THESIS GUIDELINES

What is a Thesis ?
A Thesis is a formal document to prove that an original contribution to Human knowledge has been done .

Two important things:

Identify a worthwhile problem or question which has not been previously answered Solve the problem or answer the question

Research is simply gathering the information you need to answer a question and thereby help you solve a problem.
2

Why Thesis ?
q Fulfills requirement of getting

Degree /Diploma

q Provides

an opportunity explore a topic in depth

to

q Encourages a rigorous, logical

and systematic approach to problem-solving

q Career development

Thesis Procedure
q q q q q q q q q

Select a Area /domain and narrow it down to a topic Write a topic proposal and Scope of work Choose an External Guide Talk to External Guide and also concerned thesis faculty regarding the proposed topic Submission of Thesis synopsis ( Max 3 pages) to Internal Guide in hard copy with the External guide letter Approval of thesis synopsis by allotment of Registration Number sent through email Submission of Response Sheets to Internal Guide Submission of Final Thesis (It should be between 10000 to 30000 words ) Appearing for Oral and Written Viva Voce ( The candidate needs to handwrite at least
1200 to 1500 words on the summary of thesis at the time of viva)

4 Note 1 : The candidate has to compulsorily select the research topic on the specialization he/she studied. Note 2 : There would be marks deduction or rejection of thesis for Non compliance of thesis rules

Thesis Synopsis

Details of the student

[Name (as per IIPM records), Batch , Centre of study, Section , specialization ,Phone No and Email Id ]

Desired Area student intends to do Research

(Eg :Advertising ,branding , Performance appraisal ,Industrial relations ,Recruitment , corporate finance , Capital Markets, Personal finance etc.)

Title of the thesis Problem definition /hypothesis /Research objectives Introduction to the Area of research (In brief ) Scope of the thesis work
Synopsis format Continues in next file 5

Thesis Synopsis

Research Methodology Justification for choosing a particular research proposal Summer Training Topic ( In Brief ) Details of the External guide (Name of the Guide ,Qualification and Designation )

Approval letter from External guide ( Signatory note from guide stating that he/she would guide you )

Note : The Approval letter should be either in the form of External guides signature in the companys letter head or email print out from his /her official email Id or External guides signature letter with companys attestation or External guides signature letter attached with business card.

Thesis Guide

Internal Guide is the Thesis In charge of IIPM (Dept of Projects) Student should have at least one External Guide A student can choose more than one person as his/her External Guide
(External Guide has to be necessarily from the industry .Institute reserves the right to approve or reject the

guide as suggested by the student)

It is advisable to choose one of his/her Guide who is well versed in the area (technical in nature ) one has chosen. If the student has chosen a company specific research area, then the external guide has to be necessarily from that company who is well versed in the area. A Guide is expected to counsel the students with respect to his thesis work but not to solve the problems.
7

Selection of Thesis Topic

Current Commercially viable Challenging Available

Note : The candidate has to compulsorily select the research topic on the specialization he/she studied.
8

Magazines / Journals /Essay Papers :

Sources of Research Areas/Topics

4 Ps , Human Factor, Business and Economy , Strategic factor , Business world , Outlook Money, ICFAI journals on subjects like applied finance, derivatives, M&A, case study, marketing, branding, advertising etc.

