Ethical Review Form and Corporate Social Responsibility

The provided document is a two-part Ethical Review Form, designed to assess whether a research study involves human participants or sensitive topics. The first part confirms that the study does not include human participants, while the second part evaluates various aspects of the study's potential impact on participants and the broader community. Additionally, it touches upon corporate social responsibility in retail companies, highlighting its relevance to consumers' purchasing behavior.

BUSINESS PROPOSAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: The Business Proposal....................................................................................................1
Title of The Project..........................................................................................................................1
Terms of Reference .........................................................................................................................2
Background of the study.........................................................................................................2
Significance of the study........................................................................................................2
Aim.........................................................................................................................................2
Objectives...............................................................................................................................2
Research Questions................................................................................................................3
Timescales..............................................................................................................................3
Preliminary Literature Review.........................................................................................................5
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................8
Resources.........................................................................................................................................9
References......................................................................................................................................10
Section 2: The Ethical Review Form.............................................................................................12
2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 1..........................................................................................12
2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 2..........................................................................................12

Section 1: The Business Proposal
Title of The Project
To analyse the impact of CSR activities on business performance of retail sector: A case study
on Morrison’s plc.
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Terms of Reference
Background of the study
A business approach which makes contribution in the company for sustainable
development in industry is known as corporate social responsibilities. It is basically used for
social welfare and providing additional benefits to various stakeholders in terms of social,
economic as well as environmental. In the present era, competition level in retail sector
increasing rapidly. In order to gain competitive advantages, the retailers are considering CSR
activities so that able to attract huge number of customers towards them. In the current case,
Morrisons Plc Company is taken into consideration which has global presence in retail sector.
Considering to this firm, impact of CSR activities on the business performance is analysed in
this project.
Significance of the study
The study will be important for other businesses which are operating in other sectors to
determine that in which ways CSR affecting performance of company. Apart from this, when
any another scholar will go for conducting research on similar topic then the present project will
work as secondary data for him. Further, it will be beneficial for other firms for performing
several CSR activities to create highly sound customer base in respective industry.
Aim
In order to carry out the present research project, the aim of purpose is stated below:
To analysis impact of CSR activities on business performance of retail sector: A Case
Study on Morrisons Plc.
Objectives
For meeting the above mentioned aim, some objectives will be framed which are:
 To assess ways in which CSR activities are performed by retail organisations in UK.
 To determine strategies of CSR which are being used by retail companies in UK.
 To identify impact of CSR activities on business performance of Morrisons Plc.
 To recommend attractive CSR activities in order to boost up business performance of
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retail firms in UK.
Research Questions
 In which ways CSR activities are performed by retail organisations in UK?
 Which are the strategies of CSR which are being used by retail companies in UK?
 What is the impact of CSR activities on business performance of Morrisons Plc?
Timescales
For conducting research on specific problem statement, time resource is to be required
up to a greater extent. Apart from this, a clear and specific plan needs to prepare which will
show that which kinds of activities are required to perform. Further, timescales and plan of the
present project is shown through Gantt Chart below:
Activities of
research
project
1th
Wee
k
2nd
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k
3rd
Wee
k
4th
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k
5th
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k
6th
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k
7th
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10th
Week
Selecting
problem
statement
Designing
aim and
objectives
Reviewing
opinions of
several
authors
Selecting the
methods of
research
Conducting
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survey to
collect
primary
information
Preparing
research
questionnaire
Arranging
information
in proper
structure
Analysing
data
Discussion
and
conclusion
Final
submission
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Preliminary Literature Review
Ways in which CSR activities are performed by retail organisations in UK
According to Ioannou and Serafeim (2012) those activities which are performed by an
organisation for providing additional benefits to several stakeholders in indirect manner are
referred as corporate social responsibilities. At the time of operating in each and every market,
there are several tactics are applied by the firm at the workplace. The reason is that, such ways
support to attract wide range of customers for enchaining sales and performance in the industry.
CSR is one of the attractive method which is generally implemented by entrepreneurs and
managers of every enterprise. If the firm not considers any kind of activities for welfare of the
society and stakeholders then unable to attract them towards it. Once the management uses this
things then can create better and higher level of image in front of customers.
As per the views of Martinuzzi and et.al., (2011) organisations which operate in retail
industry of UK are performed the CSR activities for achieving different objectives. Considering
to such kinds of activities an enterprise easily able to aware the people about it as well as
products and services offered by it. When there level of awareness towards company enhances
then easily able to enhance sales revenue. Therefore, it can be said that, in terms of marketing
activities the retailers of UK are applying this particular framework. Apart from this, CSR
activities are one kind of promotional strategy of products and services offered by the retail
organisation of UK in worldwide.
However, Lee, Lee and Li (2012) states that CSR activities are not only performed by
retail organisations of UK in terms of marketing and promotional strategies but there are other
methods also used. As the company prepare activities of corporate social responsibilities then
able to determine attraction level of consumers towards it. In this method, if demand of local
community for purchasing retail products will enhance then retailers will charge more prices.
