Digital Technology and Social Media Marketing

The given assignment is about analyzing the impact of digital technology on social media marketing. The researcher selects 20 employees from Black Penny restaurant using random sampling method and conducts a questionnaire survey to collect effective data. Thematic analysis is used to identify patterned meaning across the dataset, focusing on qualitative research. This study aims to understand how digital technology is effective for innovation growth.

Research proposal and
Research Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LO1..................................................................................................................................................1
P1 Produce a research proposal that defines research questions or hypothesis .........................1
P2 Examine appropriate research methods to collect primary and secondary data....................4
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................4
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research with using appropriate methods .........................4
P4 Appropriate analytical technique and analyse research finding and data.............................5
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................15
P5 Communicate research outcome..........................................................................................15
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................15
P6. Reflection............................................................................................................................15
P7. Alternative methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcome's............................17
REFERENCES :............................................................................................................................19

Title – The implication of digital technology on SME's – A case study on Black Penny restaurant
LO1
P1 Produce a research proposal that defines research questions or hypothesis
Background
The evolution of internet has transformed people lives. It has provided them tools to
communicate with each other anytime, anywhere. These tools are also being used by business to
collect data and information from them. Also, it has changed the way of doing business. Due to
this, business is able to grow and expand in different markets. Digital technology has provided
several advantages to small business. It has created a positive impact on their efficiency and
operations. Moreover, technology has given competitive advantage at global level. The reason
behind increase in number of small business is advancement in technology. They are emerging
with advanced products and services (Hess and et.al., 2016). Due to this large number of people
are attracted towards it. This is helping them to fulfil their needs. Furthermore, SME's is able to
promote services by using social media, blogs, etc. in addition to this technology has been used
by them in various operations. This has saved time and cost thus increasing profits. They are
easily able to achieve their goals and objectives.
Rationale
The present research is been conducted to find out the implications of digital technology
on small and medium size businesses. Also, it is been studied that how Black Penny restaurant is
able to use different digital tools and equipments in their operations. Apart from this, this
research will help in analysing the impact of advancement in technology on Black Penny
restaurant. It will support in giving recommendations in how software and application must be
installed so that efficiency can be enhanced.
Aims and objectives
Aim :- To analyse the impact of digital technology on different business operations of SME's –
A Case Study on Black Penny restaurant
Objectives:

 To identify significance of using digital technology in SME.
 To access the relationship between business operations and digital technology.
 To provide recommendations through which efficiency in operations can be maintained
Research questions
 What is the importance of using digital technology in SME's?
 What is the relationship between business operations and digital technology?
 What are the recommendations through which efficiency in operations can be maintained
Literature review
Every business is affected by change in its internal or external factors in which they
operate. So it is necessary for them to develop proper strategies so that impact can be minimised.
The change in technological factors has also affected business as per suggested Schön, Ebner and
Kumar, (2014). It has forced them to cope up with technology in order to remain survive in the
market for long time. Tchnology has affected small business in both positive and negative way.
It has provided a platform to grow and develop in different market.
Implications of digital tools on small business
As per the view of Taiminen and Karjaluoto, (2015) there are various implication of
digital technology on small business. This is the reason why business has to implement various
tools in operations. It has resulted in increasing efficiency. The importance of using digital tools
in SME's is that it has allowed them to enter in the market to compete with big companies. Also,
by using software and application business is able to manage operations. They are able to
develop effectively strategies to grow and develop. In the opinion of Tiago and Veríssimo,
(2014) SME's are able to evaluate factors that can affect them by using digital tools. With this
they are able to minimise its impact. However, internet has given many advantages to them. The
major benefit it has is making communication easy and effective. It has created a systematic and
proper structure of performing task and solving customers problems.

