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The MBA Thesis Explained

Before you are awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration , you must exhibit your capacity to tackle an investigation of a particular management issue and mull over and write about it in a profound manner. This is the very purpose of the MBA thesis.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is a long piece of article that you write about a specific subject or research and is particularly done for a university degree or higher college accolade.

When you write your MBA thesis, your writing skills are put to the test. This is also your chance to present the interests, ideas, and skills that you have learned in your MBA program in a satisfying but challenging piece of writing.

As you develop your thesis, you need to investigate and analyze a specific management issue from two perspectives, the practical side and the theoretical side, using business research methods. Through your case study, you get to conduct your own research in a field you like (pending approval of a thesis adviser) that will further sharpen your skills and knowledge of that field.

The Objectives of an MBA Thesis

An MBA thesis has the following objectives:

• To authorize students to apply the knowledge they gained in their MBA studies to a particular management issue.
• To give students the chance to study and write about a specific topic that is of relevance and interest to them in a thorough, detailed, and well-researched manner.
• To expose students to the principle of the entire thesis and the process of business research and academic inquiry.
• To allow students to establish their capacity to think conceptually, communicate, and develop rational and structured thinking.

MBA Thesis: The Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills, behavioral skills.

• Initiate a critical and comprehensive understanding of your thesis topic. Ideally, you should have a level of practical experience and expertise within your topic field.
• Obtain an understanding of the application of business research. When you write your research paper, you should have a clear understanding of the limitations and uses of data analysis techniques that may be used in evaluating outcomes in the business management field.
• Before you start to work and write your own ideas for your research paper, make sure you are able to critically analyze evidence and information from both practitioner and academic sources. You should communicate and develop a cohesive argument to support theoretical models and positions.
• Students must know how to argue and evaluate alternative approaches to models and theories
• Your MBA course is also a good way for you to appreciate your skills and competencies in relation to the organization and planning of your research project. Business schools are also perfect venues for students to master their time management skills.
• As you work on your research requirements, you will understand the importance of working autonomously and how to exercise personal responsibility and initiative in achieving your stated objectives.

Thesis vs Dissertation: Is there a difference?

Are you interested in continuing your education after you complete your bachelor’s degree? If so, have you ever wondered if there is a difference between an MBA thesis and a dissertation; the papers that are usually required in master’s schools? Both generally have similarities. However, there are some differences that set both apart.

Similarities

Before looking for the differences between a thesis and a dissertation, know that both are actually very similar. Some schools, in fact, often used these terms interchangeably.

A thesis and a dissertation are simply papers given to master’s students. Because the structure of these papers is generally extensive, students are given larger windows of time to focus, develop, and write the paper they are assigned. The idea is to complete the papers during the last year of master’s study.

Before you get your graduate degree, you have to obtain a passing grade on your papers. The great news is that although you will not be working with other students, you can still get help from your thesis adviser and peers. With this many people helping you with your final paper, passing your dissertations or theses is very achievable.

But in case you fail the first time, most business schools allow you to resubmit your papers after doing more work to finally meet the requirements.

Type of Graduate Program

One difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is required for a master’s program, while dissertations are required for a doctorate program. However, this is not always the case. There are some master’s degree programs that no longer require theses or dissertations. Instead, they are offered in two separate paths: the thesis options and the non-thesis options.

Students who later on plan to obtain a doctorate degree are encouraged to go for the thesis option to prepare them for the dissertations that they will have to write as doctorate students.

The biggest difference between theses and dissertations are the intended purpose. Usually required to get a master’s degree, the thesis is designed to test your skills and understanding of your chosen field of study. 

Most business universities require students to create and write a proposition based on the previous work created by others. The idea is to analyze and present these previous works on your paper and make a case for a particular point of view.

Dissertations are done by students in a doctorate program and focus mainly on original research. Students assigned with dissertations are required to think of a subject in the field they’re interested in but haven’t been researched yet. They have to come up with a concept and hypothesis and make original research papers to prove (or disprove) a hypothesis.

MBA Thesis: The Thesis Topic

When you begin working on your thesis topic, you can choose one in any area/industry as long as it is related to a management or business issue. You can create a new topic or develop ideas you have previously worked on in the program, an elective you studied before in various disciplines, or a module assignment. You need to establish a topic that is relevant to contemporary business and academic thinking.

There are also MBA business degree students who are provided with thesis topics by their sponsoring organization. But if this doesn’t work for you, then the development of an original one is required. You need to think about your areas of interest that you can work on. 

Since choosing a topic is already challenging and hard work itself, it’s best to go for something that will sustain your enthusiasm and motivation throughout the long process of making a thesis.

To have an idea as to what topic you can work on, here are guide questions to get you started:

• Is there a managerial/business issue/problem relating to your organization or job that you’re interested to study?
• Do you have a subject area you’re interested in that, if one day you’ll become an expert, would further improve your career?
• Have you come across a business problem that you believe you can help through your research paper?

MBA Thesis: The Research Proposal

The research proposal is the heart of the thesis. This is the outline of the research work you plan on doing for your research. It is a roadmap on which your professional and academic career depends.

The proposal stage of MBA programs will normally require you to answer these questions:

• What are the boundaries and focus of the MBA thesis topic you choose? What will it include? What won’t?
• What are the objectives and aims of your business plan/research?
• Is your proposed thesis topic feasible? Can you handle the terms of scale and scope?
• What topics will you utilize in doing your research?
• Do you have the resources, competencies, and skills to do the research and study the findings?
• What resources do you need to complete your paper?

Research Aim and Objectives

This is your general statement of your paper’s intent or direction. What are you trying to achieve?

These are the clear and specific writing of your paper’s outcomes and intentions. This must be followed by your justification (the rationale behind doing your research).

Literature Review of an MBA Thesis

In this section, you will summarize the key subject and literature that you have read so far. You will indicate the findings, business principles, and ideas you’ve read have relevance to your subject topic. You should also provide the raw data of at least 25 major academic literature references. All in all, your MBA thesis should cite at least 50 credible and relevant references.

The purpose of your literature review is to critically analyze and review documented theories and evidence relative to your topic and recognize what is and is not known in the field.

MBA Thesis: Conducting the Research

In an MBA program, the nature of your thesis will affect what type of final paper you will be writing. Although there are alternative research designs, they are usually categorized into three types:

Exploratory Research

You use this on your MBA thesis when you have a few existing ideas about the topic you are writing about. This involves observation of a previously under-researched or new topic. The research design of exploratory study uses qualitative methods and is generally not designed to test defined study hypotheses.

Descriptive Research

This is where you define a situation or phenomenon and has a very good structure. Your starting point for this paper starts with your ideas on existing hypotheses that you can then use in identifying variables to be measured. You can use quantitative methods and descriptive statistics in this type of writing.

Explanatory Research

Also called causal study, your presentation here is more on identifying and explaining the relationship between variables that affect a situation. You come up with hypotheses and collect data that supports or negates these hypotheses.

Tips To Help You Prepare and Write a Good MBA Thesis

Whether you have a thesis adviser or you get professional assistance on your analysis for your MBA thesis, making your paper is very challenging. You need the right structure and all the freshest ideas to help you complete your final paper.

To help you complete your MBA degree and its corresponding thesis and capstone projects, you need practical steps to make your business school education truly rewarding in the end. For both local and international students all over the world, here are some helpful tips to make a good MBA thesis.

Choose a topic you’re interested in.

It takes a great deal of work, time, and dedication to finish an MBA thesis successfully. So why would you want to write something you’re least interested in? One of the great benefits of an MBA thesis is that you can choose and work on your own ideas about a specific subject. From there, build a solid structure and work on your writing skills to prove to everybody how bright your ideas are.

Select a topic that has a lot of information available.

Just like the significance of choosing a topic you love, you should also go for a topic that has lots of information available. Of course, your MBA thesis is not just a mere presentation of facts and figures. You need to have readily available facts to draw conclusions.

Be creative and methodical.

An MBA thesis requires a lot of analysis so you can gather enough data to support your argument. As you gather information, be open-minded. Avoid limiting yourself to the usual methods of compiling data. We are now in a digital world where anybody can compile data in so many ways. Simply put, diversify the way you present data in your MBA thesis.

Recheck facts and details, and recheck twice!

When you’re done with your MBA thesis, make sure you recheck your facts, twice! In a business school, your thesis is the most critical part of your entire graduate school journey. Check, then re-check every detail, fact, or figure in your work.

If you can, ask a university mentor to go over your thesis: from the introduction down to the conclusion. Maybe he/she can contribute more to the effectiveness of your writing.

MBA Thesis: When Should You Pursue?

How do you stand out and make real companies feel that you can be a great addition to them? Is having a business administration education enough? What are the implications if you want to pursue a master’s? And if you do, when is a thesis-based MBA right for you?

• If you are planning to get a doctorate in business and you also want to make the most of your master’s program experience, go for a thesis-based MBA.
• If you love to write, you want to further your education, or you plan to teach, a thesis-based MBA should be considered.

How Long is the Thesis for an MBA Program?

An MBA thesis usually ranges from 100 to 300 pages– from the introduction down to the last page, excluding the bibliography. However, the length generally depends on different factors, like the method of study or the subject matter.

