ICT Adoption and SME Performance

This assignment delves into the crucial relationship between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It examines various theoretical frameworks such as TAM, TPB, and TOE, and analyzes their applicability in understanding SME ICT adoption behavior. Furthermore, it reviews empirical studies that investigate the impact of ICT on different aspects of SME performance, including financial performance, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TITLE:.............................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Overview of research............................................................................................................1
1.2 Background...........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Importance of research..........................................................................................................1
1.4 Aims and objectives..............................................................................................................2
1.5 Research questions................................................................................................................2
1.6 Time scale.............................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................3
2.1 Identify the impact of digital technology on business operations of Dixon Schwabl...........3
2.2 What are the required alterations in sales while using technology.......................................3
2.3 Business is performing differently after adopting digital technology...................................4
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................5
3.1 Types of research..................................................................................................................5
3.2 Research design.....................................................................................................................5
3.3 Data sampling........................................................................................................................5
3.4 Methods of data collection....................................................................................................6
3.5 Ethical consideration.............................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS..................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION.....................................................12
5.1 Recommendation.................................................................................................................12
5.2 Reflection............................................................................................................................12
5.3 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................14

TITLE:
“To determine the impact of digital technology on business activity. A case study on
Dixon Schwabl organisation”.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of research
In the market place, the competition level is very high and it will conduct research which
help company for developing and making effective decision making procedures in better manner.
In addition to this, investigation is that process which assist in collecting and gathering necessary
facts and figures for Dixon Schwabl. Another is traditional sources which operate business in
change manner and most of the individual are involved with digital technology while conducting
effective business activities in better manner. Such type of technology directly affect on both
negative and positive term that is important for executing main activities and functions within an
organisation (Alshamaila, Papagiannidis and Li, 2013). As per this outcome, an enterprise are
capable for enhancing their profitability and productiveness in effective way.
1.2 Background
Investigation has been developing and making at large market place that assist in
gathering and collecting necessary data or information for specific industry and also converting
these information for using correct facts and figures in accurate manner. It will directly affect on
company for gaining higher level of income or profitability. With the assistance of examining the
impact of digital technology on business activity that will directly impact on business operations
and their major functions. Along with this, firm are adopting effective technology and methods
which assist in increasing company profitability for attracting large number of customers towards
their services and facilities (Apulu, Latham and Moreton, 2011). Moreover, employees are
adopting or using these tools and methods that will help in enhancing their skills which can
easily manage and maintain their business operations in better manner.
1.3 Importance of research
The main objective of this research is that they are examining and analysing those places
where they need to make development with the help of latest technology and methods. On the
other hand, they required to manage and control all major business activities that assist in
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increasing firm income and revenue in proper manner. It is necessary for company is to analyse
and examine accurate techniques or methods that will useful for considering the main effect of
digital technology on effective business activity in appropriate manner (Awa, Ojiabo and
Emecheta, 2015).
1.4 Aims and objectives
Aims: “To determine the impact of digital technology on business activity. A case study on
Dixon Schwabl organisation”.
Objectives:
 To analyse the impact of digital technology on business operations
 To determine the organisation performance while implementing digital technology
 To recognising the major changes in sales while using technology on business activity
1.5 Research questions
 Identify the impact of digital technology on business operations of Dixon Schwabl?
 What are the required alterations in sales while using technology?
 How business is performing differently after adopting digital technology?
