Ethical Considerations for Research Studies

This assignment requires students to complete a form that assesses their understanding of ethical considerations in research studies. The form covers topics such as obtaining informed consent, dealing with sensitive topics, ensuring participant confidentiality, and addressing potential risks associated with the research. Students must demonstrate their awareness of these issues and outline how they will address them in their proposed work.

Research Project

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
Overview of research..............................................................................................................1
Background of research..........................................................................................................1
Research aim:.........................................................................................................................2
Research Objectives: .............................................................................................................2
Research questions:................................................................................................................2
Rationale of research..............................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................2
Concept of offshoring and outsourcing..................................................................................3
Benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three..........................................3
Risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three Ltd.......................................4
Different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of outsourcing and offshoring
upon operation........................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................4
Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................5
Research Approach.................................................................................................................5
Data collection........................................................................................................................5
Time Horizon..........................................................................................................................6
Data analysis...........................................................................................................................6
Sampling.................................................................................................................................6
Research limitation.................................................................................................................6
Ethical Consideration.............................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION......................................................7
CHAPTER 5: REFLECTION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR ALTERNATIVE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................19
Reflection ............................................................................................................................19
Recommendation of alternative research methodology ......................................................19
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION......................................................................................................20
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................21

APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................22
Research Proposal Form......................................................................................................22
Research Ethics approval form.............................................................................................30

Title: To analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and outsourcing upon operation of an
organisation. A study on Three Ltd.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Overview of research
Offshoring is consider as an important activity to obtaining the products and services
from one country to another. Mainly, it is related with operational process like supporting,
manufacturing, accounting and many more. Along with this, it also takes advantages of cost
differentials through relocating industries from costly nation to the cheaper economics with the
aim of sell the goods. Offshoring is not only related to the production of physical goods but also
linked to the services. It also save money for both seller and consumers as well. On the other
hand, outsourcing is also refers to the activities in which products and services obtained from
third party firm (Caniato and et. al., 2015). Furthermore, it also consider as a business practices
in which organisation hire other firm and person for executing activities or handling business
operation. As per current scenario, business organisation outsource services to improve their
performance level. Apart from this, outsourcing is related with the information technology that
includes development and programming. It help in establishing the positive image of the
company at market place and at the same time also provide opportunities to expand their
operational activities at global level.
Background of research
Offshoring and outsourcing play a crucial role in business activities in attaining higher
growth at market place. In this regards outsourcing occur when business pays to the outsider
suppliers towards the services and products. In order to keep their competitive image in market
place, company needs to hire talented workforce from third party organisation which may help
them in effectively executing entire business activities in systematic manner. Current research
based on Three Ltd., is a global brand under which different UMTS based mobile phone network
and broadband internet provider (Deftereos, 2016). Company operate their business in Hong
Kong, Macau, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy and UK as well. It was founded in 2002 with the
aim of serving their services to large number of customers in over the world. Along with this, it
also provides 3G and 4G services by using its own network infrastructure.
1

Research aim:
"To analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and
outsourcing upon operation of an organisation". A study on Three
Ltd.
Research Objectives:
 To determine concept of offshoring and outsourcing.
 To identify benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three.
 To examine risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three.
 To investigate different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of
outsourcing and offshoring upon operation.
Research questions:
 What are the concept of offshoring and outsourcing?
 What are the benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three?
 What are the risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three?
 What are the different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of
outsourcing and offshoring upon operation?
Rationale of research
Current research is based on determining the benefits and risk of offshoring and
outsourcing within the operational function of the company. By carry out this research,
investigator easily understand and learn more towards the research topic that help them in taking
right and reliable results in future (Graham and et. al., 2017). It also support investigator to
enhance their skills and knowledge in order to draw a valid conclusion at the end of the research.
Along with this, the main purpose of undertaking research for self interest. This will contribute
in making their skills and knowledge more strong through which they can easily attain positive
outcomes.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review introduces as an essential section of research project. This part of
research helps an investigator by providing valid and deep information regarding the study.
Literature review is a systematic process which will assist an investigator to gather proper data
regarding the impact of offshoring and outsourcing process on business operations. In this
2

