Complete Guide to IGNOU MBA Project for MMPP-001 Course

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has made it compulsory that its MBA program has an IGNOU MBA Project for MMPP 001 course. It is provided to give students in their final semesters of pursuing the course a chance to put their classroom study to practical use in solving problems.

Learn everything about the IGNOU MBA Project for MMPP-001 Course. Find project topics, synopsis format, approval, and submission process. Get Sample PDFs!

IGNOU MBA Project (course code MMPP-001) will be a project on a research report done on a selected topic in your area of specialization. It involves a topic, proposal (synopsis) delivery, and permission granted by the supervisor, collection of data and its analysis and there shall be a final bound report. This one-stop guide contains all the steps related to writing your IGNOU MBA project, the common questions will also be answered. It does not matter whether you are at the very start or very close to submission; this article will make it more understandable.

Key Highlights

This is the key information in the IGNOU MBA Project (MMPP-001):

  • Mandatory Course: MMPP-001 is a compulsory 8 credits course in completing the IGNOU MBA course.
  • Structure of the Project: entails a Synopsis (Proposal) and Final Report in an official format of IGNOU.
  • Deadlines: Deadlines to assign the project is May 31 (June Term-End) and November 30 (December Term-End).
  • Guide Requirement: Guide should be supervised by a qualified and experienced guide who has MBA/PhD qualification.
  • Plagiarism Check: IGNOU has zero tolerance to originality- reports submitted above 20% similarity can be rejected.

How to begin the IGNOU MBA Project Work?

It is very important that an IGNOU MBA project is started early. First, become acquainted with IGNOU guideline: Read MBA Program Handbook and any project work manual issued to you by your Regional Centre (RC). Pick your area of interest (HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations etc.) and read course materials and new research. Solve problems by posing such questions as, What business problem interests me? or Which business/industry problem is related to my specialization? Brainstorm. Hot topics can be acquired through consulting academic journals, industry reports or news.

Make a rough outline: write what might be discussed and purpose. Next, enroll into the project course (MMPP-001) according to the academic schedule of IGNOU (in the final year of study usually). Contact your study centre or coordinator to find out registration deadline and charge. To become an official participant, you will be required to submit such basic information (name, enrolment number, proposed topic).

After registering find roughly what you want to do and find a supervisor. Overall, research should initiate at Month 10-12 of the program promoted by IGNOU. Donate this sample to the reading required and building your subject. Converse with the faculty or alumni to sharpen your idea. A proper and thoughtful beginning (identification of requirements, literature collection, etc.) will pave a good way to the success of your project in IGNOU MBA.

Learning of IGNOU MBA Project

An IGNOU MBA project is a self-directed research project in which knowledge taken in MBA courses is incorporated in an original study.

A project report is usually up to 60-80 pages long and there is a format to it. You have to select an achievable topic, your synopsis (proposal) must be accepted, you must work under a qualified guide and that the final report be submitted within the hours allotted. All that is left to do is final approval of your project, on which you have even more credit and which is part of your degree.

Goals and the significance of the MBA Project

  • Practical Application: The said case focuses mainly on applying theoretical principles of the MBA program to a real business case. As an example, you may study marketing trends in a marketing issue or trainings programs in an HR issue.
  • Research Skills: It improves research and analytical skills. You train the skills of composing the research questions, collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions. This is very helpful in management in future.
  • Academic Requirement: IGNOU wants the project in order to get an MBA degree. Without successfully completing it, a student will not be able to graduate.
  • Future Employability: It shows that they have initiative and competence to a prospective employer. Quality project report may exhibit your knowledge in a certain field and may prove helpful during employment application or interview.
  • Innovation and Problem-Solving: You point out actual issues (e.g., an improvement of retail sales strategy or the decrease of outflow in telecomm), and you figure out the solutions to the dilemmas, bringing some value to the business or industry.

To conclude, the project is the combination of theory and practice of education in the classroom and the industry, which qualifies you as a reflective practitioner. It is a test and a classroom situation that highlights your capability to take a complex business challenge.

