Research Ethics and Data Protection

This assignment focuses on the ethical aspects of conducting research and protecting personal data. It requires students to address informed consent, potential risks to participants, confidentiality, data storage security, and ethical reporting practices. The document details how collected information will be handled, stored, and protected throughout the research process and beyond.

RESEARCH PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1. Research proposal............................................................................................................1
P2 Appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research.........6
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................9
P3 Primary and secondary research .......................................................................................9
P4 Appropriate analytical tools for research .......................................................................10
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................14
P5 Communicate research outcomes in appropriate manner for intended audience............14
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................22
P6 Reflect on effectiveness of research methods that applied to meet with business research
project...................................................................................................................................22
P7 Alternative research methodologies with outcomes........................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24
ANNEXURE..................................................................................................................................26
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................28
Research Proposal Form.......................................................................................................28
Research ethical form...........................................................................................................31

LO 1
P1. Research proposal
Introduction
Digital technology plays important role to increase productivity, efficiency and
performance of the business. In order to implement new technology, successful operations must
be implemented to run company. Furthermore, it is undertaken to reduce workload and increase
efficiency of the enterprise in succeeding manner. As a result, access of new technology to
launch new goods in global market (Evangelista, Guerrieri and Meliciani, 2014). Moreover, it
aids to improve communication through selected business can communicate their message in
front of large number of audience. Brand value also increases that helps to maintain creativity
and effectiveness at workplace. The present report based on Small White Elephant which is
small cafe in UK. With the help of present report, the company can apply digital technology in
their enterprise to make it large. Furthermore, they can also implement operations in global
areas.
In the present research, impact of digital technology on small and medium sector has
been identified. With this regard, different elements and factors of this technology going to be
explained to find appropriate implementation in business. For instance, Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram, etc. Moreover, impact of this tool on business operations considered in successful
manner to find desired results in research study.
Background
White Elephant enterprise deals in SME wants to increase their business operations in
global areas. Hence, digital technology implementation assists to develop significant advantages
in systematic manner. It is a small coffee house which provides light meals, coffee, drinks, etc.
Company wants to enhance their operations and functions to increase their profits and revenue.
As a result, digital technology implementation is one of the important perspectives that increase
significant advantages to ascertain desired results. With the help of using advanced tools and
techniques, the chosen enterprise easily develops desired results in the business. (Mayer, Borges
and Simske, 2018).
1

Rationale
Present research consists implications of digital technology on SME. Therefore, it
includes different tools that assists to expand operations and functions in different areas of the
world. On the basis of elements, researcher apply their concept, views on the enterprise to gain
desired results. In this context, new functioning in Small White Elephant can be implement
successfully. When the chosen business implement digital technology at workplace, they can
come out to get strong to make success. Value and opinion considered for taking time and
address feedback as well (Ruch, 2018). Consequently, technology also selected to drive progress
and increase efficiency with successful transition and implementation.
Present research topic has been chosen because recently several businesses opted
innovations in their business to increase their effectiveness. As a result, implementation of digital
technology in small business assists to develop their significant advantages and compete with
other businesses. Furthermore, ways to implement digital technology identify which helps to
gain desired results.
Aim and objectives
Aim: To identify implications of digital technologies on SME – A Study on Small White
Elephant
Objectives
 To understand the concept of digital technology with regards to SME
 To explores elements of digital technology that helps to grow and develop profitability of
Small White Elephant
 To interrelate digital technology and growth of SME business in the chosen enterprise. To recommend ways through which digital technology can be applied in Small White
Elephant
Research questions
 What do you understand by the concept of digital technologies implications towards
SME?
 What are the elements of digital technology that helps to grow and develop Small White
Elephant? How to interrelate digital technology and growth of SME business in the chosen
enterprise?
2

