Ethics and Data Storage Requirements for Research

This assignment requires a researcher to outline their plans for ensuring ethical considerations in their study. The researcher must describe how they will inform participants about the research, obtain consent, and provide debriefing at the end of participation. Additionally, the researcher needs to address potential risks such as vulnerable participants, sensitive topics, and data storage security. The assignment emphasizes the importance of adhering to the institution's Research and Ethics Policy and confirming discussions with a Unit Tutor.

Research Proposal
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Contents
TITLE:.............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................6
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................9
Data Analysis.................................................................................................................................11
Recommendation...........................................................................................................................25
Research Ethics..............................................................................................................................26
Reflection.......................................................................................................................................27
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................28
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................30
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3

TITLE:
The implication of digital technologies on 4Com Plc.
Introduction
Overview of the Research
Technological advancements in innovations are considered as a basic term which expect
huge part in improvement and development of an organisation. Review is considered to be the
best element of research as it plays a big part in accomplishing the objective and focus of the
research in systematic way. In this modern world, companies are worried on applying creative
instruments and innovations in respect to constructing its own activities and capacities in their
announced region. The Current Research Work depends on the Various implications of
computerized innovations on authoritative execution and abilities. The important purpose of an
organisation is to achieve productivity and high development by providing an vast variety of
products and management at their commercialized centre (Ashworth, 2012). This report covers
the effect of digital technology in developing and accomplishment of company. In this a destined
point and destinations are made which are useful in execution of a task in a proper manner by
using compelling techniques. Writing survey assumes compelling part in giving hypothetical
structure by breaking down the supposition of different writers and journalists. Close by this, for
expanding more qualified result, ask about have a couple of methodologies which need to help
fittingly. In this way, by gathering typical information appropriate judgement passed on around
separating and its interpretation.
Background of the Research
The examination into thought depends on the ramifications of advanced advances on
business capacities and execution. 4Com Plc is a company which provides Telecom solutions to
Small and Medium Enterprises both within and Outside UK and is growing Substantially. The
real intention of firm is to render subjective items and administrations to their critical purchasers
through using inventive instruments and advancements inside the workplace. As a sustenance
organization it is basic for 4Com Plc to embrace new and imaginative instruments as to offering
assortment of items to their potential purchasers. The organization was established in the time of
1996 . in every little and additionally substantial business undertakings administration are worry
on actualizing new and imaginative advancements at work put as to extemporizing their
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activities and generation capacities. In regard to do the examination concerning right heading
specialist make a few points and goals in which issue of research is specified in a way. A
foreordained point and goals enables the specialist in defeat with the exploration to issue in
powerful way. a couple of number of request get diagram by setting goals in thought which
evaluate once point get make. Close by this, by using distinctive scientists point of view
important and fitting decision provoke hint at change and sensible get (Peltier, Zhao and
Schibrowsky, 2012).
Research Aim:
It is comprise to be the most basic component of on which the entire research is based, as
it considered as an announcement in which the issue of research is specified in viable way. The
basic aim of this research venture is “ To Analyse the the impact of digital technology especially
Social Media on growth and productivity of SME's. A Case Study on 4com Plc”.
Research Objectives
Objectives are considered as graph which need to joined into a wander with the objective that
better results could be get. Objectives construe in light of purpose of an errand with the objective
that better and proper results chances get move forward. Some fundamental goals are portrayed
as under:
 To assess the role of Social media in enhancing sales and profitability of 4Com Plc.
 To analyse the impact of various digital technology tools like social media on various
departments of the organisation.
 To ascertain the specific Social Media Tools used by 4Com Plc for development of its
business in the longer run.
Research Question
This is a general explanation which is interlinked with the targets of the exploration and give
a compelling bearing to aggregate hypothetical data concerning culmination of research work in
viable way (Mills and Smith, 2011). Some basic research questions are portrayed as underneath
 What is the role of Social media in enhancing sales and profitability of 4Com Plc.
 What are the impact of various digital technology tools like social media on various
departments of the organisation.
 Which specific Social Media Tools are used by 4Com Plc for development of its business
in the longer run.
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6