On the contrary Schön, Ebner and Kumar, (2014) said that negative implication of
technology on business is it has lead to intense competition among them. Due to this they are not
able to survive for long term. Besides this, it has increased their costs as digital tools available
are expensive. Moreover, for maintaining efficiency of tools they have to hire experienced and
qualified person. They are not able to cope up advancements. It has reduced their efficiency and
service quality. In companies are acquiring them for their benefit. It has lead to decrease in
SME's from market. Also, in every sector major market share is captured by big organisations.
This has restricted the growth of SME's.
Growth of SME' in the market
According to Morgan, (2017) it has been said that in recent times, vast number of
business has entered in the market. They are coming up with new ideas and products that has
attracted large number of people. This is only possible by using tools and equipments in
operations. As said by Mathews and et.al., (2016) the main reason behind growth of SME's is
reach of product worldwide. By using social media, blogs, etc. they are effectively promoting
their products in different markets. So this has reduced cost and time. Also, business is taking the
help of third parties for developing attractive ads. It is focusing on sales and marketing to
increase profits. It has been suggested that it is easy for business to conduct operations. It has
also enhanced their efficiency by integrating efforts of different departments. With these goals
are easily achieved. Technology has provided tools through which variety of products and
services are developed. They are cheap and fulfil customers needs. As per the view of Love and
Roper, (2015) many new small business has emerged in the market particularly in service sector.
It can be seen that SME's are highly contributing in GDP of nation. They are generating large
amount of revenues. Also, digitization has forced big companies to compete with them.
Challenges faced by SME's
As per the view of Paul, Parthasarathy and Gupta, (2017) digital technology has resulted
in various challenges that are being faced by SME's. It has restricted them to implement tools
and equipments in operation. Machines has replaced work force, this has lead to decline in their
performance. Due to this task are not completed on time. As said by Loader, (2015) the biggest

task for SME' s is to hire qualified candidates. It is because working with technology requires
high skills. Another challenge faced is rise in number of technical errors. It has created negative
impact on production and profitability. As elucidated by Musa and Chinniah, (2016) cyber
crimes is a hot topic that has diverted mind of SME's. It has forced them to take proper and
appropriate measures while providing products and services.
P2 Examine appropriate research methods to collect primary and secondary data
For present research data will be collected by using primary and secondary methods.
These both methods will help in collecting effective and relevant data through which specific
outcomes can be obtained. This will lead to accomplishing research aims and objectives. The
method is selected by researcher as per his or her requirements. Generally, in most of the
research both these methods are used. In primary method data is collected for first time through
questionnaire, interviews, etc. whereas in secondary method data is collected from previous
research, articles, journals, etc. Both these methods will help in providing relevant data.
LO 2
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research with using appropriate methods
In order to conduct research in smooth way it is necessary that several elements must be
analysed. This is because it gives an insight on how overall research activities has to be done. A
research methodology helps in identifying several methods that will be used by researcher. It is
described below :-
Research philosophy- Research philosophy is the belief through which researcher
collects, analyse and interpret the research data appropriately and systematically. Generally,
there are two types of research philosophy that are positivism and interpretive (Mazzarol, 2015).
The researcher will apply positivism approach that will help in analysing implication of digital
technology on SME's.
Research method – There are two types of research method that is qualitative and
quantitative. For present research, qualitative method will be used by researcher. It will help in
collecting and analysing data effectively so that specific results can be obtained.

Research approach- It is related to exploring research so that assumptions can be
obtained. In this inductive and deductive approach exist. Deductive approach tests the validity of
assumptions in hand whereas inductive approach contributes to the emergence of new theories
and generalisation . For present study, researcher will use inductive approach.
Population – for present research population will be employees who are working in Black penny
restaurant.
Data sampling- It refers to selecting the number of people from the population on which
research will be conducted. The researcher will select 20 employees of Black Penny restaurant.
This is done by applying random sampling method. It is used because of its flexibility and
effectiveness.
Data analysis – It refers to analysing data to obtain outcomes. It is a process of
interpreting data in proper manner. In this researcher will analyse data by using thematic
analysis. It focuses on qualitative research by examining data in step by step manner. For
example- to identify impact of digital technology on social media marketing.
Data collection – In this data is collected to get specific outcomes. For present study
researcher will collect data by using primary method. In this he will prepare questionnaire to
collect effective data.
Cost – This is the most important element. It is because entire research is based in funds
that is available. This helps the researcher to meet aims and objectives effectively. For present
study total cost that is estimated is 400 Euros (Gruber and Thompson, 2015).
Ethical issue – Researcher must focus on ethical perspective that will help in conducting
research in proper manner. For this he or she must follow all rules and regulations while
collecting data.
Access – In this researcher must have the access for collecting and analysing data. For
present study researcher will follow a systematic way for this. It will help in getting specific and
precise results.