Literature review
Literature review consist views of different authors, previous research outcomes, etc.
Hence, it considered rapport with target audience. It assists to build trust to increase diligence
and fact findings to write any research. Following are different themes undertaken to develop
historical concepts.
Concept of digital technologies implications towards SME
As per the point of Sussan and Acs, (2017), digital technologies implement through
social media and big data. It is also helps to gain significant advantages in SME. Innovation also
based on technology and experiment to perform functions in order to develop desired results. In
these types of businesses, SME and digital communication technologies that assists to examine
relevancy of it within the enterprise. It helps to find barriers to take-up desired results in
successful manner. It helps to open several ways that assists to small businesses to make
innovation and creativity. Beside this, Chayko, (2014) stated that digital technology contain
innovation and grow with budget to face challenges of marketing. Majorly, entrepreneurs are
required to focus on latest trends so that they can achieve scalability in their business. This is
because, customer demand and requirements continuously change so that the chosen enterprise
need to focus on digital technology to develop sustainability in succeeding manner. Efforts are
also made to work as key digital marketing trends that assists entrepreneurs to take digital
journey.
According to the views of Patel and O'Kane, (2015), changing in customer behaviour,
technology and competition transformed with landscape to operate successful results. It is
essential to continuously focus on improvement of operations and build effectiveness
successfully. With the help of digital technology, business performances' can be improved.
Furthermore, new software implemented successfully to develop significant advantages at
workplace. Processes are also developed to make desired results in more efficient manner to
develop skills towards business development.
Elements that helps to implement digital technology in Small White Elephant
McKnight, O'Malley and Bassett, (2016) stated that digital technology consist with
different elements that assist to develop significant advantages in Small White Elephant. In this
regard, online presence refers with community and other businesses to make it with digital
technology. In the chosen enterprise online presence includes business website, mobile website,
3

social media profiles in which Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc. included. There are
several links, information, reviews, articles, etc. appearing. Digital marketing is also element to
implement advance tools and techniques in the selected enterprise. It helps to promote online
resources to includes blogs, newsletters, email marketing, etc. On the other hand, Johnson,
Becker and Hall, (2016) argued that selling online is important which implemented with digital
technology at workplace of research. Digital technological tools mainly ensure that process time
reduced and positive outcomes successfully develop at workplace. Customer interaction is one of
the important perspective that included in the business to considered minimum efforts. It
supports the enterprise with engagement of buyers and maintain customer relationships
management. Therefore, it helps in capturing and collating information towards clients. With the
help of digital marketing strategies customer information can be gathered easily.
As per the point of Salemink, Strijker and Bosworth, (2017), online security is most
important consideration for business to implement data and information. In this regard,
information can be stored successfully which contain most valuable outcomes towards
customers. Cloud computing ascertain to gain more information and take backup systems easily.
Interrelate digital technology and elements to promote operations and functions of chosen
enterprise
Furthermore, Johnson, (2015) explored their ideas to secure software and payment
system in the business so that they are able to communicate several benefits together. Being
active in digital economy defines to access global and national market that establish potential
supplier relationships. Capabilities also undertaken in efficient and effective manner. There are
different sources considered with online method that assists to embraced digital solution.
Products, services and other quotes also deliver with online medium that assists to develop
significant advantages. On the other hand, Jiao and Onwuegbuzie, (2017) determines their views
mobile based solutions into business considered strategies which include mobile commerce,
websites, applications, etc. This is because, mobile commerce provides option to customers to
transact with using mobile. Furthermore, website scale down on the basis of phone or tablet
screen size. Purpose built that assists to users to accomplish specific tasks.
Moreover, Evangelista, Guerrieri and Meliciani, 2014) contain their ideas that with the
help of using right digital technology appropriate functioning can be built easily. Different
software also helps to increase efficiency with using advance tools and techniques. In this regard,
4

