B.

A (VOCATIONAL STUDIES) MICRO SMALL

AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

BERGP-171

PROJECT GUIDE
BAVMSME

SCHOOL OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN
UNIVERSITY
New Delhi
© Indira Gandhi National Open University, 2024

School of Vocational Education and Training Indira Gandhi National Open University Maidan Garhi, New Delhi
– 11 00 68
Printed and published on behalf of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi by Registrar, MPDD.
Edited By: Dr. Rachna Agarwal, Associate Professor & Programme Coordinator BAVMSME
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any other
means,without permission in writing from the Indira Gandhi National Open University.
 CONTENTS

PART – 1 General Information

1.1 About Project
1.2 Preliminary Information
1.2.1 Project Supervision
1.2.2 Project Proposal

1.3 How can the Supervisor Help You

1.4 How to Go About Working
1.4.1 Collection Data
1.4.2 Analyzing Data
1.4.3 Writing Your Report
1.4.4 Submission of Project Report

1.5. Evaluation

Part-2 Project Suggestions

2.1 Themes for BERGP-171

Part-3 Annexure

Annexure A: Project Proposal Performa

Annexure B: First Page of the Project Report
Annexure C: Certificate by the Supervisor
 PROJECT GUIDE – BERGP-171

PART-I: GENERAL INFORMATION

This guide has been prepared to assist you in your Project Work and to familiarize you with its
various aspects. You are advised to go through the guide before you begin work on the Project. The
first part of the booklet provides general guidelines; the second part suggests broad themes from
which you may identify your area of work; and the third part consists of annexure which give you
a format in which to supply basic information about the Project.

1.1 WHAT IS A PROJECT

A Project is a preliminary form of research. It is an independent investigation. It is very largely your

own work and is to be pursued by you all the way from the inception till completion. The purpose
of the Project Work is to enable you to gain practical experience. Through the Project you will be
expected to put into practice all that you have learnt about that particular theme during your course
work in the concerned subjects. It is a way of applying the knowledge gained through the course
to specific situations in your work area.
Your Project Work BERGP 171 constitutes six credits. This means that you are expected to
spend about 180 study hours for completing your project work. Award of the degree is subject
to a successful completion of your Project. To be able to successfully complete the degree
you must secure a minimum of 40% of marks. We would prefer to receive a typed and
bound copy of your Project Work. If, however, you find it difficult to get it typed, make
sure that your work is neatly and legibly hand-written on one side of the page only. The
format of the front page is given in Annexure B. The length of your Project Work may be
between 6000 to 7000 words. Keep both these things (expected study hours and the expected
length of your work) in mind while choosing the Project theme. The idea is that you should be
able to say all that you want to within this word limit. You must submit and write your
Project in English.

