A brief teaching note on research objectives and research questions: for MBA and Housing Studies students

A brief teaching note on research objectives and research questions: for MBA and Housing Studies students (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "Briefly explain the main ideas of "research objectives and research questions" in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects."

The reply: "The main ideas of "research objectives and research questions" in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects are as follows:

Research objectives are specific, practical, and actionable statements that break down the broader research aims into clear steps or goals the researcher intends to achieve. They act like a "to-do" list, guiding the research toward fulfilling its purpose. Objectives are often SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — ensuring focus and feasibility throughout the research process.

Research questions are the core questions that drive the entire study. They specify the key issues the research seeks to answer and provide a clear purpose for the dissertation. The research questions shape the literature review, methodology, and analysis because every element of the study aligns with addressing these questions. They are typically presented at the beginning of the dissertation and answered by the end.

In summary:

• Research objectives translate broad aims into specific, manageable steps.

• Research questions define the key inquiries the dissertation will answer.

This structure applies similarly to both MBA and Housing Studies dissertations, helping to maintain focus, clarity, and direction throughout the research project."

My question 2: "Briefly advice the main techniques of formulating a research objective and a research question. Also suggest briefly what are the typical justification of a research objective and a research question with regard to our discussion topic here."

The reply: "The main techniques for formulating research objectives and research questions are:

Formulating Research Objectives:

• Identify the core research problem to be addressed.

• Review relevant literature to identify gaps and refine focus.

• Define the research scope clearly, specifying what is included and excluded.

• Develop specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

• Align objectives with the research methodology to ensure feasibility and coherence.

• Use active verbs (e.g., assess, evaluate, determine) for clarity and actionability.

Formulating Research Questions:

• Choose a general topic and conduct preliminary reading.

• Narrow the focus to a specific niche with clear researchable issues.

• Frame questions that are focused, specific, researchable, feasible, and relevant.

• Ensure questions are complex enough to require analysis, not answerable by a simple yes/no.

• Avoid subjective or vague terms to maintain objectivity.

• Check that questions can be answered within the available time and resources.

Typical Justifications of Research Objectives and Questions:

• Research objectives and questions are justified by the gaps or limitations identified in existing literature.

• They address important, relevant problems or topics that need deeper understanding.

• The justification demonstrates the potential contribution to knowledge, theory, or practice.

• They show how the study will add new insights or solve practical issues in the field.

• Clear justification helps establish the significance and relevance of the research, guiding the research design and focus.

In MBA and Housing Studies dissertations, justifications often emphasize practical relevance to business or housing policies and the potential to inform decision-making or improve outcomes.

To summarize:

• Formulation involves identifying problems, narrowing focus, and creating clear, actionable objectives and questions.

• Justification centers on filling gaps, addressing significance, and contributing valuable knowledge or solutions."

My question 3: "Please provide 2 illustrative examples, one example for an MBA dissertation project and one for a Housing Studies dissertation project. Each example should include 3 research objectives and 2 research questions for each of these two dissertation projects."

The reply: "Here are two illustrative examples with research objectives and research questions, one for an MBA dissertation project and one for a Housing Studies dissertation project.

MBA Dissertation Example:

Topic: Employee Experience of Digital Transformation in Retail HR

Research Objectives:

1. To observe retail HR employees' experiences throughout the digital transformation process.

2. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation impacts in retail HR.

3. To identify barriers and facilitators influencing successful digital transformation in retail HR.

Research Questions:

1. How do retail HR employees perceive the changes brought by digital transformation?

2. What are the main challenges and enablers for retail HR during the digital transformation?

Housing Studies Dissertation Example:

Topic: Young People's Housing Affordability in Hong Kong's Weak Economy

Research Objectives:

1. To analyze young people's housing affordability challenges in Hong Kong amid economic slowdown.

2. To assess the impact of housing affordability on young people's living experiences and wellbeing.

3. To explore policy measures and market responses addressing housing affordability for young people.

Research Questions:

1. What are the key factors contributing to housing affordability problems for young people in Hong Kong?

2. How does housing affordability affect young people's housing choices and quality of life?

These examples illustrate how research objectives break down broader aims into focused, actionable goals, while research questions pinpoint the core inquiries shaping the study. They demonstrate relevance both to practical issues and academic knowledge in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation contexts."

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