Research Ethics Form

The provided research ethics form is a detailed document that outlines essential considerations for researchers. It includes sections on obtaining participant consent, debriefing participants, data storage and security, and addressing potential ethical issues. The form requires researchers to acknowledge their understanding of the institution's Research and Ethics Policy and confirm that they have discussed ethical issues with their Unit Tutor.

Research Project

Table of Contents
1: INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
Overview of the Research......................................................................................................1
Background of the Research...................................................................................................1
Significance of the Research .................................................................................................2
Research Aim.........................................................................................................................2
Research Objectives...............................................................................................................2
Research Questions................................................................................................................3
Time Scale..............................................................................................................................3
2: LITERATURE REVIEW ...........................................................................................................4
Benefits of cloud technology for small business....................................................................4
Need of implementing cloud technology for Plan.com..........................................................5
Characteristics of cloud technology.......................................................................................5
Impact of cloud technology on company's performance and productivity.............................6
3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY................................................................................................6
Type of Investigation..............................................................................................................7
Research Design.....................................................................................................................7
Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................7
Research approach..................................................................................................................7
Data sampling.........................................................................................................................8
Ethical consideration..............................................................................................................8
4: DATA ANALYSIS......................................................................................................................8
5: FINDINGS TO STAKEHOLDER............................................................................................21
6: RECOMMENDATIONS ..........................................................................................................21
7: SELF REFLECTION.................................................................................................................22
8: CONCLUSION..........................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24
...............................................................................................................................31

TITLE – To determine the impact of cloud technology on business organisations in storing and
sharing information. A case study on Plan.com.
1: INTRODUCTION
Overview of the Research
In this faster development era, digital technology is one of the major innovation which
make individuals' life easier. Cloud technology is a part of digitalisation as it brings efficiency
and effectiveness for people. Its an intergalactic computer network by which people over the
world can interconnected and access data or programmes from anywhere. In context of business
associations, there is trend of using cloud technology for real time applications and get easily
interact with clients. Although, cloud computing has changed the way of organisations' using
computer and internet; mainly the change relates with how information or data is stored as well
as applications are utilised (Beetham and Sharpe, 2013). For competition of this research project,
Plan.com is the chosen organisation that provides solutions and expertise of business problems.
Its has a partnership with O2 B2B networking retaining complete ownership of their network
relationship with customers. In order to manage all data and information of its clients, the firm
uses cloud computing thus to easily access towards customers. Apart from this, the research
project based upon the impact of cloud technology on small business entities and how it helps
company to raise performance and productivity. A literature review will be made thus to gain
viewpoints or opinions of numerous authors in specific area of concern. Furthermore, various
types of methodologies will use in order to obtain better outcomes and draw an effective
conclusion.
Background of the Research
Cloud technology is one of the major aspect for business associations which integrates it
to attain new heights of success in a certain time period. It supports users to get access data,
applications and documents as people does not need to tied with their desktop and it is easier for
them to collaborate from various locations. Along with this, the main objective of every firm is
to reduce computing costs, many of them starts doing so by implementing digital operations or
virtualise technology. It can optimise the capacity of servers to process and manipulate data by
applying cloud technology as the application reduces infrastructure and administration costs,
increase utilisation and faster deployment cycles (Benckendorff, Sheldon and Fesenmaier, 2014).
In simple words, cloud technology provides, companies higher availability, dynamic resource
1