1.2 PRELIMINARY INFORMATION

Ideally the Project Work should start soon after you register for the 2nd year of your degree.
You are going to receive guidance from your supervisor in the Project Work. Your supervisor is
familiar with the skills of working on such Projects.
1.2.1 Project Supervision
Your Project shall be guided by a supervisor recognized by the Indira Gandhi National Open
University. All academic counselors of BAVMSME prog. at the study center are recognized as
supervisors for the Project. A list of supervisors is available with the Coordinator of your Study
Centre. Once you have selected a broad area for your study, please contact your
Coordinator/Supervisor. The next step is to get in touch with your supervisor and prepare a
Project Proposal.
i) Eligibility criteria for project supervision:
 Any teacher in related field/discipline from recognized colleges/universities
 A Graduate person with at least 5 years of managerial experience in the relevant field
ii) Number of project/dissertation supervision per supervisor per semester
 BERGP project (BERGP171)- 40
iii) Payment to Project/Dissertation Supervisor will be made as per University norms
4
Selecting a Topic
Selecting a topic is your first step towards the completion of your Dissertation. Focussed and
specified topic will probably elude you, for the moment anyway. In fact at this moment you are in
the "thinking about it stage". Go to the library or consult the managers in the chosen area. As an
introduction and overview (which is all you want at this time) read any text that relates to your
area of interest. You are looking just for ideas. A wealth of possible topics lies before you. You
will probably decide, however, that some of these ideas are too large for a dissertation. At the
same time you would also gather several ideas that are good and can be explored further. There
could possibly be a manageable idea as well. At this point you may also begin to question
whether this idea and the related topic, interesting though it might be, might not be too narrow for
you to work on. Broaden the topic somewhat. Perhaps you will want to return to another idea.
You should find a suitable topic -- a topic on which data will be available.
In fact a lot of thinking and creativity is required at this stage. You should not eliminate ideas in a
haste nor should you sit on them for a long time. Narrow down your ideas and pin your idea down
to a broad topic. This topic, however, will have to be narrowed down still further in order to focus
your research. Ask for the Supervisor's advice. Tell him/her what you have read or experienced,
what your thinking is, and ask his/her help. The Supervisor's question provides an opportunity to
learn something that the specialist in tourism studies knows. Seize the opportunity. If you do, you
will have a good working topic for your Project. You will also have completed the hardest task,
selecting the working topic.
The purpose of giving you Project Work is to make you face real situations in your professional
training in different areas. The Dissertation Work should, therefore, be selected by you in order
that you can
(1) learn something about the variety and locations of tourism development situations;
(2) learn how to evaluate the potential of these situations;
(3) improve organising and managerial skills, etc.
In short, it is to teach you how to research, analyse, and assess the potential of
areas/regions/products. The first purpose teaches the fullest and most efficient use of the
resources; the second and third purposes teach how best to manage these resources.
Here’s a final check. Does each of these statements describe you? If they do you're ready to
prepare your research proposal.
I am familiar with researches that have been conducted on themes related to my dissertation
topic.
(_____Yes)
If no, try to familiarise yourself
(_____No)

I have a clear knowledge of the steps that I follow in conducting my research.

(_____Yes)
If no, first understand the steps
(_____No)

I have an adequate theoretical framework of study.

(_____Yes)
(_____No) If no, first develop some theoretical base

I am aware of my sources from where to collect the required data.

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 (_____Yes)
(_____No) If no, first look for your sources

I feel that I have the ability, motivation and drive to get through each of the steps necessary to
complete my research project.
(_____Yes)
If no, understand the steps first
(_____No)

1.2.2 Project Proposal

After identifying the area of study and a proper theme, you should prepare a Project
Proposal/ Synopsis in not more than 400 words. Your Proposal is essentially a description of
what you propose to do and how you intend to go about it. In your Proposal, you should outline the
objectives of yourstudy, mention the kind of data that is available and state a work plan that you
propose to follow. Proposal should also include the issues you are going to raise while conducting
your work. You may also discuss your Project Proposal, with your friends and colleagues, your
counselor and any expertsin that field that you know about.
You should choose a theme which is to your liking and one which should sustain your interest.
It is very important that you are familiar with the geographical area you wish to base your theme
on. It should also be accessible to you. Generally it is a good idea to choose a surrounding which
is close by, or within your travelling range.
Prepare two copies of your Proposal (preferably typed), obtain the approval of your supervisor
onthe format given in Annexure A and send one copy on the following address:
Programme Coordinator (BAVMSME)
School of Vocational Education and Training
SOVET, Block 15 E,
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Maidan Garhi,
New Delhi -110 068
Remember to:
 Keep a copy of the Proposal with you because we shall not send your copy back.
 Ensure that your Proposal is accompanied by a letter of approval by your supervisor.
 Send your Proposal through Registered Post only, so that it reaches us for sure.
 Do not change your topic or even its wording after you have sent the Proposal to us. In other
words, the topic of your Project Work should be the same as in your Proposal.
 Put the name and code of your course from which you have chosen your Project, your
enrolment number, the name of your Study Centre and the Regional Centre on the first
page.In other words, fill the proforma given in Annexure A very carefully.

