M S RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

PGDM AICTE Program BATCH - 2015-2017

The following is a template for undertaking the empirical study and for the
preparation and presentation of the report.

The empirical study shall be carried out individually by each student under the
guidance of faculty member allotted by the Institute. Empirical study provides
the student with an opportunity to investigate a problem/issue in a scientific and
systematic manner with the intention of applying the conceptual knowledge of
management theories/models to resolve the said problem/issue. The essential
requirement of a project is that it should entail scientific collection, analysis and
interpretation of data leading to valid conclusions within the relevant framework.
Duration of the empirical study
The empirical study commences from 6 th September 2016 and shall be completed
by 7th January 2017. During this period, the student is expected to meet the
Faculty Guide regularly (at least twice a week) and seek the necessary
clarifications/guidance to ensure the quality of the report is not compromised. The
student is also required to sign the Progress Diary sheet available with the Faculty
Guide in this regard.
Project Selection:
The project work shall be necessarily research based and shall be in the area
of the Specialization opted for by the student.
The project work can be undertaken in any reputed manufacturing or service
organization and the topic can be selected in consultation with the concerned
company officials.
The project work could also be undertaken at MSRIM based on secondary data
available in the library and information centre.
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The student can also select an open project (Freelance project), which is not
company specific, and ensure the guidelines prescribed by the Institute are adhered
to in such projects.
It is important that the student maintains a high level academic rigor in the
preparation of the report and the empirical research results in a research paper of
publishable quality in M S Ramaiah Management Review Journal/ other National /
International journals / Conferences duly co-authored by your Faculty Guide.
Evaluation Pattern:
Empirical Study carries a weightage of THREE credits. It will be included in the
IV semester SGPA and also CGPA. The evaluation is for a total of 100 marks in
five stages:
Parameters
Research Proposal quality

Time
frame
06/09/2016

Marks

Evaluation by

15

Faculty Guide

& Submission
Empirical study report

to 14/10/16
21/11/2016

15

Faculty Guide

quality & timely interaction to 07/01/17

Timely submission of
07/01/2017

10

Evaluation cell

Empirical study report and

Research Paper
Empirical study report

Jan 2017

25

External Panel

Quality
Viva Voce Performance

Jan 2017

35

External Panel

IMPORTANT DETAILS ON PROJECT CONTENTS, FORMAT AND

EXECUTION
The empirical study is to be executed in three stages.
1. Stage I: Preparatory stage
2. Stage II: Execution stage
3. Stage III: Reporting stage
Stage I: Preparatory stage (Sept. 2016 to Mid Oct. 2016)
The preparatory stage involves an elaborate Literature Review based on
published books, research articles, white papers or PhD theses that enable
identification of the research gap. Based on the research gap, the student has to
identify an area of research and the title of the study. The title of the study shall be
relevant, meaningful and should reflect the research work proposed to be carried
out by the student. The title shall not exceed two lines. In case of empirical study
based on company requirements, the extent of review of literature may be limited
to the relevant dimensions of the study and applicability of existing models to the
research undertaken.
The review of literature shall result in identifying the key elements of
research such as Type of study / research, Hypothesis development, Sources of
data collection, Sampling design, Population/universe for the study, Sampling
technique, Sampling size, Plan of analysis etc. Formulation of Hypothesis relevant
to the topic under study is to be undertaken and the appropriate statistical tool for
testing the hypothesis (acceptance or rejection) should be identified. The outcome
of the activities of Stage I shall be (a) finalization of the research proposal
and (b) preparation of the questionnaire. The questionnaire shall be designed in
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a rational manner so that it meets the objectives of the study. The guide has to
approve the questionnaire before undertaking the survey. The content of the
research proposal has been given as an annexure to this document (Annexure
I). The students are to seek due guidance from the faculty members and submit the
research proposal along with the approved copy of the questionnaire by the
specified date (14/10/16). Students failing to submit the research proposal and
questionnaire in time may be subject to punitive action in the form of reduced
grade/score in the empirical component.
Stage II: Project Execution (Nov. 2016)
After due-approval of title & proposal, the student may undertake the
execution of the project. Wherever necessary a pilot survey may be conducted to
validate the tool used for data collection as well as the research model adopted and
redesigning of the tool of data collection (questionnaire/ interview schedule/
observation card etc) may be undertaken. The student may then proceed with field
work (data collection/ survey/ expert interview etc.) and complete the task of
compilation of data/ work done.
Stage III: Reporting stage (Nov. 2016 to Dec. 2016)

The process of analysis of data collected and its presentation in the form of a
report is taken up during this stage. It is expected of the student to be in constant
touch with the respective faculty guide and seek guidance in the process of
analysis as well as preparation of the report. The report shall be presented in the
format given in the Annexure (Annexure II). The tasks accomplished during this
period shall include compilation of data ((Master Table), data analysis, Appropriate
tool of analysis (statistical/ mathematical / financial etc), Interpretation of data
analysis, Preparation and approval of the draft copy of the report & paper and
submission of approved report and research paper.
Students failing to submit the final (approved and bound) copy of the report
and research paper in time may be subject to punitive action in the form of reduced
grade/score in the empirical component. As Empirical study is a credit course,
failure to submit the report and / or appear for the Viva voce on the scheduled date
& time will result in a F grade and the student will have to appear for
Supplementary exam by following the procedures/norms of the Institute.

