FINAL PROJECT GUIDELINES

This is intended as a guide only to help you prepare for a project and submit
the report. As every project is different it is expected that the methodology and
report will vary in content, style and emphasis.

The final project is an essential requirement and integral part of the curriculum
for successful completion of MBA programme. The project aims at developing
insight and capabilities in the students for in depth study, research, interpretation
and analysis on a particular chosen/allotted topic. Projects are to be significant
works of an applied nature, wherein the student is working with a company or
organization to analyze and propose a solution to a specific problem or problems.

PART I – PLANNING & DESIGNING THE PROJECT

Selection of the topic

Project topic has to be selected with respect to the programme of study and area
selected by the student.

Title of the project should clearly specify the objective and scope of the study. It
should be specific and neither too vague nor centralistic.

Project selection has to be made in consultation with the faculty member allotted
to supervise.

Selection of Projects –Criteria

• Will the implementation of the project bring about an improvement in the

present status of an activity and can this improvement be quantified.
• Quantification may be in terms of money saved, or better utilization of
time and man power, better sales performance, higher production etc.
• Does it have an underlying management principle, frame work or model
based on which the data is collected, analyzed and arguments developed?
• Is the project idea of thesis, proving or disproving of a hypothesis the
methodology, the framework for analysis should be such that it can be
applied to other problems of similar nature? While it would have a
distinctive of its own in its application to the specific situation the project
would not be so exclusive that its principles have no other applications
• Does the project report take into account factual data which is relevant to
the particular situation?
In planning and designing a project work, it is necessary to anticipate all the
steps that must be undertaken if the project is to be successful in collecting valid
and reliable information.

Steps in Planning and Designing the project

1) Specifying research objectives.

2) Preparing a list of needed information.
3) Designing the data collection project.
4) Selecting a sample type.
5) Determining the sample size.
6) Organizing and carrying out the field work.
7) Analyzing the collected data and reporting the findings.

I. Specifying Research Objectives

In this step of the project process student must first obtain answers to the
questions, “what is the purpose of this study?” and “what are the objectives of
the project?”

II. Preparing a list of Needed Information

After a satisfactory statement of the objectives have been established, it is

necessary to prepare a list of information needed to attain the objectives. The
contents of such a list will be determined by the objectives of the project.

III. Designing the Data Collection Project

After the project objective have been specified (Step 1) and list of needed
informed has been prepared (Step 2) the student should determine whether such
information is already available, either in company records or in outside sources.

If the needed information is not available from the secondary sources, the student
will have to collect data in the field, until the appropriate secondary sources of
information have been reviewed.

Important issues to be addressed while designing the data collection forms

typically include the following

• What type of questionnaire (personal interview, telephone interview, or

mail survey) should be used?
• What should be the content – and the wording of individual questions?
• What type of questions should be used?
• In what sequence should the questions be placed?
IV Selecting a Sample Type

As it is impractical to collect data from all members of large population a sample

is selected.

V Determining a Sample Size

The stusent must also decide how large a sample to select. The sample should be
large enough to be representative of the population.

VI Organizing and carrying out the field work

Field work includes meeting the respondents, giving the questionnaire and
interviewing them and selling information that is constant and logical.

VII Analyzing the collected Data and Reporting the Finding.

After all interviews and or observations have been made, the completed data
collection forms must be processed in a way that yield the information, the
project was designed to obtain.

Next, the data must be prepared for tabulation. This means that the student must
transform the data in the computer. Tables of data must be compiled,
percentages and averages must be computed and comparisons must be made
between different classes, categories and groups. The end result should be set of
information that coincides with the list of needed information required in the
research process.

The reporting of research finding is the end product of the project process. The
key components of the Reports are presented in Part II.

Part II PROJECT REPORT

A project report has to be a scholarly effort that results in a contribution to the

literature, either as new theory, a new application of an exisiting theory or
practice, or a synthesis of the literature. As such, the report should include a
significant literature review, research questions/hypothesis, appropriate research
methodology, findings and conclusions.

Key components of Project Report could be:

Title page (see Exhibit I)

This should state:

• Title of report
• Name of the Company
• Who prepared it?
• Nature and Date of submission

Certificate from Faculty Guide (Exhibit II)

Certificate from the Director (Exhibit III)
Certificate from the Company
Declaration from Student (Exhibit IV)

Acknowledgement – a brief thank you note to the people who have helped you
in the project.

Table of Contents – List of the various topics covered in the project along with
the page numbers

This should:

• Systematically number sections and subsections.

• List tables and figures.

Executive summary

This is a one-page abstract of the entire report, and may be all that a busy
business executive reads. It should

• Explain the terms of reference, the purpose and scope of the report,
• State the key methods and approach used.
• List the main conclusions.
• List the key recommendations.

Main text of the report

This consists of a series of sections arranged under headings and subheadings

that typically would include:

1. Introduction and theoretical background of the study-often a detailed

analysis of the current situation or problem.
2. Research methodology – this should include:
 2.1 objectives of the research and the operationalisation of the key
variables.
2.2 the population of case studies and the sampling procedures or
selecting cases
2.3 data capture instruments used
2.4 data collection methods
2.5 specific research techniques and applications
2.6 data analysis procedures
2.7 Limitations of the study.

3. Profiles: Profile of the Industry / Company / Product. It should also cover

the profile of the Industry and the Products concerned. This chapter should
give a brief background of the Company in which the study was conducted
and shouldn’t exceed 5 pages.

4. Analysis and interpretation of Data

5. Finding & conclusions – It is the heart of the project and should be

related to the objectives established.

6. Suggestions and recommendations – This would be your views/opinions

on the project. You can give comments but they should be justified and
logical.

Appendices

This may include:

• Any explanatory notes that would clutter up the main report,

• Tabulations and calculations not included in the text,
• References
• Copies of questionnaire or visual materials used.
• Bibliography – list of books, magazines, journals, websites etc.,
referred.