Project Work

MBA48
Manjunath VS
Assistant Professor
NMIT, Bangalore

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 Contents
 A. Executive Summary
 B. General Introduction
– Literature Survey
– Statement of the problem
– Objectives of the study
– Scope of the study
– Methodology
– Limitations

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 Contents
 C. Analysis/Design, Interpretation of
results, Findings, Suggestions, and
observations which may be divided into
chapters
 D. Conclusions
 E. Annexure relevant to the project, such
as figures, graphs, photographs etc.
 F. Bibliography

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 Executive Summery
 This is an overview of the project, which is
intended to convince others that the
content is significant. It sells your work,
so, weave the keywords of your text into a
summary of about 200 words.

First thing to be read, last thing to be

written.
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 Introduction
 The introduction to your report is very important – don’t
be tempted to leave it to last.
 If you make this the first writing item, you immediately
begin to focus on what you need to say and how you
need to say it.
 The introduction should shape the remainder of the
report – not vice versa
 A good introduction sets the tone and direction of the
report.
 It informs the reader what the research is about,
presents the overall research objective and specific
research questions – and why these have been selected
and pursued.

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 Introduction
 You need to make it clear what specific business
related problem or issue is being addressed.
What does your project contribute to address
this particular problem or issue? What
contribution do you hope to make to help
business with the problem or issue you have
identified and addressed?
 The introduction may also present and
summarise the contents of the remaining
sections to the reader.
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 Introduction-Checklist
 What was the overall subject of your
research?
 What was the main aim of your research?
 What specific business related questions
or issues did you address in your
research?
 Why did you pursue these questions or
issues in your research?

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 Introduction-Checklist
 Did you have any expectations of what you
might find out at the start of your research? If
so, what and why, and have these changed, and
why?
 How is your report organised? What are the
main features of each section of your report?
 What should the reader especially look out for in
your report (i.e. key points)?
 What makes your research different to previous
research?

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 Background Information
 The background information puts your work into
a particular social, commercial, theoretical or
historical context and helps to explain the
research.
 For example, if your project is centred on a
particular company, you would describe the
nature of the company and its organisation and
then outline the background to the issue,
situation or phenomena you were investigating.

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 Background Information
 What are the main goods and services of any
company involved?
 What is the historical/social/ economic
background of any company or organisation
researched?
 What are the values, culture or policies
underpinning any organisation being
researched?
 What is the background to the particular
situation or phenomena examined? If relevant,
why has a particular situation arisen?

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 Literature Survey
 A main aim of the literature review is to inform
the reader what previous research has been
done on the topic and how it has guided or
informed your own research.
 For example, you may want to test or challenge
findings from previous research, or approach
your study from a different perspective.
 Or you may want to explore how relevant today
are the conclusions reached from earlier studies
both generally and for your own research?

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 Literature Survey
 Literature related to selected topic
 Around 8-10 pages
 Must include information about the contemporary
research work
 Information must be from authentic sources and the
sources must be mentioned in bibliography
 It must highlight latest work carried out in related areas
apart from giving basic theoretical concepts about the
issue selected
– Introduction
– Body
– Conclusion

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 Symptoms
Environmental Stimuli

Management

Problem Research
Alternatives
Investigation
Measurement
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 Statement of the Problem
 The problem statement contains the need for the
research problem
 It may be represented by a management problem
 A clear definition of the research problem
 Problem means issue or question to be examined
 Problem must be in the areas of respective specialization
and must be related current areas of research, any
issues faced by organizations or of related specific issue
of a specific organization
 The study can be independent or can be carried out in
any specific organization

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 Statement of the Problem
 Not Feasible
– “The importance of the WTO rules governing
exports for the future of Indian exports” (Too
vague and over-ambitious)
 Feasible
– “The impact of WTO rules governing the
export of Indian textiles to Europe” (The focus
is on a particular commodity in a particular
location, and the information will be readily
available)

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 Sources of problem identification
 Research papers
 Organizational issues or problems
 Journals/ seminar proceedings

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 Objectives of the study
 What is the main aim of your research?
Write just one or two sentences that
summarise the overall objective of your
project.

