Research Methodology for Digital Business

This assignment focuses on researching appropriate methodologies for investigating digital businesses. It delves into both qualitative and quantitative methods, analyzing their strengths, limitations, and applicability to understanding various aspects of the digital business landscape. The text also provides examples of research designs and techniques commonly employed in this field.

The impact of digital
technology in supporting
small business growth and
innovation at M&S.

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Aim and objectives of study.................................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan with cover cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk and
resources in digital technology in M&S......................................................................................2
P3 WBS and Gantt chart.............................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4. Small scale research through applying qualitative and quantitative research methods........6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................14
P5 Research data with using appropriate tools and techniques.................................................14
P6 Recommendations ...............................................................................................................16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................16
P7 Reflection.............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

TITLE: The impact of digital technology in supporting small business growth and innovation
at M&S.
TASK 1
P1. Aim and objectives of study
Background
Digital technology provides a wide range of tools to entrepreneurs to take guidance for
new business with start-up and growth. In the small business accounting, marketing and
communication is considered as revolution through different networks that continuing adopted to
make changes in the business (Ratzinger, Amess and Mosey, 2017). In the selected business,
Marks and Spencer accounting considered to setting and managing new systems through
adopting some software. It increasing decision-making effectiveness in the enterprise to attain
creative goals and objectives. Along with this, it is also helpful to manage time in the more
administrative activities that helps to considered in-depth schedule in the business environment.
Rationale
In order to implement the digital technology in Marks and Spencer, main benefits
considered in business that is competed with other enterprises in the market. It also takes up the
professional marketing material that considered cost efficient web marketing tools to spread
information (Sussan and Acs, 2017). Further, there are several advantages considered in modern
technology which help to improve the relationship with several people in business world. New
venture is also undertaken which make rapid growth at workplace. Time management also
included in it that helps to focus on the meeting online that enable to entrepreneurs to attain
desired results. In addition to this, retail business is also able to ascertain creative elements in the
business with implementation of digital technology.
Research Aim and Objectives
Aim: The impact of digital technology in supporting small business growth and innovation at
M&S.
Objectives:
 To identify reasons behind digital technology support to small business
 To analyse importance of growth and innovations in M&S
 To interrelate digital technology as well as growth and innovation of M&S
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 To recommend ways through which digital technology could be implemented in the
growth of M&S
Research questions
 What are the reasons behind digital technology support to small business?
 What is the importance of growth and innovation in M&S?
 How interrelate digital technology and growth and innovations of the M&S?
P2 Project management plan with cover cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk and
resources in digital technology in M&S.
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Manually
Scheduled Research Project Tue 3/27/18 Tue 3/27/18
Manually
Scheduled Planning Wed 3/28/18
Manually
Scheduled Finding of the topic 5 days Thu 3/29/18 Wed 4/4/18
Manually
Scheduled Problems statements 3 day Sat 3/31/18 Tue 4/3/18 1
Manually
Scheduled
Allocation of the
resources as per time
frame
2 days Tue 4/3/18 Wed 4/4/18 2
Manually
Scheduled Implementation Wed 4/4/18
Manually
Scheduled Review of literature 6 days Fri 4/6/18 Fri 4/13/18 3
Manually
Scheduled
Selection of correct
research methodologies 1 day Sat 4/7/18 Sat 4/7/18 4
Manually Data analysis and 2 days Sun 4/8/18 Mon 4/9/18 5
2

