Deciding on a research topic is a challenging yet very crucial step for students pursuing higher-level education. The research indicates the student's potential to innovate the field of study. Good research is a foundation that supports academic and professional success. From shaping the depth of your learning to influencing real-world business practices with your findings, good research is a key contributor to the industry's advancements. Selecting the right topic has become even more critical, particularly for business students whose research focus is in the regions of the EU and UK as factors like Brexit, net-Zero-target and rapid technological disruptions, are reshaping the business dynamics within the region and around the world. This blog is a comprehensive guide to choosing research topics for MBA students, to equip students with work that will make an impactful contribution to solving the current business problems.
The global business landscape is impacted by a seismic transmission caused by technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, trade globalisation and urgent calls for sustainability. For business students with UK-focused studies in particular, the year 2025 and beyond is marked with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The country's ambitious net-zero target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a solid 100 per cent, mingled with rapid innovation in financial technology and evolving regulatory frameworks, demands forward-thinking strategies. Inclusivity, maintaining ethical balance and resilience are the business goals today rather than focusing solely on profitability.
Amidst this dynamic and rising demand, good business research with the potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice and address the pitfalls in social expectations, technology and governmental policies are key. Master of Business Administration students with UK-focussed business studies would not want to work on research that lacks practicality and feasibility, with no scope for contributing to the future market. Hence, choosing a good research topic is essential. The topic ideas are not just academic undertakings but also form critical lenses for decoding and influencing the world of business and the country's role in driving sustainability, governance and trade.
Businesses in the UK are under pressure to rethink the management of waste. With the country's ambitious net-zero target of 2050, many initiatives have been put in place, for example, the plastic packaging tax payable rate of £217.85 per tonne as of 2024. That is just one slice of the waste management. Transition to the circular economy is imminent for the economy. This model extends beyond recycling and requires a systemic redesigning. It has given businesses in the UK a lifeline for solving key challenges like costs, efficiency and sustainability. Although this model has successfully impacted higher revenue, efficient resource usage, reduction in costs and carbon footprint, several businesses are still grappling to implement a circular economy practice. The research can focus on identifying the missing links and areas that impede the adoption of the business model. Students can focus on identifying the missing links and impeding areas for adopting the business model. The research can focus on scaling a circular business model without aggravating regional inequalities and identify the roles EPR schemes play.
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The UK's Brexit had negatively impacted its small-medium enterprises significantly, like supply-chain disruption, labour shortage, etc. The country's departure from the EU has resulted in the reshaping of trade for SMEs, which earlier used to enjoy the manifold benefits of the EU's single market. They were allowed to trade freely across the European Union without any trade tariffs or regional barriers. With Brexit, UK SMEs today are reeling under custom checks, VAT complexities, and export delays. Another big challenge is the shortage of labour as many SMEs were reliant on migrant worker from the EU. Research on how SMEs can navigate these new challenges by adopting technology like digital export strategies and pivoting the domestic market can bring about notable contributions to the country's trade and commerce landscape. The research can explore the adoption of digital innovations like blockchain, data analytics, and e-commerce to aid SMEs in tackling the new trade regime.
There has been rapid increase in the deployment of AI-enabled applications across healthcare sector and clinical practice. This growing trend of AI implementation however poses significant challenges, from government framework lacking clarity to AI models validation usability to customisation of training for technicians. The NHS AI lab is a representation of the nation's effort in revolutionizing healthcare by integrating AI. This mission, however, is fraught with ethical dilemmas. A research delving into the promising prospects of clinicians' reliance on AI and its ethical concerns can be a great deal of studies. The research can explore frameworks for transparent usage of data. Case studies of the NHS federated data model can also shed light on the transparency framework, as well as formulating strategies for ethical use of AI and consideration of adopting a regulatory body similar to that of the EU's AI act.
A new "Flexible Working Law" came into force on April 6th, 2024 in the UK. This law grants employees a legal right to request flexible working. The law entitles workers to request for changes in number of working hours, timing for starting and finishing work, working days and where they work (from home or office). While this practice in the UK was traditionally company-specific, with companies setting their own standards and policies, the UK government has granted this culture to be consolidated in law. This culture has somehow blurred work-life boundaries and firms are grappling to balance cohesion with flexibility. A research to assess the effectiveness of this initiative can be an excellent option. Students can do a comparative case studies by looking into established firms like HSBC on their mental health days and Deloitte on their wellbeing apps.
Venture capital (VC) landscape in the United Kingdom has been the key support system for some of the world's active firms, startups and stimulating development across global, regional and local entrepreneurial ecosystems. ESG factors are increasingly inducted in investor's decision-making across the global. With ESG factors becoming largely influential in investment decision, researching about the role of ESG factors in the venture capital market in driving investment decision, can be a great exploratory and relevant. The research can particularly focus on scale-ups and startups backed by venture capital. The key areas of research may include development of ESG reporting standards, role of investor activism, etc. Conducting a comparative analysis of the UK based Venture Capital firms with that of other countries can outline important investment advantages and setbacks.
Fintech has not only made financial transaction convenient and secure but also brought about democratization of money. The UK has established itself as a global hub for Fintech and this status is largely reliant upon its evolving regulatory landscape. With the rising tide of technological disruptions, there are several challenges that the country may be faced with. One of the key challenges that emerges is balancing customer protection with innovation. As the UK fintech sector pivots to embedded finance, (incorporating financial services into non-financial platforms) research into the regulatory challenges and opportunities will be an impactful study. The UK's Embedded finance industry is projected to witness a growth of 6.3 % annually to reach USD 6.47 billion by 2024. This growth is expected to surge at 19.5% CAGR in between 2024 and 2029. Students can explore and deep dive into the role of Financial Conduct Authority and assess the Consumer duty framework in light of protecting users. The research can also focus on identifying the scope of reviving struggling UK high streets. Additionally, it can also explore how the Digital Pound influence the adoption of embedded finance
The current geopolitical instability, such as regional conflicts and trade wars is creating significant volatility in business. Students may consider undertaking research on how companies in the face of constant trade wars and political instability build a resilient and robust supply chain and tackle the evolving challenges. The research can focus on diversification of resources and sourcing, leveraging advanced analytics and contingency plan development. For UK-based companies, focusing on the country's trade relationships and identifying the impact of potential disruption would make a remarkable impact.
Companies around the world are emphasizing diversity, equity and inclusion as the critical components for organisational structure. Businesses in the UK prioritise DEI as a strategic approach in their recruitment process. Considered an economic shift, exploring this aspect of business through in-depth research can help in configuring how UK organisations will lead future trade.
Students can extensively do case studies and evaluate the impact of Labour Party reforms. They can also compare platforms like Stuart and Deliveroo to understand the dynamics of flexibility and rights and how policymakers can protect gig workers in the face of innovation.
Research into how social enterprises can help bridge the regional inequalities which is a persistent challenge in the UK impeding trade and commerce.
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The above-discussed research ideas and topics offer a fertile ground to further influence real-world business outcomes, whether it is by aiding in designing frameworks through well-research insights or by performing a comparative study of the current business framework. The UK characterised by a volatile business landscape requires intensive and innovative research that can contribute actionable solutions and not just simply analysing trends. Engaging deeply in the above topics may bring about substantial ideas and innovation that can help shape the country's trade and economy.