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Action Learning Project (ALP) Guidelines - Batch 2

The Action Learning Project (ALP) for MBA working executives emphasizes a hands-on approach to problem-solving through real-world application, requiring students to address actual organizational challenges. The project includes structured components such as problem identification, literature review, methodology, findings, recommendations, and a conclusion, culminating in a comprehensive report of 30-40 pages. Assessment is based on problem identification, mid-project review, end project review, and a viva presentation, with specific deadlines for each stage.

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21 views

Action Learning Project (ALP) Guidelines - Batch 2

The Action Learning Project (ALP) for MBA working executives emphasizes a hands-on approach to problem-solving through real-world application, requiring students to address actual organizational challenges. The project includes structured components such as problem identification, literature review, methodology, findings, recommendations, and a conclusion, culminating in a comprehensive report of 30-40 pages. Assessment is based on problem identification, mid-project review, end project review, and a viva presentation, with specific deadlines for each stage.

Uploaded by

vedicastro.daksh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MBA For Working Executives (Batch 2)

Action Learning Project (ALP) Guidelines


Marks: 100

An Action Learning Project (ALP) is a dynamic and hands-on approach to problem-solving


that blends learning with real-world application. It is designed to address actual challenges
faced by organizations or businesses while simultaneously providing a platform for participants
to gain new skills and insights. Action learning promotes a "learning by doing" methodology,
which enhances the understanding of concepts through practical implementation.

ALP is an interactive process with the other stakeholders to help clarify issues and develop
ways of addressing them. It usually involves applying theoretical concepts to real-world
situations, particularly in business or organizational contexts. The process is meant to give the
student valuable insights into resolving situations/issues/problems, and the opportunity to
develop their own skills in clarifying, reflecting, and questioning stakeholders to challenge
assumptions and offer resolutions.

Action Learning Projects (ALPs) are to be completed by the end of the course

The contents of an Action Learning Project generally follow a structured approach that allows
students to identify and solve complex problems. To be successful, each project needs the
following:

• The Action Learning Problem or Challenge


• An understanding of the problem and researching about the topic, practices, problems,
etc in literature / public domain
• A focus on recommendations, not solutions
• A plan for execution, completion and presentation of findings

Given below is a breakdown of the typical components of an Action Learning Project and the
report to be submitted:

A) Introduction and Background

Provide a context followed by an overview of the organization, industry, and its


operations. Discuss some of the challenges / problems faced in the backdrop of the
industry landscape, organizational structure, or specific market conditions. Lead the
discussion to one issue or problem which has been chosen by you to give
recommendations.

B) Project Objectives and Scope

a) Project Goals: Define what the project aims to achieve. The issue or problem must
be one of substance so that it can be addressed over a period - it is not a "puzzle", i.e.
something where there is a correct answer that just needs to be discovered. The ideal
choice should be one that meets the following criteria:

MBAWE – Batch 2 - ALP Guidelines


• Organizational or departmental issue (keeps the leadership up at night)
• Individual’s departmental issue-qualities, competencies, or behaviours that one
seeks to improve.
• Individual’s management issue, quandary, irritation, or responsibility.
• Is primarily a people, process, or product problem.
• Does not already have a presumed solution.
• Offers learning opportunities.
• Is defined in scope so the research and analysis can be tackled within the
timeframe of submission

Examples of viable problems or challenges include:

• Hiring security personnel in hard to recruit locations.


• Information overload for consumers.
• A stalled project (bridge, building, etc.)
• Bottlenecks in supply chains.
• Attrition of manpower

Nonacceptable examples include:

• Management has determined that we have poor communications and need an


internal communications plan.
• We need predictive analytics to help us in an effort to mitigate safety mishaps.
• We often lose track of inventory and want to research tracking systems.

b) Scope of the Project: Identify the boundaries and limitations of the project (what is
included and excluded).

c) Key Questions: List the specific research questions or areas of focus that the project
will address. A clear and concise description of the main issue to be addressed
through the project.

C) Literature Review / Theoretical inputs

Research is conducted to understand the current state of knowledge, information,


activities and ideas related to the challenge and project. The focus is to understand the
relevant theories and models behind the organizational situation / problem and gather
information accordingly to be used in decision making. It also involves research process
that compares an organizational management issue or problem, such as logistics and
purchasing, product quality, customer service, etc. with what is viewed as “industry
best” or “best practices”.

