A study note on dissertation project scope

A study note on dissertation project scope (information from poe.com)

My question 1: "As a university student learning the subject of Research Methods, I want to learn about the topic of dissertation project scope. Could you provide an example of describing a dissertation project scope for the following situations:

Situation 1: on a dissertation project about corporate productivity improvement programs in Hong Kong to be done within 3 months.

Situation 2: on a dissertation project about corporate productivity improvement programs in Hong Kong to be done within 6 months.

Situation 3: on a dissertation project about Gen Z perceptions on home ownership planning in Hong Kong to be done within 3 months.

Situation 4: on a dissertation project about Gen Z perceptions on home ownership planning in Hong Kong to be done within 6 months.

Tks in advance."

The reply: "Here are examples of how to describe the dissertation project scope for each of the specified situations:

Situation 1: Dissertation on Corporate Productivity Improvement Programs in Hong Kong (3 months)

Project Scope:

This dissertation aims to investigate corporate productivity improvement programs implemented in Hong Kong over the past five years. The study will focus on identifying the key methodologies used by organizations and their effectiveness in enhancing productivity within a constrained timeframe of three months. Primary qualitative data will be collected through interviews with HR managers and team leaders of corporations in various sectors. Additionally, a review of existing literature and secondary sources will be conducted to understand historical trends and outcomes. The scope is limited to medium-sized enterprises (50-250 employees) in Hong Kong, and the research will analyze data related to productivity metrics before and after implementation of improvement programs.

Situation 2: Dissertation on Corporate Productivity Improvement Programs in Hong Kong (6 months)

Project Scope:

This dissertation focuses on exploring the impact of corporate productivity improvement programs in Hong Kong, with an extended timeline of six months for comprehensive analysis. The project will examine both qualitative and quantitative aspects by conducting in-depth interviews with industry professionals and distributing surveys to a broader audience across various sectors. The research will also include a comparative analysis of productivity metrics within small, medium, and large enterprises in Hong Kong that have implemented these programs. The study aims to provide insights into the best practices and challenges faced by businesses and offer recommendations for future enhancements in productivity programs.

Situation 3: Dissertation on Gen Z Perceptions of Home Ownership Planning in Hong Kong (3 months)

Project Scope:

This dissertation will explore the perceptions of Gen Z individuals (ages 18-24) regarding home ownership planning in Hong Kong within a three-month timeframe. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining online surveys and focus group discussions to gather qualitative and quantitative data from participants. Key areas of focus will include financial challenges, attitudes towards home ownership, and preferred living arrangements. The scope is confined to urban residents in Hong Kong who belong to the Gen Z demographic, and the research will analyze factors influencing their decisions about home ownership in light of the current real estate market conditions.

Situation 4: Dissertation on Gen Z Perceptions of Home Ownership Planning in Hong Kong (6 months)

Project Scope:

This dissertation aims to provide a detailed analysis of Gen Z perceptions regarding home ownership planning in Hong Kong over a six-month period. The research will employ a comprehensive methodology combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand the beliefs, motivations, and barriers faced by Gen Z in pursuing home ownership. The study will explore socio-economic factors, lifestyle preferences, and the impact of Hong Kong's housing market on their decisions. A broader demographic analysis will include segmented groups based on gender, familial background, and educational levels, providing insights into the diverse perspectives present within this generation.

These examples highlight the scope of research, methodologies, target populations, and specific focus areas for each dissertation project. Adjustments can be made based on specific academic requirements or personal interests."

My question 2: "In general, how does the researcher' age, gender, working experience, quality of personal social network affect the determination of a dissertation project scope, with reference to the fields of (1) business management and (2) housing studies?"

The reply: "The age, gender, working experience, and quality of a researcher's personal social network can significantly influence the determination of a dissertation project scope, particularly in the fields of business management and housing studies. Here’s how each aspect may affect research scope in these fields:

1. Business Management

Age:

• Perspective and Innovation: Younger researchers may bring fresh perspectives or innovative ideas, tailoring their projects to contemporary trends or emerging issues in business management, such as digital transformation or remote working.
• Relevance: Older researchers might focus on established theories or practices, affecting the scope of the project based on their understanding of what is currently critical in the field.

Gender:

• Focus on Diversity: A researcher’s gender might influence their choice to focus on gender diversity in the workplace, workplace culture, or the impact of gender dynamics in leadership, shaping project themes and methodologies.
• Research Bias: Gender may also affect the selection of study populations and settings, influencing project scope in terms of inclusivity and representation of different gender perspectives.