There is no ‘correct’ word count or page length to aim for. Your MBA thesis, instead, has to be long enough for you to correctly convey the information you need to convey in a clear manner.

Overall, the MBA thesis is designed to support the professional and academic qualifications of graduate students.

200+ Subject-Wise MBA Dissertation Topics to Check Out This Year

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Feeling the dissertation pressure mounting? Don't let writer's block turn your thesis into a 'to-do' list!  Here’s a list of 200+ MBA dissertation topics that go beyond the usual suspects.  From unique tech trends to the future of sustainability, we've got ideas to start your research passion and impress the professors. So, forget the generic, and let's craft MBA dissertation ideas that make your thesis stand out!

3 Key Considerations when Selecting MBA Dissertation Topics

Picking an MBA dissertation idea isn't everyone's favourite task, but knowing how to select the best MBA research topics is crucial. Three key things to remember when searching for MBA dissertation ideas are:

1. Choosing Unique MBA Dissertation Topics

Selecting MBA dissertation ideas may seem daunting, but don't fret if they've been explored before. The key lies in infusing your unique perspective into existing topics. Be innovative in your research approach to stand out.

2. Ensuring Availability of Secondary Data

Avoid last-minute topic changes by ensuring ample secondary data for your chosen MBA thesis topics. Don't delay the search for secondary data; confirm its availability during topic selection to streamline your research process.

3. Inculcating Quantitative Study

While textual analysis is appealing, integrating quantitative study enhances the depth of your MBA thesis topics. Numbers provide credibility and engage readers effectively. Strike a balance between theory and numerical analysis for impactful research.

Pursuing an MBA will help you advance your career in the business world. Many of the top universities and colleges in the world offer MBA programs in various fields. 

Subject-Wise Best Research Topics for MBA Students

The possibilities for MBA thesis topics are vast, covering all facets of business administration. To narrow down options, consider various subjects. Despite constraints, here's a list of excellent research topics for MBA students for your research and exploration.

Accounting 

1. Investigating the influence of industry and public knowledge on market share index fluctuations

2. Assessing the significance of auditing for large corporations

3. Analysing the country’s tax scheme

4. Factors to consider when investing in financial markets

5. Evaluating risk-taking in companies from an accounting perspective

6. Providing recommendations for circular debt management in business firms

7. Exploring the differences and similarities between external and internal auditors

8. Examining the challenges faced by external audits due to equal value calculations

9. Analysing taxation as a human rights policy and supporting it with evidence

10. Understanding the impact of the current tax structure on lower-income individuals

Operations Management Dissertation Topics

1. Defining the concept of ‘Legality’ in supply chain design

2. Exploring the role of virtual supply chains in facilitating short-term business collaborations

3. Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of self-driving cars in supply chain management

4. Impact of big data analytics on efficient inventory management

5. Significance of RFID in Toyota's inventory management

6. E-commerce inventory management strategies

7. Production scheduling strategies in manufacturing environments

8. Production scheduling strategies in the automobile industry

9. Case study: Toyota's production scheduling strategies in the UK

10. Utilising AI for quality control: A case study of Amazon.com

Business Management Dissertation Topics

1. Strategies for supporting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries

2. Impact of management's socio-cultural background on leadership relationships

3. The effect of employment benefits on employee and company productivity

4. Adaptation of small business strategies to globalisation

5. Role of feedback in cultural shifts within multinational corporations

6. Assessing team performance in multinational corporations

7. Examining small business strategies in the context of globalisation

8. Analysing team performance in multinational corporations

9. Human resource management and policies in non-profit organisations

10. Role of foreign direct investment in the economy of developing countries

Finance Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the swift expansion of international microfinance

2. Investigating the growth of microfinance within the UK banking sector

3. Analysing the impact of microfinance on emerging economies

4. Assessing the role of credit and financial services in investment

5. Examining microfinance's contribution to poverty alleviation and economic growth

6. Contrasting FDI strategies between Europe and Asia

7. Studying emerging market stock synchronicity and analyst coverage

8. Evaluating the influence of foreign direct investment on developing nations

9. Assessing the effects of European financial regulations on cross-border investments

10. Scrutinising ongoing banking sector reforms in emerging economies: the Brazilian case

We also have a list of different finance dissertation topics in brief. You can also check out these topics for more information.

Marketing Dissertation Topics

1. Evaluating the significance of personalization in digital relationship marketing during the COVID-19 era

2. A case study on UK fitness brands building customer loyalty through high-value content

3. Analysing obstacles facing Tesco’s loyalty card scheme in today's market dynamics

4. Leveraging social media for customer acquisition through relationship marketing

5. Investigating the impact of product quality on consumer satisfaction

6. Assessing consumer understanding of brand values through a Starbucks vs. McDonald’s case study

7. Using digital methods to enhance brand salience: a case study approach

8. Exploring the impact of product availability on SME brand image

9. Transitioning a brand's reputation across industries: lessons from Virgin Cola

10. Assessing beauty brands' direct marketing efficacy using YouTube

Information Technology Management Dissertation Topics

1. Predicting the future impact of information technology on global business

2. Assessing the pace of technological advancement in meeting global financial system demands

3. Analysing the impact of the Sony hack on international market transactions

4. Exploring how technological advancements enhance global trade

5. Investigating the influence of religion on IT adoption in Yemeni universities

6. Assessing the impact of mobile technology on international students in British universities

7. Examining online discussions' role in promoting interaction and collaboration in blended learning environments

8. Applying instructional techniques to improve problem-solving abilities

9. Evaluating the effectiveness of automated tools in literature reviews for students

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Strategic Risk Management Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the Influence of Current Global Supply Chain Trends on Risk Management Strategies

2. Investigating Social Risks' Impact on Multinational Corporations and Shareholder Value

3. Assessing Liquidity and Credit Risk Management in Financial Markets

4. Best Practices in Operational Risk Management for Warehousing

5. Comparative Analysis of Risk Management in Financial Sectors

7. Critical Factors for Operational Management Success in Financial Services

8. Analysis and Mitigation of Social Risks

9. Overcoming Obstacles in Operational Risk Management

10. Utilising Risk Assessment to Manage Medical Errors

11. Long-term Risk Management in the Banking Sector

Entrepreneurship Dissertation Topics

1. Consequences of Chronic Unemployment in Major Economies

2. Government Bailouts vs. Corporate Responsibility

3. Profit Dynamics of Insurance Firms

4. Subsidised Loans and Business Practice Ethics

5. Risk and Reward in High-Risk Investments

6. Tactics for Long-term Financial Security in Small Companies

7. Real Estate Investment Risks and Myths

8. Investment Opportunities During Economic Downturns

9. Strategies for Risk-free Profits in the Stock Market

10. Factors Influencing Business Bankruptcy Probability

11. Human Resource Management Dissertation Topics

Implementing HR Philosophies in the Workplace

1. Collaboration Between Corporate Management and HR

2. Choosing Interpersonal Skills: Soft vs. Hard

3. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity in Employee Appraisal

4. Employee Engagement and Incentive Impact

5. HR Departments' Role in Organisational Change

6. Performance Improvement Strategies for Employee Evaluation

7. Employee Perspectives on Performance Reviews

8. Impact of Motivation Programs on Productivity

9. Enhancing the Employee Selection Process

E-Commerce Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating New Businesses' E-Commerce Strategies

2. Analysing Traditional Businesses' E-Commerce Migration

3. E-Commerce Strategies: Serendipity or Strategy?

4. Components of a Successful E-Commerce Strategy

5. Examining Payment Processing Models

6. Evaluating Social Media's Role in E-Commerce

7. Strengthening Customer Relationships through E-Commerce Tactics

8. The Significance of Unique Selling Points in E-Commerce Growth

9. E-Commerce Marketing Mix: Online vs. Hybrid Presence

10. Comparing Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Economics Dissertation Topics

1. Impact of Market Competition on Corporate Growth Strategies

2. COVID-19's Influence on Corporate Market Entry

3. Non-Profit Financing Models and Long-Term Viability

4. Privatisation's Economic Policy Ramifications

5. Challenges Posed by Digitalization in Industries

6. Brexit's Effects on UK Industrial Policies

7. COVID-19's Impact on the Entertainment Industry

8. Global Perspectives on Alternative Energy Markets

9. Shifting Consumer Preferences Over Two Decades

10. Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurial Behavior and Business Initiatives

Health Care Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Mid-Level Providers' Role in Healthcare

2. Telemedicine's Impact on Healthcare Administration

3. Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Healthcare

4. Growth and Consequences of Urgent Care Clinics

5. Supporting Families Caring for Dementia Patients

6. Health Literacy's Influence on Prostate Cancer Outcomes

7. Governance and Ethics in Patient Portal Use by Guardians

8. Employee Turnover Due to Tuition Reimbursement Programs

9. Follow-Up Procedures After Medical Errors

10. State Legislation's Effects on Medical Malpractice Insurance

International Business Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating the Success of Global Business Teams in Multinational Companies: Testing an Interfering Process Model.