1.6 Time scale
It is something which help company administration for dividing their work or tasks in
different parts so by this firm can complete their work in particular time frame. Along with this,
Gantt chart assist organisation for examining each facts and figures regarding correct work and
this can identifying the deadline of their business activity in the circumstance of an enterprise. In
addition to this, time schedule help in making and developing appropriate strategies and policies
within an organisation so that they can complete their various working scenario in appropriate
manner (Baines, Lightfoot and Smart, 2011). These business activity and work will take lot of
time for getting potential affect on working situation in the firm. Time scale help venture for
managing and maintaining the entire work regarding digitalisation which assist in smooth
running of business operations and their activities. Dixon Schwabl will help in gaining effective
income and revenue for increasing profitability and productivity in better manner.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Identify the impact of digital technology on business operations of Dixon Schwabl
According to the … it can be stated that digital technology help in conducting modern
and new methods within an enterprise so that accurate working which can be analysed in better
manner. This can be considered that it is one of the important factor which can provide accurate
outcome in growth and success of the venture. Along with this, if Dixon Schwabl company
providing accurate services and facilities to their buyers which assist in expanding their entire
business operation and their functions in another region (Bayo-Moriones, Billón and Lera-López,
2013). Generally, digital technology help each organisation which provide success and growth of
country economy in accurate way. Therefore, implementation of different company can help in
gaining possibilities for the people in economy which does not increasing their standard of
living, that can lead towards acquiring general requirements in person life.
If an enterprise will implement the creative and new technology so it is required for firm
is to provide accurate training and development programmes to their staff members that will
assist in increasing their abilities and capabilities for getting correct goals and targets. Along
with this, it is necessary for Dixon Schwabl is to give best quality based services and facilities to
their customers for satisfying regarding their demand and needs in given time period. They have
appropriate knowledge and skills regarding their working so that there are different technology
which has been adopted in proper manner.
2.2 What are the required alterations in sales while using technology
Digital technology is used in an organisation because it will assist in increasing sales rate
and Dixon Schwabl can achieving their potential goals and objectives in better manner. There are
no such technology which gain result for any direct interaction with their buyers and this will
help in developing various products and services for getting high income or revenue in proper
manner (Cavalcante, Kesting and Ulhøi, 2011). In current period of time, company like Dixon
Schwabl are adopting advanced technology that will assist in performing accurate tasks which
can produce creative products and goods according to their customers needs and demands.
In addition to this, digital technology is useful for increasing sales of the company for
adopting various methods and techniques that can help in enhancing company which can lead
towards gaining high amount of income or revenue. Digital technology can used at the prime
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level and this can be utilised for gaining potential targets and goals in appropriate manner. Thus,
modern technology can help in earning high amount of profitability for long time period and it
can develop and make business stable in any mode (Dai, 2010). An organisation sale can be used
in marketing which are related to effective techniques and methods that can easily expanding
their business operations at large market place.
2.3 Business is performing differently after adopting digital technology
There are different business activities and functions which can assist in managing and
maintaining the level of revenue that are associated with business operations and its major
functions. Thus, digital technology consider in evaluating and measuring desired profitability
that can help in achieving potential goals and objectives in accurate manner. Moreover, Dixon
Schwabl are try to expand their business operation and function which can provide accurate
facilities to their customer's with the help of digital technology. Along with this, there are
different sources that includes personal relation, social media and videos which help in acquiring
high level of employees performance (El-Gohary, 2010). For adopting digital technology, it is
necessary for company is to provide appropriate resources there are various changes which can
be noticed after implementing digital technology in the company that are described as under:
 Enhancing productivity – This is required for company is to measure efficiency of
different things and resources which can used for converting the input and output in any
manner. Along with this, it will help in increasing firm profitability and productivity for
help the digital technology in reducing the attributes of goods and services in effective
manner.
 Growth – In the large market place, small business will play an important role for
adopting effective digital technology which assist in developing and creating high level
of growth and success for attaining by various entity. There are various things which are
available for this approach and it will help in acquiring cost to enhancing the market
place.
 Communication – This can be determined as backbone of an enterprise which assist staff
member to interact with their customers and also solve their major issues and problems in
accurate manner (Hashim, 2015). Along with this, it is an effective communication which
help in making and developing company more effective.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Types of research
In this section, learners are going to addressing different techniques and methods which
help in acquiring accurate data and information for achieving desired goals and targets of the
business in correct manner. With the assistance of this, this is useful for company because it will
assist in making and generating high level of success and growth for specific project
development. There are different techniques and methods which are required for managing all
data and information in effective manner (Heeks, 2010). On the other hand, there are major two
types of methods such as qualitative and quantitative tool where qualitative is helpful for
formulating particular report. The other quantitative method are used for collecting and gathering
all statistical kind of information. Thus, qualitative is mainly accessible for implementing all
required digital technology in the firm.
