Ethics of Observational Study

This assignment focuses on the ethical aspects of an observational study. It involves confirming participant consent for observation, debriefing participants post-study, and providing information about findings. Data storage and security measures are outlined, adhering to the Data Protection Act (1998). The researcher acknowledges potential risks and outlines strategies to address them.

Business Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1....................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Research proposal that defines research questionnaire with a specific literature review.......1
CHAPTER 2....................................................................................................................................2
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................2
Activities and time-scales................................................................................................................3
M1, M2 & D1 Peeling Saunders’s Research Onion...............................................................4
CHAPTER 3....................................................................................................................................4
3.1 Suitable research techniques and ways to deal with essential and optional research......4
3.2 Primary and secondary research using suitable research methods...................................6
CHAPTER 4 : Data Collection and Analysis..................................................................................8
4.1 Collection of data.............................................................................................................8
4.2 Data presentation, analysis and discussion.......................................................................9
Presentation..........................................................................................................................10
Analysis and discussion........................................................................................................12
CHAPTER 5 : Conclusions and Recommendation.......................................................................19
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................19
D2 &5.2 Recommendations.................................................................................................20
M3 and D2............................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 6 : Reflection...............................................................................................................21
6.1 Areas for further research...............................................................................................21
M4 and D3............................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX...................................................................................................................................25
Research Proposal Form.....................................................................................................25
Research Ethics Approval Form........................................................................................29

TITLE
The impact of digital technology on marketing at ASDA
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Research proposal that defines research questionnaire with a specific literature review
Every organisation's main objective or goal is to generate and earn maximum profit from
the business operations which can help them to achieve growth and development. The
organisations focus on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency in every activity or area in
order to achieve high productivity and profitability (Higgins, Xiao and Katsipataki, 2012). The
high increasing demand and utilisation of technologies has increased the investment of ASDA
and similar organisation in adoption of digital technology. In context to this, research proposal
intent to analyse the impact of digital technology and its role in increasing the efficiency within
ASDA, UK. The objectives and aim of this research work are as described below -
Aim:
“To understand the impact of digital technology on the marketing function at ASDA, UK”
Objectives:
 To determine concept of digital technology in business operation at ASDA, United
Kingdom.
 To identify the relationship between digital technology and marketing functions at
ASDA, United Kingdom.
 To measure the impact of digital technology on marketing functions at ASDA, United
Kingdom.
 To recommend the ways to improve business performance of ASDA with the implication
of digital technology within marketing department.
Reason for choosing this research project
The main reason that motivated me to choose this subject of research is that I have a high
curiosity to examine this area. I need to develop my skills and knowledge about digital
technology as well as its effects on the marketing functions of an organisation such as ASDA. In
order to increase my knowledge regarding the digital technology and relationship with the
business operations at ASDA, I selected this research project. Furthermore, this research project
will help me to grow and develop my self-skills to perform various functions through the

implication of digital technology in the future career. I need to develop my career in a
supermarket such as ASDA to achieve growth and development.
CHAPTER 2
Literature Review
The author defines that ASDA and similar organisation are using or adopting new
technologies in their business operations in order to increase the efficiency and effectiveness as
well as improve their performance. Digital technology is emerging as one of the most beneficial
technique that assists the organisations to perform their day to day operations effectively. The
concept of digital technology is to provide speed and efficiency to the organisations in
performing various business functions. According to the author, over one billion people within
the UK are using smart phones which are clearly determining the evolution of digitisation in the
present world. The number of customer using digital technologies such as online application,
internet of things for buying and selling products or services is increasing day by day.
Statistical analysis also concluded that adoption and implementation of digital technology
by various organisations is also increasing at high rate. The digitisation has almost covered each
and every area of the market as well as personal lives of the population. According to the author,
digital marketing is the most valuable and important tool which helps ASDA to achieve its
organisational goals objectives. It is a major element which can give a boost to the marketing
functions or activities of the organisation. In-fact there are many issues and difficulties arises
while the implementation of the digital technology in the business functions as it changes the
entire structure of the organisation or business. The author states that the issues arise in the
implementation of digital technology in the marketing function are due to the lack of knowledge
and skills in the field of digital marketing. Many small organisations are not able to adopt digital
technology due to the technical barriers, lack of securities and lack of knowledge in the digital
marketing. ASDA is also facing difficulties in adopting digital marketing within there marketing
functions due to lack of secure database and skilled employees.
Author states that there are many types of digital marketing products or services available
in the marketplace, companies such as ASDA can choose various types of technologies for their
marketing functions. In order to avoid the issues in adopting digitisation, ASDA can use various
methods such as growing awareness of digital marketing among the people, using internet of

