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Research Project
An exploratory research study on attitude of MBA
students towards Major Research Project

Guided By:- Submitted By:-
Dr. Vivek Sharma Sonam Jain
Sourabh Moyal
Harshdeep Bhatia
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It was a great opportunity working on this project of
research. This project is written in simple and lucid
style for better understanding and appreciation of
study. It has been compiled systematically to enable
one to evaluate details of report.
We are extremely grateful to all those who have
shared their expertise and knowledge with us.
Needless I am deeply indebted to my guide Dr. Vivek
Sharma sir and Sangeeta Jain mam for the fruitful
guidance and enormous support.
I would also like to thank our director Dr. Rajendra
singh for providing facility to work in college and
conduct the research.
No words can crystallize in expressing my respect and
deep sense of gratitude to my teachers, parents,
friends and everybody who supported me in the
project.
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LIST OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
RATIONAL OF STUDY
OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OD DATA
CONCLUSIONS
SUGGESTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
REFERENCE
QUESTIONNAIRE





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INTRODUCTION
Major Research Project is a essential part of curriculam now a
days as per UGC guidelines and instructions.
It is basically conducted in 4
th
semester of MBA. Students are
allotted topics of research on basis of their subject of
specialization. They are required to conduct research under the
supervision of their guide faculty and submit the research report
by the end of the semester.
This research report have a marks obligation for them and it is
mandatory for all the students as per UGC orders to submit this
report.
The research report is carried on in various stages and include the
following points in it-
1. Introduction
2. Literature Review and Conceptual Framework
3. Methodology
4. Data Analysis and Findings
5. Conclusions and Recommendations
6. Bibliography
Taking into consideration the above points and topic of research
the students prepare their report on which they need to give a
presentation and viva to the examiner and guide explaning the
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objective of research, research methodolody, tools used, process
followed, conclusions drawn and suggestions or implications at
last.
The format issued by UGC for submission of research repott is as
under-
MAJOR RESEARCH PROJECT
PART A
1. Broad Subject
2. Area of Specialization
3. Duration
4. Principal Investigator
i. Name:
ii. Sex: M/F
iii. Date of Birth:
iv. Qualification:
v. Designation:
vi. Address: Office: Residence:
5. Co Investigator(s):
6. Name of the Institution where the project will be undertaken:
(a) Department:
b. University/College:
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(Please mention the name of affiliating University in case of college)
7. Whether the University/College/Institution is approved under
Section 2 (f) and 12 (B) of the UGC Act?
Yes/No
PART B
Proposed Research Work
8. (i) Project Title
(ii) Introduction
Origin of the research problem
Interdisciplinary relevance
Review of Research and Development in the Subject:
International status
National Status
Significance of the study
(iii) Objectives
(iv) Methodology
9. Any other information which the investigator may like to give in
support of this proposal which may be helpful in evaluating.
To certify that:
a. The University/College/Institutite is approved under Section 2(f) and
12(b) of the UGC Act and is
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fit to receive grants from the UGC.
b. General physical facilities, such as furniture/space etc., are available
in the Department/College.
c. I/we shall abide by the rules governing the scheme in case assistance
is provided to me/us from
the UGC for the above project.
d. I/we shall complete the project within the stipulated period. If I/we
fail to do so and if the UGC is
not satisfied with the progress of the research project, the Commission
may terminate the project
immediately and ask for the refund of the amount received by me/us.
e. The above Research Project is not funded by any other agency.
Name and Signature (a) Principal Investigator
(b) Co- Investigator
(i)
(ii)
(c) Registrar/Principal (Signature with seal)



