Research Ethics Review Form

This assignment provides a detailed research ethics review form. It covers various aspects of ethical considerations in research, including participant information, data storage and security, and potential ethical issues. Researchers are required to thoroughly address each section, ensuring they understand and mitigate any potential risks involved in their proposed work.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Research proposal that defines a research question or hypothesis supported by a literature
review.....................................................................................................................................1
P2. Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
................................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P3. Primary and secondary research methods for business research project that consider costs,
access and ethical issues.........................................................................................................8
P4. Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research findings and data........................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................19
P5. Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience 19
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................20
P6. Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives of the
business research project......................................................................................................20
P7. Consider alternative research methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcomes21
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
.......................................................................................................................................................32

TITLE
“The impact of digital technology on business activity of SME’s “
INTRODUCTION
In business world, digital technology can be defined as an electronic tool that contains
number of equipments which can be used by a company to use data or information in sort of
numerical codes. From previous years, it has been analysed that digital technology has changed
the whole scenario of doing business for organisations. In world full of digitalisation, companies
have kept their focus over attaining high growth and success through implementing appropriate
source and technologies. Researcher in this investigation report have opted for cloud technology
which will help company in storing large number of data (Cheng and Kumar, 2012).
In present research, SME which has been chosen i.e. Pacific Computers and it is located
at Crockford Ln, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24, United Kingdom. This company made an IT-
integrated audio visual technology equipment for businesses and education. Report is going to
include research proposal which is enclosed with aims and objectives. On the other hand,
investigator will use primary and secondary investigation methods in order to collect the data
over desired objectives and aims. Away with this, research is going to be enclosed with proper
data analysis i.e. of gathered data. Lastly, investigation will put light over recommendations
which is needed for a company to implement for better outcomes in near future.
TASK 1
P1. Research proposal that defines a research question or hypothesis supported by a literature
review
Modern business world is filled with digital equipments that are used by the companies in
order to become more effective at marketplace. In past few years, when digital technology took
place of all the traditional approaches of business it changed the whole scenario of the all deeds
and ethics of working in a company because after adopting the digital technology, firms have
become much more faster and raised there profit margins as well (Clowes, 2015). It also helped
in consumers in reaching to company directly while sitting at home (Mobile application of
company for customers). According to Gartner survey, around 62% of SMEs are using cloud
computing technology. On the other hand, rest of them are planning to do so. Here, a type of
digital technology has been chosen in present investigation i.e. cloud technology which is being
1

considered as a modern way of storing heavy data in modern era. Issue which was found that
Pacific Computers have not adopted the cloud technology which took company behind and
impacted negatively on there reputation. Therefore, this can be considered as the reason why
researcher have opted this topic to investigate.
Background of the project
In past few years, digital technology can be taken as a wide range of subject to be studied
for researcher, because those organisations have adopted this type of technology has raised there
profit margins and became much effective as compared to previous performances (Ekufu, 2012).
It helped them in interacting with customers directly with the help of there own websites/mobile
applications and helped in improving overall performance level as well with considering
artificial intelligence tools and techniques. Over the years, using social media, cloud technology
and artificial intelligence has brought high number of opportunities for companies.
Thus, it can be considered as the main reason for Pacific Computers to adopt cloud
technology. Pacific Computers which is an IT system company and doing business in United
Kingdom has not adopted the cloud technology. This impacted on there overall performance
because keeping information in paper form is time consuming and is not effective as well. In past
few years, cloud technology has been adopted by many companies because it helped them in
storing heavy information for a longer period of time. Apart from this, it has also been analysed
that if Pacific Computers do not adopt this approach than it might create issues for the company
as well (Kirubakaramoorthi, Arivazhagan and Helen, 2015). Therefore, it is needed for the
company to implement digital technology in near future.
Significance of Research:
This current research is based on impact of digital technology on business activity of
SME’s. This research study will prove to mire effective for small business firms to aware about
the impact of the digital technology on business activities. It is helpful in increasing the
knowledge as well as personal interest of an individual about the specific subject area. On the
basis of academic view point it will helpful in future in perform the research in a significant
manner.
Research Aim:
2

