Project Synopsis and Project Report

Guidelines
For
Post Graduate Diploma in Management
&
Post Graduate Diploma in Management - Executive

Institute of Management Technology, Centre for Distance Learning

A-16, Site-3, UPSIDC Industrial Area, Meerut Road, Ghaziabad ; 201 003, Uttar Pradesh, India

projects@imtcdl.ac.in (Project Related Enquiry & Information)

+91-120-4622445

Toll Free no 1800-102-1063

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Contents Page

1. Introduction 3
2. Objectives 3
3. Project 4
4. Types of Project Study 4
5. Selection of Topic 5
6. Stages of Project Work 5
7. Stage -1: Synopsis 5
7.1 Process Cycle of Synopsis 6
7.2 Content of Project Synopsis 7
7.3 Timeline for Synopsis Submission 10
7.4 Steps of Synopsis Submission 11
7.5 Important Points to be Remembered for Synopsis Submission 15
7.6 Evaluation Process of Synopsis 15

8. Stage 2: Project Work 15

8.1 Project Submission Eligibility and Timelines 16
8.2 Format of Project Report 17
8.3 Pagination 18
8.4 Components of Project Report 18
8.5 Steps of Project Report Submission 22
8.6 Evaluation Process of Project Report 24
8.7 Rejection of Project Report 24
8.8 Resubmission of Project Report 25
8.9 Project Reappear Fee 25
8.10 Special Provision for Project Submission 26
8.11 Project Submission for Cases Nearing Programme Expiry 27

9. FAQs 28

10. Annexures 31-37

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1. Introduction
A project is an essential component of both the PGDM and PGDM - Executive Programmemes.
PGDM students are required to submit their final project report for evaluation at the end of their
4th semester, while PGDM - Executive students must do so within the third month after
completing their 2nd semester.

The project serves as a bridge that connects the academic concepts learned during the
Programmeme with real-world managerial challenges. It empowers students to apply the
theoretical knowledge and principles they've acquired within their specialized functional domains.
Through the project, students engage in an in-depth examination of a specific organization or
business area, utilizing the knowledge and skills honed during their academic journey.

This project experience is a practical learning opportunity, and students are expected to take the
initiative in planning and executing it under the guidance of a dedicated industry mentor who
possesses specialist knowledge in their chosen area of interest. It facilitates the application of
conceptual knowledge in a practical context, enabling students to grasp the art and science of
conducting systematic research and presenting their findings in the form of a comprehensive
report.

Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the project work, starting from the initial
project synopsis and carrying it through to the final project report in the last semester of the
Programmeme. It's important to note that the project carries the weight of one full course and is
assigned 4 credits.

Furthermore, the project must be an authentic, original piece of work and should not be
plagiarized or copied from any other source. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their
skills, knowledge, and ability to address real-world managerial challenges while maintaining
academic integrity.

2. Objectives
Project work is an invaluable means to put into practice what students have learned during their
academic Programmeme. The inclusion of a project report in the PGDM and PGDM - Executive
Programmemes serves four vital objectives:

1. Real-Life Problem Solving: It offers students the opportunity to delve into real-life
management issues within their specialized functional areas.

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2. Application of Conceptual Knowledge: It allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge
and concepts in practical, real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

3. Systematic Study: It helps students acquire the skills necessary to conduct a structured and
systematic study, ensuring that they approach problems and research in an organized manner.

4. Effective Presentation: The process of preparing a project report teaches students how to
present their findings and insights coherently, enhancing their communication and reporting
skills.

3. Project
A project entails a rigorous and methodical examination of a genuine managerial problem or
issue. Its primary objective is to explore and propose effective managerial interventions to address
the underlying challenges. This issue can pertain to any functional domain within management,
such as Marketing, Human Resource Management, Finance & Accounting, Operations, or Business
Analytics. Ideally, the project should align with your chosen area of specialization.

A fundamental requirement of a project is that it necessitates the systematic gathering, analysis,

and interpretation of data to arrive at valid and substantiated conclusions.

4. Types of Project Study

The project should be selected from your area of specialization, and it may fall into any one of the
following categories.

1. Case Study: This style involves an in-depth examination of a specific real-life business situation
or case. It analyzes challenges, solutions, and outcomes, providing insights into decision-making
and problem-solving.

2. Field Study/Survey: In this style, students conduct primary research through surveys,
interviews, or observations to gather data related to a particular issue or topic. The report presents
findings and conclusions based on this empirical research.

3. Onsite/Experiential Study: This style focuses on hands-on experience gained by students

during visits to organizations or through practical exposure. It emphasizes learning through direct
observation and interaction in real-world settings.

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4. Secondary Study: In this style, students rely on existing literature, research, and data sources
to analyze and synthesize information on a specific subject. It involves a comprehensive review of
secondary sources to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

5. Selection of Topic
In accordance with their chosen functional area, the student must, in consultation with their
project guide, select and propose a suitable project title. The suggested title should effectively
summarize the scope and rationale of the project. It should strike a balance, being neither
excessively long nor too brief, yet precise enough to convey the essence of the study.

6. Stages of Project Work

There are two Stages in Project work.

Stage -1 Project Synopsis Submission in SIS

Stage -2 Project Report Submission in SIS

This includes:

a) Conducting Project Study

b) Preparing Project Report
c) Project Report Submission

7. Stage - 1: Synopsis
The project synopsis provides an outline of the project work to be undertaken by the student.
Once the student selects a suitable topic (related to the specialization area), defines the problems,
and outlines the manner in which the project study is to be conducted, the next step is to prepare
the project synopsis. A project synopsis is a proposal for a research project which the student will
carry out in consultation with his/her guide. The synopsis should be submitted online, through
Student Information System (SIS) Login for approval before working on the Project. The synopsis
will be reviewed by the faculty of IMT CDL to ensure that it follows the guidelines. Evaluated
Project synopsis will be available in SIS Login under “Online Synopsis Submission”. It is advisable
to submit a synopsis as early as possible so that it can be reviewed within the timelines.