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 Objectives of the study
 Research objectives address the purpose
of the project
 These objectives may be research
questions and associated investigation
questions
 They can be also statements
 Hypothesis statements can also be
included

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 Illustration
 Problem Statement: An enquiry into the
declining trend in the profitability of a
commercial bank
 Objectives:
– To identify major factors affecting the bank’s
profitability
– To determine the major causes of the declining trend
in its profitability
– To develop a strategy for improving the bank’s
profitability

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 Illustration
 Problem Statement: An enquiry into the
effectiveness of performance appraisal system
used in ABB Limited
 Objectives:
– To study the performance appraisal system of ABB
limited
– To determine the major factors influencing the
effectiveness of performance appraisal system
– To investigate the effectiveness current performance
appraisal by analyzing each factor contributing to its
effectiveness

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 Scope of the study
 A complete study of any phenomenon is highly
un-manageable
 It requires large amount of data and time and
resources
 Scope defines the selected problem within
manageable limits
 It may include limitation in number of objectives,
geographical area, reference time period,
magnitude of study, type of organizations, etc

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 Objectives, Scope and
Limitations

Objectives

Specify the research goals

Scope

Draw the boundaries of the research

Limitations

Explain under what circumstances the research
data becomes useless
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 Methodology
 The methodology section informs the reader what
overall research methodology you adopted – and why -
and what research tools (or methods) you adopted to
gain and analyse your result.
 It also describes the participants involved (how
many/how they were selected/their characteristics etc).
 It is also an opportunity for you to present an objective
reflection on the limitations of the methodology and
methods used.
 This is important, as all research has its limitations and
there is no shame in admitting this; indeed, it will be
expected of you.

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 Methodology
 What methods do you intend to adopt to gather
information in pursuit of answers to your
research questions? Note down brief answers to
the following questions:
 Where and how will you gather secondary
data? Is it easily available?
 Where, how, and when will you gather primary
data, if applicable?
 Remember, it may be difficult to gather primary
data alone, and you may have to use secondary
data , and more easily available data for
analysis.
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 Methodology-Checklist
 What philosophical approach did you take to
your research, e.g. Qualitative/Quantitative?
Why did you adopt this approach?
 What methods (to gather primary/secondary
data) did you decide to use and why?
 What criteria did you adopt for collecting this
data (e.g. target number, age, gender,
occupational etc) and why?
 If relevant, who are the main people involved in
the research and their roles and responsibilities?

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 Methodology-Checklist
 What was the target sample number? What type
of sample was it, e.g. a random sample?
 What was the actual number you achieved? Why
was there a shortfall?
 Where did you collect the data? When did you
collect it? How did you collect it?
 Who was involved in the collection?
 How did you analyse it? What analytical
method(s) did you apply to draw your results?
 What logistical or other problems did you
encounter in collecting or analysing it?

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 Methodology
 Research design
 Sampling design
 Data collection
 Data analysis
 Limitations

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 Research Design
 It is blueprint for fulfilling objectives
 Type of research
– Exploratory-Preliminary study of an unfamiliar
problem
– Descriptive-Fact-finding investigation with adequate
interpretation
– Diagnostic study-Discovering what is happening and
why
– Evaluation study
– Causal research
– Historical research

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 Exploratory
 Exploratory research is undertaken when
few or no previous studies exist.
 The aim is to look for patterns,
hypotheses or ideas that can be tested
and will form the basis for further
research.
 Typical research techniques would include
case studies, observation and reviews of
previous related studies and data.

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 Descriptive
 Descriptive research can be used to
identify and classify the elements or
characteristics of the subject, e.g. number
of days lost because of industrial action.
 Quantitative techniques are often used to
collect, analyse and summarise data.

