Research Ethics Form and Project Proposal

This assignment is a comprehensive research ethics form and project proposal that outlines the necessary steps for conducting research. It includes a section on potential ethical concerns, such as informed consent, vulnerable participants, sensitive topics, and risks to participants and researchers. The form also covers confidentiality, data storage and security, reporting, and dissemination of findings. Students are required to complete the form and discuss their topic with their lecturer, demonstrating their awareness of potential risks and how they will deal with these issues.

RESEARCH PROJECT
(PART-2)

Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................1
TITILE ............................................................................................................................................1
METHODOLOGY .........................................................................................................................1
RESULTS OR FINDINGS .............................................................................................................4
DISCUSSION ...............................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................16
RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................................16
REFLECTION ..............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................18
APPENDICES 1............................................................................................................................19
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................19
APPENDICE-2..............................................................................................................................21
Research Approval & Ethics Form...........................................................................................21
.......................................................................................................................................................25

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This project is based on globalisation which introduces as an integration as well as
interaction among organisations, legal authorities and people in all over the globe. Main intent of
doing this report is to analysis effect of globalisation on corporate structure of international
company. For this report, M&S is given multinational organisation and has effective and biggest
corporate structure. Along with this, company enlarge their business operations or functions at
global level which will help them in increasing their sales and revenues. Along with this,
company investigate the favourable and unfavourable effect of globalisation on their corporate
structures. As this study must be help them by providing different ways for overcoming negative
impact of globalisation. Different number of methods are followed by an investigator such as
primary and secondary investigation, qualitative study, questionnaire etc., all these methods must
be help an investigator to gather data regarding the topic in accurate manner.
TITILE
“To explore the impact of globalisation on the corporate structures of large multinational
companies and the major challenges they face”. A case On Marks & Spencer.
METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a process which will support an investigator to collect gather
information in accurate manner about the study. (Amponsah-Tawiah, 2015). To accumulate
proper data about the topic, research onion framework is more effective model which help a
researcher for completing project in given period. Different number of essential methods are
applied in this section such as research sampling, philosophy, approach etc. The research onion
introduce as a best framework that has some layers which are described as under:
Research philosophy – In this, positivism and interpretivism are determined as an
important philosophy which are applied by an investigator to acquire best results for current
investigation. Interpretivism philosophy will be followed in this examination that are highly
essential for researcher in driving effective conclusion. In case of Positivism philosophy which is
not appropriate for implementing research appropriately because this will give invalid conclusion
for specific investigation.
Research approach – Inductive and deductive approach are two types of research
approach which is used by researcher for identify issues relates to the topic. (Andriof and
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McIntosh, 2017). In the present report, inductive approach is used for getting accurate and
quality based information for ding research functions effectively. On the other side, deductive
approach is not useful according to the give report.
Research Strategy – It is important part of investigation which has been divided into
different part that includes interview, observation, survey, case study and so many. As per the
research topic, interview is best suitable strategy for gathering accurate data from sample size.
Research choice – Qualitative and quantitative are introduces as a two kind of
investigation. In qualitative research, it create information in form of hard facts which can be
converted into numbers (Anheier, 2014). Another is quantitative method of investigation, it
create mathematical information regarding this topic. Both type of research is essential but
researcher select qualitative research because this will provide quality based information and
time saving.
Time Horizon: Gantt graph is distinguish as a period skyline procedure connected by the
analyst to investigation legitimate time frame for culmination of look into exercises inside given
time frame. This is kind of graphical introduction that is valuable for specialist to examination
beginning as well as finishing research exercises time.
Research Instruments: Under this, Questionnaire portray as main fundamental or
valuable instrument of investigation utilized through an examiner to collect data from clients
regarding explicit subject area. (ArAs, 2016). This, strategy aids a researcher to spare time and
also gather appropriate information that will aids in finishing study deliberately.
Information Sources: In request to examination data regards to subject, there are some of
the essential two sorts of information sources, for example, essential and optional. In essential
source, analyst will build up a precise poll that aids them to collecting exact information from the
members. Under auxiliary source, specialist utilize distinctive number of articles, diaries,
production inquire about and so forth., to gather new data from the respondents about the subject.
Both wellspring of information are helpful yet as per this investigation, poll use as a piece of
essential source since it give important data about the examination.
Research Sampling: In research, mostly two different kinds of sampling methods and
these are named as non- probability and probability. These two method are necessary for
choosing sample size from big population. In probability sampling method, chance of every
participants to be chosen on equal basis. On another side, non probability method is the method ,
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in which possibility & opportunity for each respondents are being chosen in not equally
(Bendell, 2017). Convenience method of sampling selected as major element of non-probability
sampling technique, because this method involves less cost along with time saving and cost
effectiveness. With the help of using convenience sampling method, 40 respondents will be
selected.
Research Ethics: It is an important components of an entire research onion which
involves various aspects like no legal damage to respondents, measures to overcome from
informed consent, continuous privacy invasion, keeping secrecy of both the data and participants
(Von Furstenberg, 2017). All such has been necessary for an investigator to ask with an ease as
well as relevant questions for a participants over the topic. Hence, it will be helpful to
performing all research activities in an easy manner.
Research Limitations: Under this, there are various limitation to this research namely
lack of time and higher cost arising factor, that will impact over the purpose of researcher, while
in the process of completion of all such activities in this fully fledged research with systematic
efforts (Blowfield and Murray, 2014). Along with this, research topic is very vast and also
critical to undertake research need in given time period. Hence, in this entire research, effective
time duration and cost element is require.
Research Reliability and Validity: In this, Validity is also identify as a accurate
procedure that must be used through an investigator for analysing the answers to all questions.
On other side, reliability generally introduces to the major quality of the measuring poles and
procedures that predicts both repeatability and accuracy (Brondoni, 2014). For this research,
structured questionnaire is one of the suitable example because this generally helps to give an
reliable source of information which is concerned with systematic topic from choosen sample
size.
Research Budget: This is most necessary part of any research because through this all
kind of an activities of this investigation will be completed with given efforts and power to
execute suitable efforts and idea to generate (Edwards and Hulme, 2014). In this, there is a need
to an investigator to arrange and manage sufficient funds to take pursue each activity of this
research study.
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RESULTS OR FINDINGS
Q1) Are you aware about Globalisation concept? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q2) Are you aware about the concept of corporate structure of Marks &
Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
Q3) What are positive globalisation impact on corporate structure of
Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Decentralisation of power 18
b) Transparent decision making 22
Q4) What are main drawbacks of globalisation on Marks & Spencer
Corporate structure?
Frequency
a) Slow decision making 20
b) Inequality 10
c) Standardisation 10
Q5) Does globalisation beneficial for development as well as success of
Multinational organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 8
Q6) What are resource require through Marks & Spencer at the time of
expansion of business at international level?
Frequency
a) Skilled workforce 12
b) Sufficient amount capital 15
c) Effective promotional channels 10
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d) Others 3
Q7) What are relationship among globalisation and success of an
organisation?
Frequency
a) Positive 30
b) Negative 10
Q8) What are major issues faced through Marks & Spencer during
business expansion in international level?
Frequency
a) Legal issues 15
b) Language Barriers 15
c) Unskilled workforce 10
Q9) What are the various ways by which Marks & Spencer can
overcome from issues faced at international level?
Frequency
a) Proper understanding legal issues 15
b) Providing training to workers 15
c) Other 10
Q1) Are you aware about Globalisation concept? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
5

