Project Guidelines IMT
Project Guidelines IMT
Project Guidelines IMT
1.1
1.2
WHAT IS PROJECT?
A project is a scientific and systematic study of real issue or a problem intended to resolve the problem with application
of management concepts and skills. The study can deal with a small or a big issue in a division or an organization, the
problem can be from any discipline of management. It can even be a case study where a problem has been dealt with
through the process of management. The essential requirement of a project is that it should entail scientific
collection, analysis and interpretation of data leading to valid conclusions.
1.2.1
1.2.2
Topic should be selected from your MAJOR area of specialization. In case of dual specialization any one of the
areas of specialization can be selected.
2.
Project work should preferably be concerned with your organization or any other organization in your vicinity.
3.
Defining the project will be easier if you use the following acid test. A project should ideally meet these criteria.
Does the project report take into account factual data which is
relevant to the particular situation ?
The Project Work undertaken should be authentic and should contribute towards the development and growth of
the subject. If the Expert Committee feels that the Project Work undertaken does not appear to be authentic or
does not contribute towards the growth of the subject or it has been merely copied from some source, the Institute
has the right to reject the Project Work summarily. In that case, the student may be asked to resubmit the Project.
1.2.3
DEADLINES
The following dates should be adhered to under all conditions:
15th February
28th February with late fee
17th August
31st August with late fee
1.3
January Semester --
31st May
15th June with late fee
July Semester
30th November
15th December with late fee
--
1.4
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
Project synopsis provides an outline of the project work to be undertaken by the candidate.
Once you have selected a suitable topic, defined the problems and outlined the manner in which the project study is to be
conducted, the next step is to prepare the project synopsis. This synopsis has to be sent to IMT for approval before you
begin working on project work. The synopsis will be scrutinized by the faculty in IMT to ensure that it follows the
guidelines. We will get back to you incase there is a need for modifications in the methodology. Please send a copy of
the resume of the project guide along with project synopsis. In case you propose to collect the data through a
questionnaire then the questionnaire should also accompany the synopsis. The synopsis should cover the following:
definition has to be clear in terms of nature, size and scope of the project. These have to be stated in terms which are quite tangible and
specific.
Objectives and scope of the study - Reasons for selecting the topic have to be explained along with the
applicability or usefulness of the project idea. What contribution the project can make in the selected
organization or in similar situations should be identified and stated.
Methodology It is necessary to explain the criteria for selection of sample size if survey is to be
undertaken. Statistical methods that would be used for the same should be mentioned. Questionnaire that
would be used to undertake the project work should be prepared and sent along with the synopsis. Methods
that would be used for classification and interpretation of the data should be identified and mentioned.
2
Chapterisation scheme A brief outline of the chapters to be included in the project report should be
formulated and stated sequentially.
Project Guide Project Guide selected by the student should be an expert preferably a post graduate in the
relevant discipline with a minimum of five years of work experience. It is necessary to send a brief resume of the
project guide signed by the guide. If the resume of project guide is not attached your synopsis can be rejected
summarily.
Please attach the cover, Project Report Synopsis and send synopsis typed in double space in a separate
envelope marked as PROJECT SYNOPSIS to IMT - CDL, Ghaziabad.
Note: Kindly retain receipt or POD (proof of delivery) if synopsis is mailed or sent through courier or submitted
personally. Project work can be undertaken only after your project synopsis is approved by the Expert
Committee.
1.5
THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
Before you start your project it is essential to carry out a preliminary survey of the available literature on the topic. This
study will help you in understanding the problem in depth and the aspects which are being investigated and will provide
ideas for further research. You should consult the bibliographies of projects reports in libraries and skim through some
reports on similar topics. An access to this information will help you in crystalizing the design of your study and
exploring the uncovered areas. However, it would be advisable not to repeat studies conducted earlier. An originality of
approach in studying a topic will provide vitality to your report.
Some studies require the statement of hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative diagnosis or solution to a problem. It is
based on a cursory observation of the apparent date and adopt provisionally to explain certain events and to guide the
investigation of others. The project then would be based on testing the hypothesis to verify or reject it, for example, in a
study of increasing absenteeism in a factory, one may propound the hypothesis that absenteeism is on the increase
because of lack of adequate welfare activities. On studying the problem in depth it may be proved to be so or otherwise.