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7.1 Process Cycle of Synopsis

The process is depicted in the flowchart below:

Student

Login to Student Information System using

student credentials and go to Project / Synopsis
Tab)

Click on Online Synopsis/ Project submission link

Click on Prepare Synopsis Tab & Properly fill

online Synopsis Form & Submit

Project Synopsis Submitted for Evaluation

Status of Evaluated Project Synopsis

Approved Approved with Modifications Rejected

Prepare the Project Report as per approved

Synopsis

Resubmit Project Synopsis

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7.2 Important Components of Project Synopsis

A. Title of the Project:

The selection of a project topic should align with the current and prevailing conditions within a
student's environment while also being relevant to their specialization area. It's crucial that the
chosen topic holds the student's interest since they will be the ones conducting the research,
rather than their advisor.

B. Organization Profile:

Students should opt for a specific organization to conduct their project study. Ideally, this should
be their own organization or one nearby. In any case, they should have access to information and
the opportunity to engage in discussions with executives from the chosen organization. The
project outline and its development should be openly discussed with individuals responsible for
similar activities within the selected organization.

C. Statement about the Problem:

A well-defined problem statement is essential, as it's often said that defining a problem clearly is
halfway to solving it. Therefore, it's of utmost importance to propose a unique problem statement
in your synopsis, one that succinctly explains the rationale behind your study. The problem
definition should be explicit in terms of the nature, size, and scope of the project, and it should
also justify the proposed study.

D. Objectives and Scope of the Study:

Clearly elucidate the reasons for selecting the topic and emphasize the applicability or relevance
of the project idea. Highlight how the project can contribute to the chosen organization or similar
situations.

E. Methodology:

Provide a detailed account of the tools, techniques, and steps involved in planning and conducting
the selected project study. The methodology should briefly outline the planning process and the
proposed investigation, followed by an explanation of the analysis the student will undertake to
complete their project study. Depending on your type of chosen project study, follow the
guidelines to write the methodology as mentioned below:

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i. Case Study:

• Guidelines for Methodology: In your project synopsis, outline the methodology for
the case study as follows:

• Clearly state the objective of the case study.

• Explain how you will select the specific case or business situation to be
studied.

• Describe the data sources you plan to use, such as documents, reports, or
interviews with key stakeholders.

• Mention the analytical tools or frameworks you intend to use for in-depth
analysis.

• Discuss how you will summarize your findings, draw conclusions, and
provide recommendations in your final report.

ii. Field Study/Survey:

• Guidelines for Methodology: In your project synopsis, provide the following details
regarding your field study or survey:

• Clearly define your research question or hypothesis.

• Explain your survey design and data collection methods, including the use
of surveys, interviews, or observations.

• Discuss how you will analyze the collected data, whether through statistical
analysis or qualitative methods.

• Describe how you plan to present your findings, draw conclusions, and
make recommendations based on the empirical research.

iii. Onsite/Experiential Study:

• Guidelines for Methodology: In your project synopsis, include the following

information related to your onsite or experiential study:

• Clearly state the purpose of your experiential study and the organizations
or settings you intend to visit.

• Explain how you will document your hands-on experiences and

interactions.

• Discuss how you plan to reflect on your experiences and analyze the real-
world application of concepts.

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 • Mention the format in which you will report your observations, insights, and
learning from the practical exposure.

iv. Secondary Study:

• Guidelines for Methodology: When writing your project synopsis for a secondary
study, provide the following details:

• Clearly state the subject or topic of your secondary study.

• Explain how you will conduct a comprehensive literature review and identify
relevant research papers and data sources.

• Describe your data collection and analysis methods for synthesizing

information from existing literature.

• Discuss how you will draw conclusions and make recommendations based
on the review of secondary sources.

Adapt these guidelines to the specific research objectives and project requirements. Additionally,
emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical research practices and citing all sources
appropriately to ensure the validity and credibility of your work.

F. Questionnaire:

If data collection involves the use of a questionnaire, include the questionnaire along with the
synopsis. It's important to note that submitting a questionnaire is not mandatory, as some
studies/projects, particularly in specializations like Systems, Finance, and Operations, may not rely
on survey-based questionnaires.

G. Chapter Plan:

Provide a concise overview of the chapters that will be included in the project report, arranged in
sequential order.

H. Project Guide:

As the project is designed as a Guided Self-Study Course (GSSC), it is mandatory for students to
select an external guide from the industry to complete their project study. The Project Guide,
chosen by the student, should ideally be an industry expert and must meet specific academic and
professional qualifications, as outlined below:

a. Academic Qualification: Ideally, the guide should hold a post-graduate degree (e.g.,
MBA/PGDM) or its equivalent in Management, with specialization in the relevant field.

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 Individuals with qualifications such as MCA, M Tech, CA, CS, CFA, and ICWA are also
eligible to serve as Project Guides.

b. Professional Qualification: Furthermore, the guide should possess a minimum of 5

years of industry or teaching experience following the completion of their post-
graduation.

The role of the project guide is of paramount importance in facilitating and overseeing the
successful completion of the project work, ensuring the creation of a high-quality project
report by the students. The Project Guide's expertise should align with the subject domain,
enabling effective guidance and continuous monitoring of the student's work.

