Asking chatgpt to produce a proposal on the filmmaking sector, using the diamond model: a note for MBA students

Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) to produce a proposal on the filmmaking sector, using the diamond model: a note for MBA students

My question 1: "I am a part-time MBA student, currently formulating my dissertation proposal. My research theme is about an assessment of the sustainable competitive advantage of the filmmaking and production sector of Hong Kong". The research methods I am going to employ are (1) focus group with five participants, 2 being managers working in the filmmaking and production sector of Hong Kong and 2 being my Hong Kong friends who love watching local movies in Hong Kong cinemas, and 2 being my friends from Japan who also love watching movies in Japan, (2) questionnaire survey, based on convenience sampling, to my friends about their opinions with regard to my research theme. I will also conduct desk research to gain more background knowledge related to my research theme. As to management theory, I will use the Diamond Model of Michael Porter as well as the concept of sustainable competitive advantage, among others. My overall research philosophy is pragmatism. Based on these information, could you kindly produce a dissertation proposal for me, including some indication of the practical and academic value of this dissertation project? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Dissertation Proposal

Title

Assessing the Sustainable Competitive Advantage of the Filmmaking and Production Sector in Hong Kong

Introduction

The filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong has a rich history and cultural significance, yet it faces unique challenges in maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global market. This dissertation aims to explore the factors contributing to the sustainable competitive advantage of this sector, utilizing Michael Porter's Diamond Model and the concept of sustainable competitive advantage as theoretical frameworks.

Research Objectives

To assess the current state of the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong.

To identify the key factors that contribute to the sustainable competitive advantage in this sector.

To analyze the perceptions of both local and international audiences regarding Hong Kong cinema.

To provide recommendations for enhancing competitive advantages in the filmmaking sector.

Research Questions

What are the current strengths and weaknesses of the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong?

How do local and international audiences perceive Hong Kong films compared to those from other regions, such as Japan?

What strategies can the Hong Kong filmmaking sector adopt to enhance its sustainable competitive advantage?

Research Methodology

Qualitative Methods

Focus Groups:

Participants: 5 individuals - 2 managers from the Hong Kong filmmaking sector, 2 local cinema enthusiasts, and 1 Japanese cinema enthusiast.

Purpose: To gather insights on industry practices, audience perceptions, and competitive challenges.

Quantitative Methods

Questionnaire Survey:

Target Participants: Friends and acquaintances with an interest in cinema, using convenience sampling.

Purpose: To quantify opinions on the filmmaking sector and gather demographic data for analysis.

Desk Research

Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, industry reports, and case studies related to the filmmaking sector in Hong Kong.

Theoretical Framework

Diamond Model (Michael Porter): This model will be employed to analyze the competitive environment of the filmmaking sector, focusing on four key elements: factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and firm strategy, structure, and rivalry.

Sustainable Competitive Advantage: The concept will guide the analysis of how Hong Kong's filmmaking sector can maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

Research Philosophy

Pragmatism: This philosophy will underpin the research approach, emphasizing practical solutions and the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods to address the research questions effectively.

Practical Value

The findings will provide filmmakers, producers, and policymakers in Hong Kong with actionable insights to enhance the sector's competitiveness. The research could inform marketing strategies, production practices, and audience engagement initiatives.

Academic Value

This dissertation will contribute to the academic literature on competitive advantage in creative industries, particularly within the context of Hong Kong. It will also offer a comparative analysis with other film markets, such as Japan, enriching the understanding of global cinema dynamics.

Conclusion

This dissertation aims to fill a significant gap in understanding the sustainable competitive advantage of Hong Kong's filmmaking and production sector. By employing a mixed-methods approach, it will provide valuable insights for both practitioners and scholars in the field.

References

A comprehensive list of academic references, industry reports, and literature will be included in the final dissertation to support the research findings and theoretical frameworks discussed."

My question 2: "Tks. Could you tell me what are the main ideas of (1) the diamond model and (2) sustainable competitive advantage? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Here’s a brief overview of the main ideas for both the Diamond Model and the concept of Sustainable Competitive Advantage.

1. Diamond Model (Michael Porter)

The Diamond Model, developed by Michael Porter, identifies four key determinants that shape the competitive advantage of nations and industries. These determinants are:

Factor Conditions: The nation’s position in factors of production, such as skilled labor, infrastructure, and natural resources. Superior factor conditions can enhance a sector's competitiveness.

Demand Conditions: The nature and size of the home market demand for the industry's products or services. A strong, sophisticated domestic market can drive innovation and improvement in quality.

Related and Supporting Industries: The presence of supplier industries and related industries that are internationally competitive. Strong local suppliers and associated industries can enhance efficiency and innovation.

Firm Strategy, Structure, and Rivalry: The conditions governing how companies are created, organized, and managed, as well as the nature of domestic rivalry. Intense competition can spur innovation and efficiency.

These four factors interact to create a conducive environment for competitive advantage, suggesting that nations or regions can achieve a competitive edge by optimizing these elements.

2. Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Sustainable Competitive Advantage refers to the attributes that allow an organization to outperform its competitors consistently over time. The main ideas include:

Unique Resources: Organizations must possess resources that are valuable, rare, inimitable, and non-substitutable (VRIN). These can include intellectual property, brand reputation, proprietary technology, or unique skills.

Long-term Strategy: A sustainable competitive advantage requires a long-term strategic approach, focusing on continuous innovation, customer satisfaction, and adapting to market changes.

Market Position: Companies need to establish a strong market position that can withstand competitive pressures, which often involves differentiating products or services.

Adaptability: Organizations must be able to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer preferences to maintain their competitive edge over time.

In essence, sustainable competitive advantage is about maintaining superiority in the marketplace through unique capabilities and strategic positioning that are difficult for competitors to replicate."

My question 3: "Could you offer me a more concrete research design plan, one for the focus group and another one for the questionnaire survey? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Here’s a more concrete research design plan for both the focus group and the questionnaire survey.

Research Design Plan

1. Focus Group

Objective: To gather qualitative insights from industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts regarding the factors influencing the sustainable competitive advantage of the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong.

Participants

Total Participants: 5

2 Managers from the Hong Kong filmmaking and production sector

2 Local cinema enthusiasts

1 Japanese cinema enthusiast

Recruitment Strategy

Managers: Reach out to industry contacts, LinkedIn, or professional networks in the Hong Kong filmmaking sector.

Cinema Enthusiasts: Use personal networks, social media, and film community groups to recruit participants who actively watch Hong Kong films.

Focus Group Structure

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Location: A quiet, comfortable meeting space (or virtual platform if necessary).

Moderator: A trained facilitator (could be you) to guide the discussion.

Discussion Guide

Introduction

Purpose of the focus group

Participant introductions

Warm-Up Questions

What are your favorite Hong Kong films and why?

How do you usually discover new local films?

Main Discussion Topics

Strengths of the Hong Kong Filmmaking Sector

What unique qualities or advantages do you see in Hong Kong films?

Challenges and Weaknesses

What challenges does the sector currently face?

Audience Perceptions

How do you perceive the quality and competitiveness of Hong Kong films compared to those from other countries?

Future Opportunities

What strategies could enhance the competitive advantage of the sector?

Conclusion

Summarize key points

Thank participants and discuss follow-up if applicable

Data Analysis

Transcribe the discussion.

Use thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights regarding competitive advantage.

2. Questionnaire Survey

Objective: To collect quantitative data on audience perceptions and opinions regarding the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong.

Target Participants

Friends and acquaintances who enjoy watching films, focusing on both local and international audiences.

Recruitment Strategy

Use social media, personal messaging, and email to distribute the questionnaire.

Aim for a minimum of 30-50 responses for statistical validity.

Questionnaire Structure

Demographic Information

Age

Gender

Nationality

Frequency of watching Hong Kong films

Perceptions of Hong Kong Filmmaking

Rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5 (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree):

Hong Kong films have unique storytelling styles.

I believe Hong Kong cinema has high production quality.

I prefer Hong Kong films over films from other regions.

I feel that local filmmakers understand my cultural context.

Competitive Advantage Factors

Which factors do you think contribute most to the success of Hong Kong films? (Select all that apply)

Innovative storytelling

Production quality

Cultural relevance

International collaborations

Marketing and promotion

Open-Ended Questions

What do you think are the main challenges facing Hong Kong filmmakers today?

How can the Hong Kong filmmaking sector improve to attract more viewers?

Data Analysis

Use statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Excel) to analyze quantitative data.

Perform descriptive statistics to summarize responses.

Analyze open-ended responses using thematic analysis to capture qualitative insights.

This research design plan provides a structured approach to gathering both qualitative and quantitative data, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the sustainable competitive advantage of the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong."

My question 4: "Tks for analysis effort. Could you tell me what are the strengths and weaknesses of my dissertation research methods and research philosophy? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Here’s an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of your research methods and research philosophy.

Research Methods

Strengths

Mixed Methods Approach:

Combining qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (questionnaire survey) methods provides a comprehensive understanding of the research topic, allowing for triangulation of data.

Focus Groups:

The focus group enables in-depth discussions and insights from diverse perspectives, particularly from industry professionals and cinema enthusiasts. This can uncover nuanced views on competitive advantages.

Questionnaire Survey:

Surveys can gather data from a larger sample size, allowing for more generalizable findings. This method can quantify audience opinions and preferences effectively.

Convenience Sampling:

Utilizing convenience sampling can expedite the data collection process and is practical for initial exploratory research, especially in a part-time study context.

Desk Research:

Conducting desk research provides a solid theoretical foundation and contextual background, enhancing the overall credibility of the study.

Weaknesses

Focus Group Limitations:

The small sample size may not represent the broader population, and group dynamics can influence individual responses, potentially leading to bias.

Questionnaire Survey Limitations:

Convenience sampling may introduce bias, as it relies on readily accessible participants rather than a more representative sample. This could limit the generalizability of findings.