section, aims and objectives of study will be address in systematic manner. Along with this,
different number of authors have give their opinion regarding the concept and impact of
outsourcing and offshoring business practice (Gylling and et. al., 2015).
Concept of offshoring and outsourcing
Offshoring and outsourcing are important part of any organisation due to provide
additional way to increase of their business operations. Both techniques are contributed into
globalisation to get advantage which is connected with these methods. There are defined both
methods for clear knowing about the improvement of an organisation is presented below:
Offshoring - According to Jonathan Webb, 2017, outsourcing is defining about the
internal activities which move from third party. There are consisting of resettlement of
organisational process from one nation to other. There are consisting those processes which is
actually transferable like producing, accounting , supporting etc. The main cause of dispersion to
cut down the price of labour cost as well as economic conditions.
Outsourcing - As per the opinion of Jeffrey Glen, 2018, it is mainly utilised by company
to spread out their business operations. It is consisting of the process to recruit people from
outside party and present their services and develop goods. It is mainly presented by staff
members in past.
Benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three
There are defined advantages of both methods which is connected with a company in the
condition of availing it to spread out business operations at international level.
Benefits of offshoring in Three Ltd.
Business Growth - According to the Peter Hammon, 2016, it is one of the major
advantage that can help to Three Ltd due to apply this method of offshoring in the context of
globalisation to deduct the cost of labour.
Control – It is important advantage which is connected with the utilisation of this method
is about control due to there is no engagement of any third party in reference to conduct
procedure of resettlement of the procedure of an organisation.
Benefits of Outsourcing to Three Ltd
Get access to skilled expertise - According to the Gino Lisondra, 2019, Outsourcing is
the procedure to recruiting of skilled expertise who can help to organisation to meet with their
goals and objectives.
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Running business 24x7 – Outsourcing of work by Three Ltd from the nation like Japan
to provide opportunity in various zone to conduct functions every time.
Risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three Ltd
According to the Simone Seth, 2010, Offshoring as well as Outsourcing are kind of
business practice. With the help of these methods expand business operations at global level.
There are defining offshoring and outsourcing related risk in the reference of Three Ltd
presented below:
Cultural Risk – It is presented through different work ethics, varying communication
etiquette and language difference. Three Ltd influence by different types of business success and
their operations.
Operations Risk – Three Ltd face problem of sub par level service quality, disruption of
business, cost or overruns. Compliance risk and information security risk are consist under
operational risk.
Different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of outsourcing and offshoring
upon operation
There are identified several ways for Three Ltd to enlargement of their business activities
at global level -
Market Development - According to the Annmarie Hanlon, 2018, market development is
an effective strategy for Three Ltd to increase heir business activities. It can occur through
promoting existing product at new market.
Product Development – It is defined as effective plan of action that will support to a
company in their improvement as well as their business activities at international level. The
particular strategy of Three Ltd launch new product at existing market place. Through different
activities a business intensify their operations in reference to packaging, improve quality.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It is one of the important section of whole research as it provide support to investigator to
undertake research activities in systematic manner. As it includes various methodology used by
investigator to gather relevant data and information from certain sources (Kaur, Singh and
Majumdar, 2018). This will improve the chances of attaining positive and reliable outcomes.
Mainly, it is a process applied by investigator to make better decision within the research that
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support in attaining set target and objectives in stipulate time frame. In this regards, there are
different research methods followed by investigator while executing activities of research. All
these are as follows:
Research Philosophy
It is related with belief towards the ways and option in which data and information should
be gather, analysed and interpreted. With the help of this, investigator can easily collect the right
information towards the selected topic and area as well (Liang and et. al., 2016). Mainly, it
classified on the basis of two philosophy such as interpretivism and positivism research
philosophy:
Positivism philosophy- This type of method is related with the view points that is based
in the factual knowledge collect through observation. In this, all the information can easily
interpretation in objectives basis. As it may aid in improving the chances of drawing a valid
conclusion.
Interpretivism philosophy- It refers to the philosophical in which researcher used group
by diverse approaches including phenomenology and constructivism as well. By this, researcher
gained valid information and at the same time also improve the chances of attaining positive and
reliable results at the end of research (Mihalache and Mihalache, 2016).
For carry out this research, investigator will use interpretivism research philosophy as it
help in gathering subjective information towards the specified research topic and area as well.
Research Approach
Inductive and deductive are two useful approach of research which is mainly depend on
qualitative and quantitative research. For this report, inductive approach of research will be
applied because it helps in collection of reliable data regarding the study. On the other hand,
deductive approach is not useful for this project because it take more resources of company.
Data collection
There are two kind of data collection methods including primary and secondary. Under
primary method of data collection, questionnaire is most useful instrument which will be applied
by researcher in accumulation of reliable and valid information regarding the current
investigation (Modarress, Ansari and Thies, 2016). In case of secondary method, books,
5

