My experience on using an AI tool: a note for MBA students

My experience on using an AI tool: a note for MBA students

 I tried four tests (in the forms of questions) on the capability of ChatGPT (GPT 3.5 Turbo) via the following access path (Poe):

The link (poe) (re: https://cei.hkust.edu.hk/en-hk/education-innovation/generative-ai-education/access-chatgpt-poe-without-vpn-connection).

My question 1: what is the agile literature review approach for?

GPT 3.5 Turbo answers as follows:

The Agile Literature Review (ALR) approach is used in academic research to conduct systematic literature reviews in an iterative and flexible manner. It draws inspiration from the Agile software development methodology and adapts its principles to the process of reviewing and synthesizing existing literature. Here are some key purposes and benefits of using the Agile Literature Review approach:

Efficient and iterative process: The ALR approach aims to streamline the literature review process by breaking it into small, manageable tasks. It encourages an iterative approach, where researchers can constantly refine their research questions, search strategies, and inclusion/exclusion criteria based on the emerging insights from the literature.

Adaptability and flexibility: The ALR approach allows researchers to adapt their review process based on the findings and evolving research questions. It recognizes that research questions and objectives may evolve as researchers gain a deeper understanding of the literature.

Timeliness: By adopting an iterative approach, the ALR method enables researchers to publish interim findings or partial results throughout the review process. This can be particularly useful in fast-moving research fields where up-to-date knowledge is essential.

Collaboration and teamwork: The ALR approach encourages collaboration among researchers. It allows multiple researchers to work together on different aspects of the review simultaneously, promoting efficiency and encouraging diverse perspectives.

Stakeholder engagement: The ALR approach emphasizes engagement with stakeholders throughout the review process. Researchers can involve stakeholders, such as practitioners or policymakers, in defining research questions, interpreting findings, and validating the relevance of the review's outcomes.

Transdisciplinary research: The ALR approach can facilitate the integration of findings from diverse disciplines or fields of study. It encourages researchers to consider a wide range of literature sources, beyond their own specific field, to gain a holistic understanding of the research topic.

Quality assurance: The ALR approach incorporates mechanisms for quality assurance, such as peer review or expert feedback, throughout the review process. This helps ensure rigor and reliability in the synthesis of literature.

Knowledge synthesis and gap identification: The ALR approach enables researchers to synthesize and analyze a large body of literature systematically. It helps identify existing knowledge gaps, inconsistencies, or areas that require further investigation, leading to more targeted and focused future research.

My comment: a student using this answer in my course will fail. The answer is simply not informed by the relevant academic literature on the agile literature review approach.

My question 2: Is the agile literature review approach invented by Joseph K.K. Ho?

GPT 3.5 Turbo answers as follows:

I apologize for the confusion, but as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there is no widely recognized academic or researcher named Joseph KK Ho associated with the invention or development of the Agile Literature Review (ALR) approach. The ALR approach is an adaptation of Agile methodologies from software development to the field of literature review, and it has been implemented and discussed by various researchers and scholars in the academic community. However, it is important to note that new research and developments may have occurred since then, and there may be individuals who have made contributions to the ALR approach that I am not aware of.

My comment: if my student offers this answer for my course assignment, the student will fail in his/her assignment work. The answer is not informed at all, especially on the relevant academic literature on the agile literature review approach of Joseph K.K. Ho.

My question 3: How to formulate an MBA dissertation proposal that is easy to do?

GPT 3.5 Turbo answers as follows:

Formulating an MBA dissertation proposal that is feasible and manageable requires careful planning and consideration. While there is no guarantee that the process will be "easy," the following steps can help you create a proposal that is realistic and achievable:

Choose a focused research topic: Select a research topic that is specific, manageable, and aligned with your interests and career goals. Narrow down your focus to a particular aspect or problem within your field of study. A well-defined and focused topic will make the research process more manageable.

Conduct a literature review: Before formulating your proposal, conduct a thorough literature review to understand the existing research and knowledge in your chosen area. Identify gaps or unresolved issues that you can address in your research. This will help you refine your research question and establish the relevance of your study.

Define your research objectives and questions: Clearly define the objectives of your research and formulate research questions that align with these objectives. Your research questions should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should guide your research and provide a clear direction for your dissertation.

Determine the research methodology: Select an appropriate research methodology based on your research questions, available resources, and the nature of your research topic. Common research methodologies in business and management include quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approaches. Consider the data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures that are most suitable for your research.

Develop a research plan and timeline: Create a detailed research plan that outlines the steps and activities involved in conducting your research. Break down the research process into manageable tasks and allocate time for each task. Establish a realistic timeline that considers the duration of data collection, analysis, and writing.

