small cut or abrasion which
require basic first aid treatment even in self-
administered.
3 Moderate Injuries or illness e.g. strain or sprain requiring
first aid or medical support.
4 Major Injuries or illness e.g. broken bone requiring
medical support >24 hours and time off work >4
weeks.
5 Severe – extremely
significant
Fatality or multiple serious injuries or illness
requiring hospital admission or significant time off
work.
Risk process
1. Identify the impact and likelihood using the tables above.
2. Identify the risk rating by multiplying the Impact by the likelihood using the coloured matrix.
3. If the risk is amber or red – identify control measures to reduce the risk to as low as is reasonably practicable.
4. If the residual risk is green, additional controls are not necessary.
5. If the residual risk is amber you can continue but you must identify and implement further controls to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable.
6. If the residual risk is red do not continue with the activity until additional controls have been implemented and the risk is reduced.
7. Control measures should follow the risk hierarchy, where appropriate as per the pyramid above.
8. The cost of implementing control measures can be taken into account but should be proportional to the risk i.e. a control to reduce low risk may not
need to be carried out if the cost is high but a control to manage high risk means that even at high cost the control would be necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
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3. SBS ON-CAMPUS Dissertation Generic Risk Assessment
*Generic Risk Assessment for Southampton Business School Students carrying out ON-CAMPUS research for their dissertations
NOTE: Students undertaking research for their dissertations may be involved in on-campus interviews or other activities to gather data, potentially coming into contact with visitors, staff
or students. This risk assessment is intended to ensure students consider and mitigate these risks and the activities connected to it. It is an essential requirement that a copy of the final version
of this risk assessment is kept by the student and by the supervisor
Before you commit to this form:
1. Read through this generic risk assessment and decide whether all hazards relevant to the proposed research are covered
2. If existing hazards are identified as needing further controls for ANY category, then these must be entered in the further controls column
3. If there is any additional hazard not included in this risk assessment, it must be added in Part C and renamed as a specific risk assessment
4. Once all hazards have been recognised, residual risks must be calculated depending on the individual situation and control measures. Refer to the assessment guidance at the bottom of this
document to calculate the risks
Important: An incident/accident report must be completed where incidents occur. LINK: Incident Reporting Emergencies – First Aid – call 023 8059 3311 from a mobile phone, 3311
from an internal University phone. 999 for an ambulance, fire and or police attendance
Risk Assessment for the Activity of
ON-CAMPUS Research for UG or PGT dissertations
Note of declaration for this Generic Risk Assessment: After careful consideration of the content of this document and the proposed overall low risk research, the Student and Supervisor
have both confirmed that this is a suitable & sufficient risk assessment. It is mandatory for the Student and Supervisor to read and understand this generic risk assessment, and for the Student
to adhere to the controls for all the relevant hazards that will/may apply.
Student Name Student Signature and date
University of Southampton
School/Programme/Year
Supervisor
Date
Name
Signature Date
If permission for specific activities needed: Head of School/Dean of Faculty
Name
Signature Date
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PART A – Emergency Preparedness
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might
be harmed
(Student;
those nearby;
those in the
vicinity;
members of
the public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use the
assessment guidance, page
11)
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1. Fire, Incident,
Accident no
available contact
information and/or
communication
Damage to
belongings, Injury,
death. University
unable to establish
student’s safety and
health
Student,
others
Student will:
• ensure they are aware of the location of fire exits/routes and assembly
points for the University buildings visited and any further instructions
provided.