ANNEXURE I

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
(Cover Page)
REG.
NO
xxxxxx

AREA OF
AREA OF
SPECIALISA EMPIRICAL
TION
STUDY
FOR example For example
FINANCE &
FINANCE
MARKETING

NAME
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

TITLE OF THE STUDY

SIGNATURE
xxxxxxx

: ________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________

NAME OF THE COMPANY (IF ANY)

: __________________________________

NAME OF THE GUIDE

: __________________________________

DESIGNATION

: __________________________________

QUALIFICATION

: __________________________________

SIGNATURE OF THE GUIDE

: __________________________________

MSRIM LOGO

M.S.RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

BANGALORE - 560 054.
Batch 2015 - 2017

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal is a broad outline of the proposed study presented in
four/five pages prepared prior to the commencement of the Empirical study.
The student can proceed with the Empirical study only after the approval of
the research proposal by the Faculty Guide and the Area Panel.
The research proposal should contain the following components: (guidance may be
sought from the faculty for clarification and contents for each of the components)
a. Cover page - Topic of the study should not exceed 10 to 12 words and
should convey the objective and scope of the study in a specific and clear
manner
b. Main body of the proposal / Contents:
1. Brief introduction of the background subject: (Maximum of one page) :
Conceptual/theoretical introduction to the specific topic; Introduction to the
industry which the study will focus on
2. Review of Previous literature: (minimum one page): Summarize at least five
research papers/articles already published which are relevant to the chosen
topic; summary includes the objectives, methodology and findings of each
research paper in a paragraph form to facilitate the identification of research
gap
3. Statement of the problem: It is a need based statement and should be written
in paragraph form.
Includes description of the specific business related problem/issue; how the
present study addresses the problem; possible benefits and impacts of the study
on the issue
4. Objectives of the study: Should not be more than three; written in bullet form
in a crisp and precise manner stating the intended aspects to be studied
(Objectives do not include proposing suggestions / recommendations /
strategies)

5. Scope of the study: Defines the boundaries of the study i.e. what is covered by
the study such as period, place, specific products / depts. / companies etc
6. Hypotheses: Should not be more than three; derived from the objectives, it is to
be presented as a precise statement which is to be proved or disproved by
appropriate testing tools.
7. Methodology: Describes the type of research, Sampling plan (target
population, sample size, sampling technique), sources of data (primary &/or
secondary) & tools for collection of data to be used; If Questionnaire is
proposed, it has to be attached to the Research proposal as Annexure.
8. Plan of Analysis: Identifies the statistical tools/techniques that will be used for
analysis of the data collected; includes the tools to be used for testing of the
hypotheses
9. Limitations of the study: Summarizes the aspects not covered by the study
which limit/restrict the applicability of its findings/outcomes
Bibliography
Annexure
1. Questionnaire (if proposed to be used)
2. Original Research Proposal Progress diary
THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL SHALL NOT EXCEED FOUR / FIVE
PAGES

Research proposal Writing Requirement

1. The proposal should be in the third person (Passive Voice).
2. Proposal should be typed only on one side of the paper.
3. Abbreviated words should not be used (e.g. Examination should be written
instead of Exams. Mathematics should be written instead of Maths, etc.)

4. If the number is below 10, then it should be written in words (e.g. Two people
were consulted and not 2 people were consulted)
5. Number of pages: Maximum four/five pages
6. Font size: Section heading should be 14 and running text size: 12.
7. Line spacing 1.5
8. Font Style: Times New Roman or Arial only
9. Sections and sub sections should be numbered in decimal form.
10.Proposal should be printed on A4 paper and properly stapled. Binding
(Spiral/Hard) is not required.
11.One copy of the Research proposal to be submitted to the MSRIM Office.
(Student can make an extra copy for their use)

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ANNEXURE II

11

(COVER PAGE AND INNER PAGE)

EMPIRICAL STUDY
ON

----------------------------------------------------------------- (title of the project)

A Study Conducted For -------------- (Companys name if any)
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF POST
GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT
TO
M.S.RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

BY
------------------------ (students name)
(Reg No)

UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

--------------------------- (Faculty Guides name)

MSRIM LOGO

M.S.RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

BANGALORE - 560 054.
Batch 2015 - 2017

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PAGE TWO

CERTIFICATE BY THE GUIDE

Certified that this dissertation titled _______________________ (project title) is based

on an original study conducted by _________________ (Students name & Reg. No.) under my
guidance. He/She has attended the required guidance sessions held. This project report has not
formed a basis for the award of any other Degree / Diploma of any University or Institution.

