Some examples of Student Dissertations

1. Membership NGOs in the process of change to meet the need of the 21st Century
2. The Salvation Army and Government: Marching in-step into the 21st Century?
3. A Third Spring: Towards a deeper understanding of the organisational issues facing Catholic charities and how they are perceived
4. Citizenship education, charities and school
5. Trustee Training - a Critical Analysis
6. An evaluation of charity trustees' effectiveness in understanding the risks associated with fundraising activities
7. An Exploratory Study of Grant-Making by Livery Companies' Charities
8. Cost Implications for a Small to Medium Sized Charity of Setting Up a Trading Entity
9. Mergers and Joint Working in the Charity Sector and Diocesan Structures of the Church of England
10. Barriers of Entry to Charities into Debt Finance
11. Decline in public support for deaf charities: a paradigm shift?
12. Pricing Course Related Marketing

1. Vi Jensen, Membership NGOs in the process of change to meet the need of the 21st Century, MSc in Charity Marketing and Fundraising

The research seeks to understand the drivers of the decision process, to explore characteristics and attitudes of NGOs toward change and provide guidance effective decision processes for The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and NGOs considering how to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. High profile mergers were analysed to match theories identified in the review of existing UK and USA literature. Whilst these theories could be attributed in part to these mergers there was no clear indication of the decision making processes that had been undertaken. These case studies were supplemented by in depth interview with directors of global NGOs to determine the extent to which their characteristics and processes acted as strengths or weaknesses in the process of change.

The analysis found that challenges were seen to be the same, democracy was considered a strength, there was tacit acceptance of lengthy decision processes and excessive timeframes to complete strategies raising questions of relevance in a dynamically changing world and whether there is complacency or lack of focus within the sector. Further research is recommended to establish the effect in terms of cost, efficiency and potential lost opportunities of the democratic process in global NGOs.

It is recommended that WAGGGS undertake action by a trustee led group of staff and consultants with the remit to build upon information gathered previously, to review the appropriateness of the Mission and to understand the root cause for declining membership. After researching partnership options, identify the benefits that would arise from such partnerships or alliances and develop a strategic plan that will enable WAGGGS to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

2. Alan Read, The Salvation Army and Government: Marching in-step into the 21st Century?, MSc Charity Accounting and Financial Management

In a country that is in constant change and in which the Voluntary Sector plays a major part both in social and economic cohesion, but one that is now largely recognised as Secular rather than Spiritual, what is the role of The Salvation Army?

To know where it is going. The Salvation Army needs to know from where and from what it has come. To know if it has the freedom and power to do what it believes it ought to do. The Salvation Army needs to see where it fits with the plans of its nearest 'competitor' and part funder, the British Government. The study attempts to present in writing the results of a programme research the relationship between the two parties over more than a century, to see if there are lessons to be learned that perhaps been overlooked by two huge organisations, which being busy with their day-to-day responsibilities, may have failed to appreciate each other's value.

3. Henry Broadbent, A Third Spring: Towards a deeper understanding of the organisational issues facing Catholic charities and how they are perceived, MSc Charity Accounting

Catholic congregations are likewise engaged in a process of modernisation, 'renewal' or aggriornamento in the face of circumstances that are radically different from those that obtained at their restoration in the nineteenth century. If they are to continue to be of relevance in a contemporary context they are compelled to redefine their 'ultimate concern' and to re-configure their organisational structures in the light of post-modern needs.

Their research explores the 'fields', 'networks' and ' constituencies' of which Catholic congregations are part and considers whether current organisational arrangements facilitate or frustrate the achievement of mission purposes.

It examines selected literature and evaluates current opinion in the light of fresh empirical data. It then purposes recommendations which may help Catholic congregations realise their promise more faithfully and statutory authority deliver public benefit more effectively.

