[FULL ACCESS] Research and Analysis Project

The assignment requires students to develop a research project plan with clear milestones and deadlines. The project involves data collection, analysis, interpretation, finding and conclusion, recommendations, executing the plan, and submission. Students are expected to choose a suitable research approach and methodology for their study, which may include interpretivism philosophy, deductive approach, primary or secondary data collection. A confirmation from the tutor is required to ensure the project's appropriateness.

Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
P1 Research Proposal ............................................................................................................3
Aim.........................................................................................................................................3
Objectives: .............................................................................................................................3
Literature review....................................................................................................................4
P2 Approaches to primary and secondary research considering cost, access and ethical issues 8
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................8
P 3 Primary and secondary research that consider costs, access and ethical issues...............8
Appropriate plan and procedure for agreed research specification.....................................11
P 4 Appropriate analytical tools...........................................................................................12
L O 3..............................................................................................................................................21
P 5 Covered in PPT..............................................................................................................21
L O 4..............................................................................................................................................21
P 6 Reflection.......................................................................................................................21
P 7 Alternative Research methodologies..............................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................26

TITLE: “The impact of digital technology on business activity of SME’s”
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology has opened avenues for Small businesses. Innovation is a process which
can be extracted from knowledge through creating, diffusing and transforming of data in order to
improve products, processes, strategies and capabilities of firm. SME can make wide use of
digital technology through smartphones, internet and social media. Nowadays, companies like
Softwire are using Information Communication Technology (ICT) for attaining success in
competitiveness, innovation and growth. The complete research is based on importance, factors
and use of ICT by Softwire (Cavalaro and et.al., 2015). It has opened new markets by enabling
firm to enter in global digital supply chains.
P1 Research Proposal
Aim
“To analyse the impact of Information communication technology (ICT) on SME- A case study
on Softwire”.
Objectives:
 To assess the importance of Information Communication Technology.
 To analyse the factors that drive innovation in the business.
 To know the prominent use of ICT in bringing innovation by Softwire.
 To recommend effective measures by ICT that tends to bring innovation in functions of
Softwire.
Research Questions
 Why Information Communication Technology is important in today's world?
 What factors are essential for managing innovation in business world?
 What is the use of ICT in bringing innovation by Softwire?
Background/Overview of the study
Digitalization is an opportunity that helps the firm in improving customer experience,
loyalty and also drives business outcomes like efficiency, revenue, growth and innovation. In
recent years, digital technology has implemented various software applications for SMEs. In this
research, there is significance of ICT which play a vital role in providing competitive advantage

to SMEs like Softwire. It uses ICT for various purposes like it enables business process
productivity and efficiency. It facilitates worldwide connectivity of customers by generating and
delivering products and services on global scale (Finotello and Di Camillo, 2015).
ICT helps in rapid advancement that is liberalisation, globalisation and greater
dependency on knowledge. It is can be considered as important source of economic growth of
Softwire and other SMEs. Production and processes are related to digital innovation and in
current scenario SME aim on more usage of increase in market differentiation and client value.
Information Communication Technology is one of the most common technologies used by firm
across the globe. Use of ICT by companies can be seen inevitable. They must realise that
businesses and economy are moving towards a new configuration world of digital information
and knowledge based (Gehman and et.al., 2017). Therefore, ICT is considered as effective for
fulfilling numerous business demands like operational, marketing and strategic. Combination of
these demands led to the use of ICT.
Rationale
Information Communication Technology is selected for the research project in order to find
out the importance of ICT to SMEs. From professional point of view, it can be stated that there is
a huge impact of digital technology on SMEs. It results in improving efficiency of workforces
and productivity by accelerating workflow that leads to profit margins. This research is
concerned about identifying the impact on how and to which extent ICT can improve
performance and competitiveness of evolving SMEs in various countries. Further, it seeks to
analyse the factors and measures which it can take for better innovation in Softwire. ICT helps in
increasing profitability, market value, market share no matter whatever the size and location of
firm is.
This report will also help in determining digital performance of Softwire. ICT creates
customer engagement and helps in creating various approaches in innovative ways. Thus, in
professional context ICT carries different challenges and opportunities like cost savings,
operational efficiency and is rapidly changing face of business performance in dynamic world
(Graue, 2015). This research would place Softwire in broader global business framework in
order to contrast and compare their innovativeness, growth and competitiveness.
Literature review
To assess the importance of Information Communication Technology