2. Exploring Corporate Governance's Role in Globalization and Firm Performance.

3. Assessing Brexit's Impact on British SMEs: An Examination of Likely Effects.

4. Analysing Business-Government Relations: Contingency Theory Perspective.

5. Understanding Globalization's Method and Impact on Business Collaboration.

6. Retail Management Dissertation Topics

7. The Contribution of Visual Merchandising to Clothing Brand Income in UK Malls.

8. Management's Role in Revenue Generation in Automotive Retail.

9. Evaluating Store Location Effects on Apparel Brand Sales in UK Malls.

10. Assessing the Impact of Retail Promotions on Inventory Turnover.

11. Applied Retail Analysis in B2B Industries: Optimal Store Placement.

Rural Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Media Influence on Rural Development.

2. Rural Development and Community Health Administration: Exploring Roles.

3. Cooperative Societies' Impact on Rural Development.

4. Community Banks' Contribution to Rural Development.

5. Identifying Socioeconomic Barriers to Rural Growth.

Change Management on Dissertation Topics

1. Dissertation Topics on Managing Change

2. Incorporating Change Management Education in Universities

3. Identification of Tools and Techniques for Change Management in Construction Projects

4. Critical Analysis of Organisational Change Management in UK-based Companies

5. Impact of Change Management Processes on Performance in Mega Programme Projects

6. Change Management Perspectives among Veterinary Nurses

7. Inter-organisational System Performance and Change Management

8. Examining Africa's Change Management Approaches: The Ubuntu Values

9. The Influence of Business and IT Functions on Organisational Change Management

10. Evolution of Change Management Perspectives over Time

11. Change Management and Cultural Revitalisation Movements in Organisations

12. Change Management in Healthcare Nursing: A Comprehensive Review

13. Hexagonal vs. Pentagonal Models in Change Management

14. Significance of Grounded Theory Approach in Change Management

15. Ethics, Values, and Leadership in Change Management

1. Entrepreneurship Trends: A Recent Boom

2. Impact of Increasing Entrepreneurs on the UK Economy

3. Entrepreneurial Adoption of Cloud Technology for Quality Control and Cost Savings

4. Scope of Entrepreneurship in the UK: Implications for Competition and Productivity

5. Technological Developments and Entrepreneurship Effects

6. Gender Dynamics in Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

7. Government Policy Influence on Entrepreneurship

8. Entrepreneurial Role in Economic Development

9. Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Creativity

10. Entrepreneurship Education's Impact on Skill Development

11. Public Support for Technology-based Ventures

12. Factors Affecting New Ventures' Growth

13. Legislative and Fiscal Policies Encouraging Entrepreneurship

14. Alternative Marketing Tactics for Small-scale Food Entrepreneurs

15. Crowdsourcing: Definition and Functionality

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dissertation Topics

1.  Investigating the Importance of Supply Chain Management in Company Outsourcing

2. Assessing Risks within a Supply Chain

3. Analysis of Technology's Role in Present Supply Chain Structures

4. Examining the Connections Between Supply Chain and Company Logistics

5. Investigating Tax Evasion in Car Supply Chains and Its Impact on Procurement Costs

6. Challenges to Implementing an Effective Supply Management System

7. Evaluation of Information Dissemination and Sharing Among Supply Chain Intermediaries

8. Evaluating Cost Reduction Measures in China's Car Exports and Imports

9. Importance of Logistics Management in UK Clothing Reorders

10. Coping with Supply Chain and Logistics Changes: A Study on UK Businesses

So, there you have it! A diverse buffet of MBA dissertation topics to tantalise your intellectual taste buds. Remember, choosing the right one is key. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore uncharted territory. After all, your dissertation is your chance to shine, showcase your expertise, and leave a lasting mark on the business world. Dive in, research, analyse, and remember, the perfect MBA dissertation idea awaits!

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MBA dissertation help: How to choose a topic, plan, and write your dissertation

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MBA dissertations and consultancy projects are the final modules on most MBA programmes . Our participants can opt for either a traditional dissertation (with a theoretical focus) or a hands-on project, which will see you consulting for a real organisation alongside a team of peers.  

Whether you choose a dissertation or consultancy project, you will still be required to submit a written exploration of a research question that is relevant to the world of business as part of the module. This guide offers MBA dissertation help that remains applicable whichever route you take on your Full-time MBA.

Read on to learn about the early stages of the process, choosing a topic, planning out your workload, and how to write an MBA dissertation or individual consulting report. Written by the MBA team here at Warwick Business School (WBS), this article also features some helpful first-hand advice from one of our MBA graduates, Kristen Rossi who studied our Full-time MBA.

An introduction to MBA dissertations and consultancy projects

Completing either an MBA dissertation or consultancy project is a requirement on Full-time MBA courses ; alternatively, participants at WBS can opt for an internship to satisfy the Capstone module .

Although this work will be completed towards the end of your programme, it’s worth getting ahead of the game. Given that your dissertation or project will contribute significantly towards your final result, we recommend learning about the requirements and how the process works even before you apply for an MBA.

As Full-time Warwick MBA graduate, Kristen Rossi, puts it: 

From the second the MBA started, there was talk of “The Project & Dissertation” – the part of the MBA that is worth the most credit, which will probably involve an outside company, and (gasp) that you will do alone!

Unless you take part in an internship in place of the module, your first port of call is to choose between an MBA dissertation or a consultancy project. Seem like a daunting decision to make? We’ve outlined the key points of difference to help you get off on the right track.

What is an MBA dissertation?

An MBA dissertation is an independent, yet supervised, research project. It is designed to demonstrate that you have assimilated your learning throughout the MBA course and that you can explore a business issue thoroughly, considering multiple perspectives on the subject.

The output from an MBA dissertation is a piece of written work that explores a research question relevant to the world of business. You could explore any one of a wide range of different topics as part of the dissertation, but your writing should have an academic focus with a strong grounding in theory and your own independent research.

At WBS, you may also choose to focus on Entrepreneurship as part of your MBA dissertation, which is a requirement if you choose the Entrepreneurship Specialism. This allows you to take a deep dive into a new business idea, tackle an existing issue, or use the opportunity to help launch your own venture.

What is a strategic consultancy project?

A strategic consultancy project provides you with hands-on experience of consulting on behalf of a real organisation and investigating a specific business challenge that it faces. Taking place for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer period, you’ll work alongside a group of your peers at the same organisation.

WBS participants can choose their own groups and, as Kristen comments, are given support in sourcing a project: 

The consultancy project and dissertation is usually supported by a client who has a topic or question that they would like to know more about. WBS provides specific, mandatory careers sessions dedicated to the consultancy project and dissertation.

The Business School has partnered with many global industry leaders as part of the consultancy projects, from Barclays to Sony and Microsoft. 

Once you’ve chosen a group and organisation, each participant selects their own distinct research question. The deliverable is then an individual consulting report addressing this question.

You can find out more about consultancy projects from Antonia in the film below:

The differences between an MBA dissertation and consultancy project

A consultancy project still requires you to produce an extended piece of written work in the form of your individual consulting report, but it differs from an MBA dissertation in a number of ways:

• A strategic consultancy project is hands-on, requiring you to engage with a business issue faced by a real organisation, whereas an MBA dissertation is more theoretical.
• The scope of the issue you explore as part of a project will typically be much narrower and more focused than a dissertation, which can investigate a much broader topic area.
• An MBA dissertation should aim to further the academic community’s understanding of a particular area of business; a consultancy project is geared towards solving a real-world business problem for a specific organisation or group of organisations.

How will a dissertation or project benefit you?

This final phase of your MBA course gives you the opportunity to explore a particular topic in great depth, enhancing your academic or practical understanding of an area of business. 

For many participants the dissertation or project is a formative experience that has a tangible impact on their future career paths, supporting their professional ambitions.

But don’t just take it from us. What does Kristen have to say?

“I can only speak for myself, but with the project and dissertation, I gained three things. Firstly, slightly superficial, I now have a fabulous new brand on my CV, Aston Martin Lagonda. 

“Secondly, through the interviews I conducted for my primary research I had the privilege to learn a lot about the luxury automotive sector, which I would otherwise have not had the opportunity to learn as much about. Writing to and setting up a conversation with the CMO of a major firm is made easier when you have WBS and the justification of a dissertation, and the information they share is priceless. 

“Thirdly, although tedious, I had the opportunity to deep-dive into a particular topic – marketing ROI best practices. This really helped me to understand the challenges and remedies of this topic in depth and will certainly help me as I make my career jump in the coming months.”

Choosing an MBA dissertation topic

Like many participants, you may feel nervous about the thought of choosing a suitable MBA dissertation topic. In reality, however, this is nothing to worry about.

As you progress through the early stages of your MBA programme, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself drawn to a particular area of study or type of business problem. The direction you take is also likely to be influenced by your pre-existing career goals and professional experience. 

On this point, Kristen recommends that you make the project work for you:

When choosing your client project and dissertation, try to focus on an industry and topic that you hope to transition into. If you are looking to move into finance, work on a project that will provide you with the knowledge to help you land the job!

It’s also worth noting that you’ll be given extensive support when it comes to picking a research question or sourcing a project. You’ll attend sessions dedicated to selecting the right topic in the run-up to the start of the dissertation or project module — and there is always additional help available at WBS.

How to write an MBA dissertation

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your MBA dissertation or project, your work on the module can begin in earnest.

