research projects for business and management students

What Is Research For MBA?

Research for MBA (Master of Business Administration) involves the systematic investigation of business-related topics, issues, or problems using academic methods and approaches. It aims to generate new knowledge, insights, or solutions that contribute to the advancement of the field of business and management.

MBA research can encompass various areas such as management, leadership, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, innovation, and more. The research process typically involves formulating research questions, conducting literature reviews, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence.

The ultimate goal of research for MBA students is to develop critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and make informed decisions in real-world business contexts.

Business Strategy and Innovation

The impact of disruptive technologies on traditional business models.
Strategies for sustainable competitive advantage.
Business model innovation in the digital age.
The role of strategic alliances in business growth.
Corporate strategy and its influence on organizational performance.
The impact of globalization on business strategy.
Strategic planning in uncertain environments.
Innovation management in high-tech industries.
The role of strategic thinking in business success.
Strategic responses to market changes.
The influence of organizational structure on strategic implementation.
Mergers and acquisitions: Strategies for success.
The impact of corporate culture on strategic change.
Strategic management practices in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The role of big data in strategic decision-making.
Competitive strategies in the retail industry.
The impact of technological advancements on strategic management.
Strategic approaches to entering emerging markets.
The role of innovation in corporate strategy.
The influence of external factors on strategic business decisions.

Marketing and Consumer Behavior

How social media marketing affects the way consumers behave.
How brand loyalty impacts what consumers decide to buy.
Marketing techniques that work across different cultures for global brands.
How effective influencer marketing is in today’s digital world.
How consumers behave towards eco-friendly products.
How emotional branding engages consumers.
Marketing tactics used for luxury brands.
How mobile marketing affects consumer purchasing decisions.
How digital marketing increases brand awareness.
How customer reviews influence consumer perceptions.
Strategies and challenges of marketing to Generation Z.
How experiential marketing affects consumers.
How packaging influences what consumers buy.
How green marketing impacts consumer behavior.
How content marketing helps build brand loyalty.
Consumer behavior in online shopping.
How pricing strategies influence consumer buying decisions.
The effectiveness of marketing campaigns related to causes.
How advertising influences consumer buying behavior.
Marketing strategies for businesses in developing markets.

Finance and Accounting

Financial risk management strategies in volatile markets.
The impact of corporate governance on financial performance.
The role of big data analytics in financial decision-making.
Corporate social responsibility and financial performance.
The influence of financial regulations on banking sector stability.
Investment strategies for long-term growth.
The role of venture capital in startup success.
The impact of economic downturns on corporate finance.
Financial planning and its impact on business growth.
The effectiveness of different financial ratios in predicting business success.
The role of forensic accounting in detecting financial fraud.
The impact of tax policies on business investment decisions.
The influence of financial literacy on personal investment choices.
The role of microfinance in poverty alleviation.
Financial challenges faced by SMEs.
The impact of interest rates on corporate borrowing.
The role of corporate bonds in business financing.
The effectiveness of financial auditing in corporate governance.
The influence of global financial markets on local economies.
The role of ethics in financial reporting.

Human Resources and Organizational Behavior

The impact of employee engagement on organizational performance.
Strategies for effective talent management.
The role of human resource management in fostering innovation.
Employee retention strategies in competitive markets.
The influence of workplace diversity on organizational success.
The role of training and development in employee performance.
The impact of remote work on employee productivity.
Strategies for managing organizational change.
The influence of organizational culture on employee behavior.
The role of performance appraisals in employee motivation.
Work-life balance and its impact on employee satisfaction.
The effectiveness of different recruitment strategies.
The role of human resource management in crisis situations.
The impact of job satisfaction on employee turnover.
The influence of leadership on employee morale.
Strategies for managing workforce diversity.
The role of compensation and benefits in employee motivation.
The impact of organizational structure on employee behavior.
The effectiveness of team-building activities.
The influence of employee well-being programs on organizational performance.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

Strategies for optimizing supply chain management.
The impact of technology on supply chain efficiency.
The role of logistics in supply chain management.
Inventory management strategies for reducing costs.
The influence of supplier relationships on supply chain performance.
The impact of global supply chains on local economies.
Strategies for managing supply chain risks.
The role of sustainable practices in supply chain management.
The effectiveness of just-in-time inventory systems.
The impact of e-commerce on supply chain management.
Strategies for improving supply chain visibility.
The role of big data in supply chain optimization.
The influence of transportation management on supply chain efficiency.
The impact of supply chain disruptions on business performance.
Strategies for managing supply chain complexity.
The role of quality management in supply chain success.
The influence of regulatory compliance on supply chain management.
The impact of outsourcing on supply chain performance.
Strategies for integrating supply chain management with business strategy.
The role of technology in supply chain collaboration.

Entrepreneurship and Startups

The role of venture capital in startup growth.
Success factors for scaling startups into sustainable businesses.
Female entrepreneurship: Challenges and opportunities.
The impact of entrepreneurial education on startup success.
Strategies for managing startup growth.
The role of innovation in startup success.
The influence of market research on startup performance.
The impact of government policies on entrepreneurship.
Strategies for building a strong startup team.
The role of mentorship in entrepreneurial success.
The influence of social networks on startup growth.
The impact of crowdfunding on startup financing.
Strategies for managing startup risks.
The role of incubators and accelerators in startup success.
The influence of entrepreneurial ecosystems on startup growth.
The impact of digital marketing on startup performance.
Strategies for achieving product-market fit.
The role of business model innovation in startup success.
The influence of cultural factors on entrepreneurship.
The impact of technology on startup growth.