I. Consent Letter of the Project Guide:

The student is required to upload the most recent CV along with a consent letter from their
selected Project Guide. It is essential to include a mandatory consent letter from the project guide,
which should be signed on the company's letterhead or sent from the official email address of the
project guide. Please note that emails from Gmail, Rediff, Yahoo, etc., will not be accepted. You
can find the format for the consent letter from the project guide in Annexure F.

7.3 Timeline for Synopsis Submission

a) The link to submit a synopsis will automatically become accessible on SIS after the student
has successfully paid their final semester fees. This link will remain open either until the
synopsis submission or up to 110 days before the expiry of the validity of the academic
Programmeme, depending on which occurs earlier.
b) A student should aim to submit their synopsis promptly after the link becomes available,
which typically happens after they have paid their final semester fee. To prevent any delays
in PG Diploma or reappear fees, students are strongly advised to adhere to the following
submission timeline:
i. PGDM (2 Year) Students: It is recommended to submit the synopsis at least 110
days before the conclusion of their final semester. Specifically, for January batch
students, the synopsis should be submitted before September 11 of their final
semester, while July batch students should aim to submit it before March 11 of
their final semester.
ii. PGDM Executive (15 Months) Students: Similarly, it is advisable to submit the
synopsis at least 110 days before the completion of the 15-month
Programmeme. For January batch students, the synopsis submission is
recommended before December 11 in their final semester, and for July batch
students, it is June 11 in their final semester.

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 c) Adhering to these timelines will assist students in avoiding unnecessary complications
related to fees and Programme completion. If a student fails to submit the synopsis
followed by the project report within the specified academic Programme duration (n=24
months for PGDM & n=15 months for PGDM-E), a project reappear fee of Rs. 1000/- will
be imposed at the time of project submission.
d) The Submitted Synopsis will be evaluated within 15 days of submission.
e) In the event of a synopsis rejection, it is strongly advisable to initiate the process of re-
submission as soon as possible. Ideally, this should be done within a maximum of 60 days,
commencing from the original opening date of the submission link. This proactive approach
will help prevent any undue complications concerning reappear fees or the timely
completion of the Programmeme.
f) The approved synopsis will be valid for one year for project submission. After this period, it
is necessary to resubmit the synopsis.
g) If a student fails to submit their synopsis within 110 days prior to the expiration of the
Programmeme's validity, they can only submit the synopsis after the Programmeme has
been reinstated following its expiration. In such a case, a reinstatement fee of Rs. 10,000/-
will be applicable, along with a reappear fee of Rs. 500/-.
h) The synopsis submission link will expire 110 days prior to the Programmeme's expiration
date. This 110-day timeframe has been set to account for the time needed for synopsis
evaluation and approval, followed by an additional 90 days for project preparation and
submission in accordance with the newly approved synopsis.

7.4 Steps of Synopsis Submission

Step 1: Open Student Information System portal (https://sis.imtcdl.ac.in/sis/sis.htm) and login

using your user-id and password.

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Step 2: Go to Project / Synopsis tab & click on “Online Synopsis Submissions”

Step 3: Click on Prepare Synopsis tab and fill the complete online Synopsis form.

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After entering all the required details, click on continue button. The synopsis will be submitted for
evaluation.

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7.5 Important Points to Remember for Synopsis Submission:

a) Avoid using special characters in the synopsis form, except for periods (.) and commas (,).
b) Exercise caution when entering details of your project guide, as changes require prior
approval and may not be easily modified.
c) Choose a suitable topic and title that aligns with your specialization, as synopses cannot
be amended once submitted for evaluation.

7.6 Evaluation Process of Synopsis

A. Once a synopsis is submitted for evaluation on SIS, it will undergo review by the IMT CDL
faculty. Faculty members will assess the synopsis within 15 days of allocation.
B. After 15 days from the submission of the synopsis, students can check its evaluated status
independently. Please refer to the "Online Synopsis Submission" link on the SIS homepage
and select "View Synopsis."
a) If the synopsis is 'Approved' by the faculty, students can commence their project
work.
b) If the synopsis is 'Approved with Modifications,' students are not required to
resubmit the synopsis. However, they must incorporate the suggested
modifications into the final Project Report.
c) If the synopsis is 'Rejected' by the reviewer, students will need to prepare a new
synopsis. To do so, log in to SIS using your login credentials, go to "Online Synopsis
Submission," and click on "Prepare Synopsis" to resubmit it within the specified
timeline.

8. Stage 2: Project Work

The following guidelines will help you to clarify many procedural aspects regarding project report
completion.

8.1 Project Submission Eligibility and Timelines

A. The project submission link will be automatically activated 90 days after the approval of
the synopsis on the Student Information System (SIS). Students will be able to submit the
project report only if the status of the synopsis is either 'Approved' or 'Approved with
Modifications'.
B. A student is required to submit the project report no later than 45 days prior to the final
day of their last semester, as outlined in the table provided below. Any delay in submission
will result in a delay in receiving the results and the issuance of the PG Diploma.
Furthermore, any submission delay beyond the recommended dates will incur a reappear
fee of Rs.1,000/-.

