FINAL PROJECT GUIDELINES

This is intended as a guide only to help you prepare for a project and submit the report. As every project is different it is expected that the methodology and report will vary in content, style and emphasis. The final project in Trimester V is an essential requirements and integral part of the curriculum for successful completion of the PGDM programme. The project aims at developing insight and capabilities in the students for in depth study, research, interpretation and analysis on a particular chosen/allotted topic. Projects are to be significant works of an applied nature, wherein the student is working with a company or organization to analyze and propose a solution to a specific problem or problems. PART I PLANNING & DESIGNING THE PROJECT Selection of the topic Project topic has to be selected with respect to the programme of study and area selected by the student. Title of the project should clearly specify the objective and scope of the study. It should be specific and neither too vague nor centralistic. Project selection has to be made in consultation with the faculty member allotted to supervise. Selection of Projects Criteria Will the implementation of the project bring about an improvement in the present status of an activity and can this improvement be quantified. Quantification may be in terms of money saved, or better utilization of time and man power, better sales performance, higher production etc. Does it have an underlying management principle, frame work or model based on which the data is collected, analyzed and arguments developed? Is the project idea of thesis, proving or disproving of a hypothesis the methodology, the framework for analysis should be such that it can be applied to other problems of similar nature? While it would have a distinctive of its own in its application to the specific situation the project would not be so exclusive that its principles have no other applications Does the project report take into account factual data which is relevant to the particular situation?

In planning and designing a project work, it is necessary to anticipate all the steps that must be undertaken if the project is to be successful in collecting valid and reliable information.

Steps in Planning and Designing the project

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Specifying research objectives. Preparing a list of needed information. Designing the data collection project. Selecting a sample type. Determining the sample size. Organizing and carrying out the field work. Analyzing the collected data and reporting the findings.

I. Specifying Research Objectives In this step of the project process student must first obtain answers to the questions, what is the purpose of this study? and what are the objectives of the project? II. Preparing a list of Needed Information After a satisfactory statement of the objectives have been established, it is necessary to prepare a list of information needed to attain the objectives. The contents of such a list will be determined by the objectives of the project. For this a literature survey may be undertaken which will indicate the problems that are already investigated, the need for further investigation and the thinking of experts. Literature survey will also provide a conceptual framework and an integrated overview of the field of study. Sources could be books, Journals or Websites, references of which should appear in the bibliography. III. Designing the Data Collection Project After the project objective have been specified (Step 1) and list of needed informed has been prepared (Step 2) the student should determine whether such information is already available, either in company records or in outside sources. If the needed information is not available from the secondary sources, the student will have to collect data in the field, until the appropriate secondary sources of information have been reviewed. Important issues to be addressed while designing the data collection forms typically include the following

 What type of questionnaire (personal interview, telephone interview, or mail survey) should be used? What should be the content and the wording of individual questions? What type of questions should be used? In what sequence should the questions be placed? IV. Selecting a Sample Type As it is impractical to collect data from all members of large population a sample is selected. V. Determining a Sample Size The student must also decide how large a sample to select. The sample should be large enough to be representative of the population. VI. Organizing and carrying out the field work Fieldwork includes meeting the respondents, giving the questionnaire and interviewing them and selling information that is constant and logical. VII. Analyzing the collected Data and Reporting the Finding. After all interviews and or observations have been made, the completed data collection forms must be processed in a way that yield the information, the project was designed to obtain. Next, the data must be prepared for tabulation. This means that the student must transform the data in the computer. Tables of data must be compiled, percentages and averages must be computed and comparisons must be made between different classes, categories and groups. The end result should be set of information that coincides with the list of needed information required in the research process. The reporting of research finding is the end product of the project process. The key components of the Reports are presented in Part II. Part II PROJECT REPORT A project report has to be a scholarly effort that results in a contribution to the literature, either as new theory, a new application of an exisiting theory or practice, or a synthesis of the literature. As such, the report should include a

significant literature review, research questions/hypothesis, appropriate research methodology, findings and conclusions. Key components of Project Report could be: Title page (see Exhibit I) Certificate from Faculty Guide (Exhibit II) Certificate from the Director (Exhibit III) Certificate from the Company Declaration from Student (Exhibit IV) Acknowledgement a brief thank you note to the people who have helped you in the project. Table of Contents List of the various topics covered in the project along with the page numbers This should: Systematically number sections and subsections. List of tables and figures. Executive summary This is a one-page abstract of the entire report, and may be all that a busy business executive reads. It should Explain the terms of reference, the purpose and scope of the report, State the key methods and approach used. List the main conclusions. List the key recommendations.

Main text of the report This consists of a series of sections arranged under headings and subheadings that typically would include: Chapter I. Introduction and theoretical background of the study -often a detailed analysis of the current situation or problem. Chapter II. Research methodology 12.this should include: (a)

22.objectives of the research and the operationalisation of the key variables. (b) the population of case studies and the sampling procedures or selecting cases (c) data capture instruments used (d) data collection methods (e) specific research techniques and applications (f) data analysis procedure (g) Limitations of the study do not attempt topics that are too broad. Problem is not limited by omitting important information, leaving out essential details or presenting only part of the evidence. But a problem is limited by reducing the scope of investigation. 1.1 Chapter III. Profiles: Profile of the Industry / Company / Product. It should also cover the profile of the Industry and the Products concerned. This chapter should give a brief background of the Company in which the study was conducted and shouldnt exceed 5 pages. Chapter IV. Analysis and interpretation of Data Chapter V. Finding & conclusions It is the heart of the project and should be related to the objectives established. Chapter VI. Suggestions and recommendations This would be your views/opinions on the project. You can give comments but they should be justified and logical. Bibliography list of books, magazines, journals, websites etc., referred. o Book reference Author(s), title, details of imprint o Journal reference Author(s), title, journal, volume number, inclusive pages o Website reference Relevant site id in full and date of browsing o If author (or one of the authors is a woman her first name is given in full o Left margin to start o second and subsequent lines single spaced three spaces in from the left margin o Capital used to begin all key words in the titles of books and journals Appendices This may include: Any explanatory notes that would clutter up the main report, Tabulations and calculations not included in the text, References

 Copies of questionnaire or visual materials used.