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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Major Research Project has its due importance in
the curriculum of MBA students. It help them to
built awareness about the reserch methodology and
process of conducting research.
MRP is mandatory and is done by MBA students in
their 4
th
semester.
A very few research has been done in this field. The
most important is of
JR Cole, B Chai, TL Marsh, RJ Farrie-2003
in this research cole and marsh have reviewed the
significance of thr research in the life of students and chai
and farrie have revealed the various strategies, process,
sources used by them to conduct the research.
The final conclusion was drawn that MRP has its due
importance but the interest of students toward it is bare
minimum due to its lengthy and complicated procedure.
The research was printed in oxford university press.
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KR Carson, D Focosi, EO Major, M Petrini - The lancet
oncology, 2009
The research done by Carson, Focosi, Major and Petrini
was released on 7
th
august 2009, which was conducted in
oxford university on the post graduate students regarding
their exposure to the research process and pratical world
experience.
One group was sent to a practical world to conduct
research where as other was asked to perform in college
itself.
The result revealed that the theoritical knowledge with the
practical exposure allows student to learn more.
ElsevierCR Houser, JE Vaughn, RP Barber-
Brain research,1980
Houser and Barber study shows the attitude of MBA
students towards their curriculam. They concluded in their
research that students in post graduation not only need
theoritical learning but their sylabbus should also include
maximum exposure to the real world for better knowledge.
Theory can be well understood when applied in practical
world. So he suggested to reduce the college hours and
increase the working hours of a students life.
He made the research by studying the brain of students
and was a great study of its time.
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RATIONAL OF STUDY
Study is about the Major Research Project in MBA
and perception of students for conducting research.
This study will help in knowing their attitude towards
the research project.
MRP is basically prepared on the basis of field of
specialization and recommendations by UGC.

This research aims at judging the perception and
attitude of MBA students towards the efficiency and
effectiveness of MRP in their learning and future
prospects.


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OBJECTIVE OF STUDY
Study is about the attitude of MBA students
towards the Major Research Project.
It will help in knowing the thinking of students
towards the research project.
Study will be conducted in Indore with a sample
size of 100 odd students.
Qualitative and quantitative data are equally
considered for research.
Study will be done on students of different
colleges.



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RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a collective term for the structured
process of conducting research. There are many different
methodologies used in various types of research and the term
is usually considered to include research design, data gathering
and data analysis.
The term research methodology, also referred to as research
methods, usually encompasses the procedures followed to
analyze and interpret the data gathered.

There are two main types of research methodology:
1- Quantitative methodology: This is the type by which you
test the significance of your hypothesis, in other words you
answer the words: How much? Is there a relationship?
Quantitative methods tend to be systematic and use numbers.
2- Qualitative methodology is the type by which you are
depending on your observations and descriptions. It is
subjective and descriptive, no facts. This kind of method is used
to assess knowledges, attitudes, behaviors, and opinions of
people depending on the topic of your research.



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Research Design
Research design includes:
Research Plan :
1) Sample Size: the sample selected for conducting the
Research is of 100 odd students persuing MBA in different
colleges.
2) Method of Collecting the data: To measure the attitude of
students, a questionnaire is designed.
Questionnaire is prepared considering following points:-
Exploratory research design
Interval scale:- Also known as rating scale to rate the
significance of guidance by faculty.
Ex:- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Dichotomous scale:- the scale which has limited options.
Ex:- Yes No Cant say
True False
Likerts scale :- Also known as attitude measurement scale
Ex:-
Strongly
Agree
Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Disagree

Itemized scale :- A 5 or 7 point scale to future response
Ex:-
Very
Unlikely
Unlikely Neither unlikely
Nor likely
Likely Very
Likely
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ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION
OF DATA
Course Specialization
Finance 39
Marketing 46
HR 10
Other 5


Specialization Subject
Finance
Marketing
HR
Other
15


Q1. To which university is your college affiliated?

Name of University No. of Students
DAVV 40
Autonomous 60
Any other university 00



Affiliation
DAVV
Autonomous
16


Q2. Major Research Project in your college is-
Mandatory 100
Optional 00

A. If mandatory, you do MRP
By Force 56
By Willingness 44

INTERPRETATION:- According to UGC, doing MRP is
compulsory in all the institutes and due to this
maximum students adapt it by force.



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Q3. MRP is essential part of curriculam vitae
Strongly Agree 28
Agree 44
Neutral 23
Disagree 05
Strongly disagree 00


INTERPRETATION:- MRP is treated as a essential part
of studies by the students which counts over 70% of
sample.

