research paper on mba

Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of  research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Business Research Topics

• Business /management strategy
• Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
• Finance and accounting
• Operations management
• International business
• Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

• An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
• The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
• Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
• An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
• Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
• Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
• An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
• Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
• Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
• A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
• Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
• Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
• A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
• An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
• Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

• Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
• The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
• Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
• Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
• A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
• An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
• The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
• A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
• An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
• Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
• Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
• Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
• Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
• Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
• An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

• An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
• Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
• Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
• An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
• Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
• A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
• An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
• Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
• An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
• A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
• An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
• Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
• Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
• A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Ideas: Operations Management

• An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
• An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
• Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
• A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
• Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
• An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
• Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
• An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
• Italian automotive industry
• Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
• An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
• Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
• Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
• A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
• Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
• Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Topics & Ideas: International Business

• The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
• An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
• The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
• An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
• The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
• The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
• An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
• The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
• An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
• An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
• The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
• The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
• An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
• The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

• A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
• An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
• An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
• The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
• An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
• The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
• An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
• The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
• The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
• An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
• The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
• The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
• An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
• Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
• Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
• Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
• Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
• Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
• The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
• Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
• Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
• Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
• Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

If you’d like hands-on help to speed up your topic ideation process and ensure that you develop a rock-solid research topic, check our our Topic Kickstarter service below.

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Great help. thanks

Hi, Your work is very educative, it has widened my knowledge. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for helping me understand how to craft a research topic. I’m pursuing a PGDE. Thank you

Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

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A qualitative study on the experiences and challenges of MBA students' engagement with a business research methods module

Journal of Work-Applied Management

ISSN : 2205-2062

Article publication date: 17 March 2021

Issue publication date: 5 April 2022

Undertaking research as part of a business degree qualification undoubtedly enables students to develop practical and life-long skills. Nevertheless, students seem to find it challenging undertaking a research project. This study set out to explore the experiences of a group of MBA students who recently undertook their business and management research projects as part of their MBA degree program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was carried out in a UK higher education institution and is based on an MBA business and management research module. The purpose of the module is to enable learners to develop advanced-level independent research and critical problem-solving skills within a business context. The study adopted a qualitative approach to capture a broad mix of students' experiences and perceptions on the module. The sample includes previous MBA students on different cohorts and different nationalities.

Outcomes of the study show that though students are stretched in the business and management project process they develop a diversity of skills required in the workplace while conducting their projects. The study findings also show that the practical implications of the students' projects and progressive support from their project supervisors contribute to the successful completion of their projects and subsequent attainment of their MBA degree.

Originality/value

Outcomes of this study further reveal that undertaking business and management projects creates a rewarding learning experience for learners/students, develops confident graduates as well as enables effective applications of theory into practice.

• Business research
• Research methods

Nzekwe-Excel, C. (2022), "A qualitative study on the experiences and challenges of MBA students' engagement with a business research methods module", Journal of Work-Applied Management , Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 46-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/JWAM-08-2020-0040

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Chinny Nzekwe-Excel

Published in Journal of Work-Applied Management . Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce, distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

Introduction: study context and rationale

Undertaking or conducting business and management research projects can be a daunting experience for students, probably because of the requirement to adopt an academic stance while undertaking the task/ project, which is intended to be practice-based. Students may demonstrate full engagement on the idea of undertaking a project or research; however they seem to disconnect from the requirement of doing so within the confines of academic research process. Thus, it can be a challenge for an academic, who is teaching a research methods module to guide/ encourage students to stay within the scope of an achievable research study ( Lewthwaite and Nind, 2016 ). Over the past four decades, there is a reasonable number of studies on the challenges associated with teaching research methods as well as suggestions on how to encourage students to become more engaged and less anxious while undertaking their research projects ( Ransford and Butler, 1982 ; Zablotsky, 2001 ; Tashakkori and Teddlie, 2003 ; Ekmekci et al. , 2012 ; Lewthwaite and Nind, 2016 ; Mullins, 2017 ). Carr (2014) collated and presented discussions from five studies on the challenges associated with teaching research methods in business and management to both undergraduate and MBA students. The challenges were around the epistemological assumptions and differing methodological conceptions of tutors, equipping staff/ tutors with statistical capabilities for quantitative research methodology and enabling students to develop the skills or aptitudes associated with the research process. The completion of students' projects can also be viewed in the context of collaborative or paired projects; an empirical study carried out by Ronnie (2017) shows high levels of positive outcomes. Amongst other factors, Ronnie's study reveals that early and ongoing conversations between the students, trust in each other's ability and self-reflection contribute to productive outcomes in the paired-project process.

The difficulty for students to engage with and to link the knowledge gained in the research methods teaching to the entirety of their higher education study is a recognisable challenge for the students ( Winn, 1995 ; Chapdelaine and Chapman, 1999 ; Ekmekci et al. , 2012 ). Winn (1995) suggests that live organisational issues or projects based on problems within a specific organisation can offer a unique opportunity toward mitigating such challenges. Similarly, Garnett et al. (2016) argue that there is the need for the projects to be grounded in real-time work-related issues. This may mean a review and subsequent redesign or reformation of the research methods module within the business and management discipline. Ekmekci et al. (2012) outline a number of reflective questions/ recommendations and associated implications on how to enable students to apply the knowledge gained in their research methods course. A summary of the authors' recommendations show that tutors of the research methods course play a significant role in creating the right atmosphere that will enable students navigate their learning in a meaningful way.

With particular focus on qualitative research approach, Cassell (2018) discussed the challenges faced by over 200 MBA students in conducting their business and management research. Cassell demonstrated the need for the students to develop the knowledge, skills and competences required for undertaking qualitative research, which can be used for effective management practice. While the focus of the business and management projects may not be categorically on aptitude or skills development, Toledano-O'Farrill (2017) argues that students are expected to develop workplace skills as a result of their involvement with the project activities. For example, qualitative research which involves a series of questioning between the researcher and the respondent as part of the data collection process for the research enables the researcher to develop skills such as critical thinking, reflective ability and communication skills ( Wall et al. , 2017a , b ).

Evidence shows that MBA students enrol on their MBA course with minimal work experience and critical thinking ability ( Schaupp and Vitullo, 2019 ), which highlights the need for research methods to be taught in such a way that students are enabled to “build-up” the required knowledge and competences ( Galliers and Huang, 2012 ). Similarly, Llamas and Boza (2011) argue that research methods by definition should be applicable to a specific discipline ( or practice ). In a similar line of argument, Beardwell and Claydon (2007 , cited in Rowe et al. , 2017 ) echo that employers prefer graduates who have the ability to reflect and synthesise opinions through critical thinking. The challenges of undertaking their business and management research projects raise the questions: how MBA students apply critical thinking to practical problems, how to keep them engaged throughout the research process and essentially how to enable them to confidently develop or enhance a wide range of personal and professional skills, which are a necessity in today's workplace.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the experiences of a group of MBA students who recently undertook their business research module and completed their business and management research project as part of their MBA degree program.

Research module design

This study explores student experiences in completing a business and management research module and in carrying out a business and management research project. One of the key requirements of the research module is for students to define their project topics themselves with assistance from their project supervisors. The module is developed to include interactive teaching components, action-learning sets (ALS), which are designed to be student-led and tutor-facilitated and individual (and in some cases, group) supervision. The module design incorporates the active-blended learning concepts, including a combination of face-to-face and virtual/ online sessions.