a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
10
Frequency
Q2) Are you aware about the concept of corporate structure of Marks &
Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 15
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
Frequency
6

Q3) What are positive globalisation impact on corporate structure of
Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Decentralisation of power 18
b) Transparent decision making 22
a) Decentralisation of power
b) Transparent decision making
0
5
10
15
20
25
18
22
Frequency
Q4) What are main drawbacks of globalisation on Marks & Spencer
Corporate structure?
Frequency
a) Slow decision making 20
b) Inequality 10
c) Standardisation 10
7

a) Slow decision making b) Inequality c) Standardisation
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
10 10
Frequency
Q5) Does globalisation beneficial for development as well as success of
Multinational organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 32
b) No 8
8

a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35 32
8
Frequency
Q6) What are resource require through Marks & Spencer at the time of
expansion of business at international level?
Frequency
a) Skilled workforce 12
b) Sufficient amount of capital 15
c) Effective promotional channels 10
d) Others 3
9

a) Skilled workforce
b) Sufficient amount of capital
c) Effective promotional channels
d) Others
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
12
15
10
3
Frequency
Q7) What are relationship among globalisation and success of an
organisation?
Frequency
a) Positive 30
b) Negative 10
10

a) Positive b) Negative
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
10
Frequency
Q8) What are major issues faced through Marks & Spencer during
business expansion in international level?
Frequency
a) Legal issues 15
b) Language Barriers 15
c) Unskilled workforce 10
11

a) Legal issues
b) Language Barriers
c) Unskilled workforce
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15 15
10
Frequency
Q9) What are the various ways by which Marks & Spencer can
overcome from issues faced at international level?
Frequency
a) Proper understanding of legal issues 15
b) Providing training to workers 15
c) Other 10
12

