Guidance needed: Methodology for my ESG thesis

[PREETI SIKRIWAL]

Respected Group Members,

I hope you are doing well.

I am currently working on my thesis regarding the Impact of ESG scores on financial performance. Due to data unavailability, I am unable to perform a long-term panel data analysis. However, I am considering a dual-method approach to overcome this constraint and  establish a sound framework for my thesis.

I am looking for your guidance on whether the following approach is viable:

1. Short Panel Data Analysis: Analyzing 100 companies over a 3-year period 

2. Cross-Sectional Analysis: Analyzing the top 1,000 companies using exclusively 2025 data to provide a broad view of current market conditions. 

I would be incredibly grateful for your feedback on whether combining a short 3-year panel with a large 2025 cross-section is a rigorous approach for the thesis or if the limited 3-year time frame will compromise the validity of the panel analysis.

Additionally, if the 3-year panel data doesn't work out, I would like to know if it is acceptable to write the thesis based solely on a comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of the top 1,000 companies for the year 2025.

Thank you in advance for your time and guidance.

Thanks and Regards

Preeti