Planning the business and management research

Conducting and writing up the literature review

Deciding on the right methodological approaches; Research Governance and Ethics

Collecting and gathering data

Analysing and interpreting data

Dissemination and presentation: Write-up of the project report.

The ALS are designed to help consolidate the research project process, enable students to frame their research ideology and to make more tailored decisions for their individual business and management research. At this stage of the process, students may become anxious initially; however with support and guidance from their project supervisors, they should be able to channel their energy and anxiety toward making better informed decisions and choices for their business and management research. It is also during the ALS classes that students begin to develop the confidence to undertake their individual business and management research projects; the ALS classes provide an environment for learners to share their research experiences, express their challenges and suggest strategies with tailored support or advice from their project supervisors.

Methodology

Paradigm and research stance.

An interpretivist paradigm was adopted for this study; this enabled gaining an understanding of the research focus through subjective relationship with the participants ( Manroop, 2017 ). Interpretivism places focus on the perceptions, interpretations and experiences of individuals ( Cohen et al. , 2010 ; Fisher, 2010 ). Therefore, interpretivism was assumed for this study with the intention to individually question the study participants and to gain an understanding of their experiences from undertaking their business and management research projects. Consequently, a qualitative methodology was employed, which created a platform to generate in-depth personal information on the subject under study. This approach was considered more appropriate considering the intention to explore the views and experiences of a diversity of postgraduate students who have recently undertaken the assessed business and management research module. Thus, this methodology enabled the investigation of student learning experience in the area of undertaking business and management research and thorough evaluation of the perceptions of different categories of students.

This study recruited participants from a United Kingdom (UK) public university with campuses in the UK and two partner institutions in Vietnam. Precisely, the concept of purposeful sampling was used, which means that a selection of students enrolled on the business and management research module (under discussion) was recruited as participants for the study because they could purposefully inform an understanding of the aim of the study ( Creswell, 2013 ). A total of four cohorts from two academic years (2016/17 and 2017/18) were considered for this study, which had a total of 54 students enrolled on the module. 33 were contacted, and 13 agreed to be part of the study. However, only 11 attended the interview sessions, which resulted in a small sample. Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest that the sample size of 11 for a qualitative study can be considered as being suitable. Morse (1994 , cited in Guest et al. , 2006 ) recommended a minimum of six participants while Dukes (1984) and Reimen (1986) (both cited in Creswell, 2013 ) recommended a sample size of 3–10. As perceived by 14 qualitative research experts collated by Baker et al. (2012) , the sample size for a qualitative study varies and will depend on the number of participants who are sufficient to provide evidence on the issue under discussion; some of the experts argue that one interview is sometimes sufficient (p. 16; 24), while some other experts suggest a minimum sample size of 12 (p. 11; 19).

This study's population (54) comprised students who received the same teaching sessions from the same research module. It is aimed at exploring the students' experiences on undertaking the business research module and completing their research project; therefore, effort was made to draw rich, detailed responses and insights from the 11 participants. Subsequently, critical evaluations of the collected data were carried out. Thus, data saturation was considered and achieved through the sampling process, data collection strategy, the study timeframe and data analysis. The 11 participants who contributed to the study are recent MBA graduates of the UK Higher Education Institution under study, who achieved varied grade categories in the business and management research module assessment. All the participants were on full-time MBA programme and eight were in some form of employment during their MBA study. Details of the participants are shown in Table 1 . The 11 participants comprised five participants who had the module taught and delivered in the UK and six participants who had the module taught and delivered outside the UK (in Vietnam).

Approach and data collection procedure

The interview technique was the primary data collection tool that was adopted to capture the students' experiences in undertaking their business and management research projects as well as their perceptions on the research module under study. All the interview sessions were carried out between March and June 2019, when the students/participants were not under any form of academic pressure in terms of exams or pending assignments/resits. In addition, all the interview sessions were carried out in consideration of the participants' availability and convenience. Prior to the data collection, appropriate ethical approval was adhered to, which included obtaining each participant's signed consent before the interview sessions. A participant information sheet, which outlined the purpose of the study and explained the conditions for participation was given to each interview participant before conducting the interviews. Subsequently, voluntary participation, issues of strict confidentiality and participants' anonymity were established. Prior to the data collection, an individual email containing the consent form was sent to each participant to sign their consent to participate in the interview. Each of the 11 participants had their one interview session organised and carried out in a formal fashion, and each interview session lasted approximately 40 min (see Table 1 ). During the interview sessions, simpler opening questions were used to ease the interviewees, thereby ensuring that any form of tension or anxiety was eliminated or reduced ( Nzekwe-Excel, 2012 ). Similarly, pertinent closing questions were used to enable the interviewees make concluding remarks and/or additional comments to their earlier responses. Effort was made to keep the participants within the focus of the study by highlighting the purpose of the study as well as asking additional questions for clarity. In addition, each interview was audio-recorded and fully transcribed.

Students/ participants' expectations from the research module before the teaching/ delivery

Students/ participants' expectations from the research module during the teaching/ delivery

Students/ participants' positive experiences while undertaking their business and management research projects

Students/ participants' challenging experiences while undertaking their business and management research projects and how these were managed

Students/ participants' perceptions on whether their expectations were met and the benefits of the business and management research module

The participants' recommendations in the review/ redesign of the business and management research module

Analytical procedure

The concept of thematic analysis was used in analysing and interpreting the data. Precisely, thematic analysis was used for identifying themes and patterns of behaviour or meanings in the interview/ qualitative dataset. The themes are developed by placing the initial coding of the data in such a way that they can be moved around to form connections with data that has similar coding ( Howitt and Cramer, 2008 ). Themes are defined as “conversation topics, vocabulary, recurring activities, meanings, feelings, and proverbs” ( Taylor and Bogdan, 1984 , p. 131, cited in Aronson, 1994 ). For the purpose of this study, the themes are phrases or comments, also known as the participants' responses. Therefore, thematic analysis was employed because of its flexibility in identifying participants' experiences, views and behaviours, which seeks to understand what participants' think, feel and do ( Clarke and Braun, 2017 ). The six phases of implementing thematic analysis as suggested by Braun and Clarke (2006) were considered in analysing the collected/ interview data of this study. The six phases include: familiarisation of the data, generation of initial codes, searching for themes, reviewing the themes, defining and naming the themes and then producing the report.

Sufficient time was dedicated toward transcribing, reviewing the data as well as making initial notes. The NVIVO qualitative data analysis software was employed for the initial coding process of the data, which subsequently helped in searching for/ identifying themes. NVIVO provided a platform for grouping the data in different ways using folders, sets and cases for coding, easy access and retrieval of the data ( Wiltshier, 2011 ). As an approach to data analyses, the identified themes (generated data) were reviewed, and named by managing, classifying, and categorising the data using a process of reduction and coding technique ( Nzekwe-Excel, 2012 ). Subsequently, meaningful textual segments were derived based on similar and/or dissimilar viewpoints of the study's participants ( Nzekwe-Excel, 2012 ).