polls and virtualisation. The present assignment is based upon Plan.Com which is a wide
network of expertise and works to determine perform telecom solutions for large business
organisations. The main services of the company are – mobile, hosted voice, software and
broadband which makes flexible and easier communication. Apart from this, the research project
help learners to know the benefits of cloud technology and why companies must apply this.
Plan.com will also get benefited by implementation of cloud technology as it increases flexibility
and efficiency of working activities and operations. It also reduces operational and infrastructure
cost of the company.
Significance of the Research
In this over dynamic business environment, every company is tend towards applying new
and innovative technology thus to gain high competitive edge. The present research taken into
consideration about the influence of cloud computing on sharing and storing information.
Nowadays, companies are focused to keep their data or applications safe and secure. In this
manner, cloud computing is an effective technique to manage confidentiality of necessary data
and information. By acquiring this system, small businesses can easily get rid over with problem
of loosing any information or data. Although, the reason behind using this technology is to
improve knowledge area thus to create future projects in an effective manner (Bizirgianni and
Dionysopoulou, 2013). Cloud computing allows organizations to use their hardware and
software investments in more efficient ways. It can be achieved to get rid over from physical
barriers of the isolated systems and automated managing a group of systems as a single unit. This
technology is seen as a virtualised system which constitutes a natural evolution of data centres.
Rationale of research
This research is based on the impact of cloud technology on business organisations. It is
helpful in enhancing the knowledge of researcher regarding the research topic. It will help
investigation to conduct any research in future and through this investigator can gain the deep
knowledge about the concept of cloud technology.
Research Aim
Aim – To determine the impact of cloud technology on business organisations in storing
and sharing information. A case study on Plan.com.
Research Objectives
 To determine the benefits of cloud technology for Plan.com
2

 To identify the needs of cloud computing within an organization.
 To find out the various models of cloud computing.
 To locate the effectiveness of cloud technology which may aid in enhancing performance
and productivity of the company.
Research Questions
 What are the main benefits of cloud technology for Plan.com?
 What is the need of applying cloud technology within business organisations ?
 What are the major characteristics of cloud computing?
 How cloud technology affects firm's performance and productivity ?
Time Scale
It is fundamental responsibility of researcher to develop an appropriate time frame thus to
accomplish all activities and tasks in best possible manner. Following is defined proper time
frame of research activities and tasks, such as -
3

2: LITERATURE REVIEW
A Literature review is a published information of specific topic. In other words, its a
summary of various sources from where data or information has been taken. The prime motive of
every literature is to solve all obstacles of research and reach at appropriate conclusion.
Benefits of cloud technology for small business
In present scenario, the use of cloud technology is rapidly increases as most of the small
and large business associations are tend to acquire this technology in order to gain high
competitive edge. According to Brynjolfsson and McAfee, (2012) cloud computing services
offer SMEs an opportunity to offload the management of their IT network to external providers.
Cloud technology provides reliability and availability to companies as if network is in cloud then
data is always available. Cloud also helps small businesses with significant savings, as it fully
utilise hardware. Virtualisation raise the value of hardware that implies business can generate
more with less. It leads reduction of rack space, IT requirements and power usage. Another most
alluring benefit of cloud technology is it makes able to easy access work related information and
files from any device, any time or any place. Therefore, increased mobility and flexibility in
4

cloud can leads cost saving. Cloud computing services are also liable for integrating data and
information by which business owners can focus on critical areas of business time to time.
Information stored in physical devices can be stolen easily but utilising cloud technology
requires a username or password to login into information. Hence, it is known as more secured
option to store and securing confidential data. Cloud computing services also assists businesses
as they act faster than rivals it results imperative decisions can be also made rapidly. Therefore,
cloud services surely help Plan.com to remain competitive and successful.
Need of implementing cloud technology for Plan.com
Nowadays, cloud technology has improved the way of doing or operate business. All
companies, large and small are tend towards applying new tools and technologies in order to
improve their functional areas. With the viewpoint of Brynjolfsson and McAfee, (2014) experts
believes that cloud computing helps small business to store large amount of data at one place.
Instead of saving information in software or desktops companies can store confidential data into
cloud. Along with this, storing information at one place provides unlimited space utility to
companies. As if entire data would be stored at one place, managers can easily back it up or
recover it at the time of requirement. Cloud computing services are arrived from anywhere from
desktops, tablets, smartphones etc. via internet. Most of business associations applied “Bring
your own device (BYOD)” policy in order to bring mobility at workplace. It helps employees to
easily access information with their mobiles. Therefore, it can be said that cloud computing
services offer greater flexibility as well as location independence to companies.
Another need of applying cloud technology is it enable firms to get their applications
quickly and also improve manageability. The IT department of the company adjust their
resources as per changes in demands while using cloud technology. Cloud technology does not
require much investment thus any small business can easily apply it (Buhalis and Foerste, 2015).
It carries out products at market faster which means agility in delivering services.
Characteristics of cloud technology
There are three different models of cloud technology, such as -
Software as a Service (SaaS) - It refers those applications which are accessible from
various client devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-
based email), or a program interface.
5

