Guidelines

of

Dissertation / Project (DCM3205)

Bachelor of Commerce ([Link])

Centre for Distance and Online Education

Manipal University Jaipur
Dehmi Kalan, Rajasthan – 303007.
 Contents
1. Introduction
2. Dissertation
2.1 Phase I: Dissertation Guide Registration and Synopsis Approval
2.1.1 Dissertation Guide and Synopsis Approval
2.1.2 Content of Dissertation Synopsis
2.1.3 Instructions for Submitting the Dissertation Synopsis
2.1.4 Dissertation Guide
2.1.5 Project Steering Committee
2.1.6 Steps for Dissertation Synopsis Submission and
Guide Allocation
2.1.7 Do’s & Don’ts for Preparing Dissertation Synopsis
2.1.8 Templates of Guide and Synopsis Approval
2.2 Phase II: Dissertation Work
2.2.1 Components of Dissertation Report
[Link] Title of the Dissertation
[Link] Introduction
[Link] Objectives of the Study
[Link] Literature Review
[Link] Research Methodology
[Link] Data Analysis & Interpretation
[Link] Results & Discussion
[Link] Suggestions/Recommendations
[Link] Limitations and Scope of Future Research
[Link] Conclusion
[Link] Bibliography
[Link] Executive Summary

2.3 Dissertation Evaluation

2.4 Dissertation Viva Voce / Presentation
2.5 Title Pages of the Dissertation Report
1. Introduction
The course titled “Dissertation” has 12 credits. The purpose of including
Dissertation in [Link] Programme is to provide an insight to learner so that they
can communicate information in an effective and convincing way, thus,
contributing to the organizational planning and decision making.
It enables students to apply conceptual knowledge in a practical situation andto
learn the art and science of conducting a study in a systematic way and present
its findings in the form of report.
The students are encouraged to involve themselves completely in the
dissertation work starting from dissertation guide and synopsis approval in the
5th Semester (Pre-final) semester and the dissertation report in the 6th (Final)
semester. The topic selected for the dissertation should be appropriate to justify
[Link] dissertation. The dissertation should be genuine and original work of the
learner and should not be copied from anywhere else.
2. Dissertation
Dissertation work has two phases.
Phase 1: Guide and Synopsis Approval

Phase 2: Dissertation Work

2.1 Phase I: Dissertation Guide and Synopsis Approval

2.1.1 Dissertation Guide and Synopsis Approval

Students need to get dissertation guide and synopsis approval through LMS
portal. The dissertation synopsis should be prepared in consultation with the
guide and guide should approve the dissertation synopsis before it’s upload in
LMS.
2.1.2 Content of Dissertation Synopsis
The dissertation synopsis needs to be prepared comprising the following
components (Refer to annexure VII for more details):
a) Title of the Dissertation – Maximum 20 words
b) Introduction and Objectives of the Study - Maximum 200 words
c) Literature Review and Problem Statement – Maximum 500 words
d) Research Methodology and References – Maximum 500 words

2.1.3 Instructions for Submitting the Dissertation Synopsis

1. Submission of dissertation synopsis is an online process. Dissertation
synopsis details should be filled in the appropriate sections in the LMS portal.
2. The submitted dissertation synopsis will be processed by the Project
Steering Committee based on guide / approver feedback.
3. Student needs to ensure that he/she provides a valid e-mail id and mobile
number to receive confirmation message on approval/ re-submission.
4. Synopsis which does not adhere to the guidelines will be rejected and has to
be re-submitted for approval again.
5. Possible reasons for synopsis rejection could be as follows:
• Technical issues preventing the university from downloading the synopsis
document you have attached.
• Synopsis is not uploaded in the format prescribed by the university (Refer to
Annexure II given at the end of this document).
• Synopsis not signed by the student.
• Pasting the images of the guide and student signatures in the student
declaration and guide acceptance form.
• Submitted dissertation synopsis does not pertain to the B. Com domain.
• Plagiarized content in dissertation synopsis.
• Inappropriate dissertation title and/or objectives and/ or problem statement
and/or research methodology.
• Change suggested in title or any other content of synopsis
• Scope of work needs to be enhanced
• Additional explanation needed
6. Student can see the status (Not Submitted / Submitted / In-review / Rejected
/ Graded) of the dissertation synopsis in LMS Login.
7. Through e-mail / mentor call, it may be informed to the student regarding
the status of the submitted synopsis/dissertation.

