A study note on non-research gaps-related research objectives in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects

A study note on non-research gaps-related research objectives in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects (information from perplexity.ai) [This note is related to the subject of the agile literature review approach (the academic-oriented type)]

My question 1: "Is it appropriate that, even for academic-oriented dissertation project type, one of the research objectives is not research gap driven, such as a research objective to make recommendations, based on certain actionable knowledge. Kindly advise what are the main non-research gap related reasons to justify this kind of research objectives in MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects."

The reply: "For academic-oriented dissertation projects such as those in MBA and Housing Studies, it is indeed appropriate that some research objectives are not strictly research gap-driven but rather focus on practical outcomes like making recommendations based on actionable knowledge. This type of objective can be justified on several grounds beyond just addressing a research gap:

Main Justifications for Non-Research Gap-Driven Objectives

1. Practical Relevance and Application

• MBA and applied social sciences like Housing Studies often emphasize the utility of research in solving real-world problems.

• Objectives that aim to make recommendations show that the study contributes practical, actionable insights to stakeholders, practitioners, or policymakers.

• Such objectives demonstrate a knowledge translation function, converting research findings into improvements or innovations.

2. Addressing Public or Organizational Issues

• Research may focus on areas of known challenges or issues documented in public records, organizational reports, or policy concerns rather than novel academic gaps.

• Objectives may seek to evaluate problems and suggest viable solutions, thus adding value in areas with established knowledge but continuing implementation needs.

3. Enhancing Decision-Making and Strategy

• In MBA dissertations specifically, objectives that generate recommendations help bridge the gap between theory and managerial practice.

• They guide strategy formulation, organizational change, or policy design based on analyzed evidence, which is highly valued in business contexts.

4. Limited Scope or Time Constraints

• Some projects with a short timeline or limited scope prioritize practical applications over generating new theoretical insights.

• These projects focus on synthesizing existing knowledge and tailoring it to specific contexts for immediate impact.

5. Supporting Evidence-Based Practices

• Objectives oriented toward recommendations promote evidence-based decision-making.

• They anchor proposals in empirical data, enhancing credibility and feasibility, which is crucial in social housing or business environments.

Summary

In dissertation projects within MBA and Housing Studies, research objectives focused on making recommendations or providing actionable knowledge are justified by their emphasis on practical impact, problem-solving, and evidence-based management. These objectives complement traditional research gap-driven goals by demonstrating how academic inquiry can directly inform practice and policy.

This approach is common and accepted as long as research objectives clearly link to a solid analysis of existing knowledge and findings, forming a coherent basis for the recommendations proposed."

My question 2: "Based on your discussion, please provide explicitly and concisely three non-research gaps-related justification (in statement form) for the kind of research objectives (notably, recommendations related) discussed here."

The reply: "Here are three explicit and concise non-research gap-related justifications for dissertation research objectives focused on making recommendations:

1. To translate research findings into actionable knowledge that informs practical decision-making and improvements in business or housing contexts. [non-research gap-related justification statement: type 1]

2. To address existing real-world problems or challenges by proposing evidence-based solutions, even if these issues are already known in the literature. [non-research gap-related justification statement: type 2]

3. To bridge academic theory and professional practice by providing strategic guidance that supports policy, management, or operational changes relevant to the studied setting. [non-research gap-related justification statement: type 3]

These justifications emphasize practical impact, problem-solving, and applied relevance beyond solely filling research gaps."

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