It is comprise to be the most basic component of a research on which whole investigation
stays based. The major aim of this particular project is “To identify the importance of cloud
technology in improving storage and filing of data”. A case study on Pacific Computers.
Research Objectives:
 To identify the concept of cloud technology.
 To determine the need of storing large data for Pacific Computers. To examine the benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific
Computers.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of cloud technology?
 Why it is necessary for Pacific Computers to store large number of data?
 What are the benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific
Computers?
The above mentioned research questions are effective in drawing a reliable theoretical
frame work for the research work as to overcome with the research issue i.e. no utilisation of
cloud technology by Pacific Computers. Theoretical description is effective in rendering all
relevant information in regards to the appropriate area of study. The section of literature review
is essential in conducting an in-depth research through analysing the opinion of various authors
and scholars as well (Kulkarni and et. al., 2014).
Concept of cloud technology
According to Lai, Tam and Chan, 2012, Cloud refers to a clear IT environment which is
made or designed with keeping an aim of storing, analysing and using the data for a longer
period of time. Cloud computing helps in accessing the data/information whenever an
organisation is having an internet connection. It is method for deliver information technology
under which the resourced are retried from Internet by web- based application and tools as
opposed to direction connect with server. Cloud technology is use of different services for an
instance serves, software, software development platforms, over internet etc. It is required for
companies to have internet connection in order to use this type of technology. Firms can easily
store heavy data and take it is use whenever it is required for the company.
With the help of above mentioned information, it has been analysed that what author has
given is somewhat right and using cloud technology might help a business firm in keeping heavy
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data online without using any sort of hard drivers of storage. On the other hand, in today's ever
changing business climate, it's critical that small business owners get what they need right when
they require it, thus, using computers has helped companies in keeping important information for
a longer period of time.
Need of storing large data for Pacific Computers
According to Mahamadu, Mahdjoubi and Booth, 2013, big/large data is important for
every single firm as it may aid them in doing basic analysis whenever a critical situation arises.
Big data is used for gathering large data and it is complex to process by using the traditional
tools or application. In 1950s, big data used to be kept in numbers like in a spreadsheet which
were used to get examined manually. This used to take time because every single company used
to have one or two employee that used to look into spreadsheets. This process was time taking,
but over the years, due to change of course things have changed and business companies are
using many tools, techniques and technologies in order to keep and use gathered data for a longer
period of time. Recently organisations are using cloud technology.
Benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific Computers
As given by Park and Kim, 2014, there are many benefits that can be seen in Pacific
Computers at the time of using cloud technology and these are given beneath:
Scaling infrastructure : This is being considered as the fastest growing application of
cloud technology in recent era. It has been found that cloud based infrastructure is much
effective in nature and do not requires much cost as well. With the help of this, storage system of
Pacific Computers may get improved because if every single employee will use cloud
technology based application than they might store a huge data without facing any sort of rise in
company's expenses.
Cloud-based office systems : This type of system shows or reflects over all the changes
that has been made by users instantly. With the help of this, fundamental shifts and collaboration
can be seen among staff members of a company. Through this, Pacific Computers may easily
improve its storage system because top level personnel of this company can keep there eyes over
what changes needed to be made.
Remote workspaces : Social barriers can be reduced to zero for all the individuals and
will help in creating a remote based infrastructure at workstation of a company. Through this,
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Pacific Computers may easily manage there data in micro seconds with the help of digital
technology as there will be no need of manpower.
P2. Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
Research Methodology can be considered as an important for an every single
investigation whether it is done at small or large scale (Shin, 2015). For every investigator it is
required to adopt right approach of research methodology as per set objective. With the help of
this, favourable outcomes can easily be drawn on the basis of desired goals and objectives.
Failure into this may lead investigator in come to a wrong conclusion. Thus, it is much needed
for researcher to analyse the situation first and understand the behaviour and whole concept of
conducting the investigation, as then only correct research method can be adopted. In present
case scenario, issue which was found by the investigator is that Pacific Computers did not
adopted cloud technology. Thus, it is much important for researcher to choose right method in
order to gain knowledge. Majorly, there are two type of research methodologies utilised by the
investigator and these are qualitative and quantitative. On the other hand, in order to collect the
data investigator may majorly use primary and secondary method. Here, some of methods that
can be used by investigator of present research report are being discussed beneath:
Qualitative Research: This is being considered as one of effective research method that
may aid investigator in pulling out favourable outcomes. This approach is utilized by the
researcher to understand the quantitative piece of chosen objective. Most of the time, it has been
analysed that if investigator adopts this method results can be formulated in theoretical opinions
and in reasonable form. In present investigation, researcher chose qualitative research method in
order to conduct this investigation because the chosen topic will only give better results using
this type of research methodology because of its nature (Shin, 2013).
Quantitative Research: This type of investigation helps a researcher in pulling out results
in numerical form. It is pretty much required for researcher to look into the behaviour of selected
issue/topic. Results that majorly gets accumulated under this in the form of statistical or
mathematical number. On the other hand, quantitative method stays much effective in nature
than any other method because it gives the exact results to the researcher because it is in
numerical form. According to present topic which has been chosen by investigator, quantitative
approach will be less effective in nature because the analysis which is required needs to be in
this.
5