2.1.4 Dissertation Guide

The role of a dissertation guide is highly significant in undertaking dissertation
work and producing a quality dissertation report by the students. Dissertation
guide’s expertise must lie in the subject domain, counselling, guiding,
monitoring, and evaluating the work of the student.
Role of a Guide
• Guide is expected to offer suggestions to fine tune the problem identified for
the dissertation and in synopsis preparation. The problem identified should be
sufficient for a study at [Link] level.
• Guide must monitor and review the dissertation work periodically with a
minimum of two reviews during the course of the dissertation and provide
suggestions for improvement.
• Guide must go through the draft dissertation report and offer suggestions
wherevernecessary and confirm that the dissertation report is submitted as
per the prescribed format.
• Guide shall send intimation to learner and Project Steering Committee for
dissertation synopsis and report approval/ rejection.

2.1.5 Project Steering Committee (PSC)

To directly monitor and track the dissertations, Project Steering Committee is
set up at the University.
The functions of this committee are as follows:
1. Approve guide to learners keeping in mind the domain of guide and
the topic proposed by the learner subject to fulfillment of minimum
eligibility criteria.
2. Coordination and tracking of all dissertation related activities.
3. Screening the dissertation synopsis submitted by the student and
conveying the result of the same to the student through LMS portal.
4. Receiving IA grades for approved synopsis.
All correspondence regarding dissertations should be addressed
through the official email id of respective guide and LMS.
Note: Please mention your enrolment number in all communications.

2.1.6 Steps for Guide Approval and Synopsis Submission

Step 1: Open LMS portal (URL:) and login using your user-id and password.
Step 2: Click on ‘Guide Approval’
Step 3: Read the guidelines carefully before filling the online form.
Step 4: Fill annexure I for guide approval.
Step 5: Take printout of duly filled and signed ‘Annexure I’. File formats supported
to upload ‘Guide Approval’ is .pdf only. The file size to be uploaded
should not exceed 3MB. Incomplete forms without the signatures will not be
processed. Multiple submission of guide approval is not allowed.
Step 6: Upload scanned copy of this printed form for guide approval in LMS
portal under appropriate section.
Step 7: After receiving guide approval intimation through LMS, submit synopsis
by filling and uploading annexure II.
Step 8: Synopsis which does not adhere to the guidelines will be rejected and has
to be re-submitted for approval again.
Step 9: Take printout of duly filled and signed ‘Annexure I’. File formats supported
to upload ‘Guide Approval’ in .pdf only. The file size to be uploaded should not
exceed 3MB. Incomplete forms without the signatures will not be processed.
Multiple submission of synopsis is not allowed.
Step 10: Upload scanned copy of this printed form in LMS portal under
appropriate section for approval.
Step 11: Click on “Upload Synopsis”
Step 12: Next, lick on the “Submit” button as shown below.
Step 13: Once the submit button is clicked, you will get a message stating that
the synopsis is successfully submitted for approval.
Step 14: Once submitted, Project Steering Committee will screen your
proposal
Step 15: If your synopsis is approved, you will received intimation through LMS.
Step 16: If your synopsis is rejected, you will be requested to re-submit your
synopsis again through LMS.

2.1.7 Do’s & Don’ts for Preparing Dissertation Synopsis

I) Do’s

1. Use SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely)

dissertation objectives.
2. Select an appropriate topic and title related to your domain.

II) Don’ts

1. Don’t use past tense except under literature review.

2. Do not formulate more than 5 objectives.

III) Other points to remember

1. Refer sample list of dissertation domain under annexure VIII to get
an ideaof areas to work. Ensure that you do not submit plagiarized
content for synopsis approval.
 2. Not more than one student is permitted to work on the same
dissertation. If the title is almost identical, the content of the
dissertation must be different.
3. Students should start the dissertation work only after receiving
guide consent for synopsis. Any queries regarding dissertations can
be sent to [Link]@[Link] (please mark subject
as [Link] Dissertation Request for……). Subject matter discussion
will remain between the learner and the concerned guide.

