Faculty of Management

Integrated MBA Programme

Guidelines for Preparation of

DISSERTATION
Semester VI

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1. Purpose & Objectives of Dissertation

Dissertation is a combination of macro level EIC (Economy-Industry-Company) and research based

analysis of a problem/gap identified by the student. It will be submitted as a written document under the
guidance of a faculty guide. It covers the student’s overall educational experience in the IMBA
programme.
Dissertation gives the students an opportunity:
- To conduct the macro level analysis of the Economy, the Industry and the Company.
- Apply theoretical and conceptual knowledge to practical problems
- Develop report writing and presentation skills

The satisfactory completion of Dissertation is a part of the requirement to qualify for Integrated MBA
programme.

For completion of the Dissertation, students will be given following two options:
1. Option 1: Macro + Micro
Dissertation based on Primary Research
This involves a Macro level analysis of the subject under study together with a Micro analysis based
on research conducted on primary data. Suitable statistical methods to be deployed to derive useful
inferences from the data collected.
2. Option 2: Macro
Dissertation based on Secondary Research
This involves a detailed study of the subject depending on selected Industry and Company. Suitable
statistical methods to be deployed to derive useful inferences.

Dissertation ideally has three basic components:

1. Analysis of the available literature relating to the subject under study

2. Systematic collection and analysis of data (if applicable)

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 3. Writing a well-structured research report.

A satisfactory Dissertation should focus on macro economy, industry and company analysis which is
well known as EIC framework, for which the students can use tools like PESTEL analysis at the
economy level, BCG matrix at industry level and SWOT analysis at the company level. Following the
above analysis, a student should identify a research gap for further study and analysis which can be
conducted using research methodology. A detailed research report will be prepared after completion of
the study. It has to be written in a coherent language following a consistent style and the conventions of
citation.

Each student or a group of not more than 2 students will be allotted a faculty guide with whose
consultation the project will be finalized. A Concept Note has to be prepared on the basis of below
mentioned guidelines:

2. Guidelines for preparation of Concept Note

The Concept Note should contain the following topics:
1. Clear selection of the type of dissertation
Option 1 - Macro + Micro
Option 2 - Macro
2. Tentative Title
3. Objectives of research
4. Scope of research

3. Guidelines for preparation of Research Proposal

The Research Proposal should consist of the following topics:

1. Brief literature review
2. Objectives of study
3. Scope of study
4. Research design
5. Data collection sources
6. Sampling plan
7. Time line
8. Expected contribution
9. Limitations

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4. Guidelines for Writing the Dissertation

The assessment of Dissertation depends crucially on the quality of the report in terms of clarity and
structure. Though there is no single way of writing a Dissertation, there are broad guidelines that one
could follow to write a good report.

Following is broad frame work for outline of project report

 Preface
 Acknowledgement
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables
 List of Figures
 List of Symbols, Abbreviations Or Nomenclature (Optional)
 Abstract / Executive Summary ( 1 to 2 Page )
o Objectives
o Results
o Conclusions
o Recommendations
 Introduction
o Economy-PESTEL Analysis
o Industry-Michael Porter’s Five Force Analysis & BCG Matrix
o Company-SWOT Analysis
 Methodology(on the basis of Concept Note)
 Data Analysis and Interpretation
 Findings
 Recommendations &Conclusion
 References / Bibliography
 Appendices / Annexure
5. General Rules
 Maximum number of Students in a group

The Dissertation can be prepared by an individual student or a group consisting of not more than
two students.
 Association with the company
Since the Dissertation is a part of Research, it can be a part of any specific organization /
company / Industry. But it is not necessary to work in the company/organization. However,
the student is expected to carry out research work.

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 Problem Identification
Students have to find out general / specific problems of companies / industry and give practical
suggestions to overcome these problems. Problems identification for any particular organization
is not mandatory.
 Formal Certificate from the Industry

Formal certificate is not mandatory.

6. Evaluation
The performance will be judged by the committee of faculty members constituted at the Institute.
Evaluation committee may suggest revision or improvisation or re-submission of project work.
There will equal weightage of 50% for internal as well as external examination. There will be
internal Evaluation by Evaluation Committee and will have weightage of 50 marks. Final
Evaluation of Dissertation will be made by the panel comprising of External Examiner
(Industry/Academia) as well as Internal Examiner for 50 Marks.

7. Timelines for submission

Scheduled Dates:

Sr. Details Tentative To be

No. Date submitted to
1 Phase I Finalization of Title and Submission of Dissertation
Concept Note Committee
2 Phase II Submission of Research Proposal Faculty
Guide

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 Detailed Literature Review Faculty
Guide
3 Phase Data Collection, Analysis & Faculty
Guide
III Interpretation
First Draft Report Submission Faculty
Guide
4 Phase Final Report Faculty
Guide
IV
Internal Viva Dissertation
Committee
External Viva Dissertation
Committee

DISSERTATION

ON

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 “ _________________________________________”

Submitted to
Faculty of Management

In partial fulfillment of the requirement of the award for the degree of

Integrated Masters of Business Administration

GLS University

Under the guidance of

Faculty Guide
Name and Designation

Submitted by
Student name
[Batch: Enrollment No.:-]
IMBA Semester VI

Month, Year

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 CERTIFICATE
(TWO PAGES BLANK)
(1. Institute Certificate 2. Company Certificate (If applicable)
Institute’s Certificate
(On separate page)
“It is to certify that this Dissertation Report Titled “……………………………” is the bonafide work of
Mr. / Ms……… ……………………. (Enrollment No………..) & Mr. / Ms……… …………………….
(Enrollment No………..) , who carried out the research under my supervision.

