Research Methodologies and Studies

This assignment provides an extensive collection of research methodologies and studies from various fields and disciplines. The document includes a list of references and sources on research methodology, including books, articles, and PhD dissertations. It covers topics such as qualitative research methods, Talanoa research methodology, and design-based research methodology. The assignment is suitable for students and researchers looking to explore different approaches to research methodology.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
Title: Impact of Digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation that is
especially tailored to Continental Consulting Limited.......................................................................3
LO 1....................................................................................................................................................3
P 1 Research Aim and Objectives..................................................................................................3
P 2 Project Management Plan:.......................................................................................................4
P 3 Work Breakdown and Gantt chart...........................................................................................5
P 3: Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart............................................................................6
........................................................................................................................................................7
LO 2....................................................................................................................................................7
P 4 Research Methodology:...........................................................................................................7
LO 3....................................................................................................................................................9
P 5 Data Analysis...........................................................................................................................9
P 6 Recommendation...................................................................................................................15
LO 4..................................................................................................................................................15
P 7 Reflection...............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES:................................................................................................................................17

TITLE: Impact of Digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation that is
especially tailored to Continental Consulting Limited
LO 1
P 1 Research Aim and Objectives
Research Aim: To identify the impact of social media on growth and innovation of small-scale
industries- A case on Continental Consulting Limited.
Research objectives:
 To explore the importance and significance of social media
 To identify the effectiveness of social media that support business growth and innovation.
 To evaluate impact of social media in various activities of small-scale businesses
 To recommend strategies that can help small-scale business for better use
Background of the study:
Social media has influenced small-scale industries to large extent. Websites like Facebook,
Instagram and Twitter have captured the entire market. It is very important for Continental
Consulting Limited to understand the strategies of social media so that they can survive in the
market. Employees of these types of companies should be properly trained and know all
applications regarding these sites (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). These sites are grabbing
attractions of customers from different regions.
This study shows the impact and effectiveness of sites, which help these businesses to
increase their branding and provide a platform for cheap marketing. They increase sales and
provide opportunities to engage customers at various levels including high leaders and managers
of the company. Higher authorities are also engaged with customers and build strong relationship
with them (Mackey and Gass, 2015). It provides opportunity to create relationships with other
businesses and networking helps in increasing sales and promotion.
Emphasizing more on customer relationships automatically increases sales. Thus, social
media, internet is very beneficial for entrepreneurs and helps in communicating with others.
Continental Consulting Limited uses social media for recruitment purpose, marketing and building
customer relationships. It can be considered as a gateway for profit and loss in the industry.

P 2 Project Management Plan
Project management Plan consists of constraints like cost, quality, time, resources, scope
and risk. Cost cutting increases sales. Equivalency is required between scope and budget and
increase in budget may loosen up scope of the product or project. This plan is used to examine
projects. All constraints play a major role to complete a project.
Time: It refers to availability of time to plan activities and estimate resources. It is majorly used to
gather information and document a project schedule. There should not be any dependency between
tasks because it may increase the length. Every project has a deadline and it should be completed
within that time frame (Glesne, 2015).Time constraint includes planning schedule, management of
project, defining activities, sequential planning of project, estimated availability of resources,
duration of resources, developing schedule and finally keeping control on schedule. Activities
involve management planning, environmental factors, assets of organization, decomposition and
activity list that has to be completed on time.
Cost: It is one of the important factors while managing a project. It depends on variables like work
packages, resources that generate cost constraints. When companies hire contract or temporary
employees, then economic cost must be considered, which involves productivity or worker’s skill.
Cost budgeting and controlling of cost matter that generates factors like variance, which is
controlled and influenced by cost management tool (Vaioleti, 2016). Tools include estimation of
analogues, analysing cost rates of resources, parametric estimation and cost of quality analysis.
Scope: Project is only established by its end results when all its requirements are specified.
Important feature of scope is quality of the final product. Scope is determined by the time taken to
complete the entire project. Some project totally fails because they are not properly understood or
defined. Project's cost is also increased if its scope is increased. Quality also influences its scope
and time.
Risk: Risk is an important factor involved with each and every project. After completion, it has the
risk of failure. Therefore, some strategies can be applied to face the consequences. Risk can be
either avoided or accepted. Plans can be further changed to face problems. Immediate steps should
be taken to reduce the influence of risk. Leaders should foresee risk and define responses to issues.

