Research Methods and Techniques for Primary and Secondary Research

RESEARCH PROJECT TITLE 1 INTRODUCTION 1 TASK 11 P1) Research proposal which clearly define question and hypothesis with literature review. 1 P2) Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research 5 TASK 27 P3 Conduct primary and secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques 7 P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data 9 TASK 318 P5. Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques 18 P7) Determine alternative research methodologies for the project 19 CONCLUSION 19 REFERENCES

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
TITLE .............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1) Research proposal which clearly define question and hypothesis with literature review. ...1
P2) Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques.....7
P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data..................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................18
P5. Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience......18
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................18
P6. Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques..................................18
P7) Determine alternative research methodologies for the project............................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................................23

TITLE
“To identify the impact of social media in expanding business operations globally. A case
based on THIRDWAY”.
INTRODUCTION
With the change in course of time digital technology has played an important role in
promotional activities. This has been considered as a revolution for current market scenario, as
companies are using social media platform for reaching to every individual in order to increase
their customer base. Thus, this has assisted firm in attaining goals and objectives in speculated
time frame. For this, with the help of advanced technologies enterprises finds it easy in
developing its operations and function at market area (Aral, Dellarocas and Godes, 2013). This
research is based on implications of digital technology, which can have an effect on
organisational performance either in a negative or positive manner. Company that is taken in this
research is THRIDWAY, which is a commercial interior designing firm and helps enterprise in
making their interior more attractive within budget. Organisation is working with the aim of
providing best services to offices so that enterprise can increase space areas and workplaces.
Thus, THIRDWAY work in both interior and exterior components and customers can choose the
best out of them. Company includes around 65 employees including directors and owners as
well.
Therefore, entire research will include the implications of digital technology in business
operations. For this certain aims and objectives are being made which will help researcher in
evaluating the suitable outcomes. Further literature review will aid research in giving a
theoretical framework so as to validate it using thoughts and views of authors and writers. Like
this way, entire report will be assembled and valid conclusion and recommendations will be
evaluated.
TASK 1
P1) Research proposal which clearly define question and hypothesis with literature review.
Investigation is being done in present context in order to locate the impact of social
media on expanding business operations at international level (Awa, Ojiabo and Emecheta,
2015). Through this, researcher can easily pull out the results in an effective and befitting
manner. THIRDWAY which is a small organisation that majorly deals in interior designing for
1

corporate world. It has been analysed that major aim of this organisation is to bring out space as
much as they can while developing an office. On the other hand, it has also been found that they
have taken under in use of distinctive tools in order to develop an approach through which
benefits can be gained right on time.
On the other hand, it has also been located that company have adopted some unique
strategies and take in use of them while making modifications in clients office. Employees of this
firm are also carrying positive attitude towards their work and company which offered
THIRDWAY in attaining goals and objective of this firm. Here, researcher is looking forward to
develop a report in order to see the impact of social media and their pros and cons as well on
expansion of business operations at global level (Ball, 2012). Social media in modern world
plays an important role and helps business organisations in promoting their products and
services. Apart from this, with the help of social media company's two offices at different areas
can also stay connected with each other.
Most of public in all over world are using social media with different purposes.
Therefore, if this organisation develops a befitting promotional activity with the aim of gaining
eyes of customers. With the help of this sort of strategy, good position can be gained in front of
competitors. Apart from this, it has also been examined that enhancement of business operations
and sales can get done in much effective and efficient manner.
Research Aim
Research cannot be properly done if its aims and objectives are not being prepared well
(Crane, Matten and Spence, 2013). An aim of investigation consists with problem that researcher
needs to examine and wants to resolve it with appropriate measures and try to draw outcomes as
well. In present context, aim of this investing project is “To identify the impact of social media
in expanding business operations globally. A case based on THIRDWAY”.
Research Objectives
Developing objectives is being considered as the first step which plays a vital role when a
researcher looks forward to pulling out appropriate outcomes according to set aim. In present
context, where investigator has set some objectives in order to locate the role of social media on
THIRDWAY and these are given beneath:
 To identify the role of social media in promoting services of company.
 To analyse effectual social media tools which can be used by THIRDWAY.
2