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Programmeme Batch Submission Timeline

PGDM (2 Years) July 15 May of Final Semester

January 15 November of Final Semester

PGDM- Executive (15 Months) July 15 August of Final Semester

January 15 February of Final Semester

C. The project report can be submitted within one year after the approval of your synopsis.
If a student fails to submit their project report for evaluation within one year, provided
their Programmeme validity has not expired, they will be required to initiate the process
again, which includes submitting a fresh synopsis, obtaining its approval, and subsequently
submitting the project report. In such cases, a reappear fee of Rs 1000/- will be applicable
before the project report submission.
D. To successfully complete the Programmeme and obtain the diploma, it is necessary to
have the project report evaluated before the expiration of the academic Programmeme's
validity period, which is (n+n), where n equals 24 months for PGDM and 15 months for the
PGDM-Executive Programmeme, respectively.
E. After the (n+n) period has elapsed, students have the option to extend the validity of their
Programmeme by paying a Programmeme reinstatement fee of Rs. 10,000/-, which
extends the Programmeme's validity for a maximum of 1 year. During the extension period,
students must resubmit the synopsis at least 110 days before the end of the 1-year
extension period. After the synopsis is approved, the project report must be submitted at
least 30 days before the end of the 1-year extension period.
F. Students can request multiple extensions for Programmeme reinstatement by paying the
Programmeme reinstatement fee of Rs. 10,000/- for each extension, up to a maximum
duration of (n+n+3) years. After (n+n+3) years, the Programmeme will permanently expire,
and no further extensions will be allowed.
G. Additionally, along with the Programmeme reinstatement fee, a project resubmission fee
of Rs. 500/- will be applicable for submitting the project report.
H. If the "Approved" or "Approved with Modification" synopsis dates back to any timeline
prior to October 2022, the student will not be eligible to submit their project during the
current submission cycle. Consequently, students who missed the project submission
deadlines before October 2022 will need to submit a fresh synopsis in the current cycle. A

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 reappear fee of Rs. 1000/- will be applicable in such cases. This is subject to their
Programmeme validity at the time of synopsis submission, as synopsis submission link will
close 110 days before Programmeme expiry.

8.2 Format of Project Report

The entire main body of the report, except for the cover page, should adhere to the following
formatting guidelines:

1. Font and Spacing:

• Use Times New Roman font with a font size of 12 points.
• Maintain 1.5 line spacing throughout the report.
2. Margins:
• Keep a consistent one-inch margin on all four sides of each page.
3. Headings and Subheadings:
• Headings and subheadings should be typed in bold.
• Use a font size of 14 for main headings and a font size of 12 for all subheadings.
• Avoid subheadings beyond two levels, unless absolutely necessary.
4. Numbering:
• Maintain proper numbering for all chapter headings and subheadings in the report.

Follow the format illustrated below for chapter headings and subheadings:

For Chapter 1:

1.1 XXXXXXXX

1.1.1 XXXXXXXX

1.1.2 XXXXXXXX

1.2 XXXXXXXX

1.2.1 XXXXXXXX

1.2.2 XXXXXXXX

For Chapter 2:

2.1 XXXXXXXX

2.1.1 XXXXXXXX

2.1.2 XXXXXXXX

2.2 XXXXXXXX

2.2.1 XXXXXXXX

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 2.2.2 XXXXXXXX

Maintain this pattern of headings and subheadings consistently throughout the report.

5. File Format:
• The soft copy of the project report should be uploaded in PDF format.
• Include the PDF copy of the approved synopsis for evaluation on SIS.

It is important to note that nonadherence to the prescribed formatting guidelines as explained in

sections 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 may result in a deduction in the score allocated for adherence to
guidelines in your final evaluation.

8.3 Pagination

The title page should be included in the page count but should not be numbered. Follow these
numbering guidelines for your document:

1. Use Roman numerals (e.g., ii, iii, iv, etc.) for your introductory sections (Declaration,
Certificate from Guide, Table of Contents, etc.).
2. After the introductory sections, switch to Arabic numerals (e.g., 1, 2, 3) and start the page
numbering at "1" at the beginning of Chapter 1 of the main text.
3. Insert page numbers in the footer of every page (except for the cover page).
4. Ensure that the page numbers are centered aligned at the bottom of each page.

By adhering to these guidelines, you will maintain a consistent and appropriate page numbering
format throughout your document.

8.4 Components of Project Report

1. Cover page
2. Declaration Certificate
3. Certificate from Guide
4. Acknowledgement (Optional)
5. Table of Contents
6. List of abbreviations (Optional)
7. List of tables and figures
8. Executive Summary
9. Main report (In chapter scheme) *
a. Introduction of the Problem
b. Theoretical Perspective

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 c. Methodology
d. Data Analysis and Interpretations
e. Conclusions and Recommendations
10. Bibliography in American Psychological Association (APA) format
11. Annexure

Note: The chapter titles suggested in the main report are illustrative for a research-based study.
Based on the specific nature and requirement of the project the student can choose and
incorporate suitable chapter titles accordingly.

The components of the project report in detail are:

Cover Page: The cover page of the report should include the following:

a) The title of the report in capital letters.

b) The name of the student and their enrollment number.
c) Project guide's name.
d) Date of submission and session. The format of this page is provided in Annexure A.

Declaration Certificate: The declaration is to certify that the project is not plagiarized and is an
original work. The format for this page is provided in Annexure B.

Certificate from Guide: A certificate, duly signed by the Project Guide, on the letterhead of the
company of the Project Guide or a screenshot of an acknowledged email (official email) sent by
the Project Guide to IMT CDL (projects@imtcdl.ac.in), stating that the project work undertaken is
authentic and satisfactorily conducted under their guidance, must be appended to the Project
Report. The format for this page is provided in Annexure C.

Note: Project reports submitted without the signed certificate on the letterhead of the company
of the Project Guide or the screenshot of an acknowledged email from the project guide will be
rejected.

