Running focus group sessions for part-time MBA and Housing Studies students: a plan (information from perplexity.ai)
My question: "I am a Hong Kong lecturer on Research Methods for MBA and Housing Studies students. I intend to teach my students on the focus group by running a 2-hour focus group session in the classroom, one for my part-time MBA students and one for my part-time Housing Studies students. Please provide a concrete focus group research method session plan for me. The research themes are as follows:
The reply: "Here is a concrete 2-hour focus group session plan tailored for your two classes on MBA and Housing Studies, aligned with their respective research themes:
Focus Group Session Plan Template (2 hours)
Common Elements for Both Classes
Group size: 6–8 participants each (part-time students in your classes)
Setting: Classroom, arranged in a circle or semi-circle for open discussion
Recording: Audio (or video if consented) for transcription and analysis
Facilitator: You or a co-facilitator to guide discussion neutrally
Materials: Discussion guide, note-taking tools, consent forms
Duration: 120 minutes total
Session Breakdown
1. Introduction and Warm-up (15 minutes)
Welcome participants and introduce yourself.
Explain the purpose of the focus group linked to the theme.
Clarify ground rules: respect, confidentiality, no interruptions, encourage all voices.
Obtain informed consent and permission for recording.
Icebreaker question related to personal experience with the theme (brief round of introductions).
2. Main Discussion (90 minutes)
Use semi-structured open-ended questions tailored to each class’s theme.
Encourage discussion among participants, probe deeper with follow-up questions.
Ensure equitable participation, gently invite quieter members to contribute.
For MBA Students (Theme: Retail SMEs responding to tough business environment)
Example questions:
How have you observed local retail SMEs adapting so far in 2025?
What are the main challenges they face in the current business environment?
What strategies should SMEs adopt to survive and thrive in the next 10 years?
How important is digital transformation and innovation?
How can local retail SMEs leverage relationships with customers and communities?
What support or policies would help SMEs in this tough environment?
For Housing Studies Students (Theme: Gen Z middle class housing and wealth management)
Example questions:
What housing options do you think are suitable for the Hong Kong Gen Z middle class right now?
How can Gen Z balance their housing aspirations with prudent personal wealth management?
What financial challenges do young middle-class people face regarding housing?
How might government policies or private sector solutions help address these needs?
How important are factors like location, size, and affordability?
What innovative or alternative housing models could be effective for Gen Z?
3. Wrap-up and Closing (15 minutes)
Summarize key points heard during the discussion.
Ask participants if they have any final thoughts or suggestions.
Explain next steps: How their input will be used and any follow-up.
Thank everyone and close the session.
This plan incorporates best practices from established focus group methodologies such as clear purpose, open-ended questioning, balanced participation, and structured timing while being flexible to the specific themes you wish to explore in the classroom setting."
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