I. Introduction (approx. 1-2 pages)
* Background: Start with a broad overview of the chosen management area (e.g., Human Resource Management, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Strategic Management, etc.). Highlight the relevance and significance of the research topic within this context. Briefly discuss the existing literature and identify a gap or limitation in the current knowledge that your research aims to address. This section should establish the need for your study.
* Research Problem: Clearly and concisely state the research problem. This should be a specific, well-defined question or issue that your research seeks to answer or resolve. Avoid vague or overly broad statements.
* Research Objectives: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives that directly address the research problem. These should outline what you intend to accomplish through your research.
* Research Questions/Hypotheses: Formulate specific research questions or hypotheses that will guide your investigation. These should directly relate to your research objectives. If using hypotheses, clearly state the expected relationships between variables.
* Significance of the Study: Explain the potential contributions of your research to the field of management, the academic community, and/or practitioners. How will your findings advance knowledge or improve practice?
II. Literature Review (approx. 3-5 pages)
* This section should provide a comprehensive review of the relevant literature related to your research topic. Organize the literature logically, perhaps thematically or chronologically, and critically analyze the existing studies. Identify key theoretical frameworks and concepts that underpin your research. This review should demonstrate your understanding of the existing body of knowledge and how your research fits into it. Specifically highlight any gaps in the literature that your study aims to fill.
III. Research Methodology (approx. 2-3 pages)
* Research Design: Describe the research design you will employ (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods). Justify your choice of design based on your research questions and objectives.
* Data Collection Methods: Explain how you will collect data (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments, case studies, secondary data analysis). Specify the target population and sampling technique. Address issues of data reliability and validity.
* Data Analysis Techniques: Describe the statistical or qualitative methods you will use to analyze the collected data. This should be specific to the type of data you are collecting.
* Ethical Considerations: Discuss any ethical implications of your research and how you will address them (e.g., informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality).
IV. Expected Outcomes and Timeline (approx. 1 page)
* Expected Outcomes: Summarize the anticipated results and their potential implications. What are the key findings you expect to obtain? How will these contribute to the existing knowledge?
* Research Timeline: Present a realistic timeline for completing your research, including key milestones and deadlines.
V. References
* A comprehensive list of all cited sources, formatted according to a specified style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Specific Considerations for Indian Universities:
* Relevance to the Indian Context: Many Indian universities emphasize the relevance of research to the Indian context. Highlight how your research addresses issues or challenges specific to Indian businesses, industries, or society.
* Language: While English is common, check the university's guidelines regarding the language of submission.
* Supervisory Committee Approval: The synopsis needs to be approved by your supervisory committee before proceeding with the main research.
Remember to tailor this outline to your specific research topic and the requirements of your university's PhD program. Consult with your supervisor and the PhD program coordinator for detailed guidelines and specific formatting requirements. The length and specific content may vary based on the university’s regulations.