Research Ethics and Data Security

The given assignment is a comprehensive guide to research ethics and data security. It involves participant recruitment through surveys, direct communication, and written consent. The study also addresses potential ethical issues such as informed consent, potentially vulnerable participants, sensitive topics, risk to participants and/or researchers, confidentiality/anonymity, disclosures/limits to confidentiality, data storage and security, reporting, dissemination, and use of findings. The assignment requires students to demonstrate awareness of potential risks and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998).

RESEARCH PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
In the today era, digital development is persistently expanded because of its gigantic request. In
the business setting, each practical office required powerful wellspring of innovation. Without powerful
innovation, organization cannot complete its business exercises and capacities. In this manner, it is
essential for the enterprise to receive compelling wellspring of innovation for upgrade its business
execution and development. The present research venture depends on the criticalness of digital
technology on the business endeavor. With help of compelling wellspring of digital technology,
organization can improve its current execution and development in the market. In a straightforward word
one might say that digital technology portrays electronic innovation that create, stores and procedures
information as far as two expresses that is sure and non-positive. In the present report, scientist have
significant goal is to examine the effect of computerized innovation on the business exercises and
development of the independent venture endeavor that is Marks and Spencer company.
TASK 1
P1 Construct the aim, objective, research question by a literature review
Digital innovation assumes an extremely vital part in the business setting by which speed and
development of the business exercises can improve in successful way. In this angle incorporates different
wellsprings of electronic, for example, PC, PC, cell phone, web, online networking and so on. With help
of utilizing these sources, organization can without much of a stretch improve its task and procedure of
business. The point of this examination is to break down the effect of computerized innovation on the
Marks and Spencer company. With help of this digital technology, different utilitarian division can speed
its task and serve compelling consumer loyalty.
Research Aim
To assess the significance of the digitization in order to improve sales of product and services in the retail
sector: A case study of Marks and Spencer
Research Objectives
 To acknowledge the terminology of digitization within business enterprise
 To identify several platforms that can use by retail sector in order to improve business
performance
 To analyze the relationship between the digital technology and sales of product and services in the
retail sector
Research Question
 What is the concept of digitization?
 What are different channels and techniques of digital technology within Retail sector?

 What is the impact of digital technology in improving the sales of product and services?
Rationale of the study
At the time of selection of the research subject, several components have affected the researcher. One
of the major factors is researcher interest in the mentioned topic. As scholar wanted to get the detail
knowledge and understanding about the digital technology and its impact upon the sales within retail
sector. By use of this research subject, researcher can investigate the several channels of the digital
technology that is why this topic has been selected by scholar.
Literature review
As per the perspective of Aaker, (2011) innovation assumes an exceptionally urgent part in the
business setting by which each business movement can impact. In each practical office required
successful wellspring of innovations. Computerized innovation incorporates all sort of electronic
hardware and applications that utilization data in the firm of numeric code. In the computerized
innovation, all electronic gear utilizes the data in type of numerical code. This data is for the most part in
paired code. Code that can be spoken to by string of just two numeric character.
As indicated by the perspective of Edward, (2000) in the business try, there is gigantic centrality
of the computerized innovation. The critical favorable position and part of the mechanized advancement
is related to the speed and time in light of the fact that with help of computerized innovation, association
can enhance its speed and extra the period of business assignment. In the different useful division of the
organization, for example, task, generation, producing, fund, deals, showcasing and so on required
technology. In the greater part of this office, with help of high and preferred standpoint technology,
organization can spare the time and speed of the activity of business. In the negating view Halal, (2003)
expressed that with help of technology organization can enhance the sharing of data among different
useful division. In the business different practical office can without much of a stretch offer the data. As
indicated by the perspective of Merriam, (2009) computerized technology have an immense significance
in the eatery business. In the eatery business, with help of computerized technology, organization can
without much of a stretch exchange its item and administrations related data its clients. What's more,
organization can meet the genuine prerequisite of client by recognizing their need on the online
networking. Just with help of computerized technology, eatery can ready to convey its item and
administrations data to its clients.
P2 Description of the appropriate methods along with primary and secondary research
In order to conduct the investigation, research methodology is one of the crucial aspects that helps
to scholar in collecting and interpreting information about the subject. There are a few strategies
incorporates into the examination technique that help to specialist in gathering, examiner and translating
data about the subject. Information gathering is one of the noteworthy strategies by which information