more efficient and effective can be develop that process data faster. Digital technology could be
increasing with employee engagement so that it assists to manage time sheets and ascertain
desired results in systematic manner.
Recommendations ways through digital technology can be applied in Small White Elephant
As per the view of Sussan and Acs, (2017), large scale companies have data to
considered big data analysis. Therefore, it helps to take advantages from these data to accomplish
significant advantages. In the SME social media signals assists to increase online communities. It
offers real-time insights to make compliments and considered overall view in the market. With
the help of customer attraction, relationship can be built to gain more profitability and
productivity. There are several tools included in digital technology which offering distinguish
information towards buying experience. On the other hand, Evangelista, Guerrieri and Meliciani,
2014) explored their views that Small White Elephant must requires to include transforming
operational processes so that it improve customer experience in positive way. Enterprise can
leverage to optimise and alter existing process of the company which develop in three ways such
as process automation, worker enablement and performances management. All these
perspectives assist to develop appropriate decision-making process to make easy and right
decisions.
As per the point of McKnight, O'Malley and Bassett, (2016), implementation of
digitalisation improvises current business communications. It assists to Small White Elephant to
coordinate their activities at global level with centralise key services. This includes human
resource, information technology, finance, etc. Moreover, it also increases truly sense of global
business development.
Significance of research
Findings of the present study determines in term of society and business benefits. As a
result, digital technology plays more important role. Recently, there are several tools of digital
technology is on greater demand which includes social media and other tools. It is also helps to
gain competitive advantages in succeeding manner. For researcher, this study assists to
understand and increase knowledge regarding digital technological tools. Hence, new theory or
learning considered in respect to implement digital technology at workplace.
Activities and time-scale
5

In the present research, there are several activities design to identify appropriate
functioning in order to achieve aim and objectives. With this regard, following are certain
elements design that assists to develop more significant advantages in research:
Activities of
research
plan
1th
Wee
k
2nd
Wee
k
3rd
Wee
k
4th
Wee
k
5th
Wee
k
6th
Week
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
Wee
k
10th
Week
Selection of
the research
topic
Literature
Review
Research
methodology
Preparing
questionnair
e
Data
collection
Data
interpretatio
n and
analysis
Conclusion
&
Recommend
ation
Modification
as per
feedback
6

Final
submission
P2 Appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
In order to carry the present study, it can be stated that there are different tools and
methods has been implemented. In this regard, primary data collected from questionnaire which
prepare to conduct survey. On the other hand, secondary data determines through already
published papers, articles, books, journals, etc. (Mackey and Gass, 2015). Following are research
tools has been used for analysis appropriate data and information: Research design: Research design consist an arrangement of conditions and collection. It
includes methods and procedures to measure different aspects of variable in succeeding
manner. Design also assists to conduct study by using different methods. There are
certain types of research design such as descriptive, correlation, semi-experimental,
review, etc. In the present study, descriptive research design has been taken which is used
to conduct survey on the basis of questionnaire (Smith, 2015). Present study determines
on implications of digital technology on SME to increase productivity and profitability.
The reason for selecting specific research design is that it assists in gathering in-depth
and appropriate information. Research philosophy: Research philosophy consist belief for particular way where data
gathered, analysed and used. There are two types of research philosophy considered
positivism and interpretivism. In the present study, interpretivism research philosophy
has been selected which define subjective interpretation into reality to understand data in
effective manner. Research approach: When researcher consider qualitative data, inductive approach has
been used and utilised to demonstrate logic (Weber, 2017). It defines consistency
between method, methodology and analysis. This is because, research approach is a plan
and procedures which consist certain steps on the basis of broad assumption in detail
program. It is essentially divided into two categories such as approach of data collection
and data analysis. There are two types of approaches such as inductive and deductive.
7

Inductive approach is suitable for the present study so that it is selected to gain more
effective results at workplace. Research strategy: In order to gain appropriate outcomes, it can be stated that
qualitative research strategy must be consider in succeeding manner. This research
strategy has been selected because, it is useful to find accurate information that is
required to ascertain effectiveness. In the present research, qualitative strategy has been
used that consider on the parameter of quality information. This helps chosen company to
apply digital technology to develop significant results. Research strategy split broadly
into qualitative and quantitative methods. Designing research set also helps to identify
issue that are occurred in implementing digital technology at workplace. On the other
hand, quantitative research strategy based on explaining phenomena that collected by
numerical data and analysed on the basis of mathematical methods so that it has been
selected. Data collection: Qualitative study conduct for the aim and to ensure that greater level of
in-depth information has been used to understand about data. It is closely related with
different types of questions. Hence, this consider at workplace of research to collect
appropriate data and information (Saunders, Wong and Bradbury, 2018). Primary data
collection determines with qualitative methods which not consider mathematical
calculation. It considers closely associated with non-quantifiable. Questionnaire has been
prepared to collect primary data and it is distributed with the help of mail. Data analysis: There are two kinds of methods to collect data probabilistic and non-
probabilistic. In the present study, probabilistic method used for data analysis in respect
to find appropriateness and effectiveness. Data analysis consider methodology which
contain discussion about methods that are used in it. This method generally used to
analyse primary data that are collected by employing various method. In this way, aim
and objectives easily accomplish with consideration of thematic data analysis (Brannen,
2017). Sampling: In research, sample is group of people, object and items that are undertaken
from larger population measurement. Sample must be representative of whole population
which ensure that we can generalise findings from research sample. Present research
8

