An examination of the literature review exercise of an academic article: for MBA students 01

An examination of the literature review exercise of an academic article: for MBA students 01 [information from chatpdf.com]

The article name: "Going digital EMNEs: The role of digital maturity capability" International Business Review.

My question 1: "What are the research objectives of the article?"

The reply: "The research objectives of the article are twofold:

1. To explore how emerging market multinationals (EMNEs) pursue digital maturity.
2. To investigate how the subsidiaries of EMNEs contribute to the digital maturity process.

These objectives are framed within a capability-based view of multinational enterprises, aiming to conceptualize Digital Maturity Capability as a complex capability essential for developing competitiveness in the digital age , ."

My question 2: "What are the academic theories employed in the study?"

The reply: "The study employs several academic theories, primarily focusing on the following:

1. Capability-Based View (CBV): This theory is used to understand how multinational enterprises, particularly EMNEs, can leverage their capabilities for competitive advantage in the digital era , .

2. Dynamic Capabilities Framework: The research aligns with this framework by formalizing Digital Maturity Capability (DMC) as a higher-order construct composed of complementary capabilities associated with the processes of sensing, seizing, and transforming, which are essential for upgrading a firm's technical and social dimensions .

3. Digital Maturity Framework: The study adapts the digital maturity framework proposed by Germany’s National Academy of Science and Engineering (ACATECH) to characterize the digital maturity of organizations and assess the specificities applicable to EMNEs , .

These theories help to contextualize the challenges and strategies of EMNEs as they navigate the digital transformation process."

My question 3: "Did the article evaluate these academic theories individually in its literature review effort?"

The reply: "Yes, the article evaluates the academic theories in its literature review by discussing key concepts and frameworks related to digital maturity, dynamic capabilities, and the capability-based view. It contrasts different frameworks, such as the Digital Maturity Capability (DMC) associated with ACATECH's model, and highlights how these concepts apply specifically to EMNEs.

The discussion includes evaluating the relevance of dynamic capabilities in the context of digital transformation and how these capabilities differ from ordinary capabilities. It also addresses the unique characteristics of EMNEs and their processes in developing digital capabilities, elaborating on the implications of these theories for understanding the digitalization efforts of such enterprises , , .

This thorough evaluation helps situate the research within the existing academic discourse and emphasizes the gaps the study aims to address."

My question 4: "Did the article conduct literature synthesis on these academic theories?"

The reply: "Yes, the article conducts a literature synthesis on the academic theories relevant to its research focus. It integrates various theoretical perspectives, such as the capability-based view and dynamic capabilities framework, with an emphasis on their implications for digital maturity and transformation in EMNEs.

The synthesis includes reviewing existing literature on digital maturity frameworks, particularly the ACATECH model and its applicability to EMNEs, as well as highlighting the distinctions between different capabilities (dynamic vs. ordinary) and their roles in digital transformation. The article references over 20 models and incorporates findings from various scholars, thereby providing a comprehensive overview of the existing theories and their relevance to the research question , , , .

This synthesis not only consolidates critical insights from prior studies but also identifies gaps in the literature that the current research aims to fill, such as the unique challenges faced by EMNEs during their digitalization processes."

My question 5: "Did the article discuss how these academic theories could inform the research method designs in the study?"

The reply: "Yes, the article discusses how the academic theories inform the research method designs used in the study. It emphasizes the need to adapt the digital maturity framework from ACATECH specifically for EMNEs, which guides the formulation of the research instrument used to gather data. The authors developed their questionnaire based on the dimensions of the ACATECH model, ensuring that the instrument accurately reflects the context of Brazilian multinationals (BrMNEs) and their unique challenges in digital transformation , .

Furthermore, the study employs a partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, which aligns with the capabilities paradigm outlined in the literature. The methodology is designed to test the constructed Digital Maturity Capability (DMC) framework and its implications for decision-making processes and value chain integration in EMNEs. This methodological choice highlights the operationalization of the theoretical constructs identified during the literature synthesis, illustrating how theory directly informs the research design ,  .

Overall, the robust integration of theory into method design illustrates a strong alignment between the theoretical framework and the empirical approach of the study."

My question 6: "Did the article explain how the academic theories used can help in addressing the research objectives?"

The reply: "Yes, the article explains how the academic theories used contribute to addressing the research objectives. It outlines that the capability-based view and dynamic capabilities frameworks provide foundational insights into how EMNEs (Emerging Market Multinational Enterprises) can achieve digital maturity. By conceptualizing Digital Maturity Capability (DMC) as a complex construct, the authors argue that these theories help to identify the critical dimensions that EMNEs must focus on to navigate the digital landscape successfully , .

The research objectives revolve around understanding how EMNEs pursue digital maturity and the roles their subsidiaries play in this process. The integration of academic theories not only frames the problem but also guides the development of a comprehensive model that reconciles traditional dimensions of digital maturity with those specific to EMNEs. This theoretical grounding informs the specific capabilities (like data management, people management, and organizational design) that the research investigates, ensuring that the methods employed will yield insights relevant to the objectives , , .

In summary, the article illustrates that the academic theories used are not merely background context but are integral to the research design, directly informing the objectives and facilitating a deeper analysis of how EMNEs can enhance their competitive advantage in the digital era. Thus, the theories help clarify the pathways through which digital maturity can be achieved in the specific context of EMNEs, fulfilling the research objectives effectively."

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