Scheduled interpretation
Manually
Scheduled
Evaluation of results and
outcomes 2 days Mon 4/9/18 Tue 4/10/18 5
Manually
Scheduled Project closer Tue 4/10/18
Manually
Scheduled
Giving conclusion and
recommendation 1 day Wed 4/11/18 Wed 4/11/18 6
Manually
Scheduled Results of documentation 1 day Thu 4/12/18 Thu 4/12/18 7
In respect to look towards the effective aims and objectives, it is essential to manager of
Marks and Spencer to develop creative learning in the business. In respect to develop creativity,
every business need to concentrate on the effective time frame which assists to accomplish
desired tasks and goals as well (Kane, Palmer and Kiron, 2015). It includes several important
aspects which help to ascertain creativity in business:
 Cost: In order to frame the aim and objectives, in the present research total £690. There
are several activities has been promoted to attain desired goals and objectives at
workplace. Along with this, all allotted cost considered on each activity to perform
several tasks (Oldham and Da Silva, 2015). Hence, all customers are engaged to develop
effective functioning.
 Risk: Further, in the selected research topic there are several risks exist that face by
researcher to find conclusion. In this way, lack of proper time and cost impact on the
functions and create issue at workplace. Therefore, all people are engaged to gather
relevant information towards the business (Weill and Woerner, 2015).
 Scope: In order to find the relevant results and outcomes, effective research considered
through implement digital technologies. As results, it enhances revenue and profitability
to make effective functioning at workplace. Further, there are innovations are develop
strategies to make systematic work in research (Donnelly, Simmons and Fearne, 2015).
 Resources: With regards to carry the present research, there are several resources needed
to find appropriate results. In this way, primary and secondary information has been
3

implemented at workplace to make effective functioning in the enterprise (Vigdor, Ladd
and Martinez, 2014).
 Communication: In addition to this, communication also play important role in business
success. This is because, with the help of communication, researcher will able to get
proper and effective information through share employees ideas and views. It assists to
make proper interaction among several people in the business (Centobelli, Cerchione and
Raffa, 2016).
 Quality: In addition to this, quality is also important tool that helps to find innovative
results and outcomes in the business. In this aspect, primary data helps to ascertain fresh
and relevant information towards the research. In addition to this, secondary information
helps to find other authors views towards the present research (Abbasi, Tarhini and Shah,
2015).
P3 WBS and Gantt chart
Illustration 1: Work break down structure
4

5
Illustration 2: Gantt chart
Illustration 3: Network planning

TASK 2
P4. Small scale research through applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
To gather relevant information, present research project considered questionnaire in
which several questions are included. In this consideration, qualitative information will be
gathered through graph, thematic analysis, etc. (Burns, 2016). Following questionnaire helps to
consider the views of several respondents towards research program:
Questionnaire
Section A
Name:
Age:
Gender
Section B
1. As per your opinion which is the most suitable element for successful digital technology
implementation?
 Creativity
 Flexibility
 Economic competence
 Management competence
 All the above
2. With the help of digital technology, which is the main element considered in the Marks and
Spencer?
 High business growth
 Better position in market
 Financial growth
 All the above
3. Which is the main issue exist in the implementation of digital technology?
 Lack of time
 Lack of money
 Risk to invest money
4. Do you agree with the implementation of the advance technology to make high growth in
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Marks and Spencer?
 Yes
 No
 Cannot say
5. How much do you agree with implementation of digital technology in the chosen
organisation?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
6. Which element help to make growth and innovations to develop effective results at small
business?
 Increasing discount
 Improvement in goods and services
 Reducing cost of operations
 All the above
7. Do you agree that Marks and Spencer will grow with implementation of digital technology?
 Yes
 No
 Cannot say
Theme 1 In implementation of digital technology all elements are required in business
As per your opinion which is the most
suitable element for successful digital
technology implementation? Frequency
Creativity 1
Flexibility 1
Economic competence 2
Management competence 2
7

All the above 16
Interpretation: In respect to carry the above graph, it can be interpret that in the Marks and
Spencer 16 employees stated that creativity, flexibility and economic competence as well as
management competence all elements considered with operating successful digital technology.
In this way, there are 2 employees stated that only economic competence are considered to make
effective operations and functions in the business environment. Furthermore, there is one
employee said that creativity is the important consideration which helps to make high growth and
development in the business environment.
Theme 2: Digital technology implementation in business makes a better position in the
market.
With the help of digital technology, which is
the main element considered in the Marks
and Spencer? Frequency
High business growth 2
Better position in market 14
Financial growth 2
8
1
12
2
16
Creativity
Flexibility
Economic competence
Management competence
All the above