4. Catherine Bourg, Citizenship education, charities and school, MSc Charity Marketing and Fundraising

In the UK citizenship education, introduced into secondary schools in September 2002, is the first new subject to join the National Curriculum since its launch over a decade ago. Moisi suggests that citizenship education is particularly relevant now because " We have lost the privilege of ignorance, since the Intranet and instant information networks have taken away our ability to pretend we are not aware of what happens in the world." (Cogan & Derricott, 200, pxiv) He goes on to say that not only in the UK but throughout the world there is renewed emphasis upon civic and citizenship education as part of the formal school curriculum.

Despite the fact that it will almost certainly bring added pressure on teachers who, in recent years, have experienced an ever increasing pressure to deliver against targets, test and league tables, (indeed Hargreaves asks the question "In an overcrowded curriculum, should citizenship education be optional?"( Hargreaves, 1994, p3)), Breslin (2002) believes it is likely to have benefits for both schools and voluntary bodies, talking of "the potential of the voluntary, professional and business sectors in supporting citizenship in, and beyond, the classroom...the citizenship rich school is.likely to be a more open organisation, valuing student and parental participation, encouraging partnership with community groups and local businesses and welcoming a range of non-teaching professionals and community leaders through its doors." (Breslin, 2002, Charity Week, Issue 26, 25/9/02 - 1/10/02). Research, such as that undertaken by Community Service Volunteers in the run up to the introduction, suggests that the schools which have already embraced the values of citizenship are reaping the benefits in terms of lower truancy levels, reduced exclusion rates better examination performance.

A much quoted part of the Crick report states that through citizenship education " we aim at no less that change in the political culture of this culture" (QCA, 1998, p7) and Potter (200) believes that this aim stems from a fear "that our democratic and social capital is being eroded"(Potter, 2002, p1) with terrorism, riots, tension and violence becoming ever more prevalent in our local, national and global communities, and that the advent of citizenship education throughout the world is a response to a growing unease about the way thing are.

This dissertation began with the seemingly straightforward decision to anylse the impact of citizenship education on charities and schools, particularly with respect to fundraising, what has become increasingly apparent through the literature reviewed is that a great deal appears to be riding on its success - not so much for the charities and schools per se, as for the future of our society. As Potter says:

"It is not enough for children to collect money for famine struck region. Now they - and we- must ask ourselves why these situations happen and how - politically and practically - the problems we face can be alleviated, even removed. Introduction citizenship will encourage reflection on educational and social reform" (Potter, 2002, p22)

this dissertation therefore examines the attitudes of both schools charities towards citizenship education, and asks whther the relationships between them are likely to change as a result of its introduction."

5. Nichola Goom, Trustee Training - a Critical Analysis, MSc Charity Marketing and Fundraising

• What do trustees currently know of their roles and responsibilities?
• Is the training provision available to trustees of charitable organisations sufficient and effective in equipping them with the necessary knowledge to fulfil their legal obligations?
• Does this knowledge filter throughout the board of trustees or just to those who occupy an honorary position?

The participants had received varying levels and types of training. Six of the trustees held honorary positions within their board of trustees, of these two had received internal training, two had undertaken external training and two had not undertaken training. The remaining two trustees did not hold honorary positions, one had received external training and one had not undertake training.

The background data collected from these interviews was compared against previous research to establish whether the participants selected for this research reflected that of the trustee population. The resulting data was compared against the training method utilised to assess whether training was effective and if one method of training proved more successful than another.

The research found that trustees had varying levels of knowledge; it found that training was effective in aiding trustees to effectively carry out their responsibilities. It also found that internal training was more effective that external training and that there is no difference in the levels of knowledge between trustees who hold honorary positions and those who do not."

6. Susie Norbury, An evaluation of charity trustees' effectiveness in understanding the risks associated with fundraising activities, MSc Charity Marketing and Fundraising

Within this framework, the question posed were therefore:

• What do charity trustees see as their main risks and concerns in relation to fundraising activity?
• How much do they think they understand of fundraising to be effective stewards of donated income.
• What levels of fundraising awareness do trustees believe they need to govern the organisation?