Literature Review
Reviews of literature is likely wise consists of the most elementary piece of research work,
fundamentally it helps the analyst in assembling raw information and data by online sources and
in this view function of various writers and Authors are analysed to provide the ultimate result
(Ganguli and Roy, 2011). Every one of these inquiries should be reasoned by scientist as to
provide compelling and suitable result. It is important to grasp the possibility of exam honestly
with the objective that this report end up reasonable in nature. There are diverse researcher
purpose intense and proper estimation of their own for particular concentrations with the
objective that better and outstandingly sensible results could be decide. For this idea, a section
get evaluate in an examination which tells about points of views of different scientist and
creators with a particular true task to aid a prevailing and out and out results.
Role of Social media in enhancing sales and profitability of Telecom Plus.
In the cutting edge situation rivalry is so high at advertise zone and every business
concern is centred around building up their execution and profitability through offering
assortment of items and administrations at commercial centre. In the advanced period substantial
number of individuals depend on computerized innovations and its adequacy as computerized
devices and advances are successful in making human efforts less and give them chances to
carrying on with a simple and agreeable life (Lee, Kelley, Lee and Lee, 2012). As a Telecom
Services provider, clients fulfilment is the real rationale of 4Com Plc and for this organization is
broadly worry on utilizing imaginative devices and advances as to satisfying the wants of
individuals at commercial centre.
Digital Technology are useful in giving different advantages to the general population
and associations likewise as to fulfilling the fundamental needs through online sites and pages. In
the advanced market individuals are particularly mindful about the online administrations so it is
fundamental for every little and vast business undertakings to utilize computerized offices as to
making powerful exchange with the purchasers at wide zone of market (Sila, 2013). On the
planet brimming with digitisation associations are fundamentally centred around giving quick
and compelling administrations and items to their clients as to supplying the cutting edge
situation rivalry is so high at advertise zone and every business concern is centred around
building up their execution and profitability through offering assortment of items and
administrations at commercial centre. In the advanced period substantial number of individuals
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depend on computerized innovations and its adequacy as computerized devices and advances are
successful in endeavouring people endeavours less and give them chances to carrying on with a
simple and agreeable life.
There are various social media tools that are useful for an organisation to conduct
business, the tools can be in the form of different websites that can be used for the purpose of
marketing the various services of the company in an effective way, this also enables an
organisation to make their services more customer oriented and useful.
Impact of various digital technology tools like social media on various departments of the
organisation.
Social Media has came up as a very handy tool that gives various kind of options as well
as facilities to the Different departments of the organisation to conduct their operations in an
effective as well as efficient way. It also enables the various departments to market themselves
effectively. Through proper use of social media tools various department of the organisation can
use them for the purpose of growing their business, for instance, IT department can use it to
expand the reach of company in various markets. The marketing department can use this for the
purpose of growing their business through marketing of their products and services by use of
social media (Apăvăloaie, 2014). This will not only allow them to reach a larger market but at
the same time saves a lot of cost while doing the same. As per the views of Robert simon, 2016 It
is essential that people within the company understands the importance of digital technology
within the business and use it effectively for the purpose of growing their business and make
necessary profits and sales. It is thus essential to make sure that effective development of
digitised technologies and equipments are being done within 4Com Plc by its management to
achieve long term results as well as goals.
Specific Social Media Tools used by 4Com Plc for development of its business in the longer
run.
According to the supposition of Bonnie Conrad, 2018, the significant rationale every
business association is to upgrading their gainfulness through expanding their real wellspring of
creation. Expanding level of offers helps the firm in building up the benefit at commercial centre.
Because of high scope of rivalry is it essential for firm to adjust most appropriate apparatus and
innovation as to building up their execution and profitability at commercial centre. Reasonable
sources are successful in ad libbing the action of firm. As a co-working Telecom organization
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4Com Plc is centred around giving viable clients benefits as to holding them for long keep
running of business exercises. Organization is additionally worry about utilizing advanced
instruments in regard to upgrading their generation and activities which make an incentive in
fulfilling the requirements of individuals in powerful way. There are different measures which
are being utilized by 4Com Plc, in which some are depicted as under: Facebook: The company uses this website for the purpose of reaching to business houses
who do have an official page on the same website, The company and its management is
doing well up till now to implement necessary social media tools for the purpose of doing
business in an effective as well as efficient way (Preissl, Bouwman and Steinfield eds.,
2013). Instagram: This is yet another social media tool used by the company for reaching
individual entrepreneur on a regular basis. The need of Telecom solutions for individual
entrepreneur is quite high and thus they have to install all the stuffs within the
organisation. This can only be achieved through social media as most of the time usually
people spend on social media and this leads to a bigger opportunity for the business