Websites :
www.bnet.com; www.questia.com/search ; www.emarketingpapers.com; www.marketingprofs.com/ *^www.research-finance.com ; www.nera.com; www.planningcommission.gov.in/ ; commerce.nic.in/ www.mca.gov.in ; finmin.nic.in ; www.powermin.nic.in; www.coal.nic.in; mines.nic.in; steel.nic.in; msme.gov.in; dpe.nic.in; dhi.nic.in; civilaviation.nic.in; agricoop.nic.in; tourism.gov.in; texmin.nic.in; www.wrmin.nic.in; envfor.nic.in ; morth.nic.in; www.education.nic.in; www.ohfw.nic.in ; www.mit.gov.in; chemicals.nic.in; www.fcamin.nic.in; www.urban india.nic.in; www.indianrailways.gov.in; mofpi.nic.in; mhupa.gov.in; mdoner.gov.in; rural.nic.in; petroleum.nic.in/ ; www.mit.gov.in; www.mnre.gov.in; yas.nic.in; www.dst.gov.in; www.indiaculture.nic.in; mod.nic.in; www.mospi.gov.in ; www.sebi.gov.in; www.bseindia.com; www.nseindia.com www.rbi.org.in; www.irda.gov.in; pfrda.org.in; www.fmc.gov.in/ www.mcxindia.com; www.ncdex.com; www.un.org.in; www.un.org/en/ (*^Highly recommended for Finance and Economics topics) www.mckinsey.com/mgi/rp/ , www.bcg.com/ , www.booz.com , EY.com ; www.grantthornton.com; PwC.com; Deloitte.com/global; KPMG.com; www.atkearney.com ; Accenture.com ; www.everestgrp.com/ ; www.oliverwyman.com; www.bearingpointconsulting.com; www.sdggroup.com; www.wspgroup.com www.gartner.com ; www.datamonitor.com; en-us.nielsen.com ; www.forrester.com/rb/research ; www.abiresearch.com; www.infotech.com ; www.yankeegroup.com ; www.informa.com/ ; www.tecnovaglobal.com/ ; www.idc.com/ ; 9 www.synovate.com ; www.imshealth.com ; www.kantar.com ; www.gfk.com; www.arbitron.com; www.ipsos.com ; www.westat.com ; www.symphonyiri.com ; WatsonWyatt.com; www.ami-communities.eu/wiki/List_of_research_topics

Research Related Books

Business Research Methods: by Cooper D Research Methodology : Methods And Techniques by C. R. Kothari Introduction To Biostatistics And Research Methods-- by Rao P. S. S. Sundar Social Research Methods, by Alan Bryman Management Research Methodology: Integration Of Principles, Methods And Techniques by K. N. Krishnaswamy, Appa Iyer Sivakumar, M. Mathirajan Business Research Methods.by . William G. Zikmund-oklahoma State University, William G. Zikmund Basic Econometrics by Damodar N. Gujarati Econometric Analysis by William H. Greene Statistical Methods For Practice And Research: A Guide To Data Analysis Using SPSS by Ajai Singh Gaur, Sanjay Singh Gaur Marketing Research: Concepts And Cases, (Special Indian Edition) by Cooper Donald Et. Al Marketing Research : Text And Cases ; Nargundkar, Rajendra Business To Business Market Research (Understanding And Measuring Business Markets) by Ruth Mcneil International Marketing Research by Kumar V.

10

Thesis Title
q It should be precise. q It should be argumentative. q It should be an indication of the structure of the thesis. q It should not be an announcement. q It should reflect the key idea (s) of your project. q Try and use only single sentence for the Title. q

It should be specific.

11

Sample Approved HR Topics

q Performance appraisal system at MN Ltd q Attrition analysis and benchmarking retention strategies at PQR Ltd q An Empirical Study on T&D Practices at LPK Co ltd q Motivational Practices at MN Co Ltd q Conflict Management issues at XYZ Co. q Team Building as an Organization Development Intervention : A Case of

Havells
q 'Employee Morale and Job Satisfaction : A Case of XYZ Co q Work life Balance Study in IT industry : Case of XYZ Co q Behavioral Training Practices for the middle level management : Case of

XYZ Co.
q Assessment of 360 Degree Performance Appraisal at XYZ Co

12

Sample Approved HR Topics

Talent Acquisition And Onboarding In IT Industry: A case of XYZ Co Collective Bargaining Agreements with respect to XYZ company. Induction Training Program study At ABC Ltd. Reward & Recognition System At PL Ltd. Leadership Traits study at PQ Ltd.
Change Management in Mergers and Acquisitions: Study of the X-Y Merger/ Acquisition

