Using ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo to make dissertation project proposals for part-time MBA students: a note
(To access ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo, go to Poe.com.)
I conducted 3 tests to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo to come up with dissertation proposals for part-time MBA students:
Test 1: Could you suggest a dissertation proposal to me? I am a part-time MBA student and I am interested in a topic related to corporate merger and its downsizing impact?
ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo reply:
Certainly! Here's a potential dissertation proposal related to the impact of corporate mergers and downsizing:
Title: "Exploring the Impact of Corporate Mergers on Downsizing: A Comparative Analysis of Organizational Performance and Employee Well-being"
Abstract:
This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of corporate mergers on downsizing and its subsequent effects on organizational performance and employee well-being. The study recognizes that mergers often result in downsizing as a means to achieve synergy and cost reduction. However, the consequences of downsizing on the surviving employees and the overall organizational performance remain a topic of significant interest and debate. This research proposal outlines a comparative analysis of multiple case studies to gain insights into the varying outcomes of mergers and their downsizing strategies.
Research Objectives:
To analyze the factors driving corporate mergers and subsequent downsizing decisions.
To examine the impact of downsizing on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as financial performance, market share, and operational efficiency.
To assess the effects of downsizing on employee motivation, job satisfaction, stress levels, and overall well-being.
To identify strategies and practices that organizations can implement to mitigate the negative effects of downsizing and promote employee well-being during and after mergers.
Methodology:
This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic. The quantitative analysis will involve collecting financial and performance data from pre- and post-merger periods, using statistical techniques to assess the impact of downsizing on organizational performance. Additionally, surveys will be conducted to gather data on employee well-being indicators, including job satisfaction, stress levels, and motivation. The qualitative analysis will involve in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including executives, managers, and employees affected by downsizing, to gain insights into their experiences and perceptions.
Expected Contribution:
This research aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the impact of downsizing resulting from corporate mergers on both organizational performance and employee well-being. The findings will offer valuable insights for managers and executives involved in merger decision-making, providing guidance on effective downsizing strategies and practices that minimize negative consequences. Moreover, the study will highlight the importance of considering employee well-being during the merger process and provide recommendations for promoting a positive organizational culture during times of change.
Keywords: corporate mergers, downsizing, organizational performance, employee well-being, comparative analysis, mixed-methods approach.
Note: It is important to customize and refine the proposal according to your specific research interests, resources, and academic requirements.
My comments: For a proposal, the research objectives and research design are quite well developed and indicate reasonable research skills. There should be some indication of a few management theories to be used in this dissertation project. It should be made clear whether this is a single case study or a multiple case study. A more serious problem is on the feasibility of employing the proposed research methods by the student concerned. For example, is it feasible to access the internal business information from more than one targeted companies to study by the MBA student? In this regard, additional follow-up questions need to be made to ChatGPT for more advice.
Test 2: Could you suggest a dissertation proposal to me? I am a part-time MBA student with a full-time job in Hong Kong. I am interested in a topic about me launching a new startup to offer interior decoration services in my neighborhood district.
ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo reply: Certainly! Here's a potential dissertation proposal related to launching a new startup offering interior decoration services in your neighborhood district:
Title: "Examining the Feasibility and Success Factors of Launching a New Startup: A Case Study of Interior Decoration Services in [Neighborhood District], Hong Kong"
Abstract:
This dissertation aims to explore the feasibility and success factors associated with launching a new startup in the field of interior decoration services within [Neighborhood District], Hong Kong. As a part-time MBA student with a full-time job, the study will focus on the challenges and strategies involved in establishing and growing a startup while managing other professional commitments. By conducting a detailed case study, this research proposal aims to provide practical insights and recommendations for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in venturing into the interior decoration industry.
Research Objectives:
To assess the market demand and potential for interior decoration services within [Neighborhood District], Hong Kong.
To identify key challenges and opportunities encountered when launching and operating a startup while managing other professional commitments.
To analyze the strategies employed in targeting and acquiring customers in the local market.
To evaluate the factors contributing to the success or failure of the startup, including marketing effectiveness, customer satisfaction, and financial performance.
To provide practical recommendations for entrepreneurs aiming to establish a startup in the interior decoration industry within [Neighborhood District], Hong Kong.
Methodology:
This study will utilize a combination of primary and secondary research methods to achieve its objectives. The primary research will involve conducting surveys and interviews with potential customers, local competitors, and industry experts to gather insights into the market demand, customer preferences, and industry dynamics. Additionally, financial data and performance metrics will be collected and analyzed to assess the startup's success. The secondary research will involve a comprehensive review of existing literature, industry reports, and case studies related to startups and the interior decoration industry.
Expected Contribution:
This research aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by providing a detailed case study examining the feasibility and success factors associated with launching a startup in the field of interior decoration services within [Neighborhood District], Hong Kong. The findings will offer practical guidance and recommendations for entrepreneurs looking to establish a startup while managing other professional commitments. Moreover, the study will provide insights into the local market demand and customer preferences, helping aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions about the viability of their business ideas.