Working Experience:

• Practical Insights: Researchers with prior industry experience may choose to explore practical problems faced by businesses, resulting in a scope that emphasizes case studies, applied methodologies, or firsthand insights from industry veterans.
• Industry Familiarity: Experience in specific sectors can narrow the project scope to focus on known challenges or innovations within that sector, making the research highly relevant and practical.

Quality of Personal Social Network:

• Access to Data and Participants: A strong social network can facilitate access to organizational leaders and industry practitioners, enabling richer qualitative data collection and broader survey participation.
• Collaboration Opportunities: Researchers may also leverage their networks for collaborative studies or partnerships, potentially expanding or refining the project scope based on available resources and insights gained from peers.

2. Housing Studies

Age:

• Generational Perspectives: Younger researchers might focus on issues relevant to younger generations, such as housing affordability or sustainable living, shaping the project scope toward current market trends.
• Historical Context: Older researchers may approach housing studies from a historical perspective, exploring how past trends influence current policies or housing developments.

Gender:

• Focus on Inclusivity: A researcher’s gender might lead to an emphasis on gender-specific challenges in housing, such as domestic violence shelters or women’s housing needs, impacting the type of research questions and population samples chosen.
• Case Study Choices: Gender dynamics in housing can lead researchers to explore how male and female householders navigate the housing market differently, influencing the scope of research inquiries.

Working Experience:

• Field Knowledge: Researchers with experience in urban planning, real estate, or social services may frame their studies around practical challenges faced in housing, such as zoning laws or the impact of gentrification.
• Stakeholder Insights: Experience can inform the choice of key stakeholders to study, focusing on policymakers, developers, or residents in underrepresented communities, thus narrowing or expanding the research scope accordingly.

Quality of Personal Social Network:

• Networking with Practitioners: A robust network within housing authorities, real estate firms, or community organizations can provide valuable insights and data, shaping the project scope around real-world housing issues.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Having connections across related fields (e.g., sociology, economics, environmental studies) may facilitate interdisciplinary approaches, allowing for a broader or more integrated research scope that captures complex housing dynamics.

Conclusion

In summary, these personal attributes of a researcher can significantly affect the determination of a dissertation project scope by shaping research interests, methodological choices, and access to data. Understanding how these factors interplay within the context of specific fields like business management and housing studies can help researchers develop a focused and relevant dissertation project."

Reference: 

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.

Asking poe.com to produce a proposal related to corporate productivity program and motivation theories: for MBA students

Asking poe.com to produce a proposal related to corporate productivity program and motivation theories: for MBA students (information from poe.com)

My question 1: "I am a part-time MBA student, currently learning how to formulate my dissertation proposal. My research theme is about corporate productivity improvement programm evaluation for the Hong Kong retail sector. In particular, I am interested to employ 2 motivation theories and 2 academic theories on productivity improvement evaluation. I intend to invite 5 of my Hong Kong friends, 2 of whom having experience in introducing productivity programs in their retailing companies, 2 being junior operational supervisors working in retailing companies, and 1 being a university lecturer on organizational behavior. My second research method is to conduct narrative interviews with 3 of my friends, all working in the operation functions in retailing companies. My last research method to use desk research to study my research theme in the Hong Kong context. My overall research philosophy is pragmatism. Could you produce a dissertation proposal for me? Tks a lot."

The reply: "Here's a structured dissertation proposal based on your research theme on corporate productivity improvement program evaluation for the Hong Kong retail sector.

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Dissertation Proposal

Title: Evaluating Corporate Productivity Improvement Programs in the Hong Kong Retail Sector: A Pragmatic Approach Using Motivational and Academic Theories

1. Introduction

The retail sector in Hong Kong has faced significant challenges and opportunities in the wake of technological advancements, changing consumer behavior, and economic fluctuations. This dissertation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of corporate productivity improvement programs within this sector. By employing motivational theories and academic theories related to productivity, the study will provide valuable insights into the factors influencing productivity improvements in retail operations.

2. Research Theme

The central theme of this research is to assess and evaluate the impact of productivity improvement programs in the retail sector of Hong Kong. The study will focus on understanding the motivations behind the implementation of these programs and their effectiveness in enhancing overall productivity.

3. Research Objectives

• To explore the motivations for implementing productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of these programs from a managerial and operational perspective.
• To analyze the role of motivational and academic theories in understanding productivity dynamics in the retail sector.

