The Impact of Digital Technology on Business Activity - Research Project Brief

11HNC/D in Business
2016
Higher Nationals
Assignment Brief – BTEC (RQF)
Higher National Diploma in Business
Student Name /ID Number
Unit Number and Title Unit: 11 – Research Project
Academic Year 2017/18
Unit Assessor Shahbaz Mustafa
Assignment Title The impact of digital technology on business activity
Issue Date 12/03/2018
Submission Date 14/06/2018
IV Name Howard Slater
Date
Learner Declaration:
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully
acknowledged.
Student signature: Date:
Submission Format:
The submission should be in the form of a Research Project which can be in the form of Dissertation,
Feasibility study and Investigation/fieldwork. You must also use the templates provided for Research
Proposal form and Research Ethics form. This project should be written in a research style using 1.5 spacing
and font size 12. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate and
ensure that the report is justified aligned. All work must be supported with research and referenced using the
Harvard referencing system. Please also provide a bibliography using the Harvard referencing system. The
recommended word limit is 3,500–4,000 words, although you will not be penalised for exceeding the total
word limit.

11HNC/D in Business
2016
Unit Learning Outcomes:
LO1 Conduct appropriate research methodology which integrates knowledge into the research process.
LO2 Conduct and analyse research relevant to a chosen business research project.
LO3 Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.
LO4 Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
Assignment Brief and Guidance:
Scenario
The impact of digital technology on business activity
Digital technology has revolutionised the way we conduct business. Over the last decade it has
dramatically changed traditional business models and transformed business activities. The use of
digital mobile technology has provided businesses with a wealth of choice and opportunity. This has
enabled existing products to become more profitable and innovative new products to be developed,
leading to increasingly diverse product portfolios. Its impact is evident at the core of all key business
systems:
● Administration - cloud technology enables effective filing, storage and sharing of information.
● Communication- social media and mobile technology allows businesses to connect,
communicate, collaborate and build relationships on a global scale.
● Storage and Distribution - `The Internet of Things’ is connecting and integrating systems
throughout business structures.
● Production - Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are driving Innovation and product
growth.
However, changes in the way we work are not without their challenges as businesses have to adopt
and deal with change management, recruit and sustain creative talent, invest in new technologies and
respond to an ever-increasing competitive environment.
Business Research Project Brief

11HNC/D in Business
2016
Considering the above scenario, you are required to address the following tasks:
Task-1
Draw points (1–3, in Task-2) together into a research proposal for agreement with your tutor. (P1)
Research Topic selected for this research must be related to the above scenario.
Proposal should be no more than two pages. Please use Research Proposal form and Research Ethics form
templates as given below
Task-2
1. Define your research problem or question. This can be stated as a research question, objectives or
hypothesis. (P1)
2. Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualisation of your proposed area of
study. This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which your data can be judged.
(P2)
3. Consider and define your research methodology and research process. Demonstrate
understanding of the pitfalls and limitations of the methods chosen and ethical issues that
might arise. (P3)
4. Conduct your research as outlined in your proposal. Keep track of your findings as you work. Carry
out your research and analyse your findings in relation to your original research question. (P4)
5. Draw conclusions and Communicate the outcomes of your research project to the identified audience.
(P5)
6. Reflect on the success of your research project and your performance at the end of the project
with the inclusion of a project evaluation and recommendations. (P6, P7)
Guidance for Students

11HNC/D in Business
2016
You should read this information before starting on your project. You should refer to these instructions as
You should read this information before starting to define and work through your research brief. You
should refer to these instructions as you complete work for this unit.
 Consider the development of a methodical and valid research proposal as the foundation for
the project.
 Choose a topic of personal interest in a specialism. The topic chosen should allow a sufficient and
suitable degree of research through the existence of adequate background materials.
 A good project proposal title should meet the following criteria:
 The proposal is one that has an existing body of literature or source material that can
be reviewed.
 The proposal extends a current line of learning that will lend itself to further
rigorous exploration.
 Decide on appropriate research methods and select an appropriate sample.
 Ensure that your proposal is ethical, reliable and valid. An ethics form must be submitted prior to
completion of research as part of the research proposal.
 Agree your research proposal with your tutor before beginning your research.
 Conduct your research as outlined in the proposal agreed with your tutor.
 Carry out your research, analyse your research findings and draw conclusions. Apply both
qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate data collected from primary research.
 Communicate your research outcomes in a manner appropriate to your audience.
 You will be asked to reflect on the success of your research project and evaluate the problems/
issues encountered.
 You must complete the research project in order to complete your work for this unit.
Proposal form