Data analyses and findings

The first two interview questions were aimed at exploring the students' preparedness and engagement prior to and during the delivery of the business and management research module. Responses from these questions were grouped under the themed-category labelled “Preparedness”. The theme “Preparedness” was used because it reflects how students were prepared for the business and management research module, including their expectations and learning needs.

The third and fourth questions were aimed at exploring the students' critical thinking ability and their engagement with the module. Responses from these questions were grouped under the themed-category labelled “Engagement”. The theme “Engagement” was used because it reflects the students' ongoing interest in the module including challenges and their learning development from the module.

The fifth question was aimed at exploring the students' ability to manage the entire research process from question formulation through to analysis and interpretation of results. Responses from this question were grouped under the themed-category labelled “Aptitude”. The theme “Aptitude” was used because it reflects the students' personal and research skills development including their met expectations and learning needs.

Finally, participants were given the opportunity to make additional comments regarding the progressive review and delivery of the module through the sixth/ final question. Responses from this question were grouped under the themed-category labelled “Reformation”. The theme “Reformation” was used because it reflects the students' suggestions on how the business and management research Module can be further enhanced in its design and delivery.

It is important to note that the terms “Preparedness”, “Engagement”, “Aptitude” and “Reformation” were put together in view of the aim of this study as well as to categorise the participants' responses accordingly.

Preparedness of the students

The study identified a number of themes in an evaluation of students' expectations before and during the teaching sessions for the business and management research module. The students' “prior” expectations were generally focussed on their desire to gain or expand their knowledge on business and management research processes and on what to do to succeed in the module assessment. A careful review of the students' expectations “during” the teaching sessions show focused research needs as shown in Figure 2 .

Engagement of the students

The students' engagement throughout the duration of the module delivery and the conduct of their individual projects were analysed based on their perceptions on what they enjoyed, the challenges they encountered and their coping mechanisms. Most of the positive experiences shown by the interviewees' supportive comments express the learning or skills gained in conducting their business and management projects and confidence developed in the area of business and management research strategies ( Figure 3 ). With respect to the challenges that the students encountered while conducting their projects, references were made to a number of factors associated with different stages of their projects, the online mode of module delivery and personal issues such as managing and combining full-time study and full-time employment.

Aptitude of the students

In an attempt to explore the students' ability to manage their entire research process and demonstrate a consistent focus on their arguments, this study sought to find out the participants' perceptions on whether their “prior” and “during” module expectations were met as well as the participants' views on the benefits of the module to them on a personal basis. As illustrated in Figure 4 , the findings show strong positive affirmations from the participants. There are also demonstrations of understanding on the systematic stages of the research process.

Reformation of the module

As a way forward toward upgrading the business and management research module, the study drew insights from the participants. The findings, as shown in Figure 5 , uncover varied viewpoints, mostly around the timing allocated to the module delivery and quantitative/ statistical support sessions. Interestingly, some of the participants noted that they simply like the module design/ delivery as it is and do not think a redesign is necessary.

Evaluation of findings and discussions

This study presents verbatim quotes of the interview participants (in italics) as a way to reinforce the study findings. The participants' identifier numbers shown in Table 1 are written next to the quotes.

Business and management research expectations and learning needs

Being the final module that the students are expected to complete and pass before being considered for their MBA degree qualification, it is no surprise that some of the students' expectations prior to undertaking their business and management research projects were focused on the successful completion and submission of the project assessment. This is shown by comments from two of the interviewees: “ I had expectation on graduation” (INTC-UK2); “ I had a knowledge shortage. I wanted to know what is expected…in submission” (INTH-UK5) .

“we were not sure how to do research…to have some knowledge transfer” (INTH-UK5).

“I had little knowledge…Um, the advancement of knowledge especially on facial products…More socialisation with people…I became a specialist” (INTC-UK2).

“It has…broadened my knowledge in the area that I researched on.… it made me have a more critical thinking approach…making sure you are exactly on point in asking the right questions” (INTH-UK5).

“Applying the knowledge that is being learned to… specific business projects” (VNT-Hanoi2)

“I wanted to explore…business research process to apply in practical…” (VNL-Hanoi2)

“Mostly, I expect…to get the implication and recommendation to handle the situation we are facing (in the organisation); gaining knowledge to apply to my current organisation' I try to check my topic with my organisation… to deliver the project” (VNJ-HMC3).

“I had an expectation that the module will provide me a way we can know to start a business plan” (VNU-HMC2).

“I wanted to know more information on the business market” (VNT-HMC1).

In addition, one of two of the participants in part-time employment at the time of the module delivery also expected to acquire knowledge on business concepts in view of their career aspirations: “ I expected this module will give…an opportunity to study new knowledge….for…future when I want to start my own business…” (INTP-UK3) .

“I had questions such as “what am I gonna do for my dissertation? “will I find my topic?” (INTC-UK1)

“The subject of the research topic: because the topic I chose has also been chosen by another. So the difficulty is in decision making for the topic” (INTC-UK2).

“how to define a topic was confusing…but by end of the teaching week, I had idea on what to do my research on” (INTH-UK5).

“Therefore, what I expect was finding a suitable method for the research topic…to proceed” (VNK-Hanoi3).

“I expected that…my research is easy to find and not much difficult to understand but my thinking was wrong; some were easy to understand but some were difficult to understand” (INTP-UK3).

“Struggled with which methodology to go by… what should I use to support my research? These took a lot of time” (INTH-UK5).

“…due to my chosen topic, I had to travel back home to interview the participants. There were times when I couldn't find the appropriate literature to support my research” (INTP-UK4).

One of the participants noted that their met expectations were more in theory than in practice, which suggests a drawback: “Actually for me, the expectations were met more in theory than in practical” (VNU-HMC2) . The same participant suggested that the teaching sessions should be more tailored to their own environment: “ …to be met in practice, it can be based in more research in Vietnam market” (VNU-HMC2).

Business and management research learning experience and skills gained

“I also understood about the changes that I could suggest making it easier for women to work in bank” (INTP-UK4).

“When I finish and submit, I think I made a difference for myself” (VNJ-HMC3)

“The skills I developed doing this module are my study skills, research skills, analysing skills” (INTC-UK1).

“Absolutely…bring me many skills like developing independent working skills, problem solving skills, management skills, decision-making skills, market research, data analysis” (VNT-Hanoi2).

“Yes, the project provided insights for my organisation, and it meet the expectation, and it's good timing” (VNJ-HMC3).

“I think this module is very valuable for me so I know how to conduct a research and I learn about time management and I learn about how to conduct the survey, and know about the research questions” (VNJ-HMC3)

The above participants' positive comments suggest that the goal of the module to enable learners to be equipped with or develop the skills to undertake research on a high level ( Kilburn et al. , 2014 ), and of course on a practical basis in the workplace is a welcomed approach.

“The other challenge I faced was the fact that we had to do online classes…in my view if we were present physically in the class with teachers, it would have been better. (INTP-UK4).

“However it is also hard to catch up…ideas because the other students showed up without preparation. In addition, we…work full time and study therefore hard to follow the deadlines while lack of statistics and software experiences” (VNL-Hanoi1).