3.2 Research design
In this part, corporation required to design and made all correct direction which help
employees to guide them for achieving their desired goals and objectives in correct manner.
Along with this, there are various tools and methods which help in preparing and designing
particular investigation such as descriptive, exploratory and experimental method of research. On
the other hand, descriptive research help company for overcoming with these work and it is
major issues and barriers that arise in the firm and this necessary for analysing the future
activities or outcomes in better manner.
3.3 Data sampling
This is that term which define the major techniques and methods for help in collecting
and assembling the necessary facts and figures which are related to investigation project and this
will assist in getting accurate outcome in better manner (Hojeghan and Esfangareh, 2011). Data
sampling can be divided into two parts such as probabilistic and non probabilistic. In
probabilistic method of research, they are choosing specific data when they are conducting
random data sampling. For evaluating this, they are required to set correct process which ensure
towards large number of people. In addition to this, non probabilistic method and approach of
sampling define as odd techniques where large number of customers can select sampling which
can not easily measure and evaluating these things in proper manner. In this research, the main
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objective and motive of this sampling method is the major part of probabilistic sampling
techniques and tools.
3.4 Methods of data collection
Data refers to that techniques and methods which help in assembling and gathering
appropriate information in better manner (Jagongo and Kinyua, 2013). There are two types of
data collection which includes secondary and primary that are discussed as under:
 Primary data- This is that technique which assist collecting accurate data and information
with the help of direct method. There are various sources which help in gathering
accurate facts and figures that includes observation, surveys, interviews and some more.
It is based on individual characteristics and nature.
 Secondary data- This can be refer as that data and information which are collected by
individual and it will be used by investigators for developing and making accurate
conclusion for particular research. Along with this, there are various techniques for
collecting and gathering such as books, interviews, etc.
3.5 Ethical consideration
It is indispensable work for an enterprise in the part of research project. This can be
explained as one of the major rules and regulations which are totally differ from right and wrong
features in appropriate manner (Kannabiran and Dharmalingam, 2012). This will play an
essential role in preventing different type of issues and problems for conducting accurate
research. Along with this, there are various types of ethical values that should be followed by
researcher at the time of conducting different research projects. This is required for conform that
it will assist in dealing with society or community in effective manner.
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
QUESTIONNAIRE
1.) Do you think that digital technology support and promote in gaining
competitive advantage?
Frequency
 Yes 25
 No 5
6

2.) Will this consideration enable company to draw better relationship with
clients?
Frequency
 Yes 28
 No 2
3.) Will this aspect enable business to enhance their sales in better frame? Frequency
 Yes 22
 No 8
4.) What kind of benefits will going to drawn by company while
implementing digital technology?
Frequency
 Increase in productivity 20
 Profit maximization 5
 Enhancement in employees personality 5
5.) What will be the common issues used to face by a company while
implementing this section?
 Possibilities of accidents 15
 Complicated process 7
 Hacking 8
6.) What will be a major reason behind executing this technology into
business working?
Frequency
 Increment in sales performance 20
 Attract consumers 3
 Reduce the time period 7
7.) In current era, which approach is best suitable for organisation? Frequency
 Traditional 15
 Modern 15
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8.) Does company can make alterations in firm serving procedures? Frequency
 Yes 15
 No 10
9.) Any recommendation?
….........................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................
Theme 1: Digital technology assist firm for gaining competitive benefits
25
5
Yes
No
Interpretation: Digital technology is an essential consideration on which business need to work
properly and in better frame. For a firm they need to carried down all aspects in a better and
signified manner so that they could enhance their working ability. On the basis of this define
graph, it clearly get evaluated that digital technology is supportive in nature through which
association become able to gain competitive advantage in frame. This will enable business to
create a differ image from others.