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Ratings
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
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Q4. What do you prefer MRP as

Marks Oriented Approach 41
Learning Oriented Appraoch 20
Both 39


INTERPRETATION:- The ratio of students doing MRP
for marks is greater than the approach of learning.

LEARNING
BOTH
MARKS
19

Q5. Would you like to adopt MRP if not attached with
marks obligation ?
Yes 30
No 30
Cant Say 40


INTERPRETATION:- If given a choice only 30% of
sample would opt to do MRP and maximum says
they cant decide.

Adaptability
YES
NO
CANT SAY
20

Q6. How would you prefer to do MRP-
Individually 44
Group 56

If in group, whay group size would you prefer
1-2 11
2-3 15
4-5 30


INTERPRETATION:- Maximum number of students
believe in working with group that too a lot size of
4-5.







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Q7. The provided you for research is
In abundance 18
Sufficient 60
Rare 22



INTERPRETATION:- The maximum topics of
research have availability of data in sufficiency.


Availability of Data
IN Abundance
Sufficient
Rare
22

Q8. For conducting research, appropriate time
period according to you
2-3 months 34
5-6 months 44
Spread in two semesters 22


INTERPRETATION:- The students presume the
research to be spread in time of 5 to 6 months for
better understanding.

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Time Period
2-3 months
5-6 months
2 semesters
23

Q9. What kind of teaching regarding MRP would
you prefer in college
Theoritical 30
Practical 30
Both 40


INTERPRETATION:- Statistics shows that students
believe in combination of practical exposure with the
learning of theory.
Theoritical
Practical
Both
24


Q10. Are you aware with the details of Research?
YES 26
NO 23
Partly aware of information needed 51


INTERPRETATION:- Students only learn that much of
knowledge which is sufficient for them to conduct
research.

0
10
20
30
40
50
60
AWARENESS
YES
NO
PARTLY
25



Q11. What is the field of your research ?
Finance 35
Marketing 41
HR 12
OB 10
Any other 02


0 10 20 30 40 50
FIELD
FINANCE
MARKETING
HR
OB
OTHER
26

INTERPRETATION:- Research in field of finance and
marketing has mire attraction as compared to that of
HR and OB.

Q12. What kind of research do you find convenient ?
Exploratory 20
Conclusive 45
Descriptive 35


Research Type
Exploratory
Conclusive
Descriptive
27

INTERPRETATION:- Interest in conclusive and
descriptive research is more than that of exploratory
research.


Q13. What kind of difficulties are you facing in doing
MRP?
Data not easily available 41
Companies do not provide information 33
Market research is difficult 33
Inappropriate base for research 18
Lack of experience and expertise 20
Inappropriate guidance 28
Any other 20
28


INTERPRETATION:- Availability of data and non
support from companies hindrenge research the
most.
Q14. The data and review and literature available on
your topic is in
In Abundance 15
Satisfactory 47
Rare 38

Q15. Do your college provide backup to get
information regarding a company
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
DIFFICULTIES in MRP
Data not easily available
companies do not provide
information
market research is difficult
Inappropraite base
Lack of experience
Inappropriate guidance
Any other
29

YES 16
NO 36
Up to a certain limit 48

INTERPRETATION:- literature for research and
support from college is satisfactory to conduct
research.



Q16. How do you rate the supervision of your faculty
for MRP-
RATINGS FREQUENCY
1 8
2 13
3 16
4 26
5 20
6 16
7 1
30



Q17. How do you rate conducting research as a
medium to enter in corporate world ?
VERY IMPORTANT 31
IMPORTANT 28
ONLY BASIC KNOWLEDGE 28
NOT NECESSARY 13

0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
RATINGS
RATINGS
31


INTERPRETATION:- Doing MRP is treated as a
essential medium to enter in corporate world by
students.