Risk can be outsourced or transferred to third party who is capable of managing outcomes.
This increases budget that reduces scope because transferring must be done financially. Thus,
proper risk management should be there so that projects should not be derailed. Leaders must be
aware of consequences in order to control or mitigate the impact. Accepting risk definitely
increases cost, which in turn reduces its effectiveness.
Communication: There should be clear communication between head and group members. All
goals of projects should be cleared to them and any miscommunication would lead to failure of the
project.
Quality: Quality ensures work processes which is performed and documented. It also affects scope
and cost of the project. Products should meet all standards and requirements and quality
management of any project includes plan for assuring problems, project deliverables that should be
reviewed after completion (Panneerselvam, 2014). This helps in accepting quality level and proper
management of project processes. Tools and techniques are used effectively.
Resources: Availability of resources should be for smooth running of the project. Any inadequacy
in the project may lead to increase in budget and lengthen up time. It is a type of constraint for the
completion of project. Complete Group works with many types of resources like free materials,
unused equipments, and unspent time to save cost. Thus, proper allocation and management
should be there. For this, tasks must be properly understood and defined among the group
members. Project management can be benefited with software developments where all information
is easily modified when required (Bauer, 2014.). Thus, there should not be any type of
unpredictability in projects.
P 3 Work Breakdown and Gantt chart
Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
finding the investigation
topic 1 day Wed 7/4/18 Wed 7/4/18
framing research problem 3 days Thu 7/5/18 Mon 7/9/18 1
setting times and activities 3 days Tue 7/10/18 Thu 7/12/18 2
secondary research 4 days Fri 7/13/18 Wed 7/18/18 3,2
choosing appropriate
method to conduct research 4 days Thu 7/19/18 Tue 7/24/18 4

identifying cost with each
activity 2 days Wed 7/25/18 Thu 7/26/18 5,4
preparing questionnaire 3 days Fri 7/27/18 Tue 7/31/18 6
analysing the collected data 5 days Wed 8/1/18 Tue 8/7/18 7,4
evaluating the results 3 days Wed 8/8/18 Fri 8/10/18 8,6
making judgement and
recommendation 5 days Mon 8/13/18 Fri 8/17/18 9
reflection 2 days Mon 8/20/18 Tue 8/21/18 10,9
Modification as per
feedback 2 days Wed 8/22/18 Thu 8/23/18 11
day of submission 1 day Fri 8/24/18 Fri 8/24/18 12,11
P 3 : Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart
Gantt Chart : With the help of project management plan company can implement its
activity into more productive manner. Work breakdown structure always makes small task to
perform an activity. Such as present activities helps to accomplish the project objectives. To start
the activity or task first manager needs to collect all activities' information which is necessary for
the project execution. This activity take approx one day. Another activity that manager needs
perform that is framing research problem for which research has been conduct to find solution or
results. Further, manager setting activities or time for meeting coordinating etc. Gantt chart is the
type of structure that helps to know about the previous activity and next activity. It helps to clear
the direction and reduce confusion among other team members of the company. Manager also
needs to look upon the cost that each activity will be going to take. Project manager needs to make
Gantt charts in order to keeping the records of all the activities. Present project aim is to implement
the social or new innovating technology into the business functions. Project manager also take
follow up of all activities or process to measure the successful outcomes.