Acknowledgement: Acknowledgment is an expression of gratitude to the individuals and

organizations who have assisted in completing the project. The format for this page is provided
in Annexure D.

List of Abbreviations: Any abbreviations, obscure terms, or esoteric acronyms used in the project
report should be explained where they first occur. All cited abbreviations should be listed in
tabular form on this page.

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Table of Contents: The table of contents provides an index of the project report. The title page
is the first page and is not numbered. The initial pages afterward are numbered (ii, iii, iv...)
respectively. The initial pages, such as Certificates, Acknowledgments, List of Tables, List of Figures,
Bibliography, and Appendices, are numbered in lowercase Roman numerals (ii, iii, iv...), and the
page numbers of all chapters are given in regular numbers (1, 2, 3...). The prescribed format of the
table of contents is provided in Annexure E.

List of Tables and Figures: A list of tables and figures in the report must be provided with page
numbers after the table of contents. In the main text, wherever tables and figures are used, the
following guidelines must be observed:

Table number and title will be placed above the table, while the figure number and caption will
be located below the figure.

Figure and table numbers should be in sync with the chapter numbers (e.g., the first figure of
Chapter 1 should be numbered as Fig. 1.1, the first figure of Chapter 2 should be numbered as
Fig. 2.1, and so on).

All tables and figures used in the report must be referred to, discussed, or explained in the main
body of the text.

Tables in the report must be in typed text format and not in image format. For figures or tables
taken from other external sources, the source must be mentioned below the table or figure.

Executive Summary: The executive summary provides a summary of the entire project report and
should be approximately 250 words. It should briefly describe the main ideas of the report,
including the aims and conclusions. It should be self-contained and self-explanatory, without
introducing new information not mentioned in the rest of the report.

Main Report: The main report should follow the chapter scheme indicated in your synopsis.
Generally, the sequential presentation should be as follows:

Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter should provide background on the problem and what is
proposed to be investigated. Explain the significance of the problem, the objectives, scope of the
study, and the contribution and impact your study will make. Provide a brief description of the
organization where you conducted the project.

Chapter 2: Theoretical Perspective: Offer an overview of the theoretical concepts related to the
problem under study. Refer to the status of research in the area and major findings. Explain the
necessity for your study and your approach. If you conducted a literature review, include it in this
chapter.

Chapter 3: Methods: Describe in detail the steps followed in completing the study. Discuss the
basis of sampling if you conducted a sample survey, including the sample size. State the sources

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of primary and secondary data, and elaborate on how you processed the data. If a literature review
was conducted, include it in this chapter.

Chapter 4, 5, etc. (Onwards): Present relevant data and analysis, followed by a discussion. Build
your argument logically to support your theme, presenting data as needed. Maintain a balanced
size for chapters and avoid uneven coverage.

Last Chapter: Conclusions and Recommendations: In the concluding chapter, ensure that your
conclusion aligns with the project title and objectives. Provide suggestions to the company as
solutions to the problems you identified with their products, services, or methods.

By following this improved structure and formatting, your project report will be well-organized
and meet the necessary guidelines.

Bibliography: A bibliography serves as a comprehensive record of the published sources that

have been consulted during the course of a project. This encompassing list encompasses various
mediums, including books, research journals, websites, newspapers, and more. It is imperative to
adhere to the guidelines outlined in the APA 7 style when creating your bibliography. To ensure
proper referencing, please consult the examples provided below as per APA 7 guidelines:

1. Book:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.

Example:

Smith, J. D. (2020). Management Strategies for Success. Academic Press.

2. Research Paper from a Journal:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. DOI

Example:

Johnson, A. B., & Williams, C. R. (2019). Leadership styles in modern organizations. Journal of
Management Studies, 46(2), 187-205. https://doi.org/10.1080/12345678.2019.1234567

3. Magazine or News Article:

Author(s). (Year, Month Day). Title of the article. Title of the Magazine or Newspaper, Page range.

Example:

Brown, S. (2021, July 15). New trends in workplace diversity. Harvard Business Review, 35-42.

4. Website:

Author(s). (Year, Month Day). Title of the webpage. Website Name. URL

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Example:

Smith, L. (2022, March 10). Leadership principles in the digital age. Forbes.
https://www.forbes.com/leadership-principles-digital-age

5. Report or White Paper:

Author(s). (Year). Title of the report or white paper. Organization Name. URL

Example:

National Management Association. (2018). Workplace Trends Report 2018.

https://www.nma.org/workplace-trends-report

Annexure: Annexures are additions or supplements to the project report listed alphabetically e.g.,
Annexure”A Annexure”B etc. and contain any additional information to support the project study
like survey form sample, additional tables and figures etc. They are not included in the main
chapters but referred to in the discussion and interpretations. Annexure are placed after the last
chapter on summary conclusions. Annexures are numbered alphabetically e.g., Annexure,A,
Annexure-B etc.

8.5 Steps of Project Report Submission

Step 1: Open SIS (Student Information System) portal (URL: https://sis.imtcdl.ac.in/sis/sis.htm )

and login using your user-id and password.

Step 2: Go to Project / Synopsis section and click on ONLINE PROJECT /SYNOPSIS

SUBMISSION Tab.

Step 3: Click the link “Pay re-appear fees” in case “Upload Project” link is not active and pay the
re-appear fees.

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Step 4: Click on “Upload Project” then upload Project guide certificate, Project report
simultaneously and submit. (Students are required to upload 2 files simultaneously in PDF file
format).

Step 5: Check the Project Submission Status, Once the project report is submitted the status will
change to “Submitted for Grading” which means the project is submitted for evaluation.