All the above 2
Interpretation: In order to saw to the above graph, it can be stated that there are 14 employees
said that digital technology helps to make better position in the market. Furthermore, there are 2
candidates said that high business growth helps to make innovative results at workplace. In
addition to this, 2 candidates ascertained their views that it make high financial growth to support
to goals and objectives of the company. Remaining 2 candidates stated that digital technology
considered high business growth, better position, financial growth in the Marks and Spencer.
Theme 3 Main issue in the implementation of digital technology is lack of money
Which is the main issue exist in the
implementation of digital technology? Frequency
Lack of time 3
Lack of money 15
Risk to invest money 2
9
2
14
22
High business growth
Better position in market
Financial growth
All the above

Interpretation: In respect to looking towards the above graph, it has been understood that there
are 15 candidates said that due to lack of money digital technology never implemented at
workplace. Furthermore, there are 3 candidates said that due to lack of time main issues are take
place in the business to find useful results. Remaining 2 candidates said that it is high risk to
invest money to get optimum growth in the outcomes.
Theme 4 People are agree with implementation of advance technology to make high growth
in Marks and Spencer
Do you agree with the implementation of the
advance technology to make high growth in
Marks and Spencer? Frequency
Yes 17
No 2
Cannot say 1
10
3
15
2
Lack of time
Lack of money
Risk to invest money

Interpretation: In respect to look towards the above graph, it can be stated that there are 17
employees of the chosen business said that they are agreed with the implementation of advance
technology which make high growth of the enterprise. In this consideration, positive impact
could be seen to make systematic work performance in the business. Furthermore, there are 2
people said that in Marks and Spencer there is no requirement to implement advance technology.
Remaining 1 candidate stated that it cannot be said that implementation of advance technology
increasing growth of the Marks and Spencer.
Theme 5 In the selected business employees are strongly agreed with implementation of
digital technology
How much do you agree with
implementation of digital technology in the
chosen organisation? Frequency
Strongly agree 15
Agree 1
Neutral 2
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 1
11
Yes
No
Cannot say
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
17
2
1
Frequency

Interpretation: In respect to look towards the present graph, it can be stated that there are 15
employees of the Marks and Spencer with implementation of digital technology. In addition to
this, there is 1 candidate stated that he is agreed with implementation of the digital technology in
the selected business. Furthermore, there is 1 candidate disagree with implementation of the
digital technology. There are 2 employees neither agree nor disagree with implied digital
technology at workplace of chosen enterprise. Remaining 1 person strongly disagree with
consideration of the advance technology in chosen business environment.
Theme 6 Improvement in goods and services generally helps to make effective growth in
small business
Which element help to make growth and
innovations to develop effective results at
small business? Frequency
Increasing discount 2
Improvement in goods and services 16
Reducing cost of operations 1
All the above 1
12
15
1
2
1
1
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree

Interpretation: In respect to look towards the above graph, it can be stated that there are 16
employees said that improvement in goods and services helps to make high growth in the
business environment. In this consideration, Marks and Spencer has duty and responsibility to
consider effective results through including more goods and services. Furthermore, there are 2
people said that increasing discount on products helps to create effective growth at workplace to
attract several people. As per the one candidate views, it stated that reducing cost of the
operations in the business.
Theme 7 Employees are agreed to make high growth in Marks and Spencer with
implementation of digital technology
Do you agree that Marks and Spencer will
grow with implementation of digital
technology? Frequency
Yes 17
No 2
Cannot say 1
13
Increasing discount
Improvement in goods and services
Reducing cost of operations
All the above
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
2
16
1 1
Frequency

Interpretation: In order to interpret the above graph, it has been stated that there are 17 people
stated that they are agreed with implementation of digital technology in Marks and Spencer to
create high growth. Furthermore, there are 2 candidates said that they are not agreed with
implementation of digital technology. Remaining 1 person said that it cannot be interpret that
digital technology will implement and not in the business environment.
TASK 3
P5 Research data with using appropriate tools and techniques
In order to considered the present research, there are several tools has been implemented
in the business that help to ascertain effective results. In this consideration, digital technology
play important role in respect to make successful results (Ardrey, Desmond and Mortimer,
2016). Furthermore, growth and innovations also ascertained systematic activities which impact
positively at workplace. Hence, following are different tools and techniques considered in the
research program:
 Introduction: In respect to implement the effective tool in the business, mainly digital
technology considered positive impact on the outcomes and findings. In this way, there
are several kinds of tools and techniques implemented in the research program which
helps to attain desired results at workplace (Mukhopadhyay and Gupta, 2014).
 Research approach: There are different kinds of research approaches exit that selected
to find creative results at workplace. In this way, inductive, deductive and abductive three
14
17
2
1
Yes
No
Cannot say