When Should the IGNOU MBA Project Work be started?

The time is a factor. Most Students of an MBA (4-term program) in IGNOU would be expected to plan their project once most paperwork subjects of the core courses are passed, and this is usually during the third or last term. This is figuratively a guideline:

  • Term 12: (Months 1 to 12). Coursework emphasis. To obtain ideas, just read related books and articles casually.
  • Term 3 (Months 13 to 18): Dissertation research area and topic selection. It is the best time to complete your topic as well as the synopsis. There are a huge number of students enrolling in MMPP-001 during the third term.
  • Term 4 (Months 19 to 24): Carry out research and compose the report. In the last year collect the data, analyse the findings and prepare the report. Turn in at the paper date (usually, a little before term ends).

Begin now: waiting to the last minute may condense your tentative and may also make it poorly planned. Propose to get your synopsis accepted by the Term 3. This would leave you a couple of months or so to gather the information (e.g. during summers when you may get vacations) and jot down the report.

Do not start the project during the last two months only if your program is two-year long (and lasts 24 months). Start reading and topic selection to come mid-way through the program. Early start alleviates the stress and there will be time to receive feedback and revisions by the supervisor.

How to Choose IGNOU MBA Project Topics?

An important thing is to choose the appropriate topic. A good topic is the one which fits your interest, available resources and area of an MBA project. These are the tips:

  • Interest and Relevance: Pick up a topic that you can find interest in (e.g., HR, Finance, Marketing, Operations). It will keep you inspired. Also, make sure it has relevance to the Indian scenario or is a worldwide trend (e.g. Digital marketing, sustainable HR practices).
  • Feasibility: Take into consideration availability of data. Is it possible to poll individuals or industry information? As an example, such a topic as “Consumer preference to online banking” is possible in case you may reach the bank customers.
  • Specificity: general topics are difficult. Reduce to a detail (sector, area, metric). Rather than marketing of banks, use “Effects of Social Media Marketing on customer acquisition within the Indian Private Banks”.
  • Academic and Practical Value: It ought to have rational aims and a methodology. Make sure that it is not out of date yet. Read up the latest journals or news to identify issues that businesses are addressing.
  • Approval: Lastly, the topic and scope of a synopsis (proposal) should be clearly stated. The Regional Centre will approve or recommend changes.

IGNOU MMPP 001 Project Topics List

The following is the example of list of IGNOU MBA Project topics (MMPP-001). These are illustrations to fire the imagination; modify as many as are appropriate to your field and your facts:

  • Human Resource: Employee Satisfaction in the IT Sector: A Study of XYZ Software Company Bangalore.
  • Human Resource: Effectiveness on Training Programs on Employee Productivity in Public Sector Banks.
  • Marketing: At the marketing level, the proposed study is titled, i.e, Impact of Digital Advertising on Brand Awareness of FMCG Products in India.
  • Marketing: “Customer Satisfaction and Retention Strategies of an E-commerce Retail in Delhi.”
  • Finance: The Risk Management Practices in the Microfinance Institutions in Maharashtra.
  • Finance: The effects of Financial Literacy Programs on Investment Decisions on Rural Investors.
  • Operations: Operations and inventory management: practice and efficiency of small manufacturing firms.
  • Operations: Supply Chain Optimization of Cold Chain Logistics of the Food Industry.
  • Information systems: An article related to adoption of ERP systems in medium-sized firms titled: Adoption of ERP Systems in Medium-Sized Enterprises: A Case Study.
  • General Management: The COVID-19 Influence on the Employee Engagement of the Healthcare Industry.
Top Project Topics for IGNOU MBA
Top Project Topics for IGNOU MBA

Figure 1: “Top Project Topics for IGNOU MBA”

These are good starting points. Discuss with fellow students and instructors and think of additional subjects. Pick one that you find interesting and in which you can do research as lucratively as possible.