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 Analytical
 Analytical research often extends the
Descriptive approach to suggest or
explain why or how something is
happening, e.g. underlying causes of
industrial action.
 An important feature of this type of
research is in locating and identifying the
different factors (or variables) involved.

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 Predictive
 The aim of Predictive research is to
speculate intelligently on future
possibilities, based on close analysis of
available evidence of cause and effect,
e.g. predicting when and where future
industrial action might take place

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 Quantitative
 The emphasis of Quantitative research is
on collecting and analysing numerical
data; it concentrates on measuring the
scale, range, frequency etc. of
phenomena.
 This type of research, although harder to
design initially, is usually highly detailed
and structured and results can be easily
collated and presented statistically.

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 Qualitative
 Qualitative research is more subjective in
nature than Quantitative research and involves
examining and reflecting on the less tangible
aspects of a research subject, e.g. values,
attitudes, perceptions.
 Although this type of research can be easier to
start, it can be often difficult to interpret and
present the findings; the findings can also be
challenged more easily.

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 Population: Total number of individuals to
whom the results of the research are
intended to apply constitute the research
population.
 Sample: representative of population

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 Sampling Design
 Define the target population being studied
 Define sampling method employed
– Simple random sampling
– Stratified random sampling
– Cluster sampling
– Any other

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 Data Collection
 Primary Sources
– Original works of research or raw data
– First hand information collected through
various sources like observation, interviewing,
mailing, Experimentation etc
 Secondary sources
– Sources containing data collected and
compiled for other purposes
– Annual reports, memos, letters, census data,
inventory records, personnel records etc
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Data Collection Approaches

Secondary Data 
Primary Data

Sources 
Techniques
 Internet  Surveying
 Company Journals  Observation
 Local Libraries  Interviews

Validity and
 Projective Techniques
(Focus Groups)
Reliability

Administration Issues
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 Questionnaire
 Disguised questions
 Structured- Set of choices and close ended
 Un structured- Open ended
 Rating questions
 Ranking Questions

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 Data analysis
 Tabulation
 Frequency tables
 Graphs/charts
 Statistical analysis-Regression, hypothesis
testing

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 Inferences Vs Findings

Inferences 
Findings

Conclusions drawn 
Conclusions drawn
from calculations from several
done inferences put

Usually related to a together
single question or 
Usually related to the
table research objectives

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 Results
 The results section presents a summary of
the data or other information you
gathered.
 This section presents the data information
without discussion of the implications of
your findings - this goes into the next
‘Discussion’ section.

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 Discussions
 This section presents analysis and discussions
of the result, including implications,
consequences and issues raised.
 It will also compare and contrast results with
previous research findings, identified and
discussed earlier in the Literature Review.
 It may also include recommendations, although
these could go into a separate
‘Recommendations’ section if there are a
significant number to be made.

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 Making Suggestions

Suggestions are based on findings

Suggestions must correlate to the problem
statement made

Unwanted suggestions

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 Findings
 Significant findings of the research work
carried out
 Be objective and avoid subjectivity
 Ensure that findings are relevant to the
problem statement and objectives of the
research work
 Provide justification for each finding

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 Evaluation
 Think EARLY about how you will evaluate
your project. It may alter what you do.
 Compare your outcomes with your aims
 Have you achieved what you set out to
do?
 How, exactly, do you know? How can you
demonstrate this?

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 Conclusion
 The conclusion to the report reminds the reader
of the main aim of your research, your
methodology, the findings and what this means
for the business community or organisation
studied.
 You are also likely to point out the limitations of
your research findings and how future
researchers might take your work a stage
further.
 Finish well – leave the reader with something
significant to think about.
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 Conclusion and recommendations
 Summary of brief statement of findings
 Ideas for possible corrective actions
 Alternatives if any
 Further research initiatives if required

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 Bibliography
 Books-Name of author, Name of book,
Edition, publishers, year, page no
 Journals-Name of author, Paper title,
name of journal, volume, month, year,
page no
 Compete website address

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 Some more Do’s and Don’ts
 Do lots of referencing
 Avoid use of personal pronouns I, you
 Avoid use of dialogue as per a TV
program,
 “Welcome to this report”
 "In a few moments I will explain"
 Do some self critique
 Indicate how the research can be improved.