based probabilistic in which simple random sampling method has been used (Guthrie,
2015). 30 sample size has been selected that are employees of the Small White Elephant.
 Validity and reliability: Present research is valid and reliable because investigator has
taken all data and information from valuable sources. It indicates that researcher will get
appropriate and fruitful results in the study. Furthermore, information is reliable because
it also aids to conduct further research study which are related with digital technology
implementation. Therefore, it can be stated that results occur in similar context which
gain from present research and also conducted in further studies.
LO 2
P3 Primary and secondary research
 Ethical issue: In the present research, researcher need to concentrate on
appropriate information and data that not harm anyone. Furthermore, it is
essential to respect for privacy. Researcher need to ensure that they maintain
security to kept confidentiality in private data. As a result, it can be stated that
appropriate and effective information will be gather to find right conclusion.
 Cost- In this, it estimates approximation of cost program, Project and operation.
The value estimates a single total value of whole project or business. It will be
inclusive of activities as are planning, estimating, budgeting, funding, managing
and controlling cost relates to projects within approved budget. Thus, the total
cost of this project will be £50. This is need to be estimated in terms to determine
the impact of technological advancement on firm operation. Thus, estimation of
project requirement is typical task but it is need to be done in order to get project
quality assurance.
 Access issue- In this, researcher will face issues at time of collecting data and
methods in manner as primary and secondary. As per primary data there can be
gaining in terms to have access to participants of study. It will need to get
resolved effectively. With help of it, depth information can be gathered. On the
other hand, researcher faces the issues in terms of restricted access to journal
article. In this, permission will be granted from accessing of full article. It is need
to be maintained in order to have confidentiality of information.
9

P4 Appropriate analytical tools for research
Theme 1: Technical tools helps to establish proficient working in enterprise.
Do you think technical
advancement helps to carry
proficient working in
enterprise? Frequency %
Yes 15 50.00%
No 12 40.00%
May be 3 10.00%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 2: Majority says effective and advanced working helps to foster growth of an
enterprise.
2. What are the advantages of
implementing technological
advancement in firm? Frequency %
Fast performance 11 36.67%
Advanced and effective
working 12 40.00%
quality result 7 23.33%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 3: Yes, digitalisation is cost effective process.

3. Is digital technology is cost
effective process? Frequency %
Yes 14 46.67%
No 12 40.00%
may be 4 13.33%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 4: This helps to improves operational working of an enterprise.
4. What are the beneficial
aspect of up-gradation of
system? Frequency %
Improve operational working 10 33.33%
Effective inter department
working 6 20.00%
cost effective 6 20.00%
Maintain effectiveness and
efficiency 8 26.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 5: Yes, training must be provided to individuals carrying activities of entity.
5. is implementation of
technical advancement needs to
provide training facilities to
employees? Frequency %
11

Yes 13 43.33%
No 12 40.00%
may be 5 16.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 6: Yes, execution of technical tools helps to enhance quality performance.
6. Does implementation of
technical advancement brings
quality performance in
enterprise? Frequency %
Yes 15 50.00%
No 10 33.33%
May be 5 16.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 7: Enterprise uses social networks and website on frequency basis.
7. How often enterprise use
social networks and website
such as Facebook and twitter? Frequency %
Never 6 20.00%
Not often 4 13.33%
Occasionally 8 26.67%
Frequently 9 30.00%
All the time 3 10.00%
Total 30 100.00%
12

