A note on using time-constrained and local-context oriented primary research methods for dissertation projects

A note on using time-constrained and local-context oriented primary research methods for dissertation projects [information from poe.com]

My question 1: "For part-time university students doing dissertation projects, what are the time-constrained and local context-oriented primary research methods are recommended to use, with reference to the fields of (1) business management, (2) accounting and finance, and (3) housing studies?"

The reply: "For part-time university students undertaking dissertation projects, selecting time-constrained and context-oriented primary research methods is crucial. Here are some recommended methods tailored to the fields of business management, accounting and finance, and housing studies:

1. Business Management

• Surveys/Questionnaires: Quick to distribute and analyze, online tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey allow for efficient data collection from specific populations (e.g., employees, customers).
• Interviews: Conduct semi-structured interviews with local business owners or managers. These can be scheduled at convenient times and provide in-depth insights.
• Focus Groups: Organize small group discussions with stakeholders (e.g., customers, employees) to gather diverse perspectives on a specific business issue.

2. Accounting and Finance

• Case Studies: Analyze local businesses or organizations to understand their financial practices. This method allows for a detailed examination of real-world scenarios within a limited timeframe.
• Financial Analysis: Collect publicly available financial statements of local companies and conduct a comparative analysis. This can often be done without extensive primary data collection.
• Interviews with Financial Professionals: Engage with local accountants or financial advisors to gain insights into current trends and challenges in the field.

3. Housing Studies

• Surveys: Create surveys targeting residents to gather data on housing conditions, preferences, and challenges. This can be done online or via paper surveys in local areas.
• Interviews with Residents: Conduct interviews with local residents, housing officials, or community leaders to explore qualitative aspects of housing issues.
• Site Visits/Observations: Perform observations of housing conditions in specific neighborhoods, which can provide valuable context and firsthand insights into local housing dynamics.

General Tips

• Leverage Technology: Use online platforms for surveys and virtual interviews to save time.
• Local Context: Focus on issues relevant to your immediate community or geographic area to enhance the relevance and applicability of your research.
• Pilot Studies: If time allows, conduct a small pilot study to refine your methods before full-scale implementation.

By selecting these targeted approaches, part-time students can effectively manage their time while conducting meaningful primary research relevant to their fields."

My question 2: "What could be the business ethics challenges of using this kind of research methods for part-time students?"

The reply: "Using primary research methods poses several business ethics challenges for part-time university students. Here are some key considerations:

1. Informed Consent

• Challenge: Ensuring that participants fully understand the purpose of the research and what their participation entails can be difficult, especially in surveys or interviews.
• Solution: Provide clear and concise information about the study, including any potential risks, and obtain explicit consent before participation.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy

• Challenge: Participants may share sensitive information that needs to be protected. Breaching confidentiality can harm individuals and damage trust.
• Solution: Implement measures to anonymize data and securely store information. Clearly communicate how data will be used and who will have access.

3. Data Integrity and Honesty

• Challenge: Students might feel pressured to manipulate data or results to meet academic expectations or personal biases.
• Solution: Uphold a commitment to integrity by accurately reporting findings, regardless of whether they align with hypotheses or expectations.

4. Power Dynamics

• Challenge: There may be power imbalances between students and participants, particularly if students are interviewing professionals or authority figures.
• Solution: Approach all participants with respect and emphasize that their contributions are valued, regardless of their position.

5. Exploitation of Vulnerable Populations

• Challenge: Research involving marginalized or vulnerable groups raises ethical concerns about exploitation and the potential for harm.
• Solution: Be sensitive to the needs and contexts of these populations. Ensure that participation is voluntary and that benefits outweigh any risks.

6. Misrepresentation of Research Purpose

• Challenge: Misleading participants about the nature of the research can lead to ethical violations and mistrust.
• Solution: Be transparent about the research goals and use honest language in all communications with participants.

7. Pressure to Produce Results

• Challenge: Students may feel compelled to achieve specific outcomes or results, leading to ethical compromises.
• Solution: Focus on the research process rather than just the outcomes, and foster a mindset that values learning and ethical conduct.

Conclusion

To navigate these challenges, part-time students should familiarize themselves with ethical guidelines provided by their institutions and seek guidance from faculty mentors. By prioritizing ethical considerations, students can conduct responsible and credible research that contributes positively to their fields."

My question 3: "What can be the problems of using my close friend's dissertation report (in Chinese), after translated into English by me, as my dissertation report for submission to my university? In this case, the report has not be detected with plagiarism by Turnitin software."

The reply: "Using a close friend's dissertation report as your own, even if translated into English by you, poses several significant problems:

1. Ethical Violations

• Plagiarism: Even if the report is translated, presenting it as your own work constitutes plagiarism. Academic integrity policies typically define plagiarism as using someone else's ideas or work without proper attribution, regardless of the language.
• Lack of Originality: Submitting a friend's work undermines the fundamental purpose of a dissertation, which is to demonstrate your own research abilities, critical thinking, and original contributions to your field.

2. Legal Issues

• Copyright Infringement: Your friend's dissertation may be protected by copyright. Using it without permission could violate copyright laws, leading to potential legal ramifications for both you and your friend.
• Institutional Policies: Most universities have strict policies regarding academic honesty, which can include severe penalties for submitting work that is not your own.

3. Academic Consequences

• Disciplinary Actions: If discovered, you could face serious academic consequences, including failing the dissertation, expulsion, or a permanent mark on your academic record.
• Loss of Credibility: Engaging in dishonest practices can damage your reputation within your academic community and hinder future opportunities, both in academia and your career.

4. Impact on Learning

• Lack of Learning Experience: The dissertation process is designed to develop your research skills, critical thinking, and subject mastery. Substituting someone else's work deprives you of this valuable learning opportunity.
• Dependence on Others: Relying on your friend's work may create a pattern of dependence, hindering your ability to produce your own original research in the future.

5. Trust and Relationships

• Erosion of Trust: If your friend becomes aware that you are submitting their work as your own, it could damage your relationship and trust between you.
• Professional Reputation: Engaging in dishonest practices can have long-term effects on your professional reputation, affecting relationships with future colleagues or employers.

Conclusion

It is essential to produce original work for your dissertation. If you find your friend's research valuable, consider discussing it with them and seeking permission to reference it appropriately, rather than attempting to submit it as your own. This approach maintains ethical standards and contributes to your personal and academic growth."

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.