MOHAMED SATHAK COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE

PG Department of Business Administration (MBA)

GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING MBA FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT
Dear MBA students, We now draw your attention to an important practical activity to be carried out
by you during this semester i.e., PROJECT WORK. The rationale behind this practical paper is to:
 Expose you to the various operational and practical aspects of business.
 Train towards application of concepts learned in theory classes.
 Help in developing written / communication skills required for a practical business executive.

OBJECTIVE OF THE FINAL SEMESTER PROJECT:

Adapting the theoretical concepts absorbed during the first three semesters to solve a real time
management decision making problem. With this is in mind you may choose a problem for your
project in an area in which you are most comfortable/knowledgeable. It is not prudent to choose a
topic in a new or unfamiliar area.

The guideline is intended to provide broad guidelines to the MBA candidates in the preparation of
the project report. In general, the project report shall report, in an organized and scholarly fashion,
an account of original work of the candidate including methodology, data analysis, interpretation
and summary of findings.

TOPICS / AREAS OF THE PROJECT WORK:

Students are advised to carry out their Project Works only in their area of specialization. For
example, the students of MBA (Finance) should take up their project works only in the functional
area of Finance of a Corporate Enterprises, Banks or a Financial Institutions, Stock Market, NBFCs,
Stock Broking / Forex Dealing firms, etc.

Suggestive List of Topics for Project Work:

Finance:
1. Financial Performance of select Textile Units in Coimbatore
2. Working Capital Management of select Electronic Units of Guindy Industrial Estate
3. Risk and Return on Equities in Indian Securities Market
4. Performance Evaluation of select Mutual Funds in India
5. Financial Management in ABC company (Case study)
Marketing:
1. Survey on Consumer Choices of different brands of Two-wheelers in Chennai City.
2. Market Potential for Logistics Business in Hyderabad city
3. Brand Equity in select FMGC products in Mumbai City
4. Service Quality and Consumer satisfaction of Maruti Service Centers
5. A Case Study on Marketing Strategies of HLL in South India
6. Impulse Buying Behavior of Customers in Bangalore City

Human Resources Management

1. Philosophy and Management of Human Resources in select large sized Indian Industries
2. Leadership styles – A comparison of Indian and Foreign Banks in Chennai City
3. Job satisfaction and Job involvement of employees in select Textile Mills in Tirupur
4. Status of Industrial Relations and Implementation of Labour Welfare Measures in select Coil
Mines
5. HR Practices and Organizational Strategies in select IT companies in India

THE REPORT:
After collecting the necessary information from primary and secondary sources, substantial number
of visits to select companies / organizations and administering questionnaire / Interview schedules,
if any, the students are advised to discuss with their Project Guides for necessary directions on how
to analyze the data. Based on the PROJECT GUIDE’S advice, carry out necessary tabulation of
data, application of statistical tools, testing of hypotheses if any, and then prepare a plan of
chapterization to prepare a PROJECT REPORT. Your compliance with the following format, may
enrich the quality of the Report.

Chapter I: Background of the Problem under study

(Company Profile/ Industry Trends etc)
This Chapter may contain a brief background of the problem under study starting from Macro
economy dimension to micro trends, contemporary developments in the given aspect under study.

Chapter 2: Review of Literature /Literature Review (LR)

Brief survey on different studies/ Review of Literature on this theme may add richness to the work.
For case studies, a brief profile of the company / industry should be given

In an academic project the method used to arrive at a solution must be a proven one thro’ a research
publication or text. Hence a literature review is a must. Unproven methods arising out of
experiences will have no value in an academic study. A Literature review must precede your
problem selection / definition.

A review of literature must be done from management journals. You may review the abstracts (thro’
a net search) of the topic of your interest and select about 10 to 15 abstracts. You may narrow down
to any 2 or 3 FULL LENGTH articles which may help you to work on your project. When you
prepare your LR the first name of the author and the year of publication must appear in the content
of the LR. The LR must be documented as given below. Example: The rate of men involved in road
accidents was double that of women (Hemenway and Solnick 1993: Norris et al 2000) and men
were involved in more traffic violations than women (Ferguson et al 2001). Dejoy (1992) stated that
poor driving could be the outcome of less perception of risk in a variety of driving behavior and
situations.