people to sell their goods as well as services in an effective way.
 Applications: The company can also make its own application through which people who
are actively involved in business can take services of the company at their fingertips (Lin
and Lu, 2011).
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Research Methodology
Research Methodology is the group of tools which are used in preparing the report of
various step of research which helps to fit the different types of parameter research techniques
which are used in making the exam more precise and believable. In this, there are different types
of methodologies and set up are used to complete different advances look into by keeping in
mind of the end objective to achieve goals and aims of research in appropriate way. This prompts
keep up viability in performing distinctive sorts of research process in successful way. In this
task there are two unique kinds of research strategies which are utilized to perform diverse
circumstance and state of research (Heavey, Simsek and Fox, 2015).
Qualitative research: This types of research is based on the quality of the data that has
been obtained and it is aimed at making a more qualitative analysis of various work that has been
done. The idea of this exploration is more subjective and diverse sorts of meetings which are
taken by the specialist. The results of research of this area comes in finding the examination are
as exploratory and based on numerical ground.
Quantitative research: This technique is utilized to discover the outcome in explorative
shape. This examination depends on the accumulation of information and data who are worried
on to convey it as a theory. Examiner fixed the report of research as writing, they are as different
research which are being made by the association so as to locate the distinctive sorts of research
in legitimate way (Simmons, Palmer and Truong, 2013).
Primary method: Under this the researcher relies on the primary data for the purpose of
conducting research in an effective as well as efficient manner. Under this the data is collected
from respondents directly and there is no need to collect the same from secondary sources. It is a
more costly way to conduct research because there is a need to reach to every individuals and
conduct the research.
Secondary method: Under this method, The researcher collects the data from secondary
source, that means the data is not fresh but it is already obtained by someone before and is
available on different sources, the researcher can use the same for the purpose of effectively
conducting a research at a lower cost as compare to other methods like primary methods etc.
Sampling: Data Sampling Method is a crucial part of conducting a research in an
effective way. It is not possible for an individual to conduct a research by taking opinions of all
the people together. Thus, the researcher would cut down the population into small samples and
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then their views will be taken for the purpose of arriving at outcome. The sample taken for this
research is 30 respondents and the researcher will be able to get a better viewpoint of all the
aspects in a more effective manner (Baggio and Del Chiappa, 2014). data sampling is considered
to be the most essential part of research work as, the sampling is replicates from the original
population. This section is effective in gathering reliable and relevant information in respect to
completion of the work. Data sampling is encompasses on two major aspects which is
probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling. In this present research work random sampling
method has been applied by the researcher as to collecting effective and reliable information
through analysing the opinion of various respondents who are being selected for as an essential
information source (Schug and et. al., 2015). In this sample size of 30 respondents who are
suitable for providing relevant information for completion of the research work.
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Data Analysis
Questionnaire
Q1) Does digital tools and technologies has a direct impact on the productivity and
performance of firm?
Frequency
Yes 86.00%
No 14.00%
Q2) Is Digital Technology has a direct impact on the workings of various
departments within the organisation?
Frequency
Yes 90.00%
No 10.00%
Q3) What are the main objectives of successful digital technology implementation
at the workplace?
Frequency
Increasing productivity 33.00%
Increasing sales 40.00%
Enhancing market reach 13.00%
Gaining Customers attraction 14.00%
Q4) Which department of the organisation is benefited from the effective
implementation of Social Media Tools?
Frequency
Information Technology Department 16.00%
Marketing Department 66.00%
Finance Department 18.00%
Q5) Does the Use of digital technologies and social media tools are essential for
developing the capabilities of firm within market?
Frequency
Yes 93.00%
No 7.00%
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Q6) Who is the effective beneficiary of digitised environment within the
enterprise?
Frequency
Customers 50.00%
Employees 16.00%
Owners 34.00%
Q7) Does effective use of social media has increased the market reach of 4Com
Plc?
Frequency
Yes 83.00%
No 17.00%
Q8) What are the different technologies used by 4Com Plc for the purpose of
attracting customers?
Frequency
Mobile apps 50.00%
Digitisation in Marketing 23.00%
Various Social Sites 27.00%
Q9) What is the influence of digital technologies on the profitability of 4Com Plc? Frequency
Increase in Profits 60.00%
Decrease in Profits 40.00%
Q10) Do you have suggestion for analysing impact of digital technology on
business activity and their functions within an organisation?
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Theme 1: Digital tools and technologies has a direct impact on the productivity and
performance of firm.
Q1) Does digital tools and technologies has a direct impact on the productivity
and performance of firm?
Frequency
Yes 86.00%
No 14.00%
Interpretation: The above graph clearly depicts, that when asked from respondents that
whether digital tools and technologies do have a direct impact on the overall productivity as well
as performance of the firm, then around 86% people out of 100% said that YES it has a direct
impact on the productivity as well as performance of the firm. However 14% people were not
agree with this statement and has said NO to the question.
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Yes No
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
86.00%
14.00%
Column B

