Asking AI to produce an MBA research theme and proposal: on the HK catering industry and organizational adaptation

Asking AI to produce an MBA research theme and proposal: on the HK catering industry and organizational adaptation (information from perplexity.ai)

 

My question 1: "Suggest an MBA dissertation research theme, via the pragmatism lens, based on the following key words: Hong Kong Catering Industry, Hong Kong middle class as a market segment, organizational adaptation strategy option evaluation."

The reply: "A pragmatist MBA dissertation theme could focus on practical strategies for Hong Kong catering businesses to adapt to middle-class shifts amid economic pressures like labor shortages and rising costs. This lens prioritizes what "works" in real-world application over rigid theory.

Proposed Theme

Evaluating Organizational Adaptation Strategies for Hong Kong Catering Firms Targeting the Middle-Class Market: A Pragmatist Perspective

Pragmatism views knowledge as instruments for action, testing strategies by their outcomes rather than abstract ideals. This theme examines how catering firms practically evaluate options like digital transformation, labor optimization, and menu innovation to retain middle-class diners, who prioritize value, convenience, and health post-pandemic.​

Research Focus

·        Assess adaptation options: Tech integration (e.g., delivery apps, AI inventory), flexible staffing, and hybrid dine-in/takeout models.

·        Target middle-class segment: Defined by HK's squeezed demographics—dual-income households seeking affordable quality amid inflation and tourism flux.​

·        Pragmatist evaluation: Use mixed methods (surveys of managers/consumers, case studies) to measure "success" via metrics like revenue stability and customer retention.

Key Research Questions

·        What adaptation strategies do HK catering firms prioritize for middle-class appeal, and which yield measurable viability?​

·        How do external pressures (e.g., rent, regulations) shape strategy selection from a "what works" viewpoint?

·        What pragmatic criteria (e.g., cost-benefit, scalability) guide option evaluation in this volatile sector?

Methodology Fit

Adopt pragmatism's abductive approach: Start with real problems (e.g., 2025 industry closures), test strategies via pilots or simulations, and iterate based on evidence. Combine quantitative data (financial KPIs from firm samples) with qualitative insights (interviews on decision-making), aligning with your expertise in mixed methods and HK contexts. This ensures actionable insights for industry resilience."

 

My question 2: "Based on the proposed research theme , please offer a part-time MBA dissertation proposal with the following information: 

1. Dissertation report title 2. 3 research issues (including research gaps) and 3 Hong Kong public media reported issues. 3. 3 research objectives and 3 research questions 4. 2 primary research methods and 1 secondary research method. 5. 4 academic theories related to market positioning, organizational adaptation, the catering business model innovation (with a reference list in Harvard reference format) 6. A brief justification of the dissertation proposal in terms of academic, practical and originality value.".

The reply: "

1.    Dissertation Report Title
Evaluating Organizational Adaptation Strategies for Hong Kong Catering Firms Targeting the Middle-Class Market: A Pragmatist Perspective.​

Research Issues and Media-Reported Challenges

Research Issues (with Gaps):

·        Limited empirical studies on pragmatist evaluation of adaptation strategies in catering, overlooking mixed-method tests of "what works" for middle-class retention amid economic volatility.

·        Underexplored integration of market positioning with organizational adaptation in HK's post-2025 catering downturn, where middle-class spending has declined 15%.​

·        Scant research on business model innovation tailored to HK middle-class preferences (value, health, convenience), ignoring pragmatic metrics like scalability.​

HK Public Media-Reported Issues:

·        Large-scale closures (nearly 300 in H1 2025), driven by middle-class income squeeze and competition from mainland brands.​

·        Rising costs (labor, rent, food) eroding margins, with chains like Tao Heung closing 30% of outlets.​

·        Manpower shortages and shifting consumer demands for affordable, sustainable options amid 2026 recovery pessimism.

Research Objectives and Questions

Objectives:

·        To identify and evaluate adaptation strategy options for HK catering firms targeting middle-class segments.

·        To apply pragmatism to assess strategy effectiveness via real-world outcomes like revenue and retention.

·        To recommend innovative business models enhancing middle-class market positioning.

Questions:

·        What adaptation strategies (e.g., digital, staffing) do HK catering firms prioritize for middle-class viability?​

·        How does a pragmatist lens reveal gaps in current strategy evaluation amid external pressures?

·        Which model innovations best balance cost, value, and scalability for this segment?​

Research Methods

Primary Methods:

·        Mixed-methods surveys of 100+ catering managers and middle-class consumers in HK (Fanling/North District focus) to quantify strategy preferences and outcomes.

·        In-depth case studies of 5-7 firms (e.g., adapting via AI/delivery), using interviews for pragmatic insights.​

Secondary Method:

·        Analysis of industry reports, financial data, and media (e.g., 2025-2026 HK Restaurant Association stats) for contextual trends.

Relevant Academic Theories

·        Market Positioning (Porter's Generic Strategies): Firms choose cost leadership or differentiation to target segments like HK middle-class value-seekers.​

·        Organizational Adaptation (Dynamic Capabilities Framework): Teece et al. emphasize sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring resources for volatile environments like catering.​

·        Catering Business Model Innovation (Business Model Canvas - Osterwalder): Maps adaptations in key partners, activities, and revenue streams for middle-class appeal.​

·        Market Positioning (STP Model - Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning): Kotler’s framework refines middle-class focus via behavioral/demographic criteria.​

Harvard Reference List:
Osterwalder, A. and Pigneur, Y. (2010) Business Model Generation. Hoboken: Wiley.
Kotler, P. et al. (2019) Marketing Management. 16th edn. Harlow: Pearson.
Porter, M.E. (1985) Competitive Advantage. New York: Free Press.
Teece, D.J., Pisano, G. and Shuen, A. (1997) 'Dynamic capabilities and strategic management', Strategic Management Journal, 18(7), pp. 509-533.

Proposal Justification

Academically, it advances pragmatism in MBA research by bridging philosophy with empirical strategy evaluation, filling gaps in HK-specific studies. Practically, it offers actionable strategies for catering survival, aiding middle-class targeting amid 2026 challenges like closures and costs. Its originality lies in pragmatist-mixed methods applied to this niche, providing scalable insights for HK's squeezed industry."

 

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