Impact of Digital Transformation on Small Business Success: A Case Study on Panda Sweets, UK

This research investigates the impact of digital transformation on success of small businesses through a case study on Panda Sweets, UK. It covers the importance, advantages, challenges and solutions related to digital transformation in small businesses. The research methodology includes positivism research philosophy, deductive research approach, questionnaire as research strategy, and both primary and secondary data sources. The results and discussion section includes analysis of responses to questions related to benefits, components, and challenges of digital transformation. The conclusion highlights the need for suitable leadership, defined strategy, and effective data management system for successful digital transformation.

Inquiry based
learning
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Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
TTITLE: An investigation into the impact of digital transformation on success of small business
firms. A case study on Panda Sweets, UK.......................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Research Aim:..................................................................................................................................3
Research Objectives.........................................................................................................................3
Research Questions..........................................................................................................................3
Literature Review...................................................................................................................3
Digital transformation in small businesses.............................................................................3
Benefits of digital transformation...........................................................................................4
Barriers to digital transformation...........................................................................................4
Solution for facing challenges related to digital transformation............................................4
Research Methodology...........................................................................................................4
Results and Discussion...........................................................................................................6
CONCUSION................................................................................................................................12
RECCOMENDATIONS................................................................................................................13
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................14
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TTITLE: An investigation into the impact of digital transformation on success
of small business firms. A case study on Panda Sweets, UK.
INTRODUCTION
Digitisation is becoming more common in the current corporate environment and small
business forms are looking for digital transformation too maintain competitive edge.
This research looks at the impact of digital transformation on success of small businesses. The
company selected for this research is panda Sweets. It is a UK based small business which our
first traditional retro sweet collection to the consumers (About Us, 2021).
Research Aim:
The aim of the research is “To evaluate the impact of digital transformation on success of
small business firms. A case study on Panda Sweets.”
Research Objectives
 To understand the importance of digital transformation.
 To determine the advantages of digital transformation for Panda Sweets
 To identify challenges of digital transformation in success of Panda Sweets
 To find solutions for facing issues related to digital transformation for Panda Sweets.
Research Questions
 What is the importance of digital transformation?
 What are the advantages of digital transformation for Panda Sweets?
 What are the challenges of digital transformation in success of Panda Sweets?
 What are the solutions for facing issues related to digital transformation for Panda
Sweets?
Literature Review
Digital transformation in small businesses
As per the viewpoint of Boulton (2021) digital transformation is defined as change in the
ways in which Technology is utilised in the organisation with the focus on new business models
and new revenue streams driven by changes in consumer expectations around products and
services. Digital transformation is important for business forms in the current corporate
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environment because good increases perceived value of the products or services (What is digital
transformation? A necessary disruption, 2021).
Benefits of digital transformation
According to Pratt (2021) digital transformation is highly beneficial for businesses
because it improves consumer engagement, increases efficiency and productivity, improves
resource management, increases resilience and provides greater agility (10 digital
transformation benefits for business, 2021).
Barriers to digital transformation
As per the views of Lomas (2021), the five main challenges to fixes will distil
transformation our organisational culture, lack of IT resources and management, lack of clarity
on the digital transformation budget, digital security and the challenge of agility (5 Biggest
Challenges to a Successful Digital Transformation, 2021
Solution for facing challenges related to digital transformation
As per the viewpoint of Hazari (2019) the most effective solution for handling
digital Transformation challenges is to create leadership in consisting of digital experts
who were able to guardian support employees during digital transformation (What is the role of
leadership in digital transformation?, 2019). This is an effective solution for handling digital
transformation challenges because expert leaders will be able to reduce employee resistance and
ensure smooth transition of the company to a digital business.
Research Methodology
 Research Philosophy
 This element of the research methodology deals with the source nature and development of
knowledge. the viewpoint about the ways in which data will be collected analysed and
utilised for the purposes of the research is included in the research
philosophy. Interpretivism and positivism add two options available for selecting an
appropriate research philosophy (Quay and et. al., 2018). Positivism is the selected research
philosophy for the present research. The reason behind selecting positivism as the research
philosophy for this investigation is that, before division is invaluable freedom identification
of patterns and translated to a specific topic. This will support teaching up accurate research
outcome and forming effective research conclusion.
