MBA 653: Organizational Development & Change Management
Research Project: The research project is a team project. It will count for 20% of your total grade. With each team member getting the same mark, it is important to choose team members that will work and communicate efficiently and effectively with each other! Teams cannot
have less than 3 members or more than 5. The project is intended to be a research
document focusing on a particular topic. Topics will be recommended by the professor.
Topics of your choice may be accepted if the instructor is convinced of their importance and
and of your motivation to treat that subject.
Format of the research project:
Abstract: One page in which you summarize your research. It will include the objectives, methodology, and the findings.
Introduction: 1 page maximum summarizing the objectives of your project
Theoretical Framework and Research Statement: In this section you are expected
to describe in detail the context of the research, and your research question.
Methodology: Here you will describe the methods you chose to use in order to
reach your objective which is to find pertinent answers to the questions you
developed in the research statement. In the case of an empirical project (in which, for
example, you would need to give a questionnaire to individuals or companies) you
will be required to describe the sample’s characteristics. Moreover, you need to be clear about research designs (quantitative or qualitative; descriptive or coloration; or primary or secondary).
Discussion: This section will contain all the relevant findings. This is the most important section of your work. You will analyze the results of your study. You will show a clear understanding of the nature and significance of your findings. Your analytical skills will clearly be of central importance to this section of your research.
Recommendations: Based upon the critical analysis of your findings you will be
required to provide recommendations that, in your opinion, would have helped to improve the change implementation from an organizational development perspective.
Conclusion: One page maximum in which, in point form where possible, you will
summarize your findings.
Bibliography: A list of the readings, books, articles, organizational documents, internet documents etc, used for the research project.
The following requirements and deadlines must be met:
•On that document the following information is required.
Name and student number of each team member
Name of the topic chosen and why in a few lines
You will be expected to submit the final document professionally presented with a cover page including:
• Title
• Date
• Name, student number and email of each group member
• Name of the course.
• Name of the professor
The project will be graded primarily on your team’s capacity to produce a professional work based on a sound understanding of the problems at hand, the capacity to select the right methods to answer the important questions, and most importantly, your analytical skills, and a bibliography.
Presentation: You will present your analysis in a PowerPoint presentation. You will be graded on the breadth and depth of analysis, as well as the overall accuracy of analysis. Your presentation should be 25- 30 minutes—it needs to be focused. Remember to include a reference slide at the end of your presentation. You must present to receive full credit for your participation in the project. You will give me a hard copy of your presentation BEFORE you present.