Theme 8: Yes, process of communication can be improvised with help of technical tools and
techniques.
8. Is technical advancement
helps to establishes effective
communication? Frequency %
Yes 14 46.67%
No 10 33.33%
May be 6 20.00%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 9: Morden equipment helps to streamlining the whole process of operation working of
an enterprise.
9. Does modern tools and
techniques helps to streamlined
process of entities? Frequency %
Yes 17 56.67%
No 10 33.33%
May be 3 10.00%
Total 30 100.00%
Theme 10: Techniques aids to improvise performance and profitable growth to an enterprise.
13

10. Is technological
advancement helps to have
increment in performance as
well profitable growth to an
enterprise? Frequency %
Yes 18 60.00%
No 8 26.67%
May be 4 13.33%
Total 30 100.00%
LO 3
P5 Communicate research outcomes in appropriate manner for intended audience
Theme 1: Technical tools helps to establish proficient working in enterprise.
14
Yes No May be
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
12
3
Frequency

Interpretation- As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that technological advancement
helps to bring systematic and proficient working in an enterprise. It helps to facilitate the growth
of an enterprise and technical advancement helps to foster growth of an enterprise. In this, there
are total number of 30 respondents. In this, 15 said that technology helps to develop proficient
working, 12 said it is not that much effective in terms to bring systematic operations. The main
motive of enterprise is to bring better and efficient performance that leads to bring systematic
operational working. In this, it can be said that smooth function of an enterprise helps to
stimulate the business function effectively and brand image of firm can be sustained for longer
period.
15

Theme 2: Majority says effective and advanced working helps to foster growth of an
enterprise.
Interpretation- As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that effective and advanced working
helps to foster growth of an enterprise. Effective working improves their standard of living and
results in increasing productivity. 12 people says that it is advanced & effective working which
should be more focused by Small White Elephant. With proper working, executives can save
time and money. Then it should pay attention to fast performance, because 11 majority says for
it. They must use high class latest technologies and tools for increasing their performance speed.
The company must hire more efficient workers to improve their performance. Afterwards, they
should start focusing on their food as well as other service qualities 7 of customers raise this
issue. They must start using the latest technologies to improves their service and food quality.
16
Fast performance
Advanced and effective working
quality result
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
11
12
7
Frequency

Theme 3: Yes, digitalisation is cost effective process.
Interpretation- As per the above, chart it can be interpreted that digitalisation is cost effective
process. There are maximum people saying that it is cost effective because by using it, there are
fewer chances of making mistakes and errors and hence, will lessen the number of products
return to the company. It further, reduces the need for man power as it allows them to operate
with less number of workers. With the help of it, they can monitor their production process and
allow them to make improvements where there is needed. On the other hand, 4 people say that it
is not cost effective, this may be due to increasing copyright laws which are hard to enforce. For
instance, Small White Elephant has limited resources, digital technology will be much better and
cost effective.
17
14
12
4
Yes
No
may be

Theme 4: This helps to improve operational working of an enterprise.
Interpretation- As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that up-gradation of digital system
will be more beneficial in context of improving operational working of an enterprise. As 10
people says that it improves effective working because updated system will improve system
security to meet higher levels of security required today. The latest version of technology
delivers modern business services by allowing systems of record to integrate with systems. It
further, increase speed, efficiency and remote connectivity. As it is constantly changing, hence,
keeping up to date with advance technology can expand business organisation.
Theme 5: Yes, training must be provided to individuals carrying activities of entity.
18
10
6
6
8
Improve operational working
Effective inter department
working
cost effective
Maintain effectiveness and
efficiency

Interpretation- As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that, training must be provided to
individuals carrying activities of entity because a well-trained individual shows greater
productivity and higher quality of work output. 13 people says that training is required as trained
workers will effectively use materials and equipment’s and there will be less wastage. It can be
used in recognising promising individual and in reducing defects in the production process.
Moreover, training company's staff would result in better customer service, better safety
practices and improvements in productivity. Further it protects company from different types of
risk involved in business as training teaches staff members to handle dangerous issues. Learning
through training motivated them to implement the knowledge that open opportunities in the
future. The new workers will learn about new procedures or projects of the company. This makes
training an investment for the entity.
Theme 6: Yes, execution of technical tools helps to enhance quality performance.
19
Fast performance
Advanced and effective working
quality result
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
11
12
7
Frequency

