Dr N Balakumar

This is a multi-crore question that enters the mind of an MBA student since he/she joins the course. Several factors need to be considered prior to choosing a topic for MBA Project Work.

As soon as you decide your area of specialization you know that the broad area of research work is going to be in that area. For example, if you decide to take the specialization as Marketing, broad area of your project research will fall under Marketing area.

Now that you know the broad area, you need to further narrow down. It can depend on the place (organization or company) where you are going to do your project work. Once you know the firm with which you are likely to get associated for the project, you know the broad industry segment. Say if you are likely to do the project in Sony India, then your industry segment is Consumer Durable.

Now, you know your broad area of your research that is Marketing and your industry segment is Consumer Durable.

You need more clarity in your topic to proceed further. This is the stage you need to have discussion with Sony India to find out what area they require research to be executed. This will help you to do something that will be useful for the company that has given you the opportunity to execute your project work. For example, if, Sony India’s Marketing Management Team wants to know how better they can multiply their sales of the personal stereo products.

Now, your choice of topic further narrows down to personal stereos or personal audio products.

At this point your objective is to deliver a quality research work for Sony India to meet their requirements and at the same time you should be able to complete it on time. Thus, this could be finalized only if you are clear on the Research Methodology. This is the time you require academic support. Thus, after consulting your academic project guide you can arrive at the topic, that may be like: “ Multiplier Marketing Strategies to improve the sales of Personal Audio Products with special reference to Sony India.”

Thus, a topic selection for an MBA project depends on your area of specialization, research methodology, time factor, needs of the organization that offers you the project work exposure and the industry it belongs to.