P4 Appropriate analytical technique and analyse research finding and data
1 Do you aware about the term digitalisation within business operation ?
 Yes
 No
2 Which source and platform of digital technology mostly used by organisation ?
 Computer and Laptop
 Social media
 Customer relationship management software and application
 Internet and Wi Fi
 All of above
3 What source mostly required at the time of implement digital technology within organisation ?
 Skilled employees
 Effective capital investment
 Training and development program
 Other
4 Is there direct relationship between digital technology and business operation ?
 Yes
 No
5 Does business operation improve after implement digital technology within business
enterprise?
 Yes
 No
6 Does your organisation uses customer relationship management and hotel management
software and applications within business operation ?
 Satisfied
 Neutral
 Dissatisfied
7 Is you business entity use social media for promotion and advertisement ?
 Strongly agree

 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
8 Do you agree that digital technology assist to Small business enterprise in improving business
growth and operation ?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
9 Recommend the strategy to implement digital technology in such manner through which
growth and operation of business can improve
Theme 1: Employees aware about the term digitalisation within business operation
Do you aware about the term digitalisation within business operation ? Frequency
Yes 18
No 2

Interpretation and analysis: From this above question it has been found that in the Black Penny
restaurant, large numbers of employees are effectively known the term of digital technology.
That means, Black Penny restaurant is using various sources and platform of digital technology
within its business operation. In the survey from 20 respondents 18 employees of cited venture
are well known about digital technology and its several sources because management uses
several techniques of digital technology.
Theme 2: Source and platform of digital technology mostly used by organisation
Which source and platform of digital technology mostly used by
organisation ? Frequency
Computer and Laptop 2
Social media 1
Customer relationship management software and application 2
Internet and Wi Fi 3
All of above 12
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Frequency

Interpretation and analysis: On the basis of this collected data about the sources and platform of
digital technology it has been found that Black Penny restaurant uses several techniques and
resources of digital technology in its business operation. While this asked from 20 personnels of
Black Penny restaurant then 12 employees selected last option that is All of above. Thus, it can
be said that Black Penny restaurant uses computer, laptop, social media, customer relationship
management software, application, internet and Wi-Fi in its business operation and activities.
Theme 3: Source mostly required at the time of implement digital technology within
organisation
What source mostly required at the time of implement digital technology within
organisation ? Frequency
Skilled employees 5
Computer and Laptop
Social media
Customer relationship
management software and
application
Internet and WiFi
All of above

Effective capital investment 8
Training and development program 5
Other 2
Interpretation and analysis: On the basis of gather primary information in the survey it has been
analysed that for implement digital technology, effective capital investment is required within
business enterprise. In addition to this, skilled employees are also required within business entity
for implement digital technology within Black Penny restaurant. From collected information by
20 personnels, it has been found that 8 respondents said that effective capital investment is
required to implement digital technology. On the other hand 5 respondents said skilled
employees and training and development are required by organisation for implement digital
technology.
Theme 4: The direct relationship between digital technology and business operation has made
it easy to attain goals
Skilled employees
Effective capital investment
Training and development
program
Other

Q-4 The direct relationship between digital technology and business operation
has made it easy in attaining goals ? Frequency
Strongly Agree 7
Agree 3
Neutral 4
Disagree 3
Strongly disagree 3
Total 20
Interpretation and analysis: On the basis of collected information in the survey, it has been
determined that 7 employee strongly agreed, 3 agreed and 4 remain neutral with statement that
direct relationship between the business operation and digital technology has enabled in attaining
goals effectively. While 3 disagreed and 3 strongly disagreed with it.
Theme 5: Business operation improve after implement digital technology within business
enterprise
Does business operation improve after implement digital technology within
business enterprise? Frequency