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8.6 Evaluation Process of Project Report

• The project report submitted for grading on the SIS platform will be evaluated within 30
days of submission by the IMTCDL faculty.
• The project results will be declared in conjunction with the ETE (End-Term Examination)
results for the respective sessions, i.e., June/December for PGDM and September/March
for PGDM-Executive.
• Project results will be made available on the SIS portal under the "Examination/Marksheet"
section.
• Students can address any discrepancies within 15 days of the project result declaration by
contacting projects@imtcdl.ac.in.
• A minimum score of 40% is required to pass the project work.
• In the event of project rejection or if a student fails to achieve the minimum passing marks,
the student will be required to revise and resubmit the project within the course's validity
period, which is within 1 year from the approval of the synopsis.

Important note: There is no provision of project revaluation or improvement.

8.7 Rejection of Project Report

Students are strongly advised to exercise the utmost care when submitting their final project
report. Common mistakes made by students can result in the rejection of their reports. It's
important to note that rejected reports will not undergo evaluation during the current submission
cycle. In such cases, students will be required to revise and resubmit their project reports for
evaluation.

If a student's synopsis was 'Approved' or 'Approved with Modifications,' the same synopsis will
remain valid for up to one year from the date of synopsis approval or until the course is no longer
valid. The resubmission of both the synopsis and project for evaluation will be contingent upon
students meeting the eligibility criteria in the subsequent submission cycle.

To avoid the rejection of project reports, students should pay close attention to the following
points, which outline common reasons for rejection:

1. Non-availability of the signed certificate from the project guide with the project report:
• Ensure that a signed certificate from the project guide is included with the project report.
2. Plagiarism: Unethical copying or using someone else's ideas and information from
published reports/case studies/websites, etc. without proper attribution. The submitted

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 project report will undergo scrutiny using anti-plagiarism software, and reports with a
similarity index of 40% or higher will be outrightly rejected. Reports must be submitted in
PDF text format; any report submitted in image format will not be accepted.
3. The synopsis was approved with modifications, and the student has not incorporated the
suggested modifications into the project report as per the synopsis comments.
4. Use of outdated data for analysis: Carefully select the time period for data analysis; for
primary data, the collection period should span from the start to the end of the project,
while secondary data should not be older than five years from the project study period.
5. Improper report format, such as submitting the report in PowerPoint (PPT) format. Ensure
proper chapter organization and sufficient chapterization.
6. Submission of a purely theoretical report without incorporating any analysis, practical
aspects, trends, statistics, etc.
7. Data and analysis not directly related to the study's topic. Ensure the research
methodology is appropriate and suitable for the research objectives.
8. Lack of cohesion in the report: Ensure there is a clear link or association between the title,
objectives, methods, and findings of the study.
9. The submitted project report differs from the approved synopsis. Additionally, make sure
to use the correct name for your institute or company in the report. The correct name of
your institute is "Institute of Management Technology, Centre for Distance Learning,
Ghaziabad." In short form, you may write "IMT CDL, Ghaziabad" or simply "IMT CDL."
10. The Project Work undertaken should be authentic and contribute to the development and
growth of the subject. If the evaluator determines that the Project Work lacks authenticity
or does not contribute to the subject's growth, or if it appears to be copied from other
sources, the Institute reserves the right to reject the Project Work summarily. In such cases,
the student may be required to resubmit the Project.

These revisions should help clarify and improve the communication of the rules and expectations
for project reports.

8.8 Resubmission of Project Report

If a student needs to resubmit their project report due to rejection, failure to attain the minimum
passing marks, or because they missed the academic submission deadlines, the student is required
to undertake a thorough revision of both the synopsis and the project report. They should then
proceed with a fresh submission, beginning with the synopsis and followed by the submission of
the final project report.

8.9 Project Reappear Fee

The project reappear fee is applicable to the following categories of students:

a) Students who missed submitting their project report within their respective academic
Programmeme's duration.

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 b) Students who need to resubmit their project report due to a failure or rejection of their
initial submission.

The project reappear fee is typically set at Rs. 1000/- for all cases, with the following exceptions:

1. Students who have opted for readmission and extended their Programmeme for 1 year
after paying Rs. 10,000/- will be subject to a reduced reappear fee of Rs. 500/-.
2. For students who enrolled between July 2017 and January 2019, the reappear fee is waived
for up to 3 attempts, after which it becomes Rs. 1000/-.

8.10 Special Provision for Project Submission

A special provision for "On-Demand" project submission is available to IMT CDL students who
were unable to submit their synopsis and project report within the initially specified duration of
their academic Programme (n), provided that their Programme is still valid. The option for "On-
Demand" project submission is subject to approval from the Faculty-in-charge (Projects) and the
Dean of Academics. This special submission option can be utilized by students for various reasons,
such as personal or family health issues, official emergencies, immigration requirements, or job
changes, among others.

To avail the benefits of "On-Demand" Project Submission, students must adhere to the following
modalities:

a. Request and Fee: Students seeking the on-demand special provision for project
submission should submit a hard copy letter to the Projects Department, stating the
reason for applying for "On-Demand" project submission. Along with the request, they
are required to include a fee of Rs. 2000/- in the form of a Demand Draft made payable
to IMT CDL, Ghaziabad.
b. Approval Process: Upon receiving the student's request, it is submitted for approval
to both the Faculty-in-charge (Projects) and the Dean of Academics.
c. Synopsis Submission: Following the approval the student is granted a one-week
window to submit a hard copy of their project synopsis.
d. Synopsis Evaluation: The synopsis is promptly evaluated within one working day of its
submission.
e. Project Submission: If the synopsis is approved, the student is given a 15-day period
to submit the complete project in hard copy. In case the synopsis is rejected, the
student is allowed a two-working-day grace period to resubmit the revised synopsis.
f. Project Evaluation: The project is evaluated within three working days, and the results
are promptly integrated with the student’s statement of marks.
g. Time Constraint: The entire process, from the permission of on-demand project
submission to the final result, is strictly limited to a one-month timeframe.

