Choosing a Topic

Brainstorming a Topic

Allow as many ideas as possible to emerge before you narrow down your topics. You should choose a topic that really interests you, is researchable, manageable in size, and relates to your Concentration. Think about how you want to use your research.

Solve a problem at work
Improve your chances of promotion
Change career direction
Start your own business
Use your research to help a non-profit organization you are involved with

Topic Development

Once you have decided on a topic for your ILP, explore it in greater depth. Be aware that your original ideas may change as you proceed, be prepared to change direction if necessary. Find some books or articles about your topic, and identify some key themes and concepts. How have other writers approached this topic? Think about why you are particularly interested in this topic, and what you hope to gain from researching and writing the ILP. Think of a suitable title for your ILP. Make your title specific so that the reader immediately knows the subject of your ILP. Your title should be 12-15 words in length.

Ideas for Topics

Finding a Topic

Review your course materials - what interested you most?
Look at the headings from your course textbooks.
Read business and management magazines (e.g. Fortune, Workforce).
Think about problems in your workplace - could your ILP help find a solution?
Take a look at some previous ILPs – ask your advisor.
Talk to faculty, students, colleagues, family and friends.
Review the Idea Generator in the Bookmark section.
Review the list of Business Topics in the Bookmark of the MMG 800 website.

Handouts

Ungrouped

Title	Description	File type
Developing a Problem Statement		.ppt

Tip!

Find some books or articles about your topic and identify some key themes and concepts. How have other writers approached this topic? Think about why you are particularly interested in this topic and what you hope to gain from researching and writing the ILP.