Using chatpdf to study an article: a note on Global Business study (note 2)

Using chatpdf to study an article: a note on Global Business study (note 2)

The following is my test of the capability to chatpdf.com to support literature review on an article, in this case related to Global Business study. (The name of the article is: "The impact of open innovation on the environmental sustainability practices and international sales intensity nexus: a multicountry study"). Altogether, there are five findings.

Finding 1: on research gaps

My first question: "Does the article hint at certain existing research gaps that are addressed in the article?"

The reply from chatpdf is: "Yes, the article does highlight certain research gaps that it aims to address. It points out that while there is a growing interest in the intersection of environmental sustainability practices (ESP) and open innovation (OI), the specific impact of adopting OI to meet the requirements of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and its effects on internationalization remain under-researched. This gap is emphasized by the authors, who note that the relationship between these practices and their influence on manufacturers' international sales intensity has not been thoroughly explored in existing literature 2.

Additionally, the study aims to broaden the scope of international business and environmental sustainability literature by examining the potential positive impacts of adopting ESP on international sales intensity, thus contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of these dynamics 2."

Finding 2: on theories

My second question: "What theories have been employed in the discussion by the writers?"

The reply from chatpdf is: "The authors employ several theories in their discussion, primarily focusing on the following:

1. Network Approach to Internationalization: This theory is referenced to understand how firms can leverage networks to enhance their international sales. It emphasizes the importance of coordinating and synchronizing resources within networks to achieve successful internationalization 2.

2. Orchestration Theory: This theory is used to discuss how firms can manage and coordinate their resources and relationships effectively. It highlights the role of orchestration in innovation and value co-creation, particularly in the context of open innovation practices 9.

3. Internalization Theory: This theory suggests that multinational enterprises tend to internalize valuable resources and capabilities to capture sustainable value. It is relevant in discussing how firms might choose to innovate in-house rather than through open innovation with suppliers, especially when focusing on environmental sustainability practices 9.

These theories collectively help to frame the study's exploration of the interactions between open innovation, environmental sustainability practices, and international sales intensity."

Finding 3: on research methods

My third question: "What research methods have been employed in the discussion by the writers?"

The reply from chatpdf is: "The authors employed a quantitative research method, specifically utilizing a questionnaire-based survey to collect data. Here are the key aspects of the research methods used:

1. Questionnaire Design: The questionnaire was designed to gather data on a focal plant and its parent company, targeting production or operations managers as respondents. It included sections on strategies, practices, and performance to minimize guessing and induced answers 4.

2. Sampling Method: The study used random sampling from national databases as the primary selection method. In some cases, convenience sampling was also employed, such as including firms from previous survey rounds. The data was collected from manufacturers in 22 countries between 2013 and 2014, resulting in a total of 931 valid questionnaires from an initial 7167 firms, yielding a response rate of 13% 4.

3. Data Analysis: The authors employed fractional regression as the analytical method to examine the relationships between the constructs of environmental sustainability practices, open innovation, and international sales intensity. This method allows for the analysis of dependent variables that are fractional in nature 2.

These methods collectively provide a robust framework for analyzing the impact of environmental sustainability practices and open innovation on international sales."

Finding 4: on research philosophy

My fourth question: "Are there any indications that the research methods used in the discussion are linked to certain research philosophy stances?"

The reply from chatpdf is: "Yes, the research methods used in the study indicate a connection to certain research philosophy stances, particularly those aligned with positivism and quantitative research. Here are some indications of this linkage:

1. Positivism: The use of a structured questionnaire to collect quantitative data reflects a positivist approach, which emphasizes objective measurement and the use of statistical analysis to test hypotheses. The authors aim to uncover generalizable patterns and relationships between environmental sustainability practices, open innovation, and international sales intensity, which is characteristic of positivist research 10.

2. Quantitative Research: The reliance on numerical data and statistical methods, such as fractional regression analysis, further aligns the study with a quantitative research philosophy. This approach seeks to quantify relationships and assess the strength of associations between variables, allowing for empirical validation of the research questions posed 4.

3. Generalizability: The study's design, which includes a large sample size from multiple countries, aims to enhance the generalizability of the findings. This is a common goal in positivist research, where the objective is to derive conclusions that can be applied across different contexts and settings 10.

Overall, the research methods employed in the study reflect a positivist stance, focusing on objective measurement, statistical analysis, and the pursuit of generalizable findings."

Finding 5: on practical value

My fifth question: "Do the findings of the study offer any practical value in the realm of Global Business study?"

The reply from chatpdf is: "Yes, the findings of the study offer significant practical value in the realm of Global Business for several reasons:

1. Integration of Environmental Sustainability and Open Innovation: The study highlights the positive interaction between environmental sustainability practices (ESP) and open innovation (OI) in enhancing international sales intensity. This insight can guide global businesses in adopting strategies that integrate sustainability with innovation, potentially leading to improved market performance and competitiveness 4.

2. Strategic Framework for Internationalization: By elucidating the role of OI in moderating the relationship between ESP and international sales, the findings provide a strategic framework for firms looking to expand internationally. Businesses can leverage OI practices to enhance their sustainability efforts, which may facilitate entry into new markets and improve their legitimacy in international contexts 10.

3. Supplier-Customer Relationship Management: The study emphasizes the challenges firms face in managing supplier-customer relationships while implementing OI and ESP. Understanding these dynamics can help global businesses develop better collaboration strategies with suppliers and customers, ultimately leading to more effective supply chain management and innovation processes 2.

4. Policy Implications: The findings can inform policymakers and industry leaders about the importance of fostering environments that support OI and sustainability initiatives. By creating policies that encourage collaboration and innovation in sustainable practices, governments can enhance the competitiveness of their domestic firms in the global market 10.

5. Guidance for Future Research: The study identifies gaps in the existing literature and suggests areas for future research, which can help scholars and practitioners alike to further explore the intersection of sustainability, innovation, and international business. This ongoing inquiry can lead to the development of new theories and practices that benefit global business operations 10.

Overall, the findings provide actionable insights for businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability efforts while pursuing international growth, making them highly relevant in the context of Global Business studies."

Some overall evaluation comments

The replies from chatpdf adequately demonstrate that it has good application skill in Research Methods, including literature review. As  such, this AI tool is very useful to support students' learning on Research Methods, including literature review. This account of the test on an academic article from the International Business Review is particularly informative to Global Business Study students.

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.