A note on constructing theoretical and conceptual frameworks in MBA dissertation project works.

A note on constructing theoretical and conceptual frameworks in MBA dissertation project works (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "In the context of doing a literature review in an MBA dissertation project, please offer advices on five major considerations and techniques, when trying to synthesize about 3 to 4 academic theories to constitute a consolidated and tailor-made theoretical framework to inform the dissertation investigation."

The reply: "Synthesizing 3-4 academic theories into a consolidated theoretical framework strengthens an MBA dissertation by providing a robust lens for investigation. This process requires careful integration to avoid mere juxtaposition, ensuring the framework is tailored to your research problem.

Theory Selection

Prioritize theories with complementary strengths that collectively address your dissertation's key variables. Select seminal works central to your topic, such as resource-based view and dynamic capabilities for strategy-focused MBAs, ensuring they align with your research questions. Balance foundational theories with recent adaptations to reflect evolving business contexts.

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Thematic Organization

Group theories around emergent themes rather than summarizing individually, using matrices to map relationships like overlaps in assumptions or variables. Identify patterns, such as convergent propositions on firm performance, to build coherence. This reveals how theories reinforce each other, forming narrative threads.

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Compare and Contrast

Explicitly analyze agreements, contradictions, and methodological differences across theories to demonstrate critical engagement. For instance, contrast agency theory's control focus with stewardship theory's trust emphasis, explaining contextual contingencies. Use integrative verbs like "extends" or "challenges" to articulate relationships dynamically.

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Gap Identification

Pinpoint limitations in individual theories that your synthesis addresses, such as gaps in digital-era applicability for traditional models. Position the consolidated framework as resolving these by integrating elements into a novel model tailored to your MBA context, like Hong Kong housing policy. This justifies your framework's originality.

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Framework Articulation

Visualize the synthesis through diagrams showing integrated components, then narrate its application to your hypotheses or propositions. Ensure the framework directly informs methodology and analysis, creating a logical bridge to empirical investigation. Test its parsimony by verifying it explains more than individual theories alone."

My question 2: "Similarly, please offer advices on five major considerations and techniques, when trying to synthesize about 7-10 academic concepts/ variables to constitute a consolidated and tailor-made conceptual framework to inform the dissertation investigation."

The reply: "Synthesizing 7-10 academic concepts or variables into a consolidated conceptual framework enhances an MBA dissertation by mapping relationships that guide empirical investigation. This process demands systematic integration to create a cohesive model tailored to your research problem, such as housing policy impacts in Hong Kong markets.

Variable Identification

Begin by pinpointing 7-10 key variables from your literature review, classifying them as independent, dependent, mediating, or moderating based on their roles in your research questions. Define each precisely with operational indicators drawn from prior studies to ensure measurability in your MBA context. Prioritize variables with strong empirical support while noting contextual relevance, like economic factors in Singapore stock investments.

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Relationship Mapping

Visualize hypothesized links between variables using diagrams like path models or flowcharts to depict cause-effect dynamics and interactions. Employ matrices to systematically chart pairwise relationships, identifying synergies such as how market volatility moderates investment returns. Articulate assumptions behind arrows or lines, ensuring they stem from literature patterns rather than speculation.

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Thematic Clustering

Group related variables into 3-4 higher-order themes to manage complexity, such as clustering financial, policy, and behavioral variables under "market influences." This reduces cognitive load and reveals emergent structures, like integrating housing affordability with employment challenges. Use iterative grouping to test for parsimony, merging overlaps while preserving distinct contributions.

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Gap Integration

Highlight how your synthesis addresses literature gaps, such as underexplored interactions between variables in Asian contexts, positioning the framework as an original extension. Link clusters back to your dissertation objectives, justifying exclusions of less relevant variables. Validate by cross-referencing against established models to confirm comprehensiveness.

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Framework Validation

Test the model's robustness through propositional statements or preliminary hypotheses derived from variable linkages, then refine via expert feedback or pilot data. Ensure alignment with methodology by specifying how variables will be measured and analyzed, such as via regressions in Excel for quantitative MBA work. Present the final diagram with narrative explanation to bridge literature and investigation."

My question 3: "Recommend 2 YouTube videos on how to construct a theoretical framework and 2 YouTube videos on how to construct a conceptual framework. Also highlight the main ideas on each of these 4 YouTube videos."

The reply: "Here are two recommended YouTube videos on constructing a theoretical framework and two on constructing a conceptual framework, selected for their clarity and relevance to MBA dissertation work. Each includes a brief highlight of the main ideas based on their descriptions and content outlines.

Theoretical Framework Videos

1. "Develop a Theoretical Framework in 3 Steps | Scribbr 🎓" (

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y1BAqOnhMM

) 

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This short video outlines a simple three-step process: identify key concepts from your research questions, evaluate and select relevant theories by comparing them, and show how your study fits into or extends those theories. It emphasizes grounding your work in established ideas while structuring the framework with clear definitions and evaluations for coherence.

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2. "How to Build a Theoretical Framework ..." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcEWeR5we-o)[2]

The video presents a nine-step method, starting with extensive reading and challenging assumptions, then defining constructs, clarifying boundaries, exploring mechanisms like pathways, situating against existing theories, ensuring logical connections, visualizing the framework, and aligning it with methods. It stresses differentiation from prior theories and iterative refinement for robust empirical research.

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Conceptual Framework Videos

For conceptual frameworks, relevant videos were less directly available in search results, but these closely related ones from established channels provide practical guidance on synthesis and mapping, complementing theoretical approaches.

1. "How do I design a conceptual framework? A quick and ..." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Der728ovuHU)[11]

This quick guide explains designing a conceptual framework by mapping variables and relationships from literature, using diagrams to visualize links like causes and effects. Main ideas focus on starting with research objectives, clustering concepts thematically, and validating the model against gaps for tailored dissertation application.

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2. "Theoretical Framework vs Conceptual ..." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hilKsiLYRJs)[8]

While contrasting the two, it details conceptual framework construction as building a visual model of variables and hypotheses from multiple sources, beyond single theories. Key points include identifying relationships, using flowcharts for clarity, and ensuring the framework directly informs data collection in studies like MBA investigations."

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