4. Literature Review

A review of existing literature will cover:

• Overview of the retail sector in Hong Kong and its current challenges.
• Discussion of productivity improvement programs and their key components.
• Examination of relevant motivation theories (e.g., Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory) and academic theories (e.g., Lean Management, Total Quality Management) pertinent to productivity evaluation.

5. Research Methodology

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach comprising the following methodological components:

5.1. Qualitative Interviews

• Participants: A total of 5 friends from Hong Kong with varied backgrounds in the retail sector.

  • 2 participants who have experience introducing productivity programs in their companies.
  • 2 junior operational supervisors in retailing companies.
  • 1 university lecturer specializing in organizational behavior.

• Data Collection: Semi-structured interviews to gather insights on personal experiences and perceptions regarding productivity improvement programs.

5.2. Narrative Interviews

• A further qualitative exploration will be conducted with 3 friends currently working in operational roles within retail companies. These narrative interviews will allow for deeper insights into their experiences and the operational impacts of productivity initiatives.

5.3. Desk Research

• Comprehensive desk research will be undertaken to analyze existing case studies, academic articles, and industry reports concerning productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail context. This will aid in understanding broader trends and benchmarking against best practices.

6. Research Philosophy

The research will be framed within a pragmatism philosophy. This approach recognizes the importance of practical outcomes and will inform the selection of methodologies that best address the research objectives. It allows for a combination of qualitative and quantitative perspectives, providing a more holistic understanding of the research problem.

7. Anticipated Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of how motivational factors influence the implementation and success of productivity improvement programs.
• Identification of best practices and challenges faced by retail operations in Hong Kong.
• A framework for evaluating the effectiveness of productivity initiatives within the retail sector.

8. Timeline

A preliminary timeline will be established to guide the research activities over the course of the MBA program, including milestones for literature review completion, interview scheduling, data analysis, and dissertation writing.

9. Conclusion

This dissertation aims to contribute to the academic discourse surrounding corporate productivity in the retail sector while providing actionable insights for practitioners. By evaluating productivity improvement programs within the Hong Kong context, the research will offer a pragmatic lens through which to understand and enhance retail operations.

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Feel free to refine any sections or ask for more specific details that you may require!"

My question 2: "Tks. Could you suggest 3 related research questions to me and then offer me a more concrete research method design for the three research methods employed in this study? Tks."

The reply: "Here are three research questions related to your dissertation theme, followed by a more concrete research method design for each of the three methods:

Research Questions

1. What are the key motivational factors that influence the implementation of productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector?

2. How do operational supervisors perceive the effectiveness of productivity improvement programs in enhancing corporate productivity?

3. What are the challenges and best practices associated with productivity improvement initiatives as identified through narrative interviews with retail operation professionals?

Research Method Design

1. Qualitative Interviews

Design:

• Participants: The sample will consist of 5 friends from Hong Kong, ensuring a mix of perspectives from 2 experienced program implementers, 2 junior operational supervisors, and 1 university lecturer.
• Sampling Technique: Purposeful sampling will be used to select participants who have relevant knowledge and experience with productivity improvement programs.
• Interview Format: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted, using a pre-designed interview guide with open-ended questions tailored to each participant's role.
• Duration: Each interview will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will be conducted either in person or via video conferencing tools.
• Data Collection: Interviews will be audio-recorded (with consent) and transcribed for thematic analysis. Questions may include:
  • What motivated your organization to implement productivity improvement programs?
  • In your experience, what improvements have you observed in operational performance?
  • What challenges did you encounter during the implementation process?

2. Narrative Interviews

Design:

• Participants: Three friends currently working in operational roles in retail companies will be selected for narrative interviews.
• Sampling Technique: Criterion-based sampling will be applied to ensure participants have relevant operational experience.
• Interview Format: Unstructured narrative interviews will be employed, allowing participants to share their personal stories regarding productivity programs freely.
• Duration: Each narrative interview will last approximately 60 minutes.
• Data Collection: Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using narrative analysis techniques to identify themes and patterns related to challenges and successes.
• Prompting Questions:
  • Can you describe your experience with productivity improvement initiatives in your current role?
  • What impact did these initiatives have on your daily operations?
  • How did you navigate challenges during the implementation?