• lodge their itinerary and contact details with their academic
tutor/supervisor
2. Loss or theft of
passport, driving
licence, money,
belongings
Stress, inconvenience
and financial loss due
to loss, theft or fraud
Student Student is advised:
• to keep important documents/items on hand, or secured, if possible
• to have back-up arrangements and contact number in case of theft
• to have access to emergency numbers to cancel lost or stolen cards and
make arrangements to obtain alternative monies
3. Adverse weather
conditions,
affecting outdoor
activities
Delays, anxiety,
Injury
Student,
others
Students is advised to:
• research possibility of adverse weather conditions prior to activity,
keeping updated with news coverage and weather forecasts
• ensure they are adequately prepared for extreme weather conditions,
either hot, cold, fog, flood, ice, snow etc…
• begin activity only if safe to do so
4. Slips, trips and
falls
Injury Student, those
nearby
Student is advised to:
• take due care and attention
• report incidents, accidents via the University’s reporting system ( please
see link on page 1)
• avoid potentially hazardous areas and take care on narrow staircases
• avoid using the mobile phone when trying to undertake other activities
such as walking
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PART B – Wellbeing
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might be
harmed
(user; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the assessment guidance, page 11) Residual Further controls (use
the assessment
guidance, page 11)
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S
co
re
1. Threat to personal
safety
Injury, stress Student Student is advised:
• to follow the controls for personal safety on the HSR website
• if after dark avoid walking alone if at all possible and avoid less reputable
and dark areas
• to remember it is often noticeable to others, that you are in an unfamiliar
location, so remain vigilant at all times
2. Threat of
illness/disease
(including COVID)
Being infected
and/or becoming
unwell. Spreading
to others
Student, those
nearby, those in
the vicinity,
members of the
public
Student must:
• follow University and government guidelines
• wear facecoverings and wash hands frequently
• keep updated with UK and other news
• ensure vaccinations are up to date where relevant
• avoid other people if feeling unwell and seek medical help
• obtain adequate supplies of prescribed medication within sufficient time
prior to activity
3. Physical, mental
health conditions,
underlying phobias,
allergies*
Students may not
be adequately
supported if
underlying health
conditions are not
disclosed
Student placed in
unsafe situations.
Student Student will ensure:
• engagement with occupational health professional/other support
professionals to develop reasonable adjustments
• engagement with services such as Enabling First Support to access additional support where necessary
• Additional time allocated, prior to activity, to prepare plans in relation to accessibility requirements.
• Advanced planning and consideration to include food (diabetics) and other necessary adjustments
Students are encouraged to disclose personal factors to enabling
practioner/academic tutor/supervisor, so that reasonable adjustments can
be made
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56
PART C – Additional Hazards
(1) Risk identification (2) Risk assessment (3) Risk management
Hazard Potential
Consequences
Who might be
harmed
(user; those
nearby; those in
the vicinity;
members of the
public)
Inherent Control measures (use the risk hierarchy) Residual Further controls (use
the risk hierarchy)
L
ik
e
li
h
o
o
d
Im
p
a
ct
S
co
re
L
ik
e
li
h
o
o
d
Im
p
a
ct
S
co
re
1.
PGT Dissertation Handbook MSc DSIS 2022/23
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Assessment Guidance
6. Eliminate Remove the hazard wherever possible
which negates the need for further
controls
If this is not possible then explain
why
7. Substitute Replace the hazard with one less
hazardous
If not possible then explain why
8. Physical controls Examples: enclosure, fume cupboard,
glove box
Likely to still require admin controls
as well
9. Admin controls Examples: training, supervision,
signage
10. Personal protection Examples: respirators, safety specs,
gloves
Last resort as it only protects the
individual
L
IK
E
L
IH
O
O
D
5 5 10 15 20 25
4 4 8 12 16 20
3 3 6 9 12 15
2 2 4 6 8 10
1 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
IMPACT
Likelihood
1 Rare
2 Unlikely
3 Possible
4 Likely
5 Very Likely
Impact Health & Safety
1 Trivial - insignificant Very minor injuries e.g. slight bruising.
2 Minor Injuries or illness e.g. small cut or abrasion which
require basic first aid treatment even in self-
administered.
3 Moderate Injuries or illness e.g. strain or sprain requiring
first aid or medical support.
4 Major Injuries or illness e.g. broken bone requiring
medical support >24 hours and time off work >4
weeks.
5 Severe – extremely
significant
Fatality or multiple serious injuries or illness
requiring hospital admission or significant time off
work.
Risk process
1.Identify the impact and likelihood using the tables above.
2.Identify the risk rating by multiplying the Impact by the likelihood using the coloured matrix.
3.If the risk is amber or red – identify control measures to reduce the risk to as low as is reasonably practicable.
4.If the residual risk is green, additional controls are not necessary.
5.If the residual risk is amber you can continue but you must identify and implement further controls to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable.
6.If the residual risk is red do not continue with the activity until additional controls have been implemented and the risk is reduced.
7.Control measures should follow the risk hierarchy, where appropriate as per the pyramid above.
8.The cost of implementing control measures can be taken into account but should be proportional to the risk i.e. a control to reduce low risk may not
need to be carried out if the cost is high but a control to manage high risk means that even at high cost the control would be necessary.
1
2
3
4
5
PGT Dissertation Handbook MSc DSIS 2022/23
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Appendix 6. Lists of Databases
September 2022
Databases: Academic Literature

More information and links to databases are available via: https://library.soton.ac.uk/business/articles

Database Access Description
Business Source Premier
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Business and related literature, including over 2000 full text journals.