2.1.8 Templates of Guide and Synopsis Approval

1. Submission of ‘Dissertation Guide Approval Form’ as per annexure I.
2. Submission of ‘Dissertation Synopsis Approval Form’ as per annexure II

As dissertation work is an important part of [Link] course curriculum, it has

been marked twelve credits. The following guidelines need to be followed for
[Link] Dissertation:
1. The dissertation must be a live dissertation either done at the
place of workor some other organization or conceptual.
2. The dissertation must be related to the domain pursued.
3. The title selected should be coherent with the domain.
4. A list of suggested domain is provided in annexure VIII. However,
thestudent and the guide are responsible to identify an appropriate
topic.
5. The dissertation title should be specific and focused towards the
objectives of the dissertation.
6. Dissertation work should be undertaken on the same topic as
approved during synopsis approval.
2.2 Phase 2: Dissertation Work
Dissertation Report and Viva-Voce process

Student

Follow the guidelines and guide feedback to preparethe

Dissertation Report and get consent from guide
Role of Student

Log on to LMS using student credentials and go to

Dissertation Report

Follow the steps for submission of Dissertation

Reportand Presentation Slides

Upload the video of Viva-voce questions shared by PSC to

complete the process

Approved Rejected / Not

PSC Approved
Role of PSC

Appropriate Communication sent to Appropriate Communication sent to

the Student (Mail/ SMS) with the Student (Mail/ SMS) with reasons
suggestions for improvements (if any) for resubmission.
Students need to resubmit the
Dissertation Report/ Presentation
Students can check the status of their Slides/ Viva-Voce Video.
Dissertation Report and Viva Voce on Modify the required document as per
LMS PSC/Guide’s feedback for rejection.

Dissertation Report Submission and Viva Voce

Process
2.2.1 Components of Dissertation Report
These guidelines will provide the information for developing a dissertation
[Link] components of dissertation Report are:
❖ Title of the Dissertation
❖ Introduction of the Study
❖ Objective(s) of the Study
❖ Literature Review
❖ Research Methodology
• Research Hypotheses
• Research Model
• Research Plan
• Sampling Plan
• Research Procedure
❖ Data analysis & Interpretation
❖ Results & Discussions
❖ Suggestions/Recommendations
❖ Limitations and Scope of Future Research
❖ Conclusion
❖ References

Note: Read to “Annexure VII: Dissertation Writing Guidelines” for details of

abovementioned component of dissertation report.

2.3 Dissertation Evaluation

Evaluation Pattern for the dissertation is based on the following categories:
✓ Synopsis (30% - IA-Internal Assessment),
✓ Executive Summary / Abstract, Dissertation report, presentation and viva
voce(70% - TEE-Term-End-Examination).
2.4 Dissertation Viva Voce / Presentation
The soft copy of the final dissertation report, executive summary and
presentation should be uploaded in .pdf format on LMS within the timeline
stipulated by the University.
For dissertation report refer to format given under annexure III.

VIVA-VOCE
The viva-voce will be recorded in audio-video format. The details of the same
will be shared by the university separately.

2.5 Title Pages of the Dissertation Report

1. Cover page and Title page (Refer Annexure III)
2. Acknowledgement
3. Bonafide certificate (Refer Annexure IV)
4. Declaration by the student (Refer Annexure V)
5. Executive Summary
6. List of Tables
7. List of Figures
8. List of Symbols and Abbreviations
9. Table of Contents (Refer to section 2.2.1)
Annexure, if any
➢ Acknowledgement
Acknowledgment is the regards given to the people and organization who have
helped the student to complete the dissertation undertaken.
List of Tables
• By the word ‘Table’, mean tabulated numerical data in the body of the
dissertation report as well as in the appendices (if any). All other non-
verbal materials used in the body of the dissertation work and appendices
such as charts, graphs, maps, photographs and diagrams may be
designated as figures.
• The same name should be given for the tables as they exactly appear in
the text.
Format - List of Tables
Table no. Title Page

List of Figures
The same name should be given for the figures as they exactly appear in the text.

Format - List of Figures

 Figure no. Title Page

• List of Symbols and Abbreviations 1.5 line spacing should be adopted for typing
the matter under this head. Standard symbols, abbreviations etc. should be
used.
Format - List of Symbols

Table No. Symbol Nomenclature &

Meaning

Format - List of Abbreviations

Sl. No. Abbreviated Full Form Page no.
Name

• Table of contents:
It is the list of all the contents of the report. A specimen is shown below.
Format – Table of Content

Chapter no. Title Page no.

