Applications for study in Fall 2024 are open. See if we can fund your school!

Considering a thesis based MBA? Pros & Cons

Prodigy finance Logo

Prodigy Finance - June, 08 2021

About the author

Our mission is to make quality education accessible for all - globally.

mba with thesis

Have a specific question? These sections might help:

Thesis-based mba programmes, benefits of mba internships, the value of mba thesis research.

  • Why a business PhD may be right for you

When should you pursue a thesis-based MBA?

Master’s programmes vary so widely that there isn't a typical master’s experience. Similarly, the thesis and research requirements for degrees vary across fields of study.

For example, if you're pursuing a masters in political science or public policy , you'll have a difficult time finding a programme that doesn’t require a thesis.

As an LLM candidate , you'll have a clear choice between thesis-based and a non-thesis degree.

Do you have to write a thesis for an MBA?

MBA programmes don’t typically require a thesis paper and differ from other master's disciplines as they focus on the practical aspects of the degree, rather than MBA research.

Thesis based masters

The thesis based masters programmes will need you to focus on research. The research work can span over several semesters and in the end you will likely need to write and publish a thesis document, based on a lot of R&D.

When should you consider a thesis based Masters?

If you wish to pursue a doctorate degree in future and are keen to work in a research based field, the thesis based masters is for you.

If you're considering an MBA, you'll still learn research methodologies and develop theoretical models. But, it’s not the aim of these degrees. MBA graduates usually don’t return to formal education, a key reason to develop research skills.

MBA candidates have a choice, however, as some schools allow for MBA thesis research, although they might not call it that.

At Columbia Business School, it’s called Independent Study , and at London Business School, MBA thesis research is known as a Business Project.

At most business schools, thesis work takes the place of elective courses , internships or start-up incubators. That's the difficulty for many candidates who would otherwise pursue a thesis-based MBA degree.

Who wants to trade in all those delicious electives or the chance of working for a company that might hire you in the future?

It’s a tough choice.

American MBA programmes feature internships sandwiched between the 2 years of study. In Europe, 1-year MBA programmes , typically push students towards shorter internships at the end of classroom work.

An MBA internship, even an unpaid one, offers a chance to get out there and test the business waters you want to move into. It's especially useful for international students looking to secure a work visa after graduation .

Outside of internships, entrepreneurial competitions offer a similar level of practical experience if you're interested in launching your own business.

With a heavy emphasis on practical experiences, which test the MBA models learned in class, you might find it difficult to pursue another direction.

An MBA thesis is usually the final paper that a business graduate student writes at the end of their program. If you are working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, then you will most likely need to write an MBA thesis before receiving your degree.

Despite the emphasis on internships and practical experience, business still values research. Theories, and the models they develop, are important in every area of business.

However, most MBAs aren’t planning to develop theoretical models of their own.

If you're like most business master's, you want to make the most of existing models and theories to develop your start-up or ensure your company operates ethically while increasing profits.

And, there's always a need for talented researchers to develop these models and theories.

PhD after an MBA: Why a business PhD may be right for you

However ubiquitous the MBA might be, it isn’t the highest achievable degree in the field. There’s still a doctorate to be had. And, it's at this level where most business research is conducted.

If a PhD in business interests you, you can jump straight into a PhD after your undergraduate business degree, skipping the master’s level altogether.

Or, you can pursue a business master's and then your PhD; the choice is yours, unlike other disciplines that follow a more linear path.

Is an MBA difficult? What is the difficulty level of an MBA programme?

This is one of the most common questions that international students looking forward to pursue an MBA have. More specifically, the curiosity is to determine the difficulty level of an MBA programme from the perspective of an average student.

MBA is not an easy course, but it's not too difficult as well. It is a rather interesting course if you are into business management and marketing. And there are various specialisations available, which makes the programme even more interesting and focused.

A thesis-based MBA may be right for you if:

You're considering a doctorate in business, but still want to make the most of the master's experience, you should consider a thesis-based MBA.

You’re interested in theories and the development of business models – or you plan to teach – a thesis-based degree should also be considered.

A deeper understanding of a geographical location or norms will enable you to effect real change in the world.

Most MBA candidates, however, are interested in the practical side of the degree and putting those practices into action as soon as they can, making independent MBA research superfluous, without undervaluing it.

Whichever route you plan to follow, remember that your education is as individual as you are. Take some time to think it over before finalising your decision; it’s a big one.

Already know which MBA is right for you?

Thesis-based or not, if you want to pursue your MBA degree and need help financing your international master's, we'd like to help you with that. Take a look at our no co-signer, collateral-free loans and their easy application processes now.

Some of the business schools supported by Prodigy Finance are:

  • University Of Massachusetts - Amherst - Isenberg School of Management
  • New Jersey Institute of Technology - Martin Tuchman School of Management
  • University Of Texas At Dallas - Naveen Jindal School of Management
  • University Of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business

We work with 1135 schools, 356 universities in 20 countries. You can find a school that suits you.