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 Research Approach
 It is important to select an appropriate resource strategy for completing the investigation
because the search approach provides a contextual framework for completing the
investigation. in the clip introductive are the two research approaches which can be used for
finishing an investigation in an effective manner (Marshall, Coleman and Reason, 2017).
Out of the two options present this investigation is completed by the usage of deductive
research approach. The justification for selecting every search approaches that it helps reach
true conclusion on the basis of true premises. In addition to this reductive research approach
increases the generalizability of research and helps verify the research outcome.
 Research strategy
 The guide which supports completion of research by providing steps completing various
parts of the research in an effective manner is defined as the search strategy undertaken for
completing the investigation. Selection of an appropriate a strategy supports completion of
researching and systematic manner. Some of the research strategy which can be adopted for
completion of an investigation in an effective manner include systematic literature review,
case study research, questionnaire, interview and experimental research. Questionnaire is the
selected research strategy for completing the present investigation. This decision of
using questionnaire for research strategy is justified, because usage of questionnaires
provides reliable data which helps reach authentic outcomes.
 Data Collection
 The act of collecting and measuring information on targeted variables in a specific system
which supports determination of answers for relevant questions and evaluation of results is
defined as data collection. This is an important part of research methodology as it supports
completion of the research. Qualitative and quantitative data collection is the two options
available which support combination of a successful research (Flick, 2017). The advantage
of using qualitative data collection is that it supports approximation and characterization. On
the other hand, the usage of quantitative data collection enhances authenticity by introducing
measurable data. this is such is completed by using both quantitative and qualitative data
collection. This is because quantitative data collection helps gain relevant data in less time
while qualitative data supports in cooperation of human experience and makes the process of
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new the collection more open ended. It is beneficial for successful completion of the
research.
 Data Sources
 Primary and secondary data sources are two types of data systems which are available for
completing research in a timely and systematic manner. I'm reading the sources are defined
as sources which provide first hand data directly from the source. On the other hand,
secondary data sources involve collection of data from journals books online articles or
magazines which are linked to the source but are not the direct source of data. This
investigation is completed by using both primary and secondary data sources. Justification
for using both primary and secondary data sources is that family resources provide relevant
data for the search while secondary data sources are easier to collect and are cost effective.
This helps reach relevant and accurate research outcome in less time and lower costs.
 Sampling
 A sample is defined as a subset of individuals from a larger population. sampling refers to
the process of selecting the group back will be actually used to collect data for the research
and as a representative of the larger population with similar characteristics. The process of
sampling helps reach effective conclusion for the larger population on the basis of the
collected sample (Speak and et. al., 2018). Probabilistic sampling and non-
probabilistic sampling are two types of sampling methods which can be used for conducting
research. Present investigation is conducted by usage of probabilistic sampling. The
justification for using probabilistic sampling is that it is more cost effective compared to
Non probabilistic sampling and leads to lesser inaccuracies in the research.
SAMPLE SIZE: 50
Results and Discussion
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you agree that digital transformation is beneficial for small businesses?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) How is digital transformation beneficial?
a) It improves digital presence of the company
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b) It reduces unnecessary costs
c) It enhances agility of the company
d) It improves quality of business processes
Q3) What are the main components of digital transformation of small business firms?
a ) Data
b) Insight
c) People
d) Technology
Q4) What are the primary challenges associated with digital transformation?
a) Lack of training
b) Unsuitable leadership
c) Ineffective data management
d) Inefficient business processes
Q5) What are the primary challenges associated with digital transformation?
a ) Usage of Data management software
b) Creation of defined strategy
c) Providing effective training
d) Building suitable leadership
Data analysis
Question 1: Do you agree that digital transformation is beneficial for small businesses?
Q1) Do you agree that digital transformation is beneficial for small
businesses?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 20
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Interpretation: From the above graph it is interpreted that out of 50 respondents 30
respondents have agreed with this statement that digital transformation is beneficial for small
businesses. On the other hand, the remaining 20 respondents have answered in disagreement
with the statement that digital transformation leads to benefit for small businesses
Question 2: How is digital transformation beneficial?
Q2) How is digital transformation beneficial? Frequency
a) It improves digital presence of the company 10
b) It reduces unnecessary costs 20
c) It enhances agility of the company 15
d) It improves quality of business processes 5
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Interpretation: From the above graph it is determined that out of 50 respondent's expert
end respondents' digital transformation is beneficial for businesses as it improves the digital
presence of the company. 20 respondents have answered that digital transformation reduces
unnecessary costs which is the main benefit. According to 15 respondents' digital transformation
leads to better agility of the company which is the benefit provided by such transformation. The
remaining five respondents have answered that digital transformation leads to improvement of
quality of different business processes which is the main benefit provided by digital
transformation.