Theme 2:Better relation with their customers and growth
28
2
Yes
No
Interpretation: Customers are the ultimate part of a business which support an entity to grow
and expand them in better manner. Thus, for gaining growth and sustainability at market world,
8

business have to craft better relationship with their clients through which beneficial aspects could
be drawn. This graph signify that most number of individual think that a better relationship with
users will support in gaining growth so that chances of deriving beneficial outcome could
become possible.
Theme 3: Digitalisation enable in enhancing sales of a company
22
8
Yes
No
Interpretation: Sales is a ultimate response on which every firm used to get done their working
and abilities. Thus, it is really important for a firm to maintain and manage their sales properly so
that they remain competitive in desire market world. Thus, digitalisation enable in enhancing
sales of a company so that they become able to compete at keen competitive market world which
further enables in draw valid outcome in frame. Hence, business managers need to understand
this section in an appropriate and effective manner.
Theme 4: Productivity get enhance once the digital technology used to implement at workplace
20
5
5
Increase in
productivity
Profit
maximization
Enhancement in
employees
personality
Interpretation: Every business have a motive on which they used to work properly so that better
and concentrative outcome could be drawn. Thus, behind such implementation of technology
productivity enhancement is a only thing on which business need to focus their consideration.
9

With enhancing in productivity with good frame, a company become able to compete at desire
market world in a signified manner so that effectiveness and efficiency in operations could be
maintain and manage. Henceforth, profit maximisation is next with employees personality but
currently management focus increase in productivity so that efficiency could be manage.
Theme 5: Might be chances of accident tend to rise once this section get implemented in better
manner
15
7
8
Possibilities of
accidents
Complicated
process
Hacking
Interpretation: With effective and appropriate implementation of technology at workplace
chances of issues and problems are high. It is not easy to implement appropriate and effective
things at workplace in a determined manner due to hurdle get arise at workplace. Thus,
management need to understand all major issues and problems which used to take place while
implementing this technology. One of a major aspect behind such consideration is increase in
number of accident due to lack of knowledge and not learn how to operate such technology.
Theme 6: Major reason behind implementing this technology is associated with increase in
sales
20
3
7
Increment in sales
performance
Attract consumers
Reduce the time
period
10

Interpretation: Every project have certain aim and objective which need to fulfil properly so that
better and determined project could be implemented. This consideration is associated with digital
technology implementation which need to understand by managers so that they could maintain
and manage effective working attribute. Thus, the reason behind implementation of this project
at workplace in to enhance or increase sales performance. A better sales performance enable and
support in enhancing profitability of a company so that their position at keen competitive market
world could be maintain. This will result in drawing beneficial and suitable gains in responsive
nature.
Theme 7: Both approaches are best suitable for organisation
Interpretation: As per the above table it can be analysed that both the traditional and modern
approach are best appropriate for the company which help firm in achieving desired goals and
objectives in better manner. Both the traditional and modern method are used by company for
analysing and examining the effective business operation in proper manner. So the people are
equally agree on these approaches and also adopt such methods for getting high amount of
income.
Theme 8: Company can make alterations in firm serving procedures
11
15 15 Traditional
Modern

Interpretation: According to the above stated method, it can be concluded that company can
modify and change the company servicing procedures which assist in determining business
operations and its functions in better manner. Most of the people are agree on that firm can
develop and make specific changes in organisation for serving process. Around 10 respondents
are disagree on such functions and activities.
CHAPTER 5: RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION
5.1 Recommendation
According to this research, the impact of digital technology on business activity can be
recommended and it can be determine as one of the major essential thing which can make and
develop relation with manufacturing of goods and commodities regarding advanced technologies
for fulfilling all customers demand and requirements. Along with this, the current procedure is
used by company for satisfying their customers or buyers needs in correct manner. They are
mainly focus on firm which are acquiring high level of growth and success that can help in
achieving potential goals and objectives in effectively. For targetting entire organisation, they
required to concentrate on customers satisfaction which help in giving crucial components to
their customers in large market area. Apart from this, an organisation are using different
strategies and policies for taking top position in the large location. This will be used for adopting
latest techniques and methods with advanced technologies and it will help in accomplishing set
goals and targets of the company.