Validating Competency Mapping For Attaining The Best Quality Circle Practices : Case of XYZ Co
q Improving manpower utilization through effective manpower planning: A

study of ABC Co
q Employee Engagement - A Study in Relation to XY Ltd. q Recruitment and selection Practices at YK Ltd. q A study on Succession Planning in XYZ Co. 13

Sample Approved Finance/Economics Topics

q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q q

Economic Determinants Of Security Analysis Econometric Valuation Of CAPM Model Working Capital Management At PQR Ltd Private Banking Model - ICICI Bank Study Of Arbitrage Trends In Futures Market Impact Of Intangible Assets On The Market Value Of XYZ Co Significance Of CSR Reporting In Annual Reports Value Creation By Using Acquisition Growth Strategies Operational Activities And Capital Enhancement Of ABC company Warehousing And Logistics Issues In Commodity Market : Case of Z commodity Direct And Indirect Benefits Of Agriculture Futures For Farmers Identification Of Cost Reduction Opportunities In XYZ Co. The relationship of money supply in M-2 and trading volume by index (any index such as Nifty etc.) The impact of government policies on freight forwarding industry (country name) Problems faced by small medium enterprise to be internationalize The impact of macro-economic factors on stock market index of (country name) Impact of interest rate, inflation rate and exchange on index performance (any index such as Nifty index etc.) Micro finance in Islamic economy Capital mobility in Islamic economic system International trade under Islamic economic model

Sample Approved Finance/Economics Topics

q q q q q q q q q q q q

Human Asset Valuation In The XYZ Sector Fundamental Study Of Zinc In The Global Scenario Credit Risk Analysis In SME Banking (XYZ BANK) To study the relationship between price earnings ratio and return on investment ( Industry specific study or any other methodology find suitable ) A test of price earnings ratio to predict future growths ( Industry specific study or any other methodology ) Factors affect on the dividend payout ratio ( Industry specific study) To study relationship between price earnings ratio and growth ( Industry specific study or any other methodology find suitable ) Relationship between market factors and stock returns of ( Industry specific study or any other methodology find suitable ) To investigate the association between dividend change and companys earnings ( Industry specific study or any other methodology find suitable ) Determinants of capital structure ( Industry specific study or any other methodology find suitable ) Fund size and indicator of performance measurement for fixed income mutual fund (or any other kind of mutual fund for the study) Factors that lead to investment in mutual funds ( specific type of MF) Factors affecting trade volume the study of Asian development economics Structure and performance of economy in (country name); comparative study between current government and former government.

15

Sample Approved Finance/Economics Topics

Weekend effect on stock relation: evidence from index (any index such as Nifty etc.) Effects of holidays on stock return: evidence index (any index such as Nifty etc.) Performance study of Islamic bank and conventional bank in a selected country Comparison between sales price, debt-equity and book market value of equity in analyzing stock returns Relationship between cash flow and investment spending in XYZ industry Development or establishment of issues of Islamic banking in particular country or region Islamic finance system and economical growth Impact of dividend on investment decision Relationship between Assets and Liabilities in balance sheet Impact of fiscal policy on economy of (country name) Determinants of bond market capitalization in (country name) Relationship between CPI and bond price Islamic Banks performance in industrial lending Development of SME in Islamic based economies The relationship between corporate strategy and capital structure Assessing the profitability determinants of Islamic banking in (country name) Public Private Partnership: A Model Funding Development in India: Official Development Aid from a donor

16

Sample Approved Marketing Topics

q q q q q q q q q

An empirical study to enhance the market share of ABC Co in Delhi & NCR An empirical study of consumer behavior in the Hair color industry An Empirical Study of Marketing Strategies of VR Co A Study on the Sales and Distribution Strategies of ABC Co Life Insurance A Study on Market Perception of XYZ Co and Market Penetration in Delhi and NCR Effectiveness of Advertising Strategies - A Case of Indian Soft Drink Role of Advertisement in the Purchase Behavior of Women Strategies to increase the Market Share of XZ Co in Ice Cream segment Market Mapping of HQ Co Fan Division Quantifying bullwhip effects and reducing its impact Automated supply chain frame work model for mid-sized XYZ Industry Study of factors affecting the decision making of outsourcing in XYZ Industry