1 Introduction
1.1 Detail
1.2 Detail
1.3 Detail
2 Literature Review
2.1 Detail
2.2 Detail

• Chapters: The main text will be divided into several chapters and each chapter
can be further divided into several divisions and sub-divisions. Each chapter
should be given a relevant title. Tables and figures in a chapter should be placed
in the position with respect to the reference where they are cited. The same
name should be given for the table as they exactly appear in the text abovethe
table. The caption of the table must be present above the table. 1.5 line spacing
should be adopted for typing the matter under this head.
 Table 1
Field 1 Field 2 Field 3 Field 4 Field 5 Field 6

The same name should be given for the figure as they exactly appear in the text
below the figure. The caption of the figure must be present below as ‘Figure. 1.1’
line spacing should be adopted for typing the matter under this head.
Headers and Footers should be used sparingly. The title of dissertation must be
on the left side of the header and chapter name must be on the right side of the
headers. Page numbers are to be placed on the right side of the footer. They
should be typed single space and placed directly underneath in the very same
page, which refers to the material they annotate. Questionnaire/Balance
sheets/Reports used in the study may be included as Annexure. Instructions The
text in the printed copies must be in black colour. 1.5 line spacing should beused
for typing the general text. The general text shall be typed in the font style
- Times New Roman and font size - 12. Font 14 may be used for titles.
 ANNEXURE I
DISSERTATION / PROJECT GUIDE REGISTRATION FORM
(To be submitted to the Project Steering Committee)

1. Name:
2. Date of Birth:
3. Present Employer: Affix Your Latest Photo
4. Designation:
5. Contact Details:
i) Residential Address:
ii) Office Address:
iii) All communications to be sent to: Residential/ Official address (tick anyone)
iv) Contact No.:
v) E-mail id:
10. Education Qualification (start with highest qualification): (Please attach photocopies of
degree certificates)
S. No. Name of Specialization Year of Institution/University Class
the Degree Passing Obtained

11. Area of Specialization/Interest:

12. Total yrs. of Experience: (Please attach photocopies of Experience letters// LinkedIn
profile link)
[Link]. Name of the organization Designation From To

I hereby declare that the information provided by me is true. I agree with the rules and
regulations given by the University.

Signature (Proposed Guide)

(FOR OFFICE USE)

Following details have been verified

Details Yes No
Sl. No
1 Qualification
2 Experience
3 PAN Card (in case of Domestic Guide)
4 Passport (in case of Foreign Guide)
5 Approved for Department / Specialization

Signature Signature
(Faculty in-charge) (Project Steering Committee)
(Note: Filled in Registration forms must be scanned in either .pdf / .doc format and
submitted along with credentials (Scanned copy of Degree Certificates, PAN Card (for
Domestic Guide), Passport (for Foreign Guide) and Experience Certificates of the proposed
guide) on LMS portal- link).
 ANNEXURE II
DISSERTATION /PROJECT SYNOPSIS APPROVAL FORM
(To be submitted to the Project Steering Committee)
PART A: Synopsis
I. Student Details:
1. Name of the Program:
2. Name of the Student:
3. Roll Number:
4. Session & Year:
5. Domain/ Elective Group:
II. Dissertation / Project Details
6. Title of the Dissertation / Project: (Not more than 20 words)
7. Introduction and Review of Literature: (Not more than 500 words)
8. Objectives of the Study: (Not more than 200 words)
9. Research Methodology and References: (Not more than 500 words)
III. Guide Details:
10. Name of Proposed Guide:
11. Guide Registration No. (If available):
12. Designation:
13. Affiliation:
14. Qualification:
15. Total Experience:
16. Communication Address:
17. Contact No.:
18. E-mail ID:
 PART – B: Guide Acceptance for Synopsis

I, Dr./Mr./Mrs. __________________ with working as hereby confirm my willingness to

guide Mr./ Ms. Reg No. ______________for the topic (title of the dissertation /project)
during the period ______ (month/year) to (month/year).
Place:
Date: (Signature of the Guide)
(Note: A Guide needs to get registered with the University if he/ she is guiding a MUJDOE
dissertation /project for the first time. Guide Registration form can be downloaded from the
LMS portal)

DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this dissertation / project synopsis is an original work carried by me
and has not been/will not be submitted to any other University for fulfilment of any course
of study.