Prodigy Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

If you want to go ahead and know the difference between master of science and master of engineering , or if you want to know what and where to study , try our Study Centre which is filled with expert opinions on a range of topics.

For any other information about Prodigy Finance , or our student loan process, feel free to browse through our site, or register for a webinar to have your questions answered by one of our team.

Post updated for accuracy and freshness on November 6, 2019. Originally published on August 11, 2016.

We use cookies to deliver our services and give you the best possible experience on our website. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of essential cookies - for more information, please view our Cookie Policy .

  • Accelerated MBAs
  • Best Overall
  • Cheapest Online MBA
  • Free Courses
  • MBA Standouts
  • Accounting Management MBA Programs
  • Analytics Management MBA Programs
  • Entrepreneurship MBA Programs
  • Finance MBA Programs
  • Global Management MBA Programs
  • Healthcare MBA Programs
  • IT Management MBA Programs
  • Marketing MBA Programs
  • Supply Chain MBA Programs
  • Sustainability Management MBA Programs
  • Analytics Management
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • IT Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainability Management
  • 20 Questions To Ask Yourself
  • Best Resources for MBA Students
  • Editor-In-Chief

The MBA Thesis Explained

MBA thesis - featured image

Before you are awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration , you must exhibit your capacity to tackle an investigation of a particular management issue and mull over and write about it in a profound manner. This is the very purpose of the MBA thesis.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is a long piece of article that you write about a specific subject or research and is particularly done for a university degree or higher college accolade.

When you write your MBA thesis, your writing skills are put to the test. This is also your chance to present the interests, ideas, and skills that you have learned in your MBA program in a satisfying but challenging piece of writing.

As you develop your thesis, you need to investigate and analyze a specific management issue from two perspectives, the practical side and the theoretical side, using business research methods. Through your case study, you get to conduct your own research in a field you like (pending approval of a thesis adviser) that will further sharpen your skills and knowledge of that field.

The Objectives of an MBA Thesis

An MBA thesis has the following objectives:

  • To authorize students to apply the knowledge they gained in their MBA studies to a particular management issue.
  • To give students the chance to study and write about a specific topic that is of relevance and interest to them in a thorough, detailed, and well-researched manner.
  • To expose students to the principle of the entire thesis and the process of business research and academic inquiry.
  • To allow students to establish their capacity to think conceptually, communicate, and develop rational and structured thinking.

MBA Thesis: The Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills, behavioral skills.

  • Initiate a critical and comprehensive understanding of your thesis topic. Ideally, you should have a level of practical experience and expertise within your topic field.
  • Obtain an understanding of the application of business research. When you write your research paper, you should have a clear understanding of the limitations and uses of data analysis techniques that may be used in evaluating outcomes in the business management field.
  • Before you start to work and write your own ideas for your research paper, make sure you are able to critically analyze evidence and information from both practitioner and academic sources. You should communicate and develop a cohesive argument to support theoretical models and positions.
  • Students must know how to argue and evaluate alternative approaches to models and theories
  • Your MBA course is also a good way for you to appreciate your skills and competencies in relation to the organization and planning of your research project. Business schools are also perfect venues for students to master their time management skills.
  • As you work on your research requirements, you will understand the importance of working autonomously and how to exercise personal responsibility and initiative in achieving your stated objectives.

Thesis vs Dissertation: Is there a difference?

Are you interested in continuing your education after you complete your bachelor’s degree? If so, have you ever wondered if there is a difference between an MBA thesis and a dissertation; the papers that are usually required in master’s schools? Both generally have similarities. However, there are some differences that set both apart.

Similarities

mba thesis concept

Before looking for the differences between a thesis and a dissertation, know that both are actually very similar. Some schools, in fact, often used these terms interchangeably.

A thesis and a dissertation are simply papers given to master’s students. Because the structure of these papers is generally extensive, students are given larger windows of time to focus, develop, and write the paper they are assigned. The idea is to complete the papers during the last year of master’s study.

Before you get your graduate degree, you have to obtain a passing grade on your papers. The great news is that although you will not be working with other students, you can still get help from your thesis adviser and peers. With this many people helping you with your final paper, passing your dissertations or theses is very achievable.

But in case you fail the first time, most business schools allow you to resubmit your papers after doing more work to finally meet the requirements.

Type of Graduate Program

One difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is required for a master’s program, while dissertations are required for a doctorate program. However, this is not always the case. There are some master’s degree programs that no longer require theses or dissertations. Instead, they are offered in two separate paths: the thesis options and the non-thesis options.

Students who later on plan to obtain a doctorate degree are encouraged to go for the thesis option to prepare them for the dissertations that they will have to write as doctorate students.