Writing of IGNOU MBA Synopsis (Proposal)

Your plan is the synopsis (project proposal). It gives you the details of what you are going to learn, and how. A well-developed and designed structure is the main factor of acceptance.

IGNOU MBA Synopsis Format

Your synopsis is usually:

  • Title Page: name of the project, your name, enrolment number, programme code (MBA), specialisation, term, year, study centre code and name of guide (after assignment). (See Synopsis Front Page below.)
  • Introduction & Rationale: Short history of the subject and the explanation of the selected topic. Give a reason why the problem is significant.
  • Goals: A clear, and detailed goals. E.g. To determine how X affects Y.
  • Short (1-2 paragraphs) Books Review Literature Review Reference and Statistics
  • Research Methodology: Outline the research design (survey, case study, etc.), the population/sample and data collection methods (questionnaire, interview) with tools (questionnaire, software).
  • Scope and Limitations: State the boundaries (geographical location, time period) and any restrictions (e.g. access to few respondents).
  • Expected Outcomes: What results or findings can you expect.
  • References: List of important references used in synopsis.
  • Annexure (as the case): Sample questionnaire, proforma of approval (see Form in Approval Letter) etc.

Word Count: IGNOU provides the suggestion to use a brief overview. Target is a 1,500-2,000 word (8-12 pages). Be comprehensive and yet to the point; no extraneous details. A4 paper, 1 1.5 line spacing, use standard fonts (see Formatting Guidelines).

📌 For a visual guide and templates, refer to:
👉 How to write IGNOU Synopsis/Proposal?

Formatting Guidelines

Adhere to the following formulations:

  • Size of Papers: A4 (210 297 mm).
  • Margins: 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more around.
  • Font: Times New Roman, 12 points text. Put the headings in bold or italics where necessary.
  • Spacing: the text should be 1.5 or doubled spaced (unless in the case of a table or indentation of a quotation).
  • Page Numbers: Lower center or lower right and beginning with the first page of type (omit title page, when any).
  • Sections: Visible headings (Introduction, Objectives, Methodology etc.).
  • Language: official usage of the academic tone. Make sure there are no errors in grammar and spelling.
  • Graphs/tables: These should not be used under the typical practical synopsis, unless they are not avoidable. Text emphasis.

The synopsis format ought to be tidy and professional.

Appendices: You need to enclose the project proforma (approval form) and biodata of the supervisor when submitting.

IGNOU MBA Synopsis Approval and Submission Process

  • Make the Synopsis: Write and organize your synopsis as per stipulated above.
  • Obtain a supervisor: Find a supervisor. Or, in case it is internal, then it can be the academic counsellor of your regional centre. Get a written acceptance.
  • Fill Approval Form: IGNOU gives a Proforma of Approval of Project Proposal (MMPP-001). It requires your information and details of the project, title of the project, and contact details of the supervisor (see the image below). And you also have to submit your synopsis and signed bio-data of the guide.

Examples of Form Fields, Enrolment No., Study Centre, Project Proposal No. (to be assigned by RC), Subject Area, Name of Student, Address, Email, Topic, Name of Supervisor/Address, whether supervisor is an IGNOU academic counselor etc. Your form should be signed between you and your supervisor.

  • Send or submit: Send or deliver the signed synopsis, approval proforma and, supervisor s biodata to your IGNOU Regional Centre by hand or post. Other RCs have option of sending online, normally postal.
  • Review: The RC checks over the proposal. In case they are accepted, they provide a Project Proposal Number and issue an official Approval Letter as well. Otherwise they can request explanations.
  • Approval Letter: IGNOU will provide you a letter in which your project proposal was accepted under MMPP-001. This is a valuable letter to make copies of. It will demand the project code/number and normally the semester which you will deliver the final report.
  • Start Working: Now you have got the permission to start working; now, you have to compile a report of data collection under the supervision of your supervisor.

This should be initiated in good time before the deadline of submitting. The approval takes weeks.