can gather by analyst. Primary and secondary are major two method of data collection. In the primary
data collection, researcher used primary sources such as survey, interview, case study, group interview,
observation etc. With assistance of the primary data collection, researcher can gather the new information
about the subject and acquire the correct arrangement about the investigation. Then again in the optional
information gathering, scientist can gather distributed and valid data from the auxiliary sources such
book, diary, daily paper, articles and so on. With help of auxiliary information gathering, scientist can
ready to gather distributed information about the subject.
P3 Investigate the primary and secondary research by use of several techniques
Research methodology allows to researcher in gathering impressive information for obtain the
effective solution. In this aspect there are various techniques includes such as research philosophies,
research approach, data collection, research design, data analysis, sampling etc. By use of all these
techniques, individual can able to address the right solution about the study. In the current research study,
scholar have main aim is to analyze the impact of digitization on improving sales of product and services
within Retail sector. Thus, for address this objective researcher have applied several techniques which are
discussed below manner-
 Research Philosophies- By use of this technique, researcher can bale to collect, examine and
analyze the information about the subject and find out the best solution of research problem. With
help of this technique, researcher can easily understand the actual objective of the study and
analyze the research issue in more appropriate manner. Interpretivism and positivism are major
two kinds of research philosophy in the research methodology. In order to analyze the influence of
digitization in order to improve the sales of product and services within retail sector investigator
will apply interpretivism research philosophy by which each and every issue will clearly address
in this report.
 Research approach-Research approach is another critical technique in the examination procedure
by which information can undoubtedly gather and dissect by the researcher. There are genuine two
sorts of research approach that is inductive and deductive. In the inductive approach, new
hypotheses are being delivered in view of open data or information (Aaker, 2011). Then again in
the deductive approach of research, examination can do from specific to general. In the present
examination, scholar will apply deductive approach of research for analyze the impact of
digitization on enhancing sales of product and services within retail sector.
 Research strategies Research procedure is the way which help to researcher in tending to the
genuine issue and issue of the examination. With help of research procedure, researcher can
adequately break down, evaluate and decipher the data for discover the best arrangement of
research issue. Qualitative and quantitative, real two research strategy which have their own idea

and hypothesis (Soni and Kodali, 2012). The real point of qualitative research method is to
consider different hypotheses and models as to convey help in comprehend the examination
subject adequately and effectively. Also, it is a fitting procedure to break down and distinguish the
subjective thought for the examination point (Saunders and Bezzina, 2015). On the other hand, in
the quantitative research method, researcher can useful in conducing and examining the
exploration by utilization of factual and numerical approach. In the present examination,
researcher will apply qualitative research system for analyze the impact digitization on impact of
digitization on enhancing sales of product and services within Retail sector. Data collection- In the examination procedure, data collection is an apparatus by which
information can take by researcher to beat the issue of research. Without data collection method,
analyst can unable to assemble data about the subject. Researcher can gather data from two
strategy, for example primary and secondary (Stanley, ed., 2013) In the inductive approach, new
hypotheses are being delivered in view of open data or information. In the essential information
accumulation, specialist will gather the data from the overview, talk with, perception, and so on.
Then again while data is gathered through books, diaries, online web journals, articles and so on
then it is known as the auxiliary information accumulation. In the momentum inquire about
investigation, scientist have connected essential information gathering under which overview
strategy will use for information accumulation. In the survey researcher will select 20 managers of
Marks and Spencer through which information about digitization can collect.
 Sampling- Sampling allows to researcher in selecting some group of people through which
information can collect about the subject. There are major two kinds of sampling that is
probabilistic and non-probabilistic (Soni and Kodali, 2012). In the present study, researcher will
use probabilistic sampling under which 20 managers will select as sample size. Researcher will
collect information from 20 mangers of Marks and Spencer about digitization and its impact upon
the sales of product and services within Retail sector.
P4 Application of the analytical technique and assess the research findings
1 Is your company implemented digital technology in its business activities and functions?
 Yes
 No
2 Is your company using several applications and software within business activities and function?
 Yes
 No
3 In which department digital platform mostly used?

 Marketing
 Production
 Operation
 Human resource
 Finance
4 Do you believe that digital technology helps to company in increasing the marketing activities?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
5 Is your company using social media technique for sale its product and services?
 Yes
 No
6 Do you agree that digital technology helps to your business in increasing sales of product and services?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Theme 1: Company implemented digital technology in its business activities and functions
Is your company implemented digital technology in its business activities and
functions? Frequency
Yes 15
No 5
Interpretation and analysis: From this section it has been analyzed that in the Marks and Spencer
company, digital technology have implemented in order to speed up the operation and business activities.
From the collected data it has been found that 15 respondents said yes that cited venture have
implemented digital technology in its business operation.
Theme 2: Company using several applications and software within business activities and function
Is your company using several applications and software within business Frequency

activities and function?
Yes 18
No 2
Interpretation and analysis: From this data it has been found that 18 respondents said yes upon the
statement that company using several applications and software within business activities and function.
By use of several applications and techniques, company can effectively improve the speed of the business
activities and function.
Theme 3: Department digital platform mostly used
In which department digital platform mostly used? Frequency
Marketing 12
Production 3
Operation 2
Human resource 1
Finance 2
Interpretation and analysis: By this section it has been found that digital technology mostly used in the
marketing department within the Marks and Spencer corporation. In this functional department employees
uses the digital platforms like laptop, social media, internet for promote and advertise the services and
items. Thus, it can be said that by help of this digital platform, commodity can effectively promote in the
market and it also assists in increasing sales of items.
Theme 4: Digital technology helps to company in increasing the marketing activities
Do you believe that digital technology helps to company in increasing the
marketing activities? Frequency
Strongly agree 15
Agree 4
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 1