Q18. If given a choice, you would prefer doing MRP
as
Theoritical in college only 38
Practical in a company 62

VERY
IMPORTANT
31%
IMPORTANT
28%
BASIC
KNOWLEDGE
28%
NOT NECESSARY
13%
32

INTERPRETATION:- Getting MRP done with practical
exposure in company would develop interest in
students.

Q19. MRP is considered a burden by MBA students?
TRUE 95
FALSE 05

INTERPRETATION:- MRP is treated burden by
MBAs and they perform only for marks.


CONCLUSION
The above analysis of data shows that students have
a negative attitude towards MRP projects as they
have to work extra for conducting research.
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Maximum students do this because of marks
attached with it. Their exposure to real life problems
and research methodology is minimum in this
project.
So doing MRP is treated as burden by the MBAs.




SUGGESTIONS &
IMPLICATIONS
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More time should be given to conduct
appropriate research.
Practical exposure should be introduced in this
project.
Profarma of research should be revised.
Proper training and guidance should be given
regarding conducting research.
Learning approach shoudh be developed in
students.
Attitude towards MRP should be paid emphasis
on.


REFERENCES
Likert, Rensis (1932). "A Technique for the Measurement of
Attitudes".Archivesof Psychology140: 155.
35

www.universalteacherpublications.com,
www.managementparadise.com, www.citehr.com, www.projec
treporton.com,
www.ugc.ac.in
www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-lofft-mrp-mba-aicp-
hdfp/4/.../143
coe.mse.ac.in
KR Carson, D Focosi, EO Major, M Petrini - The lancet
oncology, 2009 - ElsevierCR Houser, JE Vaughn, RP
Barber - Brain research, 1980 - ukpmc.ac.uk
JR Cole, B Chai, TL Marsh, RJ Farris -
acids research, 2003 - Oxford Univ Press
^Shuttleworth, Martyn (2008). "Definition of
Research".Experiment Resources.Experiment-Research.com.
http://www.experiment-resources.com/definition-of-
research.html. Retrieved 14 August 2011

QUESTIONNAIRE
An exploratory research study on attitude of MBA students towards
Major Research Project
Name (optional)-
Age-
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College-
Course-
Specialization Subject-
Phone no.-

Q1. To which university is your college affiliated?
DAVV Autonomous Any other university
Q2. Major Research Project in your college is-
Mandatory Optional
a) If mandatory, you do MRP
By force
By willingness
b) If optional, would you prefer to do MRP
Yes No Cant say
Q3. MRP is essential part of curriculum vitae

Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree disagree

Q4. What do you prefer MRP as-
Marks oriented approach Learning oriented approach
Both

37

Q5. Would you like to adopt MRP if not attached with marks
obligation?
Yes No Cant say
Q6. How would you prefer to do MRP-
Individually Group
If in group, what group size do you prefer
1-2 2-3 4-5
Q7. The time provided to you for research is
In Abundance Sufficient Rare
Q8. For conducting research, appropriate time period according to
you-
2-3 months 5-6 months spread over in two semesters
Q9. What kind of teaching regarding MRP would you prefer in
college?
Theoretical Practical Both
Q10. Are you aware with the details of research?
Yes No Partly aware of information needed
Q11. What is the field of your research?
Finance Marketing HR OB Any other
Q12. What kind of research do you find convenient?
Exploratory Conclusive Descriptive

Q13. What kind of difficulties are you facing in doing MRP?
38

Data not easily available
Companies do not provide information
Market research is difficult
Inappropriate base for research
Lack of expertise and experience
Inappropriate guidance
Any other

Q14. The data and review of literature available on your topic is in
In Abundance Satisfactory Rare

Q15. Do your college provide backup to get information regarding a
company-
Yes No Up to a certain limit

Q16. How do you rate the Supervision of your faculty for MRP-

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Q17. How do you rate conducting research as a medium to enter in
corporate world-?
Very important
Important
39

Only basic knowledge
Not necessary

Q18. If given a choice, you would prefer doing MRP as
Theoritical in college only
Practical in a company

Q19. MRP is considered a burden by MBA students?
True False

Q20. Any recommendation to UGC regarding MRP-