magazines, journals etc., sources will be applied. Thus, both are useful methods of data
collection and support an investigator to gather appropriate data regarding the topic.
Time Horizon
Gantt chart introduces as an useful tool for identification of starting and ending time
duration about the investigation. This chart helps investigator to analysis time period of each
activities such as development of aims and objectives, literature review, research methodology,
data collection and data analysis etc. Along with this, Gantt chart is also useful for completing
full project within given time period (Musteen, 2016).
Data analysis
Thematic analysis consider important method of data analysis. As in the case different
themes will be created on each questions. Thematic analysis will also assist an investigator to
complete full dissertation within given time duration.
Sampling
Probability and non-probability are refers two types of sampling method. According to
this project, probability sampling will be applied by researcher. Main reason about selecting this
sampling is it not take more cost and time of an organisation (Oshri, Kotlarsky and Willcocks,
2015). With the help of probability sampling, 40 respondents will be selected. On the other side,
non-probability sampling is not useful according to this research because it need more time of an
enterprise.
Research limitation
There are different limitation in research which will impact on investigator while
accumulation of appropriate data from respondents. Insufficient time, lack of capital, lack of
resources, improper behaviour of participants etc. are identify major limitations of this project
which will effect on researcher while completion of research systematically and ethically
(Patrucco, Scalera and Luzzini, 2016). There are some limitation of research methodology such
as selection of sample size, development of aims and objectives etc.
Ethical Consideration
It is important for researcher to perform each activities of investigation in ethical manner.
Ethical consideration mainly related with three principles which is informed consent, anonymity
6

and confidentiality. All these are main principles which must be follow by researcher while
completion of study in ethical and accurate manner.
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Contact no.:
Email address:
Q1) Do you have any idea about the concept of globalisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Does globalisation allow business organisation to expand their operational at global
level?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) Ares you aware about the offshoring and outsourcing?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4) Is offshoring and outsourcing play crucial role in operational activities of Three Ltd.?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What are the benefits of offshoring for business organization and its operations as
well?
a) Enhance efficiency level
b) Time zone advantage
c) Reduce operational cost
Q6) As per your point of view, what are risk occur due to offshoring on Three Ltd.
operations?
a) Decision rights and authority
b) Lack of Proper Work Dissemination
7

c) Culture-Barrier
Q7) What are the ways by which Tree can reduce the risk of offshoring on its operational
activities?
a) Use of advance technology
b) Appropriate training programs
c) Tie up with legal agency
Q8) What are the major advantage of outsourcing for business organization?
a) Reduce risk factor
b) Improve business growth
c) Improve flexibility in staff
Q9) What are the ways through which Three Ltd. can overcome from issues associated
with outsourcing?
a) Clear understanding of decision making power
b) Understand outsourcing company’s culture
c) Putting new process
Q10) Recommended the ways by which company improve their performance at global
level.
DATA SHEET
Q1) Do you have any idea about the concept of globalisation? Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Q2) Does globalisation allow business organisation to expand their
operational at global level?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q3) Ares you aware about the offshoring and outsourcing? Frequency
8