As per the point of Brynjolfsson and Kahin, (2014), digital technology increase significant
advantages with different apps and available technology. In this regard, use of new age
technologies develop successfully over traditional business processes. As a result, it builds
scalable process of innovation, optimization and growth. There are several activities considered
in digital technology implementation offer productive support which integrate to make sure
appropriate support system. On the other hand, Cavalaro and et.al., (2015) stated that digital
technology build value to communicate openly with employees that consider organisational
benefits in new process and motivated for the change. It assists to build trust to collect and
address feedback in appropriate manner. Hence, direct value highlighted with advance
technology.
According to Martinez-Conesa and et.al., (2017) Information Communication Technology
has shaped the lives and brought rapid evolution in business world. It can be considered as new
science of collecting, storing, processing and transmitting information in which technology and
information and telecommunications are converging. ICT covers areas like point-of scale
systems, simple telephone, internet and other credit card facilities. It focuses on technological
perspectives, management and organisation.
However, Helbig, Gil-García and Ferro, (2018) stated that softwire adopted it for
technological point of view. SMEs plays a crucial role in sustaining regional and economic
growth that alleviates various challenges in developing countries. Softwire participate in the
economy of UK to compete and thrive for future. Adoption of ICT influences business decisions
and directions of companies. ICT plays a crucial role in the current knowledge economy
Henwood, (2014). Small companies must take complete advantage in order to improve their
competitive edge in the market. It is coordinated with production of goods, services and
functionality of the business.
As per the view of McCusker and Gunaydin, (2015, it can be stated that Softwire use ICT to
communicate with the outside world and express the usage of among various companies. On the
other hand, there is emphasis on the strategic approach to ICT by SMEs and structures and
capabilities of them. ICT is both technological and socio-economic. It helps in maintaining right
budget and helps in attaining goals of Softwire.
To analyse the factors that drive innovation in the business.

Berzin, Singer and Chan, (2015) explored their views that finance is one of the major
perspective which contains appropriate financial information to make decisions. As compared to
this, return on investment from innovation efforts are forecast in accurate manner. Strategy also
undertaken which prepare path to make success and it mapped based on formal expertise. Beside
this, Glaser, (2017) generated their views that management leaders usually experienced and
knowledgable which related with problems and issues that can be arise to dealt in systematic
manner. In innovation, challenges also occurs so that products and services must be develop to
lead with unique proposition with emotional stakes for daily fluctuations.
According to Muñoz and Keane, (2018), there are various factors due to which adoption of
ICT has become common in SMEs. ICT helps in global connectivity due to which there is
integration of business process such as outsourcing and value chain to drive income growth. It
enables business process effectiveness and productivity which leads to reduction in operational
cost by minimizing costs of material, transaction costs and procurement. This moreover leads to
decrease in prices for finished goods. Value of output is improved with the help of better
information.
On the other hand Borowitz, (2018) explored that it provides opportunities for business
transformation to conducts them anywhere in the world. It helps in providing potential benefits
to SMEs in order to make itt more effective, efficient and competitive. ICT increases reach and
in terms of collaboration, communication and organising transactions internally with end
customers, distributors and suppliers in order to participate in the digital economy. According to
Oun and Bach, (2014), ICT helps to grow and become more innovative. It has significant impact
on SMEs because it is essential for the growth and survival of economies of the world. It must
have ability to become more imperative for businesses to become stable in international markets
and dynamically respond to the changing world.
To know the prominent use of ICT in bringing innovation by Softwire.
As per the views of Arts, van der Wa and Adams, (2015), innovation is ambiguous in which
desired level of results will be accomplish to pursue right idea at right time. It means that
innovations requires greater perspective within ongoing business activities. Hence, resilience and
energy persist in the work to develop results. High profile innovations efforts made in the
organisation that are highly visible to watch closely.

