Vodafone IT and Business Communication Research

The assignment involves a qualitative research study that examines the role of IT tools in business communication for Vodafone. It explores the relationship between IT development and business communication, and discusses how IT can be used to improve operational efficiency, confidentiality, and competitiveness in a global industry.

Research Project

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
a) Introduction .......................................................................................................................1
b) Research Objectives...........................................................................................................1
c) Research questions.............................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................3
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................5
a) Research strategy: ..............................................................................................................6
b) Qualitative and quantitative research.................................................................................7
c) Justification about selecting questionnaire:........................................................................8
d) Secondary research: ..........................................................................................................8
e) Limitation ..........................................................................................................................8
F) Further methodology .........................................................................................................8
Summary of findings .............................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND REFLECTION...........................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................18

TITLE
To examine development of IT is effective for global economy. A case study on Vodafone PLC.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
a) Introduction
Research is way to collect, gather information related to concern subject. This is the way
to study data and organise in appropriate manner to convey information to learners. IT stands for
information technology. In IT there is use of computers, storage, data, network, software, etc. to
transform information inn electronic form. These days there is more role of internet in business
operation. This helps to complete with competitors (Brulle, Carmichael and Jenkins, 2012).
Scope of It is increasing day by day. This helps to make distinct image in industry. IT provides
edge in communication within as well as external parties. This has positive as well as negative
impact on business operations. This report is based on Vodafone PLC which is one of the leading
brand in telecommunication sector. This report covers research methodologies, research
conducted which is relevant for business project, communication of research outcomes and at
last application of research methodologies.
Background of research
This research is based on Vodafone PLC which is one of the important component to be
considered by managers in order to achieve roles and responsibilities. There are some changes
which has to be taken which is relevant and significant for attaining good image in industry. As
Vodafone is one of the leading brand in telecommunication company so this is essential and
significant for working with latest IT tools. This ease in storing information, communication, etc.
For instance: if manager sitting at UK wants to convey information to manager sitting at India,
then form,al mail can be done through which information can be transferred. Hence, for
Vodafone PLC use and implementation of It tools is effective for growth and development
(Chen, Chiang and Storey, 2012).
Aim: To understand the development of IT in influencing business communication and its impact
on global economy. A case study on Vodafone PLC.
b) Research Objectives
 To understand concept of information technology for Vodafone PLC.
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 To determine importance of Information Technology tools for business communication at
Vodafone PLC.
 To analyse relationship between development of IT and business communication.
c) Research questions
 Do you understand concept of information technology for Vodafone PLC ?
 What is the importance of Information Technology tools for business communication at
Vodafone PLC ?
 What kind of relationship between development of IT and business communication ?
2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review introduces as an effective part of investigation. It will help an
investigator to analyses in-depth and accurate information about the topic from the respondents.
Main purpose of literature review is to identify gaps and conflict in previous study. Along with
this, in literature review, different authors have been give their opinion about the development of
IT in influencing business communication and its impact on global economy. Therefore, in this
part, all objectives of research have been addressed which are determined as under:
A) Concept of information technology
According to Sassen, 2016 information technology means working with different
approaches through which information gets transferred in digital format. This technology is
relevant and significant for some basic concept. This is relevant and effective for creating
