The Real Struggles MBA Students Face While Completing Their Projects (53)

The Real Struggles MBA Students Face While Completing Their Projects

When I started my ignou mba project website project, I imagined it would be straightforward. Pick a theme, do some research, then write it up and then submit. Easy. I imagined doing it in only a few weeks and a couple of late nights prior to the date. Reality struck fast. The project isn't merely reporting. It tests your ability to plan, perseverance and ability to deal with unexpected problems. The majority of my cohort faced challenges in some manner.

A lot of students believe they can manage the project similar to regular papers or studies. But after a couple of weeks, they realize deadlines are coming closer than expected as well as data that isn't fully complete. chapters don't line up or connect, and motivation levels drop. The MBA project may be too overwhelming if you don't manage it appropriately.

Here I will talk about the challenges most students face and the best ways to deal with these. There's no formula for success, but learning from experience helps a lot.

Choosing a Topic Is Harder Than It Looks

It may appear easy but it is not. I made the error of choosing a subject that looked impressive but was impossible to carry out. Many weeks passed while I attempted to gather data from companies which never contacted me. Some of my classmates chose trendy topics, without considering what data they could find. The result is exactly the same. You are exhausted for weeks and exhausted.

An actual topic is better than a flashy one. It should fit your budget and interest. For instance, instead of "The Future of Marketing in India" pick "Social Media Marketing Strategies in Local Retail Stores." The focus is on data, it can be gathered more quickly and the goals are clearly defined.

Objectives Are More Important Than You Think

Objectives define your project. Many students make the mistake of writing vague objectives like "To study the impact of leadership on productivity." This isn't telling the whole story. I had to edit mine multiple times so that they were measurable and lucid.

It is important to have clear objectives before you decide on methodology, data collection and analysis. If the objectives aren't clear, your project will feel disconnected. I've learned to ask myself what I am trying to gauge and how I can know if it is a success. These questions make a big difference in the level of work.

Collecting and Analysing Data Is Painful

Data collection is the area where many students struggle. I spent days contacting small businesses asking for surveys. I was ignored by some and others promised me answers that were never delivered. Surveys online are helpful, but the responses often are not accurate.

The analysis is yet another problem. You may have perfectly designed tables and charts however if you're unable to explain the meaning behind them, they're unusable. I saw classmates copy graphs with no explanation. The numbers don't prove anything unless you define them.

It is a good idea to test your survey with a couple of people before you go to the next. It assists in identifying confusing questions and also helps you avoid spending time. Make sure you link your analysis to objectives. For instance, if you are conducting a project that examines customer satisfaction, make sure the questionnaire includes measurable questions about the quality of service, product reliability and response time.

Time Management Is Tough

Everyone believes that time management is vital, but in MBA it's harder than it may sound. Between group work, lectures assignment and internships there's plenty of time. I put off reading chapters believing I could finish them in a few days. However, after a few weeks I was worried.

The task can be broken down into smaller tasks can help. Split it up into literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis and write chapters individually. Make small steps each week. If you can even get one chapter or section completed per week feels motivating.

Writing Is Harder Than You Think

Even with data ready writing can be a challenge. I struggled to present results in simple language. Some of the sections were repetitive. I have rewritten the chapter on analysis many times.

Make the language easy and understandable. Have your friends review the sections. Sometimes, getting too absorbed in your own project can make it difficult to spot mistakes. Fresh eyes help a lot.

Supervisors Can Be Helpful But Also Frustrating

Being a supervisor is tricky. Some give clear directions, others are vague or difficult to follow. I waited two weeks to receive the response but it took a while to complete my progress.

The most important thing is to be proactive. Write specific questions and keep in touch with them professionally and take note of feedback. While supervisors can assist, you have to manage the project you are working on.

Formatting and References Matter

I did not pay attention to formatting in the beginning. Fonts, spacing, certificates. I thought I would fix them later. Big mistake. It nearly delayed the submission.

References are equally vital. One missing citation can raise questions. Make use of tools for managing references and manage them while writing chapters, rather than waiting for the completion. A proper format makes your work easier to read and makes it appear more professional.

Stress Is Real

Stress is inevitable. Deadlines, corrections and insufficient information can overwhelm. Many nights, I stared at the computer screen, feeling as if I'd never complete.

Short breaks help. Conversation with friends, going for a stroll, or listening to music. Make small accomplishments a priority. The completion of a literature review, or your data collection is a milestone. They keep motivation high.

Ethical Confusion

Many students are confused as to what kind of assistance is allowed. It is possible to seek guidance but you are not able to have someone make your project. Ethics guidelines include feedback on structure, methodology and clarity. Original work must remain yours.

Requesting help does not be considered cheating. It is smart to use available resources. They expect students to take advantage of assistance if they're stuck.

Reviewing Your Work

I began by focusing on individual chapters at first. Then I realized that the project overall was a mess of repetitions as well as inconsistent terms, and no hyperlinks. Examining the whole project in depth reveals areas of confusion. Imagine yourself as the examiner. You'll notice mistakes you might have missed.

Procrastination Destroys Quality

Delaying work is a big issue. I was thinking I could complete the data analysis and write in just a couple of hours. This never worked. Each delay reduced quality.

Get up early. Just one paragraph or section every day adds to. The project is now more manageable, not overwhelming.

What I Learned

The MBA task isn't a difficult one because of the complexity. It's difficult because students overlook planning, clarity, and guidance. Unfortunate mistakes are not uncommon. The most important thing is to learn how to avoid them and move forward.

Being organized is helpful, but flexibility is what's more important. The things don't always go as planned. Some information will be lost as well as supervisors might delay the process when they are unable to do so, and obstacles will be spotted. The difference is in the way you handle these problems. Divide tasks into chunks, focus on one step at a given time, and have reasonable expectations.

Projects help students develop skills that go beyond academics. Research discipline, time management clarity in writing, and problem solving are some of the lessons that can be used in professional life. This project can be stressful, yet also practical.

Closing Thoughts

If you're just beginning your MBA task, choose a field for you to actually study. Then, make your goals clear. Create small steps. Get help when you need it. Take breaks. Make sure your writing is simple. Avoid chasing perfection. Start on time.

The MBA project is more than a report. It tests planning, patience and problem-solving. You will struggle. Everyone does. However, every effort teaches a lesson. It's the final product that doesn't just end up being submitted. It helps you become a student, researcher and a future professional.