
The Real Struggles MBA Students Face While Completing Their Projects
When I first started my MBA project I thought it would be simple. Select a subject, do some study, write about it and then submit. Easy. I imagined doing it in only a few months, with a few late nights prior to the deadline. It was a shock to the system. The project will not be simply a report. It tests your ability to plan, perseverance and ability to deal with unexpected challenges. Everybody in my batch suffered in a way.
Students often think they can apply the same approach to their essays or research. However, in the following weeks they find that deadlines are nearer than they expected The data isn't up to scratch, chapters don't link and motivation drops. The MBA task can become overwhelming if you don't manage it appropriately.
Here I'll share the challenges most students face and ways to deal with them. There is no magic formula but learning from experience helps greatly.
Choosing a Topic Is Harder Than It Looks
A topic could seem simple but it's not. I made the mistake of choosing a topic that looked appealing but was hard to execute. Many weeks passed while I tried to collect data from companies who did not reply. Some of my peers chose fashionable topics without considering whether they had data. The result is similar. It takes weeks to feel dissatisfied.
A practical subject is better than a dazzling one. It should be compatible with your resources as well as your interests. For instance, substitute "The Future of Marketing in India" pick "Social Media Marketing Strategies in Local Retail Stores." It's more focused, data is easy to collect, and the objectives are clear.
Objectives Are More Important Than You Think
Goals are the foundation of your entire project. Numerous students do the error of writing vague objectives, such as "To study the impact of leadership on productivity." That tells nothing. My own objectives had to be revised several times in order to make them tangible and lucid.
A clear set of objectives helps you determine the method, methodology, and data collection analysis. If you don't have clear objectives, your project may feel unconnected. I've learned to consider the things I'd like to gauge and how I can tell if I am successful. These questions create a huge difference in the performance of your work.
Collecting and Analysing Data Is Painful
Data collection is the most common area in which students are struggling. I spent days calling small businesses for surveys. Some ignored me completely and others promised me answers that did not arrive. Surveys online are helpful, but the responses are often not always complete.
Analysis is another challenge. There are no limits to the quality of charts and tables but if it isn't clear the meaning behind them, they're useless. Students copied graphs in a straight line without any explanation. Statistics don't mean anything unless you provide them with explanations.
One suggestion is to try piloting your survey to a couple of people prior to completing it. It assists in identifying confusing questions and saves time. Always link your analysis with goals. If, for instance, your project investigates satisfaction with customers, make sure your survey has quantifiable data regarding product quality, service reliability and response time.
Time Management Is Tough
Everyone knows that time management is crucial, however in ignou mba project website (http://sleep-talking.waemok.co.kr) it's harder than it seems. Between classes, group work, assignments and internships there's insufficient time. When I put off chapters, I thought I could finish in a couple of days. However, after a few weeks I was worried.
Breaking the project up into smaller assignments can make it easier. Break it down into literature review, methodology, data collection and analysis, as well as writing chapters in a separate way. Keep track of your progress each week. One chapter or section completed per week is motivating.
Writing Is Harder Than You Think
Even when you have data ready, writing can be difficult. I was unable to convey results in simple language. Certain sections seemed repetitive. I have rewritten the chapter on analysis several times.
Maintain a simple language that is easy to read. Encourage your classmates to look over sections. Sometimes being too immersed in the project you're working on makes it difficult to recognize mistakes. Fresh eyes help a lot.
Supervisors Can Be Helpful But Also Frustrating
Work with a supervisor can be tricky. Some are clear with their instructions and others are incoherent or difficult to satisfy. Two weeks passed before I received the response but it took a while to complete my progress.
It is important to be proactive. Develop specific questions, maintain a respectful manner, and record feedback. Supervisors help but you have to take responsibility for your own work.
Formatting and References Matter
I did not pay attention to formatting in the beginning. Fonts, spacing, certificates. I believed I could fix them later. Big mistake. It could have delayed submission.
References are equally crucial. One missing citation can raise questions. Utilize tools to manage your reference sources and work on it while writing chapters, rather than waiting until the last. Correct formatting makes your essay less difficult to digest and makes it appear more professional.
Stress Is Real
Stress is unavoidable. Deadlines, corrections and incomplete data can make it difficult. At times, I stared at the screen with the feeling that I'd never have time to finish.
Short breaks help. Socializing with friends, going for walks, or just listening to music. Recognize small victories. Achieving a completed literature review or the data collection process are significant milestones. These milestones keep the drive alive.
Ethical Confusion
Many students panic over what type of help is permitted. If you want to get help, but you are not able to have someone write your proposal. Ethical guidance may include comments on the structure, methodology, and clarity. Original work must remain yours.
Asking for help does not mean that you're cheating. It's a good idea to take advantage of the resources available. Teachers expect students to ask for help if they're stuck.
Reviewing Your Work
I focused on the chapters separately initially. Then I realized that the project overall had a lot of repetitions, inconsistent terms and missing hyperlinks. Reading the project fully reveals the gaps. Imagine yourself as an examiner. You will catch mistakes you wouldn't have noticed otherwise.
Procrastination Destroys Quality
A delay in work is a serious issue. It was my expectation that I could finish data analysis and writing in just a couple of hours. But that never happened. Every delay slowed down quality.
Begin early. A single paragraph or section per day adds up. The project is now easily manageable and not overwhelming.
What I Learned
The MBA task isn't a difficult one because of the complexity. It's tough because students don't have enough planning, clarity or guidance. It is normal to make mistakes. The trick is to learn and move forward.
It is important to be organized, but flexibility is essential. Things rarely go as planned. A few data points will go unnoticed The supervisors will hesitate while obstacles will pop up. The difference lies in how you deal with these issues. Break down tasks into smaller pieces, focus on one step at a moment, and set realistic expectations.
Projects can teach you skills beyond the academic. Time management, discipline in research written clarity, problem solving are lessons that can be used in professional life. The project can be stressful, but also practical.

Closing Thoughts
When you begin your MBA project, select a topic which you are able to study. Set out your goals clearly. Make small steps. Request help when you need it. Take breaks. Write in a simple manner. Avoid chasing perfection. Begin on time.
The MBA project can be more that a formal report. It tests planning, patience and problem solving. There will be some struggles. Everyone does. But every struggle teaches something. In the end, the project will not be submitted. It helps you become an undergraduate, researcher and a future professional.