As a Warwick Business School participant, you’ll be guided through the process from the outset. But if you’re still at the stage of wondering whether this is something you’d want to pursue in the first place, here’s a brief overview packed with MBA dissertation advice from one of our graduates.

Making contact with your supervisor

Kristen’s top tip for writing an MBA dissertation is not to wait to be assigned a supervisor:

“Once your project applications have been whittled down to interviews (early May for the Full-time MBA), look at the topics and seek out an academic in the school whose knowledge (and personality) you think would match the project and you. The sooner you do this the better.

“I had finalised my supervisor by the beginning of June and this head start was extremely beneficial. It allowed me to better project manage the different chapters of the dissertation and be more in control of the process.”

The planning phase

Delivering a successful MBA dissertation or consulting report is an exercise in sound project management; just one of the many ways in which it sets you up well for later working life. And it’s universally acknowledged that the best approach to take with any large-scale project is to break it down into bite-size chunks.

Kristen suggests seeking support to divide up the dissertation into smaller components, from the draft of your first chapter through to the final submission:

With the help of your supervisor, work backwards and set up a timeline to tackle each section of the dissertation. Include milestones where you will check-in with your supervisor (face-to-face is recommended) as well.

Preparing your literature review

The literature review is the all-important foundation of any dissertation – MBA-level or otherwise. 

Kristen’s experience speaks to the value of starting your research early and keeping a record of all the papers and publications you encounter along the way:

“Once you roughly know the topic of your project and dissertation, start researching. Do not wait until you have a supervisor or until your elective modules are finished. Start immediately! I recommend this for three reasons.

“Firstly, the initial articles you find will most likely not be the gems you hope them to be and it will take a lot of speed-reading and trial and error before you uncover the wisdom that will actually inform your research. 

“Secondly, once you find relevant research, it will take time to read it and most academic literature is not a page-turning detective novel (I can attest to falling asleep mid-read on several occasions). 

“Finally, I am a believer that to truly understand and process new material, you need time. Give yourself the time to read, step away and think, and come back to it. In the end, you will be grateful that you did.

Further to this point, when reading journal publications look at the references the author cites. Seek out these additional authors and their publications.”

Communicating with your client contact on a consulting project

Should you opt for a strategic consulting project, the way you manage the relationship with your client organisation is just as important as the write-up of the final report. Kristen offers this final piece of advice:

“If you are not going to their office, then from the beginning of your relationship set in place weekly 30-minute Skype sessions to keep the client up-to-date with what you are doing. This will allow you to build a relationship with them and will help you to address any hiccups along the way. 

“Sometimes after starting your research, you may find that the client’s initial request is too broad. This is okay, but you will need to bring it up and negotiate a more realistic deliverable. The weekly updates are also beneficial. As you research, you may find yourself going off in the wrong direction. Checking in with your client on a weekly basis will help you stay on track.”

------------------------

MBA programmes at Warwick Business School

Are you looking to develop yourself into a global leader who makes an immediate impact in business? You'll discover new thinking, access global networks, and invest in your future when you choose to study your MBA with us.

There are a variety of different ways to achieve your Warwick MBA. The best route for you depends on your current level of experience, life circumstances and career goals. Whether full-time or part-time, online or in person at Warwick or The Shard – study the Warwick MBA your way.

Related Blogs

Estela Carmona Cejudo, participant of the Global Online MBA Programme, offers valuable advice and suggestions for the application process.

Full-time MBA participant Sebastian shares the tools and techniques that have helped him to stay on top of his mental health throughout his year at Warwick Business School.

Online MBA participant, Aidan Munday, shares how the CareersPlus team supported his MBA journey. 

Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."

An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)

A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.

Steps in Constructing a Thesis

First, analyze your primary sources.  Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Once you have a working thesis, write it down.  There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.

Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction.  A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.

Anticipate the counterarguments.  Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)

This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.

Some Caveats and Some Examples

A thesis is never a question.  Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.

A thesis is never a list.  "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.

A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational.  An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.

An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim.  "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."

A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible.  Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."

Copyright 1999, Maxine Rodburg and The Tutors of the Writing Center at Harvard University

How to Write an MBA Thesis

Does an MBA Require a Thesis?

The thesis portion of a master’s level business degree offers students the opportunity to further explore a concept of interest to them, coalesce the information they have learned through their education, and demonstrate their understanding of concepts and their writing skills to colleagues and potential employers. An effective MBA thesis requires careful preparation and presentation.

Students generally work with an adviser to select a topic for the MBA research paper, which may involve setting up a study, examining current research through a new perspective or establishing a new idea. Sample topics include explaining how a business might expand to a new market or the implications of a current business model. Once the adviser or committee approves the topic, gather your research. This step involves examining existing studies from looking through peer-reviewed material like "The Global Journal of Business Research." You may also set up an observational study or send out questionnaires to research your topic. After compiling the information, researchers should spend some time considering the implications of the results.

A thesis sets out the information by sections or chapters, an arrangement that varies depending upon your topic. Most include a literature review examining what past and current research exists in publications regarding the topic; most MBA thesis papers need this information. Other sections generally include an introduction to establish your purpose and the significance of the topic in the business field, the methods and findings from your study, an examination of the results and their implications, and a concluding section listing recommendations based on those findings.

Business papers typically require the use of APA documentation format. According to the sixth edition of the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association," that means you must include the author's last name and the publication year each time you use words or ideas from another source in your MBA thesis. Acknowledge sources through signal phrases like "According to Lamar (2013)" or with a parenthetical citation: (Lamar, 2013). A corresponding entry for each cited source appears on a references page at the end of the thesis that gives more complete bibliographical information.

Every professional document should be free from grammar and spelling errors to make it easier to understand and authoritative, so leave time to proofread your paper after you finish your draft. Your thesis adviser generally looks over your paper and offers advice for revision, but having yet another person read over the paper may help you find errors. After revising, examine the specific requirements for your MBA program again to be sure you have included all necessary material and followed the guidelines.

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How to write a paper in mba style.

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Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

How To Write A Research Proposal

A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be   persuasive ,   attractive   and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

• The title/topic
• The introduction chapter
• The scope/delimitations
• Preliminary literature review
• Design/ methodology
• Practical considerations and risks 

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing   is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is   clearly articulated   (i.e., a clear research question) ,   worth doing   (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and   doable   within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here . 

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to   ask yourself 4 important questions .  If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

• WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
• WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
• WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
• HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely,   you’re not yet ready   to write your research proposal – revisit our   post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a   handy 5-section structure   you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip:   Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect.   Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the   topic   – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

• An overview of the   broad area   you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
• An explanation of the   specific (narrower) area   you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
• Your research   aims   and   objectives
• Your   research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the   best writing is writing that can be easily understood   and digested. Keep it simple.

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to   go deep   with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

• Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are   familiar with the current state of the research   in your topic area.
• Show that   there’s a clear gap   for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
• Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding   research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a   clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip:  Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to   synthesise   it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to   answer two critical questions :

• How   will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
• Why   have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the   justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

• Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
• What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
• The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
• What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
• How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
• How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
• Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can   read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the   practical   side of the project. In other words, you need to explain   what resources you’ll need   (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is   project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

• What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
• Are the time allocations reasonable?
• What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
• What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those,   keep your written language very close to natural spoken language   – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• The purpose of the research proposal is to   convince   – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
• Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research   before   you put pen to paper.
• Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
• Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
• Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
• Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
• Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

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Unicaf: Master of Business Administration (MBA): Dissertation

• Organization Behaviour
• Managing Strategic Change
• Strategic Marketing
• Managing Through Finance
• Consultancy Management
• Project Management
• Research Methods
• Dissertation
• Databases, Journals and Specialist Websites
• Using Images and Videos
• Referencing This link opens in a new window
• Books and eBooks
• Assignment Toolkit

Welcome to your Dissertation  Reading and Resource List. Here you will find your essential and recommended reading, as well as suggested Journals and Online Resources. 

Please be advised that not all of your essential and recommended reading is available through the University of Suffolk. 

Essential Reading

Recommended Reading

• Review Essay: Studying Organizations Ethnographically: Is ‘organizational’ ethnography distinctive? by Yanow, Dvora Publication Date: 2010 Organization Studies, 31(9) 1397-1410
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Considering a thesis based MBA? Pros & Cons

Prodigy Finance - July, 20 2023

About the author

Our mission is to make quality education accessible for all - globally.

Have a specific question? These sections might help:

Thesis-based mba programmes, benefits of mba internships, the value of mba thesis research.

• Why a business PhD may be right for you

When should you pursue a thesis-based MBA?

Master’s programmes vary so widely that there isn't a typical master’s experience. Similarly, the thesis and research requirements for degrees vary across fields of study.

For example, if you're pursuing a masters in political science or public policy , you'll have a difficult time finding a programme that doesn’t require a thesis.

As an LLM candidate , you'll have a clear choice between thesis-based and a non-thesis degree.

Do you have to write a thesis for an MBA?

MBA programmes don’t typically require a thesis paper and differ from other master's disciplines as they focus on the practical aspects of the degree, rather than MBA research.

Thesis based masters

The thesis based masters programmes will need you to focus on research. The research work can span over several semesters and in the end you will likely need to write and publish a thesis document, based on a lot of R&D.

When should you consider a thesis based Masters?