Platform as a Service (PaaS) - The capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto
the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming
language, libraries, services, and tools supported by the provider (Cohen and et. al., 2014).
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) – In this, capabilities provided to clients with
provision, storage, processes, networks and further alternative software that can encompasses
operating system and applications.
Impact of cloud technology on company's performance and productivity
According to Del Chiappa and Baggio, (2015) it is essential for business owners to
leveraging most effective and economical solutions. In this perspective, cloud technology is one
of the imperative tool that resolve all IT problems to a business association. It render ability to
outsource IT operations of an external company which can shift risks and pressure relates with
managing IT infrastructure at workplace. Apart from this, there are certain essential
consequences of implementing cloud technology, such as – cost reduction, privacy, security,
reliability, sharing and collaboration. For example – if Plan.com will use cloud technology then
its employees will be able to work outside as per their convenience by using their mobile devices
or desktops. It leads to raise number of online transactions necessitates a cloud computing
solution. Therefore, firm will be able to perform in better manner. It offers various resources to
business owners in economical, flexible and scalable manner which increases production
capabilities of an organisation and it can easily attain goals and objectives in a certain time frame
work.
3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
For conducting a research, it is necessary for a researcher to make a proper arrangement
first. In context with research methodology, it refers to a procedure of gathering required
information as per set objectives. Through this information, managers of a firm can make
necessary decisions. In addition to this, it provides various ways like surveys, public research,
questionnaire and other techniques through which an investigator can opt the best one for
conducting proper research (Di Pietro, Di Virgilio and Pantano, 2012). Generally, a company
used research methodology for identifying in which part of business, issues are arise which affect
productivity. It helps in getting methods through which such problems can resolve on time. In
order to conduct the investigation, various instruments, methods and procedures are required.
6

Along with this, exploration is also separated into various segments through which a research
can land on conclusion.
Type of Investigation
For conducting a research, a investigate can used different types of it like applied,
subjective, qualitative and quantitative. In context with applied research, it is used to address
immediate problems with aim to find solutions of the same. Therefore, it also known as non-
systematic inquiry. While subjective research is mostly based on personal opinions, judgement as
well as interpretation (Dickinson and et. al., 2014). It is commonly found in blogs, newspapers
editorials and more. Besides quantitative research is based on numerical data, it is considered as
a structured way of gathering and analysing data which is obtained from various sources. On the
other hand, qualitative research is taken as best method as it depends on collection of
observational and verbal data which can be interpreted in subjective manner. As per objectives,
this research is done in qualitative manner.
Research Design
It is a set of various methods and procedures used for collecting and analysing different
measures of variables which are given in research problems. Research design also states the type
of study done in a project that may be descriptive, experimental, correlation and many more. In
addition to this, it also provides an appropriate framework which has been formed for finding
answers of set questionnaires. Descriptive research helps in addressing issues as well as finding
solution of the same.
Research Philosophy
Research Philosophy is concerned with ways and nature as well as development or
improvement of a knowledge. In other words, it can be defined as a source through a data is
collected and analysed. It is done in two ways i.e. either interpretivism or positivism. Mostly,
researcher used interpretivism approach as it provides subjective report which helps inn
analysing information of a data in different manner (Egger, 2013).
Research approach
Research approach is generally divided into two segments that are inductive and
deductive. In this regard, inductive approach is used when sample size of a data is small so that
analysis can be done with greater manner. As sample size is small therefore, it doesn't give any
hypothetical outcomes so, investigator are allowed to choose any method for their investigation.
7

