Challenges Faced by UK Retail Sector in Workplace Transformation: A Study on British American Tobacco

This research proposal focuses on the challenges faced by the UK retail sector in implementing workplace transformation strategies. The study analyses the case of British American Tobacco and its workplace transformation strategies to overcome the challenges and gain a competitive edge. The benefits gained by the company after implementing the strategies are also discussed.

Research proposal
(Analysing the challenges faced by the UK
retail sector while implementing the
strategy of workplace transformation to
acquire a long-term competitive edge)
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Overview of the topic..................................................................................................................3
Background of the company........................................................................................................3
Research aim and objective.........................................................................................................3
Research question........................................................................................................................4
Research rationale........................................................................................................................4
Significance of the study..............................................................................................................5
Literature review..........................................................................................................................5
Research Methodology................................................................................................................9
Ethical consideration..................................................................................................................10
Gantt chart..................................................................................................................................11
Cost of the research....................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
OBC Research Ethics Approval Form.................................................................................15
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INTRODUCTION
Overview of the topic
In the recent era technology has changed the way organisation work and live. Technologies
impact the functioning and operation of the business and help the company to grow and gain
success. It impacted the productivity and performance of the organisation effectively. Workplace
transformation is the business strategy in which top managers rethink the working place which is
flexible and smoother. Using the technology and network the work, worker and job all are
aligned with one another (Majukwa, Fan and Dwyer, 2020). Digital workplace transformation
provides an opportunity for the company to run its business in a newer way by reducing wastage
and enhancing productivity. With the use of workplace transformation within the company many
organisations are gaining a competitive edge. However, with the changes taking place company
also face challenges that impact the transformation processes. Some of the challenges that are
placed by the company while implementing the concept of workplace transformation are a Lack
of knowledge about change management strategy, lack of proper IT skills, security issues, a
cultural mindset of employees and many more. In the present investigation, the researcher will
investigate the challenges and issues faced by the retail sector during the adoption of the
workplace transformation strategy (Aydin and Dube, 2018).
Background of the company
For the current investigation, the chosen organisation is British American Tobacco. It is a
British multinational brand that was founded in 1902 by Imperial tobacco and an American
tobacco company. the headquarter is in Temple Place, London. The brand produces cigarettes,
tobacco and other nicotine products (Xiong, 2020). The net sale of the company is the largest of
another tobacco company in the world. Some of the subsidiaries' brands are Canada, Tekel,
Niemeyer, Bentoel group, etc. The brand is chosen because it is one of the leading companies so
in the present investigation a researcher is carried out to see the challenges the company face
while changing the workplace into a digital workplace.
Research aim and objective
Research aim:
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To analyse the challenges faced by the UK retail sector while implementing the strategy of
workplace transformation to acquire long-term competitive edge: A study on British American
Tobacco.
Research objective:
 To understand the basic concept of workplace transformation within the context of the
organisation
 To analyse the challenges faced by British American Tobacco while implementing the
strategy of workplace transformation to gain a competitive edge
 To identify the workplace transformation strategies adopted by British American
Tobacco to overcome the challenges and gain the competitive edge
 To examine the benefit gained by British American Tobacco after implementing the
strategies to mitigate the challenge and gain a competitive edge
Research question
 What is the basic concept of workplace transformation within the context of the
organisation?
 What are the challenges faced by British American Tobacco while implementing the
strategy of workplace transformation to gain a competitive edge?
 What are the workplace transformation strategies adopted by British American Tobacco
to overcome the challenges and gain a competitive edge?
 What is the benefit gained by British American Tobacco after implementing the strategies
to mitigate the challenge and gain a competitive edge?