things effectively and training the employees to develop skills which can help them to adopt
digitisation.
Activities and time-scales
Activity 1st
Week
2nd Week 3rd
Week
4th
Week
5th
Week
6th
Week
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
Wee
k
10th
We
ek
Identify
research topic
Review of
Literature
Drafting
Methodologie
s
Complete
Proposal
Design
question and
pilot research
Documentatio
n of records
Analysing
data and
interpretation
Discussion
and
Conclusion
Final Report
Editing and
Completion
M1, M2 & D1 Peeling Saunders’s Research Onion
In order evaluate the research methods it is significant to peel outer layer and than inner
layer of the onion. The first layer includes research philosophy and there application along with

the strategy, choices, time horizon, approaches and processes. In this research researcher will use
Concept and Epistemology as philosophy for research, in order to collect and analyze data
examiner will use qualitative method. Survey will be conducted as a method of collecting
information. Qualitative data collection will be used because it helps in gathering subjective
information which is very effective in a research. Primary data collection through survey will be
used for collecting more reliable and valid information.
CHAPTER 3
3.1 Suitable research techniques and ways to deal with essential and optional research
Keeping in mind the end goal to do the research, it is fundamental that every strategy,
procedures and methodologies ought to be used and considered with the goal that examination
can be led in precise way. It is vital to use all the exploration approaches successfully and
proficiently so research can be directed and per-users can understand the examination. The
methodologies and strategies utilised as a part of this exploration venture are described below:
 Research philosophy: A research philosophy is a concept related to the method which
can be used to gather data or information in a research study, break it down into
meaningful facts and use it to find most effective results. There are two main terms which
incorporate various methods of determining research approach such as Concept and
Epistemology. Research rationality is grouped into two sections which are positivism and
interpretivism. In the accompanying exploration venture, the specialist will mean to
utilise the blend of positivism and interpretivism with the goal that examination
proposition can be detailed viably and proficiently. In this way, analyst will focus on both
point and target exploration and will close to the effective conclusion.
 Research Design: The exploration configuration implies the general procedure that
specialist chooses to incorporate the different parts of research contemplate in intelligible
and legitimate way. In addition, the exploration configuration helps in inferring powerful
answers and finish of the issues. Subsequently, with a specific end goal to lead the
exploration venture, agent needs to precisely choose the sort of research outline. In the
accompanying exploration venture, illustrative research configuration has been utilized
by the analyst. The illustrative research configuration helps in deciding hypotheses which
are connected with the exploration theme. Therefore, graphic research configuration

empowers the scientist to break down the exploration hypotheses and strategies with the
goal that appreciation of issues can be made adequately and effectively.
 Research Approach: Research approach is the technique which is utilised by the
analysts to look into powerful and effective way. Essentially, generally a researcher can
utilise two main methodologies of research which are Qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative approach of research is utilized by the analyst keeping in mind the end goal to
investigate the goal and point of the exploration in hypothetical viewpoints. Subjective
research approach is utilised by the analyst with a specific end goal to process the
information and data. In the accompanying examination venture, the scientist want to
settle on subjective research approach with a specific end goal to process and dissect the
information viably and productively.
 Data Collection: Data accumulation is the way toward social occasion and estimating
data based on information gathered by the scientist. The information has been gathered
either by poll or by interviews or by overviews. By and large, there are two strategies for
information accumulation which are essential and optional techniques. Essential
strategies incorporate collection of information from the essential or from first source. It
incorporates, poll, perception, meets and overviews. Optional wellspring of information
accumulation incorporates gathering of information from the auxiliary sources which
incorporates web, books, diaries and different articles. Keeping in mind the end goal to
lead the exploration information has been gathered from both essential and optional
sources. Essential will be directed with the assistance of survey from the workers of the
ASDA through books, diaries, online sites and so forth.
 Data Analysis: Data analysis is the way towards breaking down the accumulated and
gathered information with the goal that valuable data can be detailed. This should be
possible by examining, purging, changing and demonstrating of information with the
point of acquiring helpful data and prescribing conclusions. It is a standout among the
most imperative and fundamental process This will help the clients and per-users to
understand the importance of the gathered information in successful and productive way.
In the accompanying exploration venture the analyst connected topical portrayal of
information which empowers to introduce and translates data as tables and diagrams.