Interpretation and analysis: By this section it has been analyzed that digital technology helps to company
in increasing the marketing activities. From the 20 respondents 15 are strongly agreed with statement that
digital technology helps to company in increasing the marketing activities. Thus, from collected data it
has been analyzed that digital technology promote and advertise the commodity in the market.
Theme 5: Company using social media technique for sale its product and services
Is your company using social media technique for sale its product and
services? Frequency
Yes 18
No 2
Interpretation and analysis: By this section it has been analyzed that social media is one of the effective
platforms that assists to the corporation in advertising and promoting the services in the market. By help
of this technique, company can easily acknowledge the actual requirement of customers regarding their
product and services and attract them in large manner. From 20 respondents, 18 respondents said yes
upon the statement that company using social media technique for sale its product and services
Theme 6: Digital technology helps to your business in increasing sales of product and services
Do you agree that digital technology helps to your business in increasing
sales of product and services? Frequency
Strongly agree 14
Agree 4
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 1
Interpretation and analysis: This section stated that digital technology helps to your business in
increasing sales of product and services. From collected data in the survey by 20 managers it has been
found that many respondents are strongly agreed with the statement that digital technology helps in

increasing sales of product and services because marketing department used the social media platform for
promote and advertise the commodity in the market.
P5 Communicate research outcome in an appropriate manner for the intended respondents.
From this entire report it has been concluded that digital technology helps to the Marks and
Spencer in improving its sales of product and services. By use of social media platform, company can
easily promote and advertise its product and services in the market and attract the large numbers of
customers (Smith and Lewis, 2011). From this report it has been analyzed that Marks and Spencer have
effectively improved the sales of product and services in the market by use of social media. Thus, it can
be said that digitization assists to the company in increasing its business performance as well as sales of
commodity.
TASK 4
P6 Reflection about the effectiveness of research methods applied in the investigation
From this whole research examination about ramifications of computerized innovation on the
business execution and exercises of independent company undertaking, I have learnt such a large number
of things and increase compelling information about the point. The significant target of this exploration
think about is to examine the effect of advanced innovation on the business execution of the private
venture endeavor so from the writing audit segment I have learnt about various sort of computerized
innovation and its suggestion upon the business exercises and capacity of independent company
undertaking. Because of this optional information accumulation my auxiliary information gathering and
in addition investigate expertise has been made strides. What's more, my essential information
accumulation aptitude has been likewise enhanced in light of the fact that I have sorted out study for 20
workers in the Marks and Spencer. By this review and information accumulation, my correspondence and
connection expertise has been likewise progressed. I need to achieve all exercises on the particular day
and age by which my chance administration ability has been additionally enhanced by this exploration
ponder.
P7 Description about the alternative research methodologies and lessons
In the current study, researcher have applied qualitative research technique along with thematic
analysis. In this technique, researcher have used several models and theories for obtain the solution.
Another method is quantitative research technique that helps to researcher in solving the mathematics
problem (Zumitzavan, and Michie, 2015). In this method, researcher uses several SPSS techniques like
one-way Anova, regression, co- relation, T-test etc. By use of these tools research issue can solve by
investigator.

CONCLUSION
By this entire report it has been concluded that research methodology plays a very significant role
in the investigation. In order to address the objective that is impact of digitization in improving the sales
of product and services, researcher have applied qualitative method. From collected data it has been
concluded that digital technology helps to the company in improving the sales of product and services.

REFERENCES
Journal and Books.
Aaker, D., 2011. Marketing Research. John Wiley and Sons.
Edward, L., 2000. Marketing on the Internet. International Journal of Manpower. 21(2). pp.141 – 147.
Halal, W., 2003. E-commerce forecasts: a return of the dot.com boom. On the Horizon. 11(1).
Saunders, M.N. and Bezzina, F., 2015. Reflections on conceptions of research methodology among
management academics. European Management Journal. 33(5). pp.297-304.
Smith, W. K. and Lewis, M. W., 2011. Toward a theory of paradox: A dynamic equilibrium model of
organizing. Academy of Management Review. 36(2). pp.381-403.
Soni, G. and Kodali, R., 2012. A critical review of empirical research methodology in supply chain
management. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. 23(6). pp.753-779.
Zumitzavan, V. and Michie, J., 2015. Research Methodology. In Personal Knowledge Management,
Leadership Styles, and Organisational Performance (pp. 27-34). Springer Singapore.

APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis)
Digital innovation assumes an extremely vital part in the business setting by which speed and
development of the business exercises can improve in successful way. In this angle incorporates
different wellsprings of electronic, for example, PC, PC, cell phone, web, online networking and so on.
With help of utilizing these sources, organization can without much of a stretch improve its task and
procedure of business. The point of this examination is to break down the effect of computerized
innovation on the Marks and Spencer company. With help of this digital technology, different utilitarian
division can speed its task and serve compelling consumer loyalty.
To assess the significance of the digitization in order to improve sales of product and services in the
retail sector: A case study of Marks and Spencer.
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?):
Research objective
 To understand the meaning of concept of digital technology
 To identify several platforms that can use by retail sector in order to improve business
performance To analyze the relationship between digital technology and sales of product and services in the
retail sector
Research Question

 What is the concept of digitization?
 What are different channels and techniques of digital technology within Retail sector?
 What is the impact of digital technology in improving the sales of product and services?
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):
The reason for choosing this topic is that there is lack of implementation of new technology within the
small enterprise. Along with this it also develops deep understanding of researcher related to the
technology. At the time of selection of the research subject, several components have affected the
researcher. One of the major factors is researcher interest in the mentioned topic. As scholar wanted to
get the detail knowledge and understanding about the digital technology and its impact upon the sales
within retail sector. By use of this research subject, researcher can investigate the several channels of the
digital technology that is why this topic has been selected by scholar.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
As per the perspective of Aaker, (2011) Digital innovation assumes an extremely vital part in the
business setting by which speed and development of the business exercises can improve in successful
way. In this angle incorporates different wellsprings of electronic, for example, PC, PC, cell phone, web,
online networking and so on. With help of utilizing these sources, organization can without much of a
stretch improve its task and procedure of business. By use of social media platform, company can easily
promote and advertise its product and services in the market and attract the large numbers of customers.
It helps of technology organization can enhance the sharing of data among different useful division. In
the business different practical office can without much of a stretch offer the data. Computerized
technology has an immense significance in the eatery business. In the eatery business, with help of
computerized technology, organization can without much of a stretch exchange its item and
administrations related data its clients. What's more, organization can meet the genuine prerequisite of
client by recognizing their need on the online networking.
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
analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing
How long this will

the report): take:
Milestone one: ___Design research proposal______________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: ____Preparing background of research___________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
Research methodology allows to researcher in gathering impressive information for obtain the effective
solution. In this aspect there are various techniques includes such as research philosophies, research
approach, data collection, research design, data analysis, sampling etc. By use of all these techniques,
individual can able to address the right solution about the study.
Research Philosophies- By use of this technique, researcher can bale to collect, examine and analyse the
information about the subject and find out the best solution of research problem. In order to analyse the
influence of digitization in order to improve the sales of product and services within retail sector
investigator will apply interpretivism research philosophy by which each and every issue will clearly
address in this report.
Research approach- Research approach is another critical technique in the examination procedure by
which information can undoubtedly gather and dissect by the researcher. In the present examination,
scholar will apply deductive approach of research for analyse the impact of digitization on enhancing
sales of product and services within retail sector.
Research strategies- Research procedure is the way which help to researcher in tending to the genuine
issue and issue of the examination. In the present examination, researcher will apply qualitative research
system for analyse the impact digitization on impact of digitization on enhancing sales of product and
services within Retail sector.

Data collection- In the examination procedure, data collection is an apparatus by which information can
take by researcher to beat the issue of research. Without data collection method, analyst can unable to
assemble data about the subject. In the survey researcher will select 20 managers of Marks and Spencer
through which information about digitization can collect.
Sampling- Sampling allows to researcher in selecting some group of people through which information
can collect about the subject. Researcher will collect information from 20 mangers of Marks and
Spencer about digitization and its impact upon the sales of product and services within Retail sector.
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why?
Inductive approach will be used for the present research in which the scholar will collect first general
information then focus on specific one.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another
qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
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:
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:

Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
Interviews Yes No✓
Questionnaires Yes No✓
Observations Yes No✓
Use of personal records Yes ✓ No
Data Analysis Yes ✓ No
Action Research Yes No✓
Focus Groups Yes No✓
Others (Please specify):

Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
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)?
Participants be recruited through survey.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
The processes you will use to inform participants is direct communication.
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?
In written form.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that
do not wish to answer?
Yes ✓
No
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 ✓
No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of
the study)?
Yes ✓
No

Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general)
Yes
No✓

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 ✓
No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only senior authority
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Management information system
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
No✓
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Management information system
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Till its use
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes
No✓