Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – IGNOU MBA Project (MMPP-001)
The IGNOU MBA Project FAQ section is designed to answer the most common and important questions related to the MMPP-001 MBA Project. Many IGNOU MBA students face confusion about synopsis approval, project formats, submission deadlines, evaluation process, and viva-voce requirements. This FAQ guide brings all essential information together in one place to help students complete their project smoothly and confidently.
Whether you are enrolled in ODL or MBA (Online) mode, this IGNOU MBA Project FAQ covers the complete project lifecycle—from topic selection and synopsis submission to final project report submission and result declaration. All information is explained in a clear and student-friendly manner, strictly aligned with the latest IGNOU guidelines. By referring to this FAQ, students can avoid common mistakes, meet deadlines accurately, and improve their chances of successful project approval.
Q1. What is MMPP-001 in the IGNOU MBA programme?
MMPP-001 is the final project course of the IGNOU MBA programme. It is a research-based component where students apply management concepts, tools, and techniques to a real organisational or industry-related problem. Successful completion of this project is mandatory for award of the MBA degree.
Q2. Is the IGNOU MBA Project compulsory for all students?
Yes, completion of the MMPP-001 project is compulsory for every IGNOU MBA student, irrespective of the chosen specialisation such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Operations, or any other stream.
Q3. How many credits does the IGNOU MBA Project carry?
The IGNOU MBA Project carries 8 credits, making it one of the most significant academic components of the MBA programme and contributing substantially to the final evaluation.
Q4. When should students start planning their MBA project?
Students are advised to start planning their project during the final year of the programme. Early planning helps in selecting a suitable topic, preparing the synopsis, obtaining approval on time, and avoiding delays during submission.
Q5. Is synopsis approval mandatory before starting the project work?
Yes, IGNOU requires students to obtain formal approval of the project synopsis before beginning data collection or writing the final project report. Any work done without approved synopsis may not be accepted for evaluation.
Q6. What are the deadlines for submitting the IGNOU MBA Project and Synopsis?
The deadlines depend on the admission session. For the July admission batch, the synopsis is generally submitted by 30th September and the final project report by 31st March. For the January admission batch, the synopsis deadline is usually 31st March, while the project report is submitted by 30th November.
Q7. How is the project synopsis submitted?
The synopsis must be prepared as per IGNOU guidelines and submitted to the concerned Study Centre or Regional Centre. The Programme In-Charge reviews the proposal and may approve it or suggest modifications. The synopsis must be typed on A4 size paper, double-spaced, and students should always keep a personal copy for reference.
Q8. What documents must be attached with the project synopsis?
The synopsis submission should include a duly signed Proforma for Approval, a consent letter from the guide, and the complete synopsis document. If the guide is not an IGNOU counsellor, a signed bio-data of the guide is also mandatory. Incomplete submissions are not approved.
Q9. What formats of project synopsis are accepted by IGNOU?
IGNOU accepts three formats: a comprehensive case study covering multiple functional areas of an organisation, an inter-organisational comparative study involving two or more organisations, and a field-based research study. Field studies usually require an 8–12 page proposal covering objectives, methodology, sampling, tools, and analysis approach.
Q10. How should a suitable project topic be selected?
A suitable project topic should be practical, research-oriented, and closely aligned with the student’s MBA specialisation. The topic must allow sufficient scope for data collection, analysis, and meaningful conclusions within the available time.
Q11. What writing style should be followed in the IGNOU MBA Project Report?
The project report should be written in clear, simple, and formal academic language. Short forms and informal abbreviations should be avoided. The content should mainly be written in the present tense and presented in a logical, systematic, and well-structured manner.
Q12. Is there any fixed word limit or page limit for the project report?
IGNOU does not prescribe a strict word limit. However, most well-prepared project reports generally range between 50 to 100 pages, depending on the nature of research, data analysis, and appendices.
Q13. What is the prescribed structure of the IGNOU MBA Project Report?
The report generally includes an introduction with background and objectives, review of literature, organisational profile (if applicable), research methodology, results and discussion with tables or charts, summary and conclusion, recommendations, limitations or future scope, references or bibliography, and annexures such as questionnaires.
Q14. What formatting requirements must be followed for the project report?
The project report must be prepared on A4 size paper, typed in double spacing, and bound as a single volume. It should include a proper cover page, table of contents with page numbers, continuous pagination, and all mandatory documents bound inside the report.
Q15. What documents must be bound inside the final project report?
The final bound report must contain the approved project proposal (synopsis and proforma), guide’s bio-data, and the originality certificate signed by both the student and the guide. The approved proposal must be properly bound inside and not attached separately.
Q16. Where should the synopsis be submitted by ODL and Online MBA students?
ODL (distance learning) students must submit the synopsis to the Regional Director of their respective Regional Centre, either physically or through the official email ID. MBA (Online) students are required to submit the synopsis only through the IGNOU LMS Portal.
Q17. How is the final IGNOU MBA Project Report submitted?
ODL students must send one typed and bound copy of the project report to the Registrar (SED), IGNOU, New Delhi, either by registered post, speed post, or by hand. After receipt, IGNOU issues a Project Report Number for future reference. Online MBA students must submit the report through the LMS Portal only.
Q18. When can the project report be submitted and how does it affect results?
Project reports may be submitted throughout the year. Reports submitted between 1st December and 31st May are evaluated for the June Term-End Examination, while submissions between 1st June and 30th November are evaluated for the December Term-End Examination. From the January 2023 admission cycle, a ₹500 project evaluation fee is applicable.
Q19. What is the minimum passing mark for the IGNOU MBA Project?
The project is evaluated out of 100 marks, and students must secure at least 40% marks to successfully pass the MMPP-001 course.
Q20. Does IGNOU conduct a viva-voce for the MBA project?
IGNOU may conduct a viva-voce in certain cases to assess the student’s understanding of the project. The viva focuses on the research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions presented in the report.
Q21. How is the IGNOU MBA Project evaluated?
Evaluation is based on the relevance of the topic, research design, quality of data analysis, interpretation of results, originality of work, clarity of presentation, and overall academic rigour.
Q22. Can the project topic be changed after synopsis approval?
Once the synopsis is approved, changing the project topic is generally discouraged. Any major change usually requires submission of a fresh synopsis and approval from IGNOU.
Q23. Is plagiarism allowed in the IGNOU MBA Project?
No, IGNOU follows strict academic integrity norms. The project must be original and properly referenced. Plagiarism can lead to rejection of the project or disciplinary action.
Q24. What happens if the project proposal or documents are incomplete?
If any required document is missing or incorrectly submitted, the proposal will not be approved. Students must correct the deficiencies and resubmit the complete proposal for approval.
Q25. How long does IGNOU take to declare MBA project results?
Project evaluation usually takes a few months after submission. Results are declared along with or shortly after the Term-End Examination results.