Interpretation-Based on the above chart, it can be concluded that technical is process which
helps to incremental performance in enterprise. The use of technology aid as to maximise
business productivity by creating effective working environment. In this, there are total number
of 30 respondents. In this, 15 respondents said yes that technical advancement helps to bring
quality performance, 10 said that do not think that technology helps to bring quality performance
and 5 are not sure of it. In this way, it can be said that techniques promote effective working and
allows business to grow faster. The productivity of firm is totally dependent over quality
performance of each employee.
Theme 7: Enterprise uses social networks and website on frequency basis.
20
Yes No May be
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
10
5
Frequency

Interpretation- Technology helps to provide quality performance by revolutionised the overall
activities of an enterprise. It works as to gathering and sharing of information systematically. In
this, there are total number of 30 respondents in which 9 said this entity use technical tools in
frequent manner, 8 used it on occasionally basis, 6 said they are not sure about it. Thus, majority
of respondent said that it is helpful in terms to foster growth of an enterprise in systematic
manner. In addition to it, quality working in entity bring long term sustainability in market.
Theme 8: Yes, process of communication can be improvised with help of technical tools and
techniques.
21
6
4
8
9
3
Never
Not often
Occasionally
Frequently
All the time

Interpretation- As per above diagram, it can be concluded that an effective communication leads
to maximise the productivity. It helps to facilitate the long term growth so that there can be
longer sustainability. Thus, there are total number of 30 respondents, 14 said yes, 10 said no and
other 6 are not sure about it. Technology is helpful in terms to analyse business performance,
customer preferences and market trends. Thus, by creation of performance appraisal there can be
information on online forms and firm will able to create effective strategy and allows greater
visibility to perform business functions in well expertise manner.
Theme 9: Morden equipment helps to streamlining the whole process of operation working of
an enterprise.
22
Yes No May be
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
14
10
6
Frequency

Interpretation- As per the above chart, it can be interpreted that technology allows to monitor
productivity of an enterprise and progress of employees so their end goal can be achieved. Thus,
effective technical advancement helps to streamline the overall function. In this, there are total
number of 20 respondents. In which, 17 said yes, 10 said no and 3 are not sure of it. In addition
to it, online tracking of employee performance leads to have greater business productivity. It also
helps to encourages, motivates and timely rewarding to employees so that each individual can
carry out business activities in well and effective manner. Technology is process which helps to
carries out innovation procedure and it leads business activities in more effective and efficient
manner.
23
Yes
No
May be
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
17
10
3
Frequency

Theme 10: Techniques aids to improvise performance and profitable growth to an enterprise.
Interpretation- According to the view of diagram, it can be stated that technical advancement
helps to maximize productivity of firm to ensures success. In this, productivity of an enterprise
can be traced with help of automation process for faster communication that helps to drive
process of firm in proficient mode. In this, there are total number of 30 respondents. Out of
which, 18 said yes that modern tools helps to improvise performance of an enterprise effectively,
8 said no and 4 are not sure of it. In addition to it, technical advancement helps to process
activities of an enterprise in systematic and efficient mode. In this, it can be said that better and
efficient performance leads to carry function of an enterprise in proficient and smooth manner.
24
18
8
4
Yes
No
May be