If you wish to pursue a doctorate degree in future and are keen to work in a research based field, the thesis based masters is for you.

If you're considering an MBA, you'll still learn research methodologies and develop theoretical models. But, it’s not the aim of these degrees. MBA graduates usually don’t return to formal education, a key reason to develop research skills.

MBA candidates have a choice, however, as some schools allow for MBA thesis research, although they might not call it that.

At Columbia Business School, it’s called Independent Study , and at London Business School, MBA thesis research is known as a Business Project.

At most business schools, thesis work takes the place of elective courses , internships or start-up incubators. That's the difficulty for many candidates who would otherwise pursue a thesis-based MBA degree.

Who wants to trade in all those delicious electives or the chance of working for a company that might hire you in the future?

It’s a tough choice.

American MBA programmes feature internships sandwiched between the 2 years of study. In Europe, 1-year MBA programmes , typically push students towards shorter internships at the end of classroom work.

An MBA internship, even an unpaid one, offers a chance to get out there and test the business waters you want to move into. It's especially useful for international students looking to secure a work visa after graduation .

Outside of internships, entrepreneurial competitions offer a similar level of practical experience if you're interested in launching your own business.

With a heavy emphasis on practical experiences, which test the MBA models learned in class, you might find it difficult to pursue another direction.

An MBA thesis is usually the final paper that a business graduate student writes at the end of their program. If you are working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, then you will most likely need to write an MBA thesis before receiving your degree.

Despite the emphasis on internships and practical experience, business still values research. Theories, and the models they develop, are important in every area of business.

However, most MBAs aren’t planning to develop theoretical models of their own.

If you're like most business master's, you want to make the most of existing models and theories to develop your start-up or ensure your company operates ethically while increasing profits.

And, there's always a need for talented researchers to develop these models and theories.

PhD after an MBA: Why a business PhD may be right for you

However ubiquitous the MBA might be, it isn’t the highest achievable degree in the field. There’s still a doctorate to be had. And, it's at this level where most business research is conducted.

If a PhD in business interests you, you can jump straight into a PhD after your undergraduate business degree, skipping the master’s level altogether.

Or, you can pursue a business master's and then your PhD; the choice is yours, unlike other disciplines that follow a more linear path.

Is an MBA difficult? What is the difficulty level of an MBA programme?

This is one of the most common questions that international students looking forward to pursue an MBA have. More specifically, the curiosity is to determine the difficulty level of an MBA programme from the perspective of an average student.

MBA is not an easy course, but it's not too difficult as well. It is a rather interesting course if you are into business management and marketing. And there are various specialisations available, which makes the programme even more interesting and focused.

A thesis-based MBA may be right for you if:

You're considering a doctorate in business, but still want to make the most of the master's experience, you should consider a thesis-based MBA.

You’re interested in theories and the development of business models – or you plan to teach – a thesis-based degree should also be considered.

A deeper understanding of a geographical location or norms will enable you to effect real change in the world.

Most MBA candidates, however, are interested in the practical side of the degree and putting those practices into action as soon as they can, making independent MBA research superfluous, without undervaluing it.

Whichever route you plan to follow, remember that your education is as individual as you are. Take some time to think it over before finalising your decision; it’s a big one.

Already know which MBA is right for you?

Thesis-based or not, if you want to pursue your MBA degree and need help financing your international master's, we'd like to help you with that. Take a look at our no co-signer, collateral-free loans and their easy application processes now.

Some of the business schools supported by Prodigy Finance are:

• University Of Massachusetts - Amherst - Isenberg School of Management
• New Jersey Institute of Technology - Martin Tuchman School of Management
• University Of Texas At Dallas - Naveen Jindal School of Management
• University Of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business

We work with 1135 schools, 356 universities in 20 countries. You can find a school that suits you.

Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

If you want to go ahead and know the difference between master of science and master of engineering , or if you want to know what and where to study , try our Study Centre which is filled with expert opinions on a range of topics.

For any other information about Prodigy Finance , or our student loan process, feel free to browse through our site, or register for a webinar to have your questions answered by one of our team.

Post updated for accuracy and freshness on November 6, 2019. Originally published on August 11, 2016.

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“MBS Outstanding Thesis” – The Best Final Papers of 2021

February 25, 2022

Last year, four further theses produced by our MBS graduates were selected for inclusion in ‘ MBS Outstanding Thesis’, a series of working papers. This blog article introduces the outstanding final papers in 2021.

Whether at bachelor’s or master’s level, a thesis is more than just the final step towards completing a degree: it can also make a significant intellectual contribution to academic and societal discourse. Students at Munich Business School are no exception, conducting high-level research as part of their theses. However, given that it is not usually possible to have these papers published in academic journals, Munich Business School’s Prof. Dr. Bartholomae launched a series of working papers entitled ‘MBS Outstanding Thesis’. In the fall of 2020, the first installment in the series recognized and published the master’s thesis of MBA graduate Jiaojiao Zhao .

At the start of the 2021/22 academic year, MBS asked its professors to put forward exceptional theses for inclusion in the series. Submissions not only required excellent grades but also had to exhibit innovative approaches and methods and provide novel insights. One bachelor’s and three master’s theses stood out in particular and have been awarded the designation “MBS Outstanding Thesis”. The authors hail from Europe, Asia and South America – the topics they covered are similarly diverse and as broad-based as the university’s curriculum.

Here’s an introduction to the four outstanding theses:

The Implementation of Socially Sustainable Supply Chains in the German Natural Stone Industry Using the Example of Trade with India

In her bachelor’s thesis, Eva Maria Fröhlich investigated the social sustainability of supply chains in one of the few industries for which the recently passed Supply Chain Act does not apply. Focusing on the trade with India and using qualitative research methods, the author examined which concrete criteria and implementation strategies of social sustainability are relevant and currently beeing applied in the natural stone industry. She established the importance of strengthening the implementation of cooperative strategies and which criteria should be taken into account beyond the avoidance of child labor. Furthermore, she identified which communication strategies can be used to raise awareness among end customers and which legislative measures could provide essential support for socially sustainable supply chains. Click here to read the full paper.

Case Study Concept for Microsoft to Support the Digital Transformation in German SMEs

Mauritius Freuding, who graduated from the master’s program in International Business , researched the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of cloud computing. During his analysis of cloud computing, he also found ways to make this complex topic comprehensible to people who are not domain experts. In addition, Freuding developed a method of outlining the benefits of cloud computing for small and medium-sized enterprises. Microsoft has since adopted Freuding’s method as its standard procedure for adapting cloud computing solutions to the needs of SMEs – a ringing endorsement of his innovative approach. Click here to read the full paper.

Esports Sponsorship Effectiveness on Brand Association and Purchase Intent

Yi-Chun Chen focused on this barely researched but highly topical field for her thesis as part of the MBA International Management program (the former name of the MBA program at MBS, renamed MBA General Management in 2019). She surveyed almost 400 Taiwanese gamers and analyzed the data she collected using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings? Attitudes towards the sponsor, the suitability of the event-sponsor fit, and the sponsor’s involvement in activities had a significant influence on gamers’ association with the brand and their intention to purchase a product from the sponsor. Brand association also plays an important role in forecasting purchase intention. Based on these insights, Chen also developed a number of highly instructive recommendations for both marketing professionals and further research. Click here to read the full paper.

The Emergence of Green Bonds as Innovative Financial Instruments

For his final paper in the MBA General Management program , Nicolas Penuela carried out a bibliometric analysis of the rise of green bonds as innovative financial instruments. He examined a dataset of 98 academic articles on green bonds published between 2008 and 2020. Using a qualitative filtration process, the MBA graduate initially analyzed controversial topics cited most frequently in the articles. Then, using a piece of software called Biblioshiny , he identified trends and gaps in green bonds research and divided his findings into three chronological phases, which allowed him to demonstrate how published articles developed over time. Finally, Penuela put forward a dynamic template for analyzing journal articles to help (future) academics to familiarize themselves with this new yet rarely used research discipline. This highly innovative topic is currently gaining considerable momentum in the field of sustainability. Click here to read the full paper.

Munich Business School would like to congratulate its graduates on these outstanding pieces of work! An overview of all final papers in the ‘MBS Outstanding Thesis’ working paper series can be found here .

• Bachelor International Business
• Bachelor's Thesis
• Bibliometrics
• Cloud Computing
• Digital Transformation
• Final Thesis
• Green Bonds
• Master International Business
• Master's Thesis
• MBA General Management
• MBS Outstanding Thesis
• Natural Stone Industry
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Social Responsibility
• Social Sustainability
• Sports Business
• Sports Sponsoring
• Sustainability

Related Articles

MBS Throws Weight Behind Responsible Entrepreneurship Education as a Partner in the “Impact for Future” Project

MBS Professor Dr. Jose Alcaraz Visits Top Sustainability Research Conference

Herbert Henzler: Challenges of Tomorrow’s Business World – Get Ready for the Future

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Real-World Business challenges

In the Applied Management Research (AMR) field study, you’ll work on a team to address a challenge for a client organization. After a deep dive into research, you’ll present key insights and your recommendations. The Business Creation Option gives you the chance to work with a team of classmates to launch your own business. Students who participate in the Student Investment Fund (SIF) manage a $2 million fund, while visiting leading companies to learn about strategies and philosophies. The Anderson Strategy Group (ASG) is a capstone project that involves a commitment during your first and second years, and gives students focused on consulting a chance to work on and manage a project with classmates. Students who participate in the NAIOP Real Estate Case Competition earn capstone project credit through this six-month assessment of a local property, determining the highest and best use for real estate development. Finally, Anderson has partnered with XPRIZE and their Visioneers program to put students on the front line of designing XPRIZE competitions to address the world’s grand challenges.

