Asking Chatgpt to come up with a research proposal based on pragmatism and mixed methods research: a note

Asking Chatgpt (via poe.com) to come up with a research proposal based on pragmatism and mixed methods research: a note

Introduction and my query to chatgpt: "I am a part-time MBA student; currently, I am working on the formulation of my dissertation proposal. The theme is on the factors cause corporate merger failures and the negative impacts of corporate merger. I intend to adopt pragmatism as my project research philosophy and mixed methods research. However, for primary data gathering, I could carry out some small-scale interview research. Other research methods to use will use secondary data. Based on this information, could you come up with a research proposal for me to consider. Tks a lot."

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly, I'd be happy to help you develop a research proposal for your dissertation on the factors that cause corporate merger failures and the negative impacts of corporate mergers. Given the information you've provided, here is a suggested research proposal for you to consider:

Research Proposal: Factors Influencing Corporate Merger Failures and Negative Impacts

Introduction:

Provide a brief background on the significance of corporate mergers and the importance of understanding the factors that contribute to merger failures.

Highlight the need to investigate the negative impacts of unsuccessful mergers on organizations, employees, and stakeholders.

State the overall aim of the research project and the key research questions.

Literature Review:

Critically review the existing literature on corporate mergers, with a focus on the factors that lead to merger failures.

Examine theories and empirical studies that explore the underlying causes of merger failures, such as cultural clashes, integration challenges, leadership issues, and strategic misalignment.

Discuss the potential negative consequences of unsuccessful mergers, including financial losses, reduced organizational performance, employee turnover, and impact on stakeholders.

Identify gaps in the current literature that your research aims to address.

Research Methodology:

Explain the adoption of a pragmatic research philosophy, which allows for the use of mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.

For the primary data collection, outline the plan to conduct small-scale interviews with key stakeholders involved in past corporate mergers, such as executives, integration managers, and human resource professionals.

Describe the process of selecting the interview participants, the interview guide, and the approach to data analysis (e.g., thematic analysis).

Discuss the use of secondary data sources, such as financial reports, industry publications, and case studies, to corroborate and supplement the insights gained from the interviews.

Expected Outcomes and Contributions:

Outline the expected outcomes of the research, which may include the identification of critical factors that contribute to corporate merger failures.

Discuss the potential implications of the research findings for organizations considering mergers, highlighting the practical insights that can inform decision-making and merger integration strategies.

Explain how the research findings may contribute to the existing body of knowledge on corporate mergers and provide a foundation for future research in this field.

Timeline and Resources:

Provide a detailed timeline for the various stages of the research project, including the literature review, primary data collection, data analysis, and the writing of the dissertation.

Outline the resources required to conduct the research, such as access to interview participants, secondary data sources, and any necessary software or tools for data analysis.

Ethical Considerations:

Discuss the ethical principles and protocols that will be followed throughout the research process, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' privacy.

Ensure that the research design and data collection methods adhere to the ethical guidelines of your institution or relevant research ethics bodies.

This proposed research project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to corporate merger failures and the associated negative impacts. By adopting a mixed methods approach and leveraging both primary and secondary data sources, the research can offer valuable insights that can inform merger-related decision-making and contribute to the existing literature on this important topic. Please feel free to modify or expand upon this proposal as needed to suit your specific research goals and requirements."

My next question: "Tks for proposal made; to be specific, I do intend to study case materials from magazines, corporate annual reports, newspapers and journals on corporate merger, and then conduct thematic analysis on these secondary data; at the same time. for quantitative data analysis, I will do some desk research to gather some relevant statistics as well as financial data from annual report. Finally, I will interview some of my ex-colleagues in my previous employer company (whose business has terminated due to corporate merger failure) on their experience with the failed merger. In this case, is it possible for you to come up with a more concrete research proposal with specific research objectives?"

The reply from chatgpt is : "Understood, thank you for the additional details. Based on the information you provided, here is a more concrete research proposal with specific research objectives:

Research Proposal: Examining Factors and Impacts of Corporate Merger Failures

Introduction

Provide an overview of the importance of understanding corporate merger failures and their negative impacts.