LO 4
P6 Reflect on effectiveness of research methods that applied to meet with business research
project
Conclusion-
This is concluded that technology is need to be implemented to process operations of
Small elephant enterprise in systematically mode. The report has covered the uses of technical
tools so that activities of an enterprise can be streamlined in well and expertise manner. In
addition to it, data analysis, research methodologies and various other process has carried out in
terms to conduct research in proper manner. In addition to it, digitalisation helps to streamline
the overall growth of an enterprise. With use of modern equipment’s productivity of an
enterprise can be maximized and it can lead to success. The main motive of implementing
technological advancement is to have better performance through effective allocation of
resources.
Reflection-
Technological advancement helps to drive performance of an enterprise in well expertise
manner. The present study carries out to determine the implication of digitalisation with regard
to streamlining the operational working of an enterprise. In this, inductive approach has utilised
in order to form effective conclusion from overall data which has given. To make it more
effective interpretative techniques has been adopted as to gain the depth insights about the uses
of technical advancement in firm. On the other hand, it can be said that positivism approach is
also beneficial with regard to form appropriate structure of the overall report. Thus, primary and
secondary method is also helpful in terms to carry out the process of research in systematically
manner. In this, primary research will be helpful to have first-hand information and secondary
research can be carried out with use of books, journals and article etc. I have conducted this
research in order to get the depth insights about it. In this way, it can be said that with use of
effective tools and techniques information can be concluded and proper activities of research can
able to draw. In this, research qualitative techniques have been adopted in terms to gain depth
and detailed information and things can be interpreted in expertise mode.
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P7 Alternative research methodologies with outcomes
In this, there can be use of alternative strategies for carrying out detail study on activities
of firm as small white elephant. In order to make it effective, there can be use of interview
method rather than using of questionnaire technique. This will be suitable in terms to provide
depth insights about individuals. On the other hand, quantitative technique can be use in order to
get the information with help of statistical tool. In addition to this, it can be said that this kind of
approach is helpful in terms to process research in well manner. Thus, technological
advancement is tool which helps to have depth information about topic of research.
Recommendation-
The firm should have the use of Digital advancement in order to enhance the working of the
enterprise in the greater aspects.
The digital advancement help to promote the business with online approach and it also helps to
build customer engagement.
This is tool that aids to cover the wide range of customer on online platform and it also enhanced
the productivity of the enterprise.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Evangelista, R., Guerrieri, P. and Meliciani, V., 2014. The economic impact of digital
technologies in Europe. Economics of Innovation and New Technology. 23(8). pp.802-
824.
Mayer, J., Borges, P.V. and Simske, S.J., 2018. Introduction. In Fundamentals and Applications
of Hardcopy Communication (pp. 1-5). Springer, Cham.
Sussan, F. and Acs, Z.J., 2017. The digital entrepreneurial ecosystem. Small Business
Economics. 49(1). pp.55-73.
Chayko, M., 2014. Techno‐social Life: The Internet, Digital Technology, and Social
Connectedness. Sociology Compass. 8(7). pp.976-991.
Patel, M. and O'Kane, A.A., 2015, April. Contextual influences on the use and non-use of digital
technology while exercising at the gym. In Proceedings of the 33rd Annual ACM
Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (pp. 2923-2932). ACM.
McKnight, K., O'Malley, K. and Bassett, K., 2016. Teaching in a digital age: How educators use
technology to improve student learning. Journal of research on technology in education.
48(3). pp.194-211.
Johnson, L., Becker, S.A. and Hall, C., 2016. NMC horizon report: 2016 higher education
edition (pp. 1-50). The New Media Consortium.
Salemink, K., Strijker, D. and Bosworth, G., 2017. Rural development in the digital age: A
systematic literature review on unequal ICT availability, adoption, and use in rural
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Johnson, G.M., 2015. On-campus and fully-online university students: Comparing
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techno.html>.
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ANNEXURE
Questionnaire
1. Do you think technical advancement helps to carry proficient working in enterprise?
 Yes
 No
 May be
2. What are the advantages of implementing technological advancement in firm?
 Fast performance
 Advanced and effective working
 quality result
3. Is digital technology is cost effective process?
 Yes
 No
 may be
4. What are the beneficial aspect of up-gradation of system?
 Improve operational working
 Effective inter department working
 cost effective
 Maintain effectiveness and efficiency
5. is implementation of technical advancement needs to provide training facilities to employees?
 Yes
 No
 may be
6. Does implementation of technical advancement brings quality performance in enterprise?
 Yes
 No
 May be
7. How often enterprise use social networks and website such as Facebook and twitter?
 Never
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 Not often
 Occasionally
 Frequently
 All the time
8. Is technical advancement helps to establishes effective communication?
 Yes
 No
 May be
9. Does modern tools and techniques helps to streamlined process of entities?
 Yes
 No
 May be
10. Is technological advancement helps to have increment in performance as well profitable
growth to an enterprise?
 Yes
 No
 May be
30

