MBA dissertation report chapters 5 & 6 for the consulting-cum-academic dissertation project type

MBA dissertation report chapters 5 & 6 for the consulting-cum-academic dissertation project type (re: the agile literature review approach)

Chapter 5: Academic Discussion

5.1 Chapter introduction

Restate how Chapter 4 findings are interpreted against the research issue-focused theoretical framework under critical realism/pragmatism, evaluating theoretical contributions, mechanism refinements, and research gap closures while previewing bridges to practitioner implications.

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5.2 Discussion of findings against academic literature and frameworks

5.2.1 Objective 1 findings vs. research issue-focused framework

Compare empirical results (e.g., survey mediation effects) to seminal theories (e.g., contingency theory on leadership-trust), noting confirmations, contradictions, or extensions (e.g., "Trust mediates 32% variance, refining prior models by adding stratification").

5.2.2 Objective 2 findings vs. research issue-focused framework

Assess demi-regularities (e.g., resilience mechanisms) against literature gaps, using retroduction to explain divergences (e.g., "HK context reveals power structures absent in Western studies").

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*** Insert Table 5.1: Academic framework alignment (Finding | Theory | Contribution/Gap Closure)

5.3 Theoretical contributions and implications

• Novel mechanism insights (e.g., stratified trust-leadership interplay).

• Framework refinements (e.g., Polaris Duo-Compass validated).

• Future research agenda (e.g., longitudinal tests in other sectors).
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5.4 Limitations of academic contributions

Acknowledge scope constraints (e.g., sample generalizability) and positionality influences on mechanism identification.

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5.5 Chapter concluding remarks

Summarize academic value; transition to Chapter 6 by noting how theoretical refinements inform consulting deliverables via Stratified Prism Lens integration.

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Chapter 6: Consulting Deliverables

6.1 Chapter introduction

Shift to practitioner orientation: Translate integrated findings into actionable diagnostics, prioritized recommendations, and implementation roadmap for HK banking clients, anchored in management concerns-focused framework.

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6.2 Executive summary of key diagnostics

Concise overview of practitioner-track insights (e.g., "Top 3 resilience blockers: regulatory silos (70%), knowledge loss (55%), trust erosion (42%)").

*** Insert Figure 6.1: Consulting dashboard (prioritized concerns heatmap)

6.3 Prioritized management recommendations

6.3.1 Short-term actions (0-6 months)

E.g., "Launch trust-building workshops targeting HKMA audit fears" with KPIs and rationale from qual findings.

6.3.2 Medium-term strategies (6-18 months)

E.g., "Revise leadership protocols integrating resilience mechanisms" linked to quant-validated paths.

6.3.3 Long-term structural changes

E.g., "Restructuring for knowledge transfer amid AI downsizing."

*** Insert Table 6.1: Recommendations matrix (Action | Timeline | Evidence Base | Expected Impact | Risks/Mitigation)

6.4 Implementation roadmap and tools

• Phased rollout with Gantt chart.

• Practical tools (e.g., resilience self-assessment template derived from dual frameworks).

• Cost-benefit estimates and ROI projections.
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6.5 Client value proposition and monitoring

• Tailored executive summary for stakeholders.

• Evaluation metrics (e.g., pre-post trust surveys).

• Change management considerations (e.g., elite buy-in strategies).
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6.6 Chapter concluding remarks

Reiterate dual contributions: Chapter 5's theory enrichment enables Chapter 6's implementable solutions, fulfilling the consulting-academic balance. Suggest handover to client teams.

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Table 5.1: Academic Framework Alignment

Description: A table systematically comparing empirical findings from Chapter 4 (quant/qual results) against specific elements of the research issue-focused theoretical framework, highlighting confirmations, extensions, or contradictions to demonstrate academic contributions and gap closures.

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Example:

 

Finding (Ch.4)	Framework Element	Literature Reference	Contribution/Gap Closure
Trust mediates 32% of leadership-resilience variance (survey β=0.42)	Contingency theory mediation path	Fiedler (1967)	Confirms mechanism; extends to HK stratification
This ensures alignment transparency for examiners.

 

Figure 6.1: Consulting Dashboard

Description: A visual heatmap or prioritized chart summarizing top management concerns from practitioner-track findings, using color-coding (e.g., red=high urgency) for quick client scanning of diagnostics like resilience blockers.

Example: Bar chart with: Regulatory silos (70%, red), Knowledge loss (55%, orange), Trust erosion (42%, yellow); x-axis=priority score from interviews, y-axis=frequency.

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Supports executive buy-in without dense text.

Table 6.1: Recommendations Matrix

Description: A structured table detailing actionable recommendations, cross-referenced to evidence bases (dual frameworks), timelines, impacts, and risks for implementable consulting output.

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Example:

 

Action	Timeline	Evidence Base	Expected Impact	Risks/ Mitigation
Trust workshops on HKMA fears	0-6 months	Interview themes + survey	+25% morale	Resistance / Pilot test
Resilience protocol revision	6-18 months	Stratified Prism integration	Compliance uplift	Cost / Phased rollout
This operationalizes bridged insights for clients.