The biggest difference between theses and dissertations are the intended purpose. Usually required to get a master’s degree, the thesis is designed to test your skills and understanding of your chosen field of study. 

Most business universities require students to create and write a proposition based on the previous work created by others. The idea is to analyze and present these previous works on your paper and make a case for a particular point of view.

Dissertations are done by students in a doctorate program and focus mainly on original research. Students assigned with dissertations are required to think of a subject in the field they’re interested in but haven’t been researched yet. They have to come up with a concept and hypothesis and make original research papers to prove (or disprove) a hypothesis.

MBA thesis - fact

MBA Thesis: The Thesis Topic

When you begin working on your thesis topic, you can choose one in any area/industry as long as it is related to a management or business issue. You can create a new topic or develop ideas you have previously worked on in the program, an elective you studied before in various disciplines, or a module assignment. You need to establish a topic that is relevant to contemporary business and academic thinking.

There are also MBA business degree students who are provided with thesis topics by their sponsoring organization. But if this doesn’t work for you, then the development of an original one is required. You need to think about your areas of interest that you can work on. 

Since choosing a topic is already challenging and hard work itself, it’s best to go for something that will sustain your enthusiasm and motivation throughout the long process of making a thesis.

To have an idea as to what topic you can work on, here are guide questions to get you started:

  • Is there a managerial/business issue/problem relating to your organization or job that you’re interested to study?
  • Do you have a subject area you’re interested in that, if one day you’ll become an expert, would further improve your career?
  • Have you come across a business problem that you believe you can help through your research paper?

MBA Thesis: The Research Proposal

The research proposal is the heart of the thesis. This is the outline of the research work you plan on doing for your research. It is a roadmap on which your professional and academic career depends.

The proposal stage of MBA programs will normally require you to answer these questions:

  • What are the boundaries and focus of the MBA thesis topic you choose? What will it include? What won’t?
  • What are the objectives and aims of your business plan/research?
  • Is your proposed thesis topic feasible? Can you handle the terms of scale and scope?
  • What topics will you utilize in doing your research?
  • Do you have the resources, competencies, and skills to do the research and study the findings?
  • What resources do you need to complete your paper?

Research Aim and Objectives

This is your general statement of your paper’s intent or direction. What are you trying to achieve?

These are the clear and specific writing of your paper’s outcomes and intentions. This must be followed by your justification (the rationale behind doing your research).

Literature Review of an MBA Thesis

In this section, you will summarize the key subject and literature that you have read so far. You will indicate the findings, business principles, and ideas you’ve read have relevance to your subject topic. You should also provide the raw data of at least 25 major academic literature references. All in all, your MBA thesis should cite at least 50 credible and relevant references.

The purpose of your literature review is to critically analyze and review documented theories and evidence relative to your topic and recognize what is and is not known in the field.

MBA Thesis: Conducting the Research

In an MBA program, the nature of your thesis will affect what type of final paper you will be writing. Although there are alternative research designs, they are usually categorized into three types:

Exploratory Research

You use this on your MBA thesis when you have a few existing ideas about the topic you are writing about. This involves observation of a previously under-researched or new topic. The research design of exploratory study uses qualitative methods and is generally not designed to test defined study hypotheses.

Descriptive Research

This is where you define a situation or phenomenon and has a very good structure. Your starting point for this paper starts with your ideas on existing hypotheses that you can then use in identifying variables to be measured. You can use quantitative methods and descriptive statistics in this type of writing.

Explanatory Research

Also called causal study, your presentation here is more on identifying and explaining the relationship between variables that affect a situation. You come up with hypotheses and collect data that supports or negates these hypotheses.

Tips To Help You Prepare and Write a Good MBA Thesis

creating mba thesis

Whether you have a thesis adviser or you get professional assistance on your analysis for your MBA thesis, making your paper is very challenging. You need the right structure and all the freshest ideas to help you complete your final paper.

To help you complete your MBA degree and its corresponding thesis and capstone projects, you need practical steps to make your business school education truly rewarding in the end. For both local and international students all over the world, here are some helpful tips to make a good MBA thesis.

Choose a topic you’re interested in.

It takes a great deal of work, time, and dedication to finish an MBA thesis successfully. So why would you want to write something you’re least interested in? One of the great benefits of an MBA thesis is that you can choose and work on your own ideas about a specific subject. From there, build a solid structure and work on your writing skills to prove to everybody how bright your ideas are.

Select a topic that has a lot of information available.

Just like the significance of choosing a topic you love, you should also go for a topic that has lots of information available. Of course, your MBA thesis is not just a mere presentation of facts and figures. You need to have readily available facts to draw conclusions.

Be creative and methodical.

An MBA thesis requires a lot of analysis so you can gather enough data to support your argument. As you gather information, be open-minded. Avoid limiting yourself to the usual methods of compiling data. We are now in a digital world where anybody can compile data in so many ways. Simply put, diversify the way you present data in your MBA thesis.

