A note on using suitable literature review approaches in MBA dissertation project works (information from perplexity.ai) [related to the topic of the agile literature review approach]
My question 1: "In the context of doing a 4-month part-time MBA dissertation projects, suggest 2 suitable literature review approaches for writing the dissertation report chapter (chapter 2) of literature review (primarily on the academic literature): in each of the following 3 cases:
1. a consulting-oriented (primarily management concerns-driven) dissertation project type based on pragmatism
2. an academic-oriented (primarily research gaps and research issues driven) dissertation project type based on pragmatism
3. A dissertation project type that is equally consulting-oriented and academic-oriented, based on pragmatism"
The reply: "Pragmatism suits part-time MBA dissertations by emphasizing practical, mixed-method approaches that blend real-world application with theoretical insight. For a 4-month timeline, literature reviews (Chapter 2) should be targeted (75-100 sources), thematic, and funnel from broad management themes to specific gaps, ensuring feasibility. Suitable approaches prioritize synthesis over exhaustive summaries to justify the project's methodology.
Case 1: Consulting-Oriented
Thematic-Practical Synthesis
Organize literature around management concerns like strategic challenges or operational inefficiencies, synthesizing practitioner insights from case studies and industry reports alongside academic sources. Critically evaluate how prior studies address similar consulting problems, highlighting pragmatic solutions that inform recommendations.
Gap-to-Action Funnel
Start with broad themes on client-driven issues (e.g., change management), narrowing to underexplored applications in your context, then link directly to actionable frameworks like consulting models (e.g., Schein’s doctor-patient). This justifies a pragmatist methodology focused on immediate business impact.
Case 2: Academic-Oriented
Theoretical-Critical Review
Structure by key theories and research issues, critically analyzing methodological strengths/weaknesses in prior studies to pinpoint gaps (e.g., untested variables). Use pragmatism to integrate diverse paradigms, building a rationale for your mixed-methods design.
Conceptual Gap Mapping
Map literature around research propositions or variables, identifying inconsistencies and theoretical insufficiencies across studies. Progress chronologically or by paradigm to demonstrate how your study extends knowledge, emphasizing replicable academic contributions.
Case 3: Balanced Consulting-Academic
Hybrid Theme-Gap Integration
Combine themes from management concerns (e.g., policy impacts) with research gaps, alternating practitioner and academic sources to show dual relevance. Synthesize conflicts to propose a pragmatist bridge between theory and practice.
Methodological-Outcome Alignment
Review methods and outcomes in tandem, assessing how past approaches inform both gaps and consulting tools. Funnel to your project's unique mixed focus, validating pragmatism for balanced contributions."
My question 2: "Recommend 2 YouTube videos on introducing the topic of literature review and highlight the main ideas on each of these 2 YouTube videos."
The reply: "Two highly recommended YouTube videos introduce the fundamentals of literature reviews effectively for dissertation writers like part-time MBA students. These selections emphasize clear structure, purpose, and process, aligning with pragmatic approaches in short-timeline projects.
Video 1: Step by Step Guide for Writing an Effective Literature Review
This 2021 video by Academic English Now (about 20 minutes) starts with defining a literature review as a synthesis of existing research, not mere summary.
Main ideas include a five-step process: searching broadly then refining sources, organizing by themes or chronology, structuring with introduction-body-conclusion, and writing critically to identify gaps.
It stresses reading abstracts first for efficiency and linking literature to your research question, ideal for funneling broad management themes to specific MBA gaps. (link) Video 2: How to write a Literature Review INTRODUCTION 2026
Dr B's 2025 video (16 minutes) focuses on crafting the literature review introduction to justify the entire chapter.
Key points cover setting rationale through background, history, current debates, and policy context, leading systematically to research questions and objectives.
It highlights storytelling flow—from defining concepts to evidencing gaps—while synthesizing findings critically, perfect for pragmatist dissertations balancing theory and practice. (link)"
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