Qualitative Data Analysis:

Analyzing qualitative data from focus groups can be time-consuming and subjective, potentially affecting the reliability of the findings if not systematically approached.

Response Bias:

Participants in both methods may provide socially desirable answers, particularly when discussing topics like competitive advantage and personal preferences.

Research Philosophy

Strengths

Pragmatism:

Pragmatism allows for flexibility in choosing methods that best address research questions, facilitating a practical approach to data collection and analysis.

Focus on Real-World Applications:

This philosophy emphasizes practical implications, making the research relevant to industry stakeholders, which can enhance its impact.

Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative:

Pragmatism supports the integration of diverse data sources, allowing for a richer understanding of the research topic.

Weaknesses

Potential for Lack of Depth in Theoretical Framework:

While pragmatism emphasizes practical outcomes, it might lead to a neglect of deeper theoretical exploration, which can be critical in academic research.

Difficulty in Generalization:

The pragmatic approach may prioritize practical findings over theoretical contributions, which might limit the research's broader academic relevance.

Subjectivity:

A pragmatic approach might lead to subjective interpretations of data, especially when integrating insights from qualitative and quantitative methods.

Conclusion

Your research methods and philosophy have distinct strengths that can contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable competitive advantage in Hong Kong's filmmaking sector. However, addressing the identified weaknesses will be crucial for ensuring the robustness and credibility of your findings. Consider strategies to mitigate bias, enhance representation, and deepen theoretical engagement to strengthen your overall research design."

My question 5: "Are the diamond model and the concept of sustainable competitive advantage useful academic theories to study my dissertation topic?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Yes, both the Diamond Model and the concept of Sustainable Competitive Advantage are highly relevant and useful academic theories for studying your dissertation topic on the filmmaking and production sector in Hong Kong. Here’s how each can contribute:

Diamond Model

Comprehensive Analysis:

The Diamond Model provides a framework for analyzing the competitive environment of the filmmaking sector by examining local conditions that influence competitiveness. This includes factors like skilled labor, demand conditions, and the presence of related industries.

Contextual Understanding:

It helps contextualize the unique characteristics of Hong Kong's filmmaking industry, allowing you to explore how local factors contribute to competitive advantages or disadvantages.

Interconnected Factors:

The model emphasizes the interplay between different determinants (factor conditions, demand, related industries, and firm strategy), which can provide insights into how these elements work together to create sustainable advantages.

Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Focus on Longevity:

This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining competitive advantages over time, which is crucial for the filmmaking sector as it faces global competition and changing consumer preferences.

Resource-Based View:

The Sustainable Competitive Advantage framework aligns with the resource-based view, encouraging you to explore the unique resources and capabilities that Hong Kong filmmakers possess (e.g., cultural storytelling, talent, or technological innovations).

Strategic Insights:

Understanding what constitutes a sustainable competitive advantage can guide your analysis of current industry practices and inform recommendations for enhancing competitiveness.

Conclusion

Using these theories will provide a robust theoretical foundation for your dissertation. They will help you analyze the current state of the filmmaking sector in Hong Kong, identify key competitive factors, and propose actionable strategies for maintaining or enhancing competitive advantage. Integrating these frameworks will enrich your research, making it both academically rigorous and practically relevant.'

My question 6: "Are these two academic theories useful to inform my desk research design in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Yes, the Diamond Model and the concept of Sustainable Competitive Advantage can significantly inform your desk research design. Here’s how each theory can guide your research:

1. Diamond Model

Application in Desk Research:

Identifying Key Factors: Use the four determinants of the Diamond Model (factor conditions, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, firm strategy, structure, and rivalry) to structure your desk research. Focus on collecting data related to each determinant to understand the competitive landscape of the Hong Kong filmmaking sector.

Industry Reports and Case Studies: Look for industry reports and case studies that discuss these determinants in the context of Hong Kong cinema. This can include analyses of labor markets, audience demographics, and the presence of supporting industries (e.g., film festivals, distribution networks).

Comparative Analysis: Use the model to compare Hong Kong’s filmmaking sector with other regions (like Japan). This can reveal insights into how specific factors contribute to competitive advantages in different contexts.

2. Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Application in Desk Research:

Understanding Resources and Capabilities: Investigate literature that discusses the unique resources and capabilities within the Hong Kong filmmaking industry. This could include studies on local talent, cultural narratives, technological advancements, and production techniques.

Longitudinal Studies: Look for research that examines how certain films or filmmakers have maintained competitive advantages over time. This can provide insights into successful strategies and practices.

Market Analysis: Analyze data on audience preferences and trends in film consumption. Understanding what drives local and international audiences can help you identify factors that contribute to sustainable competitive advantage.

Conclusion

Incorporating these theories into your desk research design will help you create a focused and structured approach. By aligning your research questions and data collection efforts with the insights provided by the Diamond Model and Sustainable Competitive Advantage, you'll be able to gather relevant information that informs your overall dissertation objectives. This will enhance the credibility and depth of your analysis, ultimately supporting your conclusions and recommendations."

** note: This example is on the academic-oriented type of dissertation project.

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