One of the participants commented on the opportunity for students to interact and share ideas in the teaching and learning environment: “ It ' s also interesting to listen to the others ' ideas to see how they implement the research on different industries and various cases” (VNL-Hanoi1). These insights indicate the strength of action learning sets and the workshop teaching method. Workshops enable dialogue and constructive interactions between learners and tutors ( Nzekwe-Excel, 2014 ). In their discussion on the role of action learning concept/ approach in executive management program, Johnson and Spicer (2006) and Kelliher and Byrne (2018) assert that the approach fosters learning, effective interactions, progress and knowledge transfer. In addition, Ronnie (2017) elucidates that there is an opportunity for collaborative dialogue and an atmosphere for students to build on each other's ideas: “I remember, I identified the wrong topic and my scope was very big and I get support from my classmates” (VNJ-HMC3) .

“ readily available tutor-support'; “quick response from the project supervisor, which helped speed the project process” (INTC-UK1).

“…were my supervisor kept on providing me feedback whenever, I mailed her any of my work completed” (INTP-UK4).

“I'm really thankful of the conversations I received from my tutors” (INTH-UK5).

“Um, I think for me, it's very helpful and Project Supervisor's guidance is helpful” (VNJ-HMC3).

“the Project Supervisor teach on how to take care of each work, how to use exact words for…” (VNU-HMC2).

A key component in undertaking business and management research projects is adherence to appropriate ethical procedures; the ethical procedure is expected to demonstrate research governance and integrity, particularly in the design of the data collection procedure/ tool. Interestingly, one of the interviewees highlighted the learning she gained while undergoing the rigorous ethical approval process: “For me, actually I learnt from…first of all is Ethics Form…teach on how to take care of each work, how to use exact words for each person…make the questionnaire for the customer service … (VNU-HMC2).

“For me, actually I learnt … first of all…” (VNU-HMC2).

“I did not fully understand the principles of qualitative research, so I encountered many difficulties in the process of analysing…. Although I failed to do a quality research…the study helped me understand important principles such as collecting and analysing data accurately. Besides, I also get better understood the importance of determining goals…, I also realized that not spending enough time to review theory and doing research is a major cause of this failure” (VNK-Hanoi3).

“For me I can make the questionnaire for…industry so we can control the quality of the service” (VNU-HMC2).

“However, what I have not really understood after the course is that I still have not fully understood how to effectively apply qualitative and quantitative analysis methods to other kinds of research” (VNK-Hanoi3).

“I prefer that I will identify the topic by myself and if I think it's too big, I will get guidance from my project supervisor and I will change by myself because actually I learn by myself a lot” (VNJ-HMC3).

“Providing the topics may be a good for those not knowing what they gonna do or kind of lost, that is students who are unsure of their career prospects. On the contrary, doing so, will limit students' ability to think outside the box, limit their creativity and initiation” (INTC-UK1).

“like to decide the title but at the same time have the tutor support on the recommendation on the topic, which my tutors did” (INTH-UK5).

“Well it depends on the students. Personally, I do recommend you choose me a topic because to be honest I don't know what to choose as it's the first time of the research. I think it will facilitate the students if you provide the students the topic to choose. It may also block the ability of the students to think outside the box” (INTC-UK2).

These show that the business and management research module provides a unique opportunity for learners to explore or examine an area of interest on a specific subject within the business and management discipline.

An exploration of the participants' comments on the “timing” theme broadly reflect management of the students' time throughout their business and management research process: “…challenge of time management” (VNJ-HMC3); “A challenge I had was to follow on the schedule...because we had to share our time…and working (VNT-HMC1)”; “Challenge I had was managing my time with respect to personal job commitments and attend the sessions as well, and commuting…from…most times made the project challenging” (INTC-UK1). These unimpressive comments also suggest a personal act of discipline, commitment and responsibility from the students are required to successfully complete their business and management research. A slightly different comment on “timing”: “Deadlines should note the holiday leave of professors as we have different new year holiday…we don ' t have holidays for Christmas and New Year” (VNL-Hanoi1) still highlights the need for students to develop the habit of good time management practice. The module assessment deadline is set well in advance before the module delivery and the students are made aware of the deadline in the first teaching session. In addition, the students are sent deadline reminders throughout the duration of the module/ their business and management research.

Another area where the students appeared to find challenging is in their data analyses and the technicality of their chosen data analysis software (SPSS): “I wish that we could have a workshop for 1 hour or…n the classroom…teach us a bit more about SPSS first because for some of us, that ' s the first time they hear about SPSS” (VNU-HMC2) . It is not surprising that this issue was raised again when asked on their views for recommendations on the review/ redesign of the module. Similarly, some of the themes identified as the participants' challenging experiences ( Figure 3 ) were identified as themes for the reformation of the module ( Figure 5 ).

Future direction for the business and management research module

Reflecting on the participants' recommendations for the business and management research module ( Figure 5 ) and in consideration of the main highlights from the study findings (discussed above), the review of the module will be addressed from two perspectives: module design and module delivery. It is important to note that the themes shown in Figure 5 have been defined in such a way that they are strategies aimed to be implemented in the review of the module's content and activities.

At present, qualitative and quantitative data analyses taught sessions are embedded in the module design, with an inclusion of independent/ additional support sessions available to students to take advantage of from the university learning development/ statistics team. However, the participants' responses or concerns around quantitative evaluations, including software usage (“Should have a separate session to train software/ statistics” (VNL-Hanoi1); “My challenge is knowledge about the statistics I used in my research because I never known and done it before” (INTP-UK3); “I think that choosing the right form of analysis (qualitative or quantitative) for different research objects is very important…the module should focus more deeply on…analysing information with specific examples” (VNK-Hanoi3)) suggest that students are not taking advantage of the additional support sessions tailored toward qualitative and quantitative/ statistical evaluations. Though research shows that it is not unusual for students to be anxious or concerned toward statistical evaluations ( Baglin et al. , 2017 ), it may be a step in the right direction to “formally” embed the additional support sessions on quantitative/ statistical evaluations and qualitative analysis in the module design and delivery to bridge this knowledge gap. The contents of the additional support sessions will need to be modified or updated accordingly for each cohort considering that students' research topics vary. Some degree of competence in statistical evaluations is expected from today's graduates in the workplace as shown in the outcomes from Harraway and Barker (2005) study; so the formalised additional support or specialised data analyses sessions may be one way to develop and harness this skill in students as they undertake their business and management research projects.

With respect to decision-making for the research topic, a possible way forward is to have two options including students deciding on their project topics themselves and students' choosing a topic from a list made available to the students. Making a list of project topics available could help trigger possible areas that the students may want to focus their research on. This may consequently minimise unnecessary anxiety, enable effective time management, foster/ boost the research profile of the institution as the predefined research topics will be put together in consideration of the institution's current research areas/ foci. In addition, aspirational research areas could be developed or expanded on through the predefined research topics; the list of topics could be put together to embrace a wider perspective and in consideration of locations where the module is taught or delivered, which is in view of one of the non-UK participants' comments: “If possible, … add more case-study in the module design and delivery; I think the case study should be … focussed in Vietnam (VNT-HMC1)” . Whether students define their project topic themselves or make a choice for a project topic based on a list of available topics, it is important that students are guided and supported on how to decide/define their project topic with careful consideration of what they have a passion for. In his discussion on a six-stage process for choosing a project topic, Fisher (2010) identifies interest as the first stage or fundamental requirement of the topic definition.