3. Desk Research

Design:

• Data Sources: A comprehensive review of existing literature, academic journals, industry reports, and case studies focusing on productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector.
• Search Strategy: Utilize databases like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and industry-specific publications to gather relevant articles and case studies. Keywords such as "productivity improvement programs," "Hong Kong retail," and "organizational behavior" will be employed.
• Data Collection: Systematically categorize and summarize findings from each source into thematic areas aligning with the research questions.
• Analysis Framework: A qualitative content analysis approach will be used to synthesize the findings. Key themes will be compared with insights gained from interview data for triangulation.

Conclusion

This research design will help you systematically address your research questions by employing a combination of qualitative interviews, narrative interviews, and desk research. This mixed-methods approach will not only provide depth to your findings but also enrich your understanding of productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector. Feel free to ask if you need further elaboration on any section!"

My question 3: "Could you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the research philosophy and research methods of this study as well as on the originality, academic and practical values of this study? Tks."

The reply: "

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Research Philosophy and Research Methods

Research Philosophy: Pragmatism

Strengths:

1. Flexibility: Pragmatism allows the integration of both qualitative and quantitative methods, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
2. Focus on Practical Outcomes: This philosophy emphasizes solving real-world problems, making the research relevant to practitioners in the retail sector.
3. Contextual Understanding: Pragmatism acknowledges the social and contextual factors that impact productivity, enriching the analysis of the retail environment in Hong Kong.

Weaknesses:

1. Potential for Subjectivity: Pragmatism may lead to subjective interpretations if not carefully managed, especially in qualitative analyses.
2. Complexity in Integration: Combining different methodologies can introduce complexity in design and analysis, requiring careful planning and execution.
3. Fleeting Theoretical Frameworks: Pragmatism may lack a strong theoretical foundation compared to more rigid philosophies, which can undermine the research’s academic rigor.

Research Methods

Qualitative Interviews

Strengths:

• Rich, detailed data can be gathered, providing deep insights into participants’ perspectives.
• Flexibility in probing and exploring topics can reveal new themes and insights not initially considered.

Weaknesses:

• Results may not be generalizable due to the small sample size and qualitative nature.
• Data analysis can be time-consuming and may require substantial interpretative skill.

Narrative Interviews

Strengths:

• Allow participants to share their experiences in their own voice, leading to authentic and nuanced data.
• Captures the complexity of individual experiences and can uncover unique insights about productivity challenges.

Weaknesses:

• Data can be difficult to analyze and interpret due to its narrative form, risking the potential for bias in interpretation.
• Relies heavily on the skill of the interviewer to facilitate storytelling, which can impact data quality.

Desk Research

Strengths:

• Cost-effective and time-efficient way to gather existing information.
• Provides a background context and theoretical framework to support primary data findings.

Weaknesses:

• May be limited by the availability and quality of existing literature relevant to the specific context of Hong Kong.
• Risk of relying on outdated or non-relevant studies, which may affect the validity of the findings.

Originality, Academic and Practical Values

Originality:

The study's originality lies in its specific focus on productivity improvement programs within the context of the Hong Kong retail sector. By blending motivational and academic theories, it provides a fresh perspective on how these programs can be evaluated, contributing to the literature on organizational behavior and productivity analysis in a region that has not been extensively studied in this context.

Academic Value:

The research will contribute to the academic discourse by:

• Expanding the theoretical framework regarding productivity improvement initiatives, particularly in retail settings.
• Adding qualitative insights to existing literature, which often relies on quantitative data, thus enriching the understanding of the impact of such initiatives.
• Highlighting the application of motivation theories in a real-world context, offering empirical evidence to support theoretical propositions.

Practical Value:

For practitioners, this study offers:

• Actionable insights into the effective implementation of productivity improvement programs in the retail sector, equipped with the lived experiences of industry professionals.
• Best practices and challenges to be aware of, allowing retail organizations to make informed decisions when adopting similar programs.
• Recommendations for fostering organizational cultures that enhance productivity, drawing on the motivations and perceptions of employees on the ground.

Conclusion

The research philosophy and methods of this study provide both strengths and weaknesses that need to be carefully managed. However, the original contributions to the field, combined with significant academic and practical implications, underscore the value of this research in addressing productivity improvement in the Hong Kong retail sector."

My question 4: "Could you indicate which research questions and research methods are related to which research objective of this study? Tks."

The reply: "Here’s a mapping of the research objectives to the corresponding research questions and research methods for your study:

Research Objectives, Questions, and Methods Mapping

Research Objective 1:

To explore the motivations for implementing productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector.