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 h. Rejection of Final Project: If the final project is rejected, the student will forfeit their
opportunity and will be required to reappear in accordance with the provisions
outlined in the project guidelines.

8.11 Project Submission for Cases Nearing Programme Expiry

Students whose synopses are approved before their Programme expires will be allowed to submit
their project report without having to pay the reinstatement fees of Rs.10,000/-, provided that
they meet the conditions outlined in subsequent points.

1) The project submission link will automatically open 90 days after the synopsis is
approved.

2) Students will have a maximum of 90 days to submit their project report after the
project submission link is opened.

3) If a student fails to submit their project report during the 90-day period, their project
submission link will be deactivated, and they will have to pay the Programme
reinstatement fees of Rs. 10,000/- and the reappear fees of Rs. 1000/- to reactivate it.

4) The approved synopsis of a student will remain valid for one year after its approval.

5) If a student fails to submit their project report by n+n+3, even after reinstatement,
they will not be given any further opportunity to complete their project.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Q- What is Project Synopsis?

A- A Project Synopsis provides an outline of the project work to be undertaken by the candidate.
For detailed information, please refer to the Project Guidelines available on the Student
Information System (SIS).

Q- What topic should I select for my synopsis submission?

A- When selecting a topic for your synopsis submission:

a) Choose a topic related to your area of specialization.

b) Preferably, select a project work topic related to your area of work/experience or any
organization in your vicinity from which you can gather information for your project work.
c) Ensure that the chosen topic focuses on resolving issues/concerns related to your work
area.

Q- Where should I submit the synopsis for evaluation?

A- To submit your project synopsis for evaluation, please log in to the Student Information System
(SIS) and upload the project synopsis within the specified timeline.

Q- Is it mandatory to submit a synopsis before the project report?

A- Yes, it is mandatory to submit a synopsis before the project report. The synopsis is an integral
part of the project report and must be submitted within the provided timelines.

Q- How many attempts are allowed for the submission of the synopsis?

A- Students may submit or resubmit the synopsis as per the Programmeme's duration timelines.
No further attempts are allowed after the Programmeme has expired.

Q- Is there any fee for synopsis submission?

A- No fee is required for synopsis submission.

Q- My synopsis was approved one year ago (or has already been approved earlier by IMT ( CDL),
but I could not submit the Project Report. What should I do now?

A- If your synopsis was approved from October 2022 onwards, it is valid for one year. If it was
approved before October 2022, you must resubmit the synopsis. If you wish to continue with the
same project topic, you can resubmit the same synopsis. If you want to start a new project, you
must submit a fresh synopsis.

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Q- The last date for submission of the synopsis has passed, and I have not submitted it. What can
I do now?

A- If your course validity has not expired, the link for synopsis submission remains open.

Q- What should I do if my synopsis is rejected?

A- If your synopsis is rejected, you should resubmit it after making modifications as per the
comments/suggestions provided by the faculty.

Q- My synopsis is approved with modifications, what should I do?

A- When your synopsis is approved with modifications, carefully review the comments and
suggestions made by the faculty. Incorporate these suggested modifications into the final project
report.

PROJECT REPORT

Q- Where should I submit the project report?

A- You should upload the project report, along with a copy of the Project Guide Certificate, on
the Student Information System (SIS). Only PDF format files will be accepted; other file formats
will be rejected.

Q- Is there any fee for project submission?

A- The project submission fee varies:

• Generally, it is Rs. 1000/-

• For Admission between July 2017 to Jan 2019: Nil up to 3 attempts, then Rs. 1000/-
• For readmission cases Rs. 500/-

Q- Is there any fee applicable for project submission in the case of readmission/reinstatement of
students?

A- For students who have taken readmission after the expiration of their Programmeme, they are
eligible to upload their synopsis and project report in SIS as per the timelines mentioned in SIS.
In such cases, a reappear fee of INR 500/- will be applicable. The fee can be paid online through
the provided payment link in the SIS login or via a Demand Draft of INR 500/- made out to
"IMTCDL," which should be couriered to the project department of IMTCDL Head Office.

Q - What is the format for uploading the project in SIS?

A - The project report to be uploaded should meet the following criteria:

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 a) The file should only be in PDF format; no other format will be acceptable. (No hard copy
of the project report will be accepted unless requested by the project department).
b) The file size should not exceed 20 MB.
c) The project report should be original work and should not be copied.

Q- How can I download a copy of my approved synopsis from SIS?

A- You can download a copy of your approved synopsis from SIS using the download option
available in the synopsis section.

Q- What happens if the wrong project report is uploaded in SIS?

A- Once the project report is uploaded in SIS, it cannot be removed or deleted. The same uploaded
file will be considered for evaluation by the IMTCDL faculty.

Q- How can I confirm whether the project report has been successfully submitted or not?

A- Once the project report has been successfully uploaded in SIS, the status will automatically
change to “Project Submitted,” indicating that it has been submitted for evaluation.

Q- I forgot to upload the copy of the approved synopsis along with the project report on SIS.
What should I do now?

A- If your approved synopsis is already available on the SIS portal, there is no need to upload it
again when submitting the project report.

Q- How is the project result declared?