The theme “Diversified communication modes” refers to how information is communicated to (and with) the students enrolled on the module. An unsurprising comment from one of the participants “Use social media i.e. Whatsapp Facebook, Instagram and email students directly instead of expecting them to always check the Learning_Environment [1] site” (INTC-UK2) demonstrates the drive for IT embrace in today's society. With a module that already has the concepts of active-blended learning in its design, extending its communication platforms as a means to facilitate student engagement and success should be a straightforward process.

Concluding remarks and further research

The critical evaluations of the findings from the qualitative data discussed in the preceding sections of this paper show the relevance, benefits and challenges associated with the business and management research module in the personal and professional development of learners. This study contributes to knowledge and practice on teaching research methods and supporting students while they undertake their business and management projects as follows: the study findings provide useful insights on MBA students' preparedness for undertaking business and management research projects, the students' development of a range of personal, practical and research skills and triggers for enabling the students' engagement throughout the research process. Furthermore, outcomes of this study suggest that where the challenges associated with undertaking business and management research projects are adequately channelled toward developing practical skills required in the workplace through progressive support from the academic project supervisors, it will contribute toward creating a rewarding learning experience for learners as well as enabling effective applications of theory into practice.

While transcribing the data and carefully reviewing the participants' responses, and making initial notes, it was observed that factors such as gender, academic year when the module was delivered and place of module delivery did not uncover any obvious disparity in the participants' responses to the interview questions. Nevertheless, there is still an opportunity for further research on the possible effects of these factors on the students' academic performance/ grade achieved.

Interview themes: Knowledge acquired and application of business and management research techniques

Interview themes: expectations and learning needs from business and management research

Interview themes: Learning and skills gained in business and management research

Interview themes: Benefits associated with business and management research

Interview themes: review of business and management research module

Study participants

Learning_Environment = This is the acronym for the virtual learning environment of the higher education institution under study.

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Navigating the MBA Research Landscape: Topics, Tips, and Success Stories

Table of contents

Are you an MBA student on the hunt for your next research topic? If so, you're in the right place! Finding a compelling research subject is key to crafting an impactful paper—one that not only earns you top grades but also contributes valuable insights to your field.

Did you know?

• According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, 89% of corporate recruiters planned to hire MBA graduates in 2022, up from 77% in 2023. This suggests the continued value and demand for MBA skills in the job market.
• A 2020 survey by McKinsey revealed that 86% of executives found that applying academic research had a positive impact on their company's operational efficiency.
• According to IDC, global spending on digital transformation technologies and services was estimated to reach $2.3 trillion in 2023, demonstrating the rapid pace of digital adoption in businesses.
• A Nielsen report revealed that 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact, highlighting the increasing importance of sustainability in business strategies.

Yet, deciding on the perfect topic can be tricky. You need a subject that aligns with your interests, has enough depth for a thorough analysis, and is relevant to the current business landscape. Don't worry if this sounds daunting—we're here to help!

In this post, we'll explore 50 intriguing MBA research topic examples across various disciplines, from finance and marketing to HR and strategic management. Plus, we'll guide you on turning a chosen topic into a research proposal, and share some inspiring success stories.

Understanding the Shifting Business Landscape for Your MBA Research

SUMMARY : Here, we delve into the impact of evolving business trends, such as digital transformation and corporate sustainability. These insights will help MBA students choose research topics relevant to today's dynamic business environment .

The business world is dynamic, with new trends constantly emerging that shape the way organizations operate and compete. It's essential for MBA students to remain up-to-date with these trends as they can significantly influence your choice of research topic.

Take, for instance, the rise of digital transformation. This wave has been revolutionizing industries across the board, from how we market products to how we manage human resources. A research topic in this area could delve into the effects of digitalization on traditional business models or investigate how firms adapt to technology-driven changes.

Then, there's the trend towards sustainability and social responsibility. Consumers are increasingly looking to do business with companies that prioritize not just profit, but also positive environmental and social impact. Research in this domain could explore the strategies companies use to align with these values, or the implications of these practices on a firm's bottom line.

Understanding these trends, among others, provides you with a context for your MBA research. It opens up avenues for inquiry that are not only academically stimulating but also relevant and impactful in today's business environment. Remember, a trend today could be the norm tomorrow, and your research could play a part in that transformation.

List of 50 MBA Research Topics

Navigating the vast world of MBA disciplines can be a complex task, but finding a topic that resonates with your interests can make your research journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Here's a list of 50 potential research topics across various disciplines to inspire your next project:

• The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems
• Risk Management in the Era of Digital Banking
• Evaluating the Sustainability of Microfinance Institutions
• The Role of AI in Financial Forecasting
• Ethical Investment and Profitability
• The Effectiveness of Influencer Marketing in Today's Digital World
• Customer Behaviour in the Age of E-commerce
• Personalization Strategies in Digital Marketing
• Impact of Social Media on Brand Awareness
• The Role of Augmented Reality in Consumer Experience

Human Resources

• The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employee Retention
• HR Strategies for Managing Remote Workers
• The Role of AI in Talent Acquisition
• Impact of Employee Wellbeing Programs on Productivity
• Workplace Diversity and its Effect on Company Performance

Strategic Management

• Strategies for Business Sustainability in a Post-Covid World
• The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Company Culture
• Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
• The Role of Strategic Alliances in Business Expansion
• Business Model Innovation in the Digital Era

Operations Management

• The Role of Technology in Supply Chain Management
• Lean Manufacturing and its Impact on Profit Margins
• Strategies for Reducing Waste in Production Processes
• Impact of Quality Management Systems on Customer Satisfaction
• Challenges of Inventory Management in E-commerce

Information Systems

• The Influence of Big Data on Business Decision Making
• Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Businesses
• Role of Information Systems in Customer Relationship Management
• Blockchain Technology and Its Impact on Business Operations
• Adoption of Cloud Computing in Small and Medium Enterprises

International Business

• The Effect of Globalization on Local Businesses
• Strategies for Cross-Cultural Business Communication
• Impact of Trade Wars on International Business
• Navigating International Business Ethics
• The Role of Emerging Markets in the Global Economy

Entrepreneurship

• The Impact of Startup Culture on Local Economies
• Entrepreneurial Strategies for Social Impact
• Role of Innovation in Entrepreneurial Success
• Challenges of Venture Capital Financing in Startups
• The Influence of Ecosystems on Entrepreneurial Growth

Healthcare Management

• The Role of Telemedicine in Modern Healthcare
• Challenges of Healthcare Management in Low-Income Countries
• Strategies for Effective Healthcare Marketing
• Impact of Healthcare Policies on Hospital Management
• The Influence of AI on Healthcare Delivery

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

• Impact of Green Marketing on Consumer Buying Behavior
• Strategies for Implementing Sustainable Business Practices
• The Role of CSR in Enhancing Corporate Reputation
• Measuring the Impact of CSR Initiatives on Community Development
• Sustainability Reporting and Its Influence on Investor Decisions

REMEMBER : while choosing a topic, consider your interests, the scope of the topic, and its relevance in today's business landscape. Each of these topics opens up a world of potential for in-depth research and can serve as a starting point for your MBA research journey.

