The contribution of western novels to the field of humanities study

The contribution of western novels to the field of humanities study (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1 is "How does the western literature, notably novels, contributes to the field of humanities study."

The reply: "Western literature, especially novels, forms a cornerstone of humanities by exploring human experiences, societal values, and ethical dilemmas through narrative depth.

Core Contributions

Novels like those by Dickens or Tolstoy illuminate social injustices and individual psyches, fostering empathy and critical analysis essential to humanistic inquiry. They preserve cultural histories and challenge readers to confront diverse worldviews, bridging personal emotion with broader philosophical questions.

Educational Impact

In academia, Western novels enhance interdisciplinary studies by providing vivid insights into history, politics, and psychology that abstract theories alone cannot match. For instance, works by Dostoevsky prompt ethical reflection, sharpening analytical skills transferable to philosophy and cultural studies.

Cultural and Social Role

These texts drive public discourse and identity formation, influencing movements from abolitionism to civil rights by humanizing complex issues. Their enduring study in humanities curricula cultivates cultural literacy and moral reasoning for global citizenship."

My question 2: "Does the study of western literature, notably novels, enrich the intellectual intelligence of MBA and Housing Studies students?"

The reply: "Yes, studying Western literature, particularly novels, enriches intellectual intelligence for MBA and Housing Studies students by sharpening critical thinking, empathy, and contextual awareness beyond quantitative models.

Critical Thinking Gains

Novels like Pride and Prejudice or The Great Gatsby train analysis of complex motivations and societal dynamics, skills vital for dissecting case studies in MBA programs or policy implications in Housing Studies. This fosters nuanced problem-solving, helping students navigate ambiguity in business ethics or urban development challenges.

Emotional Intelligence Boost

Through character-driven narratives in works by Austen or Woolf, students build empathy and interpersonal insight, essential for leadership roles in management or community housing initiatives. Such exposure counters the formulaic thinking of spreadsheets, promoting holistic decision-making with stakeholder perspectives.

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Broader Contextual Skills

Literature expands worldview via historical and cultural lenses, aiding MBA students in global strategy and Housing Studies learners in grasping social inequities like those in Dickens' tales of industrial poverty. This interdisciplinary edge enhances adaptability in diverse professional environments."

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

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.

A note on humanity and social science

A note on humanity and social science (information from perplexity.ai)

 

My question 1: "Briefly highlight 6 main ideas on the topic of humanity and then discuss its relevance to social science, notably in the fields of Business Management and Housing Studies."

The reply: "Humanity encompasses core philosophical ideas about what defines us as humans, drawing from traditions like humanism, Stoicism, and moral philosophy. These ideas provide foundational insights for social sciences, shaping how we study human behavior in fields like Business Management and Housing Studies.

Six Main Ideas on Humanity

·        Innate Moral Tendencies: Humans possess inherent predispositions toward virtues like benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and propriety, which develop through reflection and nurturing.​

·        Autonomy and Reason: Individuals achieve dignity through self-directed reasoning and moral autonomy, independent of external authorities or fixed codes.​

·        Universal Essence: Human nature transcends race, status, or group identities, emphasizing shared rationality and equality as a basis for rights.

·        Social Connection: Humans are wired for community, thriving through relationships, trust, and belonging in social structures.​

·        Dual Environmental Needs: People seek refuge (safety, privacy) balanced with prospect (views, opportunities), influencing well-being and design preferences.​

·        Potential for Flourishing: With proper conditions, humans pursue well-being, ethics, and fulfillment via reason, empathy, and virtue development.

Relevance to Social Science

Social sciences examine humanity's behaviors, institutions, and evolutions scientifically, contrasting humanities' interpretive focus on meaning and expression. Concepts like autonomy and morality inform evidence-based studies of societal trends, human interactions, and policy impacts.

Business Management Applications

In Business Management, understanding human nature drives empathetic leadership, boosting trust, engagement, and retention by prioritizing well-being over metrics. Insights into behavior dynamics enhance organizational culture, consumer strategies, and motivation, fostering productivity through connection.

Housing Studies Applications

Housing Studies applies humanity's needs for refuge, prospect, and social ties to design policies and spaces that support ontological security, community capital, and flourishing. It analyzes how housing status affects well-being, employment, and civic engagement, addressing stratification in urban contexts."

 

My question 2: "Briefly discuss how the topic of humanity affects the field of research philosophy in social science, notably on its research methodology development."

The reply: "Humanity, as a philosophical concept encompassing human nature, agency, and social essence, profoundly shapes research philosophy in social science by challenging assumptions about objectivity, subjectivity, and knowledge production. This influence drives methodological evolution toward paradigms that better capture human complexity.

Core Impacts on Research Philosophy

Research philosophy in social science debates how to study human phenomena, contrasting positivism's objective, law-like models with interpretivism's emphasis on subjective meanings. Humanity's dual nature—rational yet interpretive—forces scrutiny of natural science emulation, favoring hybrid approaches like critical realism.

Methodological Development

Positivism treats humans as predictable entities via quantitative methods, but humanity's autonomy and consciousness necessitate verstehen (interpretive understanding), spawning qualitative techniques like ethnography. This evolves methodologies toward pluralism, blending causal explanations with dialogical, value-aware inquiry to address meaning-making.

Business Management Implications

In Business Management research, humanity underscores employee agency and ethics, shifting methodologies from purely quantitative metrics to mixed methods incorporating narratives and motivation studies. Pragmatic paradigms emerge, prioritizing actionable insights on leadership humanity over rigid hypothesis-testing.

Housing Studies Implications

Housing Studies leverages humanity's needs for belonging and security, developing methodologies that integrate lived experiences via phenomenology or participatory action research. Interpretivist lenses reveal stratification's human toll, refining policy-oriented designs beyond statistical correlations."

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