a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Q4) Is offshoring and outsourcing play crucial role in operational
activities of Three Ltd. ?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q5) What are the benefits of offshoring for business organization and
its operations as well?
Frequency
a) Enhance efficiency level 20
b) Time zone advantage 10
c) Reduce operational cost 10
Q6) As per your point of view, what are risk occur due to offshoring
on Three Ltd. operations?
Frequency
a) Decision rights and authority 15
b) Lack of Proper Work Dissemination 15
c) Culture-Barrier 10
Q7) What are the ways by which Three Ltd. can reduce the risk of
offshoring on its operational activities?
Frequency
a) Use of advance technology 15
b) Appropriate training programs 13
c) Tie up with legal agency 12
Q8) What are the major advantage of outsourcing for business
organization?
Frequency
a) Reduce risk factor 20
b) Improve business growth 10
c) Improve flexibility in staff 10
9

Q9) What are the ways through which Three Ltd. can overcome from
issues associated with outsourcing?
Frequency
a) Clear understanding of decision making power 15
b) Understand outsourcing company’s culture 15
c) Putting new process 10
Theme 1: Idea about the concept of globalisation.
Q1) Do you have any idea about the concept of globalisation? Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Interpretation: As per above mentioned graph, it has been evaluated that globalisation is a
concept that help business organization to operate their business at global level and at the same
time also provide opportunities to expand their operations activities. With the assistance of this,
company may improve their competitive brand image by capturing larger market share from its
rivals. In this context, 25 out of 40 respondents give their views that globalisation is a crucial
10
25
15
a) Yes
b) No

activity through which company interact with customers at global level with the aim of
accomplishing their competitive image. On the other side, 15 participants are not in favour with
this theme.
Theme 2: Globalisation allow business organisation to expand their operational at global
level
Q2) Does globalisation allow business organisation to expand their
operational at global level?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Interpretation: Globalisation is a wider concept which includes interaction among different
countries, people and many more aspect in over the world. As it provide a direction and way in
which firm operate their business at global level with the aim of generating larger profitability.
Along with this, it also help in proving new market and customers in which company easily offer
their quality products and services as per their needs and wants. This is the main reason that
organisation needs to evaluate customers needs and wants before entering into global market.
This will increase the overall profitability level at market place and also make them competitive
11
30
10
a) Yes
b) No

at wider market place. In this regards, 30 out of 10 people think that globalisation allow business
organization to effectively expand their operations at international level for establishing their
famous brand image. On the other hand, 10 respondents said that sometime globalisation is not
allow the company to enhance their productivity.
Theme 3: Aware about the offshoring and outsourcing.
Q3) Ares you aware about the offshoring and outsourcing? Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Interpretation: As per above mentioned graph it can be examined that offshoring and
outsourcing both are important concept for business organization to execute their activities at
global level in successful manner. Mainly, outsourcing is related to the certain services or
products that obtained from third part company. It may save cost and also improve flexibility
within the business activities. On the other side, offshoring is refers to services obtained from
another country. It also help in reducing the cost at the time of producing services. In this regards
25 out of 40 respondents give their views that 25 people aware about the concept of offshoring
and outsourcing is an effective concept for company to improve its productivity level at global
12
25
15
a) Yes
b) No

market. On the other side, 15 respondents are not aware about the concept of offshoring and
outsourcing.
Theme 4: Offshoring and outsourcing play crucial role in operational activities of Three
Ltd.
Q4) Is offshoring and outsourcing play crucial role in operational
activities of Three Ltd. ?
Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Interpretation: From the above discussed graph it can be evaluated that offshoring and
outsourcing play a crucial role in organisation and its operations activities as well. As it is related
with the production of services from different country. With the assistance of this, company may
improve their competitive brand image and at the same time also accomplished their target. As
per 30 respondents, both offshoring and outsourcing sis important for company to effectively
enhancing the productivity level of the company and also may improve the chances of
13
30
10
a) Yes
b) No