Place:
Date:

(*Filled in application forms to be signed by both student and the Guide. Forms must be
scanned in either .pdf/.doc format and submitted through the LMS student’s Login. For
uploading, please refer section 2.1.3 of this document)

(Signature of the Student)

 ANNEXURE- III

<TITLE OF DISSERTATION REPORT>

Dissertation Report Submitted in
Partial fulfilment of the requirement
for the award of Degree of
BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
([Link])
Submitted by
<Student’s Name>
Reg No:
Under the guidance of
<Guide’s Name>
Guide Reg No:

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY JAIPUR (MUJ)

CENTRE FOR DISTANCE AND ONLINE EDUCATION

<MONTH> & <YEAR>

 ANNEXURE – IV

BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this dissertation report titled ……………………………………………..” is the

bonafide work of “………..……..<NAME OF THE CANDIDATE> ............ ” who carried
out the dissertation work under my supervision in the partial fulfilment of
the requirements for the award of the [Link] degree.

SIGNATURE
Name of the Guide
 ANNEXURE – V

DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I ………………………………………………….. bearing Reg. No… .......................... hereby

declare that this dissertation report entitled (Title) has been prepared by me
towardsthe partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the BACHELOR
OF COMMERCE ([Link]) Degree under the guidance of……………………

I also declare that this dissertation report is my original work and has not been
previously submitted for the award of any Degree, Diploma, Fellowship, or other
similar titles.

Place: (Name (in capitals) and signature of candidate)

Date: Reg. No. …….………..
 ANNEXURE – VI

COPY OF APPROVED PROJECT SYNOPSIS

I. Student Details:
1. Name of the Program:
2. Name of the Student:
3. Roll Number:
4. Session & Year:
5. Domain:
II. Dissertation Details
6. Title of the Dissertation: (Not more than 20 words)
7. Introduction and Review of Literature: (Not more than 500 words)
8. Objectives of the Study: (Not more than 200 words)
9. Research Methodology and References: (Not more than 500 words)

Note: Approved copy of Synopsis shall be duly signed by the guide and student. It should
be appended as annexure in final report.

Place:
Date:

Status: Approved/ Rejected

(Signature of Guide) (Signature of the Student)