Primary Method: Under this method, there are many ways through which data can be
collected like interview, survey, and etc. This type of data collecting method is much helpful in
gathering much more authentic information than any other approach. Thus, using this approach
may lead researcher to gather relevant data as per the requirement of the company. In present
case, investigator have used questionnaire in order to collect the information related to desired
objective (Smith, Bhogal and Sharma, 2014).
Secondary Method: Data which is already gathered by someone else than the user can be
considered secondary approach. Under this method, information which is used by the
investigator is already being gathered by others like authors, scholars, or other researchers. Using
this approach might not take much time for investigator to collect the data and investigation can
be conducted right on time without facing any sort of delay.
Sampling: For the purpose of conducting research in an effective way, the researcher has
the main role in choosing the sample size so that proper collection of data can be done. As this
might help in analysing the information and aid in coming to a conclusion over set objective. In
present investigation, research have used random sampling method with the help of this, 50
respondents have been selected from the public (Tashkandi and Al-Jabri, 2015). Random
sampling methods is basic sampling technique where researcher choose sample from the large
group or population. Each person is selected through chance and every member of population
has equal chance of being involved in sample.
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TASK 2
P3. Primary and secondary research methods for business research project that consider costs,
access and ethical issues
Research is a wider concept that plays a necessary role in providing the effective and
reliable information about the specific areas of an investigation. It is careful consideration of the
study related to specific concern by using the scientific methods. It is systematic inquiry to
explain, describe, control and predict observed phenomenon. For conducting an investigation,
researcher use the effective tools to gather relevant information and data in systematic manner. It
will helps in conduct investigation with in certain period of time. In order to gather data,
researcher uses the primary and secondary sources. At the time of conduct an investigation, it is
necessary for researcher to have accurate and reliable capabilities and knowledge regarding
specific research field. It will help in provide the valid conclusion or outcomes to business (Shin,
2013). At the time of conduct an investigation, an investigator should know about some factors
which are mention below as above:
Cost- It is regarded as necessary key aspect for small and large business firms. Without
money, researcher can not conduct an investigation and also not able to perform any activity in
systemic manner. It is essential that researcher should arrange proper flow of money on the basis
of research activities. As Pacific computers is small size company so it does not need more
money. Survey is conducted among the 40 respondents which have knowledge about the cloud
computing technology.
Ethical consideration- It can be determined as most necessary part of investigation.
During conduct an investigation, research faced different problems which has affect on complete
research. An investigator requires to adhere to promote objectives of an investigation imparting
error prevention, authentic knowledge and truth. Time and cost both are the ethical issues which
requires to maintain through an investigator. Proper flow of money is necessary during conduct
an investigation in a systematic manner. It is a responsibility of researcher to keep the data or
information of respondents confidential.
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QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Contact number:
Address:
Q1) Are you aware about concept of Cloud Technology?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) According to your point of view, is cloud technology beneficial for conducting
business?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q3) Does cloud technology helpful in sharing, storage of information in an effective
manner?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) What are different benefits of cloud technology to Pacific Computers organisation?
a) Storage of data and data backup
b) Enhance productivity
c) Time saving and Cost effective
d) Powerful server capabilities
Q5) What are various models for the deployment in cloud technology?
a) Public cloud
b) Private cloud
c) Hybrid cloud
d) Community cloud
Q6) Does Cloud technology helps in provide cost benefits to Pacific Computers business
firm?
a) Yes
b) No
8