According to the Sidel, Bleibaum and Tao, (2018), main use of ICT is to change the way
business operates in this era of globalisation. Its use has enhanced productivity in small scale
sector, increased customer participation and modified mass customization by reducing costs. It
offers broad range of possibilities to improve competitiveness. It offers mechanism through
which Softwire can access into new market opportunities and customized information services
like continuous training, distance learning, new advisory and many more. Real-time information
can be exchanged on daily basis and relationships can be built with customers and suppliers to
increase their sales. As per the view of Stuckey, (2015), it can be stated that digital technology
could not reap business growth except it is managed to business strategy. It means that right
technology should be used at right time to improve business performance and to sustainability. It
also helps in improving communication which boost the capability to exchange information,
market share and customer relationships. Another major use of ICT in Softwire is obtaining great
efficiency in business transactions due to accurate and fast processing of information. Companies
are much more capable to exploit potential information provided by ICT and could manage
innovative practices such as customer relationship management, supply chain management more
efficiently.
To recommend effective measures by ICT that tends to bring innovation through Softwire
According to Svenman and Runnemalm, (2017), ICT can take measures to improve business
in SMEs by improving by performance and customer satisfaction. Today's businesses are
customer focused and customer oriented therefore companies can invest in ICT to improve
communication. There are various number of devices that integral to external as well as internal
communications. Therefore, mobile phones, laptops could be used within ICT. Many companies
have developed cloud based solutions to underline activities so that it should be completed
manually. Training should be provided to staff so that they can deal with customers whenever
required. There should be resource management in order to restructure the work. As per the view
of Wang, Chiou and Müller, (2016), communication strategies and tactics should be organised so
that things could become faster. They would also become reliable. Increased use high-tech
communication facilities have encouraged the use of 'The cloud' as communication process.
Thus, ICT could improve more so that Softwire could increase its collaboration and improve its
customer service in order to respond quickly and effectively.

P2 Approaches to primary and secondary research considering cost, access and ethical issues
In order to collect primary and secondary data, appropriate cost, access and ethical issues
must be consider to find valid and appropriate conclusion. Cost: With respect to conduct present research, there is around £560 require
accomplishing aim and objectives. This cost helps to determine desired results which
would be beneficial to gain right and useful information. It helps to estimate appropriate
cost which can be done through assess technological advancement (Smith, 2015). Access: Researcher also face issue to collect appropriate data and information in primary
and secondary methods. As primary data, access requires of participants to resolve
problems in effective manner. Beside this, investigator also face issue to use journal
article which is restricted in the whole program. It need to be maintained confidentiality
to collect information (Brinkmann, 2014).
 Ethical issue: In the research, researcher need to concentrate on finding appropriate
information which not harm any person. As a result, it is important to maintain privacy of
respondent's personal information in effective manner. Hence, it assists to implement
valid conclusion.
LO 2
P 3 Primary and secondary research that consider costs, access and ethical issues
Research Methodology
Research Approach:
Research approach can be described as collection of information that can be further analysed
and interpreted. In this approach two categories are there i.e. inductive and deductive. Inductive
method is preferred because it provides the overall description of the project work. Present
research contains data collection from qualitative information so that it is associated with
inductive approach. It is included with many observations of nature and goal to find few and
powerful statement where nature work. Apart from this, inductive research approach has been
taken because it assists to work with more specific observation to broader and generalisation
theories. Researcher develops the empirical generalisation and recognizes preliminary

relationships as he/she progresses in the research work (Carlsson and et.al, 2015). It provides the
broad concept of the project work. It starts with the aim of searching powerful opinions and if the
idea conflicts these statements then it can be further changed. In this research Inductive method
will be used.
Research Design
Research design can be considered the quality of data gathered and its analysis that is done
in different ways. Each and every form of research design has its own purpose and need. There
are three types of research designs i.e. explanatory, descriptive and exploratory. In this research
descriptive method is used because it explains importance, measures and benefits of the complete
project (Gehman and et.al., 2017). It helps to determine the significance of research findings.
Exploratory method is not used because the topic is not so unique and is ICT has become
significant in today's era.
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy can be described as the proper understanding of source, nature and
growth of knowledge. Data is firstly gathered, analysed and then used for further research
purpose. It is used to obtain different opinions relevant to main aim of the research. This can be
classified into interpretivism and positivism. Here, interpretivism is used to because it provides
easy access to know the reality through social elements like consciousness, instruments,
language and shared meanings (Oun and Bach, 2014). This can be considered as a naturalistic
approach which is fully dependent on interviews and observations.
Research Limitation
Research limitation is related to time and cost. There is budgeting for each activity and work
must be performed within time frame else it becomes a constraint for research work. Project
should never face over budgeting. Other limitations include flawless implementation of data
collection methods, aim and objectives of research can be narrowed in order to increase the
study, quality of the work and good communication skill. Sample size collected must not be too
small because it create problems and inaccuracy and quality of the work.
Data Collection
Data collection is a method of collecting valuable information from relevant sources so that
answers can be evaluated easily (Sousa, 2014). This can be categorised into two forms: primary
and secondary method. This research work aim at primary method which is further sub divided