12
15
10
Yes
No

5.2 Reflection
With the examination, I have learn various things that includes digital technology play an
essential role in improving and maintaining company current position which help in eliminating
different business related issues and barrier in given time frame. In addition to this, small firm
are encountered as huge number of things for smoothly running the organisation functions and
operations that are refer as different internal and external factors. After that I was analysing and
examining the whole report for moving towards one stage to another in which digital technology
observed as one of the useful method for increasing firm growth so that this will assist
employees for achieving potential goals and targets in proper manner. Therefore, I can need to
identifying one thing which can be used by advanced methods and techniques that is not an easy
work in high competitive environment. Thus, I can need to identify one essential thing which is
easy task for high level of complexities. It can be analysed and examined that small company
concern with more facts and figures regarding usage of modern technologies and techniques and
this does not gain more knowledge about complexity in better manner. Thus, the entire
examination will enhancing the skills and learning regarding taking any benefits from digital
technology for firm development and their staff members. Usually, I am generally involve with
complex situations for acquiring high level of facts and figures which are getting aware about
managing and maintaining different digital methods and technologies. It refers that whole project
assist me in examining and determining different options and alternatives which are associated
with customers perceptions for developing major possibilities in various products and services as
per their requirements and needs.
5.3 Conclusion
From the above mentioned report it can be concluded that digital technology is the main
factors for different things which can make changes in an enterprise. Thus, it can be analysed
that it is required for them is to ensure that certain contemporary methods and techniques that
includes digitalisation source of communication, cloud computing and many other. Along with
this, all the updated and upgraded latest technology for contributing higher level of growth and
success of the company.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alshamaila, Y., Papagiannidis, S. and Li, F., 2013. Cloud computing adoption by SMEs in the
north east of England: A multi-perspective framework. Journal of Enterprise
Information Management, 26(3), pp.250-275.
Apulu, I., Latham, A. and Moreton, R., 2011. Factors affecting the effective utilisation and
adoption of sophisticated ICT solutions: Case studies of SMEs in Lagos,
Nigeria. Journal of Systems and Information Technology, 13(2), pp.125-143.
Awa, H.O., Ojiabo, O.U. and Emecheta, B.C., 2015. Integrating TAM, TPB and TOE
frameworks and expanding their characteristic constructs for e-commerce adoption by
SMEs. Journal of Science & Technology Policy Management, 6(1), pp.76-94.
Baines, T., Lightfoot, H. and Smart, P., 2011. Servitization within manufacturing: Exploring the
provision of advanced services and their impact on vertical integration. Journal of
manufacturing technology management, 22(7), pp.947-954.
Bayo-Moriones, A., Billón, M. and Lera-López, F., 2013. Perceived performance effects of ICT
in manufacturing SMEs. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 113(1), pp.117-135.
Burns, P., 2016. Entrepreneurship and small business. Palgrave Macmillan Limited.
Cavalcante, S., Kesting, P. and Ulhøi, J., 2011. Business model dynamics and innovation:(re)
establishing the missing linkages. Management decision, 49(8), pp.1327-1342.
Dai, W., 2010. The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs). Journal of Business Systems, Governance & Ethics, 4(4).
El-Gohary, H., 2010. E-Marketing-A literature Review from a Small Businesses
perspective. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 1(1).
Hashim, J., 2015. Information communication technology (ICT) adoption among SME owners in
Malaysia. International Journal of Business and Information, 2(2).
Heeks, R., 2010. Do information and communication technologies (ICTs) contribute to
development?. Journal of International Development, 22(5), pp.625-640.
Hojeghan, S.B. and Esfangareh, A.N., 2011. Digital economy and tourism impacts, influences
and challenges. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 19, pp.308-316.
Jagongo, A.O. and Kinyua, C., 2013. The social media and entrepreneurship growth (A new
business communication paradigm among SMEs in Nairobi).
Kannabiran, G. and Dharmalingam, P., 2012. Enablers and inhibitors of advanced information
technologies adoption by SMEs: An empirical study of auto ancillaries in India. Journal
of Enterprise Information Management, 25(2), pp.186-209.
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