Q7) What is importance of cloud computing to Pacific Computers company?
a) Security
b) Stop the software Piracy
c) Reduce cost of conduct business
Q8) What are different complexities Pacific Computers face at the time of executing cloud
technology in business?
a) Service Provider Reliability
b) Data privacy
c) Downtime
Q9) What are various ways by which Pacific Computers can overcome from arisen
challenges of cloud technology?
a) Shifting Systems
b) Consider IAM to combat cloud security
c) Establish network security groups
Q10) Recommend different methods through which Pacific Computers company can
enhance its business operations at large scale.
P4. Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research findings and data
THEME 1: Aware about concept of Cloud Technology
Q1) Are you aware about concept of Cloud
Technology?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 15
9

Interpretation: Cloud technology is distributed data processing under which some of the
scalable information capacities as well as resources are given as service to many external
consumers by internet technology. It helps in shared the pools of configurable computer system
resources as well as high level of services which can provisioned quickly with less management
effort. As per the given graph, there are 25 respondents which said that they are well known
about the cloud technology and its uses. But on the basis of opinion of 15 respondents that they
do not have proper knowledge about the cloud technology.
THEME 2: Cloud computing technology beneficial for conducting business
Q2) According to your point of view, Is
cloud technology beneficial for conducting
business?
Frequency
Agree 30
Disagree 10
10
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
Column B

Interpretation: Cloud technology is an effective technology that gives benefits to company.
Rather than buying expensive equipments as well as systems for business, cloud technology
helps in minimize costs of company. The cloud technology is helpful in reduce operating cost
because of the cost of upgrade the systems, include software and hardware. Cloud technology
gives maximise amount of processing as well as storage power in order to run applications in
significant manner. On the basis of opinion of 30 respondents that cloud technology is helpful in
provide benefits to business of Pacific computers. There are 10 respondents which are disagree
with this mention statement.
THEME 3: Cloud technology helpful in sharing, storage of information
Q3) Does cloud technology helpful in
sharing, storage of information in an
effective manner?
Frequency
Yes 32
No 8
11
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
30
10
Column B

Interpretation: Cloud technology is an effective tool to share and store information and data in
systematic manner. With the help of using cloud technology, one department can share
information and data with the other department in an easy manner. Staff members can access
information of consumers through cloud-based CRM software for an instance Salesforce. On the
other hand, business organisation can share information with authorised partied in a quick
manner. On the basis of opinion of 32 respondents that cloud technology is an effective tool that
helps in storage as well as sharing of information or data in significant manner. With the help of
this, company can share its information with its consumers. There are 8 respondents which said
that cloud technology is not effective in share information.
THEME 4: Different benefits of cloud technology
Q4) What are different benefits of cloud
technology to Pacific Computers
organisation?
Frequency
Storage of data and data backup 10
Enhance productivity 12
Time saving and Cost effective 8
Powerful server capabilities 10
12
32
8
Yes
No

Interpretation: Cloud technology is helpful in provide the benefits to business. On the basis of
view point of 10 respondents that data back up and storage of data is main benefit. Cloud
technology assess in storage reliable and accurate data in significant manner. According to
opinion of 12 respondents that through using the cloud computing technology, productivity of
Pacific computers organisation will be enhanced in an effective manner. There are 8 respondents
which said that cloud computing helps in minimize managing along with maintaining cost of IT
systems. With the help of using this technology, costs of energy consumption can be minimized.
Company upgrade its cloud technology in proper period of time. There are 10 remaining
respondents which are agreed with Powerful server capabilities.
THEME 5: Various models for the deployment in cloud computing
Q5) What are various models for the
deployment in cloud computing?
Frequency
Public cloud 8
Private cloud 6
Hybrid cloud 15
Community cloud 11
13
10
12
8
10
Storage of data and data
backup
Enhance productivity
Time saving and Cost effective
Powerful server capabilities

Interpretation: Cloud technology is use of the remote server networks which are hosted over
internet. On the basis of mention graph, there are 8 respondents which said that public cloud is
an effective deployment model in cloud technology, it is hosted on premise of service provider.
Under this, service provider gives cloud services to all consumers. As Pacific Computers is small
size firm so it can use public cloud model for conducting its core functions. According to opinion
of 6 respondents that Private cloud model is set up of premise for exclusive use of company and
its consumers. There are 11 respondents which said that community cloud is beneficial model
that shared through group of companied of same sector as well as backgrounds with same needs
such as IT policies,. Mission and security. 15 respondents are agree with the hybrid cloud model
because it is combination of private, public and community model. With the help of this, Pacific
company can maintain its separate entities which able portability of applications as well as data.
THEME 6: Cloud technology helps in provide cost benefits
Q6) Does Cloud technology helps in provide
cost benefits to Pacific Computers business
firm?
Frequency
Yes 35
No 5
14
8
6
15
11
Public cloud
Private cloud
Hybrid cloud
Community cloud