Highlight the need to investigate the underlying factors that contribute to merger failures and the resulting consequences for organizations and stakeholders.

Literature Review

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on corporate mergers, with a focus on studies that have examined the causes of merger failures.

Identify and discuss key theoretical frameworks and empirical findings related to factors such as cultural differences, integration challenges, leadership issues, and strategic misalignment.

Review literature on the negative impacts of unsuccessful mergers, including financial losses, reduced organizational performance, employee turnover, and effects on stakeholders.

Research Objectives

Examine the key factors that contribute to the failure of corporate mergers.

Investigate the negative impacts of corporate merger failures on the affected organizations, their employees, and other key stakeholders.

Explore the experiences and perspectives of individuals who have been directly impacted by corporate merger failures.

Research Methodology

Adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Qualitative component:

Conduct thematic analysis of secondary data sources, such as corporate annual reports, industry magazines, newspaper articles, and academic journals, to identify recurring themes and patterns related to merger failures.

Carry out semi-structured interviews with former employees of a company affected by a failed merger to gain in-depth insights into their experiences and perspectives.

Quantitative component:

Gather relevant financial and operational data from the annual reports of companies involved in failed mergers to analyze the financial and performance impacts.

Collect and analyze industry-level statistics on merger and acquisition trends, success rates, and associated costs.

Data Analysis and Synthesis

Utilize thematic analysis techniques to identify and interpret the key themes emerging from the qualitative data (secondary sources and interviews).

Perform statistical analyses on the quantitative data to assess the financial and operational impacts of merger failures.

Integrate the findings from the qualitative and quantitative components to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to merger failures and their negative consequences.

Expected Outcomes and Contributions

Identify the critical factors that lead to the failure of corporate mergers, providing insights into the underlying causes.

Understand the negative impacts of merger failures on organizations, their employees, and other stakeholders, including financial, operational, and human resource-related consequences.

Offer practical implications for organizations considering mergers, highlighting strategies to mitigate the risks of merger failures and minimize the negative impacts.

Contribute to the existing literature on corporate mergers by providing empirical evidence and a deeper understanding of the factors and impacts of merger failures.

Timeline and Resources

Develop a detailed timeline for the various stages of the research project, including the literature review, data collection, analysis, and the writing of the dissertation.

Outline the resources required, such as access to secondary data sources, financial databases, and the availability of interview participants.

Ethical Considerations

Ensure that the research design and data collection methods adhere to the ethical guidelines of your institution or relevant research ethics bodies.

Obtain informed consent from interview participants and maintain the confidentiality of their responses.

This revised research proposal provides a more focused and concrete framework for your dissertation. Please let me know if you have any further questions or need additional clarification."

My third question is: "Great. In order to justify why it is worthwhile to do this research project, what would be the likely research gaps I could mention in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "Based on the information provided in the research proposal, here are some potential research gaps that you could highlight to justify the importance of this project:

Limited empirical studies on factors contributing to corporate merger failures:

While there is a substantial body of literature on the broader topic of corporate mergers and acquisitions, research specifically focused on the factors leading to merger failures is relatively limited.

Much of the existing literature tends to focus on the success factors and best practices for mergers, but the reasons for failure have not been as extensively explored.

Lack of in-depth understanding of the negative impacts of merger failures:

The existing literature has primarily focused on the potential benefits and synergies of successful mergers, but there is a need for more comprehensive research on the consequences of unsuccessful mergers.

The impacts on organizational performance, employee well-being, and stakeholder outcomes are not well-documented, particularly from the perspective of those directly affected by merger failures.

Predominance of single-method studies:

Most existing studies on corporate mergers have relied on either qualitative or quantitative methods, limiting the depth and breadth of insights that can be gained.

A mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of secondary data sources with primary data collected through interviews, can provide a more holistic understanding of the phenomenon.