In this field study, you’ll work in a team to address a challenge for a client organization. After a deep dive into research, you’ll present key insights and your recommendations.

Bcp gives you the chance to work with a team of classmates to launch your own business., this set of capstone options is more tailored to students' various career paths and interests, and includes: global social impact consulting entertainment & sports analytics early stage investing a/b testing marketing behavior change in marketing.

Students who participate in SIF manage a $2 million fund, while visiting leading companies to learn about strategies and philosophies.  

ASG is a capstone project that involves a commitment during your first and second years, and gives students focused on consulting a chance to work on and manage a project with classmates.

Students who participate in the NAIOP case competition earn capstone project credit through this six-month assessment of a local property.

• Team determines best use for a real site in Southern California
• Case competition against USC + write up
• Fall & Winter quarter of second year

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NEWS RELEASE:

UCLA Excels in Local and National Real Estate Case Competitions

Los Angeles (November 20, 2018) — UCLA graduate student teams won the 2018 NAIOP SoCal Real Estate Challenge and placed second in the 2018 National Real Estate Challenge hosted by the University of Texas at Austin. Both case competitions took place on November 15, 2018, at UCLA and UT Austin, respectively.

NAIOP team (left to right): UCLA Anderson Professor Paul Habibi, Jeffrey Eigenbrood (’19), Daniel Polk (’19), Ben Morrison (’19), Robert Anthony (’19), Nicholas Marino (’19)

The NAIOP SoCal Real Estate Challenge team consisted of Class of 2019 UCLA Anderson MBA students Robert Anthony , Jeff Eigenbrood , Nick Marino and Ben Morrison , and UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture student Daniel Polk. The annual event, sponsored by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), presents a specific real estate case challenge to a team of students at UCLA and USC. In addition to providing a rich learning experience that requires participating students to produce high-quality professional work within a limited time frame, the competition is designed to showcase the talents and creativity of the next generation of real estate professionals.

This year, the NAIOP Challenge involved two undeveloped parcels on 11 acres of land located at the southwest corner of Del Amo Avenue and Newport Avenue in Tustin, California. The city acquired the property in 2007 and it has been vacant since that time. The site is a highly visible infill adjacent to the 55 freeway and near the massive Tustin Legacy, the 1600-acre former Tustin Marine Corps Air Station, which is currently being redeveloped. The site sits in an area of the Pacific Center East Specific Plan, which is a major employment center in Tustin that will continue to grow.

UCLA’s team proposed a project they titled Solana (Spanish for solarium or sunny spot) that was inspired by strawberry farming that had once taken place on the site. Solana is a natural extension of the nearby Tustin Legacy project, which involves the transformation of 16,000 acres of raw land into a massive master-planned commercial and residential community.

Video fly-through of the UCLA NAIOP “Solano – Tustin” Development

UCLA’s Solana consists of two select service hotels (305 keys), 240 multifamily units, 10,000 square feet of retail, 75 units of 80 percent affordable housing and more than 150,000 square feet of community space. “I am enormously proud of our NAIOP Challenge team,” said Tim Kawahara, executive director of the Richard S. Ziman Center for Real Estate at UCLA. “Our students proposed a very thoughtful project that provides both commercial value and community benefits to the City of Tustin.”

In its 21st year, the NAIOP Real Estate Challenge celebrates the rivalry between USC and UCLA and illustrates the robust real estate programs at both universities. The winning team is awarded the Silver Shovel, which is inscribed with all past winners’ names. In addition, a $5,000 contribution is made in the name of the winning school to the Challenge for Charity (C4C), benefiting the Special Olympics.

National Real Estate Challenge team (left to right): DaJuan Bennett (’20), Austen Mount (’20), Anne Sewall (’20), James Blake (’20), Robert Walls (’20)

The National Real Estate Challenge team from UCLA consisted of Class of 2020 UCLA Anderson MBA students DaJuan Bennett , James Blake , Austen Mount , Anne M. Sewall and Robert Walls . The challenge, held annually at the McCombs School of Business at UT Austin, is an invitation-only case competition for student teams from the nation’s top-ranked business schools. The case competition involves the analysis of a recent real estate transaction consummated by a leading global real estate firm. Judging panels consist of senior executives from leading real estate companies across the U.S., creating outstanding opportunities for learning, networking and recruitment.

This year, the case centered on a hold/sell analysis for a recently delivered, eight-story office building in “River Valley” (later revealed to be Austin, TX). The property had been a successful 80-percent leased development for the fund. Teams were given the following options: sell the building immediately; hold on to the property with the existing debt; re-finance the property at a higher leverage point (either 65 or 75 percent LTV instead of the 50 percent LTC loan in place); or sell the property and use the proceeds to pursue another office development in “West Hamilton” (later revealed to be Santa Monica, CA). Student teams were prompted to model the two investments to determine the quantitative benefits of each option, but also to look at the national office market, consider the impact of interest rates on cap rates and determine whether co-working and remote working would impact leasing either of the projects.

The UCLA team recommended holding on to the existing property and refinancing the building at 65 percent LTV. The thought process was, while the base case scenario provided was likely to occur, the team wanted to ensure a comfort level with the investment in a downside scenario, which made the pipeline investment and 75 percent LTV financing options too risky. Conversely, the team suggested that selling the property now or maintaining the 50 percent LTC loan were too conservative given the quality of the property and the strength of the “River Valley” market.

“The UT Austin McCombs School of Business National Real Estate Challenge is among the most prestigious real estate case competitions in the nation, so even to place is a huge accomplishment,” said Tim Kawahara. “The team’s success represents the caliber of students at UCLA Anderson and the strength of our real estate curriculum and programs.”

An investment fund managed by student portfolio managers dedicated to the pursuit of favorable risk-adjusted returns.

Applied Management Research

We pioneered practical learning with the applied management research program.

UCLA Anderson launched the first MBA field study program 54 years ago. The AMR program has worked with over 5,000 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, microfinance institutions and startups. You’ll work with a team of peers on a two-quarter project that will solve an organization’s key business problem, while expanding your professional network and experience working in a new field, and inviting you to explore your career options. The AMR program takes place during fall and winter quarters of the second year.

Ballard Metcalfe (’19), Ariel Wang (’19), and Cris Erdtsieck (’19) analyzed how a Peruvian non-profit organization could maximize revenues and lower transaction costs while increasing client satisfaction and engagement.

Global Reach of AMR Projects in 2019–2020

Project Industries

Student impressions of amr.

From The Blog

Sustaining Effective NCD Screen in a South Africa community Requires an Ecosystem of Strategic Partners

Improving the Quality of Sustainable Coffee Production in San Martín, Peru

Prestigious Awards for UCLA Anderson Class of 2017 Field Study Teams

BCP Team KPOP Foods (clockwise from top left): Alex Kim (’17), Ryan Kennelly (’17), Mike Kim (’17), Theo Lee (’17), Erica Suk (’17).

BCP Success Stories

BodySpec (Class of 2014)

BodySpec provides individualized information to health-conscious individuals. We offer full-body scans utilizing dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning technology.

Project Description: BodySpec provides individualized health information to health-conscious individuals. We offer full-body scans utilizing dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning technology. These scans provide data about an individual’s muscle mass, body fat and bone density at a more granular, accurate and actionable level than any other body composition technology currently available in the fitness industry. Revenue will primarily be generated through scanning fees from individuals (an average of $90 per scan) and subscription fees from personal trainers to access client data.

Update: BCO project is thriving. They've hit many significant milestones and are enthusiastic about BodySpec and helping out current Anderson students.

SmartestK12 (Class of 2014)

To help teachers better understand their students, SmartestK12 transforms all assignments, assessments or classroom interactions into rich student data that allows teachers, parents and school administrators to track each child’s learning in real time and take actions to ensure academic growth.

SMARTESTK12 (CLASS OF 2014)

Project Description: To help teachers better understand their students, SmartestK12 transforms all assignments, assessments or classroom interactions into rich student data that allows teachers, parents and school administrators to track each child’s learning in real time and take actions to ensure academic growth. We feel that education is the foundation for human progress, and that each student deserves an education custom built to her or his needs. SmartestK12 aims to unleash the individual and create a sustainable, never-ending supply of future scientists, historians, mathematicians, authors, scholars and creative geniuses.

Update: The company is still up and running, rebranded as Formative for a new application the founders created that is proving very promising.

Sportifik (Class of 2014)

Sportifik is a web- and mobile-based league management platform that engages college students in recreational activities. Adopted by over 25 universities across the country, including UCLA, Stanford and UC Berkeley, Sportifik empowers university recreation programs with the ability to effectively coordinate sports leagues and tournaments and engage students in healthy and active lifestyles.