While deductive research is used for analysing large data so, it starts with hypothesis. Thus,
researcher are required to choose one path only and they are not free to make any alternations in
the same. generalise from specific to general. In this regard, present data is based on inductive
research with an aim to conduct proper research.
Data sampling
It is a statistical analysis which generally used to select and analyse a selected data for
identifying patterns and trend of large sample. It includes various techniques like probabilistic
and non-probabilistic methods of sampling. In this regard, researcher used to take a sample from
large population data and then applied methodology on it. Therefore, overall result of data
depends upon chosen sample (Hojeghan and Esfangareh, 2011). Investigator of this research opt
probabilistic procedure for analysing the data sample. In this research, 50 respondents are taken
as a sample who are the local people of UK.
Ethical consideration
Ethics is considered as the most crucial part of a research in which an investigator is
required to ensure that investigation is being done in proper ethical manner. Researchers are
needed to take appropriate methods for conducting research by choosing the most ethical way as
much as possible. During investigation, project makers used to come across with different
critical situations and face many problems as well. Therefore, it is required by them to address
such problems in an adequate manner. These problems are generally arise when a part of
research has not completed in set period of time or when there is a shortage of funds. Thus, it is
required by a company to arrange proper finance first and try to complete each activity in
predetermined time so that occurrence of such issues can be minimised.
4: DATA ANALYSIS
It is one of the crucial part of every research project which aims is to summarize the
overall information or data that has been collected from various sources. Data analysis comprises
with collect, analyse and interpret data by utilisation of logical or analytical reasoning in order to
determine relationship and patterns. In addition, data analysis helps researcher to get know about
individuals opinions thus to implement best practice within organisations (Hudson and Thal,
2013). For this present assignment, data is gathered through questionnaire.
QUESTIONNAIRE
8

Name
Age
Gender
Email address
Q1. Do you think that cloud technology is beneficial for companies to store and sharing
information?
A. Yes
B. No.
Q2. Since how many years Plan. Com is using cloud computing in its business processes?
A. Less than six months
B. Less than a year
C. More than a year.
Q3. What are the reasons behind possible engagement in the Cloud Computing area?
A. Low Cost and Free Technology
B. Content Growth
C. Collaboration
Q4. Which one is the main benefit of using cloud computing for Plan. Com? A
A. Increases productivity and efficiency
B. Reduce administration and infrastructure costs
C. Provide large storage of information and applications
Q4. Which “layer” of the Cloud would you be most likely to approach?
A. Individual software packages (SaaS)
B. Complete operating system and software package available via cloud services (PaaS)
C. Just infrastructure services such as storage and network capacity (Iaas)
Q5. Which IT services/Applications supporting business processes are most likely to be
outsourced to a Cloud Computing service provider?
A. Accounting and Finance
B. CRM/Sales management
C. Human resources
Q6. What are your main concerns in your approach to Cloud Computing?
A. Privacy
9

B. Integrity and availability of data
C. Loss of control of services or data
Q7. Which one tool is used by Plan.com to reach large group of clients?
A. Social media sites
B. Email or text messages
C. Pay per click advertising
Q8. Who is responsible in your company for passing decisions related to information
technology?
A. The management
B. The management with support from the IT responsible
C. The management together with the IT responsible
D. The IT responsible
Q9. What are the main barriers of using cloud technology ?
A. Insufficient incentive for using the Cloud services
B. General resistance to change
C. Due to legal regulations - not transmitting data abroad
Q11. Give Recommendations, if Any.
Data analysis
Q1. Do you think that cloud technology is beneficial for
companies to store and sharing information?
Frequency
A. Yes 45
B. No. 5
Q2. Since how many years Plan. Com is using cloud
computing in its business processes?
Frequency
A. Less than six months 5
B. Less than a year 15
C. More than a year. 30
Q3. What are the reasons behind possible engagement in the Frequency
10

Cloud Computing area?
A. Low Cost and Free Technology 35
B. Content Growth 10
C. Collaboration 5
Q4. Which one is the main benefit of using cloud computing
for Plan. Com?
Frequency
A. Increases productivity and efficiency 10
B. Reduce administration and infrastructure costs 15
C. Provide large storage of information and applications 25
Q5. Which “layer” of the Cloud would be most likely to
approach?
Frequency
A. Individual software packages (SaaS) 18
B. Complete operating system and software package available
via cloud services (PaaS)
25
C. Just infrastructure services such as storage and network
capacity (Iaas)
7
Q6. Which IT services/Applications supporting business
processes are most likely to be outsourced to a Cloud
Computing service provider?
Frequency
A. Accounting and Finance 12
B. CRM/Sales management 22
C. Human resources 16
Q7. What are your main concerns in your approach to Cloud
Computing?
Frequency
A. Privacy 20
B. Integrity and availability of data 18
11