 Annexure VII
Guidelines for Writing Dissertation Report

I. Title of the Dissertation

The primary function of a title is to provide a clarity with respect to nature of
dissertation. Title of synopsis should focus on the research area and the place or
the company name. A good title for research is typically around 10 to 12 words.
To decide on the title, you should:
1) First write down the domain related to your program. For this purpose, you
may refer to courses related to [Link] programme, e.g., Financial Accounting,
Management Accounting, Human Resource Management, Marketing
Management, etc.
2) Next, list some of your favourite topics under related domain Accounting /
Marketing / Human Resource Management etc.
3) Out of reviewed topic, choose one topic considering its feasibility e.g.,
“Financial Analysis of Banking Sector”.
4) The topic “Financial Analysis of Banking Sector” is broad in scope because it
leaves certain questions unanswered like-scope, timeframe, specific aspect of
analysis.
5) Next, read a few research papers and books to find the kind of research that
has been conducted in your area of interest and note down the gaps in the
research conducted or future research suggested in this area. These
dissertation topics tell us exactly what type of dissertation you wish to
undertake. Please ensure that the topic you have chosen has not already been
worked on. You will be able to know this through Literature Review.
6) Finalize the dissertation topic considering it’s feasibility and contribution. Ask
yourself these questions: Can you complete the dissertation within the time
stipulated by us? Where will you conduct the research? What sort of data will
you need for the dissertation? Can you find the data to complete the
dissertation? Doyou have the necessary tools for analyzing the data?
Once all of these questions are answered, you may finalize on a dissertation title.
Tips to write a good dissertation title
Tip 1: Avoid using subject names: The title for a dissertation in marketing cannot
be simply ‘Financial Accounting and Reporting’. Such titles are considered as
broad and vague. It should be a study in the chosen field of accounting in a
specific context.
Examples of vague titles:
➢ Financial Accounting and Reporting
➢ International Financial Reporting Standards
➢ Economic Analysis
Examples of acceptable titles:
➢ A study of credit analysis framework of XYZ Company
➢ Impact analysis of environmental factors on financial stability of
XYZ Ltd. during given time period
Tip 2: Don’t choose an interrogative title: The title should not be in a question
form. It should be a simple statement.
Example of incorrect title:
➢ What is the cash flow analysis of XYZ Company with respect to ABC
Company?
Example of a correct title
➢ Comparative study of cash flow analysis between XYZ Company and ABC
Company
Tip 3: Don’t use negative in titles: The title should not contain a negative
statement about any product, brand, company or entity.
Examples of incorrect title:
➢ Why don’t investors opt for pension plan?
➢ Reasons for consumers not liking mutual fund of XYZ.
Example of a correct title:
➢ Investors preferences towards the XYZ financial instrument
2. Introduction
Introduction in the synopsis can include the following:
A brief overview of the topic, mentioning context, rationale, citations and problem
statement. Thus, introduction must have following sections:
A. Problem in one or two sentences by stating the main focus area of your study.
B. Need/purpose of the study i.e. why are you conducting this study?
C. Importance/perceived benefits of researching the problem and the scope of
your study.
3. Objectives of the Study
The next step is to list down the objectives of your study, which you wish to fulfil.
The problem statement has to be broken down into tasks or objectives that need
to be met in order to answerthe research question. To write objectives of study,
use action verbs ‘to find out’, ‘to determine’, ‘to establish’, and ‘to measure’ etc.
In certain cases, the main objectives of the studymight need to be broken down
into sub-objectives which clearly state the tasks to be accomplished.
Tips to write good dissertation objectives
Tip 1: Dissertation objectives should be SMART-Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic and Timely. It should focus on what you intend to do in the
dissertation. Objectives are usually headed by infinitive verbs such as:
1. To identify
2. To establish
3. To describe
4. To determine
5. To estimate
6. To develop
7. To compare
8. To analyze
9. To collect
For dissertation title, “A study on the influence of social media marketing on
perception of consumers”.
Example of incorrect objectives:
1. Management - It enables the enterprise to provide correct strategy on
social marketing
2. Is more interested in total turnover because of social marketing
3. Consumers are willing to incorporate more of social marketing
Example of correct objectives:
1. To analyze the influence of social media on buying behaviour of
consumers
2. To identify brands that have effectively used social media to attract
consumer Perceptions
3. To study the social media usage pattern among various age groups
4. To measure the effect of social media on the consumer perceptions and
attitudes towards brand.
Tip 2: It is ideal to list between 3-5 objectives.
4. Literature Review
A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by
accredited scholars and researchers. A literature review surveys scholarly
articles, books and other sources (e.g. projects, conference proceedings)
relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, providing a
description, summary, and critical evaluation of each work. The purpose of
literature review is to offer an overview of significant literature published on a
topic.
Literature review should comprise of the following elements:
➢ An overview of the subject, issue or theory under consideration, along
with the objectives of the literature review
➢ Division of works under review into categories (e.g. those in support of a
particular position, those against, and those offering alternative theses
entirely)
➢ Explanation of how each work is similar to and how it varies from the
others
➢ Conclusions as to which pieces are best considered in their argument, are
most convincing of their opinions, and make the greatest contribution to
the understanding and development of their area of research
5. Research Methodology
It refers to the procedures used in making systematic observations or otherwise
obtaining data, evidence, or information as part of a research project or study.
In the research methodology section of dissertation, you need to describe how
