How to Identifying a COL MBA Project/Research Topic

Research begins with defining a topic in which a student may be interested and willing to put effort. Research topic list should relate to the subject whom the students have studied in their programme (Management Sciences, Business or Public Administration). The three significant characteristics of a research topic/problem are that is should be significant, researchable and new or add a new angle to established facts. Some important elements of selecting a topic are as under:-

1. First you select a problem/ research topic list in a general area that is related to the area of your expertise and interest. Second step is to narrow down the general problem area to make it specific, and researchable.
2. Formulate a research topic list  in order to achieve your objective.
3. Access to the data must be ensured about the topic prior to its finalization.
4. The research topic ideas should be open to methods of research.
5. The selected research topic ideas should be in a field in which there is real need for the research.
6. Must keep in mind why the research is important and to whom.
7. Students need to describe the research context clearly.

While thinking about research topic Ideas

• Discuss ideas with colleagues
• Browse the literature, especially journals
• Discuss ideas with your supervisor – he/she is an expert within the discipline and can help you decide on an appropriate topic

Setting the Research topic list in context

When placing your research topic in context it is often useful to think about the following:-

• What is the scope of the topic?
• What is the purpose of the research?
• Who are the intended audience?
• What is the time period?
• What is the geographical coverage?
• What are the relevant/related disciplines?
• Some More Tips for Problem Formulation

Some More Tips for Problem Formulation

Research Topic Ideas

Try to decide a research topic ideas that you just have an interest in. you’re reaching to have lots of research and experimentation earlier than you therefore it helps to supply smart science if you have enthusiasm in what you’re doing. realize a broad research topic and do some what preliminary work, maybe creating a rate of potential areas of interest.

1. Be realistic. If you have difficulty with transport then there is no point picking a project in some far-flung, inaccessible area. You may have to go back to re sample or clarify your data. For a field study that requires lots of walking or climbing you need to be reasonably fit. If you are not very good at approaching strangers then avoid a subject that requires you to ask people to fill in questionnaires. Play to your strengths and avoid your weaknesses.
2. With the above in mind, check out the facilities your department offers. For example, some departments offer help with statistics or using computer programs.
3. Take into account the amount of time and resources you have. It is better to pick a focused research topic and be thorough than to try and perform some complex research that you struggle to finish. Your topic must be broad enough to ensure that you have enough data but narrow enough to maximize your time and resources.
4. Try and be a little different; if a large number of students research the same research topics then there could be a lot of people fighting over one copy of a book or journal.
5. Will you need help? For some areas of research you may need to ask the help of friends to take samples. An example is psychology where you need to tempt people to answer your questions or perform your tests. What measures will you need to entice people? Asking favors, bribery or threats? Try to ensure that you have thought about this before you start.
6. Remember that people are there to help you. If you not sure of where to start, often the most difficult part, do not be afraid to ask questions from those more knowledgeable in the subject. It is common to feel a little nervous and overwhelmed before starting on a long project but that will pass. Remember that the reputation of your supervisor and department is judged by how well you perform in your research paper so they will try their best to guide you.

Types of Business research

Applied research 

This research is conducted to solve a current problem faced by the organization in the work setting, demanding a timely solution.

Basic research (fundamental, pure)

It is to generate a body of knowledge by trying to comprehend how certain problems that occur in organizations can be solved. The findings of such research contribute to the building of knowledge in the various functional areas of business.

Selection of Study 

The students are advised to choose some current issue faced by the organization in which they are going to conduct their research. Here are some examples of Applied and basic research issues, the preference should be given to the applied research.

Applied Research topics

1. Causes of low productivity of employees of Fazal Steel mills Islamabad
2. The possible measures to make the budgetary control system of NHA effective
3. Human Resource practices to ensure Job Satisfaction in Askari Bank limited with Special emphasis on performance appraisal.
4. The Impact of Compensation, Training & Development on the organisational Commitment of Employees of PTCL

Basic Research Topics

1. Effective measures to stop bankruptcy.
2. Implications of the theories of Scientific School of Management in 21st century.
3. TQM / Is It Effective In Reaching Quality Goals?
4. Management of the Interview and Hiring Function
5. Employee Stock Ownership Plans