A review of the research methods profile of a research study as reported in an article: for MBA students 01

A review of the research methods profile of a research study as reported in an article [information from chatpdf.com]. This 01 note is mainly for my MBA students. The research methods profile of a study influences its priority of literature review effort.

The name of the article: "Venturing green: the impact of sustainable business model innovation on corporate environmental performance in social enterprises", Management Research Review

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

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

1. To investigate how sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) impacts the corporate environmental performance (CEP) of social enterprises (SEs). This involves examining the direct relationship between these two variables to understand how innovative business practices can lead to improved environmental outcomes.

2. To explore the moderating role of external collaboration (EC) in the relationship between SBMI and CEP. The objective is to determine how partnerships with external stakeholders can enhance the effectiveness of sustainable innovations within social enterprises and thus improve their environmental performance , ."

My question 2: "what were the main kinds of academic information reviewed in the literature review exercise of the article: academic concepts? academic theories? research methods? theoretical perspectives? empirical findings?"

The reply: "In the literature review exercise of the article, the following main kinds of academic information were reviewed:

1. Academic Concepts: The study explores concepts related to social enterprises, sustainable business model innovation (SBMI), and corporate environmental performance (CEP), emphasizing the integration of social and environmental objectives.

2. Academic Theories: The research draws upon ecological modernization theory (EMT) and institutional theory (INT) to frame its investigation, highlighting how these theories support the notion that environmental sustainability can be embedded within business practices.

3. Empirical Findings: The literature review references previous empirical studies that highlight the relationship between SBMI and CEP, as well as the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in enhancing environmental performance.

These elements provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay between SBMI, EC, and CEP within social enterprises , , ."

My question 3: "What type of research is the study: descriptive research, exploratory research or causal research?"

The reply: "The study can be classified as causal research. This classification is based on the research's intent to examine the impact of sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) on corporate environmental performance (CEP) and to explore the moderating role of external collaboration (EC) in this relationship. Causal research typically aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships, which aligns with the study's focus on how SBMI influences CEP and the role that EC plays in moderating this relationship , ."

My question 4: "What research philosophies have been adopted in the study as reported in the article?"

The reply: "The study adopts a positivist research philosophy as indicated by its emphasis on quantitative methods, including chi-square tests, structural equation modeling, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to assess relationships between variables. This approach aligns with positivism, which seeks to derive knowledge through empirical observation and statistical analysis, focusing on objective and measurable phenomena , .

Additionally, elements of interpretivism may also be present, particularly in the context of understanding complex interactions between sustainable business practices and environmental outcomes within social enterprises. However, the primary emphasis on quantitative analysis suggests a stronger alignment with positivism , ."

My question 5: "Is the research work mainly consulting-oriented or academic-oriented?"

The reply: "The research work appears to be largely academic-oriented. It is focused on theoretical frameworks such as ecological modernization theory (EMT) and institutional theory (INT), and it contributes to scholarly discussions on sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) and corporate environmental performance (CEP) within the context of social enterprises. This is evident from the extensive literature review, hypothesis development, and use of quantitative methodologies aimed at advancing theoretical understanding , , .

While the findings may have practical implications for managers and entrepreneurs in social enterprises , the primary goal of the research is to add to the existing body of knowledge and provide a foundation for future academic inquiries, indicating its primary academic focus."

My question 6: "Did the literature review effort of the study reflect its main academic-orientation?"

The reply: "Yes, the literature review effort of the study reflects its main academic orientation. The review comprehensively examines prior research and theories related to sustainable business model innovation (SBMI), corporate environmental performance (CEP), ecological modernization theory (EMT), and institutional theory (INT). This is evident from the detailed discussions on how these theories intersect and inform the study's hypotheses and research questions , , .

The literature review addresses existing gaps in the field, highlights the need for further exploration of the role of social enterprises (SEs) in promoting sustainable practices, and situates the current research within the broader scholarly discourse. This systematic approach to reviewing and synthesizing relevant literature is characteristic of academic research, as it not only seeks to validate the study's theoretical framework but also to contribute new insights that can guide future research endeavors , ."

** A relevant reading: a note on the priority of the literature review effort.

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