Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL)
Project Guidelines
1. Introduction and Importance of the Project
The Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) requires learners enrolled in the Post Graduate Programme in Healthcare Management (PGPHM) to complete a project report as part of their academic curriculum. The project provides an opportunity to demonstrate independent thinking, originality, research capabilities and the practical application of concepts learned during the programme. It is designed to encourage self-learning through practical research, helping students understand real-world organisational challenges and develop appropriate solutions.
2. Selection of Project Topic and Research Methodology
Students should select a project topic relevant to their programme and area of study. The research process involves identifying the research problem, defining project objectives, preparing a project plan, collecting relevant information, analysing data and interpreting the findings. Students are expected to consult their Project Guide throughout the research process.
The university guidelines provide healthcare-related research topics, including patient satisfaction, hospital employee job satisfaction, healthcare marketing strategies, medical tourism, telehealth services, healthcare economics and cashless hospitalisation processes.
3. Project Proposal and Guide Requirements
Before commencing the project, students must prepare a Project Proposal of approximately 5–6 pages and obtain approval under the signature of their Project Guide. The proposal should contain the project title, objectives, need for the topic, research methodology, procedure of work, statistical techniques, chapterisation and detailed information about the guide, including qualifications, designation and professional experience.
A Project Guide must hold a postgraduate degree and may be an academic professional or an individual working in a managerial position in an industrial or business organisation.
4. Project Report Structure and Formatting
The final project report must contain a minimum of 50–60 pages, excluding annexures. The report should be organised into the following chapters:
Introduction: Background and overview of the selected research topic.
Organisation Profile: Details of the organisation selected for the study.
Objectives: Research objectives and scope of the project.
Hypothesis: Research assumptions, wherever applicable.
Theoretical Perspective: Relevant concepts and supporting literature.
Methodology: Research design, data collection and statistical techniques.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Presentation and analysis of collected information.
Findings and Recommendations: Research outcomes and practical suggestions.
Conclusion: Summary of the study and its implications.
The report must be typed using Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1.5 line spacing and A4-size paper. The prescribed margins are 35 mm left, 20 mm right, 35 mm top and 20 mm bottom.
5. Submission, Evaluation and Plagiarism Requirements
Students must submit the complete project through the Project Submission Link available in the Student Centre. The report should be submitted as a soft copy, with supporting documents uploaded in a ZIP or RAR folder wherever required. A minimum sample size of 30 respondents is mandatory when primary data is collected through surveys.
Plagiarism checking is compulsory before final submission. As per the guidelines, the similarity index must be below 10%, and the plagiarism report must be attached. Group projects and copied reports will not be considered for evaluation. The project carries 100 marks, covering topic selection, objectives, methodology, data analysis, findings, practical application and overall report presentation.