Contextual gap in the existing literature:

Much of the research on corporate mergers has been conducted in developed economies, with relatively fewer studies focusing on emerging markets or specific industries.

Exploring the factors and impacts of merger failures in different contexts can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Lack of practical implications for organizations:

While the existing literature provides valuable theoretical insights, there is a need for research that translates these findings into actionable strategies and recommendations for organizations considering mergers or dealing with the aftermath of failed mergers.

Bridging the gap between academic research and real-world business practices can enhance the practical relevance of the study.

By highlighting these research gaps, you can justify the importance and potential contributions of your proposed study, which aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to corporate merger failures and their negative impacts on organizations and stakeholders."

My next question is: "Very good; for this study, what management theories and perspectives would be useful to consider and how these management theories and perspectives could inform the formulation of more detailed research methods design based on pragmatism?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "For the study on examining the factors and impacts of corporate merger failures, the following management theories and perspectives could be particularly useful to consider:

Organizational Behavior Theories:

Cultural Differences Theory: This theory suggests that differences in organizational cultures can pose significant challenges during the merger integration process and contribute to the failure of mergers.

Commitment-Trust Theory: This theory emphasizes the importance of trust and commitment between merger partners, which can influence the success or failure of the integration.

Strategic Management Theories:

Resource-Based View (RBV): The RBV suggests that the combination of complementary resources and capabilities can create synergies and lead to successful mergers. Examining how the lack of resource fit can contribute to merger failures could provide valuable insights.

Dynamic Capabilities Theory: This theory highlights the importance of an organization's ability to adapt to changing market conditions. Investigating how the dynamic capabilities of the merged entities (or lack thereof) influence the success of the merger would be relevant.

Organizational Learning Theories:

Organizational Learning Theory: This theory emphasizes the role of learning and knowledge transfer in successful organizational transformations, such as mergers. Exploring how the lack of effective learning and knowledge integration can lead to merger failures would be insightful.

Stakeholder Theory:

Stakeholder Theory: This theory considers the various stakeholders (e.g., employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders) affected by organizational decisions. Analyzing the impacts of merger failures on different stakeholder groups could provide a more holistic understanding of the consequences.

From a pragmatist perspective, these management theories and perspectives can inform the formulation of a more detailed research methods design in the following ways:

Mixed-Methods Approach:

The pragmatist paradigm supports the use of a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research problem.

The qualitative component, such as thematic analysis of secondary data and in-depth interviews, can provide depth and nuance in exploring the cultural, behavioral, and strategic factors contributing to merger failures.

The quantitative component, involving the analysis of financial and operational data, can help assess the measurable impacts of merger failures on organizational performance and stakeholder outcomes.

Contextual Considerations:

Pragmatism emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which the research is conducted, as it can influence the interpretation and applicability of the findings.

Incorporating contextual factors, such as industry dynamics, market conditions, and geographic differences, in the research design can enhance the relevance and transferability of the study's insights.

Practical Relevance:

The pragmatist approach focuses on generating knowledge that is useful and applicable in real-world settings.

Aligning the research objectives and methods with the practical concerns and needs of organizations facing merger challenges can enhance the study's potential impact and contribution to both academic and practitioner communities.

Iterative and Flexible Approach:

Pragmatism encourages an iterative and flexible research process, allowing for adjustments and refinements based on emerging insights and the evolving needs of the study.

This approach can be beneficial in exploring the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of corporate merger failures, where the initial research design may need to be adapted to address new questions or explore unexpected findings.

By incorporating these management theories and adopting a pragmatist perspective, the research methods design for this study can be more comprehensive, contextually grounded, and oriented towards practical applications, ultimately enhancing the study's ability to address the research gaps and contribute to a deeper understanding of corporate merger failures."

My next question is: "Tks. What could be the steps involved in thematic analysis to study the secondary data from news articles, annual reports, magazine and journal articles in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "To conduct a thematic analysis of the secondary data sources (news articles, annual reports, magazine and journal articles) for the study on corporate merger failures, the following steps could be involved:

Data Collection and Preparation:

Identify and gather relevant secondary data sources, such as news articles, annual reports, and academic journal articles, that discuss corporate merger failures.