 To examine the barriers which are related to social media while expanding business
operations at global level. To determine the effectiveness of social media in grabbing attention of targeted
customers.
Research Questions
Some of questions that are being prepared according to the
 What are the roles of social media in promoting services of company?
 What are the effective social media tools that can be used by THIRDWAY?
 What barriers can be seen in social media that may put impact on expansion of business
operations?
 What can be the effectiveness of social media in grabbing attention of targeted
customers?
On the other hand, after structuring the questions in an appropriate manner it has been
analysed that literature review part takes over (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2013). It has been found
literature review plays a crucial role when it comes to hit their targets and information can easily
be developed with taking under in use of primary and secondary data. Accumulation of data
takes place and in present context literature review consists with perceptions of different authors
and scholars which may help researcher in developing his/her knowledge in specific time of
period.
Roles of social media in promoting services of company
According to the view point of Gronum, Verreynne and Kastelle, (2012), most of public
are using mobile in this world and stays connected with their friends and relatives through
different social media sites. It has been found that there are many famous and powerful platforms
related to online media like Twitter Facebook and Instagram which can be used by organisation
through which many benefits can be gained. If organisations like THIRDWAY do not stay active
in social media and do not make an account on it then they may miss out ample number of
opportunities that are related to marketing. Some roles of social media are given below:
Interaction with Target Market: Social media directly aid in grabbing attention of
customers and helps in staying connected with them directly. For an example: If customers
purchased a something from store of an organisation then they can directly give review to them
3

as per their point of view. Their queries can easily be resolved by them and can be considered as
one of simplest but effective marketing strategy.
Improve Responsiveness: It is being found that social media mostly aid in receiving and
providing feedbacks. With the help of this, problems that are being faced by customers can easily
be resolved right on time.
Competition: In this competitive business world, most of business organisations are
concentrating on developing their brand image with taking help of different famous social sites.
Therefore, it is required for THIRDWAY to keep on looking at different areas and then try to
adopt befitting strategy that may aid in developing high rivalry. On the other hand, in order to be
able to boost online traffic to THIRDWAY's site and increase sales, it is required to stay ahead of
the competition while providing customers with the best products and services.
Effective social media tools that can be used by THIRDWAY
As given by Gunasekaran and Spalanzani, (2012), social media can help organisations in
different ways when it comes to expansion of business at global level. It has been analysed that
marketing department of most of companies are rapidly looking into different aspects and have
adopted many effective online tools that are cost-effective in nature. This is one of latest online
marketing strategy which is used by organisations in order to grab attention of customers or to
provide them information of what exactly they are selling. Some of social media tools that can be
adopted by THIRDWAY are given below:
Facebook: This is one of most effective social media tool which is being mostly adopted
by organisations in all over world. Facebook where most of people stays online and interacts
with each other. Company has given an opportunity to business firms to develop their own page
or account where they can deliver information to customers of normal people that what they have
made and what they are offering (Hahn and Kühnen, 2013).
Twitter: It has been analysed that it is another social media tool that can be adopted by
THIRDWAY in order to deliver information to customers and with the help of this, it has been
found that they can take feedbacks as well from their existing customers.
Barriers of social media that may put impact on expansion of business operations
According to Mai P. Tran, (2015), today's digital market space customers and business
both relies on interaction, sales and buying process if organisation is doing business at
4