A hypothesis then starts somewhere at the midpoint of research, form here on can look back to the problem and also look
forward to data. While writing your report you have to discuss the theoretical background in one of the first few chapters.
These chapters will provide the frame work of your project report.
1.5.1
Comment
You will note that the scope as defined is extremely diffused
Optimisation of individual and group effort is a human
relation oriented problem, but this is a study in materials.
Again to maximise overall profitability of the enterprise
materials is one of the factors but certainly not all the factors.
So what is the problem ?
Is it one of reducing material cost as defined in the introductory
paragraph ?
Or is it of improving individual and group performance ?
Or is it one of maximising profitability ?
Each one can independently form a problem for a project.
You may argue that these are inter-related matters and
therefore, cannot be ruled out. You would be right. But while
other factors may be included at the managerial decision stage,
at the project stage chosen for this project, material costs
constitute 40% of the total working capital. The project is
aimed at studying means of reducing this cost through more
efficient materials management methods.
1.6
METHODOLOGY
The quality of your project work will depend upon the methodology you adopt for your study. Methodology in turn
depends upon the nature of the project work. The main strength of your report comes form the process earlier mentioned
that of collecting, synthesizing and analysing information which must have a bearing on the defined problem. Again, all
information, related to the problem needs to be carefully scrutinised to avoid risk of biased analysis.
Having once identified which information is relevant and needs to be collected, you will have to define how this will be
done. Thus, a case study may require a different approach than a study based on survey. However, where the volume of
data is very large a sampling method needs to be adopted. The following steps then become necessary.
1.6.1
Methodology
Illustration 1
Methodology :
Project Title :
Corporate Planning : Current Status in India.
List the various activities involved in the repair in consultation with the
executing agencies.
Methodology :
Comments :
Unacceptable. Too vague. Need to define framework for
generating data. How many companies are under study ?
Over what length of time-two years, five years, fifty years ?
Illustration II
Project Title :
Comments :
Acceptable
1.6.2
1.6.3
1.6.4
1.6.5
1.6.6.
1.6.7
Sampling: Size and coverage of the population providing data. Good sampling is done through statistical techniques.
To refresh from the books mentioned at the end.
Preparation of a proforma or a Questionnaire for Collection of Data: A technique that one should learn is the
framing of a proper questionnaire. Most books on statistics or research methodology provide guidelines for framing a
questionnaire.
Pilot study or Pre-testing: A trial run of a questionnaire or some preliminary interviews helps in finalising the structure
of the questionnaire or the interviews.
Covering letters or paragraphs when mailing the questionnaire or proforma: This is important when responses are
expected through mail. However experience shows that responses in such cases are disappointing Personal data
collection gives better results.
Processing of Data: Proper tabulation, classification, analysis, interpretation and comparison are essential steps in the
processing of the data.
Framework for Analysis : The framework for analysing the data will be related to your stated objectives hypothesis. Statistical
methods can be used for analysis wherever applicable. Methodology of the project must be clearly thought out in as much detail as
possible. Clarity in method helps in completing the project report expeditiously. In the box are given some illustrations of
methodology, both acceptable and unacceptable.
(You must be extra careful that your method does not give rise to a whole lot of irrelevant data)
PROFORMA
Name _______________
Name _________________________________
(In Block Letters)
Enrol. No. ___________________
2. IMT,CDL, Kolkata -1
Mobile No.
1.7
Yes/No
Yes/No
Yes /No
An acknowledgement letter from the Project Guide, preferably on the letterhead of the company of the Project guide,
stating that the project work undertaken is authentic and satisfactorily conducted under his guidance has to be attached
with the Project Report. An illustrative example of the certificate is given.
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Ms Shagun Warsi, a student of IMT CDL Ghaziabad has completed project
work on Status and Prospects of Food Processing industry in India under my guidance and
supervision.
I certify that this is an original work and has not been copied from any source.
Signature of Guide ------------------------------------Name of Project Guide -----------------------------------------Date ----------------------
1.8
PROJECT REPORT
COVER PAGE:
DESIGNING OF PERFORMANCE
SYSTEM FORNON-MANAGERIAL
COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS
The cover page on the bound copy of the report should indicate.
