Navigating the Triad of Interests in Business Dissertation Selection

Understanding the Stakeholders in Your Dissertation Journey

The success of a business dissertation hinges on satisfying the needs of three key stakeholders: the university, the student, and the employer. Each party has distinct motivations and expectations that must be carefully balanced to ensure a fruitful outcome.

The University's Perspective

Universities seek to uphold academic integrity while fostering the development of practical business skills. They aim to:

• Award degrees based on merit.
• Encourage the acquisition of applicable business knowledge.
• Maintain high academic standards.
• Equip students with lifelong learning abilities.
• Produce alumni who excel in their careers.

The Student's Ambitions

Students pursue business degrees for various reasons, including:

• Earning an MBA or business degree.
• Unlocking new career opportunities.
• Boosting earning potential.
• Achieving high grades with efficient effort.
• Gaining respect in the business community.
• Exploring specific business challenges.
• Adapting to new business environments.
• Self-discovery within the business realm.

The Employer's Goals

Employers often have strategic motives for supporting employees' education, such as:

• Creating a qualified workforce.
• Enhancing management skills.
• Retaining talent through sponsorship agreements.
• Promoting job satisfaction and internal advancement.
• Gaining cost-effective consultancy from research projects.
• Rapidly adapting to change.
• Accessing academic resources.
• Strengthening the company's knowledge base.

Avoiding Conflict in Topic Selection

To prevent clashes among stakeholders, it's essential to identify common ground and avoid areas of disagreement. For example:

• A university's desire to collaborate with a local business may not align with a student's interests.
• Academically trendy topics might lack relevance for employers.
• Practical issues valued by employers and students could be deemed too simplistic by academia.

To navigate these potential conflicts, focus on shared objectives:

• Earning a degree.
• Enhancing the student's skills.
• Preparing the student for career advancement.

By staying within this "zone of comfort," you can select a dissertation topic that meets everyone's needs without compromising your academic journey.

The Challenge of Balancing Expectations

The most challenging aspect of managing expectations lies in aligning the university's academic requirements, the employer's practical needs, and the student's personal and professional growth. It requires strategic thinking and a clear understanding of each party's motives.

In crafting your dissertation topic, consider the following:

• How does the topic contribute to your career trajectory?
• Will the research findings be valuable to your employer?
• Does the topic meet the academic standards of your institution?

By addressing these questions, you can choose a dissertation topic that harmonizes the interests of all stakeholders involved.

Insights from Dr. Robert Lomas

Dr. Robert Lomas, a Lecturer in Technological Management and member of the Operations and Information Management group, offers his expertise on the subject. As the author of "Mastering Your Business Dissertation" (2011, Routledge, Oxford), Dr. Lomas provides valuable guidance for students embarking on their dissertation journey.

For further insights into the world of business education and dissertation writing, consider exploring resources such as the Financial Times MBA rankings or the Harvard Business Review for cutting-edge business trends and research topics.

Remember, the key to a successful business dissertation lies in the delicate balance of satisfying the academic rigor of your university, the practical needs of your employer, and your own aspirations for learning and growth.