K. J.

Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research Mumbai PGDM (Marketing / Finance / Operations / HR) 2012-2014 Batch V Trimester October 2013-January 2014 SEMINAR PAPER GUIDELINES This is a full credit course (100 marks). As part of this course, students are expected to write and present a paper on an important and contemporary topic of the students choice in any facet of your Specialization area. However, the topic needs to be approved by Area Chairperson for your Specialization area. After topic approval, the students will approach the faculty suggested by the respective Area Chairperson, depending on the topic, to be their guides for the Seminar Paper. Each student should submit a synopsis of the seminar paper covering (i) and (ii) of the Serial No.1 below, along with five relevant peer reviewed articles from reputed journals. The synopsis should also include the methodology proposed to be adopted and the expected outcome. The broad framework of the seminar paper is indicated below. GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A SEMINAR PAPER 1. A seminar paper should contain Clear and precise specification of the topic under discussion Clear and precise specification of the relevance of the topic in todays international business context iii. An in-depth review and analysis of the issues related to the topic. This may include some suggestions from the student on how to deal with the issues identified. iv. The significance or impact of the issue on the emerging international business environment. v. In addition to the articles from peer reviewed journals, the students should look at various other sources such as newspapers, magazines and internet. The students are also encouraged to study strategies of MNEs and governments of countries in relation to the topic and issues identified by the students, in order to develop an in depth understanding of the topic. vi. A comprehensive, evaluative and integrative review of the relevant literature. This should include referencing and review of 25-40 articles from reputed international journals. vii. Students conclusion on this topic and recommendation of areas for further studies. i. ii.

2. The seminar paper need not involve primary data collection. But, the student should endeavor for interviews with the stakeholders and international experts concerned with the issues. 3. Length and Other Formatting Specifications i. The seminar paper should not exceed 15 pages (A4 size paper, 1.5 line spacing, 12 font size in Times New Roman font, and one inch margin on all sides). Appendices and Bibliography are not included in the page limit.

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The format of the paper should be consistent with the specifications in the style guide for the Harvard Business Review. The paper should be spiral bound before submitting. All the pages including appendices and bibliography should be numbered.

4. Evaluation Criteria The criteria to be used for evaluation of seminar paper include the following: i. ii. iii. Appropriateness (including clarity and precision) in the specification of the topic chosen for being examined. Understanding of the various issues and their relevance pertaining to the topic chosen. Breadth and depth of literature review and coverage in interviews and analysis and interpretation of data and information collected during the study for seminar paper.

5. Academic Integrity i. ii. This course looks for high standard of academic integrity from students. Improper referencing/ copying directly from any source / non acknowledgement of source will incur strict penalty. Students may approach any faculty for clarification regarding referencing/ acknowledgement issues.

6. Deadlines i. ii. iii. iv. Synopsis submission : 14th November, 2013 to the respective Area Chairpersons Synopsis approval and allotment of faculty guides by respective ACP: 21st November, 2013 Paper Submission: 19th December, 2013 before 3.00 p.m. to Shri. Sanjivan Mane, Program Officer, PGDM & PGDM-IB Paper Presentation in the class :20th December to 31st December 2013 with the faculty guide & the respective ACP present for the presentation.

Wishing you all very best for your Seminar Paper

Prof: C. P. Joshi Area Chairperson (Strategy, International Business & General Management) & Program Coordinator-PGDM & PGDM (IB) SIMSR-Mumbai Date: 16/10/2013