international level. But there are some barriers which business organisations have faced while
using social media at the time of expansion of business operations and these are given below:
Cultural Complexities: It has been examined that people in many nations consists
various values along with precedence of products that are being offered by THIRDWAY. On the
other hand, it has also been examined that some of customers mostly prefers to buy products in
traditional form (Hajli, 2014).
Language Obstruction: It is being found that communication majorly carries a crucial
part and can be considered as a major barrier when a firm looks forward to sell their products and
services at international level. Language differences are subtle and complex. For example, the
literal translation of KFC’s infamous slogan “Finger-lickin’good” in Chinese is “Eat your fingers
off.” Not surprisingly, the company had a bad start there in the 1980s.
Effectiveness of social media in grabbing attention of targeted customer
As given by Laroche, Habibi and Richard, (2013), social media have high potential to
reach to high number of customers than any sort of offline channel. As a result, these platforms
have become the number one choice for savvy marketeers. They are the perfect tools to engage
with stakeholders, increase brand awareness, drive traffic to a website and generate a buzz
around your business. Some of these are given beneath:
Increasing brand recognition: In order to increase brand’s visibility is invaluable. Social
media is simply another way to get all the voice heard by a wider audience. It is an effective
platform to reach and engage new or prospective customers, whilst continuing a dialogue with
and becoming more familiar to your existing customer base and other stakeholders.
Improving your converting potential: Engaging customers with valuable and relevant
content on social media, it is an opportunity to move them through the customer journey.
Building an effective social media presence helps you to reach out and create positive
interactions, with each interaction building on the last. Even if THIRDWAY click-through rates
are low, social media simply increases the number of opportunities your business has to reach
out and target new customers (Law, Buhalis and Cobanoglu, 2014).
P2) Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
Research methodology is a particular technique opted for identifying and analyse data for
the specific topic. This method is the composite of ideals, philosophy which is going to used. It is
the systematic process of identifying the appropriate method to achieve the valuable result. There
5

are two types of methods that is qualitative research & quantitative research used by researcher
to collect data for the specific topic. Qualitative research is based on the quality of the
information like beliefs and experiences of the humans whereas quantitative research is based on
the numerical values, facts & figures and statistics data (Okazaki and Taylor, 2013). With the
help of this, it has been examined that information related to perception of selected respondents
can easily be gathered. In this project there are two different types of research methodologies
which are used to perform different situation and condition of research. Some of research
methods in present context are given beneath:
Qualitative Research Method: This type of research method is being considered as one
of effective approach that can be used by researcher. It has been analysed that it is mandatory for
investigator to look into different aspects and then adopt the befitting method so that desired
outcomes can be drawn in specific and set time frame. Qualitative method helps a researcher and
delivers a data which consists with perceptions or point of views of selected respondents.
Investigator in present context have adopted this type of research methodology in order to reach
to specific outcomes of desired aims and objectives.
Quantitative Research Method: Another effective method which can be adopted by
investigator in order to draw befitting outcome as per goal that has been set. It is necessarily
important for researcher to look at the desired aim and then take in use of appropriate method.
Failure into this may lead research conducting person to delay the process of investigation and at
last point it is may be possible that he/she may not attain coveted goal. Investigator uses different
mathematical and statistical approaches where he gets the results in numerical or in percentile
form. It is being found that results which are being drawn with the help of this method stays
authenticated and exact amount can get drawn. But in present context, this type of research will
be less effective because information which investigator is looking forward to gather is
perception of respondents (Pacione, 2013).
Data Sampling: A statistical and analytical method where investigator can select number
of respondents from public. With the help of this, information can be gathered as per the answers
which are being given by the selected respondents. Fundamental role of this type of research
developing method is that to bring out results right on time. There are two major elements which
can be adopted by researcher and these are probabilistic and non-probabilistic (Paniagua and
Sapena, 2014). Apart from this, in present investigation researcher have used purposive sampling
6

where respondents that are being selected from public are 30 respondents which will help out
researcher in drawing befitting outcomes.
TASK 2
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques
Q1) Whether introducing digital technology and various social media platform
for promotional activities will give long term benefits to THIRDWAY?
Frequency
Agree 27
Disagree 3
Q2) Does digital technologies plays an important role in performance and
productivity of a company?
Frequency
Yes 26
No 4
Q3) What are the major benefits that can arise after introducing digitalisation at
workplace in THIRDWAY?
Frequency
Improve productivity 8
Increase sales 7
Enhance market share and value 9
Getting consumer's attraction 6
Q4) Benefits of implementing social media in present scenario for company and
an individual as well?
Frequency
Improves Knowledge 10
Effective communication and Connectivity 10
Better transfer of information 10
Q5) Whether use of digital technologies and social media platforms are
effective in developing capabilities of THIRDWAY at market area?
Frequency
7