 Do not wait for our approval of the Project Proposal. The approval of the Supervisor is final.
 Now is the time for you to start working actively on your Project. In the next ‘section, we give
you an idea about the kind of help that you can expect from the IGNOU.

6
1.3 HOW CAN THE SUPERVISOR HELP YOU
The supervisor will:
 acquaint you with such local groups and agencies as may be relevant to your work
 give you letters of authorization which would enable you to make enquiry and investigations in
different offices pertaining to your work
 make accessible to you the library at the study centre for consultation purposes and
 advise you, to the best of his/her efforts, about your theme, location of your data and general work
plan

1.4 HOW TO GO ABOUT WORKING?

Do not hurry up with the theme/topic selection lest you regret it later. What specific methodology
you are going to adopt will depend on the theme you select.
You are expected to select your theme from the courses you have done for your diploma/degree.
Some of the themes that you can choose your topic from are given in part 2 of this guide.
The identification of your theme is directly linked to:
 your inclination towards particular area of study and
 your working aptitude in pursuing that Project
After identifying the area of your interest, you should discuss it with your supervisor and decide the
topic you want to work upon. Now prepare a Proposal about which you have already learnt in Sub-
section 1.2.2. We would, however, like to emphasize here that preparing a Proposal is a very
important stage in your Project Work. Therefore, do not get unnecessarily worried if you find that
this stage has taken up a longer time than originally scheduled.

1.4.1 Collecting Data

Collecting data, please remember, is the most important stage of your Project Work since it provides
all the sources that you will eventually need while writing your Project.
Data collection begins after your topic has been identified and approved by your supervisor. It is
a rigorous process. The exact nature of your data collection depends on your theme. However,
certain points need to be kept in mind:

 It is always better to over collect than under collect your material. Eventually it is only half of
it, and sometimes even less than that, which is utilized directly in your report. But every piece
of information collected at this stage contributes to your knowledge. Do not get overwhelmed
by the volume of your data. Do not, therefore, leave opportunities of data collection, or put it
off for another day. You may not get the same opportunity again. Your sources, whether in the
form of books, documents, sights or people may not be always available to you.

 Certain principlesof selection and the development of a framework in which to operate are as
useful before you begin the work of data collection as they are during the process. If, for
instance, you have to collect samples of response, then spend some time in preparing your
questionnaire. Consult your supervisor, speak to experts in the field and read some
literature related to it. Your questionnaire should evolve out of all these. The kind of answers
you get in your questionnaire will depend, to a very large extent, on the kind of questions you

7
 ask. Time spent on this exercise will save you from landing into many problems later. If you
want to organize a group meeting,then selection of people, representation of cross-sections and
preparation, by you, of questions, statements and interventions in the debate will be useful.
Your ability to record or put down on paper various view points and arguments will enable
you to store material. Remember, these group meetings may not always proceed as you
plan originally. If it so happens do not get disheartened. Spontaneous and unanticipated
responses are often very useful material. The important principle is thorough home work
so that you can approach your sources fully prepared and equipped, intellectually and
psychologically. .

Some important things to remember are given here:

 Classification and cataloguing of data will enable you to make an effective use of your
material later.
 You should note the date and place etc. of the interviews taken.
 Maintaining separate files of different kinds of sources will help you later at the time of
writing your report.