Theme 2: Digital Technology has a direct impact on the workings of various departments
within the organisation
Q2) Is Digital Technology has a direct impact on the workings of various
departments within the organisation?
Frequency
Yes 90.00%
No 10.00%
Interpretation: When asked from respondents that whether digital technology do have a
direct impact on the workings of different departments of 4Com Plc, then around 90% people
said that YES it has resulted in a great impact on the workings of different departments and only
10% people has denied this statement, this means that by and large most people were agree with
the statement that digitisation has impacted the growth and development of various departments
of the organisation.
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Yes No
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
90.00%
10.00%
Column B

Theme 3: The main objectives of successful digital technology implementation at the
workplace.
Q3) What are the main objectives of successful digital technology implementation
at the workplace?
Frequency
Increasing productivity 33.00%
Increasing sales 40.00%
Enhancing market reach 13.00%
Gaining Customers attraction 14.00%
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Increasing productivity
Increasing sales
Enhancing market reach
Gaining Customers attraction
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
33.00%
40.00%
13.00% 14.00% Column B

Interpretation: Digital Technology Implementation is very necessary and when asked
from respondents in this regard that what are the main objectives of digital technology
implementation within the market place around 33% people said that it has resulted in an
increase in sales, 40% people said that it has increased the overall productivity and remaining
people said that it enhanced the market reach as well as gained customer satisfaction for the firm
in the longer run.
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Theme 4: Various departments of the organisation is benefited from the effective
implementation of Social Media Tools.
Q4) Which department of the organisation is benefited from the effective
implementation of Social Media Tools?
Frequency
Information Technology Department 16.00%
Marketing Department 66.00%
Finance Department 18.00%
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Information Technology Department
Marketing Department
Finance Department
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
16.00%
66.00%
18.00%
Column B

Interpretation: Though, The whole company is benefited from the effective
implementation of digital technology and social medial tools but there are specific departments
which has derived special benefits from such Implementations. When asked from respondents in
this regard most of the people said marketing department is the direct beneficiary of such
implementation. Only few people have voted for IT as well as Finance department as they does
not benefit mush from effective use of social media tools. 16% people are in favour of
information technology department, 66% people are go with the element of marketing
department and remaining people go with the option of finance department.
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Theme 5: The use of digital technologies and social media tools are essential for developing
the capabilities of firm within market.
Q5) Does the Use of digital technologies and social media tools are essential for
developing the capabilities of firm within market?
Frequency
Yes 93.00%
No 7.00%
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Yes No
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1 93.00%
7.00%
Column B