Organize the data into a structured format (e.g., a database or spreadsheet) for easy retrieval and analysis.

Familiarize yourself with the content of the data by reading through a sample of the materials.

Familiarization with the Data:

Carefully read through the entire dataset to gain a comprehensive understanding of the content and context.

Make notes and observations about recurring themes, patterns, and potential areas of interest.

Identify any notable quotes, narratives, or descriptive details that may be relevant to the research objectives.

Inductive Coding:

Develop a coding framework based on an inductive approach, where the codes emerge from the data itself, rather than being predetermined.

Carefully review the data and assign codes to segments of text that represent specific ideas, concepts, or themes related to the factors contributing to merger failures and their impacts.

Continuously refine the coding framework as new themes and patterns emerge during the analysis.

Thematic Development:

Examine the coded data and identify broader themes that capture the key factors and impacts of corporate merger failures.

Organize the codes into meaningful clusters or categories that represent these overarching themes.

Ensure that the themes are distinct, coherent, and accurately reflect the patterns observed in the data.

Reviewing and Refining Themes:

Carefully review the identified themes to ensure they are supported by the data and represent a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Identify any overlapping or redundant themes and consolidate them as necessary.

Consider the relationships and connections between the different themes to develop a more nuanced understanding of the factors and impacts of merger failures.

Defining and Naming Themes:

Clearly define and describe each theme, highlighting its key characteristics and the insights it provides.

Assign concise and descriptive names to the themes that accurately capture their essence.

Reporting and Interpretation:

Prepare a detailed report that presents the findings of the thematic analysis, including the identified themes, supporting evidence from the data, and the implications for understanding the factors and impacts of corporate merger failures.

Interpret the themes in the context of the existing literature and the research objectives, highlighting how the findings contribute to addressing the identified research gaps.

By following these steps, the thematic analysis of the secondary data sources can provide a rich, contextual understanding of the factors contributing to corporate merger failures and their various impacts, which can then be used to inform the overall research design and inform the subsequent stages of the study."

My next question: "Lastly, for the semi-structured interview with my ex-colleagues, what could be the interview questions to ask and, subsequently, how to analyse the interview data in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "For the semi-structured interviews with your ex-colleagues regarding the factors and impacts of the corporate merger failure, here are some potential interview questions you could consider:

Interview Questions:

Factors Contributing to Merger Failure:

What were the key factors that you believe contributed to the failure of the merger between the two companies?

Can you describe any cultural, organizational, or strategic differences that posed challenges during the merger integration process?

How did the due diligence and planning process (or lack thereof) prior to the merger impact the eventual outcome?

What were the primary obstacles or roadblocks that you encountered during the merger integration phase?

In your opinion, what were the key decisions or actions (or lack thereof) that ultimately led to the failure of the merger?

Impacts of Merger Failure:

How did the failed merger impact the organization's overall performance, such as financial results, market position, or operational efficiency?

What were the consequences of the merger failure on the employees, in terms of job security, morale, and career development?

Can you describe any disruptions or negative impacts on the organization's relationships with key stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, or shareholders?

What were the broader implications of the merger failure on the industry or the local/regional business environment?

In your experience, how did the failed merger affect your personal career trajectory or overall well-being?

Lessons Learned and Recommendations:

Based on your experience, what are the key lessons you've learned from the failed merger that could inform future merger and acquisition activities?

What strategies or approaches do you think organizations should consider to better manage the risks and challenges associated with corporate mergers?

How could the due diligence and integration planning processes be improved to increase the chances of merger success?

What recommendations would you provide to organizations facing similar merger challenges in the future?

For the analysis of the interview data, you can consider the following steps:

Transcription and Data Preparation:

Transcribe the audio recordings of the interviews verbatim to create a comprehensive textual dataset.

Organize the transcripts and any supporting materials (e.g., notes, documents) in a structured format for analysis.