Interpretation: Cloud technology is beneficial tool that gives many benefits to company in an
effective manner. On the basis of opinion of 35 respondents that cloud technology is helpful in
give the better cost related advantages to Pacific Computers organisation. On the other hand,
there are 5 other respondents which said that or minimising the cost or taking cost benefits, it is
necessary for firm to use some other technology.
THEME 7: Importance of cloud technology
Q7) What is importance of cloud technology
to Pacific Computers company?
Frequency
Security 15
Stop the software Piracy 18
Reduce cost of conduct business 7
15
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
35
5
Column B

Interpretation: Cloud infrastructure is set up on premise for exclusive use of company as well
as its consumers. The cloud technology helps in enhance value of work and reduce cost of
production. On the basis of opinion of 15 respondents that cloud technology helps in make the
data or information secure. It is a responsibility of Pacific company to keep secure information of
employees and consumers in an effective manner. There are 18 respondents which said that Stop
the software Piracy is main importance which cloud technology provides to business. It can
prevent software piracy. It is not better for economic development of country. Through using the
cloud computing, Pacific computers can stop the piracy problem. According to view point of 7
respondents that cloud technology helps in Reduce cost of conducting the business, adoption of
the cloud technology will minimize cost of conduct business operations. Through this, Pacific
computers organisation can store, launch and backup the private cloud network through using
existed cloud technology infrastructure in minimum cost.
THEME 8: Different complexities Pacific Computers face at the time of executing cloud
technology
Q8) What are different complexities Pacific
Computers face at the time of executing
cloud technology in business?
Frequency
Service Provider Reliability 13
Data privacy 16
16
15
18
7
Security
Stop the software Piracy
Reduce cost of conduct
business

Downtime 11
Interpretation: Cloud computing is used for the purpose of enabling the global access to mutual
resources for an instance data. Computer networks, services and many others. Cloud technology
is based on resources allocation to achieve the economy of scale, utility, cost effective, scale of
an economy etc. On the basis of opinion of 13 respondents that Service Provider Reliability is
main challenge that Pacific computers company face. In this, capability and capacity of service
provider are necessary as cost. It is necessary that service provider should be reliable. On the
basis of 16 respondents that data privacy is a main concern and in this personal and sensitive
information is kept in cloud should be explained for internal use not to be shared. It is essential
that company should have plan yo secure as well as manager gathered data in an effective
manner. According to 11 respondents downtime is shortcoming of the cloud technology.
THEME 9: Various ways by which Pacific Computers can overcome from arisen
challenges
Q9) What are various ways by which Pacific
Computers can overcome from arisen
challenges of cloud technology?
Frequency
Shifting Systems 12
17
Service Provider Reliability Data privacy Downtime
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
13
16
11
Column B

Consider IAM to combat cloud security 15
Establish network security groups 13
Interpretation: As per the given graph, 12 respondents said that shifting the systems is solution
to overcome from the cloud technology challenge, with the help of using cloud technology,
systems of company can connected with outside system in context to offer similar services.
According to opinion of 15 respondents that Identity access management (IAM) tool is helpful
for IT teams of Pacific computers company to manage the identities of users as well as access
controls in cloud. There are 13 respondents which said that network security groups are better
point of starting in order to overcome from public cloud security issues. It is main part from the
outside access.
TASK 3
P5. Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience
Cloud Technology is one of the wider concept that comes under digital technology and
now a days most of the companies are using this technology for storing data and information at
large number. From the authors point of view it has been critically analysed cloud technology is
providing maximum benefits to organisation those who have already adopted this technology so,
it can be considered as one of the best approach that can help Pacific Computers to store more
18
Shifting Systems
Consider IAM to combat cloud security
Establish network security groups
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
12
15
13
Column B