1.4.2 Analyzing Data

Analyzing data may not in all the cases exist as a separate stage. It often overlaps with the earlier
and later stages. Analysis of your source material begins immediately after you have started collecting
data. Analyzing data requires maintaining constant interaction with your source material, developing
different ways in which to look at your data, applying different interpretations to it and finally
translating your material into a set of arguments around which your report should be written. It is
while going through your material again and again that you become clear about the various aspects
of the theme under investigation and the possibilities it contains. This helps you in building your
argument.
Remember, your data can be in the form of written records, articles, copies of rules and regulations,
impressions, recorded interviews, your own diary, observations, questionnaires, government documents,
newspaper clippings, and minutes of group meetings etc. In other words you will have access to
material collected from a variety of sources. As you sort them out you will realize that they contain
facts and information on the one hand and impressions and opinions on the other. Quite often the
two may be at variance with each other, and present a very complex and somewhat self-contradictory
picture of things. While retaining the complexity (that is to say not simplifying it unnecessarily) you
have to avoid making your report appear contradictory. You can do this by distinguishing facts
from opinions and making sure that other people’s judgments’ do not appear as your own.

1.4.3 Writing Your Report

Having collected and analyzed your data, it is now time for you to start writing. Needless to say
you should first jot down your main points, then prepare a rough draft of your narrative and finally
write (or type) your report in English.
Your narrative may contain factual presentation along with your own views/opinions/observations.
You may attach with your Project Report any documents etc. which you feel will highlight/support
your main argument. If you have collected responses through a questionnaire as part of your data,
you could attach a copy of the questionnaire as well. Use of illustrations, graphs and diagrams etc.
will depend on the nature of your theme.
Originality and clarity are two vital components of your Project. Remember, your Project is a test
of your analytical capacity and skills of communication. Report writing is not just an exercise in
8
recording your impressions and writing your story. It is also an exercise in the organization of
your ideas. Therefore, do keep the following in mind while writing your report:
 Divide your report into sections and sub-sections. This gives certain coherence to your report
and prevents different ideas from spilling into different places.
 A well-structured report is easily comprehensible. Aims and objectives should therefore be
stated very explicitly even if there is some repetition.
 Writing an introduction is important as it gives a certain entry point to your report. Similarly,
aconclusion helps you wind up your report and enables you to tie up various loose ends.

 Your report should not read like an assemblage of different sections but should be an integrated
and structured whole. In other words you should divide your report into sections and sub-
sections but make sure that they do not read like different pieces independent of each other.
They should be related to each other and should form parts of your report.
 All your arguments should be neatly tied and logically culminated at the end of each section and
again in your conclusion. At the same time the interconnections between different sections
should be clearly maintained.

 You should write in your own language using simple words and short sentences as far as
possible. A report written in a language not easily comprehensible often distracts the reader
from the contents of the report. Treat your language a potent medium to communicate your
ideas. The Project will be assessed on the strength of your methodology and ideas.
While you should not copy from other books, articles, website etc. citations are
legitimate. Please observe the following instructions:
 The quotation should be relevant and the language should be that of the author.
 At the end of the quote, you should mention within the brackets, the name of the author
and the title of the book along with the year and place of publication and the page
numbers.
 In case you have quoted from a newspaper/magazine/journal, give the name of the
magazine/journal, the number of the issue and the month/year of its publication.
 In case you have quoted from a website, give the website address.
 Avoid lengthy quotes. Brief quotes often beautifully stress the point and blend easily into
your text. A quote roughly of the size of about 50 to 100 words is quite reasonable.

9
1.4.4 Submission of Project Report
Prepare two copies of your Project Report and submit the same at the following address:
Registrar SED
Block 12, Don’t buy project
Indira Gandhi National Open University, reports from
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi -110 068 market. All such
Ph. No. : 29535924-32 Extn.: 2216 project reports will
be rejected.

You are advised to keep a copy of your Project Report with yourself as we shall
not send it back to you. Make sure your Project Report also has the
declaration, given in Annexure C, duly signed by you and your supervisor.