• Research Question 1: What are the key motivational factors that influence the implementation of productivity improvement programs in the Hong Kong retail sector?
• Research Method:
  • Qualitative Interviews: This method will gather detailed perspectives from participants with experience in introducing productivity programs.
  • Narrative Interviews: These will provide personal stories and insights from operational professionals regarding their motivations and experiences.

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Research Objective 2:

To evaluate the effectiveness of these programs from a managerial and operational perspective.

• Research Question 2: How do operational supervisors perceive the effectiveness of productivity improvement programs in enhancing corporate productivity?
• Research Method:
  • Qualitative Interviews: The interviews with operational supervisors will specifically address their perceptions of the effectiveness of the programs.
  • Desk Research: A literature review on existing evaluations of productivity improvement programs will help frame the findings and provide a comparison.

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Research Objective 3:

To analyze the role of motivational and academic theories in understanding productivity dynamics in the retail sector.

• Research Question 3: What are the challenges and best practices associated with productivity improvement initiatives as identified through narrative interviews with retail operation professionals?
• Research Method:
  • Narrative Interviews: These interviews will uncover challenges and success stories related to productivity initiatives and the theoretical frameworks applied.
  • Desk Research: Analyzing existing literature will support the understanding of theoretical frameworks like motivation and organizational behavior in the context of productivity.

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Summary

• Qualitative Interviews support Objectives 1 and 2.
• Narrative Interviews support Objectives 1 and 3.
• Desk Research supports Objectives 2 and 3.

This mapping clarifies how each research question and method aligns with your research objectives, ensuring that you're systematically addressing the aims of your dissertation. If you need any further clarification or help, just let me know!"

Reference: 

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.

The main types of evaluation criteria considered in a dissertation project

The main types of evaluation criteria considered in a dissertation project:

1. The originality, academic and practical values of a dissertation project.
2. An evaluation of the reading experience (e.g. article reading and literature review)
3. The strengths and weaknesses of the research philosophy and the research methods of a dissertation project
4. Research ethical evaluation (the ones related to AI-usage)
5. Research method design quality criteria
6. Evaluation of the quality of reasoning of the report (3 major benchmarks: (a) the chain of evidence, (b) the quality of the argumentation, and (c) the quality of the inductive and deductive reasoning)
7. Evaluation in terms of some explicit quantitative criteria: (a) the similarity index, (b) the number of research methods to use, (c) the number of theories to use, (d) the number of references to use and (e) the report length is around the word count figure recommended for the whole report.
8. Evaluation of the dissertation project experience (re: the reflective journal log; and at the post-implementation phase: reflection on personal development)

A note on "working out your dissertation proposal and beyond"

A note on "working out your dissertation proposal and beyond". This note is mainly for my students learning the agile literature review approach (the academic-oriented project type).

The following diagram describes the 4 steps on working out your dissertation proposal and beyond. Incrementally, you need to relinquish your AI-generated initial dissertation proposal and work out your own version of proposal with reflective and critical intellectual learning effort.

Note: 

Step 1: exploring the project context with perplexity.ai

Step 2: brainstorming with poe.com to produce an initial proposal prototype

Step 3: work out a proposal that is approved by your project supervisor

Step 4: make project progress, with ongoing reflective and critical intellectual learning, among other inquiry efforts.

(** a related reading: academically honest behavior)

Main study effort (of steps 3 and 4)

A.     Focused literature review, with academic article study skill and post-reading reflection skill.

B.     Reflective learning on the subject of research methods

C.     Pilot testing on research methods

D.     Review comments from the project supervisor, AI tools and friends

E.      Carry out further individual brainstorming on dissertation-related ideas

Asking poe to produce a proposal on retailing, merchandising and career planning: for MBA students

Asking poe.com to produce a proposal on retailing, merchandising and career planning: for MBA students

My question 1: "I am a part-time MBA student, currently learning how to produce a proposal. My proposal topic is about my worry about the Hong Kong retail company that I work for, whose business performance has been deteriorating with high cost structure as well as strong market competition. A related worry is thus also the job security of my job in the merchandising department of this HK retail company. My research theme is as assessment of the human resource strategy of this retail company. A related minor sub-theme is an assessment of the human resource development function of the company, notably on the merchandising department of this company. The merchandising staff in this company is worried about their job security and their merchandising career. I intend to invite my colleagues to participate in a focus group (with 5 colleagues in the merchandising department) as well as narrative narrative interviews with 2 merchandising staff, 3 Human Resource Department staff and the marketing manager of the company. I will also conduct desk research. I feel that the research theme should be related to strategic analysis, human resource development, strategic human resource management and career planning, probably 1 academic theory from each of these fields. The overall research philosophy is pragmatism. Could you produce a proposal for me. Tks a lot."