and more data at a time. On the other hand it has also been analysed that in some context, view
point given by author is not appropriate because large data can sometimes creates issues like
malware functioning and important data can misused. In addition to this, on the basis of usage
cloud technology can be costly which may not be afforded by organisations. Therefore, cloud
technology has both positive and negative aspects depends on the companies how they are using
and have implemented the same.
When technology was developed storing large number of data was not possible, because
of which company faced difficulty in doing the same but with the change in course of time as
new technologies have evolved and cloud technology is one of them. This is a cloud based
technology which stores information and important information that are crucial. Therefore, with
the authors point of view as company is growing rapidly because of which it has become
necessary for Pacific Computers in maintaining records of its activities. As a result it is assisting
company in getting valuable information in quick time without any complications. On the same
time it is having a negative aspects as well because with the heavy load in access routes system
sometimes hanged and process becomes slower than usual. Moreover, it has some issues but
from past few years it has been analysed that company after implementing cloud technology has
got positive impacts.
Cloud technology, form approximately two decades has provided benefits to firms and
individual for those storing data and information was difficult. It has been critically analyse that
after implementing this technology will help in improving or collecting heavy data in micro
seconds.
Henceforth, this can be concluded that, cloud technology has some pros as well as cons
but for most of the companies it has helped them in getting maximum benefits. As a result,
managing activities for Pacific Computer is easier than before.
Stakeholders are the main people of company which takes interest in activities as well as
operations of firm. In research, investigator should involved the stakeholders in the activities of
research for the purpose of gaining the positive outcomes in an effective manner. Stakeholder
identify as people abstraction which are related with the functions of business, for getting the
positive outcomes, it is necessary to realise better path to range them. Stakeholders consists
customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders etc. Stakeholders of investigation consists those
which people get the advantages for the completion of investigation.
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TASK 4
P6. Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives of the
business research project
Investigation is regarded as most necessary aspect under which the part of research
methodology plays a necessary role. It helps in conduct activities of research in significant way.
With the help of using the better data collection method, I was able to gather relevant and
accurate information related to specific topic of investigation. In this research project, I used the
qualitative method of research because it provides information in a detailed manner. Under given
report, secondary as well as primary sources are used to collect information by me. It will help
me in provide the positive outcomes regarding this investigation. In part of literature review, I
used the secondary sources by taking opinion or view points of different authors or writers. On
the other hand, primary method of data collection is used through me in developing the
questionnaire. It helps in collect relevant and accurate data from different selected respondents.
By filling the questionnaire, I was able to know about the opinions of different respondents
related to specific research topic.
P7. Consider alternative research methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcomes
Research methodologies is used to gather data or information for aims of developing the
decisions related to business. It consists surveys, interview, questionnaire and many others to
gather information concerned with particular subject of research in significant manner. In order
to gather information or data, I used questionnaire because it helps in provide the opinions and
thinking of different respondents. Interview is an alternative research methodology in which,
researcher needs to prepare the different questions for various respondents. It is more time taken
and costly as comparison to the questionnaire.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above mention report that cloud computing helps in
sharing, filing and storage of information and data in significant manner. It is an easiest way of
sharing information of company with consumers. Under this mention report studied about the
research proposal that explains clearly about the research related questions or hypothesis
supported through literature review. In part of literature review, point of views or opinions of
different authors has been taken. Secondary and primary investigation has been conducted with
20