awareness about product and service to society. Hence it helps to give positive impact on profits
and revenues. There are main four elements which completes concept of information technology
i.e. information security, database and network, computer software and technical support. In case
of Vodafone PLC. This is important to use information technology because this operates in
different parts of association (Crystal, 2013). In the organisation, there are different departments
that use information technology. Manufacturing, human resource, finance and security are main
department of Vodafone PLC that use information technology to communicate each information
to their staff members. As it will help an organisation by reducing impact of communication
barrier in systematically.
B) Importance of Information Technology tools for business communication
Information technology is important and relevant for business organisation and its
growth. There is use of different approaches which is relevant and signifiant for attaining good
profits. According to Karehka Ramey there are different types of information technology tools
such as e-talks, email, Vodafone's application, Hangouts, etc. are some techniques used by
Vodafone. Importance of information technology tools are discussed as under-
Strengthen customer relations- Customers are the key through which business
organisation can grow with rapid speed. It is essential to perform operations according to
customer's demand. This helps to provide satisfaction and relations gets sharpen. Accurate data
or information will support a business manager to attract large number of customers. As accurate
data about business products and services helps an enterprise to maximise customer base and
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attain long term goals easily. Along with this, proper information about the goods and services of
Vodafone plc will also assist them by maintaining loyalty and trust customers for long time.
Fast decision making- Vodafone is the organisation which operates in different parts of
country, so with the help of e- mails. e- talks decisions can be taken frequently and rapidly. This
reduces waiting time and targets are achieved on time. Fast decision within an organisation
support a business manager to make fast decision about the growth and success of an
organisation. This decision will also assist an enterprise to adopt changes speedily and
accomplish long term goals within given time duration.
Resource management and globalisation- There is requirement of different resources
which is important and relevant for attaining goals and objectives. With the help of information
technology, there is ease in communication and s resources gets managed. This reduces
possibilities of is communication and best use of resources. Vodafone can highlights its brand
image in global market as well.
Retaining employees for long time: Proper implementation of information technology
system in the organisation helps them to retain workers for long time. Strong and long time
relationship with an organisation will assist them to achieve long term goals and development
within given time duration.
C) Relationship between development of IT and business communication
There is positive relationship between development of information technology and
business communication. There are many departments in Vodafone such as Marketing, sales.
Human resources, research and development, etc. In the words of Schaltegger, Lüdeke-Freund
and Hansen, 2012 with the help of business phones, formal mails, etc. information gets delivered
to appropriate person and in authentic manner. When there is good communication techniques,
then there are less possibilities of miscommunication which affects business operations in
positive manner. With the help of IT tools, it is easy to implement new training method, so this is
relevant for maintaining long and good relations with employees. Workers are also satisfied that
they are working with latest technique (Cummings and Worley, 2014). Development of
information technology has positive relation with an enterprise. It will also support an
organisation to communicate each information to their followers. As appropriate information
support an enterprise in its growth and development as well as also support them in its success at
marketplace.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research method is a way through which information can be collected to provide view on
some specific topic. This is the process of systematic collection of data for the purpose of driving
conclusion over it. Research has many aspects which can understood with research onion.
Research can be conducted with the help of primary and secondary method. These are the
methods through which information is collected and then interpretation is done (Labrecque and
et. al., 2013).
Research Onion as Framework
(Source: Research Onion as Framework, 2018)
Research onion is used to provide knowledge about aspect through which research is
conducted. This framework is given by Saunders & Lewis in 2012. In this research pragmatist
approach is used which is helpful in providing rationale decisions (Goetsch and Davis,2014).
Next phase is about research approach. Deductive research approach is used which is
important and relevant for knowing respondents view related to IT implementation in Vodafone.
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Illustration 1: Research Onion as Framework