Roll No.
:
:
APPRAISAL
STAFF OF
...............................................
...............................................
1.8.1
1.8.2
1.8.3
1.8.4
1.8.5
Table of contents: Also called INDEX, the table should provide the title of all chapters (with page numbers) major
subdivisions and appendices. The table should also indicate the commencing page numbers of the preface, the
bibliography, appendices & annexures.
Preface and Acknowledgments: In case you have received assistance from a person or a source in any form such as in
the collection of data, facilities for interviews or references to records in connection with your project and owe a special
debt to a particular source or person, you should acknowledge this under the title acknowledgments. Or else you may
include these acknowledgments in the final paragraph of the preface or forward which should highlight the objective of
the study and the major problem you deal with in the report which follows in the succeeding pages.
Main Report: Your main report should follow the chapter scheme you had indicated in your synopsis. Generally the
sequential presentation should be as follows :(a) Chapter-I : Introduction of the Problem: This Chapter should provide a background of the problem, and what is
proposed to be investigated. The significance of the problem, the objectives and the scope of the study and the
contribution and impact your study will make should be elaborated. A brief description of the organisation where
you have conducted the project should be provided.
(b) Chapter-II : Theoretical Perspective: This chapter should give an overview of the theoretical concepts related to
the problem under study. You should refer to the current status of research in the area and major findings thereof.
These should bring out the necessity for a study of the kind you have undertaken and the approach you intend to
follow.
(c) Chapter-III : Methodology: This chapter should describe in detail the steps followed in completing the study. If
you have done a sample survey, the basis of sampling, its size etc. should be discussed. The sources of primary and
secondary data must be stated and the way you have processed the data should be elaborated.
(d) Chapter- IV, V VI . Onwards: Presentation of the relevant data and analysis and discussion thereon form the
main body of the report. As you defined the problem-Clearly and definitely, before you start to write the report,
decide on the main theme of your report; which of the findings are significant, which are peripheral ? Develop your
argument logically to build your theme, presenting data wherever necessary. Decide the distribution and the number
of chapters required; keep appropriate balance in the size of the chapters, and avoid uneven coverage. Only include
those parts of a table in the chapter which are relevant to the arguments, the details can be in the appendix. Spend
more time on the central issues, giving them importance, clarity and emphasis. All issues treated in the same manner
dilute a report.
Appendices and Annexures: Appendices are listed alphabetically e.g. Appendix A. Appendix B etc. and contain the
tables and data collected for the study. They are not included in the main chapters but referred to in the discussion and
interpretations. Appendices are placed after the last chapter on summary and conclusions.
Annexures are numbered numerically e.g., Annexure I, Annexure II etc. and contain such supporting information which
through not collected as primary or secondary data, yet is relevant in discussion and for easy reference.
List of References: References can be mentioned either at the bottom of the appropriate page where these are referred or
at the end or each chapter. If this has not been done, a third alternative is to list them at the end of the report immediately
after the appendices/Annexures.
1.8.6
1.8.7
1.8.9
Bibliography: A bibliography is a list of published sources consulted during the course of project work and normally
includes all work listed in the text and text notes. The bibliography can be listed in alphabetical order or split into two
separate list each covering books and articles.
Size of the Project Report: Depending upon the problem and data, a project report should be covered between 60 to 100
(double space). Each page must be typed only one side, leaving a wide margin.
Reviewing and Presentation : While writing and presenting a report, take care of minor matters as this will make it more
professional. Badly edited reports with grammatical errors and wrong punctuation give a very poor impression. A well
written and carefully corrected one holds the interest of the reader. Foolscap pages with single space matter needs a lot of
grit and determination to read. Well spaced pages with proper headings, margins and tables are inviting.
It is necessary to review and revise your draft report before you give it for final typing. Also show it to your guide and
obtain his comments and suggestions for changes where necessary.
Note: 1. Two copies of project report have to be prepared. One copy has to be sent to IMT - CDL, Ghaziabadia a
separate envelope mentioning PROJECT REPORT which is not returnable. The other copy should be brought
when you present yourself for viva voce. Xerox copy OF Project report is not acceptable.
