Modified Aibs Dissertation Guidelines 1
Modified Aibs Dissertation Guidelines 1
Modified Aibs Dissertation Guidelines 1
MBA-IB /MBA-IB(Integrated)
Title.......................................................................................................10
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1 THE MBA DISSERTATION
SECTION PAGE
Title Page
Abstract
Acknowledgements
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
CHAPTER 1 Introduction
CHAPTER 2 Literature Review
CHAPTER 3 Methodology
CHAPTER 4 Presentation of Data
CHAPTER 5 Analysis of Data
CHAPTER 6 Discussion and Interpretation of Findings
CHAPTER 7 Conclusions, Implications and Recommendations
References
Appendices
1.3 Plagiarism
Plagiarism, that is, the willful representation of an other person’s work, without the acknowledgement or
the deliberate and unacknowledged incorporation in a student’s work of material derived from the work
(published or otherwise) of another, is UNACCEPTABLE and will incur the penalty of outright failure.
We have a software available to check Plagiarism.
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PLANNING THE DISSERTATION
This entails the following:
• Selecting a topic for investigation.
• Establishing the precise focus of the study by deciding on the aims and objectives of the dissertation, or
formulating questions to be investigated. Consider very carefully what is worth investigating and its
feasibility.
• Drawing up initial dissertation outlines considering the aims and objectives of the dissertation. Workout
various stages of dissertation
• Devising a timetable to ensure that all stages of dissertation are completed in time. The timetable should
include writing of the dissertation and regular meetings with your dissertation guide.
The academics department appoints a faculty as a dedicated mentor and guide for each student.
You should see your dissertation guide on a regular basis – at least once every two weeks in the beginning.
It is also advisable to start writing as soon as possible. Do not worry if you feel that your material is not
good enough, almost all early material is weak at the beginning. Starting to write at an early stage will
enable your supervisor to see what direction you are taking, where your weaknesses are and give you
constructive advice and you will gain confidence from this feedback.
1. Discuss possible directions for the study and advise on aims and objectives
2. Suggest some general areas of research for consideration and where possible, any examples of
current research relevant to the topic.
3. Be available for regular meetings.
4. Examine written work and provide constructive criticism. It is not the responsibility of the
dissertation guide to correct spelling mistakes, etc. other than to point out these are present: nor is
it the duty of the dissertation guide to organize the presentation content of the work, although
advice may be provided if enough work has been submitted.
5. Make student aware of inadequate progress or any other facts which could impede the completion
of a successful piece of work.
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2 SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF THE DISSERTATION
What follows is an attempt to provide you with some rules, and some helpful advice on an acceptable
practice. However you are still advised to consult your tutor for more specific advice in relation to your
dissertation.
Synopsis to be submitted will be strictly as per the guidelines. Guidelines for writing synopsis is
attached as Appendix 3 in this handbook.
2.2 Acknowledgements
In these sections you should express thanks to those who assisted you in your research. These should be
kept to a minimum and include academic supervisors and people who participated in the fieldwork, any
funding bodies and probably family, friend or relative.
2.3 Introduction
In the introduction you should introduce the reader to the background of the study and the nature of the
problem being considered. It should therefore set the study in context explaining why this study is
important, highlighting significant issues, problems and ideas. The aim and objectives should be stated
clearly.
• Up-to-Date: Recent literature (not older than five years) is recommended unless you are referring to
classical works in your field of study. Sources used have to be in their majority primary sources,
secondary referencing may be used.
• Comprehensive: Demonstrate that you have read extensively without being over inclusive. Develop
your ability to employ summary statements and to synthesize.
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2.5 Methodology
The purpose of this chapter is to indicate what you actually did in your research so that your reader may
evaluate the design procedure and findings of your study. The methodology section should be well-
structured, written in concise, matter-of-fact manner and should provide answers to the following questions
- What actually happened - How? - To whom- With what result? - How were problems dealt with?
Approach to data?
In the presentation of data you are to present the major findings of your research in a summarized form and
the details of the analyses which have been performed. The content and style depend on the nature of the
research method chosen, but in the case of both quantitative and qualitative studies, the object is to present
the data collected to answer the research questions.
1. Presentation of data is mainly descriptive and this is usually presented in a chronological order.
2. Analysis of data is conducted through the identification of themes. The research tools in
qualitative research include open-ended descriptions, transcripts of interviews, essays and
observations. These produce a mass of data which sometimes can be difficult to sift. A useful way
to process this data is to keep the research question(s) in mind, to read through the data a couple of
times until particular issues or themes present themselves. These can be suggestive of a structure
for presenting the descriptive data.
3. Evidence is usually in form of quotations from the subjects being studied, discussions of people
involved, illustrations, photographs – the variations are unlimited.