DISCUSSION
Discussion is mainly related with primary and secondary data sources which are collect
by researcher. In case of primary source, questionnaire will be used for collecting accurate and
reliable data (Lauwo and Otusanya, 2014). Under secondary source, discussion are based on
information found in literature review. Thus, both secondary and primary source are essential
and useful for an investigator to make effective discussion about the topic.
Discussion on the basis of primary research
Theme 1: Idea about the concept of globalisation
Interpretation: From mentioned graph, this has been stated that idea regarding
globalisation concept between respondents. 30 respondents said that they have the knowledge
regarding globalisation and on the other hand there are 10 respondents do not have idea about it.
Theme 2: Awareness about the concept of corporate structure of multinational company
among respondents
Interpretation: On the basis of mention data, it has been identified, awareness of concept
of corporate structure of M&S among respondents. Along with this, 25 respondents said that they
are aware about this concept and 15 are unaware regarding the concept of corporate structure of
Marks and Spencer.
13
a) Proper understanding of legal issues
b) Providing training to workers
c) Other
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15 15
10
Frequency

Theme 3: Positive Impact of globalisation
Interpretation: From mentioned graph, it has been stated that the positive affect of
globalisation on the corporate structure of M&S. This structure includes different departments
such as marketing, finance, operational, human resources as well as top level management.
Along with this, 18 out of 40 respondents are agree as decentralisation of power is positively
impacted whereas 22 out of 40 respondents said as it help in making transparent decision about
business success and growth.
Theme 4: Negative Impact of Globalisation
Interpretation: From mention data, it has been analysed that negative affect of
globalisation on corporate structures of M&S. Along with this, 20 out of 40 respondents are said
as it impact on making decision speedily, 10 are said inequality is main drawbacks and
remaining respondents are said as standardisation is biggest drawback of globalisation.
Theme 5: Benefits of globalisation on business success and growth
Interpretation: It has been analysed from above discussion that benefits of globalisation
on growth and success of business. Due to this, 32 out of 40 respondents are agree as
globalisation is necessary for success and growth of M&S whereas 8 are disagree as per the
same. As a conclusion, globalisation is more effective and beneficial for companies by
expanding business, increasing sales and market share.
Theme 6: Requirement of different resources
Interpretation: As per mention data or information, it has been stated that requirement of
resources needed by M&S while business expansion in international level. Marks & Spencer has
effective and big corporate structure and in this, different departments are work for achieving
long term success globally. For accomplish of this, various number of the resources are required
through an organisation like skilled workforce, sufficient amount of capital, effective
promotional channels and many others. Apart from this, 15 out of 40 respondents are suggest
accurate amount of capital is major resource for their business expansion.
Theme 7: Relationship between globalisation and business success
Interpretation: From given graph, this has been analysed that relationship among
globalisation and the business success. In this, there are 30 respondents which said that it has
positive relationship by increasing sales. On the other side, 10 respondents are said as
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globalisation has negative relationship by requiring maximum amount of capital for recruiting
knowledgeable workforce.
Theme 8: Major Challenges for M&S
Interpretation: On the basis of opinion of mention data, M&S face the challenges during
business expansion at international level. In this, 15 respondents said that legal issue is main
barriers, other 15 are suggest language is main problem and remaining respondents are agree as
unskilled workforce is biggest challenge which affect on functions and operations of business.
Theme 9: Ways to overcome challenges
Interpretation: The given data stated ways or strategies through which negative impact
and barriers of globalisation can be managed effectively. In this, 15 out of 40 respondents are
agree as business should understand legal issues of country in proper manner, other 15 are
suggest, company should give the training to employees to enhance their knowledge as well as
skills.
Discussion on the basis of secondary research
Idea of corporate structure of Marks & Spencer.
Corporate structure is wide term that prevails various departments working within an
organisation to deliver work in appropriate manner. The different departments which are fall
under this includes finance, operation, marketing, R&D etc.
Another aspect which is also followed to define the concept of corporate structure is their
segregation on the basis of their nature and role (Lippert and et. al., 2014). This will includes
structures as Functional, Divisional, Geographic and Matrix.
M&S is big organisation and having their operations in many countries. It is mandatory
for them to built and follow good corporate structure as their success and sustainability totally
depends upon it. The corporate structure which is followed by M&S is the same where
functioning is divided under various departments according to their role. The different
departments which are prevail under M&S includes Finance, Marketing, Operation, Sales, R&D,
Human Resource, IT etc.
The organisational structure which is followed by M&S is Flat in nature. It means there is
less interaction gap between the various departments and employees and allowed to provide their
valuable advise.
Effect of globalisation on corporate structure of Marks & Spencer.
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Globalisation is a concept which includes happening of business operations in many
countries across the different international boundaries (Mowforth and Munt, 2015). This will
have huge impact of corporate structure of an organisation as they have to cope with various
external factors which are impact their functioning directly and indirectly.
As, M&S is successful multinational organisation and having the vast experience of
doing business at international level. Management of this organisation have effective skills and
attributes which allows them to sustain against any of the challenges which impact their structure
negatively. The common strategic corporate structure is followed by M&S in different nations.
The only impact that can be ascertained due to globalisation upon structure is on their
adaptability and competence level.
Main challenges faced through Marks & Spencer at the time of business expansion in global
level.
M&S is multinational organisation and have their wide operations at global level. This
organisation mainly deals in clothing sector and also having various other products under which
it indulges at different levels. As, every organisation whether small or large in size has to face
issues while operating at internationals level.
The various type of issues which are faced through M&S while expanding and doing
business at global level includes cultural challenges, non supportive nature of government,
frequent changes in trends, lack of suppliers, immense local competition etc. All these issues
which are present at global level have negative impact upon the operations of M&S and reduces
their capabilities which impacts their perspective of long term sustainability in market (Pierre,
2014).
Various methods by which Marks & Spencer can overcome from challenges faced at global
level.
Identification of challenges is not the optimum requirement for an organisation while
expanding their operations at global level (Pieterse, 2015). It is most important to identify the
possible solutions in respect of the challenges which help an organisation to sustain in market
and earn large number of profits. The ways which help to overcome from the issues faced by
M&S includes analysis and adequate training of different cultural perspectives, development and
adopting of new marketing strategies, adherence of all government regulations and emphasis on
fulfilment of CSR activities, keep up-to-date themselves according to the recent trends etc.
16