17

Sample Approved Marketing Topics

Strategic Analysis study with respect to SQ Energy (Wind-power Market) Factors Affecting Sale Of SM Brand Mustard Oil In Agra Region Impact Of Sales Promotion On Customer Retention : Case of XYZ Co Brand Loyalty Of Teenagers (Industry Apparel) Preference Of Youth Towards Foreign Brand And Indian Brand Industry - Textile Implementation Of Six-sigma () Technique In Fast Food Service Industry Leads Generation In Sync With Sales Force Survey Of XY Ltd. Study Of The Brand Positioning Of PQ Ltd Competitive Intelligence Study Of Bisleri In Mineral Water Market Marketing Of Software Through Search Engine Optimization Market Research On The Perception Of Youth Toward The Counterfeit And Fake Products in XYZ Segment/Category Governance Issues in Development Sector: A study of XYZ NGO CSR Activities in India: The Case of Y Corporate Strategic Issues in Policy: Aligning Corporate Governance (or CSR) with Profit Aligning Business Strategy with CSR: Study of a corporate CSR department Rural Markets in India: Financial Products by an insurance company Effects Of Changing Government Policy on Business: A Construction Company 18

Sample Approved Marketing Topics

q q q q q q q q q q

Export Marketing Strategies Of Leather Footwear And Footwear Components In UK And Germany : Case of XYZ Co RH Co (Branding) Position In The Switchgear Segment. Export Potential Of Handicraft Items To EU Countries The Indigenous Product Placement And Strategic Analysis Of Dealer Perception Of SV Co Air Conditioners Scope & Feasibility Of Supply Of Cotton To Various Spinners In Punjab An empirical study of the distribution network of XY Cola in South Delhi Dealer evaluation study for ABC Industries Sales Promotion Schemes - A Study in Relation to Consumer Electronics of XZ Co Assessment Of Demand & User Preference For Surgical Medical Equipments & Implants For Neuro-spine, Endoscopy & Orthopedic Segment At XYZ Ltd Study Of The Retail Operations Of RT Co Dairy Fruits And Vegetable Unit, And Suggesting Improvements In Light Of Emerging Competitions

19

FORMAT OF THESIS
The Manuscript consists of three main parts
The Preliminaries The Content or the text The References

20

q Title Page q Abstract

The Preliminaries

q Certificate of Originality q Thesis Topic approval letter sent over email q Acknowledgments q

Table of Contents

q List of Figures & Tables q Synopsis

Note : Preliminary pages Numbering should be in lower case Roman numerals; Centered at the bottom of the page; Numbers at 21 least inch from bottom edge

The Preliminaries
q Title Page - Institute logo ,Name and place;
- Name of the Title ,Student and Guide ; Batch and Alumni No - It should contain all capital letters ; Counted, but not numbered ;

q Abstract
theoretical orientation; and the expected out comes and implications of the research - Not to exceed 350 words

- This should include the problem under investigation; the research methodology and

q Certificate of Originality
approved the thesis as a complete and final work requiring no further alterations. This signatory format is completely different from the format when submitted at the time of synopsis.

- It should include original signature of the Guide . It indicates that the guide has

22 Note : The Certificate of Originality should be either in the form of External guides signature in the companys letter head or email print out from his /her official email Id or External guides signature with

The Preliminaries
q Acknowledgments: - It should generally include acknowledgment of assistance received from various persons . - Center the heading ACKNOWLEDGMENTS q Table of Contents:

- Lists all sections with page numbers ;Double space between entries; Single space within entries q List of Figures: - Required if figures appear in thesis - Non-text items; Numbered consecutively throughout q

List of Tables:

- Required if tables appear in the thesis - Tables should be numbered consecutively throughout.