kinds of research approaches considered in the enterprise. In respect to gain effective
results, deductive approaches has been taken that help to considered subjective
measurement in business (Denzin, 2017).
 Research design: With the help of the research design, there are several components
included that effectively addressed research problem and issue. It also makes blueprint of
collection, measurement, analysis of the data. There are different types of research design
such as descriptive, experimental, etc. (Leiblein, Tucker and Hofer, 2016). From the
various, researcher select descriptive research design which assists to find in-depth
information.
 Research philosophy: Research philosophy defines as the belief in which data gathered
and analysis. There are several research philosophies such as positivism, interpretivism,
pragmatism, etc. (Faber, Bodnar and Smith, 2016). All the above researcher select
interpretivism research philosophy which is useful technique to collect the data.
 Collection of the data: In order to find useful information, there are different types of
data considered. In this respect, in present research mainly primary and secondary data
implemented to find useful results in the business (Ross, Rogers and Duff, 2016).
 Analysis of the data: In order to analysis the relevant data towards the present research,
it is important to considered right method that assists to find relevant results at
workplace. In this way selected research topic analysis through thematic analysis
(Sunderland, Chenoweth and Ellem, 2015).
 Sampling: There are 20 respondents has been selected to find useful consideration in the
business environment to make conclusion on it. It also assists to analysis results on the
basis of whole population (Ratzinger, Amess and Mosey, 2017).
 Limitations: In order to gather relevant information, there are several limitation faces by
researcher. In this aspect, lack of time and money mainly create impact to find useful
consideration in the business.
 Ethical consideration: In respect to find useful information, researcher has responsibility
to follow all ethics and rules to considered effective information at workplace. In this
way, proper finding exist at workplace to make conclusion on the research program
(Abbasi, Tarhini and Shah, 2015).
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 Validity and reliability: Validity and reliability also important point which assist to
gather effective information towards the research topic. In this way, proper following of
rules and regulations considered at workplace in systematic manner.
P6 Recommendations
In respect to implement the recommendation, following points are included at workplace
of Marks and Spencer:
 Find ways to cut the cost: In respect to develop effective results in Marks and Spencer,
the company need to reduce their cost of production. In this consideration, they can
attract several people together in the business. It will assist to target several people in
systematic manner.
 Resolve issue and improve the weak spots: Furthermore, another recommendation can
be given is that the company need to solve issues and problems that increasing
effectiveness in the business. In this regard, improvement in the work performance at
Marks and Spencer develop more systematic activities at workplace.
 Maintain relationship with customers: In respect to maintain relationship with
customers, the company has advantages to considered effectiveness at workplace.
Furthermore, it will also help to increase performance in positive consideration.
Therefore, creativeness will be placed.
TASK 4
P7 Reflection
In order to carry the present report, I have learnt many things. In this way, first of all I
understood data collection method in which aims and objectives considered in systematic
manner. Furthermore, background information and usefulness of the present research considered
in the enterprise to develop creative learning at workplace. In addition to this, I analysis that how
communication considered with respondents to find useful information in Marks and Spencer.
With regards to develop more effective results, it is essential to focus on the recommendation
that provided at the end.
In order to considered views of respondents, it has been stated that there are maximum
people satisfied with implementation of digital technology at workplace. In this consideration,
the chosen enterprise will able to focus on the goals and objectives which they want to attain in
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the specified time period. Moreover, different employees provide their views to attain creativity
at workplace so that it is important to focus on the tools and techniques which assists to find
useful results at workplace. In this consideration, aims and objectives accomplish through
implement different people views at workplace. According to the research methodology tools, it
has been analysis that aims and objectives of the research ascertained to develop understanding
and outcomes.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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Ardrey, J., Desmond, N. and Mortimer, K., 2016. The Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) in
Malawi: a nested pilot of Photovoice participatory research methodology. PloS one,
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