A note on MBA dissertation projects that are consulting-oriented and academically oriented at the same time

A note on MBA dissertation projects that are consulting-oriented and academically oriented at the same time (information from perplexity.ai) [A topic in the agile literature review approach]

My question 1: "With regard to MBA dissertation reports, some dissertation projects are consulting-oriented (the research objective are mainly derived from the management concerns of specific clients) while others are academically-oriented (the research objectives are mainly derived from a few research gaps and research issues). Is it a good idea for an MBA dissertation report to be equally consulting-oriented and academically-oriented? If so, please suggest 5 main advices for doing so. Tks."

The reply: "Yes, balancing consulting-oriented and academically-oriented elements in an MBA dissertation is a strong approach. It bridges theory and practice, enhancing relevance for both academic evaluators and real-world application, which aligns well with pragmatic research philosophies common in MBA programs like yours.

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Key Benefits

This hybrid model satisfies dual demands by addressing client concerns through actionable recommendations while filling research gaps via rigorous theory and analysis. It boosts employability by demonstrating strategic decision-making skills and positions the work as both scholarly and practically impactful.

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Advice 1: Select Dual-Purpose Topic

Choose a topic rooted in a specific client's management issue that also targets a clear literature gap, such as knowledge transfer in Hong Kong non-profits amid retirements. Frame the title to reflect both, e.g., "Pragmatic Strategies for Knowledge Transfer in Hong Kong Non-Profits: Addressing Senior Manager Retirement Challenges."

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Advice 2: Integrate Theory and Practice

Build a theoretical framework in Chapter 2 from academic sources, then develop a conceptual framework in Chapter 3 linking client-specific variables to theories like Resource-Based View. This ensures academic rigor while guiding practical analysis.

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Advice 3: Use Mixed Methods

Employ pragmatic mixed methods—secondary quantitative data for trends plus qualitative insights like focus groups or insider observations—to test causal mechanisms and yield both generalizable findings and client-tailored insights. Triangulate for validity across orientations.

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Advice 4: Structure for Both Audiences

Organize chapters to separate academic discussion (implications for theory/gaps) from consulting outputs (recommendations with timelines, costs, KPIs for stakeholders). Include a dedicated executive summary for clients.

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Advice 5: Secure Ethics and Collaboration

Obtain gatekeeper consent early for client data access, and involve managers in validating objectives and findings to ensure applicability. This mitigates insider bias while enhancing rigor and post-dissertation impact."

My question 2: "Could you clarifying your ideas a bit more by suggesting templates of the chapters of such a dissertation report (i.e. for chapter 1: Introduction, chapter 2: literature review, chapter 3, research methodology, chapter 4: presentation of research methods findings, chapter 5: discussion of findings, chapter 6: conclusions and recommendations?"

The reply: "Balancing consulting and academic orientations requires a structured dissertation report that clearly delineates theoretical rigor from practical application. The following templates adapt standard MBA chapter formats to integrate both, drawing on pragmatic mixed-methods approaches suitable for your part-time MBA context, such as knowledge transfer in Hong Kong non-profits.

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Chapter 1: Introduction

• Background and Context: Describe the client concern (e.g., knowledge loss from retiring managers) alongside public/media issues and research gaps (1-2 pages).
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• Research Objectives/Questions: State dual aims—address client needs (e.g., actionable strategies) and academic contributions (e.g., testing theory in Hong Kong NGOs) (0.5 page).

• Significance: Highlight practical value for client/stakeholders and theoretical advancement; include scope, constraints, and dissertation structure (1 page).
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Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Theoretical Framework: Review core theories (e.g., knowledge management theories like Nonaka's SECI model) and identify gaps (3-5 pages).
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• Academic Synthesis: Critically analyze prior studies on sub-themes (e.g., retirement knowledge transfer), positioning your study (4-6 pages).

• Client-Relevant Review: Link literature to practical concerns, previewing conceptual framework variables (2 pages).
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Chapter 3: Research Methodology

• Philosophy and Approach: Justify pragmatism for hybrid focus; outline mixed methods (e.g., secondary data + focus groups/insider observations) (1-2 pages).
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• Conceptual Framework: Diagram variables linking theory to client issues (e.g., mentorship efficacy → morale → performance) (1 page).
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• Methods, Sampling, Ethics: Detail data sources, analysis (e.g., thematic + regression), validity, and gatekeeper consent (3-4 pages).
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Chapter 4: Findings

• Quantitative Results: Present secondary data trends (e.g., tables/charts on retirement impacts) with minimal interpretation (3-4 pages).
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• Qualitative Insights: Report themes from interviews/focus groups, using quotes and matrices tied to framework (4-5 pages).

• Integrated Summary: Cross-reference quant/qual patterns without discussion (1 page).

Chapter 5: Discussion

• Academic Interpretation: Compare findings to literature/theory, addressing research gaps and issues (4-6 pages).
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• Consulting Analysis: Evaluate implications for client (e.g., causal mechanisms affecting performance), limitations, and positionality (3-4 pages).

• Synthesis: Triangulate how findings bridge theory-practice divide (2 pages).

Chapter 6: Conclusions and Recommendations

• Key Conclusions: Restate dual contributions (academic insights + client resolutions) against objectives (1-2 pages).

• Academic Implications: Suggest theory extensions/future research (1 page).

• Practical Recommendations: Provide 4-6 prioritized, actionable steps for client (e.g., mentorship protocols with timelines/KPIs); include executive summary for stakeholders (3-4 pages)"

** also a note on the negotiated paradigm of the agile literature review approach.

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