3.2 Primary and secondary research using suitable research methods
The various methodologies used in order to identify the impacts of digital technology on
the marketing function at ASDA, United Kingdom within this study. The research methodologies
are as described below -
 Research Philosophy – The goal of research philosophy is recognizing the concept or
impression of the research rather than the collection and analysis of the information or
data. According to the Saunder's onion concept, research philosophy is the first element
which is very significant n providing a detailed idea related to the research project. The
research philosophy is segmented into four types for example Positivism and
Interpretivism philosophy, Pragmatism theory and Realism philosophy. Therefore, for
conducting effective research on ASDA organisation the researcher has used a
combination of interpretivism and positivism philosophy.
 Research approach – The research approach defines the various methods or approaches
applied and utilized by the researcher for carrying out the research project. The researcher
has effectively used qualitative approach for calculating and interpreting data collected
through employees working in ASDA, United Kingdom. Furthermore, to understand the
marketing functions and structure of the overall organisation qualitative research
technique was used with an objective of obtaining the best outcomes or results.
 Research design – Design of a research can be described as the gross plan of action
chosen by the researcher for integrating multiple factors of research project in a logical
and ordered manner. The research design focuses on obtaining impressive answers and
conclusion to the issues or problems. Hence, the researcher or investigator needs to
cautiously choose the type of research design in order to conduct the research effectively.
Descriptive research design has been used in this examination. The Descriptive research
design focus on identifying the various theories related to the topic of the study.
Therefore, descriptive research design assists the research in analysing the research
methods and concepts in order to find out the solution of the issues or problems.
 Data collection – It is an essential part of a research, this is a process of collecting and
evaluating information through the data collected by the researcher. The data has been
gathered by interviews, surveys or questionnaire. Mainly, two kinds of methods can be
utilised for collecting data in a research which are: Primary method and secondary

method. Primary method is the first or primary source for collecting the data which
included survey, interviews and questionnaires. The secondary method refers to the
collection of data from the secondary sources such as articles, books, journals and
internet. Data is collected from both primary and secondary methods in order to conduct
this research project. Primary data collection has been conducted through questionnaire
from 20 employees.
 Sampling – Sampling is the process which is performed within statistical analysis, in this
method specific group of individuals or respondents is chosen form a huge number of
people to collect data.. There are two significant types of sampling known as the
Probabilistic sampling method and Non-Probabilistic sampling method. In context to this
research project, the researcher has used Probabilistic sampling method which involves
review of many individuals through which data has been gathered or data. The sample
questionnaires of 20 employees have been selected by Probabilistic sampling method.
 Data analysis – This is the method of investigating the assembled and gathered
information so that valuable data can be define. This should be possible by investigating,
purging, changing and demonstrating of information with the point of acquiring helpful
data and prescribing conclusions. It is a standout among the most vital and fundamental
process in investigate techniques as all the gathered information will be deciphered
successfully and effectively. This will help the clients and researcher to understand the
significance of the gathered information in powerful and productive way. In the
accompanying exploration venture the researcher connected topical picture of
information which empowers to display and arrange data as tables and charts.
 Ethical Considerations - In the accompanying examination venture, specialist consider
the accompanying moral issues which are given beneath:
1. Informed Consent: It is essential to give data to the members about the examination.
Further, authorisation of members and regarding expert must be taken with the goal that
no further issues can be emerged. Avoiding this element gives rise to ethical or moral
issue.
2. Privacy or Secrecy: The entire data and information gathered and accumulated must be
put away in secured database with the goal that privacy of the association can be kept up
viably and proficiently. Rebelliousness of this can make a major moral issue.