C. Loss of control of services or data 12
Q8. Which one tool is used by Plan.com to reach large group
of clients?
Frequency
A. Social media sites 30
B. Email or text messages 5
C. Pay per click advertising 15
Q9. Who is responsible in your company for passing decisions
related to information technology?
Frequency
A. The management 15
B. The management with support from the IT responsible 20
C. The management together with the IT responsible 10
D. The IT responsible 5
Q10. What are the main barriers of using cloud technology ? Frequency
A. Insufficient incentive for using the Cloud services 8
B. General resistance to change 28
C. Due to legal regulations - not transmitting data abroad 14
Q11. Give Recommendations, if Any.
Thematic analysis -
Theme 1: Cloud technology is a key factor to store and sharing information
Q1. Do you think that cloud technology is
beneficial for companies to store and sharing
information?
Frequency
A. Yes 45
B. No. 5
12

Interpretation– As per this above graphical presentation, it can be said that cloud
technology plays a key role in growth and viability of corporate associations. It create multiple
opportunities for Plan.com integrating, storing and sharing information and data. SMEs can take
advantage of this by integrating back office operations, human resources to marketing to
accounting. With this viewpoint, almost 45 respondents are agreed whereas 5 states that
company should also apply other software for storing necessary information and data.
Theme 2: Plan.Com is using Cloud computing less than a year ago.
Q2. Since how many years Plan. Com is using cloud computing
in its business processes?
Frequency
A. Less than six months 5
B. Less than a year 15
C. More than a year. 30
13
A. Yes B. No.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
45
5
Column C

Interpretation - According to this graph, it has interpreted that 30 participants out of 50
thinks that Plan.com use cloud technology more than a year. Other than this, 15 states that it has
used less than a year. Whereas, 5 are believed that it has recently adopted this technology which
is near about less than six months.
Theme 3: Low Cost and Free Technology is the main reason of using Cloud technology.
Q3. What are the reasons behind possible engagement in the
Cloud Computing area?
Frequency
A. Low Cost and Free Technology 35
B. Content Growth 10
C. Collaboration 5
14
5
15
30
A. Less than six months
B. Less than a year
C. More than a year.

Interpretation- As companies are using cloud technology for storing and processing
information in an appropriate manner. But besides this, it also gives them various benefits like it
save time and cost in project start-up process as well as keeping data more secure. As per
conducting a survey on 50 respondents, it has interpreted that out of them 35 users are believed
that low cost and free technology is the main reason behind implementing cloud technology in
business. While 10 of them thinks that content growth will be much helpful and rest of them i.e.
5 respondents believes in collaboration.
Theme 4: Cloud technology helps in storing large information or data.
Q4. Which one is the main benefit of using cloud computing
for Plan. Com?
Frequency
A. Increases productivity and efficiency 10
B. Reduce administration and infrastructure costs 15
C. Provide large storage of information and applications 25
15
1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column I

Interpretation: As cloud technology gives various benefits to a company therefore, as
per point of view of 50 respondents, 10 users are believed that for Plan.Com it will help in
increasing productivity and efficiency. While 15 people think that it reduces administration and
infrastructure costs more. Other than this, a large portion which is 25 users states that cloud
technique will provide large storage of information and application.
Theme 5: PaaS is one of the effective approach of Cloud technology.
Q5. Which “layer” of the Cloud would you be most likely to
approach?
Frequency
A. Individual software packages (SaaS) 18
B. Complete operating system and software package available
via cloud services (PaaS)
25
C. Just infrastructure services such as storage and network
capacity (Iaas)
7
16
0
5
10
15
20
25
10
15
25
Column C

Interpretation: As per this diagram, it has examined that individual software packages is
a best approach of using cloud according to views of 18 participants out of 50. On the other
hand, perceptions of 25 users states that PaaS is one of the most effective approach. Rest of them
believed that Iaas will be beneficial as compared to others.
Theme 6: Cloud computing services highly support sales management.
Q6. Which IT services/Applications supporting business
processes are most likely to be outsourced to a Cloud
Computing service provider?
Frequency
A. Accounting and Finance 12
B. CRM/Sales management 22
C. Human resources 16
17
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column G