All authors mentioned in the LR must be listed in the References in the following format.
Example
References
1. Dejoy D.M. (1992) ‘An examination of gender differences in traffic accident risk perception’,
Accident Analysis and Prevention, Vol. 24, No.3, pp.237-246.
2. Ferguson S.A., Burns, M.M., Fiorentino D., Williams A.F. and Garcia J. (2001) ‘Drinking and
driving among Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Males in Long Beach’, California,
Accident Analysis and Prevention Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 429-437.
3. Hemenway D. and Solnick S.J. (1993) ‘Fuzzy dice, dream cars and indecent gestures: correlates
of driver
behavior?, Accident Analysis and Prevention, Vol.25, No.2, pp. 161-170.
4. Norris F.H., Matthews A.B. and Riad J.K. (2000) ‘Characterological, Situational and Behavioral
Risk Factors for Motor Vehicle Accidents: A Prospective Examination’, Accident Analysis and
Prevention, Vol. 32, No.4, pp. 505-515

Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The methodology must be based on the objectives of your project defined after the LR. The
methodology must be clear about the data requirements (primary / secondary), research instrument
to be used, hypotheses framed, sampling design (size of sample, type of sample etc) and the tools
for analysis (parametric / non-parametric). The choice of tools for analysis must yield quantitative
results for the objectives framed in your study.

Chapter 4 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

This chapter should contain a logical presentation of the empirical results after completing the data
analysis. This should contain neatly tabulated results, results of Hypotheses tested, graphs and
figures, if any, along with necessary interpretation. A comparison of results with earlier studies may
add novelty to the work. A detailed discussion on the basis of results of analysis should be given in
this Chapter

This will follow your data collection and will be very explicit on the conducted study. All
information gathered during the data collection must be documented in the form of tables / charts/
graphs with inferences arrived at. Hypotheses must be tested with the appropriate tools and
conclusions arrived at.
Based on the analysis and the tested hypotheses, the salient findings of the study must be
highlighted. The salient findings must provide answers to all the objectives framed in the study.

The limitations of the study must be specified and this will help the evaluators not to look beyond
your defined scope.

Chapter 5 SUGGESTION & CONCLUSION

The conclusion should have a brief summary of findings, and suggestions and recommendations
based on the results, and also directions for future research.

NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED FOR EVALUATION

Students should submit 3 copies to the Project Coordinator of the department on or before the
specified date.
The Project Coordinator may distribute the copies as follows:
1. One copy to be signed and returned to the student
2. One copy to be retained by the department
3. One copy to be given to the Madras University

SIZE OF PROJECT REPORT

The size of project report should not exceed 120 pages of typed matter starting from the first page
of Chapter 1 to the last page of the last chapter.

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION
The candidate shall supply a typed copy of the manuscript to the guide for the purpose of approval.
In the preparation of the manuscript, care should be taken to ensure that all textual matter is
typewritten to the extent possible in the same format as may be required for the final project report.
Hence some of the information required for the final typing of the project report is included also in
this section.
ARRANGEMENT OF CONTENTS OF PROJECT REPORT
The sequence in which the thesis material should be arranged and bound should be as
follows:
1. Cover Page & Title page
2. Bonafide Certificate
3. Student’s Declaration
4. Abstract , Company Letter if any
5. Acknowledgement
6. Table of Contents
7. List of Tables
8. List of Figures
9. List of Symbols, Abbreviations and Nomenclature (Optional)
10. Chapters (Introduction, Industry Profile, Company Profile, Review of Literature, Research
Methodology, Data Analysis and Results, Discussion of Results, Conclusion and Suggestions for
Future Research)
11. References
12. Appendices

The Tables and Figures shall be introduced in the appropriate places.

PAGE DIMENSIONS AND MARGIN

The dimensions of the final bound copies of the project report should be 290mm x 205mm.
Standard A4 size (297mm x 210mm) paper may be used for preparing the copies.
The final 3 copies of the project report (at the time of submission) should have the following
page margins :
Top edge : 30 to 35 mm
Bottom edge : 25 to 30 mm
Left side : 35 to 40 mm
Right side : 20 to 25 mm
The project report should be prepared on good quality white paper preferably not lower than
80 gsm.

Tables and figures should conform to the margin specifications. Large size figures should be
photographically or otherwise reduced to the appropriate size before insertion.

Cover Page & Title Page - A specimen copy of the Cover page & Title page for MBA project
report is given in Annexure I.

Bonafide Certificate – The Bonafide Certificate shall be in double line spacing using Font Style
Times New Roman Font Size 12, as per the format shown in Annexure II

Student’s Declaration: The Student’s Declaration should be in double line spacing using Font
Style Times New Roman with the Font Size 12, as per the format shown in Annexure III

Abstract - Abstract should be an essay type of narration not exceeding 600 words, outlining the
problem, the methodology used for tackling it and a summary of the findings, when typed double
line spacing, Font Style Times New Roman and Font Size 12 and signed by the candidate.