D) Methodology

a) Data Collection Methods: Primary or Secondary. Some of the primary data


collection methods are as below:

MBAWE – Batch 2 - ALP Guidelines


b) Describe the qualitative and/or quantitative methods used for collecting data (e.g.,
interviews, surveys, observation, etc.).
c) Sampling: Identify the target participants from whom data is collected or specify
other data sources for the project.
d) Data Analysis Techniques: Outline any techniques that will be used to analyze the
collected data (e.g., statistical analysis, thematic coding).

E) Findings / Analysis

a) Data Presentation: Provide an organized presentation of the collected data, such as


charts, tables, or qualitative summaries.
b) Analysis: Use the chosen theoretical frameworks and methodologies to analyze the
data. Identify patterns, insights, and key findings.

F) Recommendations

a) Strategic Recommendations: Provide actionable recommendations based on the


analysis of the findings.
b) Implementation Plan: Suggest how the organization or stakeholders can implement
the proposed recommendations.
c) Potential Challenges: Discuss any obstacles or limitations that might arise during
the implementation.

G) Conclusion

a) Summary of Key Insights: Summarize the key takeaways from the project.
b) Implications for the Organization: Discuss the broader implications of the findings
and recommendations for the organization or industry.

References

A list of all the sources, academic papers, industry reports, and other materials referenced
throughout the project in APA format

MBAWE – Batch 2 - ALP Guidelines


Appendices

Include supplementary materials, such as interview transcripts, detailed data tables, or


additional charts that support the main body of the report.

This structure allows for a comprehensive analysis and provides both the academic framework
and practical solutions required in an Action Learning Project.

Table of Contents
The number of pages for an Action Learning Project (ALP) can vary based on the complexity
of the topic and the scope of the project. The approximate number of pages of the report is
desired to be between 30 to 40 pages.

1. Introduction and Background: 3 – 4 pages


2. Project Objectives and Scope: 1–2 pages
3. Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: 6 – 7 pages
4. Methodology: 2–3 pages
5. Findings and Analysis: 5-6 pages
6. Recommendations: 2–3 pages
7. Conclusion: 1–2 pages
8. References: 2–3 pages (varies depending on the number of sources cited)
9. Appendices: Length will vary depending on additional materials

This structure allows flexibility depending on the depth of each section, with more extensive
projects potentially exceeding this range

Guidelines for Margins & Page Set Up:

Page Size: A4
Margin: 1 inch on all 4 sides
Font Style: Times New Roman
Font Size: Chapter Heading 14 Bold
Paragraph Heading 12 Bold
Sub Paragraph Heading 12 Bold
Rest all Text 12

Spacing: Single Spacing


Alignment: Text – Justified,
Graphs, Tables and Diagrams – Centred

References: APA Style

MBAWE – Batch 2 - ALP Guidelines


Assessment Plan

Task Details End date


Problem Students identify specific problems in their
Identification - 25 work domain and narrow down specific 22nd Jan 2025
Marks problem statements with clear objectives.
Validate the same with their Faculty Guide
Mid Project Review Students use primary and secondary 22nd Feb 2025
– 25 marks research – speak to various process owners
to understand reasons for gaps, interact with
customers (if applicable), collect feedback
from critical stakeholders, study industry
best practices etc.
End Project Review Students suggest proposed solution after 30th Mar 2025
– 25 marks studying industry best practices, analyzing
feedback from stakeholders etc. The
proposed solution should highlight short
term and long-term impact. Students will
submit a Report covering these 3 sections.

Viva Presentation – The faculty will assess student’s work based 7th April 2025
25 marks on presentation of the work and the viva
voce.
● Every month students need to schedule 30-minute online meeting with Faculty Guide
based on mutual convenience. All three stages of their project should be discussed
with the Faculty Guide.
● All meetings need to be initiated and coordinated by the students.
● In case the student is unable to set the meeting with the mentor, the mail may be
marked to the Program Directors.

Kindly Note:

The Project Report contents can be altered based on the type of project after consultation with
the guide and based on their recommendations.

MBAWE – Batch 2 - ALP Guidelines

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