SYMBIOSISINSTITUTEOFBUSINESSMANAGEMENT, NOIDA

[Constituent of SYMBIOSIS INTERNATIONAL(DEEMEDUNIVERSITY)]

MBA(2023-25)

DISSERTATIONGUIDELINES-2024

Dissertation, offered as a two-credit course, is a critical component of the MBA curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and its practical application. This academic undertaking allows students to delve deeply into a specific area of interest, applying theoretical frameworks and methodologies learned in the classroom to real-world business problems or research questions. The Dissertation fosters the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and effective communicationskills indispensable for managerial and leadership roles.

Beyond skill development, the Dissertation provides students with an opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge of their chosen topic while gaining exposure to industry-specific practices and challenges. It also serves as a platform to engage with professionals, mentors, and experts in the field, facilitating the creation of meaningful professional networks. These interactions, combined with the rigorous research process, not only enhance the students academic and professional profiles but also assist them in refining their career aspirations and making well-informed decisions about their future career paths. The Dissertation thus stands as a cornerstone of the MBA curriculum, integrating academic excellence with practical relevance.

Course Objective

CO1:Evaluate and synthesize advanced business theories, frameworks, and models to construct a robust foundation for addressing complex organizational challenges.

CO2: Developand justify a coherent and methodologically sound research approach to investigate a specific business issue or opportunity.

CO3:Analyze and evaluate diverse data sources, including academic literature, industry reports, and empirical findings, to draw meaningful and valid conclusions.

CO4:Develop well-supported and actionable insights or solutions for a real-world business problem based on rigorous evaluation and analysis.

CO5:Critique the broader implications of research findings for business strategy, policy, or operations, considering ethical, societal, and global perspectives.

Guidelines for Students

1. Selection of Topic:

• Choose a dissertation topic aligned with your interests and career aspirations.
• Ensure the topic is relevant, feasible, and approved by the faculty guide.
  2. Finalization of Synopsis:
• Prepare a detailed synopsis outlining the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
• Submit the synopsis for approval by the stipulated deadline.
  3. Regular Meetings with Guide:
• Schedule and attend regular meetings with your assigned guide (e.g., weekly).
• Discuss progress, seek feedback, and address any challenges faced.
• Document meeting notes and action items for future reference.
  4. Submission of Work Progress Reports (WPRs):
• Submit a total of 10 Work Progress Reports (WPRs) at regular intervals.
• Each WPR should include a summary of completed tasks, challenges encountered, and planned next steps.
• The student must submit a weekly report every Monday, detailing the activities and tasks undertaken during the preceding week (As per the format shared- Annexure 6).
• Adhere to the timeline for WPR submissions to ensure consistent progress.
  5. Adherence to Timelines:
• Follow the predefined schedule for topic finalization, submission of synopsis, WPRs, and draft chapters.
• Meet all deadlines to avoid delays in the final evaluation.
  6. Research Ethics:
• Ensure adherence to ethical research practices, including avoiding plagiarism and respecting confidentiality.
• Cite all sources appropriately and obtain necessary permissions where required.
  7. Feedback Integration:
• Actively incorporate feedback provided by your guide and review committee into your work.
• Use feedback to refine your research design, analysis, and writing.
  8. Drafting the Dissertation:
• Begin drafting the dissertation early to allow time for revisions.
• Follow the prescribed format and structure as outlined by the institution.
  9. Preparation for Final Submission:
• Complete and submit the final dissertation by the deadline, ensuring all formatting and content requirements are met.
• Include an executive summary, abstract, and any supplementary materials as required.
  10. Presentation and Defense:

• Prepare a professional presentation summarizing your research objectives, methodology, findings, and implications.
• Practice your defense to effectively respond to questions from the evaluation panel.

11. Continuous Communication:

• Maintain regular communication with your guide and adhere to institutional communication channels.
• Keep your guide informed about any significant changes or challenges in your research.

COMPONENTSOFDISSERTATION

GUIDELINESFORWRITINGTHEREPORT

Report Requirements

Themostimportantaspectofthecoursesisthefinalreport.Therefore,followingmustbeensuredforproducing qualityreport.

1. The student will start the project report while doing his dissertation course as per the prescribed
   
2. The final report shall be submitted after checking plagiarism through Turnitin. Copying material should not be more than 15%provided source is mentioned in the report along with proper acknowledgement andreferencingasperplagiarismpolicyofthe university.
   
3. Following will be submitted along with final report:

• WPR
• Plagiarism Report

Timelines

Annexure1

Dissertation

PROJECTREPORT ON

TOPIC(ALLCAPITALLETTERS-14pt.)

Submittedto

For the partial fulfilment for the award of the degree of

Masters of Business Administration

FacultyMentor

Designation:

SYMBIOSISINSTITUTEOFBUSINESSMANAGEMENT,NOIDASYMBIOSISINTERNATIONAL (DEEMED) UNIVERSITY

Annexure 2

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the work contained in the Dissertation Report entitled Title of the Project, submitted by Name of the Student (PRN No.: XXXXXXX) for the award of the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Noida, is a record of bona fide research works carried out by him/her under my direct supervision and guidance.

I considered that the report has reached the standards and fulfilling the requirements of the rules and regulations relating to the nature of the degree. The contents embodied in the report have not been submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma in this or any other university.

Date: Signature of Faculty Guide

Place:

Annexure 3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Write an acknowledgement for maximum of one page. The candidate should convey his appreciation to all whom have played a role for completion of his Dissertation work. The, Director of the Institute, faculty guide faculty members, library etc. may be acknowledged. Any controversial statement or non-academic/abused sentiments are not allowed to write in this page. At the end scholar should put his signature.

Annexure 4

ABSTRACT

Abstract should be of around 500 words. Abstract should highlight the report. The objectives and findings should be correlated and clear. The brief summary of the report with details of highlighting various chapter should be included in the abstract.. Abstract should be compacted within two pages of around 500 words. At the end of the abstract, seven to eight keywords should be mentioned.

Keywords:

Annexure 5

Dissertation Synopsis Format

1. Tentative Title:
   • Provide a clear and concise title that reflects the core focus of your dissertation.

2. Introduction:

• Briefly outline the research problem and its significance.
• Mention the purpose and scope of the study.

3. Literature Review:

• Summarize key studies and existing knowledge related to the topic.
• Highlight gaps in the literature that your research aims to address.

4. Research Objectives:

• List 24 specific objectives that define the goals of your study.
  (Example: "To analyze the effectiveness of social media campaigns in increasing brand awareness.")

5. Research Methodology:

• Outline the approach and methods you intend to use, such as:

• Research Design (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods)
• Data Collection Techniques (e.g., surveys, interviews, secondary data)
• Data Analysis Tools (e.g., statistical software, thematic analysis)

6. Expected Outcomes:
   • Briefly describe the potential contributions of your research to academic knowledge or industry practices.

7. Tentative Timeline:

• Provide an estimated timeline for key milestones, such as data collection, analysis, and final submission.

8. References:

• List key references that provide a foundation for your research in APA as required.

Annexure 6

WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT

For the Week Commencing .

WPR of Week

PNR No.: . Name: .....................................................

Faculty Guides Name: .

Project Title:

Targets for the week:

Achievements for the week: Future work plans:

Signature (Student) Signature (Faculty Guide)

Date of submission: .