Thesis – The Impact of the Individual Accountability Framework and Senior Executive Accountability Regime

Applied Project word count and marking scheme

Suggested 5-Chapter Structure (with approximate word count)

Chapter 1: Introduction (1,200–1,500 words) 10-15%

 Background and context
 Research problem
 Research question and objectives
 Rationale/significance of the study
 Overview of industry context
 Structure of the dissertation

Chapter 2: Literature Review (2,000–2,500 words) 20-25%

 Overview of topics
 Theoretical frameworks (e.g. governance theory, regulatory theory, ethics)
 Review of relevant studies or similar regimes
 Contrasting literature (e.g. positive vs. negative impacts of accountability regimes)
 Gaps in the literature that your research addresses
 Link to your research objectives

Chapter 3: Research Methodology (1,500–2,000 words) 15-20%

 Research philosophy (interpretivism) and justification
 Research approach (inductive vs. deductive)
 Qualitative strategy and single case study design
 Data collection: semi-structured interviews, multi-level design
 Sampling and participant selection
 Ethical considerations
 Limitations of the research
 Trustworthiness (credibility, dependability, etc.)

Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion (3,000–3,500 words) 25-30%

 Presentation of key themes from interview data
 Link findings to each objective:
o Perceptions
o Implementation
o Effects
 Discussion: how findings align or contrast with existing literature
 Reflect on implications for theory, policy, and practice

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations (800–1,200 words) 10-15%

 Summary of main findings
 Revisit research objectives and how they were met
 Contributions of the research
 Practical recommendations
 Suggestions for future research
 Final reflections
Extra Components (Not part of the 5 chapters but included in your word count
unless stated):
 Abstract (150–300 words, not always included in the count)
 References (Not included in the word count)
 Appendices (e.g. interview guide, ethics forms, etc.)