Next phase talks about research strategy. In this research questionnaire is used as research
strategy. This provides knowledge about issue which arise in working with It tools and
techniques.
Research is conducted with mixed method i.e. qualitative as well as quantitative.
Quantitative research is done to collect large amount of information and collect in synchronize
way. While qualitative approach is used by researcher in get in- depth analysis of information.
Last phase of research onion talks about techniques used to conduct research. Thin this
research researcher used primary data to collect relevant and authentic information. There is
personal interaction with respondents, so this method is time consuming.
a) Research strategy:
Case study, survey, interview, observation, questionnaire etc. are consider most essential
research strategy. All these are essential and important for an investigator to collect information
about the topic in relevant manner. According to current study, questionnaire will be used
because it will support in gathering reliable information about the effectiveness of IT.
There are different tools and techniques used by researcher for collecting accurate
amount of data about the topic. Some important methods and tools are determined as under:
Data collection: For accumulating accurate information about the field of study, there are
two types of data collection such as primary and secondary. For collecting primary information,
questionnaire will be applied by researcher because it assist them to gather reliable data about the
topic. On the other side, for gathering secondary data, various sources have been applied such as
books, magazines, articles etc.
Sampling: Probabilistic and non-probability sampling are introduced two types of
sampling method which is used for selecting sample size from total population. For this project,
probabilistic sampling will be applied because it not need more cost, resources and time of an
organisation.
Significance and means of providing benchmarks
Benchmark is the way through which researcher set targets and then actions are taken in
order to achieve goals and objectives (Khan, Muttakin and Siddiqui, 2013). Benchmarks are the
set criteria through which performance of researcher can be judge. This is the best way to
analyse performance. This is important for researcher to judge performance in comparison to
past years.
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b) Qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative research is initial known by name of exploratory research. This is the way to
understand reason, opinion of respondents for implementation of IT tools. Qualitative research
helps to grab in-depth knowledge about topic can be known.
Advantage of this method is that information is evaluated with deep analysis. While
disadvantage of this research is that it is based on personal experience, so this is not free from
personal biases.
Quantitative research is used to solve solve problem through use of numerical data.
Information collected is converted into relevant information which helps to provide views of
large population. Information collected through quantitative data is more structured as compared
to qualitative research.
Advantage of quantitative data is this is completed based on data available. There is no
personal experience and information. Disadvantage is information sometimes become complex
so this creates confusion.
Primary research- Primary data means actual data collected for the purpose of delivering
views related to some special subject matter. This is the first hand data which is collected by
researcher in order to give exact information, this information is collected through questionnaire,
personal interview, etc.
Secondary research- Secondary data is collected from various sources such as
newspaper, website, journals, books etc. This method of collecting information is less reliable as
compared to primary method.
While collecting information, there are three main issues which arise. They are discussed
as under-
Ethical issues- While collecting information, respondents are safe in sharing their
information. Data is free from ethical aspects. It is responsibility of researcher to keep
information confidential (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). When IT tools are implemented in
organisation, then there must be confidentiality in information. This helps to share information
with respective department of Vodafone.
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c) Justification about selecting questionnaire:
Questionnaire is most essential instrument of primary research which will support an
investigator by providing reliable and valid data about study. As it will also help a researcher to
gain better outputs of research within given time duration.
d) Secondary research:
Time- While conducting research, time is one of the important concept which has to be
considered by researcher. Time required by researcher to conduct this research is..... If research
is not completed in specified limit, then this gives negative influence on attaining targets. With
implementation of IT tools to Vodafone, there is ease in communication. It is easy to assign roles
and responsibilities.
Cost- Cost is again one component which has to be considered by researcher to conduct
research. There is set budget within which conduct has to be conducted. In implementing IT
techniques to communication channel (Rodriguez, Peterson and Krishnan, 2012). There must be
set budget, so profits can be mainatained.
Sampling:In this research, qualitative method is used to conduct research. Data is
collected with primary research through questionnaire. With it researcher can interact with
respondents to know their mindset. In this report, trend analysis is emerged as analytical tools. 50
employees are respondents of this research to collect information and data.
e) Limitation
There are different limitation of research methodology such as development of aims and
objectives, selection of sample size, time etc. All these are major limitations which will impact
on researcher while doing each activities of research in systematic manner.
F) Further methodology
Questionnaire has been applied for this project which will assist an investigator to gather
accurate data about the topic in systematic manner. There is also alternative research
methodology such as interview. It is most effective part of data collection which will support an
investigator to gather appropriate information about the study.
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Summary of findings
Q1. Do you understand concept of information technology for
Vodafone PLC ?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 15
Q2. What is the importance of Information Technology tools for
business communication at Vodafone PLC?
Frequency
a) Ease in communication 20
b) Globalisation of business 30
Q3. What kind of relationship between development of IT and
business communication?
Frequency
a) Positive 33
b) Negative 17
Q4. How IT can be used in business communication of Vodafone? Frequency
a) Delivery of adequate information 20
b) Fast communication 10
c) Quick decision making 20
Q5. Do implementation of IT tools at Vodafone helps to compete in
global industry?
Frequency
a) Yes 36
b) No 10
c) Can't Say 4
Q6. What positive outcomes can achieved with the help of IT tools for
Vodafone?
Frequency
a) Improvement in operational efficiency 38
b) Confidentiality of information 10
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Q7. Is globalisation possible for Vodafone through IT tools? Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 35
Questionnaire is used in this research to collect information. This is the source which
provides personal view related to implementation of IT tools in organisation. In this section,
research objectives will be addressed with the help of questionnaire. Questionnaire framed by
managers of Vodafone are as under-
Theme1: Concept of information technology
Q1. Do you understand concept of information
technology for Vodafone PLC ?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 15
10
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
35
15 Frequency