International Business

Strategies for entering international markets.
How cultural differences affect doing business in different countries.
How trade deals between countries help businesses grow.
How to handle supply chains that span multiple countries.
How worldwide economic trends affect business globally.
How political unrest affects business activities in different countries.
How to manage mergers and acquisitions across country borders.
How international marketing helps businesses succeed worldwide.
How changes in currency exchange rates impact international business.
How globalization affects small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
Strategies for managing international business risks.
The role of international human resource management.
The influence of international regulations on business operations.
The impact of cultural intelligence on international business success.
Strategies for building international business networks.
The role of international finance in business growth.
The influence of foreign direct investment on local economies.
The impact of global competition on business strategy.
Strategies for managing international business expansion.
The role of technology in international business operations.

Information Technology and Business Analytics

The impact of information technology on business performance.
Strategies for implementing business intelligence systems.
The role of data analytics in business decision-making.
The influence of cloud computing on business operations.
The impact of cybersecurity on business performance.
Strategies for managing big data in organizations.
The role of artificial intelligence in business operations.
The influence of digital transformation on business strategy.
The impact of blockchain technology on business processes.
Strategies for leveraging social media analytics.
The role of predictive analytics in business planning.
The influence of the Internet of Things (IoT) on business operations.
The impact of mobile technology on business performance.
Strategies for managing IT project risks.
The role of machine learning in business optimization.
The influence of IT governance on business success.
The impact of digital innovation on business strategy.
Strategies for integrating IT systems in mergers and acquisitions.
The role of IT in supply chain management.
The influence of technology on customer experience.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The impact of corporate social responsibility on brand reputation.
Strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations.
The role of green marketing in consumer behavior.
The influence of environmental regulations on business performance.
The impact of sustainable practices on supply chain management.
Strategies for measuring corporate sustainability performance.
The role of CSR in employee engagement.
The influence of sustainability reporting on investor decisions.
The impact of ethical business practices on consumer trust.
Strategies for implementing circular economy principles.
The role of corporate philanthropy in community development.
The influence of sustainability on product innovation.
The impact of climate change on business strategy.
Strategies for reducing the environmental impact of business operations.
The role of CSR in building brand loyalty.
The influence of sustainable business practices on competitive advantage.
The impact of social entrepreneurship on community development.
Strategies for promoting sustainability in the workplace.
The role of corporate governance in sustainability.
The influence of stakeholder engagement on corporate social responsibility.

How Do I Get A Research Topic?

Choosing a research topic can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can find a topic that is both interesting and impactful. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Identify Your Interests

Think about the subjects within your MBA program that you find most engaging. Reflect on the courses, topics, and projects that have piqued your interest. Your enthusiasm for the subject will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

Review Course Materials

Go through your course notes, textbooks, and past assignments. Reviewing these materials can help you identify themes and topics that are both relevant and intriguing.

Conduct Preliminary Research

Do some initial reading on potential topics. Use academic journals, industry reports, and reputable online sources to gather information. This will help you understand the current state of research in your areas of interest.

Identify Gaps in the Literature

Look for areas that have not been extensively studied or where there are conflicting findings. Identifying gaps can help you find a unique angle for your research.

Consider Practical Implications

Think about how your research could have practical applications in the business world. Topics that address real-world problems are often more impactful and can be more rewarding to study.

Discuss with Professors and Peers

Talk to your professors, academic advisors, and classmates about your ideas. They can provide valuable feedback and may suggest additional topics or resources you hadn’t considered.

Narrow Down Your Options

Based on your preliminary research and discussions, narrow down your list of potential topics. Consider factors such as the availability of data, the scope of the research, and your own skills and knowledge.

Formulate Research Questions

For each potential topic, try to formulate specific research questions. This will help you evaluate the feasibility of the topic and clarify what you aim to discover through your research.

Evaluate Feasibility

Consider the practical aspects of conducting research on your chosen topic. Think about the availability of data, access to resources, time constraints, and any potential obstacles you might face.

Make a Decision

Choose a topic that excites you, has academic merit, and is feasible given your resources and time constraints. Ensure it aligns with your career goals and interests.

Choosing the right MBA research topics are essential for students looking to make an impact in the business world. Whether it’s exploring leadership styles, studying the latest trends in AI, or understanding consumer behavior, there’s no shortage of exciting topics to explore. By delving into these areas, students can gain valuable insights that will prepare them for successful careers in business.

Research Topics & Ideas: Business

F inding 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

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

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

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.

Find The Perfect Research Topic

How To Choose A Research Topic: 5 Key Criteria

Learn how to systematically evaluate potential research topics and choose the best option for your dissertation, thesis or research paper.

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11 Comments

Great help. thanks

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

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

a feasibility study for the establishment of rice processing system in (_____)

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

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.

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.

Research topic accounting

Kindly assist me with a research topic on low income?

Kindly assist me with a research topic on low income? PHD/ Doctoral thesis

Please I need research topic on Tourism management for masters thesis

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Top 200 MBA Research Topics [Updated 2024]