 Research Limitation – For conducting this research project, the investigator faced
various issues and problems as described below -
1. Problem or issue in data collection – The major issue faced by the researcher was to
collect data from the employees or participants. However, the participants were not
actively cooperating in the questionnaires or collection of data before they got the
permission to share any information but after receiving the permission from the
higher authorities, they contributed effectively in the data collection.
2. Assessment of data – Another issue faced by the researcher in this research project
was the assessment of data from primary and secondary source of data collection.
This issue was caused due to the encrypted files, secured data base and difficulty in
assessing the articles and books.
CHAPTER 4 : Data Collection and Analysis
4.1 Collection of data
The collection of data and information can be done by various means in order to perform
an effective and appropriate research (Manches, Bligh and Luckin, 2012). The data can be
collected using two methods - the primary collection or by the secondary one. Primary collection
of data means gathering of the data for the first time (Baron, 2013). Secondary collection of data
means the fact that the data and information has been collected by some external body and then
is being used by the researcher. Different means of sources for primary data consists
questionnaire, surveys, interviews and focused groups whereas sources for secondary data
includes the information from books, online and journals. In this research, the researcher will
utilize primary data as the information and data collected from surveys and interviews can
actually help in analyzing the impact of digital technology in ASDA. The secondary data has
been ignored due to the probability that the secondary source may include ole data or
information related to the topic. Thus the researcher has utilized primary method of collecting
data using questionnaire.

4.2 Data presentation, analysis and discussion
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name :
Age :
Gender :
Q1 Do you believe that digital technology should be involved in ASDA? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree.
Q2 Does involvement of digital technology will make any difference in ASDA? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Q3. Which process can get the most help by involving digital technology? Manual processing Attendance of employees Transaction systems None
Q4. Will digital technology will help ASDA in increased rate of productivity? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Q5 Do customers will get any benefit with the use of digital technology? Yes No

Q6 Will digital technology help ASDA to compete with the rivals in the market place? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly disagree
Q7. Do you think digital technology can actually improve the condition of ASDA? Strongly agree Agree Neutral Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Presentation
Theme 1 : Engagement of digital technology in ASDA may prove beneficial.
Do you think digital technology should be
involved in ASDA?
Frequency
Strongly agree 15
Agree 2
Neutral 1
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 1
Theme 2 : Involvement of digital technology will make various differences in ASDA.
Does involvement of digital technology will
make any difference in ASDA?
Frequency
Strongly agree 13
Agree 2
Neutral 1

Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 2
Theme 3 : Manual processing can get the most help after the involvement of digital technology
Which process can get the most help by
involving digital technology?
Frequency
Manual processing 16
Attendance of employees 1
Transaction systems 2
None 1
Theme 4 : Digital technology will help ASDA in an increased rate of productivity
Will digital technology help ASDA in
increased rate of productivity?
Frequency
Strongly agree 14
Agree 3
Neutral 1
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 1
Theme 5 : Customers will also get benefited by use of digital technology in ASDA
Do customers will get any benefit with the use
of digital technology?
Frequency
Yes 18
No 2
Theme 6 : Digital technology will also help ASDA to compete with rivals in the market place

Will digital technology help ASDA to
compete with the rivals in the market place?
Frequency
Strongly agree 13
Agree 2
Neutral 1
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 2
Theme 7 : Digital technology can actually help in improving the performance in ASDA
Do you think digital technology can actually
improve the condition of ASDA?
Frequency
Strongly agree 14
Agree 2
Neutral 1
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 2
Analysis and discussion
Theme 1 : Involvement of digital technology in ASDA can prove beneficial.

Interpretation : As already seen and identified in the above literature review part that company
must be engaging in use of digital technology which will be proving very much helpful for
ASDA. In this world of digitization which would be enabling companies and society to come
together and also to work together thus this would be essentially useful to use this technological
advancements within day to day life. So in this process almost 20 employees were included
within this part of our research paper. Out of this maximum of them which is about 15 of them
said that they are in strongly agreement with point that this would be highly beneficial for
company. While very less of them i.e. only 1 said that he was not agreed with the point that this
would be helpful or not.
Theme 2 : Involvement of digital technology will make various differences in ASDA.