The reply: "Here's a structured proposal for your research on the human resource strategy of your Hong Kong retail company, focusing on the merchandising department:

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Research Proposal: Assessment of Human Resource Strategy in [Company Name]

I. Introduction

A. Background

The retail industry in Hong Kong has faced numerous challenges, including rising operational costs and intense market competition. As a part-time MBA student and an employee in the merchandising department of [Company Name], I am concerned about the implications of these challenges on the company's overall performance and, more specifically, on the job security of the merchandising staff.

B. Problem Statement

The deteriorating business performance and evolving market conditions have created uncertainty regarding job security and career development for employees in the merchandising department. This proposal seeks to assess the human resource strategy of [Company Name] and understand its implications on staff morale and career progression.

II. Objectives

• To evaluate the current human resource strategy of [Company Name] in relation to the merchandising department.
• To assess the human resource development function and its impact on employee job security and career planning.
• To explore the perceptions of merchandising staff regarding their job security and future career prospects.

III. Research Theme and Sub-Themes

A. Main Theme

• Strategic Analysis of Human Resource Strategy: Evaluating how HR strategies align with the company’s overall business goals.

B. Sub-Themes

1. Strategic Human Resource Management: Examining the integration of HR strategies with business strategies.
2. Human Resource Development: Analyzing training and development programs that support employee growth.
3. Career Planning: Exploring career development opportunities available to merchandising staff.

IV. Research Philosophy

This study will adopt a pragmatic research philosophy, which emphasizes practical solutions to real-world problems and focuses on the research question's importance rather than the methods used.

V. Research Methodology

A. Data Collection Methods

1. Focus Group: Conduct a focus group with five colleagues from the merchandising department to understand their concerns and suggestions regarding job security and career development.

2. Narrative Interviews: Perform narrative interviews with:

   • 2 merchandising staff members
   • 3 Human Resource Department staff
   • 1 Marketing Manager

3. Desk Research: Analyze existing literature and case studies on strategic human resource management and development practices in the retail sector.

B. Data Analysis

The data collected from the focus group, interviews, and desk research will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and insights regarding the human resource strategy and its impact on the merchandising department.

VI. Theoretical Framework

The research will incorporate the following academic theories:

1. Strategic Management Theory: To understand the alignment of HR strategies with business objectives.
2. Human Capital Theory: To evaluate the importance of employee development and its impact on organizational success.
3. Career Development Theory: To investigate how career planning frameworks can enhance job security and employee satisfaction.

VII. Conclusion

This research aims to provide valuable insights into the human resource strategy of [Company Name], particularly concerning the merchandising department. By understanding the employees’ perspectives and the effectiveness of HR practices, recommendations can be made to improve job security and career development opportunities.

VIII. Timeline

Task	Duration
Literature Review	2 Weeks
Focus Group & Interviews	3 Weeks
Data Analysis	2 Weeks
Report Writing	2 Weeks
Final Review & Submission	1 Week

IX. References

(A preliminary list of references will be included here, including key texts on strategic human resource management, human resource development, and career planning.)

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This proposal framework should guide you in drafting a comprehensive assessment of the human resource strategy in your company. Be sure to fill in the specific details and tailor the content to fit your insights and findings as your research progresses. Good luck with your studies!

My question 2: "Could you provide a concrete research method design for the three research methods mentioned? Could you also provide 3 research questions related to the 3 research objectives suggested? Tks."

The reply: "Below are the concrete research method designs for the three research methods mentioned, along with three research questions tailored to correspond with the research objectives.

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Research Method Design

1. Focus Group

Design:

• Participants: Five colleagues from the merchandising department, selected based on their experience and diversity in roles.
• Session Duration: 60-90 minutes.
• Setting: A private conference room or an online meeting platform (e.g., Zoom).
• Facilitator: The researcher (you) will act as the facilitator to guide the discussion.
• Procedure:
  1. Introduction: Brief the participants on the purpose of the focus group and ensure confidentiality.
  2. Discussion Guide: Prepare a semi-structured discussion guide with open-ended questions.
  3. Topics to Cover:
     • Concerns regarding job security.
     • Perceptions of current HR development initiatives.
     • Suggestions for improving career planning and development opportunities.
  4. Recording: Audio-record the session (with participants' consent) for accurate analysis.
  5. Debrief: Summarize key points at the end and thank participants for their contributions.