Yes 17
No 3
Interpretation and analysis: From this table it has been assessed that digital technology assists to
improve business operation within Small business enterprise. In the black penny restaurant,
management have able to improved business performance and progress after implement digital
technology. The process of business operation has improved within Black Penny restaurant with
help of implementation of digital technology. In the survey of 20 employees, 17 respondents said
yes upon statement that black penny business operation improved after implementation of digital
technology.
Yes
No
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Frequency

Theme 6:Organisation uses customer relationship management and hotel management
software and applications within business operation
Does your organisation uses customer relationship management and hotel
management software and applications within business operation ? Frequency
Satisfied 16
Neutral 2
Dissatisfied 2
Interpretation and analysis: By this collected information it has been assessed that Black Penny
restaurant is using several applications and software related to hotel management and customer
relationship management in its business operation. With help of these software and applications,
organisation have effectively improved performance of business and deliver effective satisfaction
to its customer. The major use of customer relationship management in improving and develop
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied

healthy relationship with customer through which they can attract toward organisation in
effective manner. From the collected data in the survey from 20 employees it has been found that
16 employees are satisfied with statement that organisation uses customer relationship
management and hotel management software and applications within business operation. On the
other hand 2 respondents are dissatisfied with the same statement. Thus, from this collected
information it has been analysed that digital technology largely helped to cited venture in
improving process of operation and activities.
Theme 7:Business entity use social media for promotion and advertisement
Is you business entity use social media for promotion and advertisement ? Frequency
Strongly agree 13
Agree 4
Disagree 2
Strongly disagree 1
Interpretation and analysis: This section defines that the major advantages of digital technology
is promotion and advertisement. As with help of digital technology, organisation can easily
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Frequency

promote and advertise its product and services ion the market. There are major use of social
media in the promotional and advertisement activities. From 20 respondents, 13 are strongly
agreed with statement that social media helps to promotion and advertisement through which
organisation inform to customers about product and services.
Theme 8: Digital technology assist to Small business enterprise in improving business growth
and operation
Do you agree that digital technology assist to Small business enterprise in
improving business growth and operation ? Frequency
Strongly agree 12
Agree 5
Disagree 1
Strongly disagree 2

Interpretation and analysis: By this table it has been shown that majority of respondents are
strongly agreed with statement that digital technology assists to Small business enterprise in
improving business growth and operation. On the basis of collected data in the survey, from 20
employees, 12 respondents are strongly agreed with statement that digital technology assist to
Small business enterprise in improving business growth and operation. Thus from this collected
data it has been analysed and assessed that digital technology helps to restaurant in various
functional department like human resource, marketing, operation, administration through which
business operation has improved and company can effectively achieve its determined objective
on time.
LO 3
P5 Communicate research outcome
From this entire research it has been summarised that digital technology plays a very
crucial role within the hospitality sector by which several activities and operation is largely
influenced in positive manner. In this investigation, major objective of investigator is to analyse
the impact of digital technology on the business operation in small business enterprise. For
address this objective, scholar have applied qualitative research technique along with thematic
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
Strongly disagree
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Frequency

analysis. With help of this technique, scholar have effectively conducted the investigation and
found appropriate solution of result. On the basis of collected primary information in the survey
it has been found that digital technology helps to Black Penny restaurant in developing healthy
relationship with customers and improve the performance of business. It has been also concluded
that digital technology mostly used in marketing department as marketing manager uses several
platforms and resources in the promotion and advertisement activities. From 20 respondents, 13
are strongly agreed with statement that social media helps to promotion and advertisement
through which organisation inform to customers about product and services. At the time of
implementation of digital technology, Black penny restaurant required effective capital
investment within the organisation. In addition to this, skilled employees are equally required
within organisation for implement digital technology.
LO 4
P6. Reflection
In respect to conduct this study it has been concludes that, this research has been given
great opportunity to take the external environment and discover the new career growth. This
making task effective performance will help me to take the new career opportunity through
which I will concentrate on my career effectively. This process will more reliable and task
oriented performance (Piccinini, Hanelt and Kolbe, 2015). Through this research growth and task
making performance it helps me to take better advancing and growth oriented work. This
research helps me to enhance my research skill. After identifying different research methods and
styles. I got to learn so many findings and actual scenario of digital marketing importance in the
business activities. Overall, it brings new advance services and growth channel. I got to learn
new status and importance of performing in the business. Apart from that, during analysing this
research execution I go through from different sources that helps me to take new opportunities
for new advancing growth channel. This brings new emerging trends and fast forwarding new
growth and channel. Growth charging performance will help to motivate new transforming
channel of performing better position. In spite of that, this research helps to overcome from my
fear that is communicating with people. During the questionnaire survey process it gives new
opportunity and growth in order to meet the needs of the organisation goals. This overall, thing