Keywords: startup, interior decoration services, feasibility, success factors, case study, entrepreneurship, market demand, customer preferences, Hong Kong.
Note: It is important to customize and refine the proposal based on your specific research interests, resources, and academic requirements. Additionally, consider consulting with your academic advisor to ensure alignment with the program's guidelines and expectations.
My comments: For a proposal, the research objectives and research design are quite well developed and indicate reasonable research skills. There should be some indication of a few management theories to be used in this dissertation project. In particular, there needs to be some assessment of the part-time student's managerial and entrepreneurial competence. A more serious problem is on the feasibility of employing the proposed research methods by the student concerned. In this regard, additional follow-up questions need to be made to ChatGPT for more advice.
Test 3: Could you suggest a dissertation proposal to me. I am a part-time MBA student working for a medium-sized shipping company. My topic is related to the poor work-life balance policy of my company and its impact on my additional duty as a housewife to look after my family after work.
ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo reply:
Certainly! Here's a potential dissertation proposal related to the work-life balance policy of your medium-sized shipping company and its impact on your additional duty as a housewife:
Title: "Exploring the Impact of Work-Life Balance Policies on the Well-being of Working Mothers: A Case Study of a Medium-sized Shipping Company"
Abstract:
This dissertation aims to examine the impact of work-life balance policies on the well-being of working mothers, specifically focusing on the experiences of employees in a medium-sized shipping company. The study acknowledges the challenges faced by working mothers in balancing their professional responsibilities with their additional duties as caregivers and homemakers. By conducting a comprehensive case study, this research proposal seeks to identify the factors contributing to the poor work-life balance policy within the organization and assess its effects on the well-being of working mothers.
Research Objectives:
To evaluate the existing work-life balance policies and practices within the medium-sized shipping company.
To understand the challenges faced by working mothers in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, particularly in relation to their additional household and caregiving responsibilities.
To assess the impact of poor work-life balance on the physical and mental well-being of working mothers.
To identify potential strategies and interventions that can enhance work-life balance for working mothers in the shipping industry.
To provide recommendations for improving the work-life balance policy within the medium-sized shipping company, taking into account the specific needs and challenges faced by working mothers.
Methodology:
This study will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather comprehensive data. The qualitative research will involve in-depth interviews with working mothers within the shipping company to understand their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on work-life balance. Additionally, focus groups can be conducted to facilitate discussions and gather collective insights. The quantitative research will include surveys distributed among working mothers to collect data on their work-life balance satisfaction, well-being indicators, and the perceived impact of existing policies. Comparative analysis can be conducted to compare the experiences of working mothers with different levels of work-life balance support.
Expected Contribution:
This research aims to contribute to the existing literature by providing insights into the impact of work-life balance policies on the well-being of working mothers in the shipping industry. The findings will help shed light on the specific challenges faced by working mothers and highlight the importance of an inclusive work-life balance policy. The study will provide recommendations for the medium-sized shipping company to improve their work-life balance policies, fostering a supportive environment for working mothers. Furthermore, this research can serve as a resource for other organizations seeking to enhance their work-life balance practices and support systems for working mothers.
Keywords: work-life balance, working mothers, well-being, medium-sized shipping company, case study, challenges, policies, caregiver responsibilities, qualitative research, quantitative research.
Note: It is crucial to tailor and refine the proposal according to your specific research interests, resources, and academic requirements. Additionally, consider consulting with your academic advisor to ensure alignment with the program's guidelines and expectations.
My comments: For a proposal, the research objectives and research design are quite well developed and indicate reasonable research skills. There should be some indication of a few management theories to be used in this dissertation project. A more serious problem is on the feasibility of employing the proposed research methods by the student concerned. For example, is it easy to obtain the gatekeeper's informed consent to conduct the investigation in this company? In this regard, additional follow-up questions need to be made to ChatGPT for more advice.
My overall evaluation comments: In every case, ChatGPT is quite capable to come up with an appropriate dissertation proposal based on the limited information provided by me. Nevertheless, the research design could be clearer in details and a few specific management theories with explicit referencing should be mentioned. It is then up to the student to review the proposal, notably on its feasibility to the student concerned. Some of the main considerations are the student's research methods skills, time to do literature review and ability to obtain the informed consent from the required research methods participants. It is thus also up to the student to raise follow-up questions to ChatGPT to answer. Overall, I find ChatGPT 3.5 Turbo a good virtual learned companion to discuss this kind of topics. In order to do well in their dissertation projects, it remains important for part-time MBA students to study the subject of research methods, notably on approaches to do dissertations projects, such as the agile literature review approach of J.K.K. Ho.
Reference: a collection of blog notes on ChatGPT usage.
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