Question 3: What are the main components of digital transformation of small business
firms?
Q3) What are the main components of digital transformation of small
business firms?
Frequency
a ) Data 16
b) Insight 12
c) People 8
d) Technology 14
Interpretation: From the above graph it is interpreted than out of 50 respondents 16
respondents have answered that data is the main component of digital transformation in small
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businesses while according to 12 respondents' insight is the main component of digital
transformation. 8 respondents have answered that people at the main element of digital
transformation. On the other hand according to 14 respondents technology is the main element of
digital transformation in small businesses.
Question 4: What are the primary challenges associated with digital transformation?
Q4) What are the primary challenges associated with digital
transformation?
Frequency
a ) Lack of training 16
b) Unsuitable leadership 10
c) Ineffective data management 9
d) Inefficient business processes 8
Interpretation: From the above graph it can be determined mine that the meat challenge
in completing successful digital transformation is lack of training according to 16 respondents.
As per the views of 10 respondents unsuitable leadership is the main challenge associated with
digital transformation. 9 respondents have answered that ineffective data management
Mr significant in crucial challenge related to digital transformation wait according
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to eight respondents inefficient business processes is the main challenge affecting successes for
little transformation.
Question 5: What are the primary challenges associated with digital transformation?
Q5) What are the primary challenges associated with digital
transformation?
Frequency
a ) Usage of Data management software 12
b) Creation of defined strategy 9
c) Providing effective training 10
d) Building suitable leadership 19
Interpretation: From the above graph it can be determined that out of the total
50 respondent's 12 respondents have stated that usage of data management software is an
effective solution for handling challenges related to digital transformation. For nine respondents
the solution for handling digital transformation challenges is creation of defined strategy while
according to 10 respondents the solution is being affected provide training. The remaining 19
respondents have answered that building suitable leadership is the primary solution for
handling all challenges associated with little transformation effectively.
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CONCUSION
From the above report it is concluded that digital transformation is essential for growth of
small business firms. There are various challenges associated with successful digital
transformation which need to be mediated by creating suitable leadership, define strategy and
message effective leader management tools. It is important to create detailed research
methodology no wonder to conduct any search in a systematic and timely manner and gain
accurate outcomes.
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RECCOMENDATIONS
 It is recommended that Sweet panda needs to develop data management system in order to
effectively utilize data gained from digital transformation.
 It is suggested that the company builds suitable leadership. This is because ineffective
leadership affects digital transformation (McCarthy, Sammon and Alhassan, 2021).
 It is suggested to the company that training is provided to employees to handle digital tools
so that desired results can be gained from digital transformation.
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REFRENCES
Books and Journals
Flick, U. ed., 2017. The Sage handbook of qualitative data collection. Sage.
Marshall, J., Coleman, G. and Reason, P., 2017. Leadership for sustainability: An action
research approach. Routledge.
McCarthy, P., Sammon, D. and Alhassan, I., 2021. Digital Transformation Leadership
Characteristics: a Literature Analysis. Journal of Decision Systems, pp.1-30.
Quay and et. al., 2018. Theory and philosophy in education research: Methodological dialogues.
Routledge.
Speak and et. al., 2018. Comparing convenience and probability sampling for urban ecology
applications. Journal of applied ecology, 55(5), pp.2332-2342.
Online
10 digital transformation benefits for business, 2021. [Online] Available through
<https://searchcio.techtarget.com/tip/Top-10-digital-transformation-benefits-for-
business>
5 Biggest Challenges to a Successful Digital Transformation, 2021. [Online] Available through
<https://www.netsolutions.com/insights/challenges-to-a-successful-digital-
transformation-and-how-to-overcome-them/ >
About Us, 2021. [Online] Available through <https://www.pandasweets.co.uk/about-us>
What is digital transformation? A necessary disruption, 2021. [Online] Available through
<https://www.cio.com/article/3211428/what-is-digital-transformation-a-necessary-
disruption.html >
What is the role of leadership in digital transformation?, 2019. [Online] Available through
<https://www.gisma.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-leadership-in-digital-transformation
>
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