Example human resource management dissertation topic 2:

Promotion or flattery – the use of titles as rewards in a time of fiscal restraint

Working upon the hypothesis that wages are not enough, this dissertation investigates the growing trend of title-inflation within the world of work. Given the wide potential focus of this dissertation it has been decided to narrow the sectoral investigation of this dissertation to three supermarkets in the UK. In so doing qualitative and quantitative research is used not only to provide a framework of transferrable titles but also so as to provide a base-line definition of what job titles means across competing chains. Thereafter interviews with staff, HR and the shopping public results in perceptions of value being attached to the titles given.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Appelbaum, S.H. and  Kamal, R. (2000) ‘An analysis of the utilization and effectiveness of non-financial incentives in small business’, Journal of Management Development, Vol. 19(9), pp.733-763.
• Deegan, C. (1997) ‘Efficient management remuneration plan design: A consideration of specific human capital investments’, Accounting & Finance, Vol. 37, pp. 1-40.
• Pettigrew, A.M. (1992), ‘On studying managerial elites’, Strategic Management. Journal, Vol.13, pp. 163-182.
• Shepherd, D.A. and DeTienne, D.R. (2005), ‘Prior knowledge, potential financial reward, and opportunity identification’, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Vol. 29, pp. 91-112.