1.5 EVALUATION
Upon its submission, your report will be sent to an examiner. You must secure a minimum of 40%
in your Project Work in order to successfully complete your course.
Remember
 Project Work should be original and in your own language;
 You should not copy or reproduce anyone else’s published or unpublished project or else it
would be cancelled;
 Arguments should be substantiated by your data;
 Information should be properly documented;
 The research methodology adopted by you should be stated at the beginning of your work.
 Give a bibliography at the end. It should include all your sources like records, documents,
reports, interviews, group meetings, newspapers, magazines etc. listed under separate heads.

Ensure that the quality of the Project Report is good. In case you secure less
than 40% marks, you will have to do it all over again. In that case, you will
have to send a Demand Draft of Rs. 600/- drawn in favor of IGNOU, payable
at New Delhi, along with your Project Report to Dispatch Section, SED, Block
12, IGNOU. (Please verify the fee applicable at the time of submission from
SED Project Section).

10
 PART 2: PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

Here we have provided you with a list containing broad themes from which you can choose your
Project. Remember, these are not topics to be chosen, these are themes which can be applied to
specific study areas, institutions or contexts. What you have to do is to pick any of the themes or
any aspect of a theme given here and convert that into a topic according to your research
inclination, priority and feasibility of the study. You are free to select a theme from outside this
list and make a topic on it provided your supervisor approves it.
The topic should be focused and not general. For example ‘‘Marketing Areas in India’’.
‘‘Entrepreneurship in India’’ or ‘Enterprises in Environment’ are general topic, hence these should
not betaken. Instead you can take up:
i) Marketing of ____ product by Govt. of Delhi ;
ii) Micro Enterprises in Handicraft sector in ____ village/town of M.P;
iii) Agricultural Waste Recycling Enterprises in ____district of Punjab etc. would be a suitable topic.

2.1 PROJECT BERGP-171 SUGGESTED THEMES

Rural Enterprises Themes:

1. Digital Transformation in Rural Enterprises: Explore how rural enterprises in India can
leverage digital technologies to enhance their operations, marketing, and overall
efficiency. Analyze the impact of digital transformation on scalability and
sustainability.
2. Agri-Tech Innovations for Smallholder Farmers: Investigate the role of agricultural
technology in empowering smallholder farmers in rural India. Focus on innovations
such as precision farming, IoT applications, and farm management software to improve
productivity and income.
3. Social Entrepreneurship in Rural Health Care: Examine the potential for social
entrepreneurship in addressing healthcare challenges in rural India. Explore innovative
models that integrate technology, community engagement, and sustainable business
practices.
4. Craftsmanship and Sustainable Livelihoods: Study traditional crafts and artisanal skills
in rural areas, exploring how entrepreneurship and sustainable business practices can
preserve and promote these crafts while providing livelihoods for local communities.
5. Renewable Energy Solutions for Rural Communities: Investigate the implementation of
renewable energy solutions in rural areas to address energy access challenges. Explore
the feasibility of solar, wind, or bioenergy projects for powering rural enterprises.
6. E-commerce Initiatives for Rural Markets: Analyze the potential for e-commerce
platforms to connect rural producers with broader markets. Investigate strategies for
overcoming infrastructure challenges and fostering inclusive economic growth.
7. Women-led Entrepreneurship in Rural India: Focus on women's participation in rural
entrepreneurship, examining challenges and opportunities. Explore how empowering
women through skill development and support programs can contribute to sustainable
rural enterprises.
8. Community-Based Tourism Ventures: Explore the development of community-based
tourism initiatives in rural areas. Examine the socio-economic impact of such ventures
and strategies for preserving local culture and environment.
11
9. Waste Management and Circular Economy in Rural Communities: Investigate
sustainable waste management practices in rural settings, emphasizing the circular
economy. Explore how recycling, upcycling, and waste-to-energy projects can create
economic opportunities.
10. Education Technology for Rural Schools: Study the integration of educational
technology in rural schools and its impact on learning outcomes. Explore startup ideas
focused on providing affordable and accessible ed-tech solutions to rural students.