Acknowledgement – The acknowledgement should be brief and should not exceed one page when
typed in double spacing. The candidate’s signature shall be made at the bottom end above his / her
name typed in capitals.
Table of contents - The table of contents should list all material following it as well as any material
which precedes it. The title page, Bonafide Certificate and Acknowledgment will not find a place
among the items listed in the Table of Contents but the page numbers in lower case Roman letters
are to be accounted for them. One and a half spacing should be adopted for typing the matter under
this head.

List of Table - The list should use exactly the same captions as they appear above the tables in the
text. One and a half spacing should be adopted for typing the matter under this head.

List of Figures - The list should use exactly the same captions as they appear below the figures in
the text. One and a half spacing should be adopted for typing the matter under this head.

List of Symbols, Abbreviations and Nomenclature - One and a half spacing should be
adopted for typing the matter under this head. Standard symbols, abbreviations etc. should be
used.

Chapters - The main text will be divided into several chapters and each chapter may be further
divided into several divisions and sub-divisions. The contents of the Chapters are only indicative.

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Research Background – Description of specific industry / general scenario of industry / identified
problem
Need for Study
Objectives & Scope
Chapter 2 – Literature Survey
Review of Literature
Research Gap
Chapter 3 - Methodology
Type of Project
Target respondents
Hypothesis, Constraints and Limitations
Sampling Methods
Statistical Tools for Analysis
Chapter 4 – Data Analysis and Interpretation
Analysis (Statistical Tools) and Interpretation and
Discussion, Inferences
Diagrammatic Representations
Chapter 5 – Conclusions
Summary of Findings
Suggestions & Recommendations
Conclusions
Directions for Future Research
References
Appendix
Copy of Questionnaire/Interview Schedule
Any Other related documents

* Each chapter should be given an appropriate title.

* Tables and figures in a chapter should be placed in the immediate vicinity of the reference
where they are cited.
* Footnotes should be used sparingly. They should be typed single space and placed directly
underneath in the very same page, which refers to the material they annotate.
Appendices - Appendices are provided to give supplementary information, which if included in the
main text may serve as a distraction and cloud the central theme under discussion.
* Appendices should be numbered using Arabic numerals, e.g. Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.
* Appendices, Tables and references appearing in appendices should be numbered and referred to at
appropriate places just as in the case of chapters.
* Appendices shall carry the title of the work reported and the same title shall be made in the
contents page also.

List of References - any works of other researchers, if used either directly or indirectly,
A paper, a monograph or a book may be designated by the name of the first author followed by the
year of publication, placed inside brackets at the appropriate places in the project report should be
indicated.

The listing should be typed 4 spaces below the heading "REFERENCES" in alphabetical order in
single spacing left-justified. The reference material should be listed in the alphabetical order of the
first author. The name of the author/authors should be immediately followed by the year and other
details. A typical illustrative list given below.

REFERENCES
1. Michael Levy (2008) Retailing Management 6 edition , New Delhi, Tata McGraw-Hill.
2. Tom Jackle (2004) “Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality and perceived value : An integrative
model” Journal of Marketing Management vol.20, issue 7/8, PP.897-917

Tables and Figures - By the word Table, is meant tabulated numerical data in the body of the
project report as well as in the appendices. All other non-verbal material used in the body of the
project report and appendices such as charts, graphs, maps, photographs and diagrams may be
designated as figures.
* A table or figure including caption should be accommodated within the prescribed margin limits
and appear on the page following the page where their first reference is made. * Tables and figures
on half page or less in length may appear on the same page along with the text. However, they
should be separated from the text both above and below by triple spacing.
* All tables and figures should be prepared on the same paper or material used for the preparation of
the rest of the project report.
* For preparing captions, numerals, symbols or characters in the case of tables or figures, the
Computer should be enclosed.
* Two or more small tables or figures may be grouped if necessary in a single page.
Wherever possible, the entire photograph(s) may be reproduced on a full sheet of
photographic paper.
* Photographs if any should be included in the colour Xerox form only. More than one photograph
can be included in a page.
* Samples of Fabric, Leather, etc., if absolutely necessary may be attached evenly in a page and
fixed/pasted suitably and should be treated as figures.

TYPING INSTRUCTIONS
General
This section includes additional information for final typing of the project report. Some information
given earlier under 'Manuscript preparation' shall also be referred. The impressions on the
typed/duplicated/printed copies should be black in colour.

A sub-heading at the bottom of a page must have at least two full lines below it or else it
should be carried over to the next page.

The last word of any page should not be split using a hyphen.

One and a half spacing should be used for typing the general text. The general text shall be typed in
Font Style Times New Roman and Font Size 12.