Effective completion and implementation of all these tactics help an organisation Like M&S to
become market leader and attain success in all perspectives (Steger, 2017).
CONCLUSION
From above mentioned research, it has been concluded that globalisation is necessary for
multinational organisation. Globalisation is essential and has direct impact on corporate structure
of organisation by help them in making transparent decision about business success. It will also
aids a company to increase sales as well as market share in an easy manner. Along with this, half
more than half population said that globalisation is essential for multinational company to retain
strong and long lasting position at marketplace. Apart from this, for collecting data about the
impact of globalisation, different methods must be used through an investigator like primary and
secondary research, qualitative and quantitative method, research approaches, philosophy, design
and many other. Thus, globalisation is biggest concept for each organisation to increase sales and
also retain strong brand image at marketplace. Globalisation also has negative effect on corporate
structure of company in various ways like Slow decision making, Inequality and Standardisation.
In context to expand business at international level, different challenges must be faced by
company such as legal issues, Language Barriers and Unskilled workforce. This type of issues
negatively impact on business's growth and development as well as also effects on its market
image.
RECOMMENDATION
From mention information or data, it has been recommended globalisation is biggest
concept for development and success of an enterprise within predetermined time duration.
According to the data, found in questionnaire, there are different number of challenges related to
globalisation on the Corporate structure of M&S such as language barriers, legal issues,
Unskilled workforce, Slow decision making, Inequality and Standardisation. These all are the
main barriers which impact in a negative manner on development and success of business.
Therefore, in context to get over all these type of problems, there are some recommendation
given to M&S mention below:
 Marks and Spencer should undergo with given rules and regulations of country, when
they are in-process of expanding their business operations.
17