you will proceed to research the problem stated and achieve the objectives
formulated. It includes research hypothesis, research model, research design,
sampling design and research procedure.
a) Research Hypothesis: It is the assumption for your dissertation work. A
research hypothesis is the statement created by researchers when they
speculate upon the outcome of a research or experiment.
b) Research Model: When selecting the research method it is usually
advisable to consider whether you can base your work on an earlier
theoretical model. Sometimes a model, even a preliminary one, can help your
work decisively, and in such a case it will also affect the logical process of
analysis. It is a diagrammatic representation of the variables selected in the
research to study.
c) Research Plan: It includes research design and data collection methods.
Consider the objectives of the study and decide which type of research design
you will use i.e. Exploratory, Descriptive or Causal. Next, decide what type of
data you will need to realize every objective of your study. Mention if you will
collect primary and/or secondary data, and if it is qualitative or quantitative
in nature. Mention how you will collect the data (the sources of data). For
example, primary data for a study may be collected through observations and
questionnaire. If you are using secondary data, mention if the sources are
external or internal and their type. Ex: Industry reports or annual report of
the company.
d) Sample Plan: It includes sampling design, sample location, sampling frame,
sampling unit and sample size. When you collect any sort of data, especially
quantitative data, whether observational, through surveys or from secondary
data, you need to decide which data to collect and from whom. This is called
the sample. A sample is a subset of the population being studied. It represents
the larger population and is used to draw inferences about that population.
A. Population: Population is a complete set of elements (persons or
objects) that possess some common characteristics defined by the
sampling criteria established by the researcher. For example, if a study is
about “Quality of education among professionals in XYZ Company”, the
population of this study will be those employees of XYZ Company having
professional qualification.
B. Sampling Frame: “Sampling frame comprises all the elements of a
population with proper identification that is available to us for selection at
any stage of sampling”. For example, in the above case, sampling frame will
be all the employees having professional qualification in XYZ Company.
C. Sampling Unit: Every single unit or object inside the sampling frame
is regarded as sampling unit. For example, each employee of sampling
frame will be a sampling unit.
D. Sample Size: A sample size is a component of population which is
cautiously selected to signify the population. The most commonly used
approach for determining the size of sample is the confidence interval
approach covered under inferential statistics.
E. Sampling Design: It is a method of selecting a suitable sample for the
purpose of determining the characteristics of the whole population. There
are two types of sampling design non-probability sampling techniques and
probability sampling techniques. There are various sub techniques under
each. You may choose the method that best suits your dissertation. For
 example, in the above case, convenience sampling can be used to select
the sample.
e) Research Procedure: It includes the detailed procedure of your research
work conducted along with the time frame of research. It also includes the
statistical techniques which are expected to be used for the purpose of data
analysis. For example, chi-square test, t-test, z-test, Factor Analysis, Multiple
Regression Analysis etc.
6. Data Analysis & Interpretation: Use various charts /diagrams /Statistical tools
for analysis of data collected through Primary/Secondary sources of
Information.
7. Results & Discussion: Student should discuss the results obtained after
interpreting the data analysis, comparing with the existing literature.
8. Suggestions/Recommendations: On the basis of findings and results of the
research work, suggestions/recommendations can be drawn.
9. Limitations and Scope of Future Research: Student must mention the
problems faced by them during conducting the research work. There is always a
room for improvement, hence, student must also mention the scope of research,
which can be conducted in future with respect to the current research.
10. Conclusion. This is concluding part of the report that presents researcher’s
perspective on findings and suggestions.
11. References: You may follow APA style to cite references. It includes the list of
all those sources you looked at i.e., all those books, articles, website, and so on,
you cited in your text and also those ones you consulted but didn't actually cite
in your text.
12. Executive Summary
The executive summary should be of 500 words and besides being a part of the
dissertation report, a copy of the executive summary should also be submitted
separately. It should be typed in 1.5 line spacing, font style-Times New Roman
and font size-12. The following are the components of the summary.
✓ Title
✓ Objectives of the Study
✓ Research Methodology
✓ Major findings / outcomes of the study
✓ Suggestions
 Annexure VIII

Illustrative List of Domains for Dissertation

▪ A Study on Commodity Trading & Investor Awareness

▪ A Study on Commodity Trading With Special Reference to Gold & Silver
▪ A Study on Comparative Analysis of Stock Broking Firms
▪ A Study on Capital Budgeting
▪ A Study on Corporate Governance
▪ A Study on Currency Derivatives/Forex Market
▪ A Study on Derivatives: Overview / Futures / Options
▪ A Study on Dividend Policies
▪ A Study on Equity Analysis: Automobile Sector
▪ A Study on Imports – Exports
▪ A Study on Insurance as an Investment Strategy
▪ A Study on Comparative Analysis of Unit Linked Insurance Plans
▪ A Study of Consumer Perception for Online Buying.
▪ A Study on Employee Retention

Note: To explore related domains, please refer to core or specialized courses of respective
program structure of B. Com. program. However, the student and the guide are responsible
to identify an appropriate topic.

Annexure IX

Check List

S. No. Phase Documents to be Submitted Format

1 I For Guide Registration: Annexure I PDF File
2 For Synopsis Approval: Annexure II PDF File
3 II To be eligible for viva-voce, submit the following PDF File
documents:
1. Project Report (including executive summary)
2. Presentation