the help of using the appropriate methods for project that consists access, ethical issues and
costs. Researcher conducted investigation by including the ethical consideration in business. In
given research, appropriate approaches as well as methods of research project to secondary and
primary investigation has been studied in detailed manner. Under given research discussed about
effectiveness of different methods of investigation applied for meeting objectives of research
project.
RECOMMENDATIONS
There are some recommendations mention below:
 It is necessary for company to update the technology in its business so that company can
not face nay kind of difficulty.
 Manager should provide the training and guidance to staff members so that they can able
to deal with advanced technology and know the way to use.
 Firm should hire the well qualified and talented employees which can able to perform
business activities by using the new technologies in a better manner.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Cheng, J.C. and Kumar, B., 2012. Cloud computing support for construction collaboration.
Mobile and pervasive computing in construction. pp.237-254.
Clowes, R., 2015. Thinking in the cloud: The cognitive incorporation of cloud-based technology.
Philosophy & Technology. 28(2). pp.261-296.
Ekufu, T.K., 2012. Predicting cloud computing technology adoption by organizations: An
empirical integration of technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior
(Doctoral dissertation, Capella University).
Kirubakaramoorthi, R., Arivazhagan, D. and Helen, D., 2015. Analysis of cloud computing
technology. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. 8(21).
Kulkarni, G. and et. al., 2014. Ice nucleation of bare and sulfuric acid‐coated mineral dust
particles and implication for cloud properties. Journal of Geophysical Research:
Atmospheres. 119(16). pp.9993-10011.
Lai, I.K., Tam, S.K. and Chan, M.F., 2012. Knowledge cloud system for network collaboration:
A case study in medical service industry in China. Expert Systems with applications.
39(15). pp.12205-12212.
Mahamadu, A.M., Mahdjoubi, L. and Booth, C., 2013, December. Challenges to BIM-cloud
integration: Implication of security issues on secure collaboration. In Cloud Computing
Technology and Science (CloudCom), 2013 IEEE 5th International Conference on (Vol.
2, pp. 209-214). IEEE.
Park, E. and Kim, K.J., 2014. An integrated adoption model of mobile cloud services:
exploration of key determinants and extension of technology acceptance model.
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Shin, D., 2015. Beyond user experience of cloud service: Implication for value sensitive
approach. Telematics and Informatics. 32(1). pp.33-44.
Shin, D.H., 2013. User centric cloud service model in public sectors: Policy implications of
cloud services. Government Information Quarterly. 30(2). pp.194-203.
Smith, A., Bhogal, J. and Sharma, M., 2014, August. Cloud computing: adoption considerations
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Tashkandi, A.N. and Al-Jabri, I.M., 2015. Cloud computing adoption by higher education
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5 Benefits of Cloud Technology for Small Businesses in 2018. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://blog.capterra.com/benefits-cloud-technology/>.
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<https://www.techwell.com/techwell-insights/2017/10/6-major-challenges-cloud-
computing>.
Adshead, A., 2019. Big data storage: Defining big data and the type of storage it needs. [Online].
Available through: <https://www.computerweekly.com/podcast/Big-data-storage-
Defining-big-data-and-the-type-of-storage-it-needs>.
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Rouse, M., 2019. Cloud computing. [Online]. Available through:
<https://searchcloudcomputing.techtarget.com/definition/cloud-computing>.
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Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a
question, objective or hypothesis)
“To identify the importance of cloud technology in improving storage and filing of data”. A
case study on Pacific Computers.
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?):
Research Objectives:
 To identify the concept of cloud technology.
 To determine the need of storing large data for Pacific Computers. To examine the benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific
Computers.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of cloud technology?
 Why it is necessary for Pacific Computers to store large number of data?
 What are the benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific
Computers?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you
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are studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you
want to improve, why the topic is important):
The main reason behind selecting this research project is know get more information about the
cloud technology as well as its effectiveness. Apart from this, researcher at the time of
conducting the report, was basically filled with full of enthusiasm but also he found that there
were a range of skills in which investigator was pretty much weak and this impacted on time
duration which was planned for finishing the project in specific time frame. On the other hand,
it is being found that knowledge which is collected will help researcher in taking decisions or
giving suggestions to colleagues at crucial times. Along with this, it can be said that cloud
technology is mainly important because in present time this technology is used by most of
business organisations to keep or analyse data for a longer time frame. On the other hand, it is
being considered as the fastest growing application of cloud technology in recent era. It has
been found that cloud based infrastructure is much effective in nature and do not requires
much cost as well. Along with this, current research is based on impact of digital technology
on business activity of SME’s. This research study will prove to mire effective for small
business firms to aware about the impact of the digital technology on business activities. It is
helpful in increasing the knowledge as well as personal interest of an individual about the
specific subject area. On the basis of academic view point it will helpful in future in perform
the research in a significant manner.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
Concept of cloud technology
According to Lai, Tam and Chan (2012) Cloud refers to a clear IT environment which
is made or designed with keeping an aim of storing, analysing and using the data for a longer
period of time. Cloud computing helps in accessing the data/information whenever an
organisation is having an internet connection. It is method for deliver information technology
under which the resourced are retried from Internet by web- based application and tools as
opposed to direction connect with server. Cloud computing is delivery of the computer
services like databases, software, intelligence, servers etc. It is an effective method for
delivering the information technology services under which the resources are to be retrieved
from Internet by using the web based tools as well as applications in an effective manner. On
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the basis of view point of Rouse (2019), Cloud computing enable the business firms to
consumer compute resources for an instance storage, application or virtual machine. It is an
effective method for delivering the services related with information technology under which
the resources are to be retrieved from internet with the help of using the web- based tools as