into quantitative and qualitative methods. Qualitative method is more preferable that includes
interviews, focus groups while quantitative is statistical in nature. In qualitative research
methodology, detailed presented with respective module so that in the present research survey
conducted to gain specific type of data. It is also emphasized to measure objective and based on
personal overview.
Data analysis
Data analysis is the process which inspecting, cleansing, transforming and modelling data to
accomplish goal of discovering useful information. In this regard, informing conclusion and
supporting decision-making ascertained to gain desired results. Present research based on
qualitative data collection and information so that thematic analysis has been taken by
researcher.
Sampling
In sample process, a subset from large segment of population is taken. This project considers
a sample of 20 employees out of a population of 58 employees. Population or target population
is a study population is a complete number of people that have same characteristics, same
specializations or other characteristics that are shared by all the individuals, Sample is a subset
of the population that are most representative for the entire population. It is a process in which
there is already a predetermined set of observation from large amount of population. In sampling
purposive method is applied
Cost, Access & ethical issues
Increase in time would definitely increase cost of the work thereby fluctuate the overall budget.
Thus, there things should be properly managed so that its reliability could be assured and is
information is reliable then it has to be valid ( (Wang, Chiou and Müller, 2016). While, doing
research work researcher should bear in mind that all types of ethical considerations should be
advised. Participants should not harm to anybody while doing their work. Their respect and
dignity should be considered. Prior to study entire consent must be obtained (Stuckey, 2015).
Privacy of the research participants should be there during research work. Sufficient level of
confidentiality should be maintained while performing the work. There should not be any kind of
leakage of information related to the information. Communication among all of them should be
there with honesty and transparency..

Appropriate plan and procedure for agreed research specification
Key Activities
1
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Wee
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2
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& 3
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4th &
5th
Week
6
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Week
7
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8
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& 9
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10
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11
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12
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13
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Week
Introduction
for the research
Literature
Review
Gathering
secondary data
Data analyzing
Research Design
Research
Methodology
Developing
survey question
Gathering
customer's
reviews
Analysis of
primary and
secondary data
Conclusions and

Recommendatio
ns
Completion of
remaining work
Revise and draft
Final
Submission
P 4 Appropriate analytical tools
Data analysis
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
1. Since when you are using this website?
 1 year
 2 year
 More than 2 year
2. What benefits Softwire has experienced with ICT?
 Good customer relationship
 Increasing revenue
 Better competitiveness
3. Is your firm's webpage is integrated with your partner' database?
 Yes
 No
4. Does your company use internet to market its services?
 Yes
 No
5. Are you satisfied with the adoption of ICT in operations of Softwire?
 Highly Satisfied

 Satisfied
 Neutral
 Dissatisfied
 Highly dissatisfied
6. Do you think ICT helps in making business operations flexible?
 Strongly Agreed
 Agreed
 Neutral
 Disagreed
 Strongly Disagreed
7. Is your staff adequately trained to handle ICT in Softwire?
 Yes
 No
8. What are the limitations in adoption of ICT for the company?
 Security concerns
 IT skills
 Lack of awareness
Theme 1: Employees are using this website from one year.
1. Since when you are using this
website? Frequency %
1 year 10 50.00%
2 year 6 30.00%
More than 2 year 4 20.00%

Interpretation:
From the above graph it can be interpreted that most of the employees are using ICT in
Softwire from last one year only. Only 4 employees are using it for more than 2 years and 6 are
using it from two years. This means that this company has adopted ICT recently.
Theme 2: Softwire has experienced good customer relationship
2. What benefits Softwire has
experienced with ICT? Frequency %
Good customer relationship 9 45.00%
Increasing revenue 5 25.00%
Better competitiveness 6 30.00%
10
6
4
1 year
2 year
More than 2 year

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted from the above graph that out of 20, 9 employees believe ICT helps in
maintaining customer relationship. It helps in improving communication between old customers
and helps in creating new ones, thereby helps in maintaining good customer base line. Whereas,
5 states that ICT also contributes in increasing revenue by increasing productivity and 6
employees say that it helps in generating better competitive edge in the global market. Thus,
majority thinks that ICT is good for customer relationship.
Theme 3: Company has integrated webpage with its business partner
3. Is your firm's webpage is
integrated with your partner' database? Frequency %
Yes 11 55.00%
No 9 45.00%
9
5
6
Good customer relationship
Increasing revenue
Better competitiveness