developing positive image by saving production and operational cost. Apart from this, 10 people
are not much aware about these aspects.
Theme 5: Enhance efficiency level is the major benefit of offshoring for business
organization and its operations as well.
Q5) What are the benefits of offshoring for business organization and
its operations as well?
Frequency
a) Enhance efficiency level 20
b) Time zone advantage 10
c) Reduce operational cost 10
Interpretation: In business organisation, offshoring provide various benefits through which
company may raise their market share and also improve their productivity level as well. With the
assistance of this, firm also may improving their production to produce quality services to its
large number of customers at global level with the aim of establishing their competitive brand
image. In this regards, 20 out of 40 participants give their views that it improve the efficiency
level of the company at market place by serving best quality products and services. Along with
14
20
10
10
a) Enhance efficiency level
b) Time zone advantage
c) Reduce operational cost

this, 10 people think that it also provide time zone advantage in which firm can develop their
positive image. On the other side, 10 respondents said that it also help in reducing the operational
cost of the company. This will contribute in increasing the overall profitability of the form at
market place.
Theme 6: Risk occur due to offshoring on Three Ltd. operations.
Q6) As per your point of view, what are risk occur due to offshoring
on Three Ltd. operations?
Frequency
a) Decision rights and authority 15
b) Lack of Proper Work Dissemination 15
c) Culture-Barrier 10
Interpretation: As per above mentioned graph, it has been examined that offshoring is an
effective activity that may help business organization to operate their business at global level in
order to capture larger marker share from its rivals. Under this, company obtained services from
the same country which contribute in enhancing the chances of establishing their competitive
brand image. In this regards, there are some risk factors that negatively impact on the operational
activities of business organization. In this context, 15 out of 40 people think that decision right
15
15
15
10
a) Decision rights and
authority
b) Lack of Proper Work
Dissemination
c) Culture-Barrier

and authority is a major risk associated with the offshoring on operations of company. Along
with this, 15 people also think that lack of proper work dissemination is also a issues or risk that
faced by company due to offshoring. Furthermore, 10 participants give their views that cultural
Barrier is also a risk factor that negatively impact on the overall performance of the company at
market place.
Theme 7: Use of advance technology is an effective way by which Tree can reduce the risk
of offshoring on its operational activities.
Q7) What are the ways by which Three Ltd. can reduce the risk of
offshoring on its operational activities?
Frequency
a) Use of advance technology 15
b) Appropriate training programs 13
c) Tie up with legal agency 12
Interpretation: It is important for business organisation to use various ways and option to
overcome from the issues related with offshoring their operational activities. As it improve the
chances of attaining success at market place and at the same time also help them in establishing
their competitive brand image. In this regards, 15 out of 40 respondents give their views that use
of advance technology is consider as an important way through which firm can improve their
positive performance at global market. In addition of this, 13 people said that appropriate
16
15
13
12
a) Use of advance
technology
b) Appropriate training
programs
c) Tie up with legal
agency

training programs is also an effective way which may aid in making employee able to execute
their activities within the organisation. On the other side, 12 participants said that tip -up with
legal agency is also beneficial for he company to reduce the risk related with offshoring in
operational activities of company.
Theme 8: Reduce risk factor is major advantage of outsourcing for business organization.
Q8) What are the major advantage of outsourcing for business
organization?
Frequency
a) Reduce risk factor 20
b) Improve business growth 10
c) Improve flexibility in staff 10
Interpretation: As per above mentioned graph it has been evaluated that outsourcing is also
play a crucial role in business organisation as it also help in reducing the cost of the company by
maximising the chances of attaining higher profitability level. As per 20 respondents, they think
that outsourcing help in reducing the risk factors that may assist in developing the positive brand
image at competitive market place. In addition of this, 10 people give their views that it also
provide advantage to the business in improving the overall growth of the company at global
17
20
10
10
a) Reduce risk factor
b) Improve business growth
c) Improve flexibility in staff