A- The project result is declared along with the declaration of the exam results for the
June/December session.

Q- Is there a procedure to submit a Hard copy of the Project report?

A - Physical/hard copies of the project report are acceptable only in the case of the minor project
(PRJ01), if applicable.

Q - What is the passing percentage/marks for the project?

A- The passing percentage for the project is 40% to declare it as a "Pass."

Q- My project is rejected, or I fail in the project. What should I do?

A- If your project is rejected or you fail in the project, you should resubmit the project report after
making necessary corrections when the link for project submission is open.

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Q- Whom should we contact in case of any other query related to project work?

A- For any other queries related to project work, you may raise a query through the Student Care
Services in SIS, under the “Project” header, or email projects@imtcdl.ac.in.

Q- I have submitted the Project in the current cycle. What about my Viva?

A- Viva Voce for projects will no longer be conducted. Evaluation will be based solely on the
Project Report submitted on the Learning Management System (LMS).

Q- I am not satisfied with the project marks. Can the project be re-evaluated?

A- As per the academic policy, there is no provision

10. Annexures
Refer to pages 31 to 36 for Annexures A to F

Annexure A: Title Page Format

Annexure B: Declaration Certificate (To be filled and signed by student)

Annexure C: Certificate from Guide

Annexure D: Acknowledgement

Annexure E: Table of Content

Annexure F: Consent Letter of Project Guide

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Annexures A
A
PROJECT REPORT ON
(Topic of Project)

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (PGDM)/ POST GRADUATE
DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (PGDM -EXECUTIVE)
SUBMITTED BY:

Name of Student

Enrollment No. xxxxxxxxx

Specialization: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Under Supervision of

(Project Guide Name)

(Session)

SUBMITTED TO:

A-16, Site-3, UPSIDC Industrial Area, Meerut Road, Ghaziabad ; 201 003, Uttar Pradesh, India

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Annexures B

Declaration Certificate

I <Name of Student> certify that this project work titled “<Project Title>” submitted by me for

the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Post Graduate Diploma In Management

/ Post Graduate Diploma In Management - Executive is my own bonafide work and carried out

by me under the supervision of <Name of Project Guide>. The work embodied in this project

report has not been submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma to any Institute or

University.

I hereby declare that I have faithfully acknowledged and given credits to published work that I

have referred from other published sources, by citing and mentioning the credits in bibliography.

I further declare that the work presented in this report is original and has not been copied from

any other sources. If my work is found copied or plagiarized, the institution holds the right to

reject my submitted project report.

Date:

(Signature of the Student)

<Student Name>

<Enrolment Number>

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Annexures C
Should be Printed on the official letterhead of the Guide bearing his signature at the space
provided.

Certificate from Guide

This is to certify that Mr./Mrs. <Student Name> bearing Enrollment Number <Enrollment No.>

a Student of IMT- Centre for Distance Learning, Ghaziabad has successfully completed the project

work on “<Project Title>” under my guidance and supervision.

I hereby certify that this work is entirely original and has not been plagiarized or copied from any
other source.

(Signature of Guide)

<Name of Project Guide>

<Email ID>

< Mobile No.> (Optional)

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Annexures D
This a sample acknowledgement. However, every student is encouraged to write his/ her
acknowledgement in their own words.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have prepared this project report titled, “<project Title>” as a part of my PGDM/ PGDM-E

Programmeme. I have derived the contents and approach of this study paper through discussions

with colleagues as well as with the help of various procurement-centric websites and course

material. I would like to give my sincere thanks to a host of friends and teachers who, through

their guidance, enthusiasm and counseling helped me enormously. Apart from this, I hope this

study paper would stimulate the need for thinking and discussion on topics like this one.

<Student’s Name>

<Enrolment No.>

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Annexures E
TABLE OF CONTENTS
S.No Chapters Page No.
Cover page
Declaration I
Certificate from Guide II
Acknowledgement III
List of Tables IV
List of figures with page no. V
List of Abbreviations VII
Executive Summary VIII
Chapter-1: INTRODUCTION 1-10

1.1
1.2
Chapter-2: OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE 11-20
OF STUDY
2.1
2.2
Chapter-3: METHODOLOGY 21-30
3.1
3.2
Chapter-4: ANALYSIS AND 31-40
INTERPRETATION
4.1
4.2
Chapter-5: CONCLUSION 41-43
Bibliography 44-47
Annexures 48-50

Note: This table of content is illustrative. A student may make suitable changes as per the unique
requirement of their respective project title.

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Annexures F
Should be Printed on the official letterhead of the Guide bearing his signature in the space
provided.

Or

An Email Consent from the Official Email Id of the Project Guide (Email from Gmail, Rediff, Yahoo,
etc. would not be accepted)

Certificate of Consent to be Project Guide

This is to certify that I, [Project Guide Name], have consented to be the project guide for [Student
Name] bearing Enrollment Number [Enrollment No.] pursuing the PGDM Programmeme at IMT
CDL.

I understand that as the project guide, I will provide guidance and support to the students
throughout their projects. I will assist the students in developing their research question,
methodology, and data analysis, and will provide feedback and advice on the project as needed.

I acknowledge the importance of this project for the academic and professional development of
the student, and I am committed to providing the necessary guidance and support to ensure the
success of the project.

I confirm that I have read and understood the guidelines and requirements set forth by IMT CDL
for the project, and I will ensure that the project meets these standards.

I certify that to the best of my knowledge, the information provided in this certificate is true and
accurate.

Signed,

[Name of Project Guide]

[Current Designation]

[Organization]

[Official Email id]

[Mobile Number]

[Date]

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