will enhance the better resources and growth (Sevillano-García and Vázquez-Cano, 2015). It will
be more enhancing thing to be implemented. Overall, with the help of survey I have learnt that
how to communicate with people in formal manner. In presenting the data with the help of
graphs and structure, it helps me to take enhance my presentable skills that helps to me to my
career opportunity. In spite of that, it also helps me to take new better research topics to explorer
my knowledge and skills. While, collecting data through survey. I also got to learn proper
mathematical skills and analytical skill that will increase my confidence and motivation. I
measured the importance and need of digital technologies in present businesses. It is the best tool
to get better customer response towards the business activities. Being a researcher it was my
great experienced and knowledge earning process which gives me new area of performance and
build up my new career goals.
In spite of that, I also got to learn so many new different things that helps me to measure
my own strength and weakness. Such as, I need to enrich my technical skills in order to get over
from my biggest weakness. This brings new or low level of growth that affect my career
objectives and goals. Overall, it brings new major objective goals. That helps to collect the most
enlarging performance making task (Taylor, Fritsch and Liederbach, 2014). To get overcome
from my weakness. For that, I need to develop my self evaluation plan and measure my major
strength and weaknesses to get over come. Such as in need to learn technical, analytical or
leadership skills. Overall, research has been given new skills and learning source through I will
take my next research more effective and conduct it proper systematic manner.
P7. Alternative methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcome's.
Research methodologies are the most effective generating outputs. This creates new
outputs and returns in order to meet the actual objectives of the research. It has been given better
profit making task. Community based research is all over based on proposed as an alternative to
the objectives. Community based organisations are not growing and long lasting process. That
always makes the proper implementing process and growth. Alternative observation and
effective process makes the effective and challenging growth oriented process. Research
methodologies are of different types that makes the research process accomplishment goals and
target marketing goals. Overall, it brings new advantageous growth and best effective

performance level. Paper is informed by the new growth tasking that helps to make the
productive nature of growth (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault, 2015). Overall, new methods are also
very helpful to take new advantageous and long lasting and effective and necessary. This helps to
take the new changes and best approachable that helps to accomplish the overall, objectives and
growth.
Overall, it brings new changes and long lasting performance that makes the proper
effective growth. There different methodologies and structure is also very much required to make
the proper effective and most enlarging process. Besides, there are two popular method such as
qualitative and quantitative which id highly productive and most enlarging performance making
task. Besides, it brings new process or task oriented performance. That helps to take the better
effective growth making task. Overall, quantitative method is helpful to analyse the facts and
analyse the practical facts with the help of statistics. Overall, it brings new discovery and new
growth in order to meet the needs of the organisation. Overall, it brings new better task making
performance and growth. Overall, it brings new opportunity and growth. Overall, it brings new
better growth. Overall, it brings new effective and task making process.
Task effective process will make the better presentable channel of taking things. Besides,
research design, research approach, and long effectiveness is the productive research design. The
main purpose of all the research strategies are to justify the actual problem statement with the
help of different source of facts and results findings (Vaioleti, 2016). All research methods are
depends on the nature of fact. This method are generally been helps to disclose the actual needs
and wants. In order to meet the actual needs and wants. Research methodologies are may be done
by through social media sites. This guides and process will introduce new matter of fact and
target sources and effective working performances. Research has been done with different
terminologies and effective growth making task. This exploratory results are given by the actual
target performing that has been given according to nature or growth.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of above section it has been concluding that, it has been analysed that
evolution of internet has transformed the people lives in different manner. Apart from that, it also
identifies that, online transactions and growth will helpful to full fill the basic needs and wants of

the customers. Present study has been based on implication of digital technology on SME which
is based on Black Penny Restaurant. Further study more focused on significance of using digital
technology. Study also identified the relationship between business operation and digital
technology in order to upgrade the company position. Overall, study explained the importance of
digital technology on the hospitality sector.
Presentation

