Research Methods and Sampling Techniques

The assignment covers various research methods, including primary and secondary methods, and discusses the significance of accurate sampling techniques. It highlights the benefits of using cloud technology in research, such as cost-effectiveness and speed. The document is a valuable resource for students and researchers looking to improve their understanding of these concepts.

Research Proposal

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by
literature review.........................................................................................................................1
P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
.....................................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

Topic: “The impact of digital technology on business activity of SME’s”
INTRODUCTION
Technology has major influence on business operations. The size of organisation doesn't
matter because digital technology provides maximum benefits to each firm in production and
money making practices. These advancements enhance ability of firm to identify cash flow as
well as resources needs for future practices. Business concept and models are always influenced
by digital technology because it gave a new approach to make changes in business ideas. Now a
days, maximum business operations and procedures are based on digital technology because it
saves time and additional cost of firm (Chen and et. al., 2015). Digital technology has performed
in several practices cloud technology, artificial intelligence, mobile technology, social media
concept, the internet of things and so on. The working criteria of these technologies are based on
business requirement and their objectives as well. This research is based on Ensoft Limited
which is a small scale organisation and works for software development practices. The
organisation wants to adopt digital technology for their working practices that helps to store large
data and easy accessibility at anywhere. Therefore, firm needs to adopt cloud technology for
their business practices in order to manage data for long run. This research will determining
overall study on cloud technology for a small business enterprises.
TASK 1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by
literature review
Now a days, each and every organisation implements advance technology in their
business practices because these concepts assist in maximising profitability and growth
creatively. On the basis of these technologies, an organisation can make positive changes in
working practices (Etro, 2015). For a small scale organisation, advance technology helps in
providing creative approaches so that management can adopts changes for positive
modifications. Cloud technology is also a digital platform that assist to managing data on
different clouds in order to access them easily for a long run. Through this, a business
organisation can gain maximum advantages and benefits as well.
Background of research
1

Cloud technology is a vast concept that delivers computing services to business firm as
storage, database, networking, software services as so on. Ensoft is small scale organisation
which is working as mobile application developer. In order to manage data, management of
Ensoft wants to implement advance technology in their business practices. Therefore, firm can
adopt cloud technology in their business that assist to manage data on different clouds so that
employees of their organisation ca access them easily at different locations. These kind of
activities provides easy networking and accessibility so that organisation can accomplish their
working projects from anywhere (Strauss, Kristandl and Quinn, 2015). These kind of software
are helpful for those small businesses who do not have a large workforce and working with
limited resources. These kind of digital practices reduce additional cost and capital expenses to
running up accurately as well as managing business procedure effectively. For a small scale
organisation, these kind of digital platforms can be more beneficial and appropriate that assist in
providing desirable outcomes to firm. For Nometek limited, it is require to identify benefits and
challenges of cloud technology that can affect operational and other working practices of firm.
The aims and objective of this research has determine below as -
Aims and objectives
Research Aim –
To determine the impact of Cloud technology on internal business operations that
enables storage and information sharing practices. A case study on Ensoft.
Research objectives - To determine the concept of cloud technology. To analyse the significance of cloud technology in a Small business enterprise. To ascertain the impact of cloud technology on internal business operations of Ensoft. To identify major challenges faced by Ensoft while implementing cloud technology in
business practices.
Research questions- What is the concept of cloud technology ? What are the significance of cloud technology in a Small business enterprise? What can be the impact of cloud technology on internal business operations of Ensoft.
 What are the major challenges faced by Ensoft while implementing cloud technology in
business practices ?
2

Literature review is a most important part of this research in which collection of data is
based on critical analysis. In this, researcher gathers information and data from articles, books
and blogs in which they analyse author's view points on particular topic.
The concept of cloud technology
As per the view of Suthaharan (2014) Cloud technology is about computer services
which is used by an organization for managing business operations in much better manner such
as; servers, storage, databases, networking and so on. Basically, it helps in providing fast
services and aids small business in various ways. For example; maximize the productivity of an
association, supports in protecting confidential information from misuse and most important
thing is that company can easily manage the business operations across the international
boundaries. In fact, cloud technologies are use by most of the companies for their better
performance as it is really inexpensive in nature as well as aids in maximizing the skills of
desired employees.
The significance of cloud technology in a Small business enterprise
According to the view of Gill (2014) Cloud computing is IT services that is done through
internet or applications and use to store and share huge amount of data securely. This technique
is beneficial for small business enterprises in following ways:
 Cloud technology reduces cost, as it enables huge amount of computing power and
minimises use of physical storage devices and IT requirements.
 This technology can be access anytime from anywhere by the user to do their operations.
This also enables user to use any device to use their data.
 Cloud technology reduces risk of data hacking, and virus and it also take auto back up of
the devices associated with it which minimizes risk of loosing data due to any unwanted
circumstances.
 By using cloud technology administration of any business become more secure and can
monitor their employees as all the members of organisation uses a master document.
Administrators can even implement access and permission controls.
With migration to cloud technology, organisations can improve their efficiency and there will be
less focus on software updates, space considerations and power requirements.
The impact of cloud technology on internal business operations of Ensoft
3