Interpretation- From the above mentioned graph it is clear that majority of employees are
aware about concept of IT. Out of 50 respondents, 35 have knowledge related to it.
Theme2: Importance of Information Technology tools
Q2. What is the importance of Information
Technology tools for business communication
at Vodafone PLC?
Frequency
a) Ease in communication 20
b) Globalisation of business 30
Interpretation- Information technology is important for Vodafone PLC because it ease in
communication, globalisation of business according to 20 and 30 respondents respectively.
Theme3: Relationship between development of IT and business communication
Q3. What kind of relationship between
development of IT and business
communication?
Frequency
a) Positive 33
11
a) Ease in communication b) Globalisation of business
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
20
30
Frequency

b) Negative 17
Interpretation- Above graph shows that there is positive relation between IT techniques
and business communication according to 33 respondents. While remaining respondents says
that there is negative relationship.
Theme4: Use of IT in business communication
Q4. How IT can be used in business
communication of Vodafone?
Frequency
a) Delivery of adequate information 20
b) Fast communication 10
c) Quick decision making 20
12
a) Positive b) Negative
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
33
17
Frequency

Interpretation- Information technology is used to deliver appropriate information, fast
communication and quick decision making according to 20, 10 and 20 respondents respectively.
Theme5: Implementation of IT tools
Q5. Do implementation of IT tools at
Vodafone helps to compete in global industry?
Frequency
A)Yes 36
b) No 10
c) Can't Say 4
13
a) Delivery of adequate information
b) Fast communication
c) Quick decision making
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
10
20
Frequency

Interpretation- According to above chart, implementation of IT techniques provides edge
to compete at global level as per 36 candidates. While 10 says no and remaining 4 does not have
idea related to it.
Theme6: Positive outcomes with the help of IT tool
Q6. What positive outcomes can achieved with
the help of IT tools for Vodafone?
Frequency
a) Improvement in operational efficiency 38
b) Confidentiality of information 12
14
A)Yes b) No c) Can't Say
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 36
10
4
Frequency

Interpretation- According to respondents, there are mainly two benefits of using IT tools
at workplace of Vodafone i.e. Improvement in operational efficiency and confidentiality of
information according to 38, and 12 respondents respectively.
Theme7: Impact on globalisation
Q7. Is globalisation possible for Vodafone
through IT tools?
Frequency
a) Yes 15
b) No 35
15
a) Improvement in operational efficiency
b) Confidentiality of information
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
38
12

Interpretation- Above graph shows that Vodafone is able to attain globalise image
through IT tools. According to 34 respondents globalisation can be achieved. While according to
16 respondents it is not possible.
Questionnaire is most essential and effective instrument which will help an investigator
to meet with research objectives in an accurate and effective manner. In this, more than half of
the population are agree as development of IT is effective for global economy.
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATION AND REFLECTION
Reflection
I have to use different methods for accumulating accurate information about the study.
For collecting primary information, I prepared questionnaire because it will assist me by
providing accurate and reliable information regarding the study. In order to gather secondary
data, I have different sources which is magazines, books, journals and many other relevant
methods. Thus, both types of data collection methods essential for me in collection of accurate
and reliable information about the topic. I conducted this research to understand development in
IT tools influences business communication. This also has impact on global economy. I
conducted this research with primary data because in want fresh and relevant information related
to topic. I use questionnaire to collect information from respondents. This provides me
opportunity to interact with employees' to know their perception related to IT tools and
techniques. Thematic approach is used with questionnaire which provides brief knowledge about
question. This ease respondents to provide his/ her view. With the help of IT tools, growth
prospects of Vodafone increase and it helps to compete at global level.
16
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
15
35
Frequency

CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it is clear that information technology tools are relevant for
communication, delivering data. This helps to compete at global level and boosts economic
condition of country. With the help of information technology, there is positive impact in the
form of proper and adequate amount of information delivered to concern person. In current
scenario, there is requirement of IT techniques to compete with other firms and maintain long
term relations with employees.
Recommendation
For collection appropriate and reliable information about the topic, questionnaire as an
effective instrument of primary research will be applied by researcher. It is most essential and
useful technique for researcher to collect reliable as well as valid data about the study. Interview
is consider alternative research methodology which is applied by researcher for doing each
activities of research in accurate manner. Therefore, interview is also best and suitable
alternative research methodology for a researcher to gather appropriate and valid information
about the study.
Alternative research methodology
In this report, I can use personal interview method to collect information. This method is
relevant and significant for collecting information in more in depth manner. This method can be
costly but at the same time productive too.
I use deductive approach for research, apart from this researcher can use inductive
research,. This helps to complete research on time. This also benefits in conveying information
to learners who do not have knowledge about research.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Brulle, R. J., Carmichael, J. and Jenkins, J. C., 2012. Shifting public opinion on climate change:
an empirical assessment of factors influencing concern over climate change in the US,
2002–2010. Climatic change. 114(2). pp.169-188.
Chen, H., Chiang, R. H. and Storey, V. C., 2012. Business intelligence and analytics: from big
data to big impact. MIS quarterly, pp.1165-1188.
Crystal, D., 2013. A global language. In English in the World(pp. 163-208). Routledge.
Cummings, T. G. and Worley, C. G., 2014. Organization development and change. Cengage
learning.
Goetsch, D. L. and Davis, S. B., 2014. Quality management for organizational excellence. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: pearson.
Khan, A., Muttakin, M. B. and Siddiqui, J., 2013. Corporate governance and corporate social
responsibility disclosures: Evidence from an emerging economy. Journal of business
ethics. 114(2). pp.207-223.
Labrecque, L. I. and et. al., 2013. Consumer power: Evolution in the digital age. Journal of
Interactive Marketing. 27(4). pp.257-269.
Martin, J. N. and Nakayama, T. K., 2013. Intercultural communication in contexts. New York:
NY: McGraw-Hill.
Rodriguez, M., Peterson, R. M. and Krishnan, V., 2012. Social media’s influence on business-to-
business sales performance. Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management. 32(3).
pp.365-378.
Sassen, S., 2016. The Global City: Strategic Site, New Frontier. In Managing Urban Futures
(pp. 89-104). Routledge.
Schaltegger, S., Lüdeke-Freund, F. and Hansen, E. G., 2012. Business cases for sustainability:
the role of business model innovation for corporate sustainability. International Journal
of Innovation and Sustainable Development. 6(2). pp.95-119.
Scherer, A. G., Palazzo, G. and Seidl, D., 2013. Managing legitimacy in complex and
heterogeneous environments: Sustainable development in a globalized world. Journal of
Management Studies. 50(2). pp.259-284.
Online
Basic Concepts in Information Technology. 2018 [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.networkdepot.com/information-technology-concepts/>.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS COMMUNICATION. 2018 [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-business-communication/>.
Research Onion as Framework. 2018 [Online]. Available through:
<https://nairaproject.com/blog/understanding-the-research-onion-methodology.html>.
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Appendix
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Gender:
Employer Id:
Q1. Do you understand concept of information technology for Vodafone PLC ?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2. What is the importance of Information Technology tools for business communication at
Vodafone PLC?
a) Ease in communication
b) Globalisation of business
Q3. What kind of relationship between development of IT and business communication?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q4. How IT can be used in business communication of Vodafone?
a) Delivery of adequate information
b) Fast communication
c) Quick decision making
Q5. Do implementation of IT tools at Vodafone helps to compete in global industry?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Can't Say
Q6. What positive outcomes can achieved with the help of IT tools for Vodafone?
a) Improvement in operational efficiency
b) Confidentiality of information
Q7. Is globalisation possible for Vodafone through IT tools?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8. Any other recommendation for applying digitalisation accurately in their business?
19