APPENDIX
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 implications of digital technologies on SME – A Study on Small White
Elephant.
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?):
The chosen company is small sector business which deals in cafe and provide
qualitative products and services. Therefore, it assists to consider absolute
pleasure to look for more effective consideration.
 To understand concept of digital technologies implications towards SME.
 To explores elements that helps to implement digital technology in Small White
Elephant.
 To interrelate digital technology and elements to promote operations and functions of
chosen enterprise.
 To recommend ways through digital technology can be applied in
Small White Elephant.
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):
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Present research topic has been chosen because recently several businesses opted innovations in their
business to increase their effectiveness. As a result, implementation of digital technology in small
business assists to develop their significant advantages and compete with other businesses. Furthermore,
ways to implement digital technology identify which helps to gain desired results.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or
hypothesis:
As per the point of Sussan and Acs, (2017), digital technologies implement
through social media and big data. It is also helps to gain significant
advantages in SME. Innovation also based on technology and experiment
to perform functions in order to develop desired results. In these types of
businesses, SME and digital communication technologies that assists to
examine relevancy of it within the enterprise. It helps to find barriers to
take-up desired results in successful manner.McKnight, O'Malley and
Bassett, (2016) stated that digital technology consist with different
elements that assist to develop significant advantages in Small White
Elephant. In this regard, online presence refers with community and other
businesses to make it with digital technology. In the chosen enterprise
online presence includes business website, mobile website, social media
profiles in which Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.
included.Furthermore, Johnson, (2015) explored their ideas to secure
software and payment system in the business so that they are able to
communicate several benefits together. Being active in digital economy
defines to access global and national market that establish potential
supplier relationships.
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):
Activities 1th 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th
How long this
will take:
It will take around 10
weeks to complete
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of
research
plan
We
ek
We
ek
We
ek
We
ek
We
ek
Wee
k
We
ek
Wee
k
We
ek
Week
Selection
of the
research
topic
Literatur
e Review
Research
methodol
ogy
Preparin
g
questionn
aire
Data
collection
Data
interpret
ation and
analysis
Conclusio
n &
Recomme
ndation
Modificat
ion as per
feedback
Final
submissio
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n
Milestone one: Preparation of aim and objectives
Target date (set by tutor): 2 weeks
Milestone two: Preparation of literature review
Target date (set by tutor): 2 and half weeks
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use
and why?
In the present study, descriptive research design has been taken which is used to conduct survey on the
basis of questionnaire. Further, interpretivism research philosophy has been selected which define
subjective interpretation into reality to understand data in effective manner. For data collection,
questionnaire has been prepared to collect primary data and it is distributed with the help of email. At
the end, thematic analysis is been for analysing the data.
Qualitative research consider methods that emphasis on objective measurement
and statistical information. It assists to analysis data that are collected from
questionnaire and survey which manipulating with different techniques.
Furthermore, qualitative research is primarily exploratory which assists to gain
and understand reasons, opinion and motivations which provides insight
information that helps to develop ideas and hypothesis. Moreover, primary
research is carried for the first time collection of data and information. With this
regard, answer specific issues and question which includes questionnaires,
surveys and interviews with several people and small groups. In order to collect
data in primary research, questionnaire has need prepared that helps to conduct
survey and assists to accomplish goals and objectives.
What your areas of research will cover:
Digital Technologies, Small and Medium level organisation, profitability aspects. We have used
qualitative research because, in this context in-depth information collected from different tools and
techniques used in research.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted
for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
34

I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
35

Research ethical form
36

Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: To identify implications of digital technologies on SME – A Study on Small
White Elephant.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No ✓
 Questionnaires Yes ✓ No
 Observations Yes No ✓
 Use of personal records Yes No ✓
 Data Analysis Yes ✓ No
 Action Research Yes No ✓
 Focus Groups Yes No ✓
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes, human participants will be involved in research.
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)?
Through the means of non-probabilistic sampling technique participants will be selected
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
Written consent will be taken from them.
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?
Written consent will be taken from the participants through the means of ethical form
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions
that do not wish to answer?
37

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?
During the research:
Researcher will have access to the data during research.
Where will the data be stored?
In excel sheet, data will be stored.
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes ✓ No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
After research, data will be stored in computer
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
For 1 year, data will be kept in electronic format
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:
38