 Company should give accurate training to those staff members which have lack
understanding and knowledge regarding the globalisation.
 M&S should use proper legal structure which will help them in retaining employees for
long time. Thus, it is also essential for success and development of multinational
company within given time period.
 Business should use proper communication and promotional channels which aid them in
attract the large number of customers within given time duration.
 M&S should give the high quality of products at affordable cost.
REFLECTION
There are different methods which used through an investigator for an instance primary
as well as secondary investigation research sampling, data analysis, data interpretation,
quantitative and qualitative investigation methods, research approach, philosophy, design and
research instrument i.e. questionnaire. All these are useful and essential for me to gather reliable
information as well as data regarding specific subject area. Along with this, in during the data
collection process, I faced different issues like data analysis, authorship, conflict on interest and
many other. All these are major problem that effect on my while doing research in effective and
appropriate manner. In during collection of data about the impact of globalisation, I faced
different issues such as unethical behaviour of respondents, lack of sources and many other. To
overcome all these problems, I will take some steps such as using optimum resources, asking
ethical questions for respondents and many other effective ways. Along with this, for gathering
reliable data related to study, questionnaire must be used through me because it assist in driving
valid conclusion. An alternative method for gathering the valid data about topic that name is
interview.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
19

APPENDICES 1
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware about Globalisation concept?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Are you aware about the concept of corporate structure of Marks & Spencer?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) What are positive globalisation impact on corporate structure of Marks & Spencer?
a) Decentralisation of power
b) Transparent decision making
Q4) What are main drawbacks of globalisation on Marks & Spencer Corporate structure?
a) Slow decision making
b) Inequality
c) Standardisation
Q5) Does globalisation beneficial for development as well as success of Multinational
organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6) What are resource require through Marks & Spencer at the time of expansion of business at
international level?
a) Skilled workforce
b) Sufficient amount of capital
c) Effective promotional channels
d) Others
Q7) What are relationship among globalisation and success of an organisation?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q8) What are major issues faced through Marks & Spencer during business expansion in
20

international level?
a) Legal issues
b) Language Barriers
c) Unskilled workforce
Q9) What are the various ways by which Marks & Spencer can overcome from issues faced at
international level?
a) Proper understanding of legal issues
b) Providing training to workers
c) Other
Q10 Recommend various strategies through which multinational organisation can develop
strong preferences at global level.
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APPENDICE-2
Research Approval & Ethics Form
*Students must ensure that this form is attached with their final submission. Failure to do this
will result in your assignment been refused for grading.
Section 1: Basic Details
Proposed topic title:
“To explore the impact of globalisation on the corporate structures of large multinational
companies and the major challenges they face”. A case On Marks & Spencer.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Student name: ................................................................................
Student ID number: .............................................................................
Programme: ...................................................................................
School: ...................................................................................
Intended research start date: ........................................... Intended research end date: ........................................
Section 1: Proposal
You must complete all parts of Section 1 & 2 and present to your lecturer for a brief discussion
and approval of your topic before embarking on writing a full proposal.
What are the research objectives?
22

Research project 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?): Try to have at least 3 SMART
objectives.
 To explore the basic idea of corporate structure of Marks & Spencer.
 To identify the impact of globalisation on corporate structure of Marks & Spencer.
 To examine major challenges faced by Marks & Spencer during business expansion
in global level.
 To investigate different ways through which Marks & Spencer can easily overcome
challenges faced at global level.
Explain your reasons for your choice of topic
Main reason behind choosing this research is to explore the understanding of learner
regarding the impact of globalisation on corporate structure of M&S. This research
will help an investigator by enhancing its literature review skill, data analysis quality
and knowledge of data collection methods.
Section 3: 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?
Researcher
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In computer system
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used? Yes:
No:
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If yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
In computer System
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Minimum 2 years.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes: No:
If yes, please provide further details:
Section 4: 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 as a
result 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
 Risks 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
24

Section 5: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by The Pearson College Research Ethics Policy:
Yes: No:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Module Tutor:
Yes: No:
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that
may arise in the course of my research.
Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Date: …………………………………
Please submit your completed form to ………………………….
Section 3: Approval (To be completed by the lecturer)
Checklist Yes No
1. Is the proposed research title related to the theme?
2. Is the research scope realistic? (i.e. not too broad)
3. Is the research feasible? (i.e. could be done)
4. Is there a research question or hypothesis?
5. Is there a rationale or clear reason for choosing the research
title?
6. Has the student considered how the data will be collected?
7. Has the student considered where the data will be collected?
Comment (If any)
25