LO 2
P 4 Research Methodology:
Research Philosophy
Research philosophy always deals with nature, development and the source of knowledge.
According to the topic it is form of delivering information for a process which is firstly collected,
examined properly and then finally used for research work. For the completion of dissertation

knowledge creation is used to gather primary and secondary data. It includes pragmatism,
positivism, realism and interpretivism. Choice is influenced by practical applications of research
approach, design and strategies (Humphries, 2017). Researchers mainly use interpretivism for their
project work. They have to collect small-samples for their work and deep knowledge is human
interest. Only social constructions like consciousness, language and shared views are assumed to
access them into reality. Researchers like to praise differences between people and act as a social
actor. On the other hand, positivism is restricted to factual knowledge obtained through
observation skill information collected are usually quantifiable which results in statistical analysis.
It has an ontological and atomistic view of the people. No provisions of human like interests are
determined in this study. Thus, researchers prefer interpretivism which is qualitative for further
study.
Research Design
There are various views based on the design of research. Some think that it is qualitative
and quantitative. While, others think that it is based on the process of data collection and analysis.
But usually it is a general plan in which specific questions are prepared to answer. It can be
categorised into two forms i.e. exploratory and conclusive. In exploratory researchers find absolute
to active solutions. But the problem is not specifically defined. They can change their direction
while conducting their work. Main aim is to explore the problems and vary the level of depth. On
the other hand, conclusive research is divided into casual and descriptive level. Researchers aim at
descriptive method because all types of characteristics and functions are properly described and
more analytical techniques, large sample sizes are used (Dang and Pheng, 2015). It also includes
cross-sectional, longitudinal and retrospective study. But casual study is used to for analysis of
cause and effect relationships. In conclusive method research process is structured and represented
in formal way. Results derived from conclusive method are used in decision making process.
Research Approach
Research approach describes the main point of hypothesis that can be studied between
inductive and deductive approaches. Emergence of generalizations and new theories are involved
in inductive method. On the other hand, believability of assumptions is required in deductive
method. In inductive method generalization begins from specific and ends to general. There is
preparation of hypothesis which is followed by a procedure of tests, pattern and dissertation of
theory. Themes and patterns are being explored and a conceptual framework is generated. Some

premises are used to analyse untested conclusions (Kim and Kum, 2016). Theory is build and
generated. Questions are based on aims and objectives of the project which has to be attained
during research work. So researchers generally go for inductive approach. On the other hand, in
deductive method propositions are evaluated to an existing theory or pattern. It starts from general
to specific. Here the conclusions are authentic if premises are true. There are chances of
falsification of theory so verification is required. Dissertations might be confirmed or rejected at
the last stage. EU assess the effect of labour migration by generating a hypothesis. It is then tested
during research process.
Data Analysis
It should be cleared up by researchers that how analysis of should be done. It is done in
through primary and secondary methods. In primary method data is collected through surveys,
questionnaire and interviews (Yang, 2017). In secondary method is generated through reports,
company's information, feedback from retailer and distributor, business magazines, libraries etc.
data can be further categorised into qualitative and quantitative forms. Qualitative data is
concerned with obtaining insights and understanding main reasons and motivations behind the
research project. Researchers prefer qualitative way because data collected is fresh and rich and it
doesn't need any kind of verification. Mainly they prepare questionnaire or conduct interviews for
the observation. On the other hand quantitative data is just the collection of numerical data and
analysis is done on the basis of relationships between variable which properly measured by
statistical techniques (Wach, 2014). Qualitative research is done through reflexivity and curiosity.
They have proper accounts and data prepared is in textual form. Sample size is not so large. All
important contexts are highlighted. Finally, researchers make a view point on the research work.
Sampling
Sampling is done to select a segment of population that will be involved in the research
study. Population is too large so sample size of selected range of people is taken to work directly
and gain pure samples. There are many benefits of sampling like it saves costs of research work
which reduces time frame thus, helps in completion work. Any kind of research is possible with
sampling and size can be managed. It results in accuracy as data collected is primary and rich in
quality (Schmidt, 2016). The process if information is accelerated and result derived are effective.
It follows a particular process which involves defining a particular target of population. In this
project sample size of 20 is taken. Specified segment is targetted which is served as primary source