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 Some more Do’s and Don’ts
 Be concise and to the point. Only include relevant
information.

 Use appendices for extra information that will be useful to

the reader but has no direct impact on the project (but
don't overdo it either).
 Get a number of people to proof read you manual. When
it’s your work and you proof-read it yourself, you only see
what you THINK you wrote.

 Structure, structure, structure.

 Don't have gaps of whitespace.

 No smart or joking comments.

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This is an academic thesis.
51
 Some more Do’s and Don’ts
 Readers should be able to get a clear idea of what your
project is about by comparing the Abstract and Conclusion

 As you are writing, have one word in the back of your

head; 'Why'. Why did you choose one thing over another,
why do you have to write what you're writing, why is this
bit of information important for my reader.

 Don't overuse the person 'I did this and then I did that and
I think because I found....'.
 Do read research papers (which you should be doing
anyway) to get a feel of what your writing should 'sound'
like.
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 Most important Do and Don’t

 Do yourself justice and Don’t boast.

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 Guidelines
 Project has to be carried out either in an
organization
 Topics must be finalized with internal and
external guides before starting any work
 Students must report about the progress every
week to respective guides
 Students doing project in organizations must get
permission letters from organizations and copy
of the same must be submitted to the respective
guides

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 Some HR issues
 Analysis of parameters influencing
Employer’s brand
 Work life balance in IT industries-Issues
and problems
 A study of “Retention strategies in IT
industries”
 Paradigm shifts in Industrial relations
 A study of “Compensation management
practices in IT industries”
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 Some HR issues
 A study on “Talent management practices”
 A study on “Performance management
practices”
 A study on “Cross cultural issues” in IT
industries
 Paradigm shifts in employee expectations
 Evaluation of HR service delivery

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 Some HR issues
 A study of “Best HR practices”
 Analysis of factors affecting compensation
 A study of “HR practices in call centers”
 Work stress and strategies for stress
management
 Development of HRD metrics
 A study of “Competency management
practices”
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 Some HR issues
 Competency mapping
 A study of recruitment strategies in IT industries
 Evaluation of training effectiveness
 Training need analysis
 A study of “Work life balance-Issues and
challenges”
 A study on “ Team work and its effectiveness”
 Study of HR policies
 Job satisfaction survey

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 Some HR issues
 Performance linked pay
 A study of management development programs
 Human capital-measurement and evaluation
 A study on Quality circles
 Quality of work life
 Employee motivation techniques
 A study on “ Expatriate training”
 Employee participation
 A study of HR issues in multinational
corporations

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 Marketing
 Study of effectiveness personal selling in
insurance sector with special reference to
life insurance products
 Advertising agencies a vital link between
business firms and consumers
 Study of E-Marketing in promotion of
industrial products
 Study of Customer profile in real estate
markets
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 Marketing
 Comparative study of promotional
strategies by Maruthi Udyog and Santro
Ltd
 A study of product development and
launch
 Pricing strategy and response of
consumers to price increase at KMF
 Modern method of promotion with special
reference SMS
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 Marketing
 A study on customer satisfaction
 Customer perception
 Brand awareness studies
 A study on retail business
 Study for ideal location for retail shops
 Branding of commodity- A study at Jindal
steel

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 Finance
 Performance of mutual funds
 Portfolio management
 Working capital management
 A study of methods for reducing non
performance assets
 Marketing of financial products
 A study on credit rating techniques

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 Registrar, VTU, Belgaum
 PG Coordinator
 All participants
 Management and pricipal, NMIT,
Bangalore

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