well as applications as opposed to direct connection to server.
Need of storing large data for Pacific Computers
According to Mahamadu, Mahdjoubi and Booth (2013) Big/large data is important for
every single firm as it may aid them in doing basic analysis whenever a critical situation
arises. Big data is used for gathering large data and it is complex to process by using the
traditional tools or application. In 1950s, big data used to be kept in numbers like in a
spreadsheet which were used to get examined manually. This used to take time because every
single company used to have one or two employee that used to look into spreadsheets.
According to opinion of Adshead (2019), Big data storage is a kind of compute and also
storage architecture that helps in gathers as well as manager the large data set that enable real
time data analytics. Under this, Pacific computers analyse apply the big data analytics in order
to get more intelligence from the metadata. On the other hand, big data storage uses the low-
cost hard disk drives and also moderating the costs for the flash that appear to opened door for
the storage systems .
Benefits of cloud technology in improving storage system of Pacific Computers
As given by Park and Kim, (2014) there are many benefits that can be seen in Pacific
Computers at the time of using cloud technology and these are given beneath:
Scaling infrastructure : This is being considered as the fastest growing application of
cloud technology in recent era. It has been found that cloud based infrastructure is much
effective in nature and do not requires much cost as well.
Cloud-based office systems : This type of system shows or reflects over all the
changes that has been made by users instantly. With the help of this, fundamental shifts and
collaboration can be seen among staff members of a company.
The cloud computing is helpful in improving the business in an proper manner. It is helpful in
provide the flexibility to management to connect with the consumers or customers at
anywhere. In addition to business, cloud computing is helpful in buy as well as maintain the
cloud drastically along with minimize costs. It is helpful in manage the big data and develop
business in a successful manner. In context to customers, cloud computing assess in securing
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data or information of customers safe and secure.
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):
Timescale- It refers to graphical tool that is helpful in shows the activities
which need to perform the task against time. Generally, it drills down the
activities which require to be done through fixed period of time. Under this,
activities are displayed on the basis of set period of time.
How long
this will
take:
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?
Primary and secondary data tools are used to gather relevant information which provide
direction in completion of project. These both are helpful in collect reliable or accurate data or
information.
Qualitative Research: This method of research is regarded as one of most useful and
beneficial method because it is helpful in providing the positive outcomes in a better manner.
This kind of approach is used through investigator for understanding the quantitative means of
the selected objectives in detailed manner. In context to this, it has been analysed that in case
if researcher will use this method in conducting investigation then it will be helpful in provide
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theoretical and reasonable outcomes. The data collection used in this research method are
unstructured or semi- structure for an instance group discussions, individual depth interviews
and many others.
Quantitative Research: This research method is helpful for an investigator in measuring data
in the form of numerical or mathematical terms. It is necessary for investigator to look towards
behaviour of chosen research topic. It will helpful in provide the accurate information and data
in a systematic manner. In addition to this, quantitative research methods is effective in the
nature as comparison to qualitative research method because it provides accurate conclusion to
investigator and in the form of numerical terms. It is a systematic empirical research related to
observable phenomenon through mathematical and the statistical techniques in an effective
manner. It consists structures techniques like for an instance online questionnaire, telephonic
interviews and many others.
Both research methods are beneficial and helpful in conducting research in a proper manner.
In order to completing this investigation, researcher uses qualitative research method because
this method provides the detailed and theoretical explanation about particular topic and
specific in nature. It will easy to understand about specific subject area without facing any
issues. The main reason not selecting quantitative research method because it is less effective
in nature and not easily understandable.
What your areas of research will cover:
In research, there are different things are considered in whole research project and literature
review, methodologies and analysis of data etc. in significant manner.
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):
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I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants
or the use of data collected form human participants are required to gain
ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all
relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time
before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: “To identify the importance of cloud technology in improving storage and filing
of data”. A case study on Pacific Computers.
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) :
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Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
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
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Questionnaire
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?
By filling questionnaire. Yes. By evaluating all terms and conditions to participants
so that that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time
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
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their
informed consent to be observed.
✔Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes No ✔
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a
brief summary of your findings in general)
✔Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data
Protection Act (1998)
✔Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
It will always be kept by me and management is such for which research is being done.
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Personal system of researcher.
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No✔
If Yes, please provide further details:
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After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In company software.
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
6 years
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
✔Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise
because of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical
concerns may include, but are not limited to the following :
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer,
sharing, encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics
Policy:
Yes
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues
that may arise in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to the Cohort Leader and a copy to your
supervisor only
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