Interpretation: When asked from respondents that whether digital technology and social
media tools are essential for developing the capabilities of the firm within the market majority of
people that is around 93% people said that YES it has resulted in developing the capabilities of
the organisation. However only 7% of the population are said that it have not resulted in
anything and it rather is a misconception.
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Theme 6: The direct beneficiary of digitised environment within the Business Environment.
Q6) Who is the direct beneficiary of digitised environment within the Business
Environment?
Frequency
Customers 50.00%
Employees 16.00%
Owners 34.00%
Interpretation: When asked from respondents that who is the most effective beneficiary
of digitised environment within the business environment of the company around 50% people
said that customers are the direct beneficiary of such digitisation, 16% people said that owners
will get all the benefits because there will be an increase in the overall profitability and only 34%
people said that Employees will get the benefits of digitised environment within the company.
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Customers Employees Owners
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
50.00%
16.00%
34.00%
Column B

Theme 7: Effective use of social media has increased the market reach of 4Com Plc.
Q7) Does effective use of social media has increased the market reach of 4Com
Plc?
Frequency
Yes 83.00%
No 17.00%
Interpretation: When asked from respondents that whether effective use of social media
has increased the overall market reach of 4Com Plc, then around 83% people said that Yes it has
resulted in increase in the overall market reach but only 17% people were decided to disagree
with the statement and said that it has not resulted in anything. It is also required that right kind
of digitisation is done for the purpose of enhancing the overall reach within the market.
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Yes No
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9 83.00%
17.00%
Column B

Theme 8: The different technologies used by 4Com Plc for the purpose of attracting
customers.
Q8) What are the different technologies used by 4Com Plc for the purpose of
attracting customers?
Frequency
Mobile apps 50.00%
Digitisation in Marketing 23.00%
Various Social Sites 27.00%
Interpretation: There are various digital tools that are available within the market that
can be used by 4Com Plc for the purpose of attracting customers at the market place. These
digital tools include Mobile apps, digitisation in marketing, social sites etc. Thus when asked
from respondents in this regard that what tools are mostly used by the organisation around 50%
said that it is Mobile apps, 23% says various social sites, and 27% said that digitisation in
marketing is the key technology which can be used by the organisation.
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Mobile apps Digitisation in Marketing Various Social Sites
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
0.5
50.00%
23.00%
27.00%
Column B

Theme 9: The influence of digital technologies on the profitability of 4Com Plc.
Q9) What is the influence of digital technologies on the profitability of 4Com Plc? Frequency
Increase in Profits 60.00%
Decrease in Profits 40.00%
Interpretation: When asked from respondents that what are influence of digital
technology on the profitability of the company in longer run, around 60% people said that it has
resulted in an increase in profits because large number of customers can be reached and overall
decline in the cost can be seen. However around 40% people disagreed with the same and said
that it has resulted in decrease in profits due to extra cost that has been incurred by the company.
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Increase in Profits Decrease in Profits
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
60.00%
40.00%
Column B