Single spacing should be used for typing:

(i) Long Tables
(ii) Long quotations
(iii) Foot notes
(iv) Multilane captions
(v) References

Chapters
The format for typing Chapter headings, Divisions headings and Sub-division headings are
explained through the following illustrative examples.

Chapter heading : CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

Division heading : 1.1 OUTLINE OF PROJECT WORK

Sub-division heading : 1.1.2 Literature review.

The word CHAPTER without punctuation should be centred 50mm down from the top of the page.
Two spaces below, the title of the chapter should be typed centrally in capital letters. The text
should commence 4 spaces below this title, the first letter of the text starting 20mm, inside from the
left hand margin.
The division and sub-division captions along with their numberings should be left-justified.

The typed material directly below division or sub-division heading should commence 2 spaces
below it and should be offset 20mm from the left hand margin. Within a division or sub-division
paragraphs are permitted. Even paragraph should commence 3 spaces below the last line of the
preceding paragraph, the first letter in the paragraph being offset from the left hand margin by 20
mm.

NUMBERING INSTRUCTIONS
Page Numbering
All pages numbers (whether it be in Roman or Arabic numbers) should be typed without
punctuation on the upper right hand corner 20mm from top with the last digit in line with the right
hand margin. The preliminary pages of the project report (such as Title page, Acknowledgement,
Table of Contents etc.) should be numbered in lower case Roman numerals. The title page will be
numbered as (i) but this should not be typed. The page immediately following the title page shall be
numbered (ii) and it should appear at the top right hand corner as already specified. Pages of main
text, starting with Chapter 1 should be consecutively numbered using Arabic numerals.

Numbering of Chapters, Divisions and Sub-Divisions

The numbering of chapters, divisions and sub-divisions should be done using Arabic numerals only
and further decimal notation should be used for numbering the divisions and sub-divisions within a
chapter. For example sub-division 4 under division 3 belonging to chapter 2 should be numbered as
2.3.4. The caption for the sub-division should immediately follow the number assigned to it. Every
chapter beginning with the first chapter should be serially numbered using Arabic numerals.
Appendices included should also be numbered in an identical manner starting with Appendix 1.

Numbering of Tables and Figures

Tables and Figures appearing anywhere in the thesis should bear appropriate numbers. The rule for
assigning such numbers is illustrated through an example. Thus, if a figure in Chapter 3, happens to
be the fourth then assign 3.4 to that figure. Identical rules apply for tables except that the word
Figure is replaced by the word Table. If figures (or tables) appear in appendices then figure 3 in
Appendix 2 will be designated as Figure A 2.3. If a table to be continued into the next page this may
be done, but no line should be drawn underneath an unfinished table. The top line of the table
continued into the next page should, for example read Table 2.1 (continued) placed centrally and
underlined.

BINDING SPECIFICATIONS
* Project report submitted (3 copies) for MBA should be bound using flexible cover of thick white
art paper. The spine for the bound volume should be black Calico of 20 mm width. The cover
should be printed in black letters and the text for printing should be identical to what has been
prescribed for the title page

All students who are doing their project in an organisation must provide a permission letter from the
organisation at the start of the project and a certificate confirming your successful completion of the
project at the end of your project. This is applicable even if the student is employed in the same
organisation

THE ABOVE GUIDELINES MAY BE FOLLOWED WITH PERIODIC DISCUSSIONS

WITH THE GUIDE.
PURCHASE BEHAVIOUR FOR ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS
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By
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Student Name
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Roll No.
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Reg. No.
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A PROJECT REPORT
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Submitted to the
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DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES

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in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree
of
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MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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MOHAMED SATHAK COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

CHENNAI 600 119
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Month, Year
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 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that the Project report titled _________________________________ is the bonafide work

of Mr. / Ms. ________________________________ who carried out the work under my

supervision. Certified further that to the best of my knowledge the work reported herein does not

form part of any other project report or dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was

conferred on an earlier occasion on this or any other candidate.

Signature of Student Signature of Guide

Name : Name :
(in capital letters) (in capital letters)
Roll No. : Designation :
Reg. No. :
 Student’s Declaration

I, Mr./Ms………………………..................................... hereby declare that the Project Work titled

“Consumer Brand Preferences with regard to Decorative Paints (A comparative study of Asian

Paints and Berger Paints)” is the original work done by me and submitted to the University of

Madras in partial fulfilment of requirements for the award of Master of Business Administration is

a record of original work done by me under the supervision of Dr / Mr. ..........................

……………………….of ……………………………………

Register No:
Date

Signature of the Student