Agree 28
Disagree 2
Q6) What type of impact is achieved through kind of impact is attained by
THIRDWAY to offering better services to its existing consumers through
executing digital technologies?
Frequency
Positive 25
Negative 3
Neutral 2
Q7) According to you what are the tools and technologies THIRDWAY is using
for operating its business and performance at market area?
Frequency
Eligible employees 8
Internet Filtering 7
Social Media 10
Advance Technologies 5
Q8) What kinds of tools and technologies THIRDWAY is using in order to grab
attention of maximum number of people?
Frequency
Mobile Application 15
Digital Advertising 7
Social media 8
Q9) According to you what you think it is necessary that THIRDWAY make
modifications in their business operation or tools company are using so as to
increase profitability?
Frequency
Yes 18
No 12
Q10) Any kind of suggestions you want to give in order to improve business
activity and its function by company?
8

9

P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data
Theme 1: Digital technology and social media platform provides long term benefits.
Q1) Whether introducing digital technology and various social media platform
for promotional activities will give long term benefits to THIRDWAY?
Frequency
Agree 27
Disagree 3
Interpretation: Digital technology and social media platform in recent times playing a
crucial role in providing maximum benefits. From above graph it has been evaluated that 27
people out of 30 respondents are agreeing with the fact that after introducing digital technology
and social media platform will provide long term benefits, whereas 3 of them are not happy with
this and they think that companies performance will be same even after opting various social
media platforms.
10
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column B

Theme 2: Importance of digital technologies in productivity and performance of company.
Q2) Does digital technologies plays an important role in performance and
productivity of a company?
Frequency
Yes 26
No 4
Interpretation: Now a day's most of the firms are using digital technologies for
improving the productivity and performance of an individual who are working in a company. So,
from the graph represented researcher can identify that 26 respondents out of 30 think that these
digital technologies are playing a crucial role in improving capabilities and performance whereas
4 out of them doesn't agree with the fact and they totally nullify the concept.
11
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column B

Theme 3: Major benefits after introducing digitalisation at workplace
Q3) What are the major benefits that can arise after introducing digitalisation at
workplace in THIRDWAY?
Frequency
Improve productivity 8
Increase sales 7
Enhance market share and value 9
Getting consumer's attraction 6
Interpretation: In recent times most of the companies have adopted digital technology
and it is making their complex actives easier. With the help of graph it can be evaluated that 8
respondents out of 30 are saying implementation of digitalisation has improved productivity of
the firm whereas 7 are agreeing that it has increased sales for firm. Further, 9 have chosen the
option that digitalisation has enhanced company's market share and value. Lastly, 6 of the
respondents are saying because of digitalisation large number of customers have been attracted
which has directly or indirectly improved its sales.
12
Improve productivity
Increase sales
Enhance market share and value
Getting consumer's attraction
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Column L

Theme 4: Benefits of implementing social media for company.
Q4) Benefits of implementing social media in present scenario for company and
an individual as well?
Frequency
Improves Knowledge 10
Effective communication and Connectivity 10
Better transfer of information 10
Interpretation: Digitalisation and social media are the great source of getting information
and upgrading the same. From the above mentioned graph it has been evaluated that, according
to current market scenario, social media is helping company in operating its business in an
effective manner. As per the respondent all above options have got equal responses that means
improve knowledge, effective communication and connectivity for transferring information in a
better manner.
13
Improves Knowledge
Effective communication and Connectivity
Better transfer of information
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Column L

Theme 5: Digital technology and social media are useful for developing capabilities.
Q5) Whether use of digital technologies and social media platforms are effective
in developing capabilities of THIRDWAY at market area?
Frequency
Agree 28
Disagree 2
Interpretation: In terms of individual, digital technology and social media platforms
helps them in developing skills and knowledge in a better manner which in return increases
productivity and profitability of companies. From the above graph it has been evaluated that 28
person out of 30 are agreeing with the fact that yes digital technologies increases capabilities of a
person as it gives a wider perspective of searching different kinds of thoughts. Whereas 2 of
them are not agree with this fact.
14
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column F

Theme 6: Impact achieved by Company from existing customers.
Q6) What type of impact is achieved by THIRDWAY by offering better services
to its existing consumers through executing digital technologies?
Frequency
Positive 25
Negative 3
Neutral 2
Interpretation: Digital technology and social media platform have a huge impact on
business operations as if these are used in a better manner than it can increase company's sales
and profitability but it can have adverse impact as well. According to the graph mentioned above
25 number of people are saying that yes by using this it is having a positive impact whereas some
people i.e. 3 are saying that access use of digital technology may work as a disadvantage as
firm's data may get leaked and other 2 are neutral.
15
Positive Negative Neutral
0
5
10
15
20
25
Column C