Urban Enterprises Themes:

1. Smart City Solutions: Explore how startups can contribute to the development of
smart cities in India. Investigate innovative technologies and business models that
enhance urban living, including smart infrastructure, transportation, and governance.
2. Urban Agriculture and Vertical Farming: Study the potential for urban agriculture and
vertical farming in addressing food security and sustainability in Indian cities.
Explore startup ideas that leverage limited urban space for efficient and sustainable
food production.
3. E-Mobility Solutions for Urban Transportation: Examine the role of electric vehicles,
shared mobility services, and other e-mobility solutions in addressing urban
transportation challenges. Analyze the business models and technologies driving this
sector.
4. HealthTech Startups for Urban Wellness: Investigate the emergence of health
technology startups in urban areas, focusing on telemedicine, health monitoring apps,
and other innovations. Explore how these startups contribute to urban wellness and
healthcare accessibility.
5. Waste Management and Recycling Ventures: Explore startups that address urban
waste management challenges through innovative recycling and waste reduction
solutions. Analyze the economic and environmental impact of such ventures.
6. Affordable Housing Solutions: Investigate startups that provide innovative and
affordable housing solutions for urban populations. Explore alternative construction
methods, financing models, and policy implications for sustainable urban housing.
7. Fintech Innovations for Urban Financial Inclusion: Explore how fintech startups are
working towards financial inclusion in urban areas. Analyze the impact of digital
banking, mobile payments, and other financial technologies on urban communities.
8. Cultural Heritage and Tourism Tech: Study startups that leverage technology to
promote and preserve cultural heritage in urban settings. Explore ideas related to
augmented reality tours, cultural events platforms, and digital preservation of
historical sites.
9. Eco-Friendly Retail and Sustainable Fashion: Investigate startups in the urban retail
sector that focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Explore innovations in
sustainable fashion, zero-waste packaging, and ethical supply chains.
10. Coworking and Shared Spaces: Explore the rise of coworking spaces and shared
offices in urban areas. Investigate the impact on the traditional office landscape,
analyze successful business models, and explore opportunities for niche coworking
spaces catering to specific industries or communities.

Waste Management Enterprises Themes:

1. Integrated Waste Management System: Develop a project that explores the concept of
an integrated waste management system, focusing on startups that offer
comprehensive solutions for waste collection, segregation, recycling, and disposal.
Evaluate the environmental and economic impact of such systems.
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2. Waste-to-Energy Technologies: Investigate startups involved in waste-to-energy
technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, and incineration. Analyze the
feasibility, environmental benefits, and economic potential of converting waste into
energy.
3. Plastic Waste Recycling Innovations: Focus on startups that specialize in recycling
plastic waste. Explore innovative methods for plastic recycling, the development of
sustainable products, and the challenges associated with managing plastic waste in
India.
4. E-Waste Management Solutions: Examine startups addressing the growing issue of
electronic waste (e-waste). Investigate recycling methods, recovery of valuable
materials, and sustainable practices in the management of electronic waste.
5. Community-Led Waste Management Initiatives: Explore projects that highlight
community-based waste management startups. Investigate the role of local
communities in waste collection, segregation, and recycling, and analyze the social
and economic impacts of such initiatives.
6. Circular Economy Models in Waste Management: Investigate startups that operate
within the framework of a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and materials
are recycled and reused. Analyze how circular economy principles can be applied to
various waste streams.
7. Blockchain Solutions for Traceability in Waste Management: Explore the application
of blockchain technology in waste management, focusing on startups that use
blockchain for traceability, transparency, and efficiency in waste collection and
recycling processes. Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of implementing
blockchain in the waste management sector.