Interpretation: As introducing cloud technology helps every department of a Plan.com
in conducting their functions. Therefore, as per this survey, it has interpreted that 22 users
believe that this technology will support sales management most. On the other hand, view of 12
users states that Account and Finance department are most likely to be outsourced. Lastly, 16
participants thinks that human resources will be most supported.
Theme 7: Major concerns in approach of Cloud technology.
Q7. What is the main concern in approach to Cloud
Computing?
Frequency
A. Privacy 20
B. Integrity and availability of data 18
C. Loss of control of services or data 12
18
12
22
16
A. Accounting and Finance
B. CRM/Sales management
C. Human resources

Interpretation: As per this mentioned graph, it has interpreted that out of 50
participants, 20 respondents believes that privacy is most concern part while approaching to
cloud technology. While others didn't think so, 18 from rest one thought that integrity and
availability of data will be main approach. Lastly, 12 have accepted that loss of data is most
concerning part.
Theme 8: Plan.com use Social media sites to reach customers.
Q8. Which one tool is used by Plan.com to reach large group
of clients?
Frequency
A. Social media sites 30
B. Email or text messages 5
C. Pay per click advertising 15
19
A. Privacy
B. Integrity and availability of data
C. Loss of control of services or data
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20 18
12
Series1

Interpretation: As per mentioned diagram, it has examined that 30 out of 50 participants
supports that social media sites is a best way of reaching large number of clients for Plan.com.
Whereas 5 prefer e-mail or text messages and 15 are in favour of pay per click advertising.
Theme 9: Management and IT both are responsible for making decisions of IT.
Q9. Who is responsible in company for passing decisions
related to information technology?
Frequency
A. The management 15
B. The management with support from the IT responsible 20
C. The management together with the IT responsible 10
D. The IT responsible 5
20
A. Social media sites
B. Email or text messages
C. Pay per click advertising
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column B

Interpretation: In decision making process, all departments play an important role in a
company. As per this graph, it has interpreted that in IT section, management of Plan.com passes
decision according to perception of 15 users. On the other hand, 20 respondents are in favour of
management with support from IT responsible. While 10 users thinks that management and IT
together take responsibility. Remaining 5 participants views that only IT is responsible for that.
Theme 10: Resistance to change is major barrier of cloud technology.
Q10. What are the main barriers of using cloud technology ? Frequency
A. Insufficient incentive for using the Cloud services 8
B. General resistance to change 28
C. Due to legal regulations - not transmitting data abroad 14
21
15
20
10
5
A. The management
B. The management with
support from the IT
responsible
C. The management
together with the IT
responsible
D. The IT responsible

Interpretation: Whenever a company implement a new technology in business then it
will lead to generated various issues. Managers have faced various barriers for running new
applications in working system appropriately. Generally any modification in system affect
people mostly who are associated with a firm as they have to change whole procedure of
conducting an activity. Therefore, they used to resist any type of change. Through this graph, it
has interpreted that out of 50,8 users have same perception that insufficient incentives would be
major barrier in cloud technology. While 14 thinks that because of legal regulations company is
not allowed to transmit data abroad. Apart from this, major proportion of population favour in
general resistance to change.
5: FINDINGS TO STAKEHOLDER
(Covered in PPT)
6: RECOMMENDATIONS
After analysing the overall data and information it is suggested to small businesses that
they need to focus on applying cloud technology within working practices thus to increase
performance level and productivity. Cloud computing offers flexibility and reliability to
companies so that managers should apply this technology. It is essential for Plan.com to provide
22
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
8
28
14
Column B

