The Real Struggles MBA Students Face While Completing Their Projects
When I began my MBA project I thought it would be simple. Select a subject, do some research, write it up and submit. Easy. I had envisioned that I could finish it in a couple of weeks. A couple of late nights prior to the deadline. Reality came in fast. The project is more than an outline. It tests your preparation, perseverance and ability to deal with unexpected challenges. Everyone in my class faced challenges in some manner.
Many students think that they can use the project in the same way as regular tasks or cases. In the weeks following, they realize deadlines are not as close as they’d hoped or that the data isn’t complete, chapters are not linked and motivation declines. The MBA project could become overwhelming should you not manage it appropriately.
Here I will outline some of the challenges that students face in dealing with these. There isn’t a secret formula however learning from mistakes helps immensely.
Choosing a Topic Is Harder Than It Looks
Finding a topic can appear simple but it’s not. I made the mistake of selecting a topic which sounded impressive but was impossible to carry out. There were weeks of time as I attempted to collect data from companies who never responded. My classmates would pick trendy topics without considering what data they could find. The result is exactly the same. It can take weeks before you feel frustrated.
A practical topic is far better than a flashy one. It should align with your capabilities and your interest. For example you can instead choose “The Future of Marketing in India” select “Social Media Marketing Strategies in Local Retail Stores.” The focus is on data, it is much easier to collect, and goals are more clear.
Objectives Are More Important Than You Think
The goals you set for your project should be clear and concise. A lot of students commit the mistake of writing vague objectives, such as “To study the impact of leadership on productivity.” That’s not a good idea. I had to write mine numerous times in order in order to make them tangible and clear.
Clear objectives help you decide methodology, data collection and analysis. If your goals aren’t strong, your project is not connected. It was my experience to think about what exactly I’m trying for me to evaluate and how will know if I succeed. These questions make a significant difference in the efficiency of work.
Collecting and Analysing Data Is Painful
It is in data collection that the majority of students struggle. I contacted a number of small businesses asking for surveys. Some were unresponsive and others promised to answer questions that didn’t come. Online surveys help but responses are usually not complete.
Analytical thinking is a different challenge. You can make perfect tables and charts but if you cannot explain what they mean they are ineffective. I’ve seen friends copy graphs on the spot without understanding. They don’t have any proof unless you define them.
It is a good idea to test your survey by talking to a few people before you go to the next. It assists in identifying confusing questions and helps avoid wasting time. Always connect your analysis to the goals. For instance, if you are conducting a project that is based on customer satisfaction, be sure your survey is measurable and asks questions about the quality of service, product quality, and the speed of response.
Time Management Is Tough
Everyone believes that time management is important, but in MBA it’s more difficult than it seems. Between group work, lectures and assignments, there is insufficient time. I held off on chapters, thinking I could finish in a couple of days. Then, a couple of weeks later, I started to panic.
Breaking the project down into smaller assignments can make it easier. Then divide it into literature overview methodologies, data collection and analysis and write chapters on their own. Track small progress every week. Even one chapter or one section finished per week is a good motivator.
Writing Is Harder Than You Think
Even with data ready writing can be a challenge. I was unable to convey results in a way that was easy to understand. Certain sections felt repetitive. The analysis chapter was rewritten several times.
Make the language easy and understandable. Get your peers to go through sections. Sometimes, being too focused on your own work makes it hard to see errors. Fresh eyes help a lot.
Supervisors Can Be Helpful But Also Frustrating
As a manager, it can be difficult. Some give clear directions however, some are unclear or hard to meet. I waited two weeks to receive an answer, which slowed my progress.
The key is being proactive. Set up specific questions, follow up politely and record feedback. Supervisors are helpful but you must the responsibility of your own project.
Formatting and References Matter
I resisted formatting at first. Fonts, spacing, certificates. I believed I could repair them later. Big mistake. It could have delayed submission.
References are equally important. One missing citation can raise questions. Make use of tools to manage references and manage them while writing chapters rather than waiting for the conclusion. A proper format makes your work easy to understand and more professional.
Stress Is Real
Stress is inevitable. Deadlines, corrections and insufficient data can be overwhelming. One night I was staring at my computer, thinking I’d never complete.
Short breaks help. Talking to friends, going for a hike, or listening to music. Take small steps to celebrate your wins. Achieving a completed literature review or data collection are milestones. They help keep the enthusiasm alive.
Ethical Confusion
Many students get anxious about what kind of help is allowed. If you want to get help, but cannot have someone make your project. Ethics guidelines include feedback on structure, methodology and clarity. Original work must remain yours.
Requesting guidance does not mean that you’re cheating. It is prudent to use available resources. They expect students to get help when they are stuck.
Reviewing Your Work
I concentrated on individual chapters at first. In the end, I realized that the entire project overall was a mess of repetitions of terms, inconsistencies and missing links. By examining the project in detail, I discovered gaps. Imagine yourself as an examiner. It will be easier to spot errors that you would have could have missed.
Procrastination Destroys Quality
It is a huge issue. I believed I could complete the data analysis and write within a couple of days. The plan never came to fruition. Every delay slowed down quality.
Begin early. Even a paragraph or a section each day adds up. The project becomes easily manageable and not overwhelming.
What I Learned
The MBA project isn’t difficult because of its complexity. It is hard because students overlook planning, clarity, and direction. The chances of making mistakes are common. The trick is to learn and keep moving forward.
Being organized is helpful but being flexible is even more important. It is not often that things go according to plan. The data might not be there the supervisor will not be forthcoming while obstacles will pop up. What’s important is how you tackle these problems. Break down tasks into smaller pieces in a focused manner, work on one thing at a time, and maintain an eye on your expectations.
Projects help students develop skills that go beyond academics. Time management, discipline in research written clarity, problem solving are skills which can be applied to professional life. The research project can be stressful but it is also practical.
Closing Thoughts
If you’re about to start your IGNOU MBA project assistance project, you should choose a subject it is possible to research. It is important to define your goals. Develop small steps. You can ask for help if you need. Pause for breaks. Write in a simple manner. Avoid chasing perfection. Begin on time.
The MBA project does more than simply a report. It tests your ability to plan, perseverance and problem solving. You’ll have to struggle. Everyone does. However, every effort teaches a lesson. In the end, the project will not be submitted. It defines you as an undergraduate, researcher and professional in the future.