Front Page of IGNOU MBA Synopsis

On the front page (cover) of your synopsis you should put:

  • Project Title (all capped or bolded)
  • Type of Project: A “Project Proposal” or run a synopsis of the project
  • Your Name and Enrolment Number
  • Programme Details: Master of business administration (MBA), Specialization (Indicate)
  • Course Code: MMPP-001 (Project)
  • Study centre and Regional centre
  • Month & Year of Submission
IGNOU MBA Synopsis Front Page
IGNOU MBA Synopsis Front Page

Figure 2: “IGNOU MBA Synopsis Front Page”

Letter of Approval for IGNOU MBA Project Synopsis

Upon consideration IGNOU forwards Project Proposal Approval Letter. Such an official letter normally includes:

  • Your enrolment number and your name
  • Project Proposal Number (RC assigned)
  • Assurance that the subject matter has been registered in MMPP- 001
  • The regional Director or authorized person name and signature

Make multiple hardcopies of this letter of approval. When making your final report, you will have to attach one with it. It is an indication that you were by the book and you had a sanctioned subject.

IGNOU MBA Project Synopsis Approval Letter
IGNOU MBA Project Synopsis Approval Letter

Figure 3: IGNOU MBA Project Synopsis Approval Letter

Selection of IGNOU MBA Project Guide / Supervisor

Your guide (supervisor) is important. An effective supervisor assists you in shaping up your subject, recommends sources of references and evaluates your work. These are the guidelines to follow:

Eligibility Criteria of IGNOU MBA Project Guide Supervisor

  • The supervisor ought to be primarily an IGNOU MBA academic counsellor (faculty associated to an IGNOU Study Centre), but may include an outside expert, provided the outsider passes criteria.
  • Qualifications: Typically, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or PhD along with a Master degree in Management, typically. Most supervisors obtain PhD in management or senior faculty.
  • Experience: Ideally it would help to have teaching or industry experience in your project area.
  • IGNOU Note: In the approval form, there is inquiry whether the guide is an Academic Counsellor of Management Programme or not. Otherwise, some RCs might consider internal guide, still they will verify credentials.

Enquire with your Regional Centre as to regional differences. In some centres a list of approved supervisors is also provided. In case you arrange an outside guide (e.g. your workplace manager) then make sure the biodata they provide also contains qualifications and experience.

Finding and approving your MBA Project Guide/ Supervisor

  1. Question at Your Study Centre: Students usually have their IGNOU study centres where mentors or faculty members oversee projects. Your programme coordinator might recommend a particular counsellor who has knowledge in your topic or he or she might assign one to you.
  2. Network: Meet past students, faculty members of local colleges/ universities or colleagues who have written IGNOU projects. They can advise mentors.
  3. Touch Potential Guides: Touch professionally (email, or letter). Give them your project idea and inquire whether they can supervise. In case they are ready, ask them kindly to sign the consent form and send them their CV/biodata.
  4. Supervisor Approval: After selection of supervisor enter the details on the IGNOU proforma. They show their agreement by signing the form (and the Project Proposal proforma). There are also RCs that demand a signed bio-data of the guide.
  5. Back Up Plan: Other times, the supervisor pulls out or gets busy. Consider other alternatives early in mind.

Key Tip: You should not go any further with the topic finalization and work without a supervisor being approved. IGNOU requires a synopsis to have a valid guide and is not going to accept a synopsis without signature. Enquire with your centre whether the guide should be an IGNOU faculty only or an outside supervisor is permitted and in any case use a standard format to provide their biodata.

Writing of IGNOU MBA Project Report (MMPP 1)

The last step is the writing of the project report once your synopsis is approved and the research works are finished. This is a written report that contains your research results in a tabular manner.