Interpretation:
From the above graph it can be stated that majority of staff is in favour of creating webpage
with its business partner. 11 employees say that it is good for business purpose while 9 are not in
favour of this new innovation.
Theme 4: Softwire uses Internet for its operations
4. Does your company use internet
to market its services? Frequency %
Yes 12 60.00%
No 8 40.00%
11
9
Yes
No

Interpretation:
From above graph it can be interpreted that, 12 employees are in favour of using internet
services for marketing purpose while 8 are of traditional mentality. They like face-face
marketing.
Theme 5: ICT is satisfied with the adoption of ICT for its operations.
5. Are you satisfied with the adoption of ICT in
operations of Softwire? Frequency %
Highly Satisfied 10 50.00%
Satisfied 4 20.00%
Neutral 2 10.00%
Dissatisfied 3 15.00%
Highly dissatisfied 1 5.00%
12
8
Yes
No

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted that out of 20, 10 are highly satisfied with the adoption of ICT in
Softwire. Single person is highly dissatisfied and states that there are risks of leakage of data
while 4 are just in getting information as they just satisfied. 3 persons are dissatisfied.
Theme 6: ICT helps in making business operations flexible and reliable.
6. Do you think ICT helps in
making business operations
flexible? Frequency %
Strongly Agreed 11 55.00%
Agreed 4 20.00%
Neutral 1 5.00%
Disagreed 1 5.00%
Strongly Disagreed 3 15.00%
10
4
2
3
1
Highly Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Highly dissatisfied

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted that ICT helps in making operations flexible through statistical data. 11
employees agree while 3 persons strongly deny and single person is disagreed. People who are
in favour think that business activities can be made more flexible and easy through the
implementation of ICT.
Theme 7: Staff is adequately trained for ICT in Softwire
7. Is your staff adequately
trained to handle ICT in
Softwire? Frequency %
Yes 13 65.00%
No 7 35.00%
11
4
1
1
3
Strongly Agreed
Agreed
Neutral
Disagreed
Strongly Disagreed

Interpretation:
From the above graph it can be interpreted that Softwire consists of staff in which so 13
employees are in favour and 7 employees are not because some are retired persons so they do not
possess IT skills.
Theme 8: Softwire faces many limitations related to ICT
8. What are the limitations in
adoption of ICT for the company? Frequency %
Security concerns 12 60.00%
IT skills 5 25.00%
Lack of awareness 3 15.00%
13
7
Yes
No

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted from above graph that Softwire is facing many limitations and majority
believes that it is facing security problems while 5 thinks that there is lack of IT skill in staff and
3 states that there is no awareness about technology in Softwire and therefore operations are
running slow.
L O 3
P 5 Covered in PPT
L O 4
P 6 Reflection
This research work was very effective and I learned many innovative things. I also received
meaningful results related to the topic. I learned that ICT really helps in generating better
customer service, managing business processes and is tremendously changing the face of
corporate world specially SMEs through internalization and globalization. This study has
revealed the use of ICT is bringing innovation in Softwire. Based on the study, major necessities
12
5
3
Security concerns
IT skills
Lack of awareness

associated with ICT adoption to work all together in a coordinated and a networked manner was
identified so that ICT diffusion can be brought up at required level.
Some strategic advantages include increasing revenue, expanding geographical reach, brand
awareness, improving competitiveness and customer services. It was found that Thus, firm
should invest in ICT to seek relevant benefits, after all it is an actual cause that provide enterprise
avenues to competes on global scale.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that ICT is used by Softwire in many business operations. It makes work
more flexible and reliable and helps in good communication with customers, suppliers and other
business partners.
Recommendation
After analysing the informations that we acquire there are a number of things that help in
implementing digital technologies acquire the right results , help in gaining a better security over
the informations that are stored by the company about their customers. Further recommendation
can be made that for the proper implementation of ICT in Softwire technical staff should be
hired. Company should consider its limitations regarding security system and awareness should
be brought so that no further problems should be raised. Softwire should get more techinical
qualified staff that can handle the new technologies that can be used. Out of 20, 10 are highly
satisfied with the adoption of ICT in Softwire. Single person is highly dissatisfied and states that
there are risks of leakage of data while 4 are just in getting information as they just satisfied. 3
persons are dissatisfied Softiwire needs to analise and do more research to find out why 50% of
their employees are not highly satified with ITC, what needs to be improved , what needs be
changed or added, obviously more training and information to be given to their employees
regarding ITC so the transition and implementation to be smoother.It can be interpreted from the
info acquired that Softwire is facing many limitations and majority believes that it is facing
security problems while 5 thinks that there is lack of IT skill in staff and 3 states that there is no
awareness about technology in Softwire and therefore operations are running slow. So we
recommand further anaylise and research to be done to improve this downfalls. Other than this,
Sofwire should take compete advantage of ICT to reach its customers.