training and development assistance to staff members as they learn new technical skills or
competencies, hence all activities and tasks will be accomplished in better manner. Along with
this, managers also have to understand external market trends then provide services accordingly
to client; it obtains higher level of customer satisfaction in a certain time period. In this modern
era, there are several software of cloud technology available at marketplace, such as –
Divvycloud, datadog, HPE hybrid cloud management and so on which helps companies in cost
reduction.
Furthermore, top management should also have to formulate effective policies and
strategies linked with data storing, sharing as well as optimal utilisation of technology. Along
with this, companies are required to focus on grabbing new market trends and technological
advances in order to create value for customers. In addition to this, managers should focus on
hiring well qualified and talented people who have strong IT knowledge specially in cloud
technology. In order to propelling their market viability, managers also have to increase their
social media presence so as to gain high competitive edge and attain their goals and objectives in
best possible manner.
7: SELF REFLECTION
While completion of this present assignment I have learned various things that helps me
to conduct future research projects in more appropriate manner. My personal interest in
digitalisation forced me to conduct this research thus to improvise my knowledge effectively.
Along with this, I have used various research methodologies in order to arrive at better
conclusion. For completion of all working activities and tasks in proper manner, I have
formulated a time frame and then align activities to my subordinates accordingly. It helps in
completion of all business activities and tasks effectively and supports me to arrive appropriate
outcomes of research. Apart from this, I also faced certain issues, i.e. time and cost which hinder
my work and data collection process. Due to my introvert nature, I am not able to communicate
or interact with people and recognise their mind set; hence I am unable to make proper
conclusion.
8: CONCLUSION
From this given report it has been concluded that in today's modern world, people are
demanded more innovative products for a firm which satisfies their desires in appropriate
manner. Therefore, to engage them with goods or services of a company, it is necessary for
23

employers to implement digital technology in business. For improvising production ans
operational activities, it becomes essential for an industry to turn business into digitalisation. It
will help in conducting functions in short-period of interval as well as of high quality also. As
every organisation has one common aim i.e. to earn high profitability and expand its business in
international market area. Therefore, for this assistance, by implementing latest technology they
can achieve such objectives easily. In context with cloud technology, it is taken as the most
valuable part of digitalisation. It helps a firm in managing flow of information within
organisation in appropriate way without any interruption. Thus, it aids a company in storing as
well as processing an information or a data in more easy and safe manner. Along with this, the
major advantage of using cloud-computing is that it assists a firm in gaining high competitive
advancement.
24

REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Beetham, H. and Sharpe, R. eds., 2013. Rethinking pedagogy for a digital age: Designing for
21st century learning. Routledge.
Benckendorff, P. J., Sheldon, P. J. and Fesenmaier, D. R., 2014.Tourism information technology.
Cabi.
Bizirgianni, I. and Dionysopoulou, P., 2013. The influence of tourist trends of youth tourism
through social media (SM) & information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 73. pp.652-660.
Brynjolfsson, E. and McAfee, A., 2012. Race against the machine: How the digital revolution is
accelerating innovation, driving productivity, and irreversibly transforming
employment and the economy. Brynjolfsson and McAfee.
Brynjolfsson, E. and McAfee, A., 2014. The second machine age: Work, progress, and
prosperity in a time of brilliant technologies. WW Norton & Company.
Buhalis, D. and Foerste, M., 2015. SoCoMo marketing for travel and tourism: Empowering co-
creation of value. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management. 4(3). pp.151-161.
Cohen, S. A. and et. al., 2014. Understanding and governing sustainable tourism mobility:
Psychological and behavioural approaches (Vol. 43). Routledge.
Del Chiappa, G. and Baggio, R., 2015. Knowledge transfer in smart tourism destinations:
Analyzing the effects of a network structure. Journal of Destination Marketing &
Management. 4(3). pp.145-150.
Di Pietro, L., Di Virgilio, F. and Pantano, E., 2012. Social network for the choice of tourist
destination: Attitude and behavioural intention. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism
Technology. 3(1). pp.60-76.
Dickinson, J. E. and et. al., 2014. Tourism and the smartphone app: Capabilities, emerging
practice and scope in the travel domain. Current Issues in Tourism. 17(1). pp.84-101.
Egger, R., 2013. The impact of near field communication on tourism. Journal of Hospitality and
Tourism Technology. 4(2). pp.119-133.
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.
Hudson, S. and Thal, K., 2013. The impact of social media on the consumer decision process:
Implications for tourism marketing. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 30(1-2).
pp.156-160.
Jaeger, P. T., 2012. Disability and the Internet: Confronting a digital divide. Boulder and
London: Lynne Rienner Publishers.
Laudon, K. C. and Laudon, J. P., 2015. Man gement Information Systems: Managing the Digital
Firm Plus MyMISLab with Pearson eText--Access Card Package. Prentice Hall Press.
Lo, I. S. and et. al., 2011. Tourism and online photography. Tourism management. 32(4).
pp.725-731.
McCabe, S., Sharples, M. and Foster, C., 2012. Stakeholder engagement in the design of
scenarios of technology-enhanced tourism services. Tourism Management Perspectives.
4. pp.36-44.
Molz, J. G., 2012. Travel connections: Tourism, technology, and togetherness in a mobile world.
Routledge.
Morrison, A. M., 2013. Marketing and managing tourism destinations. Routledge.
25

