Thursday, 24 July 2025

A study note on how the literature review informs the discussion of dissertation report chapters 3, 4 and 5

A study note on how the literature review informs the discussion of dissertation report chapters 3, 4 and 5 (information from perplexity.ai)


My question 1: "How does the literature review outcomes inform the discussion of the dissertation report chapters of Research Methodology (chapter 3), Presentation of Research Findings (chapter 4) and Discussion of Findings (chapter 5) with reference to the MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects?"

The reply: "The outcomes of the literature review significantly inform the chapters on Research Methodology (Chapter 3), Presentation of Research Findings (Chapter 4), and Discussion of Findings (Chapter 5) in both MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects, as follows:

  1. Research Methodology (Chapter 3):
    The literature review helps establish the theoretical framework and justifies the chosen research design and methods. By critically analyzing previous studies, it identifies gaps or limitations in earlier methodologies, which guides the selection of appropriate research approaches and tools to address those gaps. For MBA dissertations, this means linking the methodology explicitly to prior literature to demonstrate how this study builds upon or diverges from existing research. In Housing Studies, the literature review might highlight specific methods previously used in assessing housing issues, thus shaping data collection and analysis strategies. Hence, the literature review acts as a foundation, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance.

  2. Presentation of Research Findings (Chapter 4):
    The literature review outcomes frame the interpretation and organization of results. The hypotheses or research questions derived from the literature guide what findings are sought and how they are presented. For instance, MBA dissertations use literature-informed research questions to structure tables, analyses, and tests (e.g., regression, validity tests), ensuring findings respond directly to identified knowledge gaps. In Housing Studies, findings are often compared to documented trends or previous data reported in the literature, highlighting consistencies or deviations. This chapter thus uses the literature as a benchmark and a lens for viewing new data.

  3. Discussion of Findings (Chapter 5):
    This chapter draws on the literature review to interpret the results in the broader context. It involves comparing the dissertation’s findings with previous studies, explaining consistencies or contradictions, and discussing implications. The literature informs the explanation of how the current research advances knowledge, confirms existing theories, or challenges assumptions. In both MBA and Housing Studies projects, this chapter links back to the literature review by addressing whether the findings fill the identified research gaps and suggesting future research directions based on unresolved issues highlighted earlier.

In summary, the literature review sets the stage for the methodology by justifying choices, directs what findings are collected and how they are presented, and provides the critical framework for interpreting results in the discussion chapter. This linkage is crucial in MBA and Housing Studies dissertations to demonstrate scholarly rigor, relevance, and contribution to the field."


My question 2: "Please clarify the discussion above a bit more with reference to the following 2 dissertation topic examples;


Example 1: An evaluation of the middle level management leadership style of the millennials in the five-star hotel sector in Hong Kong
Example 2: An evaluation of the perceived residential quality of the elderly living in the public housing estate in Tsuen Wan"

The reply: "Let me clarify how the literature review outcomes inform the Research Methodology (Chapter 3), Presentation of Research Findings (Chapter 4), and Discussion of Findings (Chapter 5) chapters with direct reference to your two dissertation examples:

Example 1:

"An evaluation of the middle level management leadership style of the millennials in the five-star hotel sector in Hong Kong"

  1. Research Methodology (Chapter 3):

    • The literature review here would identify existing leadership theories and styles, particularly focused on millennials and hospitality management. It might highlight gaps such as limited studies on middle management or the Hong Kong hotel context.

    • This justifies choosing certain qualitative or quantitative methods, e.g., surveys with leadership style scales, or interviews with millennial managers. It also informs the choice of sampling (middle managers in five-star hotels) and data analysis techniques (factor analysis, thematic analysis) to address the identified gap.

  2. Presentation of Research Findings (Chapter 4):

    • The literature review informs what leadership traits or styles to measure and compare. Findings will be presented around these styles (e.g., transformational, transactional) and how millennial managers align or differ from existing models.

    • Tables and charts might compare results with previously reported leadership styles in hospitality or among millennials globally or regionally.

  3. Discussion of Findings (Chapter 5):

    • The discussion evaluates whether the findings confirm or challenge existing leadership theories and millennial characteristics discussed in the literature.

    • It interprets why certain leadership styles prevail in Hong Kong’s luxury hotel sector and what implications this has on theory, practice, and future research, linking back to gaps or questions raised earlier.

Example 2:

"An evaluation of the perceived residential quality of the elderly living in the public housing estate in Tsuen Wan"

  1. Research Methodology (Chapter 3):

    • The literature review reviews concepts of residential quality, elderly housing needs, and previous assessments in public housing contexts, especially in Hong Kong or similar urban settings. It finds gaps, such as a lack of focus on elderly perceptions or specific quality indicators.

    • This informs the methodology—perhaps a mixed-methods approach combining surveys to quantify perceived quality and interviews for qualitative insights. It also defines key variables and guides questionnaire design.

  2. Presentation of Research Findings (Chapter 4):

    • Findings are framed around the specific dimensions of residential quality identified in the literature, such as accessibility, safety, social environment, and facilities.

    • Results compare respondents’ perceptions with benchmarks or results from prior studies in other estates or regions, highlighting strengths or issues unique to Tsuen Wan.

  3. Discussion of Findings (Chapter 5):

    • The discussion links perceptions back to theoretical understandings of elderly well-being and housing quality from the literature.

    • It explains why certain aspects score higher or lower, discussing policy or design implications for public housing, and identifying unresolved issues for further study (e.g., specific adaptations for elderly needs).

Summary

In both examples, the literature review informs:

  • Methodology: By identifying theories, concepts, gaps, and best practices, shaping research design and instruments.

  • Findings presentation: By framing data around established constructs and comparing results with prior research.

  • Discussion: By interpreting findings within the scholarly context, discussing contributions and implications, and suggesting future directions."



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


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