Theme 7: Tools and Technologies used by firm for operating business operations.
Q7) According to you what are the tools and technologies THIRDWAY is using
for operating its business and performance at market area?
Frequency
Eligible employees 8
Internet Filtering 7
Social Media 10
Advance Technologies 5
Interpretation: In recent times there many tools and technologies are present that firm
can use for performing the task in an effective manner. This is gradually increasing the sales and
profitability of companies in return. As per the graph it has been evaluated that 8 person out of
30 respondent are saying that because of digital technology is helping company in increasing
eligible employees, 7 of them are saying it is assisting firm in internet filtering. Other 10 of them
are agreeing that it is aiding company in communicating with customers through social media.
Lastly, 5 of the respondents is saying these are providing firm with advance technologies.
16
Eligible employees
Internet Filtering
Social Media
Advance Technologies
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Column D

Theme 8: Tools and technologies used by company for getting maximum attention of people.
Q8) What kinds of tools and technologies THIRDWAY is using in order to grab
attention of maximum number of people?
Frequency
Mobile Application 15
Digital Advertising 7
Social media 8
Interpretation:From the above graph is has been concluded that THIRD WAY is using
digital tools and techniques in order to get attention of people 15 out of 30 people are using
Mobile Application in order to know about the products and services which are offered by
business this helps in knowing about different variety of products which are available for
customers at different prices 7 individuals are in favour of using digital advertising as it helps in
helps in knowing about the effectiveness of advertising and gaining customers attention 8
employees were in favour of using Social media tools such as Facebook, Google as it results in
getting knowledge about different variety of products thus gaining attention of customers and
enhancing their overall sales and profitability ratios.
17
Mobile Application Digital Advertising Social media
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Column F

Theme 9: Necessary to do modifications by company for increasing profitability.
Q9) According to you what you think it is necessary that THIRDWAY make
modifications in their business operation or tools company are using so as to
increase profitability?
Frequency
Yes 18
No 12
Interpretation: From the above statistics it has been concluded that there should be
changes made products and services which are adopted by firms as it results in enhancing their
overall sales and profitability index. 18 out of 30 customers were in favour that if there are
changes made in products and services according to current trend at market place then it will
result in enhancing their overall sales and profit volumes. 12 customers are not in favour as they
believe changes in products and services does not result in enhancing sales and profitability of
firms.
18
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column D

TASK 3
P5. Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience
Covered in PPT
TASK 4
P6. Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques
The research methods are the most important assets that are useful for firms in order to
complete the research operations in most effectual and planned manner (Rodriguez, Peterson and
Krishnan, 2012). The investigator should have proper skill and knowledge about the best
research tools so they can achieve effective outputs. Research plans and procedures are related
with the outlining the best and effective outcome so all the activities of research can be carried
out in most appropriate and planned manner. I have used various research tools in order to know
about the best tools which can be used by the research in order to achieve best outcomes so firms
can implement digital techniques in most effectual and planned manner. I have majorly focused
on three research methods for the current research which are evaluated below as:
Qualitative Research Methods is also known as exploratory research. In have used this
method as it is effective in order to know about the different options available and also motivates
people to work according to the set plans. There is deep understanding about the problem which
is faced by the research in their investigation. I have used Questionnaire in order to know about
the opinion of customers and accordingly there can be changes made in the operations thus firms
will achieve their set goals a targets in most effectual a planned manner. The sample size for the
research is small which is 30 customers who are chosen randomly as they are using services of
firms.
Quantitative Research Methods are used for identifying the problems in the numerical
data so that data can be easily transformed into statistical data. I have used this method in order
to know about attitude, behaviour and other opinion of customers from the sample population
who are using the offered products. This method is also used in order to analyse, measure all the
data and formulate patterns for the research. This is the most structured and measurable tool to
uncover different patterns in research operations by conducting survey and questionnaires.
Data Sampling is the most vital tool statistical tool which is used in order to determine
the patterns which are being chosen for the current research (Rogers, 2013). I have chosen
19