market. On the other side, 10 participants give their views that outsourcing help in improving the
flexibility within the staff members of operations department through which organisation can
easily accomplishing higher success at global market.
Theme 9: Ways through which Three Ltd. can overcome from issues associated with
outsourcing
Q9) What are the ways through which Three Ltd. can overcome from
issues associated with outsourcing?
Frequency
a) Clear understanding of decision making power 15
b) Understand outsourcing company’s culture 15
c) Putting new process 10
Interpretation: As per above mentioned graph it can be evaluated that outsourcing also includes
various risk factors that may negatively impact on the performance level of the company at
market place. For this, company can use various ways and option to overcome from the issues
related with the outsources. In this regards, 15 out of 40 respondents give their views that clear
understanding of decision making power is consider as an effective way through which company
18
15
15
10
a) Clear understanding of
decision making power
b) Understand outsourcing
company’s culture
c) Putting new process

can easily overcome from all the issues related with the outsourcing. Along with this, 15 people
think that understand about outsourcing company culture is a way by which firm can reduce the
chances of arising issues related with outsourcing. Apart from this, 10 participants said that
putting new process is also an effective way through which company can easily overcome from
the issues associated with the outsourcing.
19

CHAPTER 5: REFLECTION AND RECOMMENDATION FOR
ALTERNATIVE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Reflection
I am happy that I got this chance to work over such as an interesting topic i.e. "To
analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and outsourcing upon operation of an organisation".
A study on Three Ltd. This concept will support me by improving my understanding about the
phenomena of offshoring and outsourcing as a part of globalisation. By doing each tasks of study
I become more able to improve my investigation capability in effective way. This research will
also help me by enhancing my time management, literature review, data analysis and
interpretation skill. With the use of these skills I am able to complete full research in accurate
and systematic manner. While performing this research I also find out some challenges such as
lack of time, insufficient amount of capital, improper attitude of respondents etc. But despite all
issues I will try to given my full efforts which will help me in completion of research ethical and
systematic manner. Along with this, in order to gather appropriate data regarding the offshoring
and outsourcing I have used different methods such as questionnaire, inductive research,
interpretivisim philosophy etc. All these are useful methods which will directly aid my by
providing reliable information about the study.
Recommendation of alternative research methodology
As per the above given data it has been recommended impact of offshoring and
outsourcing on business operations of company. There are certain recommendation for M&S
about how to enhance their success and growth internationally. Some suggestion have been
provided to the company which are determined as under:
 M&S must give quality products or services to the customers at reasonable price. As it
will help an enterprise by increasing customer base and also help them in maximising its
market share.
 Company must adopt training program and flat communication which will further assist
them in overcoming issue of cultural barrier and communication. As it is important part
for the growth and development of M&S within given time duration.
20

 An organisation must also use different types of promotional channels which will assist
them to introduce their products and service in marketplace. As it will aid in increasing
awareness about the business brand in customer's mind.
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION
From the above information it has been determined awareness regrading the outsourcing
and offshoring as a part of globalisation among employees of M&S. There are different benefits
of offshoring such as enhance efficiency level, reduce operational cost and time zone advantage.
All these are main benefits which will help an organisation in its growth and success in given
time duration. Along with this, lack of proper work dissemination, cultural barrier, decision
rights and authority and main drawbacks of offshoring and outsourcing which will impact on
business operations and activities in negative manner. Along with this, different methods have
been applied such as research strategy, questionnaire, research philosophy etc. All these are
effective methods which will support an organisation in achievement of better outcomes within
given time period.
21