4. You may find that there is evidence of difference of opinion. Include variations in opinion and
describe poles of belief. These add richness to qualitative research.
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2.6.2 Presentation and Analysis of Quantitative Research
1. As a preliminary to working out results, any test given must be scored, data inputted into the
appropriate computer programme and additional material gained from the sample must be sorted
out. This is often purely mechanical work, and it takes time but must be done accurately.
2. The data presented must not be in their raw form (this is placed in the Appendices). The only time
you would ever describe data on individual subjects is when you have done a case study.
3. In this section, the task is to summarise data meaningfully, through the use of descriptive statistics.
These include mean scores, medians, ranges, standard deviations, correlation coefficients.
4. Visual presentation is very important in quantitative research. Graphs, tables, histograms, bar
graphs are simple ways in which to present condensed data but they are also very effective.
1. This chapter should draw together all the issues of the research and link back to the aim and objectives
which were outlined in the Introduction and Methodology. Have the aims set at the beginning been
met? If not, why not?
2. Evaluate how your findings bear on issues or points raised in the Literature Review.
3. What are the implications arising from the findings. Be careful with your generalisations and your
interpretations. Recommendations should be based on evidence.
2.8 References
Full details of all the books and journal articles cited or referenced throughout the dissertation should be
included in this chapter. A reader should be able to identify the exact source and refer to it directly. The
Harvard method of referencing is the recommended system.
2.9 Appendices
The Appendices should include selective, supplementary material which is distracting when placed in the
main body of text. Only material which is necessary for a full understanding of your study should be
included. These include important forms, questionnaires or interview schedules, description of equipment
or settings, tables and lists of data supportive of the study.
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3 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS OF THE DISSERTATION
3.1.1 General Text: Text should be double-spaced using one side of the page only
Font selected should be Times New Roman
Print size 12
Margins at least 3.0cm on the left margin
3.0 cm on the right margin
3.0 cm on the top margin
3.0 cm on the bottom margin
3.1.4 Tables, Figures etc., Must be numbered according to the chapter (eg. Table 5.1 means that it
is located in Chapter 5 and that it is the first table presented and
discussed in this chapter)
Must have a title at the top and key (legend) underneath
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3.2 Typing and Proof Reading
Always proof read your copies for good grammar and presentation before handing your work to your tutor.
Special attention should b made to the final draft of your dissertation.
Be prepared for the unexpected such as hard disk failure, loss or corruption of diskettes and printer failure.
Use back-up disks and always keep (updated) hard copies of your work in case of an emergency!
3.3 Binding
One hardbound / spiral bound copy of the dissertation and two CD’s well labeled is required to be
presented during presentation . It is the students' responsibility to organize the binding and make sure that
the copies are ready before the submission date.
CD number:
Title:
Author:
Year of submission:
Keywords (if any):
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Appendix 1: Prototype of Title Page
Title
(Subtitle)
(Student’s name)
at the
Amity international business school
Amity University, Noida
Month Year
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Appendix 2: Assessment Scheme
A. Synopsis 60
B. Mid Term Review, Viva and Presentation 75
C. Report 50
1. Conceptual Framework
2. Objectives & Methodology
3. Implications & Conclusions
D. Final Viva and Presentation 50
Total 250
Date of presentation of Synopsis will be 6th , 7th , & 8th December 2010.
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Appendix 3: Guidelines for Synopsis
The synopsis is a brief out line (about five A-4 size pages or 1500 words is the maximum limit) of your
future work.
TITLE: Should reflect the objectives of the study. It must be written after the whole synopsis has been
written so that it is a true representative of the plan (i.e. the synopsis).
INTRODUCTION: Should contain brief background of the selected topic. It must identify the importance
of study, its relevance and applicability of results. It must clearly state the purpose of the study.
OBJECTIVES: Objectives are statements of mentions. They inform the reader clearly what the student
plans to do in his/her work. The must identify the variables involved in research. Objective should be
sufficiently specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound (SMART).
DURATION OF STUDY: How long will the study take with dates.
SAMPLE SIZE: How many persons will be included. If there are groups how many per group?
SAMPLE SELECTION:
Inclusion criteria: on what bases will persons be inducted in the study.
Exclusion criteria: On what bases will persons be excluded from the study.
DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE: A detailed account of how the student will perform research; how
s/he will measure the variable. It includes:
Identification of the study variables
Methods for collection of data
Data collection tools (proforma/questionnaire)
DATA ANALYSIS PROCEDURE: Relevant details naming software to be used, which descriptive
statistics and which test of significance if and when required, specifying variables where it will be applied.
REFERENCES:
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