SPORTIFIK (CLASS OF 2014)

Project Description:  Sportifik is creating a community of athletes and changing the way people participate in sports. We are providing amateur athletes and avid sports fans with the best means to easily organize and manage their sporting activities through a user friendly one-stop-shop mobile and web solution. Our platform will enable users to seamlessly partake in sporting activities in a fun and rewarding way while enabling them to meet members of their local communities who share a passion for the same sports.

Update:  Still working on their startup and the project is ongoing in LA. They've raised a seed round, grown their user base and client base significantly. They’re still implementing the pivot they started during BCO and are looking to add another part to their project.

Student entrepreneur taps into UCLA resources to 'grow' his news website

No Guesswork, No Guilt: Goodbye Hangry, Hello officebites

AMR: Business Creation Option (BCP) Spotlight on GOshopping

BCP Mentors

Internet, Business and Intellectual Property Attorney Cohen Business Law Group

Investor Upfront Ventures

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Ateneo-Regis

Mba program, about the program, distinctive features, the ateneo-regis mba program curriculum, the ateneo-regis mba program course sequence, course descriptions, contact details.

An accelerated executive program that uses a facilitated learning mode to prepare workplace-based, experience-driven professionals to take on the challenges of today’s rapidly changing competitive environment

The Ateneo de Manila University (est. 1859) and Regis University of Denver, Colorado (est. 1877), share a long and storied Jesuit tradition of excellence and service. It is therefore unsurprising that these two institutions, with so much in common, should come together and draw on their areas of relative expertise to come up with a collaborative program, the Ateneo-Regis MBA.

Ateneo’s Graduate School of Business has long utilized a facilitated learning approach to workplace-based education, while Regis University has over time mastered the use of an accelerated mode of adult learning. Under a Program Development and License Agreement signed between the two institutions in 1997, a groundbreaking Ateneo-Regis MBA program was developed that used an accelerated facilitated learning mode to deliver a high-quality, high-impact executive MBA to workplace-based, experience-driven professionals who are prepared to take greater responsibility for their own learning and are ready and able to use their workplaces as their learning laboratory.

The Ateneo – Regis MBA Program will arm executives and business leaders of today with the theories, skills, value frameworks, and adaptive learning outlook that they will need in order to keep up with tomorrow’s dynamic and rapidly changing competitive environment.

• Developed by two distinguished Jesuit higher-education institutions: the Ateneo de Manila University, and Regis University (Denver, Colorado)
• Modular in its approach, with specified daily learning outcomes, activities and assignments
• Focused not just on theories and techniques, but also on values and personal transformation
• Requires a total of 14 courses (42 units in total), made up of 12 core courses and 2 electives
• Non-thesis program, with an integrating Strategic Management paper as the terminal requirement

Methodology

• Student-centered focus that requires students to take greater responsibility for their own learning
• Workplace-based approach will require students to draw on their personal and professional experiences, and apply their learnings to their work even as they undergo the program
• Professors are facilitators of learning rather than lecturers
• Accelerated program requiring only 8 sessions of 4 hours each, for a total of 32 contact hours per course
• Maximum of 25 students per class

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

• The Ateneo-Regis MBA Program is a non-thesis program designed for senior managers and executives whose corporate responsibilities limit their time for pursuing graduate degrees and are thus compelled to complete the program as quickly as possible through accelerated methods. The program is also designed for senior practitioners whose learning styles and outcomes are achieved through their own direct participation in learning activities without too much classroom interface.
• Each term of the Ateneo-Regis MBA Program lasts for eight (8) weeks. Each course meets once a week for four (4) hours from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The maximum number of students per class is twenty-five (25) except for Strategic Management and Quantitative Methods in Management where the maximum number of students per class is twenty (20).
• The regular load is one (1) subject per term, but a maximum of two (2) courses is allowed.
• The program can be completed in two (2) years and two (2) terms if one (1) course is taken per term. If two (2) courses are taken per term, the program can be completed in fourteen (14) months, or one (1) year and one (1) term.
• Each course has a detailed learning guide (module) for the entire course. The module serves as the road map for both the students and their professors. Each meeting haswell-defined goals and objectives. The reading materials and cases for each session are provided prior to the start of each class session.

PROGRAM DELIVERY: FACILITATION AND STUDENT PARTICIPATION

The curriculum for the Ateneo-Regis MBA Program includes analytical learning through time intensive courses designed specifically for working adults. The design of the courses recognizes that adults learn most effectively and most rapidly through a process of self-learning, bringing both life and work experiences that can be a learning resources for the other students in the class.

Self-learning occurs before class so that each participant can contribute in a meaningful way to group discussions and be an effective resource in shared-learning. Shared-learning occurs in the classroom, where each participant learns from the life and professional experiences of others.