Different theories suggest different levels of trustee involvement and understanding is needed for effective charity fundraising. If trustees do not have an understanding of fundraising and its exposure, to risk how are they able to effectively evaluate to outcomes, and how do they know when to back a campaign? Given that trustees are responsible legally for the 'health and wealth' of their organisations, surely they need to be suitably equipped to make these decisions?

A research plan was design and primary qualitative data collected, from semi-structured interviews with a sample of trustees, and unstructured interview with a small sample of senior charity fundraisers.

The data was analysed and after close observation, careful documentation, and thoughtful analysis, patterns emerged. These contextual findings were presented and discussed.

The research offers trustees, fundraisers, the Charity Commission and other commentators in the sector, insight into whether trustees are equipped to be effective risks and a useful analysis regarding the governance of fundraising. It also forms a platform for further detailed research into these areas."

7. Martyn Craddock, An Exploratory Study of Grant-Making by Livery Companies' Charities, MSc Charity Accounting

The study explores the organisational process variables that determine the type and style of grant made. A detailed review of prior research throws up a plethora of variables which include the historical and political contexts, the funding environment, trustees attitude to risk and accountability, and the resources available.

The paucity of extant theories creates the need to use combined qualitative, quantitative and ethnographic research methods. The research design is therefore founded upon the basic principles of the Grounded Theory method.

A high response rate to a census questionnaire confirmed the presence of grant making typologies suggested in prior research: gift-giver, investor and collaborative entrepreneur. High degrees of correlation with attributes explored elsewhere in the questionnaire are found, and follow-up interviews helped identify an abundance of concepts and theories. Livery Company grant making charities are discovered to be multifaceted organisations with complex decision-making processes.

The study concludes that Livery Companies continue to play an important and increasingly influential part of voluntary sector funding. The unique nature of their structure and membership has meant the establishment of differences to other trusts, and thus isolates them from the straight-forward use of best-practice models of grant making. The richness of the data provides a robust and significant addition to the research field of grant making charities.

8. William John Bond, Cost Implications for a Small to Medium Sized Charity of Setting Up a Trading Entity, MSc Charity Accounting

Research was incepted to test the hypotheses that establishing a trading company would be a difficult, complex and precarious endeavour to undertake. These hypotheses were formed from a literature review, which examined, and gained an understanding of, the practical needs and procedures involved in setting up, funding and managing a trading company.

A design for testing the hypotheses was formulated, which included seeking the comments and opinions of experts from five charities with experience of establishing and running charity trading companies. The method used for collecting data was qualitative in nature and involved semi-structured interviews supported by a schedule of key topics and questions. The interviews were tape recorded to ensure that an accurate record of the dialogue was captured. The results of this field work research were transcribed verbatim. A summary of the most salient points was produced from the transcriptions. Key findings from the summary are presented in a series of tables. The tables cover areas that caused difficulty and those that did not; where there is consensus and suggestions for change. The results were analysed using a grounded theory approach and the results considered against the requirements of the field of study and hypotheses.

The field work research validated hypotheses of literature review by finding that process for setting up a trading entity was indeed complicated and fraught with difficulty. It also concluded where charity got right there were many benefits to be gained from doing so.

9. R.W Dallimore, Mergers and Joint Working in the Charity Sector and Diocesan Structures of the Church of England, MSc Charity Accounting

The Hypothesis confirmed to be reasonable following the copulation of the literature review. The literature review includes consideration of the political environment and current of charity law.

The research methods sought to be both qualitative and quantitative in that six interviews were completed and a postal survey of the 43 Dioceses was undertake. Some follow-up telephone enquiries of Dioceses were also undertaken. Extracts from the charity press and a few comments by individuals working in the charity sector supplement the observations made. Notes were taken during the interview, transcribed and then passed to the interviewees to comment on the accuracy of the interviews recorded. Additionally three interviews were conducted together with another student who confirmed the record of the interview. Notes of the interviews are provided in the Appendix D.