for research. Then list of people are selected who can participate in the research work. This is
known as sampling frame. Then, determination of sampling size is there and finally a particular
method is decided which is practised. There are mainly two methods known as probability and
non-probability method. In probability chances of participation are there while in non-probability
group members are selected on non-random manner (Research Methodologies. 2018).
LO 3
P 5 Data Analysis
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
1. Does your company use social media website
 Yes
 No
 May Be
2. Are employees well trained about social media sites
 Yes
 No
 May Be
3. What are the main benefits of social media?
 Reduced cost-effective
 Time-saving
 Customer generation
4. How many employees agree with the implementation of these sites?
 Agree
 Disagree
 Natural
5. On what websites Continental Consulting Limited is available?
 Facebook
 Twitter

 Instagram
6. Is there any kind of social media campaigns launched by Continental Consulting Limited?
 Yes
 No
 May Be
7. How social media is used by the company?
 Branding
 Marketing
 New business generation
8. Are customers properly updated on social media sites?
 Yes
 No
 May Be
Theme 1: Company uses social media website
Does your company use social media website Respondents
Yes 12
No 7
May Be 1
Interpretation:
12
7
1
Yes
No
May Be

From above graph it can be interpreted that 12 customers use social media websites out of
20 but 7 are traditional and are not in favour of digital technology. Company is growing and
innovating through Twitter, Facebook and other websites. It is the easiest way to know current
market trends and techniques. Only single person is not sure about the usage of technology.
Majority of people rely on social media websites. It has become a major part of their daily life.
Thus, in future more users will be engaged in websites.
Theme 2 : Employees are well-trained and educated about social media network.
Are employees well trained about social
media sites
Respondents
Yes 9
No 6
May Be 5
Interpretation:
It can be interpreted that 9 people think employees of Continental consulting Limited are
qualified because they have gone through fine conversation with them and quick response have
been received by them. But 6 persons were not satisfied with the employees. According to them
they need more training and monthly or annual sessions should be provided to them regarding
advancement of social media websites. Company should hire qualified candidates while majority
thinks that they update its website time to time. It is important for every employee to get trained so
9
6
5
Yes
No
May Be

that they are flexible in maintaining relationship with customers and can create new business lead.
Questionnaire done results in knowing customer demands and their curiosity towards digital
technology.
Theme 3: Major advantages of Social media
What are the main benefits of social media? Respondents
Reduced cost 6
Time-saving 5
Customer generation 11
6
5
11
Reduced cost
Time-saving
Customer generation

Interpretation:
From the above graph it can be interpreted that 6 people think that there social media is
cost-effective while 5 thinks that it saves time. But basically it is used to create customers. People
who all are interested in Continental consulting Limited browse website and like its pages.
Owners get to their demand and develop strategies accordingly. It saves time of consumers too.
They don't have to roam in the market for any particular product. Small-scale businesses find
social media a cheaper way to apply their strategies too. Thus, it reduces cost and expense of
various activities of business. It is helps in building strong customer relationship and saves time of
employees and customers both.
Theme 4: Employees are satisfied with the implementation of social media sites
How many employees agree with the
implementation of these sites?
Respondents
Agree 10
Disagree 6
Natural 4

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted from the above graph that majority of employees are in favour of
implementation of social media websites. Out of 20 employees 10 are agreed with this question
while 6 thinks that it has some side effects on the functioning of departments. Employees cannot
concentrate on other activities and are lacking with their responsibilities. They are more engaged
in social media websites. But majority of employees have positive attitude towards technology.
According to them, it helps in growth and development of businesses.
Theme 5: Continental Consulting Limited uses Facebook
On what websites Continental Consulting
Limited is available?
Respondents
Facebook 11
Twitter 7
Instagram 2
10
6
4
Agree
Disagree
Natural