Recheck facts and details, and recheck twice!

When you’re done with your MBA thesis, make sure you recheck your facts, twice! In a business school, your thesis is the most critical part of your entire graduate school journey. Check, then re-check every detail, fact, or figure in your work.

If you can, ask a university mentor to go over your thesis: from the introduction down to the conclusion. Maybe he/she can contribute more to the effectiveness of your writing.

MBA Thesis: When Should You Pursue?

How do you stand out and make real companies feel that you can be a great addition to them? Is having a business administration education enough? What are the implications if you want to pursue a master’s? And if you do, when is a thesis-based MBA right for you?

  • If you are planning to get a doctorate in business and you also want to make the most of your master’s program experience, go for a thesis-based MBA.
  • If you love to write, you want to further your education, or you plan to teach, a thesis-based MBA should be considered.

How Long is the Thesis for an MBA Program?

An MBA thesis usually ranges from 100 to 300 pages– from the introduction down to the last page, excluding the bibliography. However, the length generally depends on different factors, like the method of study or the subject matter.

There is no ‘correct’ word count or page length to aim for. Your MBA thesis, instead, has to be long enough for you to correctly convey the information you need to convey in a clear manner.

Overall, the MBA thesis is designed to support the professional and academic qualifications of graduate students.

Grad Coach

Research Topics & Ideas: Business

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

Business/management/MBA research topics

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

Research topic idea mega list

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

Research topic evaluator

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

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

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

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

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.

You Might Also Like:

IT & Computer Science Research Topics

Great help. thanks

solomon

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

Benny

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

SHADRACK OBENG YEBOAH

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

Denford Chimboza

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.

Negessa Abdisa

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.

Ngam Leke

Research topic accounting

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Print Friendly

See Your Future With an MBA

With programs for full-time, working professional, and executive MBA students in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, find the program that works for you.

Texas McCombs MBA

Full-Time MBA

Evening MBA

Executive MBA

MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth

Mba at houston, find yourself at the future of business, here, you are what’s next.

Unlock your full potential and propel your career to new heights with a Texas McCombs MBA, where transformative education meets unparalleled opportunities for success.

Choose Your MBA Program Format

Immerse yourself in the MBA experience with a flexible curriculum and in-depth career exploration.

Designed for working professionals in Austin with classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Work during the week, and earn your MBA on alternating weekends at our McCombs campus in Dallas.

Earn your MBA in Houston with classes on alternating weekends and no career interruption.

Designed specifically for executives with just one on-campus class weekend each month.

Nationally Ranked Across All MBA Programs

in the U.S.

U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Working Professional MBA

MBA Campus Environment

The Princeton Review, 2019, 2020, 2021

Take the Next Step

Sign up for mba news.

Join our mailing list to receive information about the program, application updates, and event invitations.

IMAGES

  1. (PDF) Faculty of Business Administration Guidelines on Writing the MBA

    mba with thesis

  2. MBA Thesis

    mba with thesis

  3. Thesis Mba Project Management

    mba with thesis

  4. Mba Thesis : A List of Winning MBA Thesis Topics in Marketing

    mba with thesis

  5. MBA Thesis

    mba with thesis

  6. Learn to finish your MBA thesis on-time

    mba with thesis

VIDEO

  1. MBA thesis defence

  2. Video Thesis Irvan Kelas SEMBA 43B

  3. Video Thesis Rudi Nugraha EMBA51A

  4. WC&IS MBA_2023 Xuan Hung

  5. Master in Business Administration MBA Thesis Final Defense! 🥳#ThesisDefense #MBA

  6. MBA Admissions Essays Masterclass: INSEAD and London Business School

COMMENTS

  1. When should you consider thesis based MBA?

    An MBA thesis is usually the final paper that a business graduate student writes at the end of their program. If you are working towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, then you will most likely need to write an MBA thesis before receiving your degree.

  2. The MBA Thesis Explained

    Overall, the MBA thesis is designed to support the professional and academic qualifications of graduate students. Am MBA thesis is requirement for the master's degree to be conferred to a candidate. Learn what constitutes an excellent thesis and how you can craft one.

  3. Are Online MBAs Worth It? Here’s Insight From The ...

    The online MBA rankings are in, and there’s one clear winner: Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. According to the most recent U.S. News & World Report ranking of online master's ...

  4. MBA Research Topics In Business (+ Free Webinar)

    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.

  5. MBA Programs

    Find Yourself at the Future of Business. When it’s time to stir up business and shift an industry, a Texas McCombs MBA is at the intersection of your big ideas and bold innovations – helping you make an impact in business and beyond. Jump right in and make the dust fly from the classroom to the boardroom. At Texas McCombs, we invite you to ...