P 7 Alternative Research methodologies.
Information Communication technology has become an integral part of every SME.
Alternative research methodologies could be used like secodary research in which surveys are
done but the information is not so reliable. Furthermore, future studies should investigate
motivating factors and level of adoption as well as challenges being faced by SMEs.
SMEs have several benefits so it should be wisely used by them keeping investment on ICT
in mind because different ICT applications are being used by them on large scale to obtain
operational, tactical and strategical benefits. SMEs should change their managerial practices by
integrating ICT in their day-to-day activity. Tools and techniques used were good enough to find
the benefits and impact of technology on small scale companies.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
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Online
Importance of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) In Our Daily life. 2018.
[Online] Available through:<https://pcdreams.com.sg/importance-of-information-and-
communications-technology-ict-in-our-daily-life/>

APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
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 analyse the impact of Information communication
technology (ICT) on SME- A case study on Softwire”.
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 assess the importance of Information Communication Technology.
To analyse the factors that drive innovation in the business.
To know the prominent use of ICT in bringing innovation by Softwire.
To recommend effective measures by ICT that tends to bring innovation
in functions of Softwire.
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):
 Researcher interest: Researcher has wide interest in order to
assess globalisation impact on marketing activities of the
Sainsbury. In this regard, it is essential to focus on more
effectiveness that assists to focus on operations that are
developed in global environment. On the basis of creativity,

researcher can also identify factors that helps to develop
operations in different areas. As a result, it assists to develop
more significant results at workplace (Hasanen, Al-Kandari and
Al-Sharoufi, 2014).
 Research scope: Globalisation is widely used in different areas of
the world to make more productive resources. In order to
accomplish desired level of results, it can be stated that Sainsbury
able to communicate several benefits in different areas. On the
basis of creativity, research scope widely develop to grow more
benefits (Ogbonna, 2017). Furthermore, globalisation gives new
direction to the business to operate in different areas so that it is
beneficial to focus on more creativity and effectiveness in the
world.
 Researcher knowledge: Researcher possess creative and
effective knowledge in globalisation implementation which
assists to focus on the creativity. In this regard, it can be
stated that researcher has more knowledge in development
of the business to maintain more growth with analysis
different factors (Oberlander, Disdier and Etilé, 2017).
Therefore, it is more creative to operate in several
considerations. In addition to this, it can be stated that wide
knowledge also useful that create more systematic work in
the present study.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research
question, objective or hypothesis:
Martinez-Conesa, I., Soto-Acosta, P. and Palacios-Manzano, M., 2017.
Corporate social responsibility and its effect on innovation and

firm performance: An empirical research in SMEs. Journal of
cleaner production. 142. pp.2374-2383.
McCusker, K. and Gunaydin, S., 2015. Research using qualitative,
quantitative or mixed methods and choice based on the research.
Perfusion. 30(7). pp.537-542.
Muñoz, A.M. and Keane, P.A., 2018. Original Flavor and
Texture Profile and Modified/Derivative Profile
Descriptive Methods. Descriptive Analysis in Sensory
Evaluation, p.237.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g research, development and analysi
collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing t
Activities Week
1
Week 2 Week
3
Week 4 Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
Week
8
Week
9
Week
10
Research
proposal
Aims and
objectives
Literature
review
Research
methodolo

gies
Data
collection
Data
analysis
Data
interpretati
on
Finding
and
conclusion
Recommen
dations
Execute
the plan
Submissio
n
Milestone one: _ Data collection
Target date (set by tutor): ______1 week______________
Milestone two: _______________collection of Findings
Target date (set by tutor): ___________________2 weeks
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you
likely to use and why?What your areas of research will cover:
Interpretivism philosophy
Deductive approach
Primary and secondary data collection

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