Interpretation : After the analysis made, it can be evaluated that 13 employees of ASDA think
that the involvement of digital technology can actually bring a sort of difference in ASDA
because it's involvement can help in making the processes easy and simpler such as replacing all
the manual processing, easier transaction systems etc. Other two employees also agree and think
that the engagement of digital technology can have a positive influence on the operations and
processing of the company. One employee is neutral that whether it can have any difference or
not if involved in the company. Two employees disagreed. Also, another 2 workers also
responded in the same way that there cannot be any difference in ASDA even after the
involvement of digital technology.
Theme 3 : Manual processing can get the most help after the involvement of digital technology

Interpretation : In the above literature review it was said that if company would be using digital
technology then there are some process or work which would be getting help with its use. Like if
ASDA is employing digital technology in their day to day working then this would be helping
manual processing the most which was agreed by about 16 of the total 20 employees of ASDA.
This shows that if company is involving digitisation within its working then this would be mos
helpful for manual work which means that burden on employees in regard to manual work would
be lesson down. While 2 of the employees said that this will be helping in transaction system, 1
of them said that employees would be easily marking their attendance with it and 1 said that this
digitisation would not be helping anything.
Theme 4 : Digital technology will help ASDA in an increased rate of productivity

Interpretation : After the analysis made, it can be concluded that 14 employees of ASDA
supports that the implementation of digital technology can assist in enhancing overall level of
productivity as it is observed that the increase in processing of operations and services will
further help the company to achieve its outcomes in much faster time. Thus, it means an
increased rate of productivity. Other 3 employees also agrees to the fact. One employee is neutral
as the individual is not sure. One of the respondent disagrees to this concept and likewise other
employee also strongly disagrees to the fact as they think it cannot bring any change, thus cannot
maximize the productivity rate as well.
Theme 5 : Customers will also get benefited by use of digital technology in ASDA

Interpretation : According the above analysis researcher determined that 18 workers of ASDA
think that the involvement of digital technology in ASDA will be beneficiary for the customer's
as well because when there will be faster transaction and processing systems, the rate at which it
can be done will be decreased to a huge extent. Thus, it can seem easy and simpler enough for
customers as well. Two employees of the organisation does not agree to the fact and think it
cannot provide any beneficial factor for the customers of ASDA.
Theme 6 : Digital technology will also help ASDA to compete with rivals in the market place

Interpretation : According the above analysis researcher determined that 13 workers of ASDA
thinks that the involvement of digital technology can make ASDA capable enough of standing
and competing with the rivals in the market place. It because when the company will achieve all
its targets and goals at a higher rate, then it automatically makes it capable enough of standing
and competing with the rivals. Two other employees also think the same. One employees acts
neutral as is confused about the fact. Two employees of ASDA does not agree to the fact and
think that it's involvement cannot make it capable enough of competing in the market place.
Theme 7 : Digital technology can actually help in improving the performance in ASDA
Interpretation : It can be evaluated after the analysis that involving digital technology in ASDA
can help in improving the situation by modifying enormous operations. 14 employees of ASDA
think that it will actually help in improving various situations in ASDA. Similarly, two of the
employees also agreed. One respondents was neutral. One employee of the company does not
agree to the fact just like the same way as other two employees who strongly disagreeing to the
fact that digital technology can actually being some sort of improvement in ASDA.

CHAPTER 5 : Conclusions and Recommendation
5.1 Conclusion
The above report concluded that ASDA can actually make involvement of the digital
technology as it can help in replacing various operations such as the manual operations etc. Also,
along with replacing manual operations, it can also make improvements in other features as well.
Thus, it can be considered that the engagement of digital technology may further help in
increasing the productivity as well as popularity of ASDA. A review has also been made
covering all the themes and basic objectives. Different aspects of research methodology have
also been included.
D2 &5.2 Recommendations
Some factors that ASDA can involve in order to make the influence of digital technology
positive enough so that the organization can be able to have an increased rate of popularity as
well as productivity. Digital technology is emerging as one of the most beneficial technique that
assists the organisations to perform their day to day operations effectively. The concept of digital
technology is to provide speed and efficiency to the organisations in performing various business
functions..There are some factors that can be recommended to ASDA for making more efficient
operations. Some recommending factors that must be include in ASDA are discussed as under :
 The authorities at ASDA should ensure the fact to provide proper training and
development to the employees about using the gadgets and different appliances of digital
technology. It is essential as well as it is apparent enough that they may be unaware of
utilizing the digital technology, so some sort of guidance can actually help in making
them understand about the using of these technologies.
 ASDA should also ensure guiding the employees properly as in specially essential factors
such as maintaining proper security and safety of the data because the appliances of
digital technology will be used for various different operations. Thus, the employees can
take some time to get aware of the technologies and ways of using it as well. So, ASDA
should give the employees efficient amount of time as till the time they can get used to it.
 ASDA should organize different sessions in which they can help in guiding the
employees that what are the operations they can perform after the involvement of digital
technology such as they can replace manual process by the digital ones, also the

