An evaluation of consultants' works and academics' works with reference to literature review in MBA dissertation projects

An evaluation of consultants' works and academics' works with reference to literature review in MBA dissertation projects (information from perplexity.ai)

My question: "In the context of doing literature review (notably on writing the literature review chapter in the dissertation reports) in MBA dissertation projects, please compare and evaluate the quality of published works of (1) white papers working papers and books of practitioners and consultants and (2) academic publications, primarily in academic journals and books)."

The reply: "Academic publications, such as peer-reviewed journal articles and scholarly books, generally offer higher quality for MBA dissertation literature reviews due to rigorous peer review processes that ensure methodological soundness and originality. Practitioner works like white papers, working papers, and consultant books provide practical insights but often lack this scrutiny, prioritizing applicability over theoretical depth. Evaluating both types requires assessing credibility, relevance, and bias in the context of your MBA project's focus on business applications.

Key Comparison Criteria

Aspect	Academic Publications (Journals/Books)	Practitioner Works (White/Working Papers, Consultant Books)
Peer Review	Rigorous, multi-stage evaluation by experts ensures validity and reduces errors .	Minimal or internal review; prone to unsubstantiated claims.
Methodological Rigor	Strong emphasis on replicable methods, data analysis, and theoretical frameworks .	Often case-based or anecdotal, with less transparency in data sources.
Originality & Depth	High novelty, addressing research gaps through systematic reviews .	Practical innovations but may recycle common industry knowledge.
Bias & Objectivity	Lower commercial bias; funded by grants, focused on knowledge advancement.	High potential for promotional bias from consultants or firms.
Timeliness	Slower publication but enduring relevance; updated via citations.	Faster, capturing current trends but risks obsolescence.
Accessibility	Dense, technical language; requires critical synthesis for MBA use .	Readable, example-driven; easier for applied business contexts.

 

Evaluation for MBA Literature Reviews

Prioritize academic sources for the core of your literature review chapter to demonstrate scholarly rigor, as they situate your MBA dissertation within established debates and gaps. Supplement with practitioner materials for real-world examples, such as industry case studies, but critically evaluate them against academic benchmarks to highlight limitations like lack of generalizability. This balanced approach strengthens your review's credibility, showing both theoretical foundations and practical implications essential for MBA projects."

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