Oliveira, E. and Panyik, E., 2015. Content, context and co-creation: Digital challenges in
destination branding with references to Portugal as a tourist destination. Journal of
Vacation Marketing. 21(1). pp.53-74.
Piercy, N. F., 2016. Market-led strategic change: Transforming the process of going to market.
Taylor & Francis.
Ruiz-Molina, M. E., Gil-Saura, I. and Moliner-Velázquez, B., 2011. Does technology make a
difference? Evidence from Spanish hotels. Service Business. 5(1). pp.1-12.
Sigala, M., Christou, E. and Gretzel, U. eds., 2012. Social media in travel, tourism and
hospitality: Theory, practice and cases. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd..
Soteriades, M., 2012. Tourism destination marketing: approaches improving effectiveness and
efficiency. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology. 3(2). pp.107-120.
Online
Craig. R., 2011. The Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses. [Online]. Available
through: <https://www.business2community.com/cloud-computing/benefits-cloud-
computing-small-businesses-0725661>.
26

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: Effect of digital technology to enhance profitability and productivity of
organisation – A case study Bloom Perfumery.
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
To determine the impact of cloud technology on business organisations in storing and sharing
information. A case study on Plan.com.
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?):
To determine the benefits of cloud technology for Plan.com
To identify the needs of cloud computing within an organization.
To find out the various models of cloud computing.
To locate the effectiveness of cloud technology which may aid in enhancing performance and
productivity of the company.
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):
 A noteworthy explanation for choice of this point empower to better comprehend about the idea
of computerized innovation and its effect
 Alongside this, it will likewise bolster keeping in mind the end goal to use computerized
innovation for extending business tasks and exercises.

Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
A Literature review is a published information of specific topic. In other words, its a summary of various sources
from where data or information has been taken. The prime motive of every literature is to solve all obstacles of research and
reach at appropriate conclusion. Thus, following are several key literature sources which are going to
include in this are:
Zhou, Z., 2013. Broadband optical wireless communications. The Pennsylvania State University.
Standing, C., Tang-Taye, J. P. and Boyer, M., 2014. The impact of the Internet in travel and tourism: A
research review 2001–2010. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 31(1). pp.82-113.
Stiakakis, E. and Georgiadis, C. K., 2011. Drivers of a tourism e-business strategy: the impact of
information and communication technologies. Operational Research. 11(2). pp.149-169.
Terzi, N., 2011. The impact of e-commerce on international trade and employment. Procedia-Social and
Behavioral Sciences. 24. pp.745-753.
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 the report):
There are various activities are going to involve in this project which need to
identify appropriately so that better results lead to get drawn. Various
activities which will going to include for the project are:
 Determine the topic
 Creation of aim and objectives with questions
 Literature review
 Research methodology
 Questionnaires preparation
 Data Collection
 Data analysis
 Conclusion and recommendation
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why?
For conducting a research, a investigate can used different types of it like applied, subjective,
qualitative and quantitative. Besides quantitative research is based on numerical data, it is considered as
a structured way of gathering and analysing data which is obtained from various sources. On the other
hand, qualitative research is taken as best method as it depends on collection of observational and verbal
data which can be interpreted in subjective manner. As per objectives, this research is done in qualitative
manner. Questionnaire will be done in the following research as it will indicate grade-appropriate
advantage on the basis of various individual aspect and their point of view by consulting random
selection framing.
29

What areas your research will going to cover:
My research will define all aims and objectives and questions which frame to get each answer of the
research.
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
30

Research Ethics approval form
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: “ To determine the impact of cloud technology on business organisations in storing and
sharing information. A case study on Plan.com.
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? Yes
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)?
Random sampling method as all belong to differ category and sections
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Describe them through presentation which support in order to describe all associated things in a
better concerning manner.
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?
Through questionnaire in written format so that better and appropriate decision lead to carried
down.
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
31