Consider feasibility and resources: Assess the feasibility of your proposed research in terms of time, access to data, and available resources. Consider the practicality of data collection methods and any potential constraints you may face. Ensure that you have access to necessary research materials, databases, or contacts for data collection.

Seek feedback and guidance: Share your proposal with your advisor or faculty members to seek their feedback and guidance. They can provide valuable insights, suggest improvements, and help you refine your research approach. Take their feedback into account and make necessary revisions to your proposal.

Write a clear and concise proposal: Structure your proposal with a clear introduction, research objectives, methodology, and anticipated outcomes. Provide a brief overview of the relevant literature and emphasize the significance of your research. Ensure that your proposal is well-organized, coherent, and written in a concise manner.

Revise and refine: Review your proposal multiple times to ensure clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Seek input from peers or other experts in your field to gather additional perspectives and suggestions for improvement.

Stay open to adjustments: Keep in mind that your proposal may require adjustments as you progress through your research. Be open to refining your research questions, modifying your methodology, or making adjustments based on new insights or limitations you encounter during the research process.

Remember, formulating an MBA dissertation proposal requires effort and careful planning. By selecting a focused topic, developing realistic research objectives, and seeking guidance from your advisor, you can increase the chances of creating a proposal that is feasible and manageable.

My comment: The answer remains somewhat evasive and unfocused; no concrete insights are directly offered in response to the question. In particular, the issue of "easy to do" needs to be more clearly examined.

My question 4: How can a clumsy university lecturer become a popular lecturer?

GPT 3.5 Turbo answers as follows:

Becoming a popular lecturer is not solely dependent on being naturally charismatic or graceful. Even if you consider yourself clumsy, you can still become a popular lecturer by focusing on improving your teaching skills and creating a positive learning environment. Here are some tips to help you become a popular lecturer:

Embrace your authentic style: It's essential to embrace your unique teaching style and personality. Recognize your strengths and leverage them in your teaching. Authenticity can engage students and make them feel more connected to you as a lecturer.

Prepare thoroughly: Thorough preparation is key to delivering effective lectures. Create a well-structured lesson plan, organize your materials, and anticipate potential questions or challenges. Being well-prepared enhances your confidence and helps you deliver information more effectively.

Improve your communication skills: Work on improving your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Practice clear and concise articulation, use appropriate body language, and maintain eye contact with your students. Effective communication helps convey your ideas more confidently and engages your audience.

Use visual aids and multimedia: Incorporate visual aids, multimedia presentations, or interactive tools to enhance student engagement. Visual elements can help clarify complex concepts and make your lectures more dynamic and interesting.

Foster student participation: Encourage student participation and interaction during your lectures. Incorporate activities, discussions, or group work that allow students to actively engage with the material. This creates a more dynamic learning environment and helps students feel involved and invested in the class.

Incorporate real-world examples: Relate your lectures to real-world examples or current events to make the content more relevant and relatable to students. Connecting theory to practical applications helps students see the value and applicability of what they are learning.

Show enthusiasm and passion: Demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter. Your passion can be contagious and inspire students to be more engaged and interested in the material. Infuse energy into your delivery and demonstrate your genuine excitement for the topics you teach.

Use humor appropriately: Incorporating humor can help create a positive and engaging learning environment. Use appropriate humor to lighten the atmosphere and connect with your students. However, be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid anything that may offend or alienate your audience.

Provide constructive feedback: Give timely and constructive feedback to students, both individually and as a group. Encourage student questions and provide guidance to help them improve their understanding and skills. Showing that you care about their progress and development fosters a supportive and positive learning environment.

Continuously seek feedback and self-improvement: Actively seek feedback from students, colleagues, or mentors to understand how you can improve your teaching style. Reflect on your performance, identify areas for growth, and take steps to develop your teaching skills through workshops, seminars, or professional development opportunities.

Remember, becoming a popular lecturer takes time and effort. By focusing on your teaching skills, creating an engaging learning environment, and continuously seeking self-improvement, you can enhance your effectiveness as a lecturer and cultivate a positive reputation among your students.

My comment: What is offered is a reasonable answer, though not innovative, critical nor sophisticated. Also, the concern of "clumsiness" needs to be more clearly examined. Lastly, no illustrative examples are provided in the discussion.

Overall comments:

Maybe, my four questions (i.e., the tests) can be further refined so as to enable ChatGPT to come up with more useful, concise and concrete answers. Nevertheless, I hope my four test results and evaluation comments are able to provide some useful information on the capability of AI tools for MBA students' learning purpose when using ChatGPT.

** also study note 2 on another 3 tests.