Econlit
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN.
Worldwide economic literature including journal articles and working papers (NO
FULL TEXT).
Emerald
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Full text journal articles on management and economics.
JSTOR
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Full text journal archive covering many subjects.
PsycARTICLES
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Full text, peer-reviewed scholarly and scientific articles in psychology.
PsycINFO
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Journal articles, book chapters, books, and dissertations, in all psychology and related disciplines (NO FULL TEXT).
Web of Science
Core Collection
Online via Library website. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login or VPN. Peer reviewed journal articles and conference papers covering many subjects (NO FULL TEXT).
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Databases : Non-Academic
Database Access Description Notes
Bankscope
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login or VPN. World banking information Words best in Google Chrome or Fire Fox.
CCH Online (formerly
GAAP Extra)
Online via Library website.
Username & password required (1 of
4).
Information for accountants, tax
practitioners and financial professionals,
including accountancy and auditing
standards.
See Library website for usernames and
passwords.
Datastream
At single terminal in Library.
Bookings made at Library Reception.
Access to detailed historical financial data
from both developed and emerging
markets including equities, market indices,
company accounts, macroeconomics,
bonds, foreign exchange, interest rates,
commodities and derivatives.
FAME
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login or VPN.
Detailed information on UK and Irish
companies
Hemscott Company
Guru
Online via Library website. VPN
required off campus.
Research into the companies, people and
news that drive the UK stock market.
Company fundamentals for 300,000 UK
companies, including charts, ratios, news
and director biographies. Updated daily.
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Database Access Description Notes
Gale Newspaper
Database (formerly
Infotrac)
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login or VPN.
Full text access from 1980s/90s to the Financial
Times, Guardian, Independent, Independent on
Sunday, Observer and the Times.
Keynote
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login or VPN. UK market research
Nexis UK
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login.
Company profiles, industry news and
worldwide newspapers, including the Financial
Times.
ReportLinker
Online via Library website. Only free
content is available.
Freely available market reports, official
industry reports, company profiles and market
statistics.
Passport
Online via Library website.
Worldwide access with iSolutions
login or VPN.
Global market research and company profiles.
Statistics on industries, consumers and
countries.
WARC
Online via Library website. On
campus only (no access via VPN).
Marketing information service providing access
to case studies, research, best practice guides,
and market intelligence on leading companies
and brands.
WRDS
Online via personal login-register
online for access. A range of research data.
Includes US company fundamentals,
US company governance, US stock
prices, US institutional ownership and
global mutual funds.
Zephyr
Online via Library website with
iSolutions login. Worldwide access
with iSolutions login.
Global Mergers and Acquisitions information
from 1999 onwards.
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British Standards
Online
http://www.bsigroup.co.uk/ is a
public website, additionally, the
University subscribes and this
provides access to their information,
reports and documentation
Since its foundation in 1901 as
the Engineering Standards
Committee, BSI Group has grown
into a leading global independent
business services organization
providing standard-based
solutions in more than 140
countries
Data.gov.uk Open access via http://data.gov.uk
The Government is releasing public data to
help people understand how government
works and how policies are made. Some of this
data is already available, but data.gov.uk brings
it together in one searchable website.
Making this data easily available
means it will be easier for people to
make decisions and suggestions about
government policies based on
detailed information.
National Audit
Office
Open access via
http://www.nao.org.uk/publications.
aspx
The National Audit Office (NAO) scrutinises
public spending on behalf of Parliament. The
audit of central government has two main
aims. To hold government departments and
bodies to account for the way they use public
money, and to help public service managers
improve performance and service delivery.
UK Data Service
(UKDS)
http://ukdataservice.ac.uk/
KDS holds a range of data sets. ‘Qualitative &
Mixed Methods Data’ offers a resource
discovery hub via the Discover, enabling users
to locate accessible sources of qualitative data
across the UK. International Macrodata
disseminates and supports both aggregate and
survey UK Data Service databanks.aspx
international datasets for UK FE (UKDS) and HE.
UK National
Statistics (publishes
data from the
Government
Statistical Service)
Open access via
Research and statistics - GOV.UK
(www.gov.uk)
The Government Statistical Service (GSS)
produces National Statistics and other official
statistics, analysis, interpretation and provides
statistical advice to improve understanding and
help decision-making
It collects, analyses and disseminates
official statistics in order to meet the
needs of government, business, and
the public for trusted, authoritative,
relevant and timely statistics, and
related analysis and advice.
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UN data Open access via http://data.un.org/
Reports and data banks
collected and published by
various UN agencies.