transactions process seems easy enough. It will further save time of the employees as
well as of the customers. It is important because the employees should be aware of the
role they have to develop after involving the digital technology in ASDA because it will
be strange for them as well if it is informed to them till the last moment. So, it is
important that ASDA should make sure to discuss all the modified operations with the
employees.
 In the company where they are dealing with B2B customers management must be
including digital marketing which will not only be helping company to increase the B2C
clients but also B2B one. In this regard suggesting content marketing to company would
be the best option as this will be enabling company to get in touch with their business
clients as the supermarket will be dealing with lots of business clients like suppliers or
other business partners as well. The content which thy are been using to attract more and
more customer must be given to firms who are dealing with this content marketing
strategies. As this type of marketing is becoming most important element in this
generation which will be including crafting of the message via articles, white papers and
e-books as well.
 Engaging of company with the people who are been involved in external environment
like those of customers or clients in direct bases will also be helping to improve the use
of digital technology in marketing department. The use of social media channels like that
of Twitter and Facebook is already been the best recommendations in this way to
increasing use of digitisation. Thus engaging with customer and client will be lead to
conversation with them via social media which at the present times is generally known as
social selling. In this process the use of emailing will also be causing generation of lead
so this could be implemented instead of traditional techniques of newspaper articles.
M3 and D2
The research outcomes met objectives set by researcher for this examination as primary
data collection method helps in identifying the concept of digital technology in business
operation at ASDA. Employees of the cited firm also stated that there is a strong relationship
between digital technology and marketing functions. The research also determined that there is a
great impact of digital technology on marketing functions. The study also provided effective
recommendations which can be helpful for Asda in using digital technology in best possible way.

On the other hand it has been also identified form the research that digital technology can result
in increasing cost of the organisation.
CHAPTER 6 : Reflection
6.1 Areas for further research
From the above research, I analyzed that digital technology has made various
advancements in various different operations, thus ASDA can also make involvement of the
digital technology in order to make the processing more efficient and appropriate. I understood
that in order to collect data and information in an examination there are two types of sources
which can be used such as Primary and secondary. Primary source of data provides unused
information whereas secondary data is collected through various books and articles which are
already used but are important for gathering important information for making a research more
effective. While doing the data analysis, I realized that the samples of workers of the ASDA will
be better enough for taking the information about the influence of digital technology in the
organization. I think ASDA should focus on providing various ways of learning and guidance to
the workers as it is apparent enough that they may be unaware of utilizing the digital technology
for various operations. Also, I think that the company should make the employees aware of all
the operations they have to do after the involvement of the digital technologies because by this
way, they will also stay prepared enough. Also, providing pre training sessions to the employees
can prove beneficial for the company as by these means, the employees will be able to learn
faster the usage of digital technology, thus it can be easier and simpler for them to make use of
the digital technology for further processing.
M4 and D3
I need to develop my skills and knowledge related to research methods, It was very
confusing for me to choose the best research approach and design to achieve aim and objectives
of this research in the best way. I also needs to develop communications skills which is very
useful while conducting a survey or interview. In order to improve these two elements I will try
to read more books and search internet for understanding research methodologies in a better way,
I will also conduct more and more researches on various topics to improve my knowledge and
communication skills.

APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
Unit: __11_Research Project_
Proposed Title: Business Research
Project_______________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a
question, objective or hypothesis)
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY ( in marketing department within ASDA)
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer?
What do you want to learn how to do? What do you want to find
out?):
Objectives:
To determine concept of digital technology in business operation at
ASDA, United Kingdom.
To identify the relationship between digital technology and marketing
functions at ASDA, United Kingdom.
To measure the impact of digital technology on marketing functions at
ASDA, United Kingdom.
To recommend the ways to improve business performance of
ASDA with the implication of digital technology within marketing
department.
Research questions

What are the business operations that are carried out at ASDA?