Recommendation
As per the analysis of the above given discussion it has been suggested that The
departments of the company like Finance, HR, and IT Departments have been successfully able
to implement various digital technology tools within the organisation including use of social
media and this has given considerable benefits to the organisation like its most of the
departments have been able to work smoothly and able to contribute in the organisational growth
in even more effective as well as efficient manner ( Parnell, Long and Lester, 2015).
According to the description of the above given report it has been recommended that
there are specific social media tools which are being used by the company for the purpose of
increasing the overall Efficiency of the organisation and thus it can be said that company should
have chosen certain specific social media tools for this purpose, these are Facebook, Instagram,
Web Sites etc. This has given existence to firm and its products as well as services on the
internet in a very constructive manner (Quinton, 2013).
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Research Ethics
A Research is comprise to be an essential viewpoint which assumes huge part in overcoming
the issue of previous research ventures which are connected with the comparative territory of
study. Information and data are the crucial part of research work. The real obligation of research
is to accumulate proper and applicable data for complete the work in viable way. Essential and
auxiliary source are powerful in gathering information and data concerning finishing the
examination targets in fitting way. It is basic for specialist to have a fitting learning about the
reasonable apparatuses and systems of information gathering as to aggregating proper result and
result. It is required for 4Com Plc to have a right understanding about the devices which are
utilized as a part of an exploration venture in which some compelling components are depicted
as beneath:
Cost: It is the most fundamental component which assumes tremendous part in actualizing all
exploration exercises in orderly and viable way. It is required for analyst to keep up proper
stream of assets and capital as to leading all exercises without confronting any sort of issue. The
cost of this venture isn't high as in this review is led among 30 respondents and it was convenient
enough to gather data based on their experience. On the opposite side as to social affair data
through optional sources the financial plan of task is upgraded as to collecting information
through various sources. The conclusion of creators are successful in drawing a substantial and
proper result (Brody and Pureswaran, 2015).
Ethical Issue: A viable research is joins and describe certain ethical issues which need to
measure in a prevalent and chose way. An examination moral issues could be associated with
unable approach utilize and furthermore sharing of individual information etc. Along these lines,
every single good issue need to check and see suitably while masterminding study so better and
describe information could be consolidated. Along these lines in the present research work
information must be assembled through 30 respondents who are not having any sort of
obstruction in every others life and this make an incentive in reducing the chance of conflict
(Chinedu Eze, Duan and Chen, 2014). It is a standout amongst the most basic part of directing a
specific research. A scientist runs over different sorts of issues and additionally angles while
directing an exploration. These issues should be tended to in a compelling way. These are to lead
inquire about in a suitable and compelling route and in the given time period. While directing the
exploration an analyst accumulate information of respondents, which is very individual in nature
27

and, it is the duty of the scientist that such information will not be spilled to anybody as it, and
ought to be utilized just for the reason for which it is derived. The objectives and in addition
destinations of the exploration will be satisfied in the best way that could be available. The
exploration ought to be finished inside the time and cash which has been allotted to the analyst.
On the off chance that the level of research is high, vital courses of action ought to be made by
the specialist keeping in mind the end goal to achieve and accomplish the destinations of
research in a powerful and also effective way (Inauen and Schenker-Wicki, 2011).
Reflection
The research into consideration is based on the influence of digital technologies especially
social media tools on the growth and development of business organisations. A research is
described as a proper discussion on a specified issue which is required to be overcome by an
organisation or business system in respect to attaining a higher competitive edge within the
market place. A research is completed by applying different tools and methodologies, thus these
tools and methods are effective in providing a proper direction to the researcher to carry out the
activities in well planned manner. A research is either qualitative or quantitative in nature. In the
present research work I have analysed that a proper description on implementation of digital
technologies has been provided in theoretical manner so qualitative tool has been used as to
providing a proper description on the specified area of study. For the proper analysis of
qualitative research inductive research approach has been used as it is effective in providing a
brief analysis on the issue of qualitative research. Thus for gaining an appropriate description
with the justification of the opinion of authors interpretivisim philosophy is being applied by the
investigator to get proper and appropriate outcome. In the present research work data has been
gathered through primary as well as secondary source of data collection as per my own analysis.
Both the tools are effective in gathering reliable information from different sources. In the
present investigation work a large amount of information is gathered through conducting a
survey which is being done by filling a questionnaire by the respondents. This is the most
effective tool for gather reliable data with actual facts and figures. In this particular research
sample size of 30 is being selected by the investigator in which random sampling method in
which questionnaire is filled by the random people who are having appropriate knowledge in
regards to the use of digital technologies within the work place. The proper use of research
methodologies are effective for me in developing my knowledge base in the use of research
28