Tourism Enterprises Themes:

1. "Exploring Sustainable Tourism Initiatives in India: A Study of Eco-friendly

Startups"
This theme could focus on researching and analyzing tourism enterprises in India that
prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. Students could explore how these
startups contribute to responsible tourism, conservation efforts, and community
development.
2. "Digital Transformation in Indian Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges for
Startups"
This theme could investigate the role of technology in the tourism sector in India.
Students could examine how startups are leveraging digital platforms, artificial
intelligence, and data analytics to enhance the overall tourist experience, streamline
operations, and address challenges in the industry.
3. "Cultural Heritage Tourism Startups in India: Preserving the Past, Embracing the
Future"
This theme could center on the startups in India that focus on promoting cultural
heritage tourism. Students may delve into how these enterprises contribute to
preserving and showcasing India's rich cultural history, while also adapting to modern
trends and preferences.
4. "Inclusive Tourism Entrepreneurship: Empowering Marginalized Communities in
India"
This theme could explore how tourism startups in India are fostering inclusive
practices by involving and empowering marginalized communities. Students could
investigate the impact of such initiatives on local economies, social inclusion, and
sustainable development.
5. "Post-Pandemic Resilience: Strategies and Innovations in Indian Tourism Startups"

13
 This theme could examine how the tourism industry in India has adapted and
innovated in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Students could investigate
the strategies employed by startups to navigate challenges, ensure safety, and
contribute to the industry's recovery and future resilience.

Food Sector Enterprises Themes:

1. "Farm-to-Table Revolution: Assessing the Impact of Agri-Tech Startups on the

Indian Food Industry"
This theme could focus on exploring how agricultural technology startups in India are
transforming the food sector. Students can investigate the integration of technology in
farming practices, supply chain management, and its impact on the overall quality and
sustainability of food products.
2. "Culinary Innovation Hubs: A Study of Food Tech Startups Redefining Indian
Cuisine"
This theme could involve researching startups in the food tech sector that are
introducing innovative culinary concepts and products in India. Students can analyze
how these enterprises contribute to the diversification and modernization of
traditional Indian cuisine.
3. "Food Waste Reduction: Strategies and Initiatives by Startups in the Indian Food
Industry"
This theme could delve into how startups in the food sector in India are addressing
the issue of food waste. Students can explore initiatives, technologies, and business
models that aim to minimize food wastage throughout the supply chain and retail
processes.
4. "Health and Wellness in Indian Food Startups: A Comprehensive Analysis"
This theme could focus on startups in the food industry that prioritize health and
wellness. Students can examine the growing trend of health-conscious consumers, the
development of nutritious food products, and the impact of these startups on
promoting healthier eating habits in India.
5. "E-commerce and the Indian Food Sector: A Study of Online Food Delivery and
Meal Kit Startups"
This theme could explore the role of e-commerce in the Indian food sector. Students
can investigate how online food delivery services and meal kit startups are reshaping
the way people access and experience food, as well as the challenges and
opportunities associated with this trend.
6. "Social Impact through Food: Analyzing Social Enterprises in the Indian Food
Industry"
This theme could focus on social enterprises in the food sector that aim to address
social issues, such as hunger, poverty, or unemployment. Students can assess the
impact of these initiatives on local communities and economies.
7. "The Rise of Plant-Based Foods: Examining the Growth of Vegan and Vegetarian
Startups in India"
This theme could involve studying startups in the plant-based food sector. Students
can explore the factors contributing to the rise of vegetarian and vegan food products,
consumer attitudes toward these alternatives, and the challenges faced by startups in
this niche

Themes on Corporate Social Responsibilities Startups

1. "CSR Innovations in Indian Startups: A Comprehensive Study of Corporate Social