The research confirmed there is evidence that some charities are working more collaboratively and that this was particularly true of the smaller charities. The research confirmed that Dioceses are very diverse in character and organisational structure. In consequence conclusions from the small sample should be viewed with caution. Against the background of low response rate from Dioceses there is none-the-less instance of current consideration of merger. Other forms of joint working and alliance are reported.

10. D G (Tojo) Raye, Barriers of Entry to Charities into Debt Finance, MSc Charity Marketing and Fundraising

While there are several publications offering guidance to charities on the procedures of, and best practice with regard to borrowing, investigation has failed to uncover written material or research on the reasons why they do not. Consequently, this exploratory study was undertaken to understand and identify them.

Through the qualitative methodology of purposive sampling, this attempts to determine why organisations in the voluntary sector, with particular emphasis on the smaller charities are, and have been, reticent to borrowing when necessary, in financing their operational or capital needs. This has been achieved by focusing on the constraints of that process. Simultaneously, it attempts to explore the underlying reasons why banks, the traditional lenders, are not and historically, have not been, forthcoming in lending to the voluntary sector. The role of government, as funders, is also considered, as it is instrumental in that process. The views and opinions of experts in the voluntary sector and social economy bankers have also been sought to lend weight to the completeness of the research.

11. M. James, Decline in public support for deaf charities: a paradigm shift?, Msc Charity Marketing and Fundraising 2003

In recent years perspectives on deafness have changed. Deafness in no longer considered as an impairment that needs fixing but instead evidence of a normal variation that gives rise to a linguistically and culturally diverse population. This paper considers the impact of this paradigm shift on the ability of deaf charities to raise voluntary income. The hypothesis of this research is that changing attitudes towards deafness has meant that deaf charities are less likely to use emotive promotional materials that charities serving the protective needs of animals and children, where a paradigm shift in perspective has not taken place.

The hypothesis was tested by interviewing personnel at charities on the impact of imagery and message communicated in promotional materials on influencing the public to donate. This was compared with their views on the influence of external driving forces on the donor's decision to give to deaf charities. This dissertation predicts the internal factor is a more powerful indicator of income levels that external factors.

Semi-structured interviews were held with marketing and fundraising personnel, to discuss perceptions on the use of emotional imagery and on deafness. There was found to be a general perception that deaf people are today living more independently that in the past. But, that the public lack an awareness of the needs of deaf people because it is diverse and invisible disability.

Samples of promotional literature showed that deaf charities are using little and not very shocking emotional imagery. This was partially because of concerns of portraying deaf beneficiaries negatively.

Competition for public income between deaf charities was felt to be widespread. The interviewee's expressed defiance to compete through public relations, and to differentiate their objectives from competitors, rather than consider merging would be their chose strategy to coping with shortfalls in public funding.

The hypothesis was partially proven and concludes the requirement for a public survey on opinions and the needs of deaf people. This is in order to safeguard deaf charities from risks and decline, and to test the use of more shocking and emotional imagery in promotional literature.

The researcher is a profoundly deaf person. Experiences in organising and using communication and technological support to carry out interviews with hearing subjects are discussed. It should be noted that the views of the author on deaf issues might not necessarily be representative of neither all deaf people nor the views of any particular organisation or group.

12. Susan Beck, Pricing Course Related Marketing, MSc in Charity Marketing, 2003

The increase popularity of public alliances between companies and charities, such as Cause Related Marketing (CRM) initiatives, has not been matched by the production of any guidance as to how charities can ensure that they are maximising their potential return for these partnerships.

This exploratory, inductive study contains an extensive literature review and explores the empirical attitudes of ten individuals with an expertise in the field of corporate giving, gathered through individual depth interviews. The interviewees include eminent fundraising consultants, senior fundraisers, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) journalist, a brand entrepreneur and a charity accountant. The research looks at the current environment of corporate giving in the UK and considers the opportunities and long-term threats that CRM activities potentially offer to charities. The factors that could influence the possible returns are identified, along with some suggestions as to how charities could price and evaluate, to ultimately fully CRM partnerships.

The study sets the scene for further deductive research and the creation of sector specific CRM guidelines.