• Leadership Effectiveness (TSLEADER) The course introduces the students to a depth of thinking about individuals and collective patterns of leadership practices. The course will guide students to reflectively process or understand leadership patterns and dynamics as applied in their personal and professional lives. Critical thinking and ethics-based reasoning and decision making are emphasized.
• Quantitative Methods for Managers (TSQUANTI) The course introduces the students to quantitative and statistical methods and models that will enhance business decision-making processes. Topics include mathematical modeling, linear programming, probability, decision theory, PERT/CPM, forecasting, inventory management, queuing theory, and monte-carlo simulation techniques.
• Operations Management (TSOPEMAN) The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, techniques, and applications of contemporary production and operations management (OM). It is a practical course that covers strategic, tactical and operational issues involved in both manufacturing and service operations. In addition to the traditional OM topics, the course also includes quality management, supply chain management and e-Commerce.While providing students with technical and quantitative tools, it will focus more on the managerial aspect of operations, as well as on the ethical and social implications of OM decisions.
• Managerial Accounting (TSMANACC) Managers need information in their planning and control functions. Financial information is necessary not only to determine the financial position and operating results of a firm but also to help managers make decisions on how best to optimize the resources entrusted to it by its many stakeholders. Resources are measured in terms of cost, and effective cost management is vital to ensure the best possible profit and return to the firm.The course is a study of accounting and cost management concepts. The topics include the analysis of financial statements, cost constructs and cost accumulation methods, the relationship of cost, volume, price and mix and how they can increase margins, variable costing, standard costing, operational and capital budgeting, segment reporting, relevant costing, and cost control strategies. In discussing the various topics emphasis will be given on decision making, its ethical implications especially on the quality and reliability of information, and its impact on business and national development.
• Financial Management (TSFINMAN) The course deals with the application of contemporary finance theory to the solution of management problems. The focus is on policy formulation and decision-making under uncertainty. Critical evaluation of concepts is emphasized to assess their usefulness in practical business situations. Problem-solving methodology is used to illustrate the theories and tools in financial decision-making.The course likewise tackles the ethical issues and dilemmas faced by the finance manager in his day-to-day work and how these are solved. The learners will be taught how to resolve these issues using an ethical decision analysis framework. The course also discusses the implications of financial management decisions in the life of the enterprise and how such impacts the national economy as a whole.
• Management Dynamics (TSMANDYN) The course is designed to provide the foundation for the development of knowledge and skills in professional management in different organizational settings. It focuses on the key management functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling in building a dynamic business portfolio. It will develop skills in integrating technology, ethics and social responsibility, in responding to the transforming situations and challenges of the real world.
• Human Resource Management (TSHUMRES) The course emphasizes the alignment of Human Resource Management practices and programs with the goals and strategies and values of the organization. This course presents powerful tools for analyzing strategic alignment that will enable the learner to understand the most vital resource of the organization – its human resources.It provides a fresh perspective on the role of HR and its function as change agent in partnership with top management and how together, they can build one of the most critical sources of sustainable competitive advantage – an organization whose design, culture, and people are aligned with strategy and values.It addresses human resource topics such as reward systems, performance management, high-performance human resource systems, training and development, recruitment, retention, work-force relationships from a strategic standpoints.
• Marketing Management (TSMARKMA) The course is designed to provide learners with knowledge on the fundamental concepts and practices of Marketing in the context of the new economy. It will focus on the formulation and implementation of marketing strategies in the areas of brand equity, products and services, pricing, distribution, advertising and promotion, and competition. These strategies will be discussed considering the current business environment including such realities such as hyper competition, digitalized technologies and the empowered consumer. The course will also help learners gain a good understanding of administrative processes where Marketing plays a central role in the game of demand creation, customer satisfaction and customer relation management. Furthermore, it will also show how ethical and socially responsible Marketing practices can help in nation-building.
• Economics for Managers (TSECOMAN) The course focuses on the basic economic concepts and principles as applied to business situations. Microeconomic concepts such as scarcity, opportunity costs, marginalism, and efficiency will never lose their central role in economics as long as scarcity itself exists. Macroeconomic concepts like GDP and GNP, employment and unemployment, inflation and deflation, balance of payments and foreign exchange rates will remain to be the primary concerns of all economies. These micro and macro concepts are integrated into a framework that will assist business leaders and managers in coping with the challenges arising from changes in a competitive business environment.The course will provide students with a working knowledge and skills of how consumers, firms and industries behave in a complex macroeconomic environment, thus helping them arrive at rational, optimal, and efficient choices. These informed choices when added up to the choices that other people make, translate into better societal choices.
• Demand Management (TSDEMMAN) Demand Management is an approach employed by supply chain managers to see to it that business needs are appropriately satisfied and resources are utilized in optimal ways. This elective course is designed to study the operational and strategic management of demand and to examine the role of supply chain practitioners in this area with the objective of improving organization’s competitiveness. The course will tackle the crucial and practical elements associated with specifying requirements and planning supply, and will present tools that supply chain managers can use in performing their functions.
• Economic Development (TSECODEV) The course deals with the economics of long-term growth and development. It focuses on areas and issues of policy-making that are likely to remain of primary concern in the efforts of underdeveloped and developing countries to achieve economic growth and development.
• Electronic Commerce (TSE-COMME) The course is designed to guide managers through the process of overcoming the fear of change and embracing the benefits of e-commerce for customers, employees and shareholders. The economic evidence of the growth of e-commerce and its benefits for streamlining the business relationships between a company and its customers, suppliers, and employees are examined. The highest pay-off e-commerce applications and principles of using e-commerce to create competitive advantage are identified.How companies are getting CEOs on board, how they are managing their change process to create effective e-commerce strategies, and how they create cultures that can sustain the benefits of change in the future are discussed.
• Entrepreneurship (TSENTREP) Entrepreneurship is the ability to see opportunities where others see only problems, to turn those opportunities into an actual business venture, and to manage that venture into growing, viable enterprise. Entrepreneurship is for those who see an alternative to employment and are not daunted by the challenges of setting up their own business.This course will strive primarily to inspire and to encourage entrepreneurship, through the examination, discussion and analysis of contemporary entrepreneurs. Furthermore, to ensure the viability of any entrepreneurial venture, this course will provide a framework of evaluation techniques to apply and pertinent issues to consider, when investigating business opportunities.The focus on this course is on relatively small businesses, from inception to start-up to early establishment.
• Family Business Management (TSFAMBUS) Family businesses compose most of enterprises operating in the country. Their success contributes to its over-all economic health. Understanding how they are managed, including the dynamics of the family within the business, adds to help maintain the healthiness of the enterprise.The course will expose the students on the dynamics and communication issues in a family. They will learn leadership and relationships inherent in the business and how these are intertwined in the ownership, governance and management of the same. Ownership legacy, sibling rivalries, professionalism, succession, and strategic planning are some of the topics that will be covered in this course. Family businesses in the Asian context will be discussed in line with their successes and failures.
• Financial Analysis for Decision-Making (TSFINDEM) The course deals with the understanding and analysis of financial information for decision-making. The importance of financial information has never been emphasized until the issues of transparency, good corporate governance, and investor relations cropped up as corporate scandals. Because of the uncertainty brought about by the chaotic environment, there is need for more accurate financial information on a timely basis so that corporate financial management decisions and investor decisions will be guided.Critical analysis, diagnosis, and evaluation of financial information are emphasized in this course as applied in practical business situations. Problem-solving methodology is used to illustrate the theories and tools in financial decision-making including the use of technologies to help with the analysis.Because of the impact of transparency in corporate and investor relations, this course will tackle the ethical issues and dilemmas involving financial information and reporting.
• Financial Engineering (TSFINENG) Financial Engineering is a course on the basic concepts and the application of the principles of financial innovation – the process that seeks to adapt existing financial instruments and processes and to develop new ones so as to enable financial market participants to cope more effectively with the changing world.
• Global Market Analysis and International Trade (TSGLOBMA) This course presents the challenges of marketing goods and services in foreign markets. The cultural, political, geographic, technological, and economic influences on international marketing will be discussed. This course also covers international market research and the application of the four P’s in an international setting. Students are expected to assimilate this new knowledge in analyzing international marketing management problems, using techniques and strategies necessary to incorporate and apply “the market concept” into the framework of the global marketplace.
• Marketing Communication (TSMARCOM) The course introduces the concept of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), which is the approach that more and more marketing and communications professionals are using to face the rapid growth of internet, the biggest challenges in the contemporary market place. An increased rate of advertising clutter in most traditional media, a more product knowledgeable and demanding consumer, higher pressures from manufacturers to retail chains and a global economy are only a few characteristics of today’s ever-evolving business environment.The course will provide a review of the basic concepts of marketing, communications, segment marketing, positioning, and target market or to apply the most common consumer behavior techniques. It will also provide an opportunity for students to understand the target market(s) and, design an IMC campaign.
• Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management (TSINVEMA) The course deals with the application of the principles of investment analysis and portfolio management to corporate and personal finances. The steps and procedures involved in the investment process are discussed and simulated by the students to provide them with skills at creating their own corporate or personal investment portfolios in the future. Risk and return management strategies are discussed and analyzed as they apply not only to the global investment setting but also to the specific investment situations in the Philippine market.The ethical dimensions of investment decisions will also be tackled as part of this course.
• Law in the Business Environment (TSLAWBUS) The course introduces the learner to the various laws that are relevant in the business environment. The course equips the student with an understanding of how business decisions and operations are directly influenced by law.In the first half of the course, the student will study the law on Contracts, Credit Transactions, Labor-Management Relations as well as Partnerships and Corporations for the purpose of attaining a working familiarity with basic legal concepts and principles.For the rest of the course, the emphasis will be on Good Corporate Governance. Here, the student will study the recent issuance of the SEC regarding corporate governance and how it impacts on the way corporations are run.
• Leading Organizational Change (TSLEADOC) The course will provide students with competence on how to lead change. The course will explore the dynamics of organizational change as well as models of leading organizational change in business and management. Various concepts will be learned including the forces and the conditions behind organizational change, the types and levels of change, the resistance to change and the constructive strategies necessary to manage the uncertainties of change in organizations.
• Project Management (TSPROJMA) The course takes the view of the project manager as a leader who manages projects effectively using appropriate tools and concepts in project management. It provides a framework for managerial and leadership effectiveness leading to the acquisition of professional skills to handle complex problems frequently encountered in project management. It involves the study and understanding of the core processes for initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing projects under various circumstances. The course also includes the human side of project leadership and its strategic perspectives as applied in various types of organizations. The conceptual framework, the methodologies and the issues that will be highlighted in this course can be applied to a number of business decisions and change management situations. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of such applications will be covered.The project environment is a team environment and a significant component of this course is team-based. With the guided learning offered in this course, the students are expected to be able to tackle projects in a controlled and coordinated manner and be aware of how to align their projects to achieve maximum benefits during execution.
• Lean Six Sigma (TS6-SIGMA) The course covers the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma for both manufacturing and service businesses. Lean Six Sigma is a business and data-driven, process-oriented, benefit-driven, disciplined-based approach to reducing waste and minimizing defects in any type of process. Lean Six Sigma focuses on the reduction of waste, on increasing profitability, breakthrough improvement, and customer satisfaction.Students are provided an overview of Lean, Six Sigma and the DMAIC problem-solving methodologies. Included are both statistical and non-statistical techniques used for continuous process improvement such as process definition, SIPOC, process flow diagrams, data collection techniques, measurement techniques, causes of process variation, pareto diagrams, histograms, cause and effect diagrams, DOE (Design Of Experiments), ANOVA Gage R&R, FMEA control charts and process capability analysis, collectively called QC Tools.
• Supply Chain Management (TSSUPMAN) The course covers concepts, trends, processes and techniques involved in the management of activities from the procurement of materials and services, to their transformation into intermediate goods or final products, and ultimately to their distribution and delivery to customers. The course will discuss procurement, inbound logistics, supply chain strategies, electronic procurement and warehousing and distribution. It will deal with managerial processes that span across functional areas within individual firms and links suppliers, trading partners, distributors, and customers across organizational boundaries. The course will also consider logistics, technology, network design, and administration of supply chains from the standpoint of business strategy and global competition.
• Strategic Management (TSSTRAMA) The course serves as the capstone course for the MBA program. It aims to enable the learners to develop and implement cross-functional decisions towards the attainment of their organizations’ vision, mission and objectives using strategic management principles and integrating knowledge and skills learned from the other MBA courses.The learners will apply the strategic management process consisting of strategy formulation, strategy implementation and strategy evaluation, as well as the various analytical frameworks and strategy formulation tools that can aid them in decision making. Through this course, the learners’ strategic thinking capability is expected to be strengthened as they are made to critically analyze and integrate information about their companies’ external and internal environment in the local and global context, and to use this in formulating and implementing innovative strategies that can help their companies build a sustainable competitive advantage. The learners will likewise be made to understand the different strategy choices and to evaluate strategic management issues and concepts that are important to managing in today’s global environment. This course also aims to promote among its learners ethical business decisions, the practice of corporate social responsibility and making a contribution towards nation building.
• MAKATI CITY (main campus) Ateneo Professional Schools #20 Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City Tel. no.  88997691 locals 2206 or 2207 email: [email protected]
• CEBU CITY Tel. no . (032) 232-1665 Mobile No . 0919 078 8566 email: [email protected]
• CLARK FIELD, PAMPANGA Mobile no. 09190788569 email: [email protected]
• ILOILO CITY Ateneo de Iloilo campus Pison Avenue, Mandurriao, Iloilo City Mobile no. 0919 078 8567 email: [email protected]
• STA. ROSA, LAGUNA Mobile no. 0919 078 8568 email: [email protected]