Let’s Be Honest...

MBA professors don’t hand out A+ grades for effort. You could spend hours on your assignment, add fancy graphs, quote every business journal out there and still get an average grade.

Frustrating? Definitely.
Unfair? Not really.

Because MBA assignments aren’t just about knowledge they’re about how you apply it like a future leader.

So what exactly are professors looking for in a top-tier MBA assignment? What separates a B+ from an A?

This blog breaks it down clearly, simply, and with zero fluff.

1. Clear Understanding of the Problem/Topic

You’d be surprised how many students miss this.

Professors want to see that you’ve understood the core business issue or question not just thrown a bunch of theories at the page.

Tip: Rephrase the problem in your own words in the introduction. It shows clarity and confidence.

2. Relevant Application of Business Theory

This one’s key:
They’re not testing your memory. They’re testing your judgment.

Anyone can list Porter’s Five Forces but can you apply it correctly to the case? Can you explain why it matters here?

Tip: Use models to support your thinking not to pad word count. Explain your logic.

3. Structured, Logical Flow

MBA assignments should read like business reports — not essays.

That means:

• A clear structure (headings, subheadings, bullet points)

• Smooth transitions

• No repetition or backtracking

Tip: Use this simple layout:

Intro → Problem → Analysis → Recommendations → Conclusion

4. Data-Driven Insights

Professors love opinions backed by evidence. It tells them you’re thinking like a strategist, not just a student.

Tip: Use market research, real business cases, surveys, financial data anything that adds credibility to your point.

Bonus: Use Harvard Business Review, Statista, McKinsey reports they love those.

5. Clear, Concise Writing

You don’t get points for sounding academic. You get points for being clear.

Tip: Write like you’re presenting to a busy executive:

• Short sentences

• Active voice

• No filler words

• Get to the point

This alone can boost your grade by 10%.

6. Original Thinking (Yes, Really)

Professors do notice when you're simply repeating class notes. They’re more impressed by students who:

• Take a unique angle

• Offer fresh insights

• Challenge assumptions (politely)

Tip: Include a short paragraph that shows critical thinking even if it’s just, “An alternate view might suggest…”

7. Proper Referencing & Citations

Referencing is about more than academic honesty — it shows you’ve done real research and respect the standards of business writing.

Tip: Know your format (APA, Harvard, MLA) and stick to it. Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can save you tons of time.

8. Evidence of Time & Effort

Yes professors can tell when you wrote something last minute. They see:

• Lazy formatting

• Repetitive points

• Rushed conclusions

• Missing citations

Tip: Give yourself 24 hours between finishing and submitting. You’ll spot issues way more clearly.

9. Actionable Recommendations

A+ MBA assignments don’t just analyze, they solve problems.

Tip: End with smart, practical, and justified recommendations. Show how your solution could work in the real world.

10. Professional Formatting

Think of your assignment like a client deliverable. If it looks messy, unformatted, or inconsistent, your grade suffers — no matter how good the content is.

Tip: Use:

• Consistent fonts

• Page numbers

• Headings and subheadings

• Tables/charts (when helpful)

Final Thoughts: Think Like a Consultant, Not a Student

Professors are preparing you for real-world roles in consulting firms, strategy teams, leadership pipelines. So the closer your assignment feels to a professional document, the better your grade will be.

Focus on clarity, logic, data, and insight. That’s your A+ formula.

Need Help Crafting a High-Impact Assignment?

Writix offers expert-backed MBA assignment help tailored to UK and US academic standards. Whether it’s structure, research, or polishing — we help smart students get smart grades.

MBA grading criteria? We live by it.

Explore Our Services »