REFERENCES :
Books and journals
Chaffey, D., 2015. Digital business and E-commerce management. Pearson Education Limited.
Loader, K., 2015. SME suppliers and the challenge of public procurement: Evidence revealed by
a UK government online feedback facility. Journal of Purchasing and Supply
Management. 21(2). pp.103-112.
Love, J. H. and Roper, S., 2015. SME innovation, exporting and growth: A review of existing
evidence. International small business journal. 33(1). pp.28-48.
Mathews, S. and et.al., 2016. Internet marketing capabilities and international market
growth. International Business Review. 25(4). pp.820-830.
Morgan, R. E., 2017. Operational capabilities and entrepreneurial opportunities in emerging
market firms: explaining exporting SME growth. International Marketing Review.
Musa, H. and Chinniah, M., 2016. Malaysian SMEs Development: Future and Challenges on
Going Green. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 224. pp.254-262.
Paul, J., Parthasarathy, S. and Gupta, P., 2017. Exporting challenges of SMEs: A review and
future research agenda. Journal of world business. 52(3). pp.327-342.
Piccinini, E., Hanelt, A. and Kolbe, L., 2015. Transforming industrial business: the impact of
digital transformation on automotive organizations.
Schön, S., Ebner, M. and Kumar, S., 2014. The Maker Movement. Implications of new digital
gadgets, fabrication tools and spaces for creative learning and teaching. eLearning
papers. 39. pp.14-25.
Sevillano-García, M. L. and Vázquez-Cano, E., 2015. The impact of digital mobile devices in
higher education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 18(1), p.106.
Taiminen, H. M. and Karjaluoto, H., 2015. The usage of digital marketing channels in
SMEs. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development. 22(4). pp.633-651.

Taylor, R. W., Fritsch, E. J. and Liederbach, J., 2014. Digital crime and digital terrorism.
Prentice Hall Press.
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M., 2015. Introduction to qualitative research methods: A
guidebook and resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Tiago, M. T. P. M. B. and Veríssimo, J.M.C., 2014. Digital marketing and social media: Why
bother?. Business Horizons. 57(6). pp.703-708.
Vaioleti, T. M., 2016. Talanoa research methodology: A developing position on Pacific research.
Waikato Journal of Education 12(1).

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: _The implication of digital technology on SME's – A
case study on Black Penny
restaurant_______________________________________

Section One: Title, objective,
responsibilities
Title or working title of the research
project (in the form of a question,
objective or hypothesis)
Title – The implication of digital
technology on SME's – A case study on
Black Penny restaurant
Aims and objectives
Aim: - To analyse the impact of digital
technology on different business operations
of SME's – A Case Study on Black Penny
restaurant
Objectives:
 To identify significance of using
digital technology in SME.
 To access the relationship between
business operations and digital
technology.
 To provide recommendations through
which efficiency in operations can be
maintained
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?):

Research questions
What is the importance of using digital
technology in SME's?
What is the relationship between business
operations and digital technology?
What are the recommendations through
which efficiency in operations can be
maintained
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 present research is been
conducted to find out the implications
of digital technology on small and
medium size businesses. Also, it is
been studied that how Black Penny
restaurant is able to use different
digital tools and equipment’s in their
operations.
 Apart from this, this research will
help in analysing the impact of
advancement in technology on Black