Research rationale
The main rationale for carrying out the present investigation is to gain a detailed
understanding of the topic of workplace transformation. The present investigation helps in
identifying the challenges that are faced by the company while adopting the strategies of
workplace transformation. The current research while analyse all the major issues that company
face which affect them to gain a competitive edge in the market. With the help of the present
investigation different workplace transformation strategies will be learned (Winterton and
Winterton, 2019). The current investigation is also of great interest as it helps in fulfilling dual
perspectives that are personal and professional. For the personal objective, the present
investigation helps in building various research skills that are data gathering skills, Analytical
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skills, time management skills and many more. All this helps in carrying out the research in a
scientific manner. On the other side, for the professional objective, the current investigation
helps in developing a professional career in the field of the human resource management. As
various workplace transformation strategies will be learned which researchers can be applied in
an organisation where they work as a manager. Thus, the current investigation assists in
achieving the dual objective effectively and efficiently (Cannas, 2021).
Significance of the study
The significance of the present investigation is to determine the importance of workplace
transformation. This investigation also helps in identifying the challenges which on the other side
helps in finding an appropriate solution before the occurrence of the challenges. Transforming
the workplace is very important for the company as it helps them to gain a competitive advantage
from the rivalry (John and Thakur, 2021). Transforming the business changes the business model
of the company. the whole working gets affected due to which some issues are being faced. In
the present investigation, all those issues will be discussed. Apart from this, the current research
is also helpful for researchers, organisations and managers (Stone, Cox and Gavin, 2020). In the
context of the researcher, the present investigation helps them to use this research report as their
base and conduct the future investigation soundly. For a manager, it is useful as they will get to
know about the effective strategies to mitigate the challenges faced while implementing
workplace transformation strategy. At last, for organisation it is beneficial to use the strategy and
acquire a competitive advantage over their competitors. Thus, the existing investigation will be
significant for various stakeholders (Ewe and Ho, 2022).
Literature review
To understand the basic concept of workplace transformation within the context of the
organisation
As per the view of (Geels, 2018), the basic concept of workplace transformation refers to a
change in the organisation that will be used to bring additional changes by utilising new skills
and tools. The corporate structure must be correctly designed because the current workplace
culture differs from that of the past. A better workplace will be more beneficial to the business.
Along with it, it is evident that modern technology has fundamentally altered how business
operations are conducted in terms of both work and lifestyle. In this context, technologies are
recognised to have an effect on the general operation and performance of the firm. Because of
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this, the business will be able to draw in more prospects and expand its market share more than
other businesses. Additionally, all such actions will successfully raise the organization's level of
production and performance. Another way to put it is that workplace transformation is a business
approach used by top managers to redesign the workplace so that it is more flexible and efficient.
The work, employee, and job are all in alignment with one another thanks to technology and the
network. By eliminating waste and raising efficiency, digital workplace transformation gives the
organisation the chance to manage its business in a newer method. One of the key elements that
helps businesses change their work and operations is the concept of workplace transformation.
Because technology is evolving, the business must take into account consumer preferences,
market trends, and several industry-related factors (Kadir and Broberg, 2021). It is clear that the
Pandemic has significantly altered how the business runs and completes its tasks. Because of
this, businesses in the retail sector take care to create an innovative work environment. It can also
be said that technology can improve the workplace and make it a better environment. Using the
right tools and equipment will improve the chosen company's operations as well.
Instead of using traditional methods, businesses are turning to cutting-edge digital
workspaces because they enable greater innovation within the organisation. As a result, workers
will be able to work remotely from anywhere between their homes and the office. The company's
adoption of digital workspace will also enhance the experience of its employees. The selected
business also has the opportunity to improve productivity through a new method of operation.
Digitalization will enable the company to expand more quickly and raise production levels.
Along with that, it will be necessary to hire skilled workers who can handle a variety of jobs with
ease. Digital literacy is also regarded as being crucial for both employees and businesses. The
workforce feels more interested and connected in the retail industry, which enables them to
collaborate with the business. Innovative digital workspace is crucial to the chosen business.
Additionally, it is evident that virtually all businesses are benefiting from digital workplace,
which is becoming more widespread. This will allow the business to combine all of the complex
tools that are currently spread across many platforms. The workplace has seen significant
transformation in the last few decades, which has enabled people to work more comfortably.