methods and my data collection ability is also increased, which helps me in attempting my future
projects that are similar to the research in effective manner.
Alternative Research
Research Methodologies is the centre bit of think that required to acknowledge or
choosing effective and fitting way. These exploration Considerations need to seen for the
purpose of choosing the right kind of methods for the purpose of conducting research in an
effective as well as efficient manner. Convincing method is found in which social separating
should be done. While doing convincing work, component features and take a gander at the view
point which is useful for improving this factors. There is need that proper study is done for the
purpose of choosing the best possible way to conduct the research. A research Method enables a
researcher to conduct the research in more convenient way and thus a better as well as smooth
outcome can be expected within the same. Hence, it can be said that Onus to choose the right
kind of research methodology rest with the researcher and he shall fulfil his duty with all
seriousness in order to accomplish the best possible results. In the present research work
questionnaire is the major source of data collection as it is the most effective tool which helps an
investigator in gathering large amount of data within a small period of time. Data collection is
the major tool for completion of a work in effective manner. In the present exploration work
primary and secondary tools are used by the researcher as to providing appropriate discussion on
the given issue. Interview is an another tool which can also be applied in respect to gathering
information from a small sample size. This is also an effective tool which is also being used for
gathering information with proper and accurate facts and figures.
Conclusion
From the analysis of the above given data it has been analysed that majority of respondents
are in favour with this statement that the digital technologies especially social media is effective
for the growth and development of the firm in effective manner. As per the opinion of the
respondents social media is the best tool for grabbing the attention of customers towards the firm
or its operations, which create value in development of business in effective manner. In the
world full of digitalisation people are very much aware about the use of digital technologies in
the growth and development of business and its operations.
29

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ashworth, C. J., 2012. Marketing and organisational development in e-SMEs: understanding
survival and sustainability in growth-oriented and comfort-zone pure-play enterprises in
the fashion retail industry. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal.
8(2). pp.165-201.
Peltier, J. W., Zhao, Y. and Schibrowsky, J. A., 2012. Technology adoption by small businesses:
an exploratory study of the interrelationships of owner and environmental factors.
International Small Business Journal. 30(4). pp.406-431.
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APPENDIX
Research Proposal Form
Proposed Title: To Analyse the the impact of digital technology
especially Social Media on growth and productivity of SME's. A Case
Study on 4com Plc _____________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project
(in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
The impact of digital technology
especially Social Media on growth and
productivity of SME's. A Case Study on
4com Plc
Research objectives (e.g what is the question
you want to answer? What do you want to
learn how to do? What do you want to find
out?):
 To assess the role of Social media in
enhancing sales and profitability of 4Com
Plc.
 To analyse the impact of various digital
technology tools like social media on various
departments of the organisation.
 To ascertain the specific Social Media Tools
used by 4Com Plc for development of its
business in the longer run.

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 current research project will give a fair
explanation of the benefits and advantages that
digital technology can bring within the business
environment.The examination is additionally viable
in giving a critical course to extend the business
activities at worldwide level.
2

Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your
research question, objective or hypothesis:
Within the current research, The various
data has been accumulated from different
sources like books and Journals, websites as
well as past research that has been
conducted on the same issue.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g
research, development and analysis of ideas, writing, data
collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final
outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
There are different activities that needs to be effectively be performed for the
purpose of getting a effective outcome of the research. The various activities
involved are as follows:
 Determining the Topic
 Aims and Objectives along with questions
 Literature review
 Research methodology
 Questionnaires preparation
 Data Collection
 Data analysis
 Conclusion and recommendation
How long this will
take:
4 Months
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
3

Target date (set by tutor):
______________________
Section Five: Research approach and
methodologies
What type of research approach and
methodologies are you likely to use and why?
The research into consideration depends on
subjective research as in this information has been
assembled on subjective means. In this inductive
research approach has been utilized by specialist as
to drawing a legitimate and solid result.
What your areas of research will cover:
The research will cover The effect of Digital
innovation, particularly site, on business execution.
This comprise to be a basic component which
assumes tremendous part in catching a wide market
through executing powerful association of clients at
large scale.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which
has been or will be submitted for another
4

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
5

Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants
or the use of data collected form human participants are required to gain
ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all
relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good time
before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
6

Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:
 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) :
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults: More that 20
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are
doing:
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it
be made clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at
7

any time?
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting
questions that do not wish to answer?
Yes No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues
arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for
their informed consent to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This
could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with
the Data Protection Act (1998)
8

Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research:
Where will the data be stored?
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored?
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical
9

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.
10

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:
11