MBA Project Report Format

The standard format of MBA project report has the following pattern:

  • Cover Page/Title Page: add title of the project, your name, enrolment, study centre, course code, specialization, month of submission and year of submission, supervisor name. We will allow the officials to choose their pre-selected positions. (See Report Front Page below.)
  • Certificate/Affidavit: IGNOU can give a certificated of originality or attestation to be inserted after the title page, it states that the work is yours under the supervision of the guide.
  • Acknowledgements: (Optional) Thank staff, supervisors, respondents and any other people who assisted.
  • Table of Contents: chapters, sections and pages.
  • List of Tables/ Figures: In case you have a large number of tables or figures, you should list them.
  • Chapter 1: Introduction: background, context, problem statement, objectives and scope of the study.
  • Chapter 2: Literature Review: The overview of related research and theories.
  • Chapter 3: Research Methodology: Additional information about the methods, sources of data, sampling and tools.
  • Chapter 4: Data Analysis & Interpretation: this is where you present your findings. This could comprise analysis, charts, graphs, tables (shown below) and charts.
  • Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations: Conclude and make recommendations on the business.
  • References/ Bibliography: List all sources that have been referred to, with the help of the standard citation format (APA, MLA and so on).
  • Appendices/Annexures: Add questionnaires, other information, the biodata of supervisor and most importantly the Project Synopsis Approval Letter.

The pages should be in such a way that every chapter starts on a new page. Present clear sub-headings and headings (Chapter 1, 2, etc.).

Formatting Guidelines

Use the same general formatting as has been done in the synopsis, plus the following:

  • Pagination: Page number (usually bottom center) the contents and figures should be numbered also.
  • Margins, Font: 1-inch margins; Times New Roman 12-point (subheadings can be 14pt bold).
  • Spacing: the main text – 1.5 (or double). If required single-space in tables.
  • Heading: You should either use bold or capital letters on chapter headings, and serial numbering (e.g. bold 4.1, 4.2 to denote sections).
  • Tables and Figure: It is important to label each table and figure with a title (e.g., Table 4.1: Sales by Region). Keep them at a place nearest to where they are talked about. Make them legible (do not use small fonts).
  • Consistency: Use the same style on each heading, fonts, citations, and lists.

IGNOU does not permit the flashy and bulky formatting. Write in the style of a professional. Next to come are hard-binding requirements.

Binding instructions and Submission of IGNOU MBA Project Report

  • Printing and Binding: It is the usual practice that the final project report has to be hard-bound (usually a hardcover of dark color). No soft or spiral binding may be acceptable. Check about this with your RC, but expect good binding.
  • Copies: You are expected to submit 2 copies of the project report (one copy to the University to be evaluated and another to you/study centre). Enquire about specifications (specific centres require additional copies).
  • Submission Venue: Send your report in time, to the Regional Centre according to which you have registered. Do not post it to the Head Office, but only when told.
  • Now, a deadline: IGNOU assigns deadlines at the beginning of every semester (e.g. project reports should be completed in time by mid-April in regard to the June term). Submission of documents at the last minute is normally undesirable.
  • Project certificate: IGNOU can possess a project assessment procedure (review by the supervisor, and outside examiner). The procedure requires 4-6 weeks of approval (per student experiences). Submit early enough so that assessment is done way before final results.

Send your details, with:

  • The Project Synopsis Approval Letter.
  • A covering letter with the information about your enrolment number and the attached documents confirmation.
  • Any additional ones that your RC needs.

Once the evaluation is made, you will be provided with marksheet of the project course after submitting.

IGNOU MBA Project Submission Checklist
IGNOU MBA Project Submission Checklist

Figure 4: IGNOU MBA Project Submission Checklist

The Front Page of IGNOU MBA Project Report

The project should appear clearly in the cover page of the final report. A general example is:

[Project Title]

A Study/ Analysis/Project on …

A PROJECT REPORT

submitted by

Your Name, Enrolment No. XXXXXX

in some fulfillment of the requirements leading to the degree of

Master of Business Administration

MBA ( [Specialization])

India Gandhi open national university

In the guidance of

[Name, designation of supervisor]

Study Centre Code: [e.g. 0735]

Regional Centre: [e.g. New Delhi]

Month Year

Note: Form can be kept as you please but should include your name, enrolment, degree, name of university, name of project, name and title of guide, study centre code, and date of submission.