sample size of 30 customers who are using my products and services in order to know about their
opinion and accordingly there can be modifications made in the offered products and services.
Inspecting is related with dividing the whole population into smaller number so that most
valuable information can be gathered. The main motive behind applying inspecting is top
conform the measures as the last individuals are excluded from the overall population gathered
from examination (Sassen, 2016). There can be both probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling
used in the research. I have used purposive sampling methods for the current research and the
sample size is 30 customers.
P7) Determine alternative research methodologies for the project
Research methodologies demonstrate the success of the business activities in most
effectual and planned manner (Savitz, 2013). The research objectives and considerations are
linked with achieving the predetermined objectives and making improvement according to the
requirements thus achieving success for firms. Technique which is known as compelling is
analysed in which the factors related with social breakdown are to be finished. While the work
related with compelling is performed so the elements which are helpful in in enhancing the
variable digits are sorted out. This is beneficial in order to achieve the objectives so that new and
innovative ideas can be easily drawn.
As social tools are useful in order to make the customers aware about the products and
services so that activities of business can be easily expanded at international areas. The
alternative research methodologies which can be used are Focus Groups as it consists of small
group of people who are best suitable for achieving the target customers. With the members of
the focus there can decision made about the offered the offered products and services and if
needed there can be modifications made in the products (Schaupp and Bélanger, 2013).
The insights of focus group are invaluable as it humanises the business in order to
analyse how people understand feel about the services and products and new opportunities can
be easily identified which are beneficial for the success of business activities. Thus alternative
research methodologies are beneficial in order to achieve success in the business operations.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that, digital technology play a crucial role in
developing business operations in today's world. It helps company in expanding their business in
20

both at domestic and international level. Social media and e-commerce assist firms in reaching to
every individual anywhere in the country so that they increase sales and profitability. According
to recent times enterprise are using latest tools and technologies for attaining goals and
objectives that are prepared for short term period. Other than this, e-commerce and social
networking sites helps company in selling their products through online process and it has come
up as a revolutionary in the world of digital marketing. therefore, social media is giving
competitive advantages and helping company in attracting a large number of people towards
their organization.
21

22

23

APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: To identify the impact of social media in expanding
business operations globally. A case based on THIRDWAY”.
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 impact of social media in expanding business operations globally. A case based on
THIRDWAY”.
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 identify the role of social media in promoting services of company.
 To analyse effectual social media tools which can be used by THIRDWAY.
 To examine the barriers which are related to social media while expanding business operations at
global level.
 To determine the effectiveness of social media in grabbing attention of targeted customers.
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):
The real explanation behind choose the theme is to elevate the abilities and information of student about
the significance of web-based social networking in regard to building up the execution of firm.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or hypothesis:
Aral, S., Dellarocas, C. and Godes, D., 2013. Introduction to the special issue—social media and
business transformation: a framework for research. Information Systems Research. 24(1). pp.3-
24

13.
Awa, H. O., Ojiabo, O. U. and Emecheta, B. C., 2015. Integrating TAM, TPB and TOE frameworks and
expanding their characteristic constructs for e-commerce adoption by SMEs. Journal of Science
& Technology Policy Management. 6(1). pp.76-94.
Ball, S. J., 2012. Global education inc: New policy networks and the neo-liberal imaginary. Routledge.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g
research, development and analysis of ideas, writing, data
collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final
outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
There are various activities are going to involve in this project which need to
identify appropriately so that better results lead to get drawn. Various activities
which will going to include for the project are:
 Determine topic
 Creation of aim and objectives with questions
 Literature review
 Research methodology
 Questionnaires preparation
 Data Collection
 Data analysis
 Conclusion and recommendation
How long this will
take:
3 Months.
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?
Qualitative and quantitative methods are connected in regard to gather the applicable data as it gives all
the required information on the examination theme.
What your areas of research will cover:
The investigation will cover the impact of social media in expanding business
operations globally. A case based on THIRDWAY”.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another
25

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
26

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:
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?
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)?
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to
27

participants 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?
During the research:
Where will the data 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?
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what 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:
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 :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
28