Factors to consider in choosing a dissertation topic to investigate: a note for MBA students

Factors to consider in choosing a dissertation topic to investigate: a note for MBA students

The following diagram summarizes the main factors to consider in the choice and further formulation of dissertation topic to investigate. This diagram is for my MBA students, who are interested in the academic-oriented type of dissertation projects:

Factors appear in the diagram

Factor 1 [the task]: choosing a specific topic of investigation

[The factors to consider: 2-9]

Factor 2: 1 or more business subjects (e.g. marketing, operations management, etc.) [re: the MBA programme structure]

Factor 3: 1 or more business subject topics (e.g. certain consumer behavior topics in marketing)

Factor 4: 1 or more theoretical frameworks and theories (e.g. specific consumer behavior models)

Factor 5: 1 or more interesting (e.g. hot) business issues (especially those reported in the public media)

Factor 6: 1 or more research gaps

Factor 7: 1 or more research philosophies

Factor 8: 1 or more personal intellectual interest and curiosity (e.g. due to some personal experience; for example, a student is interested in studying leadership style because her boss treats her badly).

Factor 9: the level of intellectual complexity (and sophistication) at the Master Degree level.

** The diagram portrays a simplified picture on the relatedness of the factors involved, as many of these factors have dense relationship with each other in actuality.