Due to this, revenue and market share both aspects will improve rapidly in the retail sector.
Ultimately, profitability and business performance will enhance of the retail companies of UK.
Therefore, in terms of raising market share and profit level, CSR activities are performed by
UK's retailers.
Strategies of CSR which are being used by retail companies in UK
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Schramm-Klien (2013) articulates that, wide range of strategies are applied by the
retailers at the workplace which are parts of CSR activities. One of the major and key tactic of
CSR considered by retailers is give financial support to those people who really need this. In
this, charity sector comes into consideration at most of the times. The retailers of UK are giving
financial support to people who want to do study but due to lack of amount cannot afford this.
On the basis of this, a higher level of positive image create in mind of people. Along with this,
literacy of economy also improved up to the higher extent.
In contrary to this, De Grosbois (2012) says that most of the retailers of UK are donating
sales revenue as well as products among needy people. Only financial support is not important
for the people because sometimes they need products and services rather than sum of money.
When retail company donates goods and services like food, cloths, apparels etc. then people
will become too much happy. Apart from this, image of retailers among normal people will be
also improved which is indication of growing consistently in the industry.
As per the opinion of Nicasio (2016) some retailers of UK like Morrisons, Tesco,
Sainsbury, Aldi etc. are making huge investment in their workforce. Due to this, existing
employees will become able to learn something new as well as become more skilled and
experienced. Along with this, this kind of investment will generate employment opportunities
for people who are seeking for jobs. This particular method is supportive for providing
employment to people and raise per capital income in the economy. Apart from this, most of the
retailers including Morrisons Plc taking responsibilities to clean the environment and make it
very attractive as well as safe (Tingchi Liu and et.al., 2014). The reason is that, when
environment of country is not clean then create pollution through which health of local
community will affect negatively. This is highly better and attractive kind of CSR activity
which makes a brand image in eyes of stakeholders.
Impact of CSR activities on business performance of Morrisons Plc
According to Bučiūnienė and Kazlauskaitė (2012) when an enterprise takes
responsibilities for performing wide range of activities for welfare of society then able to boost
up goodwill in the industry. As the retailer i.e. Morrisons Plc incorporate list of effectual CSR
activities then able to enhance awareness among stakeholders. Therefore, their purchasing
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behaviour towards the company will influence up to the larger extent. Due to this sales and
revenue generation capability of Morrisons will be enhanced which is sign of improving
performance in the retail sector.
Tang, Hull and Rothenberg (2012) states that, when CSR activities are performed by
Morrisons then market share and profit enhance. Due to this, the company become more
capable for taking responsibilities of social welfare in the country. Further, competitive benefits
also easily gained by Morrisons as retail industry has cut-throat competition. Apart from this,
new customers will attract along with existing users will not switch towards other retailers.
Hence, it can be proved or said that CSR activities have wide range of positive impact on
business performance of Morrisons Plc.
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Research Methodology
For conducting the current research on impact of CSR on business performance, some
methods and techniques will be used. Those tools of research which will be taken into
consideration by the scholar are stated as below: Investigation type: Under this, two kinds of methods are included which are qualitative
as well as quantitative. In the current project, qualitative type of investigation tool will
be considered. The reason is that it helps to conduct an effective analysis along with it
takes less time for deriving conclusion as compared to quantitative investigation
(Silverman, 2016). Research approach: In order to determine that, which kind of structure has to follow for
completing the study, research approach is used by scholar. In the present research
project, inductive approach will be applied where study starts from general part and end
with specific conclusion. Further, initially, CSR will be introduced and then impact will
be explained. Research philosophy: On the basis of this method, scholar will be able to know that
through which tool information needs to be gathered for research. It consists of
interpretivism as well as positivism philosophies which are used in qualitative and
quantitative study respectively (Research Philosophy, 2017). The present research is
based on qualitative type of investigation due to which interpretivism research
philosophy seems to be appropriate and suitable and thus, will be used. Research design: Apart from this, to determine that what actually has to be done and in
which way throughout the project, research design is used. Herein, experimental,
descriptive and exploratory are three research designs that come into consideration. In
the current project, a statement will be described by the scholar where he has basic
knowledge about CSR activities. Due to this, descriptive research design will be taken
into consideration by the analyst (Khan, 2014). Data collection: For conducting research on the specific topic, primary and secondary;
two types of data can be collected. In the present study, primary information will be
gathered by considering survey methodology. As per this method of collecting
information, questionnaire is prepared and then distributed among targeted population.
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 Data sampling: In order to collect information, it is not possible to distribute
questionnaire among the targeted population. For making solution of this particular
issue, data sampling methods are considered by the scholar (Roberts, 2013). In the
present research project, simple random sampling method will be considered where
randomly sample size will be collected. Further, 15 managers of Morrison’s Plc. will be
taken as a sample from whom information will be collected.
