Are MBA Student Projects in India Falling Short? Let's Discuss Quality and Integrity Concerns

Observations on MBA Student Project Evaluations

A few years ago, I sat as an observer when MBA students were being interviewed by external examiners in an institution in India. To my surprise, the external examiner had not even seen the project report before the student arrived. I examined some project reports and found that the quality of citation was poor, and the references/bibliography were inadequate. These issues were never even picked up or commented upon.

I have, as a member at CiteHR, tried to help with students' queries. I have even offered FREE SERVICES to proofread and make constructive comments. Only a couple of students took the opportunity two or three years ago. Since then, I have found some students seeking help with their projects, particularly in terms of asking how to develop a questionnaire. They hardly answer questions posed and expect spoon-feeding.

I wonder whether the standard has improved or, as someone said, "The students are quite adept at copying and pasting and even copy the whole project of previous batch students and claim it as their own." I also know of instances where the institutions could not care less if students plagiarize, as long as they get their fees paid.

Sitting in the UK, it's easy for me to comment. I wonder whether members of CiteHR would like to comment on my observations.

Regards

I regret this late response.

I understand the problems related to the quality of MBA projects undertaken by the students. These projects are often pursued merely as a requirement for the award of a degree. There is neither any initiative nor enthusiasm on the part of the students and faculty alike to delve into and come up with some unique findings. Neither the research topic nor the research methodology and scope are well defined. Ideally, there should be considerable discussion and brainstorming on choosing a project. On the contrary, it is done keeping in mind the easy accessibility of previous research papers. Most of the projects are simply rewrites of those done earlier.

This is true for those MBA-dispensing institutions in the business industry of education.

It is discouraging to try to improve the system. However, now with more and more institutions making databases of all their records and converting paper documents to electronic formats, in the future, it would be easier to track the quality and uniqueness of such projects.

Another way is to have a brief course on Research Methodology and Referencing Systems. This will definitely motivate students to undertake genuine research work.

Warm regards.