______________________ __________________________ __________________________

Faculty Guide HOD, Faculty of Management

Dr. Kavita Kshatriya

____________________

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 PREFACE
(SEPARATE PAGE)
As a part of Integrated MBA Curriculum and in order to gain practical knowledge in the field of
Management, we have prepared a report on “_________________________________”.
The Integrated MBA programme is a well-structured and integrated course of business management at
GLS University. The main objective of preparing the Dissertation at IMBA level is to develop skills in
students by providing them an opportunity to relate practical experience with the theoretical concepts
and principles of business management.

The Dissertation has taught us…(the learnings)

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
(SEPARATE PAGE)
Dissertation has provided us with an opportunity to gain information of ………….. from different
sectors. It was an experience of applying the concepts as well as the knowledge learned during
classrooms in real life practical situations.

Every Project Report is a culmination of a student’s endeavor to gain optimum experience during a short
valuable tenure. This Project is dedicated to all the people to whom we met, talked, took guidance and
learnt many things from them.

We take immense pleasure in taking this as an opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all those
people whose guidance and support has made it possible for us to complete this project successfully.

First and foremost, we would like to convey our heartiest thanks to GLS University for providing us
with the huge platform for doing this Dissertation.

We are thankful to our Dean, Faculty of Management, Dr. Hitesh Ruparel and our HOD, Faculty of
Management, Dr. Kavita Kshatriya for providing us constant support from the institute. Our deepest
gratitude to our project guides Prof. …………, Faculty Guide who in spite of their busy schedules have
provided us with their invaluable guidance, suggestions and directions, which enabled us during all
stages of this project.

Finally we would like to convey our deepest regard to everyone who have directly or indirectly helped
us in accomplishing this project.

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 DECLARATION
(SEPARATE PAGE)

I, __________________________________, hereby declare that the report for

dissertation entitled “_______________________________________” is a result of
my own work and my indebtedness to other work publications, references, if any,
have been duly acknowledged.

Place : (Signature)
Date : (Name of Student)

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Option 1: If Project is based on Primary Research (Macro + Micro)
Preface
Acknowledgement
Declaration
Executive Summary

SR. NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NOS.

PART – I GENERAL INFORMATION

1 About the Industry

World Market
Indian Market
Scenario about particular industry in Gujarat
Growth of the industry in India & Gujarat
2 About Major Companies in the Industry
3 Product Profile (Major Products)
PART – II PRIMARY STUDY
4 Introduction of the Study
4.1 Literature Review
4.2 Background of the Study
4.3 Problem Statement and Importance of the Study
4.4 Objectives of the Study
4.5 Hypothesis (If any)
5 Research Methodology
5.1 Research Design
5.2 Source/s of Data
5.3 Data Collection Method
5.4 Population
5.5 Sampling Method
5.6 Sampling Frame
5.7 Date Collection Instrument
6 Data Analysis and Interpretation
7 Results and Findings
8 Limitations of the Study
9 Conclusion/Suggestions
Bibliography
Annexure
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Option 2: If project is based on Secondary Research (Macro)
Preface
Acknowledgement
Declaration
Executive Summary
SR. NO. PARTICULARS PAGE NOS.
PART – I Industry and Company Study
Industry Study
Growth and Evolution of Industry in India
Product Profile
Players in the Industry
Distribution channel in the Industry
Key Issues and Current Trends
PESTEL Analysis
Financial Analysis of Chosen Industry
Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model
BCG Matrix
1 Future Outlook

Company Study
Company Information and Product Profile
2 Functional Departments
SWOT / TOWS Analysis & Value Chain
Analysis
Intercompany comparison
Future Outlook
PART – II
Literature Review
Problem Statement and Importance of study
Objectives of the study
3 Hypothesis (if any)
Research Methodology
Research Design
Sources of Data
4 Statistical Methods (if any)
5 Data Analysis and Interpretation
6 Results and Findings
7 Limitations of the Study
8 Conclusion /Suggestions
Bibliography
Annexure
 LIST OF TABLES*/GRAPHS*/DIAGRAMS*

(SEPARATE PAGE)*

SR. NO. PARTICULARS TABLE NOS. PAGE NOS.

 FORMAT FOR TABLES/GRAPHS/DIAGRAMS

(AS TO BE WRITTEN IN THE REPORT)

TABLE TITLE
TABLE NO.

SOURCE: (Font Size – 10)

 SPECIFICATIONS FOR PROJECT REPORT

1 Paper Size A4
2 Margins Left Side - 1.5 cm
Right Side - 1 cm
Top - 1 cm
Bottom - 1 cm
3 Line Spacing 1.5 Lines
4 Paragraph Spacing Double Lines
5 Page Numbers At bottom – Centre (Middle)
Times New
6 Font Type Roman
7 Font Size (FS) For normal – 12
8 Bold / Italic / Underline Should be used for specific purposes only
9 Alignment Page Justify
10 Heading Upper case, Bold, Centre, FS – 14
Subhead Bold, Left Aligned, FS- 12, No Colon (:)
11 Tables/ Graphs/ Diagrams Title, No. and Source
12 Borders / Shades No Borders , Headers , Footers
13 Word Breaking No word Breaking
14 Chapter Name On Separate Page – Before the start of
the Chapter
Centre Aligned on the Page
No page Numbers on it
Next page start the Chapter – do not
repeat the title on the next page
15 Copies of the Report Hard : Total 1 Copy
For Institute – 01 (Spiral)
For Student – 01 (Spiral) (Optional)
Soft : 01 Copy
CD should have following information:
Name of the Student
Enrollment No.
DISSERTATION
Title
Year
Guide Name
16 No. of pages for the report Not more than 100 to 150 pages