Additionally, the virtual desktops are regarded as being the primary in the digital workplace
following the Covid-19. It is well known to provide more flexibility with increased company
productivity levels.
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To analyse the challenges faced by British American Tobacco while implementing the strategy
of workplace transformation to gain a competitive edge
According to (Broo and et.al.,2021), the difficulties British American Tobacco encountered
when putting its workplace transformation strategy into practise in order to obtain a competitive
advantage. Because of this, the business must look out for its employees by offering them quality
services and a range of amenities if it wants to be more successful. Additionally, the chosen
organisation is equipped to address different problems related to ongoing demands for cost-
cutting and increased production. As a result, employees are able to cooperate and maintain
contact with the business and management while working. It is clear that the corporation views
the digital workplace as its most important component. how technology enables the business to
operate more effectively. It can also be determined that the various sector's innovative digital
workspace has accelerated its expansion, which is currently being accomplished through
operations and functions. In order to encourage better innovation inside the organisation, it is
essential that the chosen company utilise cutting-edge digital workplace. The organization's
general understanding and effectiveness could be increased. Additionally, organisational
behaviour can be characterised as a branch of research that enables the pursuit of knowledge in
organisational contexts. The organisation considers motivated personnel to be a valuable asset
for this reason. Because of this, each company's success rests on the combined efforts of its
people and management. Employees can contribute more to the expansion of the company when
they are sufficiently motivated to work there.
To identify the workplace transformation strategies adopted by British American Tobacco to
overcome the challenges and gain the competitive edge
According to (Khan and Millner, 2020), the management and managers of the selected
organisation face a number of challenges while attempting to boost business performance. That
is why it adopt various strategies for instance, if staff are not performing to expectations, it may
have an impact on the company's productivity. In order to achieve the desired goals of the
organisation, the corporation is facing numerous challenges as the market and technology are
developing quickly. The company's structure is changing due to technology, and the environment
is changing along with it. As a result, managers must have the appropriate set of skills and
competencies. Since clients choose businesses that offer them the greatest services, quality is a
key component of any business. Because consumer demands are increasing, it is difficult to
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satisfy a wide range of demands and keep customers satisfied. The chosen organisation will
implement numerous initiatives, including complete quality management and reengineering
programmes. In addition, the workplaces are diverse since the employees are of different racial
backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. Because of this, it can be challenging for managers to control
all of these individuals while maintaining a healthy work environment. Rapidly in order to
achieve the required organisational goals. Technology has changed the way the organisation is
structured. The level of employee performance can be improved with the use of appropriate
organisational behaviour. It is primarily described as a study of how people behave in
organisations because every organisation has a unique culture. Such a culture will have a direct
effect on the harmony of the organisation and employee satisfaction. Companies that use the
organisational behaviour model will be better able to improve their overall corporate culture.
This can also be accomplished through educating the staff and managers to increase their value
to the business (Kumar, Narkhede and Jain, 2021).
To examine the benefit gained by British American Tobacco after implementing the strategies to
mitigate the challenge and gain a competitive edge
According to (Mishra, Singh and Subramanian, 2021), the selected company employs a variety
of solutions in its environment to address the problems with organisational behaviour. For
instance, communication, which is known to promote harmony among a company's personnel.
All employees inside the organisation must receive appropriate training regarding how to engage
with customers. The company's performance and efficiency will increase if the personnel receive
the necessary on-the-job orientation. Another tactic employed by the selected company is to
maintain employee engagement, as this has a significant impact on the business. So that people
feel better through empathising with the business and its objectives. In order to make the
employees feel appreciated and important to the business and its operations, assistance is
required. The corporation must establish the person with the goal of raising employee
performance so that they can advance in their professions. Employees are evidently at ease in the
areas where they spend the majority of their time. Because of this, attention is paid to the little
things so that their morale and organisational behaviour can be enhanced. The chosen company
also has the best rewards programme to encourage workers, which will help to lessen problems
with organisational behaviour. Along with it, appropriate appreciation is also given, which will
immediately increase productivity.