 Data analysis: Once information collected by the scholar then arranged as well as
analysed for deriving a valid conclusion. There are two techniques available for
analysing the data which are like thematic and statistical. In the present project, thematic
analysis method will be applied on data set. The reason for ignoring second method is
that, various SPSS tools are required to apply on data set. Due to which, more time will
be required which create negative impact on efficiency of scholar (Riedl, Davis and
Hevner, 2014).
Resources
In order to carry out research on particular problem statement, there is a wide range of
resources required. Due to lack of availability of resources, an investigator cannot conduct the
research properly. Therefore, valid conclusion cannot be made. Key resource needed in the
research is human as it plays a major role for conducting every study and derive possible
solutions. Apart from this, for recording data collected, specific software will be required like
excel or spreadsheet. Moreover, financial resources are also playing a pivotal role which must
be needed for carrying out an effectual kind of research. Therefore, human, information
technology, finance, etc. will be required for completing the present research project and to
derive at possible solutions of the problem statement.
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References
Books and Journals
Bučiūnienė, I. and Kazlauskaitė, R., 2012. The linkage between HRM, CSR and performance
outcomes. Baltic Journal of Management. 7(1). pp. 5-24.
De Grosbois, D., 2012. Corporate social responsibility reporting by the global hotel industry:
Commitment, initiatives and performance. International Journal of Hospitality
Management. 31(3). pp. 896-905.
Ioannou, I. and Serafeim, G., 2012. What drives corporate social performance? The role of
nation-level institutions. Journal of International Business Studies. 43(9). pp. 834-864.
Khan, S. H., 2014. Phenomenography: A qualitative research methodology in Bangladesh.
International Journal on new trends in education and their implication. 5(2). pp. 34-43.
Lee, Y. K., Lee, K. H. and Li, D. X., 2012. The impact of CSR on relationship quality and
relationship outcomes: A perspective of service employees. International Journal of
Hospitality Management. 31(3). pp. 745-756.
Riedl, R., Davis, F. D. and Hevner, A. R., 2014. Towards a NeuroIS research methodology:
intensifying the discussion on methods, tools, and measurement. Journal of the
Association for Information Systems. 15(10). pp. I.
Roberts, T., 2013. Understanding the research methodology of interpretative phenomenological
analysis. British Journal of Midwifery. 21(3).
Silverman, D. ed., 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
Tang, Z., Hull, C. E. and Rothenberg, S., 2012. How corporate social responsibility engagement
strategy moderates the CSR–financial performance relationship. Journal of Management
Studies. 49(7). pp.1274-1303.
Tingchi Liu, M., and et.al., 2014. The impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
performance and perceived brand quality on customer-based brand preference. Journal of
Services Marketing. 28(3). pp. 181-194.
Online
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Martinuzzi, A. and et.al., 2011. CSR Activities and Impacts of the Retail Sector. [Pdf]. Available
through:
<http://www.sustainability.eu/pdf/csr/impact/IMPACT_Sector_Profile_RETAIL.pdf>.
Nicasio, F., 2016. A Retailer’s Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility: Why Giving Back is
Good for Business. [Online]. Available through:
<https://blog.vendhq.com/post/64901828838/retailers-guide-corporate-social-
responsibility-giving-back-good-business>.
Research Philosophy. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://research-methodology.net/research-philosophy/>.
Schramm-Klien, H., 2013. Corporate Social Responsibility of Retail Companies: Is it relevant
for Consumers’ Purchasing Behavior?. [Pdf]. Available through: <http://thil-
memoirevivante.prd.fr/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2014/11/2008-Corporate-Social-
Responsibility-of-Retail-Companies.pdf>.
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Section 2: The Ethical Review Form
2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 1
Student Statement Insert X Student Action
Statement
1
I have read the above
information. I confirm that my
research does not include study
on human participants.
You do not need to complete
Part 2 of this form. Ethics
approval is not required.
Statement
2
I have read the above
information. I confirm that my
research does involve the study
on human participants.
Yes Please proceed to complete Part
2 of this form.
2.1 Ethical Review Form: Part 2
Yes No
1.
Does the study involve participants who are particularly vulnerable or
unable to give informed consent? (e.g. people under the age of 18,
people with learning disabilities, students you teach or assess)  
2.
Will it be necessary for participants to take part in the study without
their knowledge and consent at the time?  
3.
Does the study involve audio or visual recording of people in public
places?  
4.
Will the study involve the discussion of sensitive topics? (e.g. sexual
activity, drug use, illegal activities, death, whistleblowing)  
5.
Are drugs, placebos or other substances to be given to the study
participants or will the study involve invasive, intrusive or potentially
harmful procedures of any kind?  
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6.
Does your study involve a topic that would be considered ‘sensitive’
(age, culture, race, gender, sexuality, socio-economic standing, or
religion)?  
7.
Is physical pain or psychological stress from the proposed project
likely to cause harm or negative consequences beyond the risks in
normal life?
 
8.
Does the study involve groups or materials that may be construed as
terrorist or extremist?  
9.
Will financial inducements (other than expenses) be offered to
participants?  
10.
Does the study involve the collection of data that is not anonymised
(contains identifying information such as name and address)?  
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