2. Narrative Interviews

Design:

• Participants:
  • 2 merchandising staff members.
  • 3 Human Resource Department staff members.
  • 1 Marketing Manager.
• Interview Duration: 30-60 minutes per interview.
• Setting: Conducted in a quiet office space or via video conferencing.
• Procedure:
  1. Introduction: Explain the purpose of the interview and obtain informed consent.
  2. Interview Format: Use a semi-structured format with open-ended questions to allow for in-depth responses.
  3. Key Topics:
     • Individual experiences with job security and career growth.
     • Perspectives on HR development initiatives.
     • Insights about the alignment of HR strategies with organizational goals.
  4. Recording: Audio-record interviews (with consent) for thorough analysis.
  5. Post-Interview: Provide a summary of key insights to participants for validation.

3. Desk Research

Design:

• Sources:
  • Academic journals, industry reports, company documents, and reputable news articles.
• Procedure:
  1. Identify Relevant Literature: Focus on topics related to strategic human resource management, human resource development, and career planning in retail.
  2. Data Collection: Compile articles, case studies, and HR frameworks that relate to your research questions and objectives.
  3. Data Analysis: Identify trends, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in the literature. Summarize key findings and relate them to your research objectives.
  4. Synthesis: Integrate literature findings with qualitative data from interviews and focus groups to present a comprehensive analysis in your final report.

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Research Questions

1. Research Question Related to Objective 1 (Evaluating Current HR Strategy)

• RQ1: What are the shortcomings in the current human resource strategy of [Company Name] as perceived by the merchandising staff, and how do these shortcomings impact their job security?

2. Research Question Related to Objective 2 (Assessing HR Development Function)

• RQ2: How effective are the existing human resource development initiatives in addressing the career growth and development needs of employees in the merchandising department?

3. Research Question Related to Objective 3 (Exploring Career Planning Opportunities)

• RQ3: What factors do merchandising staff believe contribute to their career planning and job security within [Company Name], and how can HR policies be adjusted to support these factors?

These concrete research method designs and research questions will help guide your study and ensure you gather meaningful data for your proposal. Adjust any specifics as needed to fit your context and organizational culture. Good luck again with your research!"

My question 3: "Could you clarify a bit how each of the research method is related to which research objective and which research question? Also indicate which academic theory is employed to inform which research method? Tks."

The reply: "Below is a clear mapping of how each research method corresponds to the research objectives, research questions, and the academic theories used to inform each method.

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Research Method Connections

1. Focus Group

• Research Objective:

  • Objective 1: To evaluate the current human resource strategy of [Company Name] in relation to the merchandising department.

• Research Question:

  • RQ1: What are the shortcomings in the current human resource strategy of [Company Name] as perceived by the merchandising staff, and how do these shortcomings impact their job security?

• Academic Theory:

  • Strategic Management Theory: This theory will inform the focus group method by guiding discussions on how HR strategies align with the overall business goals, particularly from the perspective of merchandising staff. It emphasizes understanding the qualitative insights of employees regarding the strategic alignment of HR practices.

2. Narrative Interviews

• Research Objective:

  • Objective 2: To assess the human resource development function and its impact on employee job security and career planning.

• Research Question:

  • RQ2: How effective are the existing human resource development initiatives in addressing the career growth and development needs of employees in the merchandising department?

• Academic Theory:

  • Human Capital Theory: This theory will inform the narrative interviews by focusing on the value of employee development and training as an investment in human capital. The interviews will provide in-depth insights into how the HR development function is perceived and its effectiveness in meeting employee needs.

3. Desk Research

• Research Objective:

  • Objective 3: To explore the perceptions of merchandising staff regarding their job security and future career prospects.

• Research Question:

  • RQ3: What factors do merchandising staff believe contribute to their career planning and job security within [Company Name], and how can HR policies be adjusted to support these factors?

• Academic Theory:

• Career Development Theory: This theory will inform the desk research by emphasizing the importance of structured career planning frameworks available to employees. Desk research will help identify best practices, trends, and strategies that support career development and job security in organizations, which can be compared with the current practices at [Company Name]."