Penny restaurant. It will support in
giving recommendations in how
software and application must be
installed so that efficiency can be
enhanced.
Section Three: Literature sources
searched
Use of key literature sources to
support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
As per the view of Fitzgerald and Welch,
2014 there are various implication of digital
technology on small business. This is the
reason why business has to implement
various tools in operations. It has resulted in
increasing efficiency. The importance of
using digital tools in SME's is that it has
allowed them to enter in the market to
compete with big companies.
On the contrary Mazzarol, 2015 said that
negative implication of technology on
business is it has lead to intense competition

among them. Due to this they are not able to
survive for long term. Besides this, it has
increased their costs as digital tools available
are expensive
Technology has provided tools through
which variety of products and services are
developed. They are cheap and fulfil
customers needs. As per the view of Kumar
and Reinartz, 2018, many new small
business has emerged in the market
particularly in service sector. As per the view
of Westerman and McAfee, 2014 digital
technology has resulted in various challenges
that are being faced by SME's. Vaioleti, 2016
It has restricted them to implement tools and
equipments in operation.
References:
Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R. and DeVault, M.,
2015. Introduction to qualitative
research methods: A guidebook and
resource. John Wiley & Sons.
Vaioleti, T. M., 2016. Talanoa research
methodology: A developing
position on Pacific research.
Waikato Journal of Education,

12(1).
Westerman, G. and McAfee, A.,
2014. Leading digital: Turning
technology into business
transformation. Harvard Business
Press.
Loader, K., 2015. SME suppliers and the
challenge of public procurement:
Evidence revealed by a UK
government online feedback
facility. Journal of Purchasing and
Supply Management. 21(2). pp.103-
112.
Love, J. H. and Roper, S., 2015. SME
innovation, exporting and growth: A
review of existing
evidence. International small business
journal. 33(1). pp.28-48.
Mathews, S. and et.al., 2016. Internet
marketing capabilities and
international market
growth. International Business
Review. 25(4). pp.820-830.
Morgan, R. E., 2017. Operational
capabilities and entrepreneurial
opportunities in emerging market
firms: explaining exporting SME
growth. International Marketing

Review.
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Social and Behavioral Sciences. 224.
pp.254-262.
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A review and future research
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pp.703-708.

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):
Ho
w
lon
g
thi
s
wil
l
tak
e:

Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor):
____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
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?What your areas of research
will cover:
Research philosophy- Research philosophy
is the belief through which researcher
collects, analyse and interpret the research
data appropriately and systematically.
Generally, there are two types of research
philosophy that are positivism and
interpretivism (Mazzarol, 2015). The
researcher will apply positivism approach
that will help in analysing implication of
digital technology on SME's.
Positivism : Positivism is the research
philosophy method which define the study in
precise and succinct manner. This has been
based on ideas that helps to discover the fact
and truth. It is more or less observable and

quantifiable method for study.
Interpretivism : Interpretivism is the
philosophical position of idealism and best
possible action plan. This also helps to
control the long term challenge and material
growth. Interpretivism includes the
involvement of constructive and
phenomenology. This approach will be based
on naturalistic approach of data collection
such as interviews, and observation. Present
study will be using positivism philosophy
data.
Research method – There are two types of
research method that is qualitative and
quantitative. For present research, qualitative
method will be used by researcher. It will
help in collecting and analysing data
effectively so that specific results can be
obtained.
Research approach- It is related to
exploring research so that assumptions can
be obtained. In this inductive and deductive
approach exist. Deductive approach tests the
validity of assumptions in hand whereas
inductive approach contributes to the
emergence of new theories and
generalisation. For present study, researcher
will use inductive approach.

Inductive approach are generally associated
with qualitative research, this has been based
on observation and theories.
Population – for present research population
will be employees who are working in Black
penny restaurant.
Data sampling- Sampling method refers to
selecting the number of people on which
research will be conducted. The researcher
will select 20 employees of Black Penny
restaurant. This is done by applying random
sampling method. It is used because of its
flexibility and effectiveness.
Data analysis – It refers to analysing data to
obtain outcomes. It is a process of
interpreting data in proper manner. In this
researcher will analyse data by using
thematic analysis. It focuses on qualitative
research by examining data in step by step
manner. For example- to identify impact of
digital technology on social media
marketing.
Thematic analysis is the process which is
widely used qualitative data analysis.
Thematic analysis generally focused on
identifying patterned meaning across a
dataset. One of the advantages of this
analysis is, it is a theoretically flexible which