SIGNATURE OF THE GUIDE:

NAME OF THE GUIDE:
DESIGNATION:
QUALIFICATION:

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PAGE THREE
STUDENT DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the Project Report on ________________________ (Project Title) under
the guidance of _____________________ (Faculty Guides name) submitted in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN
MANAGEMENT is my original work and the same has not been submitted earlier for the
award of any other Degree/Diploma/Fellowship.

(Students name )
(Reg. No. --------------- )

Place: Bangalore
Date:

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PAGE FOUR

CERTIFICATE BY THE COMPANY (if any)

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

PAGE FIVE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAGE SIX

LIST OF CONTENTS (WITH PAGE NUMBERS)

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

PAGE SEVEN

LIST OF TABLES AND GRAPHS (WITH PAGE NUMBERS)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

PAGE EIGHT ONWARDS

BODY OF THE PROJECT

The project report should be presented in the following chapters:
Executive Summary:
Executive summary outlines the gist of the study and its executable
outcomes (should not exceed 1 or 1 pages and should be written in
paragraph form)
Chapter One: Introduction
This chapter should include the conceptual/theoretical subject background of
the research topic written in a structured manner.
Chapter Two: Design of the Study
This chapter should include review of previous literature (Minimum five
papers and minimum five pages) followed by statement of the problem,
objectives of the study, scope of the study, hypotheses, methodology (type of
research, sampling plan, sources of data used, tools and techniques used for
collection of data), tools used for analysis and testing of hypotheses,
limitations of the study, operational definition of concepts and an overview
of chapter scheme.
Chapter Three: Profile of the company
This chapter should contain a complete profile of the organization in terms
of the history, the nature of its business, production process, products or
services, its competitors, its capital structure, turnover, number of branches,
staff pattern, organization structure etc., and a brief SWOT analysis of the
organization.
ALTERNATIVELY INDUSTRY PROFILE MAY BE GIVEN WHEN A
SPECIFIC / INDIVIDUAL COMPANY IS NOT INVOLVED IN THE
STUDY. It should include History/growth, size of the industry, major
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players at national & global level, govt. regulations, challenges, issues,

future prospects etc and a brief analysis of the PORTERs model with
reference to the industry.
Chapter Four: Data Analysis
This chapter should contain an analysis of the primary data in tune with the
objectives. Each question is reduced to table followed by explanation and
inferences. The analysis may also be supported by graphs, charts and
diagrams, wherever necessary.
Details pertaining to Testing of Hypotheses are to be presented in this
chapter.
Chapter Five: Summary of Findings, Conclusions and Suggestions
This chapter should provide a summary of the findings of the research study,
conclusions drawn from the findings and also suggestions which should be
specific and derived from or based on the findings of the study and not
general to the topic or industry/company under study.
Bibliography:
The Bibliography should be in the following order:
1. Author, Title of the book, Edition of the book, Name of the Publisher,
Place of publication, year of publication.
2. URL address and date of on which the data was accessed.
Annexures:
Questionnaire or interview schedule if used
Secondary data as required

THE REPORT CANNOT EXCEED A MAXIMUM OF 90 PAGES

Empirical Report Writing Requirement

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1. The report should be in the third person (Passive Voice).

2. Report should be typed only on one side of the paper.
3. Abbreviated words should not be used (e.g. Examination should be written
instead of Exams. Mathematics should be written instead of Maths, etc.)
4. If the number is below 10, then it should be written in words (e.g. Two
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

people were consulted and not 2 people were consulted)

Number of pages: Maximum 90
Font size: Report heading should be 14 and running text size: 12.
Line spacing 1.5
Font Style: Times New Roman or Arial only
The Chapters, sections and subsections must be numbered in the decimal
form e.g. Chapter 2, Sections as 2.1, 2.2 etc and subsections as 2.1.1, 2.1.2

etc
10. The figures & tables must be numbered chapter wise e.g Fig. 2.1, 2.2 for
Chapter 2 and Fig. 3.1, 3.2 for Chapter 3 etc.
11. Report should be Hard bound form only. Spiral binding will not be
accepted.
12. Two copies of the Report to be submitted to the Evaluation dept. of the
Institute.
(Student can make an extra copy for their use)
13. A soft copy of the report on CD to be attached in the last page of the
Report.

(Dr. Savitha Rani R)

Prof. V Narayanan

Program Head PGDM AICTE

Academic Head

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