 What types of digital technology used at ASDA?
 What is the impact of digital technology on business activities of ASDA?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are
studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want
to improve, why the topic is important):
In order to comprehend the implications of digital technology at ASDA this
project has been chosen.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
Baron, N. S. (2013). Redefining reading: The impact of digital communication media. PMLA,.
128(1). 193-200.
Higgins, S., Xiao, Z., & Katsipataki, M. (2012). The impact of digital technology on learning: A
summary for the
education endowment foundation. Durham, UK: Education Endowment Foundation and Durham University.
Manches, A., Bligh, B., & Luckin, R. (2012). Decoding learning: The proof, promise and potential of digital education.
Newman, F., & Scurry, J. E. (2015). Higher education and the digital Rapids. International Higher Education. (26).
Oldham, G. R., & Da Silva, N. (2015). The impact of digital technology on the generation and implementation of
creative ideas in the workplace. Computers in Human Behavior. 42. 5-11.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research
project (e.g research,
development and analysis of ideas, writing, data
collection, numerical
How long this
will

analysis, tutor meetings, production of final
outcome, evaluation, writing the take:
report):

Milestone one: data collection
Target date: 15th march
Milestone two: analysis of data
Milestone three: ______Submit a complete draft Project Report for
review/feedback

Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to
use and why?
Research philosophy: For conducting effective research on ASDA
organisation the researcher has used a combination of interpretivism and
positivism philosophy.
Research Design: Descriptive research design has been used in this
examination. The Descriptive research design focus on identifying the
various theories related to the topic of the study. Therefore, descriptive
research design assists the research in analysing the research methods and
concepts in order to find out the solution of the issues or problems.
Research Approach: to understand the marketing functions and structure
of the overall organisation qualitative research technique was used with an
objective of obtaining the best outcomes or results
Data Collection:Data is collected from both primary and secondary
methods in order to conduct this research project. Primary data collection
has been conducted through questionnaire from 20 employees.
Data Analysis: It is a standout among the most vital and fundamental
process in investigate techniques as all the gathered information will be
deciphered successfully and effectively. This will help the clients and
researcher to understand the significance of the gathered information in
powerful and productive way. In the accompanying exploration venture the
researcher connected topical picture of information which empowers to
display and arrange data as tables and charts.
Sampling :In context to this research project, the researcher has used
Probabilistic sampling method which involves review of many individuals
through which data has been gathered or data. The sample questionnaires
of 20 employees have been selected by Probabilistic sampling method.
What your areas of research will cover:
Impacts and implication of digital technology in ASDA
 Introduction
 Literature review
 Research methodologies
 Data Collection and Analysis
 Conclusions and Recommendation
 Reflection

Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I suggest that your research objectives should be narrowed so that
you may be able to complete within timescale. Other than that you
Research Proposal is appropriate for the Assignment Brief.
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be
submitted for another qualification and is appropriate.
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV
sampling)

Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date

Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants
or the use of data collected form human participants are required to gain
ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all
relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good
time before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: The impact of digital technology on business activity of ASDA.
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
➢ Interviews No
➢ Questionnaires Yes
➢ Observations No
➢ Use of personal
records No
➢ Data Analysis Yes
➢ Action Research No
➢ Focus Groups No

Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Face to face meetings.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you
are doing:
Personal interaction with the participants as well as participant information sheets will be
used for communicating about research.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will
it be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to
participate at any time?
Written consent will be obtained.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option
of omitting questions that do not wish to answer?
yes

If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical
issues arising from this

Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be
asked for their informed consent to be observed.
Yes
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give
them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This
could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data
Protection Act
(1998)
Yes
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only the researcher and other authorized personnel
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In electronic form
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes mobile devices will be used for communication with team members.

If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
On computer desktop.

How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
For two to three years
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise
because of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical
concerns may include, but are not limited to the following :
➢ Informed consent: This will be obtained from the participants
➢ Potentially vulnerable participants: There are no such participants
➢ Sensitive topics: No
➢ Risk to participants and /or researchers: This will be considered in the research
➢ Confidentiality/anonymity
➢ Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
➢ Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including
transfer, sharing, encryption, protection).
➢ Reporting
➢ Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics
Policy:
Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical
issues that may arise in the course of my research
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with
your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time before your research project is due to
commence.
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