Yashaswi Education Societys

International Institute of Management Science, Chinchwad, Pune.

MBA (IV SEM)
Subject: DISSERTATION
Marks -

50

Guidelines for Dissertation Report Writing (IV Sem)

1. In Sem IV the student shall work under the supervision of the Faculty and carry out a
dissertation and submit a structured report in Three hard copies & one soft copy (CD).
The Following Guidelines are to be followed while completing your research work
a) The student shall work for 60 hours under the supervison of the Faculty Guide
assigned to him/her for the research.
b) The topic should be related to one (or more) of contemporary research issues in
management and is to be choosen in consultation with the Faculty Guide.
c) A detailed research proposal prior to starting the work should be prepared and it is
mandatory for the students to seek advance written approval from the Faculty guide
and Director Sir.
d) A dissertation outlining the entire problem , including a survey of literature and the
various results obtained along with their solutions is expected to be produced.
e) After Submission of the Dissertation report an oral presentation of the same has to be
made by the student.
f) It is expected from the students to furnish evidence of competence in understanding
varied aspects of the theme/topic selected and a deep understanding of the speciality
area.
2. Dissertation Completion Schedule is as follows :-

Important Dates
Selection Of Topic in consultation with 27/01/2015
Faculty Guide
Submission of detailed Research Proposal 06/02/2015
for approval by Faculty & Director
Submission of dissertation (to include 21/02/2015
Research Problem
Survey of Literature
& findings and results as per format)
Submission Of Dissertation Hardbound 10/03/2015
copy.
Presentation Of dissertation through PPT 21/03/2015
to be judged by panel of judges.

Various Steps to complete Research Work are given Below

3. How to write a Dissertation Report
A dissertation is an extended piece of writing based on extended reading and some
independent research at the Undergraduate or Masters level. A good dissertation
should be original and must demonstrate:the ability to collect data and evidence
systematically as well as to interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence.
4. Dissertation Action Plan
Decide on a possible focus/title and discuss with supervisor.
a. Choose something that interests you but without any pre-conceived ideas of what
youre likely to find out. Avoid subjects already widely researched look for
unanswered questions.It is essential that your research question is clearly focussed
and precisely phrased: answering it must be achievable in the time available to
you.
b. Consider the feasibility like access to sites, Life of topic,Likely
result/usefulness, Literature available and Anticipated problems of your research.
c. Seek Faculty Guides guidance,take a few possible titles for discussion.But
remember Faculty Guide can help to refine and clarify, but not invent a title.
5. Research Proposal The Classical Structure

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Title page
Acknowledgements
Contents page: chapters, appendices, tables, figures, illustrations
Abstract -Summary and outline of main findings
Introduction
Outline scope of study and what background material will be discussed.
f. Literature Survey - Show how existing theories/research findings illuminate your
work.
g. Methodology - Explain approach taken and why particular methods and techniques
used. Describe procedures, size of samples, methods of selection, choice of variables
and controls, any tests of measurement etc.
h. Results -Present findings clearly. Use tables, charts, diagrams etc. if appropriate.

i. Discussion -Interpret findings and Construct a logical, consistent argument based on

findings.
j. Conclusion - Summarise main points and state any conclusions which can be drawn.
Indicate how firm the conclusion is .Make any recommendations.
k. References
l. Bibliography background reading and citation

m. Appendices - e.g. blank questionnaire, transcript of interview, extended case studies,

letter of invitation.
6. Literature Survey
The 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.
What previous research has already been done on this topic ? Who did it, and when?
What conclusions did previous researchers reach?How relevant are these conclusions
today generally and for your own research?
How does your research build on previous research? How is it similar or different
(e.g. similar/different models or methods used etc),
Who are the principal commentators and theorists in the subject you researched?

7. Choosing The Research Methods

Before choosing the research methods , decide upon two things
o What sort of data do you want?
o How much data do you need for the purpose of analysis?
Quantity or Quality ?
If Quantitative

objective
concerned with observable, objective, measurable facts, physical characteristics and
the outside world
hypothesis indicated at beginning of research then tested through experiment
involves measurement and comparison of data at beginning and end of period
large samples involved
results presented as %s and in graphs
researcher remote from group

or If Qualitative

subjective
often concerned with social aspects of lives of groups and individuals
concerned with immeasurable features meanings and experience
data used to generate new hypothesis or theory
concerned with explanation and interpretation
involves techniques such as case study, informal discussion, self-discovery.
smaller samples involved

8. Research Methodology.

In this chapter a straightforward description is required of how you conducted the research. If
you used particular equipment, processes, or materials, method or tools you will need to be
clear and precise in how you describe them. 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 theparticipants
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.
9. Analysis Of Finding

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. The following
points should be kept in mind while analysing the research topic ,the research report

Need to show how findings support your argument

what light do they shed on the topic?
what significance do they have for the topic ?
what weight can be given to them?
how do they relate to other views?
Need to interpret, analyse, criticise
Look for similarities, groupings, patterns, items of particular significance
Need to raise/discuss issues
What is fact and what opinion?
Any weaknesses, errors, omissions?Other explanations possible?
Dont claim more for the results than they provide are they reliable and valid?
Dont attempt generalisations based on insufficient data

Every ending is a beginning. It is the end of your report, but, hopefully, the beginning of positive
contribution to knowledge or organisational change as a result of your work. This need not be on a
grand scale; some of the best project focus on affecting small but important changes within the
business concerned.

**************************ALL THE BEST**************************

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