Familiarization and Coding:

Read through the transcripts multiple times to familiarize yourself with the content and identify emerging themes and patterns.

Develop a coding framework based on the research objectives and the themes that emerge from the data.

Systematically code the interview data, assigning relevant codes to segments of text that represent specific ideas, concepts, or themes.

Thematic Analysis:

Identify and refine the key themes that capture the factors contributing to the merger failure and the various impacts experienced by the interviewees.

Explore the relationships and connections between the different themes to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Ensure that the themes are well-supported by the interview data and accurately reflect the perspectives and experiences of the participants.

Interpretation and Synthesis:

Interpret the findings from the thematic analysis in the context of the existing literature and the research objectives.

Identify any similarities, differences, or unique insights that emerge from the interview data compared to the secondary data sources.

Synthesize the findings from the thematic analysis of both the secondary data and the interview data to develop a holistic understanding of the factors and impacts of the corporate merger failure.

Reporting and Recommendations:

Integrate the findings from the thematic analysis of the interview data into the overall research report, highlighting the key themes and their implications.

Provide a detailed discussion of the insights gained from the interviews and how they contribute to addressing the identified research gaps.

Offer practical recommendations for organizations based on the lessons learned and the strategies suggested by the interviewees.

By incorporating the semi-structured interviews and analyzing the data using thematic analysis, you can gain valuable insights into the first-hand experiences and perspectives of those directly involved in the corporate merger failure, which can complement and enrich the findings from the secondary data sources."

My last question: "Based on the academic management theories and perspectives considered, what are the likely themes to consider in the thematic analysis in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt is: "Based on the academic management theories and perspectives that could be relevant to understanding the factors and impacts of the corporate merger failure, the following themes are likely to emerge during the thematic analysis:

Strategic Misalignment:

Themes related to differences in the strategic priorities, goals, or vision of the merging organizations.

Lack of strategic fit or complementarity between the companies' core businesses, products, or markets.

Failure to align the strategic rationale for the merger with the integration and implementation plans.

Cultural Incompatibility:

Themes highlighting the differences in organizational cultures, values, and management styles between the merging companies.

Challenges in integrating the distinct work environments, communication styles, and decision-making processes.

Resistance to change and lack of commitment to the merger among employees.

Integration and Execution Challenges:

Themes related to the ineffective or poorly planned integration of various business functions, systems, and processes.

Lack of a clear and well-communicated integration plan, with defined roles, responsibilities, and timelines.

Underestimation of the complexity and resources required to successfully execute the merger integration.

Leadership and Governance Issues:

Themes highlighting the role of leadership in guiding the merger process, such as lack of commitment, poor decision-making, or ineffective communication.

Challenges in establishing a cohesive and collaborative governance structure between the merging entities.

Tensions or power struggles among the leadership teams of the merging companies.

Stakeholder Management Failures:

Themes related to the negative impacts on key stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, or shareholders, due to the merger disruptions.

Failure to effectively manage stakeholder expectations and maintain their trust and support throughout the merger process.

Lack of proactive communication and engagement with stakeholders to address their concerns.

Financial and Performance Implications:

Themes highlighting the financial and operational impacts of the merger failure, such as decreased profitability, market share, or competitive position.

Themes related to the write-offs, restructuring costs, or other financial burdens associated with the failed merger.

Themes discussing the long-term consequences of the merger failure on the organization's ability to achieve its strategic and financial objectives.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices:

Themes that capture the key lessons learned by the participants, such as the importance of thorough due diligence, effective integration planning, and change management.

Themes related to the recommendations or strategies that could have improved the chances of merger success, based on the participants' experiences.

Themes discussing the potential implications for future mergers and acquisitions within the industry or the broader business landscape.

By considering these thematic areas, the analysis of the secondary data and the semi-structured interviews can provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors and impacts associated with the corporate merger failure, as well as valuable insights for improving the management of similar merger and acquisition activities in the future."

Some overall comments on this interview with chatgpt

It takes some additional probing questions to chatgpt to come up with more specific suggestions.