It stated that Checko (2015) The use of cloud technology will impact the internal business
operation of Ensoft in following ways:
1. Cloud Infrastructure: Use of cloud technology will reduce the pressure of IT managers
as IT maintenance will be done by external cloud providers. These cloud providers
designs standard packages for maintenance and support, but their cost will be affordable
as compared to traditional methods.
2. Technological Innovation: This method promotes advancement and innovation in the
organisation as well as their processes. Cloud computing provides opportunity to the
organisation to bring necessary technological changes according to the current scenario.
3. Cost and Financing: Implementation of cloud technology needs on time investment but
a good amount of funds is required in its designing, implementation and timely updates.
This cost will be suffered by the organisation.
The major challenges faced by Ensoft while implementing cloud technology in business
practices
As per the view of Singh (2014) Major challenges faced by Ensoft while implementing
cloud technology in their business are like cost, security, password security etc. These challenges
can be explained as below:
 Selection of perfect cloud set: From many services providers of cloud technology as well
as types of cloud technology, selecting a right technology and relevant service provider is
a most common challenge faced by any business.
 Data security concern: Before implementing cloud technology data security is highly
concerned by organisation, due to lack of experience the company has to focus on each
aspects thoroughly.
 Real time monitoring systems: Due to requirements of some government regulatory
system and financial authorities it is necessary to monitor and update the cloud system
timely, which may not be possible by the service provider.
 Dependency on service provider: Organisation is highly dependent on service provider
due to lack of information and training regarding cloud technology. This may become a
challenge for the organisation because of traini9ng needs before implementation and use
of external source to save data.
4

 Lack of knowledge and expertise: The another major challenge while implementing
cloud technology is its lack of knowledge and expertise to the members of business. This
may affect their performance and business culture.
P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
Research Methodology is a process to collect information and data for purpose of making
business and organizations decisions.
Qualitative research
Qualitative research is a process which includes in depth study of social phenomena and
works with non numerical data. Purpose of this type of research is to able researchers to identify
behavior, actions and attributes of people.
Qualitative researchers always investigate meanings, interpretations and symbols in
relation to social life. Methods of Qualitative research are as follows:4. Direct Observation: Researchers in direct observation method, observes daily routine of
people without participating. For example, Researchers can observe ways in which
people meet with strangers (Ratten, 2015).5. In-depth interview: Researchers can conduct interviews in depth with people by talking
them. They can conduct interviews by choosing participant's interest topic.
6. Participant Observation: In this method, researchers also participate with other
participants in action or events.
Quantitative research
Quantitative Research is a systematic investigation through statistical, mathematical and
computational techniques. It is basically, a structured way of collecting data obtained from
different sources. It focuses on collecting numerical data by usind various techniques.
Characteristics of this research are:
 Data needed is collected by using structured research instruments like, computation
techniques, mathematical data, etc.
 Results obtained represents large population because data has been collected by large size
of sample.
 Before data collection, researchers studies all aspects related so that whatever results are,
should be accurate.
5

 Researchers uses various tools like questionnaires or software to collect numerical data so
that results could be accurately obtained.
Primary method
Primary method of research can be defined as a methodology in which researchers solely
conduct research to address some problems which requires in-depth analysis. In this method,
research is conducted directly by researchers instead of depending on previous research. Various
methods used to conduct primary research:
1. Interviews: This method is used to conduct primary research in which researcher takes
interviews of participants face to face or over telephone which includes exchanging of
dialogues and interactions between two of them (Ratten, 2015).
2. Questionnaire: Questionnaires are prepared by researchers to find out opinions of people
about matters, in which about 10 questions are there. They can go to participants and ask
questions from them.
Primary research is known as proprietary research because it is conducted directly by
researchers and simply, they own that data.
Secondary method
Secondary method of research can be defined as methodology in which data is collected
by research conducted before by some people, for example, journals, newspapers, websites, etc.
Secondary data can be in both qualitative and quantitative terms. Qualitative data can be
extracted by newspapers, publications. While quantitative data can collected by survey, financial
statements, etc. Advantages of this method are:
 This method is less time consuming and hence it is easy to gather all relevant
information.
 Secondary method is less expensive as compared to primary method because it is
conducted on the basis of previous research. Data collected by this research is more accurate in terms of reliability.
Sampling
Sampling methods are used to collect sample with general population in order to collect
data from samples. It is very important to make proper collection from samples to eliminate and
avoid bias in selection process (Ratten, 2015). Sample group can be selected by probability or
6

non-probability approach. Conditions to be fulfilled by sampling methods while selecting
accurate sample are: Representative: While selecting sample, it is assumed that selected sample is best out of
all and hence good samples are ones who represent accurate population. Accuracy: Accuracy in sampling is defined as to which extent it is free from bias. It
should be free and not under any influence that causes differences in selection. Size: Size of sample should be accurate in such a way so that inferences drawn from them
are accurate to the given level.
7

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Chen, M., and et. al., 2015. AIWAC: Affective interaction through wearable computing and
cloud technology. IEEE Wireless Communications. 22(1). pp.20-27.
Etro, F., 2015. The economics of cloud computing. In Cloud Technology: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 2135-2148). IGI Global.
Strauss, E., Kristandl, G. and Quinn, M., 2015. The effects of cloud technology on management
accounting and decision-making. Management and Financial Accounting Report. 10(6).
Suthaharan, S., 2014. Big data classification: Problems and challenges in network intrusion
prediction with machine learning. ACM SIGMETRICS Performance Evaluation Review.
41(4). pp.70-73.
Gill, A.Q., and et. al., 2014. Agile enterprise architecture: a case of a cloud technology-enabled
government enterprise transformation.
Checko, A., and et. al., 2015. Cloud RAN for mobile networks—A technology overview. IEEE
Communications surveys & tutorials. 17(1), pp.405-426.
Singh, P.K., Prashanth, P.R. and Jyoti, N., McAfee LLC, 2014. Dynamic cleaning for malware
using cloud technology. U.S. Patent 8,677,493.
Ratten, V., 2015. Cloud computing technology innovation advances: a set of research
propositions. International Journal of Cloud Applications and Computing (IJCAC).
5(1). pp.69-76.
8