2. Kindly follow the same format for cover page of project report as shown above.
3. It is essential to send a copy of the approved synopsis along with the project report.
4. It is necessary to attach an acknowledgement letter from the Project Guide.
Note: Kindly retain receipt or POD (proof of delivery) if Project Report is mailed or sent through courier or submitted
personally.
1.9
VIVA-VOCE
Once you have submitted your Project Report you will be called for a discussion of the report. The discussion normally
takes the form of elaborating your view points, your findings and overall view of the subject. The duration of this vivavoce is about 20 minutes. Project Viva will be conducted by Expert Committee appointed by IMT - CDL. Students
are required to give viva of the Project Work preferably through power point presentation.
The viva-voce provides and opportunity to the examiner to test your knowledge of areas relevant to the subject of the
report to elicit more information about the techniques employed during field work and to ask for explanations and
clarification where necessary. The viva voce will also give you an opportunity to know any flaw in your report and to
have suggestion and guidance for any further work in the area of your study.
The viva will be held usually at a place of your convenience as indicated by you in the performa given on the front inside cover.
Normally the viva is arranged within three months of the submission of the report. Before you present yourself for the viva you
must read your report and prepare yourself for any queries concerning your report. You must become aware of the deficiencies in
your report and should be able to discuss them with your examiner.
Note: 1. Kindly carry approved synopsis and a copy of project report.
2. It is mandatory to bring identity card issued by IMT - CDL for viva voce.
1.10 SPECIAL VIVA
If for any reason whatsoever a student is not able to undertake Project Work within the scheduled time period, or not able to appear
for scheduled Project Viva, he can apply for Special Viva by writing an application for the same and paying special viva fee. The
student can submit the application with synopsis if synopsis has not been approved or with a copy of approved synopsis (in case
synopsis has already been approved by IMT CDL) and Project Report, mentioning the probable dates the candidate can appear
for special viva. Special viva can be scheduled only when following conditions are satisfied:
(i) An application for special viva has been submitted to IMT CDL,
(ii) Project Synopsis has been approved by IMT CDL,
(ii)Project Report has been submitted along with a copy of approved synopsis, and
(iii) Special viva fee has been paid.
1.11
A.
B.
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10
10
10
10
05
05
05
10
10
10
05
05
Note : 1. In case of project reports relating to development of concepts and systems or case studies, ability to critically review the
literature and development of thought process will be judged.
2. Time required for viva voce cannot be laid down. It can last from 15 to 30 minutes or even 45 minutes depending upon
the particular case.
7.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
MARKETING MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
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39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
EXPORT MANAGEMENT
(a)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Iron Ore
Engineering goods
Bicycle & Parts
Electronic Products.
Handicraft products
Hand Knitted Carpets
Gems & precious Stones
Brassware.
Sports Goods.
Ready-made Garments
Woolen Textiles
Woolen Hosiery
Marine Products
Jute manufacturers
Processed fruits & Vegetables
Leather manufacturers
Handlooms
Silk & Silk products
Textiles
Paints & Varnishes
Cosmetics
Food products
Prospects of Exports to Zimbabwe
Export of Brass ware
Export Potential for Indian Ready-made garments
Export of Bicycle and Bicycle parts
Export marketing
Indo-East African Trade Relations
Exporting of Software industry in electronics its prospects.
Development of software industry in electronics, its prospects, and
exports.
Indo South Korean Trade.
Role of banks in Export promotion
Export of Agricultural products.
Execution of Export order
Indian diamond industry Export potential
Indo-Japanese Trade
Export prospects of Tractors and motorcycles to Egypt
Production and Export prospects of Pharmaceutical products
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
(b)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
(c)
(d)
1,
Middle East
2.
West Germany
3.
USA
4.
Saudi Arabia
5.
Latin America
6.
United Kingdom
7.
Japan
8.
Iran
9.
USSR
10.
East Africa
11. West Africa
11.
North Africa
Problems and prospects of Indias Exports to :
1.
3.
5.
7.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
USA
West Germany
South East Asia
EEC
2.
4.
6.
8.
UK
Japan
West Asia
South America
Note : The students are at full liberty to select any other topic, not mentioned above, as long as it pertains to
their discipline.
11