Responsibility Initiatives"
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 This theme could involve examining how startups in India are incorporating
innovative and impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into their
business models. Students can explore the various sectors and social issues that these
startups are addressing through their CSR activities.
2. "Sustainable Business Practices: Assessing the Integration of Environmental and Social
Responsibility in Indian Startups"
This theme could focus on startups that are prioritizing sustainability and responsible
business practices in India. Students can analyze how these enterprises are
minimizing their environmental impact, promoting social welfare, and contributing to
sustainable development.
3. "Digital Platforms for Social Impact: Exploring the Role of Technology in CSR Startups
in India"
This theme could investigate how technology-driven startups in India are leveraging
digital platforms for their CSR initiatives. Students can explore the use of online
platforms, social media, and other digital tools to enhance the reach and effectiveness
of CSR programs.
4. "Community Engagement and Empowerment: A Case Study of Local CSR Initiatives by
Indian Startups"
This theme could involve studying how startups in India are engaging with and
empowering local communities through their CSR initiatives. Students can analyze
the impact of such programs on community development, education, healthcare, and
overall social well-being.
5. "Measuring and Evaluating CSR Impact: Developing Metrics for Assessing the
Effectiveness of CSR Programs in Indian Startups"
This theme could focus on creating a framework for evaluating the impact of CSR
initiatives in Indian startups. Students can develop metrics and methodologies to
assess the effectiveness, sustainability, and overall social impact of CSR programs
implemented by these startups.
6. A Case Study of any organization/ company on CSR
7. CSR activities of any Public Sector Undertaking - SWOT Analysis
8. Satisfaction of beneficiaries on CSR services (Thematic areas discussed in the course like sanitation,
poverty alleviation or education services etc. of your choice)
9. CSR and its impact on the Indian education sector (or any other sector of your choice)
10. A study of CSR practices in Indian industry
11. E- Commerce and it's impact on Indian economy
12. Role of E- Commerce in reducing operational costs
13. Project on Institutional support to MSME and Startup's
14. Challenges facing MSME in India
15. Role of MSME's in economic development of the country
16. CSR initiatives adopted by companies and it's impact on their reputation.

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 NOTE:
Project should be based on fieldwork/attachment with industry or a case study.
It should not be copied from Internet / Websites or bought from market. Such projects
would be rejected.

You must retain the Project Guide till

you have completed the entire
Programme

In case of any additional academic query you may write to:

Programme Coordinator, BAVMSME
School of Vocational Education & Training
Indira Gandhi National Open University,
Maidan Garhi,
New Delhi -110 068.

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PART 3: ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE A
PROJECT PROPOSAL
PROFORMA
Candidate’s Information (to be filled by the candidate) Date
Name
Programme Code) BAVMSME Course Code BERGP-171

Enrolment No.
Address

Regional Centre
Study Centre Name
Code

Title of the Project

(Enclose the proposal/synopsis of the Project)

LETTER/CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL
(By the supervisor)
I hereby certify that the proposal for the Project entitled (Name of the Project)
By (Name of the candidate)
has been prepared after due consultation with me. The proposal has my approval and has, to my
knowledge, the potential of developing into a comprehensive Project Work. I also agree to supervise
the above mentioned Project till its completion.

Mail one copy of Project (Signature of the Supervisor)

Proposal Proforma to:
Programme Coordinator Name:
(BAVMSME)
SOVET Designation
IGNOU, Maidan Garhi,
New Delhi-110068
Address

17
ANNEXURE B: First Page of the Project Report
Programme Code
Course Code

Enrolment No.

Study Centre Code

Regional Centre

TOPIC OF THE REPORT

Project Report submitted to the Indira Gandhi National Open University in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the award of the B.A (Vocational) Micro Small and Medium
Enterprises. I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been submitted
elsewhere.
Signature ofthe Candidate
Name ofthe Candidate
Institutional Address, ifany

Year

ANNEXURE C
CERTIFICATE
Certified that the Project Report entitled (Topic of the Project)
submitted by (Name of the candidate)
is his/her own work and has been done under my supervision.
It is recommended that this Project be placed before the examiner for evaluation.

(Signature of the Supervisor)

Name:
Mail one copy of Project Report to: Address:
Registrar SED
Block 12, IGNOU Study Centre:
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi-110068
Ph: 29535924-32 (Extn.: 2216) Regional Centre:
Date:

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