Structuring Your Research for Academic Success

Now that you've chosen a research topic, the next step is to turn it into a research proposal. This proposal serves as a roadmap for your research project, outlining the research question, objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Let's use "The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems" as an example to illustrate this process:

Title : Start with a clear, concise title that precisely indicates what your research will cover.

Example : "The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Traditional Financial Systems: A Comparative Study."

Introduction : This section should provide background information about your topic, why it's important, and the gap in current knowledge that your research will address.

Example : "With the advent of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, the traditional financial landscape is undergoing significant changes. However, the impact of this disruption on traditional financial systems remains underexplored..."

Research Question and Objectives : Here, state your main research question and the specific objectives that will guide your study.

Example : "This study aims to investigate the impact of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems. Specific objectives include analyzing the effect of cryptocurrencies on banking operations, exploring their influence on financial regulations, and evaluating their implications for financial stability..."

Literature Review : Briefly review existing literature relevant to your research topic. Highlight the strengths and weaknesses of current research and how your study will contribute.

Example : "Several studies have focused on the technical aspects of cryptocurrencies. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research examining their broader impact on financial systems..."

Methodology : Outline the methods you'll use to conduct your research. This could include data collection methods, analytical tools, and procedures.

Example : "This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including a review of existing literature, analysis of secondary data from financial institutions, and semi-structured interviews with financial industry professionals..."

Expected Outcomes : Briefly describe the potential findings of your research and their implications.

Example : "This study expects to reveal the profound effects of cryptocurrencies on traditional financial systems. These findings may assist policymakers, financial institutions, and researchers in understanding and navigating this digital financial revolution..."

REMEMBER : a well-crafted research proposal not only guides your research but also demonstrates the value of your study to others, such as your professors or potential funding sources. And don't forget, the Writers Per Hour team is always ready to assist, and this is the best website where you can buy research proposal online that aligns with your research ambitions.

3 Inspiring Achievements to Motivate Your MBA Research Journey

MBA research can have a significant impact, both on your career and in advancing your field of study. Let's explore a few success stories of MBA research to inspire your journey:

1. Fintech Innovation

An MBA student's research on "The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Financial Transactions" didn't just earn top grades—it also sparked a startup idea. Leveraging the insights gained from their research, the student launched a successful fintech company specializing in secure blockchain transactions. Today, the company is revolutionizing financial security for small businesses.

2. Sustainable Business Practices

An innovative research project on "Incorporating Sustainable Business Practices in Fast Fashion" led another MBA student to a prestigious internship at a leading fashion company. The company was so impressed by her research insights that they implemented some of her recommendations, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.

3. Effective Leadership

An MBA research on "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Leadership" not only brought academic success to a student but also made him a better leader. By applying his research insights into his own startup, he was able to create a more cohesive and motivated team, propelling his business to new heights.

These stories demonstrate the potential of MBA research. Whether it's launching a startup, securing a dream internship, or enhancing your leadership skills, your research can lead you down a path of success. And remember, whether it's crafting a compelling research proposal or providing feedback on your paper, Writers Per Hour is here to support you every step of the way.

Choosing the right research topic is a critical step in your MBA journey. It sets the tone for your academic exploration and can pave the way for career opportunities, innovative business ideas, and impactful contributions to your field of study. From understanding emerging trends in business and management to transforming a research topic into a detailed proposal, every step is a milestone towards your academic and professional success.

Don't forget - your research isn't just about fulfilling a degree requirement. It's about sparking curiosity, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change in the business world. Remember, there's always support at hand to guide you through this process. Whether you need help with a custom essay for MBA or the entire research paper, Writers Per Hour is just a click away.

Embark on your research journey with enthusiasm and determination. The world of business is eagerly waiting for your unique insights and innovative solutions.

Additional Resources

To support your MBA research journey further, we have collated a list of helpful resources for you.

Articles from the Writers Per Hour Blog :

1. Master Your MBA Personal Statement - This guide by Writers Per Hour shares effective strategies to create a compelling personal statement for your MBA application, which can also be a source of inspiration for your research topic.

2. How to Write and Format an MBA Essay That Gets Noticed - This post provides valuable tips on structuring your MBA essay, which can also be applied to organizing your research proposal or final research paper.

External Resources:

1. Harvard Business Review - HBR offers a wealth of articles and case studies on the latest business trends and management practices, which can provide useful insights for your research.

2. McKinsey Insights - McKinsey publishes regular reports on various industries and business functions, offering data-driven insights that can inform your research.

3. JSTOR - JSTOR is a digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources. This can be an excellent place to find scholarly articles related to your research topic.

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200+ Subject-Wise MBA Dissertation Topics to Check Out This Year

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Research, Discuss, Dissert

Feeling the dissertation pressure mounting? Don't let writer's block turn your thesis into a 'to-do' list!  Here’s a list of 200+ MBA dissertation topics that go beyond the usual suspects.  From unique tech trends to the future of sustainability, we've got ideas to start your research passion and impress the professors. So, forget the generic, and let's craft MBA dissertation ideas that make your thesis stand out!

3 Key Considerations when Selecting MBA Dissertation Topics

Picking an MBA dissertation idea isn't everyone's favourite task, but knowing how to select the best MBA research topics is crucial. Three key things to remember when searching for MBA dissertation ideas are:

1. Choosing Unique MBA Dissertation Topics

Selecting MBA dissertation ideas may seem daunting, but don't fret if they've been explored before. The key lies in infusing your unique perspective into existing topics. Be innovative in your research approach to stand out.

2. Ensuring Availability of Secondary Data

Avoid last-minute topic changes by ensuring ample secondary data for your chosen MBA thesis topics. Don't delay the search for secondary data; confirm its availability during topic selection to streamline your research process.

3. Inculcating Quantitative Study

While textual analysis is appealing, integrating quantitative study enhances the depth of your MBA thesis topics. Numbers provide credibility and engage readers effectively. Strike a balance between theory and numerical analysis for impactful research.

Pursuing an MBA will help you advance your career in the business world. Many of the top universities and colleges in the world offer MBA programs in various fields. 

Subject-Wise Best Research Topics for MBA Students

The possibilities for MBA thesis topics are vast, covering all facets of business administration. To narrow down options, consider various subjects. Despite constraints, here's a list of excellent research topics for MBA students for your research and exploration.