Miscellaneous Font Times new roman Font size 13 Margin left 1.5 others 1 Page numbers Bottom Centre Spacing 1.5 Final report Hard bound with wrapper Three copies Wrapper colour Title to appear on the spine of the wrapper.

Evaluation Criteria The final project will be evaluated based on the written report and Viva-Voce. Written report will be evaluated based on : Choice of subject/Title Clarity about objectives scope and coverage of study Design of the study and methodology, review of earlier work/literature available for the subject, Data collection primary and secondary: questionnaire used where applicable, field work. Analysis and interpretation of data: Data processing technique and tools used, Innovative approach to problem solving, finding of research study, recommendations, suggestions Report writing and presentation: language and composition Usefulness of the study: applicability in business/industry in decision making/ system development VIVA Voce will be based on : Identification of the problem, Clarity about objectives, scope and cverage of the study

Ability to discuss the report design, methodology instruments used, literature connected with the report, quality of data analysis and interpretation of findings and recommendations Depth of the subject and conceptualization of the key areas after completing the project Linking the report recommendations with project objectives and how far these have been achieved Draw backs in the report, if any and general comments.

EXIBIT I

A Report of

A Study on
PROJECT TITLE

for

COMPANY NAME
Submitted to the

Department of Management Studies

in partial fulfillment of the

Post Graduate Diploma In Management

Under the Guidance of

NAME OF THE FACULTY GUIDE

by

STUDENT NAME

School of Communication and Management Studies

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.

November - 2006

EXHIBIT II

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

S C M S

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work entitled ' PROJECT TITLE PROJECT TITLE PROJECT TITLE PROJECT TITLE'

has been carried out by NAME OF THE STUDENT in partial fulfillment of his/her Post Graduate Diploma in Management.

DATE :

DIRECTOR

EXHIBIT III

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project work entitled ' PROJECT TITLE ' has been carried out under my guidance by NAME OF THE STUDENT in partial fulfillment of his/her Post Graduate Diploma in Management during the academic year 2005 - 2007.

Date:

NAME OF THE GUIDE

EXHIBIT IV

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

S C M S

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.

DECLARATION

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that this project report entitled has been written and submitted under the guidance of . and is my original work. I understand that detection of any copying is liable to be punished in any way the school deems fit.

DATE:

NAME OF THE STUDENT

EXHIBIT V

SUB: PROJECT SYNOPSIS FORMAT 1. Name of the student 2. Roll No 3. Name and address of the organization where the project is to be carried out 4. Project Title 5. * Rationale of the project 6. Objectives of the study 7. Methodology : a. b. c. d. Type of Research Sampling Plan Data Collection Data Analysis. : : : : : :

Signature of the student

* Here, a brief description of the need for / expected benefits of the study may be given.

EXHIBIT VI SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN - 683106.

PROJECT JOINING REPORT Roll No : ___________________ Name of the Student :

________________________________________ Email : ________________________________ ___________________________ Contact Number (s) :

Project Title : _________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Company Name :

_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Project Guide :

__________________________________________________________________

Designation _____________________________________________________________________ Contact Address __________________________________________________________________

: :

____________________________________________________________________________ _____ Phone No._________________________________ _________________________________ Company HR Manager: Name ____________________________________________________________________________ Contact Address ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ______ Phone No._________________________________ _________________________________ Email : Email :

This format duly filled in is to be returned so as to reach the School on or before .

Signature of the Company Guide

EXHIBIT VII SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-683 106.

Project Progress Report

Report No. _____ Date: __________ Roll No: ___________________ Name of the Student:

________________________________________

Project Title: ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Company Name: ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Faculty Guide: ________________________________________________________________________ General Background of the Project: __________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Progress made so far: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Action Plan for the next fortnight: ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Problems/difficulties faced, if any: ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____

Signature of the student Guides Comments: ______________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____

Signature of the Company Guide

EXHIBIT VIII SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION & MANAGEMENT STUDIES

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-683 106.

Project Completion Report

Report No. _____ Date: __________ Roll No: ___________________ Name of the Student:

________________________________________ Project Title: ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Company Name: ________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Faculty Guide: ________________________________________________________________________ General Background of the Project and the work done: __________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____

___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ Date of completion of the project: ____________________________________________________________ Signature of the student Guides Comments: (Please comment on the students involvement, knowledge, attitude and other aspects) ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ____

Signature of the Company Guide

I. FORMAT FOR HEADINGS IN CERTIFICATES

SCMS COCHIN

(School of Communication & Management Studies)

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.
S C M S

II. FORMAT FOR TITLE PAGE FOOTER

SCMS COCHIN

(School of Communication & Management Studies)

SCMS CAMPUS, PRATHAP NAGAR, MUTTOM, ALUVA, COCHIN-06.