11 7
2
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted that Continental consulting Limited uses social media widely. 11
customers are followers on Facebook, 7 on Twitter and 2 on Instagram. In present scenario,
Facebook is the most popular website that is used by entrepreneurs and customers. It provides a
platform where people from all different regions can gather and share their views on single
product. Twitter and Instagram are also used by customers but Facebook is used in each and every
corner of the country. Companies can create page, display their products, get to know current
market trends and new entrants that are similar to them. Thus, through most of the people like
Facebook and Twitter to know details of the company.
Theme 6: Social Media campaigns launched by the company
Is there any kind of social media campaigns
launched by Continental Consulting
Limited?
Respondents
Yes 10
No 7
May Be 3
10
7
3
Yes
No
May Be

Interpretation:
For the promotion of its brand and to sustain in the market 10 customers think that
company launch social media campaigns on regular basis. While, 7 people think that it is not at all
active. Company should organise some exciting activity to attract customers.
Theme 7: Social media is used in different fields of the company.
How social media is used by the company? Respondents
Branding 5
Marketing 11
New business generation 4

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted from the above graph that social media is majorly used for marketing
of small scale businesses. 11 people are in favour of network marketing. On the other hand, 5
people think that small-scale businesses use it for branding purpose. It is an essential tool for
promotion of new and innovative products and brands. Very few thinks that new business can be
generated online but it has to face lot of problems.
Theme 8: Customers remain active on websites
Are customers properly updated on social
media sites?
Respondents
Yes 13
No 4
May Be 3
5
11
4
Branding
Marketing
New business
generation

Interpretation:
It can be interpreted that in current scenario, 13 customers are active on social media
websites. 4 people do not use websites and are of traditional style. Thus, social media is widely
spread all over the world and is mostly used by people of all ages.
P 6 Recommendation
It can be recommended that social sites like Facebook and Twitter will expand in coming
years and companies are showing more interest in these sites. These sites are giving new path to
small scale businesses to enhance their relationship with customer and tie up knots with other
companies. Social sites share and create contents of businesses. They also promote active
participation of users and thus share their views on websites. In future it will become a strong
marketing tool for branding of products (Schoonderbeek, 2018). There will be assortment of
application which leads to enhancement of business innovation and growth. Entrepreneurs could
easily link to their end customers and know their demands. Small business owners use social
websites to enlarge their business by using extent of weak ties in the network of small business.
13
4
3
Yes
No
May Be

Thus, feedbacks are obtained through customers (Jia, 2014). It has become a daily practice of
user's life. Through feedbacks owners get new ideas and development strategy by customers.
LO 4
P 7 Reflection
Basically, I have learned that in present scenario social media sites are playing vital role in
the growth and development of small-scale businesses. They get innovative ideas and are regularly
attached to customers. Based on the survey I have learned that application of these sites has
diverted these businesses towards direct communication to customers and promotes public
relations, branding and lead generation. Small businesses have adopted strategies of micro-
blogging by consumers. This is the way used by them to make strong connections with customers
who have certain interest in their businesses (Jetnikoff, 2015). I think social media has a
transparent objective through large number of small scale businesses join these sites. It helps to
generate long term relationship between entrepreneur and customer. I came across some issue also
like business should be concerned with their activities implemented on social platforms because
technologies are very dynamic so there is lack of consensuses. Thus, proper guidance of utilizing
websites should be there. Thus, social media is the most efficient and cheap tool for marketing and
branding of products. It is a basic platform for advertising and publicity of their products. By
liking and welcoming comments of followers entrepreneurs create a loyal customer baseline.
Continental Consulting Limited is also using social media sites for the promotion of its products
and spreading its business all over the world.

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Online
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