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advantages-and-disadvantages>.
Simone Seth. 2010. Offshore Outsourcing: A Risk Management Perspective. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.cio.com/article/2432296/offshore-outsourcing--a-risk-
management-perspective.html>.
Annmarie Hanlon. 2018. Ansoff Matrix to identify growth opportunities. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.smartinsights.com/marketing-planning/create-a-marketing-plan/
ansoff-model/>.
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APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: "To analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and
outsourcing upon operation of an organisation". A study on Three.
______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a
question, objective or hypothesis)
"To analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and outsourcing
upon operation of an organisation". A study on Three Ltd.
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?)
There are some research questions according to research objectives are mention as below:
 What are the concept of offshoring and outsourcing?
 What are the benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three?
 What are the risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three?
 What are the different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of
outsourcing and offshoring upon operation?
There are some research objectives mention below:
 To determine concept of offshoring and outsourcing.
 To identify benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three.
 To examine risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon operation of Three.
 To investigate different ways through which Three can easily overcome risks of
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outsourcing and offshoring upon operation?
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 main reason behind choosing this research topic is to investigate the knowledge of
learner in specific field of globalisation. Offshoring and outsourcing are identify as a
particular area of globalisation that highly influence on operation of Three On the other
side, main reason behind selecting "Three" for this project, as it is a British
multinational organisation across the globe. Therefore, according to the topic such type of
organisation is more suitable and also help the learner to increase their knowledge and
skills related to the specific field of study. Research is more essential and important for
researcher because with the help of this they can easily enhance their literature review
skill, presentation and data interpretation skills. It will also help them by developing its
data analysis and tabulation research.
Importance of Research: The main significance of this research or topic is to investigator
the main benefits and risk which happen due outsourcing and offshoring on business
operations. Outsourcing support in giving number of benefits such as cost savings,
increased technical competence and a competitive advantages. Along with this, it will
support in decreasing the costs such as operating income and expenses, maximising
flexibility, betterment in management emphasis and provide quality based services to the
clients in proper manner.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
Concept of offshoring and outsourcing.
According to the Jonathan Webb, (2018), outsourcing is about moving
internal operations of company to a third party. It can come in the way of selling physical
plants to a supplier, to purchase back service or products, or shifting whole business
24

division to other party and again purchasing the service back. On the other side, offshoring
is primarily identify as a geographic activity. When an organisation offshores, it shifts the
place of a production or service of a part to a location abroad.
(https://www.forbes.com/sites/jwebb/2017/07/28/what-is-offshoring-what-is-outsourcing-
are-they-different/#4692ba982a2e)
Benefits of outsourcing and offshoring upon business functions
of Three
According to the Sandesh Joshi, (2018), offshoring and outsourcing, both are
beneficial for Three by reducing cost of operation in significant manner. In case of
offshoring, it provide different benefits to company such as close collaboration, economies
of scale, favourable government policies etc. On the other side, outsourcing is also
important and significant for operation of Three by decreasing cost of operations,
improving productivity and increasing flexibility at global level.
(https://outsourceworkers.com.au/offshoring-and-outsourcing/)
Risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon business functions of
Three
According to the, damorelos, (2018), there are different number of risks of
outsourcing and offshoring for business operation of Three at global level. It includes
various risks such as poor data, hidden costs, poor communications,
subpar employee management, lack of proper work dissemination,
culture-barrier, lack of technological advancement and skills, quality
problem, high turnover rate, legal problems etc. All these are main
issues that highly impact on operation of company. There are also
different types of risk such as competitor risk, performance risk, risk of
delays, financial viability risk etc. All these are also impact on business
performance and profitability at international level.
(https://sciodev.com/blog/10-risks-of-offshore-outsourcing/)
Ways to overcome risks of outsourcing and offshoring upon
business functions of company.
According to the Sidney Liquigan, (2017), there are different
ways that should be use by Three in order to reduce risks of outsourcing
25