IGNOU MBA Project Report Front Page
IGNOU MBA Project Report Front Page

Figure 5: IGNOU MBA Project Report Front Page

Q1: What is the distinction between IGNOU MBA project synopsis and report?

A: The proposal (synopsis) is a plan of your research (objectives, methodology, etc.) which is submitted to be approved. The project report is your finishing word after conducting the research, and it contains what you found and analyzed.

Q2: What should the length of the project synopsis of the IGNOU MBA be?

A: About 1,500- 2,000 words (about 8-12 pages) as a brief proposal. Add all main parts (the introduction, objectives, methodology).

Q3: Which are common project topics in IGNOU MBA?

A: Some specializations differ in terms of topics. Some examples include, the HR paper title might include Employee Engagement in IT Firms, Finance paper title might include Investment Behaviour of Retail Investors and Marketing paper title might include the Effect of Social Media Advertising on Consumer Behavior.

Q4: What is the time to register and submit the project?

A: Register (MMPP-001) once majority of the courses are taken, usually the 3rd or the final term. Your synopsis will be due (usually at mid-term 3) and your final report at the end of the last term. For precise deadlines check the academic calendar of IGNOU.

Q5: Where do I get a supervisor to my IGNOU project MBA?

A: To obtain a list of faculties you should contact your study centre coordinator. You may simply contact the skilled IGNOU academic counsellors or any other specialists with a necessary set of qualifications in the industry. Make sure that you get their firsthand consent early since you require their signature to sign your proposal.

Q6: What is IGNOU MMPP-001?

A: The code of MBA Project at IGNOU is MMPP-001. As soon as you enroll in your MBA project, you will be registered under this course code.

Quick IGNOU MBA Project Work Checklist

  • Went through MS- 01 to MS-11 and MS-95 before commencing project
  • Selected an applicable and a researchable topic
  • Submitted project synopsis for approval from IGNOU
  • Receive a qualified mentor (MBA/PhD 5+ years’ experience)
  • Adhered to IGNOU format and plagiarism code
  • Used both the hard copy and soft copy of the final report
  • put in every single necessary thing: annexures, certificates, references

Project Timeline for IGNOU MMPP-001

Table 1: Project Timeline

PhaseTimeframeKey Action
Topic SelectionJan/JulySelect topic themselves & finalize guide
Preparation of synopsisJan–Feb / July–AugWrite and hand in synopsis for approval
Synopsis ApprovalWithin 4–6 weeks of submissionWait to get an official nod in IGNOU
Project Work & Report DraftFeb–May / Aug–NovData collection, analysis and write final report
Final SubmissionBy May 31 / Nov 30Submit hard & soft copy to IGNOU
MMPP 001 Project Deadlines (Jan & July Sessions)
MMPP 001 Project Deadlines (Jan & July Sessions)

Figure 6: “MMPP 001 Project Deadlines (Jan & July Sessions)”

Conclusion – Final Words

The IGNOU MBA Project is a significant step to achieving success because it demonstrates your capability to do a research in the field of management independently. The more you start early, the more you can choose a topic, which is relevant subject area, and go by the dotted line IGNOU wants you to go, the better the results you achieve in time. Make your synopsis precise and orderly and pick the right supervisor, and in the final report, follow all the guidelines in the writing and formatting.

Do not forget about all deadlines and obtain advice of all kinds of information you need by coordinators and previous students. When you take time to plan and put in the best of efforts, then your IGNOU MBA project will not only complete a degree requirement but it will help you polish yourself as a would-be manager.

Additional Resources

These resources will help you work on your project, but do not forget that all your work must be your own and modified to your research. Wish you good luck in your IGNOU MBA project!

If you need assistance in IGNOU MBA Project writing or approval? Use our professional services or avail our free sample of synopsis of MMPP-001 now!”

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