23

A General Thesis Content

q Introduction q Research objectives & Methodology q Literature Review q Primary Findings & Analysis q Recommendations q Conclusions & Implications

NOTE: Page Numbering should be in Arabic numerals ;Upper, right-hand corner; At least inch from edge

24

A General Thesis Content

Introduction: Introduction of topic.

Literature Review : Relevant literature to establish a sound base for the proposed research

Research objectives & Methodology :

Explanation of what is the research objectives and the methods used to achieve the specified objectives.

Primary findings & analysis:

Report on the primary data collected using the research methods and techniques .

25

A General Thesis Content

q

Recommendations:

It should be based on resolving the Research problem. A thesis is written from a consultants perspective.

Conclusions & Implications:

It should include how the data collected and the literature reviewed, together contribute to answering the research questions and resolving the research problem.

26

Research Methodology
It Should cover the following details:
q Method used q Tool used q Target Audience q Sample size q Sampling method used q Research Area

Considerations :

It must be appropriate to the objective of your study Triangulation Method is mostly used at master level thesis ( Triangulation refers to the use of more than one approach to the investigation of a
research question )

Justifications regarding specific methods chosen or used

27

Data collection methods

q

Qualitative marketing research Generally used for exploratory purposes - small number of respondents not generalizable to the whole population - statistical significance and confidence not calculated - examples include focus groups, depth interviews, and projective techniques

Quantitative marketing research Generally used to draw conclusions - tests a specific hypothesis - uses random sampling techniques so as to infer from the sample to the population - involves a large number of respondents - examples include surveys and questionnaires.

28

q Bibliography

References

- It should include all works which are referred to in the thesis . - May be placed at the end of the main text . - Use any standard manual .If one is not using a style manual, single space within each entry and double space between the entries.
q Appendices

- Inclusions : Articles , Questionnaire format ,Old forms or reports, Sample filled questionnaires with Business cards attached - Exclusions : Case study, Power point slides
q Response Sheets

- All thesis should contain all the Response Sheets in the prescribed format
29

Layout Requirements
q

Spacing Font Header and Footer Margins Paper Overall appearance Printing the final copy

30

q Spacing

Layout Requirements

1.5 Inch space or Double space throughout Exceptions: Title page and approval page, Table of contents, Captions, table or figure headings, Extensive quotations, Footnotes or endnotes, Entries in reference section, Appendices.
q Font

Any standard font is acceptable ; Use the same font throughout; Use font size 12 Exceptions: Captions (not smaller than 9 point), Headings (not larger than 20 point)
q Header and Footer

The Header should include the Institutes Logo with Name (extreme left) The footer should include the Students Batch ( Extreme left) and Thesis Alumni Id Number ( Extreme Right )
31

Layout Requirements
q Margins

Pages must have at least:1.5 inch left margin ; 1 inch top, bottom, and right margins Exceptions: pg nos must have at least inch clearance from each edge
q Paper

8.5 X 11 inches (A-4 Size) , White bond,25% (or higher) cotton content.
q Overall Appearance

All corrections should be made before final copy is printed Unacceptable: Overstrikes or cross-outs ,Handwritten additions or corrections, Lines, dots or shading from paste-ups .
q Printing the Final Copy

Print must be sharp and of uniform darkness ; One side only . Every content of the thesis should be in New Page Cover should include following Bounded form (Black color) stating Institute Logo ,Name and Place; Thesis Title ;Student Name ,Alumni No, Batch ; Thesis Guide ; Title and Alumni No ( cover Side ); Capital letters in Golden 32 color; Portrait format

Thesis Deadlines
Submitted to Internal Guide
q Submission of Thesis synopsis in

Submitted to Internal Guide

q Submission of Final Thesis

Hard copy ( Due date: As decided by the respective IIPM branch)

( Due Date: As decided by the respective IIPM branch ) One Hard copy + One soft copy)

q Submission of at least four

response sheets before submission q Submission of Redo Final Thesis (Due Date: Within 30 days from of final thesis (Every time the the date of rejection ) guide is consulted ) Note : Delay in submission of final thesis and redo thesis will attract penalty and also disqualify the student for convocation.
33