Accounting 

1. Investigating the influence of industry and public knowledge on market share index fluctuations

2. Assessing the significance of auditing for large corporations

3. Analysing the country’s tax scheme

4. Factors to consider when investing in financial markets

5. Evaluating risk-taking in companies from an accounting perspective

6. Providing recommendations for circular debt management in business firms

7. Exploring the differences and similarities between external and internal auditors

8. Examining the challenges faced by external audits due to equal value calculations

9. Analysing taxation as a human rights policy and supporting it with evidence

10. Understanding the impact of the current tax structure on lower-income individuals

Operations Management Dissertation Topics

1. Defining the concept of ‘Legality’ in supply chain design

2. Exploring the role of virtual supply chains in facilitating short-term business collaborations

3. Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of self-driving cars in supply chain management

4. Impact of big data analytics on efficient inventory management

5. Significance of RFID in Toyota's inventory management

6. E-commerce inventory management strategies

7. Production scheduling strategies in manufacturing environments

8. Production scheduling strategies in the automobile industry

9. Case study: Toyota's production scheduling strategies in the UK

10. Utilising AI for quality control: A case study of Amazon.com

Business Management Dissertation Topics

1. Strategies for supporting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries

2. Impact of management's socio-cultural background on leadership relationships

3. The effect of employment benefits on employee and company productivity

4. Adaptation of small business strategies to globalisation

5. Role of feedback in cultural shifts within multinational corporations

6. Assessing team performance in multinational corporations

7. Examining small business strategies in the context of globalisation

8. Analysing team performance in multinational corporations

9. Human resource management and policies in non-profit organisations

10. Role of foreign direct investment in the economy of developing countries

Finance Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the swift expansion of international microfinance

2. Investigating the growth of microfinance within the UK banking sector

3. Analysing the impact of microfinance on emerging economies

4. Assessing the role of credit and financial services in investment

5. Examining microfinance's contribution to poverty alleviation and economic growth

6. Contrasting FDI strategies between Europe and Asia

7. Studying emerging market stock synchronicity and analyst coverage

8. Evaluating the influence of foreign direct investment on developing nations

9. Assessing the effects of European financial regulations on cross-border investments

10. Scrutinising ongoing banking sector reforms in emerging economies: the Brazilian case

We also have a list of different finance dissertation topics in brief. You can also check out these topics for more information.

Marketing Dissertation Topics

1. Evaluating the significance of personalization in digital relationship marketing during the COVID-19 era

2. A case study on UK fitness brands building customer loyalty through high-value content

3. Analysing obstacles facing Tesco’s loyalty card scheme in today's market dynamics

4. Leveraging social media for customer acquisition through relationship marketing

5. Investigating the impact of product quality on consumer satisfaction

6. Assessing consumer understanding of brand values through a Starbucks vs. McDonald’s case study

7. Using digital methods to enhance brand salience: a case study approach

8. Exploring the impact of product availability on SME brand image

9. Transitioning a brand's reputation across industries: lessons from Virgin Cola

10. Assessing beauty brands' direct marketing efficacy using YouTube

Information Technology Management Dissertation Topics

1. Predicting the future impact of information technology on global business

2. Assessing the pace of technological advancement in meeting global financial system demands

3. Analysing the impact of the Sony hack on international market transactions

4. Exploring how technological advancements enhance global trade

5. Investigating the influence of religion on IT adoption in Yemeni universities

6. Assessing the impact of mobile technology on international students in British universities

7. Examining online discussions' role in promoting interaction and collaboration in blended learning environments

8. Applying instructional techniques to improve problem-solving abilities

9. Evaluating the effectiveness of automated tools in literature reviews for students

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Strategic Risk Management Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the Influence of Current Global Supply Chain Trends on Risk Management Strategies

2. Investigating Social Risks' Impact on Multinational Corporations and Shareholder Value

3. Assessing Liquidity and Credit Risk Management in Financial Markets

4. Best Practices in Operational Risk Management for Warehousing

5. Comparative Analysis of Risk Management in Financial Sectors

7. Critical Factors for Operational Management Success in Financial Services

8. Analysis and Mitigation of Social Risks

9. Overcoming Obstacles in Operational Risk Management

10. Utilising Risk Assessment to Manage Medical Errors

11. Long-term Risk Management in the Banking Sector

Entrepreneurship Dissertation Topics

1. Consequences of Chronic Unemployment in Major Economies

2. Government Bailouts vs. Corporate Responsibility

3. Profit Dynamics of Insurance Firms

4. Subsidised Loans and Business Practice Ethics

5. Risk and Reward in High-Risk Investments

6. Tactics for Long-term Financial Security in Small Companies

7. Real Estate Investment Risks and Myths

8. Investment Opportunities During Economic Downturns

9. Strategies for Risk-free Profits in the Stock Market

10. Factors Influencing Business Bankruptcy Probability

11. Human Resource Management Dissertation Topics

Implementing HR Philosophies in the Workplace

1. Collaboration Between Corporate Management and HR

2. Choosing Interpersonal Skills: Soft vs. Hard

3. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity in Employee Appraisal

4. Employee Engagement and Incentive Impact

5. HR Departments' Role in Organisational Change

6. Performance Improvement Strategies for Employee Evaluation

7. Employee Perspectives on Performance Reviews

8. Impact of Motivation Programs on Productivity

9. Enhancing the Employee Selection Process

E-Commerce Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating New Businesses' E-Commerce Strategies

2. Analysing Traditional Businesses' E-Commerce Migration

3. E-Commerce Strategies: Serendipity or Strategy?

4. Components of a Successful E-Commerce Strategy

5. Examining Payment Processing Models

6. Evaluating Social Media's Role in E-Commerce

7. Strengthening Customer Relationships through E-Commerce Tactics

8. The Significance of Unique Selling Points in E-Commerce Growth

9. E-Commerce Marketing Mix: Online vs. Hybrid Presence

10. Comparing Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Economics Dissertation Topics

1. Impact of Market Competition on Corporate Growth Strategies

2. COVID-19's Influence on Corporate Market Entry

3. Non-Profit Financing Models and Long-Term Viability

4. Privatisation's Economic Policy Ramifications

5. Challenges Posed by Digitalization in Industries

6. Brexit's Effects on UK Industrial Policies

7. COVID-19's Impact on the Entertainment Industry

8. Global Perspectives on Alternative Energy Markets

9. Shifting Consumer Preferences Over Two Decades

10. Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurial Behavior and Business Initiatives

Health Care Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Mid-Level Providers' Role in Healthcare

2. Telemedicine's Impact on Healthcare Administration

3. Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Healthcare

4. Growth and Consequences of Urgent Care Clinics

5. Supporting Families Caring for Dementia Patients

6. Health Literacy's Influence on Prostate Cancer Outcomes

7. Governance and Ethics in Patient Portal Use by Guardians

8. Employee Turnover Due to Tuition Reimbursement Programs

9. Follow-Up Procedures After Medical Errors

10. State Legislation's Effects on Medical Malpractice Insurance

International Business Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating the Success of Global Business Teams in Multinational Companies: Testing an Interfering Process Model.

2. Exploring Corporate Governance's Role in Globalization and Firm Performance.

3. Assessing Brexit's Impact on British SMEs: An Examination of Likely Effects.

4. Analysing Business-Government Relations: Contingency Theory Perspective.

5. Understanding Globalization's Method and Impact on Business Collaboration.

6. Retail Management Dissertation Topics

7. The Contribution of Visual Merchandising to Clothing Brand Income in UK Malls.

8. Management's Role in Revenue Generation in Automotive Retail.

9. Evaluating Store Location Effects on Apparel Brand Sales in UK Malls.

10. Assessing the Impact of Retail Promotions on Inventory Turnover.

11. Applied Retail Analysis in B2B Industries: Optimal Store Placement.

Rural Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Media Influence on Rural Development.