and offshoring. For this company should identify their goals and set
checkpoints, set KPIs, demand transparency, obtain raw files, not just
the final product, make their provider sign in non-disclosure (NDA),
shared responsibility etc. Thus, all this are important and significant
ways for company to overcome risks and gain competitive advantages
at global level.
(https://www.microsourcing.com/blog/tips-to-reduce-outsourcing-
risks.asp)
(https://www.protiviti.com/IN-en/insights/managing-outsourcing-and-
offshoring-risk)
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research
project :
Identification of the problem
Selection of suitable topic
Creation of aims and objectives
Literature Review
Research Methodology
Data collection
Data analysis
Conclusion and recommendation
Submission of final project
3
2
2
6
9
15
12
4
1
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Milestone one: ____Research Proposal ____________
Target date (set by tutor): ____22 days ________________
Milestone two: ___Research Project ____________________
Target date (set by tutor): __32 days ____________________
Gantt Chart
Gantt chart introduce to the horizontal bar chart that support a researcher to explore
opening and ending time for completion of research activities. This chart includes different
activities like introduction, development of aim and objective, literature review etc. All
these are main stages because it help an investigator to do research in systematic and
proper manner.
27

Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you
likely to use and why?
Research method: There are different types of research methods used by researcher to
collect accurate amount of data from respondents related to the topic. For this, qualitative
and quantitative are identify main methods of research for the researcher to accumulate
relevant information about the topic. In case of quantitative method, data will be collected
in form of numbers, facts etc. On the other hand, under qualitative research, it help a
researcher to collect quality and accurate data about the topic. As a conclusion, both are
essential but according to this research qualitative method is use because it provide
28

information in better quality as compare to quantitative research. Apart from this, there
are also various methods followed by investigator such as research philosophy, data
sampling, research design etc.
Research approach: It is identify as an effective plan and process that includes certain
steps of wider assumptions to detailed methods of collecting information. research
approach basically based on data collection and data analysis. Under data collection,
qualitative and quantitative are consider two essential type of data collection approach.
Under data analysis, inductive and inductive are identified as a main approach of this
research. This research, investigator follow the qualitative and inductive research approach
because it will help a researcher to accumulate accurate and quality data about the topic.
Research design: The entire research depends on the design of research which is
carried out by the investigator for identifying the issue. There are basically 3 kind of
research design name is exploratory, descriptive and experimental. According to the topic,
descriptive is the design which will be used because it will be more suitable for the topic
and via this, the conclusion can be derived effectively.
Research philosophy: Interpretivism philosophy will be followed in the research
which will aid in evaluating the information effectively which will further outputs in
arriving at the accurate and relevant conclusion. On the other side, there is Positivism
research philosophy which will be not appropriate for carrying out research in more
significant manner.
Time Horizon: Gantt chart is consider one of the best tool for
researcher to identify accurate time period for completion each
activities of research in effective manner. Thus, with the assist of this
tool, researcher as well as company can easily complete research in
more effective manner.
Research Strategy: The research strategy for this project is case study with the use
of questionnaire. There are different types of research strategy which is experiments,
surveys, case studies, action research, archival research etc. All these are mix method of
research strategy which will help an investigator to collect accurate information about the
29

topic. According to the topic survey questionnaire will be used by researcher to gather
reliable and valid information related to the topic.
What your areas of research will cover:
This research will cover benefits and the risks of offshoring and outsourcing upon business
functions of Royal Dutch Shell Plc.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be
submitted for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV
sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
30

Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants
or the use of data collected form human participants are required to gain
ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all
relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time
before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: "To analyse benefits and the risks of offshoring and
outsourcing upon business functions". A study on Royal Dutch
Shell Plc.
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
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Please answer the following questions, giving full details where
necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes, this research will involve the 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)?
The participants in research project will be recruit by conducting questionnaire.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you
are doing:
in order to inform the participants about conducting the research, researcher only use
emails process.
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?
With the application of email, consent will be obtain from recruiters and it will be in the
written form. The investigator will clear the selected participants that they can
withdraw consent to them at any time via following text messaging and emails.
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
32

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?
The researcher and organisation both will have access personal data as well as
information also.
During the research:
Researcher
Where will the data be stored?
The data will be stored in computer system or hardware.
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?
The data will be stored in computer system or hardware.
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How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
The records and information will be kept longer for two years in word 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, encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s
Research and Ethics Policy: Yes No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my
Unit Tutor:
Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of
the ethical issues that may arise in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to your supervisor and also
attach to the Research Proposal when submitting to Turnitin.
34