Note :Delay in synopsis submission will attract penalty of 5 marks per week from the last due date)

Thesis work follow up Response Sheets

Response sheet - format & submission:
q Details of the student [ Name (as per IIPM records) ,Batch, Section, Alumni

Id ,Phone No and Email Id )

q Thesis synopsis ( Attached with the response sheet every time ) q

Progress of the work (should be sent as separate attachment ): Students are supposed to send actual work content ( like preparation of the questionnaire , data collection , analysis done etc. which is generally considered as the main area of the thesis )
Note: - Whenever a student sends his/her response sheet, he/she has to send all the previous response sheets along with the thesis synopsis . - Response sheets can be sent through Email or can be given in person . - All response sheets need to be appended to the report

34
- The Institute reserves the right to reject any thesis for which response sheets have not been received

To examine whether value addition to the existing knowledge was generated

Purpose of the Viva Voce examination

To establish that the research has been carried out independently and genuinely by the candidate

To determine the candidates understanding of the literature used in the thesis

To examine the conceptual and logical approach and research techniques used in the thesis.

To allow the candidate to defend the originality of the thesis

35

Research objective/ problem definition / Scope of thesis Research methodology / Description used Research results//analysis Achievement of aims / research objectives Originality //Value addition Quality of recommendations & conclusion Relevance of the Literature used Structure and technical presentation of the thesis

Thesis Evaluation Parameters

( Writing style , Grammar, Punctuation ,Spelling ,communicativeness and Layout requirements )

Assessment of Process
(Independency shown by the student , Pace of work and Response sheet follow-ups)

36

Check list -1
q q

Ensure that the set research objective /problem has been achieved/solved. Ensure that your thesis extends the understanding of a subject and makes an additional contribution to Human knowledge. Ensure that the data collected has been properly analyzed . Ideally a thesis is a combination of secondary as well as primary data. However the requirements may vary depending on the topic chosen Ensure that the writing style should remain same throughout the thesis report. Plagiarism would lead to rejection of thesis. Ensure that preliminary requirements (Thesis topic approval mail, Guide signatory page and synopsis) have been met. Students must always use the thesis title as approved and sent to them by email Ensure that the structural requirements have been met. Ensure that grammar, punctuation marks etc have been met.

q q

q q q

37

Check list -2
q q

The Final Thesis report should be between 10000 to 30000 words The format for the Approval letter is different from the certificate of originality which has to be arranged from the external guide. The approval letter / Certificate of Originality should be either in the form of External guides signature in the companys letter head or email print out from his /her official email Id or External guides signature letter with companys attestation or External guides signature letter attached with business card Ensure that Appendices include Articles ,News papers cuttings , Questionnaire format ,Old forms or reports, Sample filled questionnaires with Business cards attached. Ensure that Paper used in the thesis should of 8.5 X 11 inches (A-4 Size) , White bond,25% (or higher) cotton content Ensure all data , tables and graphs should be in the color format Final Thesis should be submitted in the form of a single Hard copy along with a soft copy

q q q

38 There would be marks deduction or rejection of thesis for Non compliance of thesis rules

Contact
Sumanta sharma ( Head - Department of Projects) (sumanta.sharma@iipm.edu) Rachna Singh (Thesis queries related to Human Resource and Marketing Area) (Rachnas155@gmail.com ; 0124-4952217) Alpi Jain ( Thesis queries related to Marketing Area ) (Alpi.jain@iipm.edu ) Swarup ( Thesis queries related to Finance ,Operations and Marketing Area ) Dipti sharma ( Thesis queries related to Human Resource and Marketing Area ) (dipti.sharma@iipm.edu ; Vijay Kumar Boddu ( Thesis queries related to Finance ,Operations and Marketing Area ) (boddu.vijay@iipm.edu ; 0124-4952214 ) Rajiv Kumar ( Thesis Registration ID and Thesis Result status enquires ) (thesis@iipm.edu; 0124-4952215)

39

Best of Luck !

40