2. Rural Development and Community Health Administration: Exploring Roles.

3. Cooperative Societies' Impact on Rural Development.

4. Community Banks' Contribution to Rural Development.

5. Identifying Socioeconomic Barriers to Rural Growth.

Change Management on Dissertation Topics

1. Dissertation Topics on Managing Change

2. Incorporating Change Management Education in Universities

3. Identification of Tools and Techniques for Change Management in Construction Projects

4. Critical Analysis of Organisational Change Management in UK-based Companies

5. Impact of Change Management Processes on Performance in Mega Programme Projects

6. Change Management Perspectives among Veterinary Nurses

7. Inter-organisational System Performance and Change Management

8. Examining Africa's Change Management Approaches: The Ubuntu Values

9. The Influence of Business and IT Functions on Organisational Change Management

10. Evolution of Change Management Perspectives over Time

11. Change Management and Cultural Revitalisation Movements in Organisations

12. Change Management in Healthcare Nursing: A Comprehensive Review

13. Hexagonal vs. Pentagonal Models in Change Management

14. Significance of Grounded Theory Approach in Change Management

15. Ethics, Values, and Leadership in Change Management

1. Entrepreneurship Trends: A Recent Boom

2. Impact of Increasing Entrepreneurs on the UK Economy

3. Entrepreneurial Adoption of Cloud Technology for Quality Control and Cost Savings

4. Scope of Entrepreneurship in the UK: Implications for Competition and Productivity

5. Technological Developments and Entrepreneurship Effects

6. Gender Dynamics in Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

7. Government Policy Influence on Entrepreneurship

8. Entrepreneurial Role in Economic Development

9. Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Creativity

10. Entrepreneurship Education's Impact on Skill Development

11. Public Support for Technology-based Ventures

12. Factors Affecting New Ventures' Growth

13. Legislative and Fiscal Policies Encouraging Entrepreneurship

14. Alternative Marketing Tactics for Small-scale Food Entrepreneurs

15. Crowdsourcing: Definition and Functionality

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dissertation Topics

1.  Investigating the Importance of Supply Chain Management in Company Outsourcing

2. Assessing Risks within a Supply Chain

3. Analysis of Technology's Role in Present Supply Chain Structures

4. Examining the Connections Between Supply Chain and Company Logistics

5. Investigating Tax Evasion in Car Supply Chains and Its Impact on Procurement Costs

6. Challenges to Implementing an Effective Supply Management System

7. Evaluation of Information Dissemination and Sharing Among Supply Chain Intermediaries

8. Evaluating Cost Reduction Measures in China's Car Exports and Imports

9. Importance of Logistics Management in UK Clothing Reorders

10. Coping with Supply Chain and Logistics Changes: A Study on UK Businesses

So, there you have it! A diverse buffet of MBA dissertation topics to tantalise your intellectual taste buds. Remember, choosing the right one is key. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore uncharted territory. After all, your dissertation is your chance to shine, showcase your expertise, and leave a lasting mark on the business world. Dive in, research, analyse, and remember, the perfect MBA dissertation idea awaits!

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The Operations Research concentration draws upon our history of excellence in the area of quantitative decision making. During the 1950s, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University pioneered a revolutionary new approach to business management known as management science.

Our practice of applying analytical, quantitative decision-making techniques to management has since been adopted by virtually every leading B-school in the U.S.

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• Top MBAs for Research

Top 10 MBAs for Research Excellence and Impact

Prospective MBA students seldom look into the research rank of their target schools, but this is a missed opportunity. After all, research is what drives the public reputation of the institution and it contributes to its position in key league tables. This means research, while secondary to teaching in the eyes of most MBA students, plays a key role in attracting the best and brightest students, professors, staff and recruiters to business school.

Traditionally, research rankings have been based on the number of articles published in the top academic journals, but there is a growing recognition that research must have more practical relevance and deliver more genuine societal impact. Research not only informs MBA teaching in the classroom and forms the bedrock of case study and curriculum design, but can also lead to the development of patents, changes in policy, or grants awarded.

In short, research can help improve society and business, and this will appeal increasingly to  MBA students, many of whom are placing sustainability on a par with financial gain. Here are the top 10 schools for research impact and excellence.

Measured purely by output in journals, Washington University: Olin is ranked top for research worldwide by the FT. But the school's research also informs and invigorates classroom teaching, and aims to improve the business results of its participants and graduates. Examples include how companies can tackle the gender pay gap and create a higher purpose.

Chicago Booth scores highly for pure research output, but its insights into entrepreneurship, marketing, social impact, artificial intelligence and more have a lasting impact in business, culture and society. The papers from the school’s Nobel Prize-winning faculty enrich the educational experience, expand the school’s global reach, and keep alumni connected to the Booth community.  

Insead is ranked highly for its research excellence, whether academic publications, books, cases or practitioner-focused articles. Beyond research productivity, the aim is to bring new ideas and knowledge to the world that is genuinely useful to business leaders, whether that’s rethinking supply chains, building sustainable business models, or the analytics of pricing.

The University of Washington’s Foster School of Business has a strong reputation for faculty and research. The school aims to combine scientific research with teaching innovations to strengthen learning outcomes for MBA students. Recent research has explored insider trading, employee engagement, and venture capital exit outcomes.

The University of Texas at Dallas: Jindal has a strong overall research rank across numerous rankings. The school’s 300-strong faculty body has picked up numerous teaching, research and business awards. It has produced research with practical significance to boost business results, for instance how social capital improves financial returns, and how to achieve a better work/life balance.

Research is a core component of Kellogg’s mission and culture. Several leading journals were founded at Kellogg, but faculty also bring research expertise into the classroom. For instance, Kellogg pioneered the study of negotiations and teamwork in management. More recently, it is working to identify and understand the larger social issues that business leaders must navigate.

London Business School boasts a strong reputation for research that advances teaching and provides insights for business leaders and governments. There are a number of specialist institutes at LBS, such as the Center for Corporate Governance, the AQR Asset Management Institute, and Wheeler Institute for Business and Development.

Rotterdam School of Management, at Erasmus University in the Netherlands, is ranked highly as a management research center in Europe. It has 350 management scientists disseminating information in conjunction with business. A specialty of the school is the state-of-the-art behavioral lab, which uncovers insights into consumer behavior. RSM is also heavily focused on societal impact.

HEC Paris is a top research school in economics and management. The school emphasizes business relevance and cross-disciplinary collaboration, aiming to impact teaching methods, management practices, public policies and society as a whole. HEC has a number of research specialties, including languages and cultures, as well as tax and law.

Alliance Manchester is ranked highly for the impact of its research by Times Higher Education. Alliance Manchester’s research spans four divisions: accounting and finance; innovation, management and policy; people, management and organizations; management science and marketing. The school is also home to four institutes that explore equalities, sustainable consumption, productivity and innovation.

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