Summary Table

Research Method	Research Objective	Research Question	Academic Theory
Focus Group	Objective 1	RQ1	Strategic Management Theory
Narrative Interviews	Objective 2	RQ2	Human Capital Theory
Desk Research	Objective 3	RQ3	Career Development Theory

 

This mapping clarifies the relationships between your research methods, objectives, questions, and academic theories. Each method is designed to provide specific insights related to your research aims, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the human resource strategy within your retail company.

My question 4: "Could you comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the research philosophy and the research methods of this proposal? Also comment on the originality, academic and practical values of this study?"

The reply: "Below are comments on the strengths and weaknesses of the research philosophy and methods employed in your proposal. Additionally, I will discuss the originality, academic value, and practical value of this study.

Research Philosophy: Pragmatism

Strengths:

1. Flexibility: Pragmatism allows for the use of multiple methods (qualitative and quantitative) to observe and analyze complex issues. This flexibility enables a more comprehensive understanding of the topics under study.

2. Relevance to Real-World Problems: Pragmatism focuses on solving practical problems, making the research actionable and relevant to stakeholders, especially in a dynamic field like retail.

3. Comprehensive Insights: By prioritizing practical outcomes over strict adherence to one methodology, this approach encourages a broader exploration of employee perspectives which may yield richer insights.

Weaknesses:

1. Lack of Rigidity: The flexible nature of pragmatism may lead to perceived inconsistencies in research design, making it harder to replicate the study or strictly adhere to scientific protocols.

2. Subjectivity: The emphasis on real-world application may cause biases or subjective interpretations if not well-managed, potentially affecting the objectivity of the findings.

Research Methods

1. Focus Group

Strengths:

• Group Dynamics: Encourages interaction among participants, which can lead to more varied and rich responses.
• Quick Insight Generation: Can generate a wealth of qualitative data in a relatively short time.

Weaknesses:

• Groupthink: Dominant personalities may influence others, leading to conformity instead of independent opinions.
• Limited Generalizability: The findings may not be representative of the broader population due to the small sample size.

2. Narrative Interviews

Strengths:

• Depth of Understanding: Provides in-depth insights into individual experiences and perceptions.
• Personalized Data: Captures nuanced views that focus groups may overlook, allowing for a rich exploration of themes.

Weaknesses:

• Time-Consuming: Conducting and analyzing interviews can be resource-intensive, which may limit the number of interviews conducted.
• Interviewer Bias: The presence of the interviewer may influence responses, especially if leading questions are posed.

3. Desk Research

**Strengthsying on potentially outdated or irrelevant sources.

Originality

• The study addresses a unique intersection of strategic human resource management, employee concerns, and retail market dynamics, particularly focused on a local context in Hong Kong. This localized approach, combined with the specific expression of job security concerns within the merchandising department, contributes originality to the research.

Academic Value

• The research will add to existing academic literature by providing empirical data and insights on the effectiveness of HR strategies in dealing with employee job security and development in the retail sector. It will also contribute to theoretical discussions in strategic management, human capital theory, and career development, offering practical implications that can be explored in further studies.

Practical Value

• The findings from this study can directly inform HR policies and practices at [Company Name], offering actionable recommendations to enhance employee support, job security, and career development opportunities. This practical contribution is particularly valuable in light of the prevailing challenges in the retail market, enabling the company to improve employee morale and retention.

Conclusion

Overall, the proposed study possesses a strong foundation in both research philosophy and methodology, backed by originality and significant academic and practical values. While acknowledging the inherent strengths and weaknesses, the study promises to produce meaningful insights that can benefit both the company and the broader academic community."

My question 5: "Could you suggest a proposal title that stresses a bit more on the Merchandising Department, and Human resource development for the Merchandising staff?"

The reply: "Here are a few title suggestions that emphasize the focus on the Merchandising Department and the human resource development for the merchandising staff:

1. "Enhancing Job Security and Career Development: A Strategic Assessment of Human Resource Practices in the Merchandising Department of [Company Name]"

2. "Empowering the Merchandising Team: Evaluating Human Resource Development Strategies for Improved Job Security and Career Growth at [Company Name]"

3. "Navigating Change: Assessing Human Resource Development and Job Security for the Merchandising Staff at [Company Name]"

4. "Securing Futures: A Study on Human Resource Development and Career Planning in the Merchandising Department of [Company Name]"

5. "From Strategy to Support: Evaluating Human Resource Development for Merchandising Staff at [Company Name]"

Feel free to mix and match elements from these suggestions to create a title that best fits your vision for the proposal!"

Reference: 

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.