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Research Methodology
It is that part of the research which helps in gathering and analysing appropriate data for
the study. Research methodology is the systematic process of identifying, analysing and
interpreting the right data for the subject. This section aids in achieving the aim and objective in
the right manner (Gupta and Gupta, 2022). The readers of the study are also interested in this
section as it helps them to know the overall validity and reliability of the data. This section is
further divided into sub-parts which are discussed below:
Research philosophy: Positivism, interpretivism and realism are the three types of
research philosophies. In the current investigation, the investigator will be selecting positivism
philosophy. The main reason for this is it helps in understanding the social world with
quantitative data (Säfsten and Gustavsson, 2020).
Research approach: Research approaches are divided into two parts that are deductive
and inductive. According to the currently chosen research topic, the researcher will be choosing a
deductive research approach. This is because it helps in numerically addressing the research
problem (Mahuika and Mahuika, 2020).
Research strategy: Various research strategies help in gathering data for the study. Some
of them are surveys, experimental research, grounded theory, and systematic literature review. In
the present research, the investigator will be opting for a survey research strategy. This is
because it helps in numerically gathering data. As well as data can be collected from pool of
participants in an easier manner (Ross and Call-Cummings, 2020).
Research choice: Three research choices are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research
methods. As per the present investigation, an investigator will be selecting a quantitative
research method. This is because gathered numerical data which show the valid outcome of the
chosen research topic. This is also one of the effective methods to maintain the validity of the
investigation (Iovino and Tsitsianis, 2020).
Time horizon: It is the time framework that identifies the point at which data need to be
gathered. Time horizon is of two types that are cross-sectional and longitudinal. As per the
present investigation, the investigator will be opting for a cross-sectional time framework. This is
because it helps in gathering data in a shorter time. Multiple variables at the same time is also
observed with the assistance of a cross-section horizon (Thomas, 2021).
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Data collection: Data collection is the method the gather data for the study. There are two
sources for collecting information that is primary and secondary. In the present study, the
researcher will be choosing a primary data collection source. This is because using this fresh
hand data will be accumulated. The data is directly gathered by the researcher from the
participants. The real-time data is gathered which helps in getting valid data for the research. The
data collection source for this will be a questionnaire (Fidahic and et. al, 2020).
Data analysis- It define as the process of systematically application of statistical or logical
techniques for describing and illustrating, recapping and condensing as well as evaluating the
data. There are many types of data analysis techniques in research methodology such as
thematic, frequency distribution, correlation, multiple regression and many more. The researcher
selects frequency distribution analysis for analysing the collected data of the research. It allows
researcher to present raw in an organised format so, it become easier for the reader to understand.
It allows researcher to have a look at the entire data in more convenient manner (Wohlin and
Runeson, 2021).
Sampling- It defined as process which used in statistical analysing for predetermining
number of observation that are taken from a larger population. There are two important types of
sampling in research methodology that are defined as probability and non-probability sampling.
Researcher selects probability sampling for selecting respondents randomly from the large
population. This sampling creates samples that are highly representative of the whole population.
It also helps in providing equal chance for each member of population for getting selected. The
researcher selects 30 respondents by using random sampling. These respondents are the
managers of British Tobacco company. They helps in providing accurate and trending
information about the topic (Singh, 2022).
Ethical consideration
It refers as collection of different that provide guidance to the researcher related to research
designs and practices. There are many ethical principles which is required to follows in the
current research. It involves voluntary participants of the respondents, informed consent,
anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm and many more (Flick, 2020).
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Gantt chart
It is the project management tool that divided the whole research into a different activities. It also
shows the starting as well as ending times of each activity.
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Cost of the research
The cost incurred for the current investigation will be €90. This is because €70 will be the
traveling cost that will be spent to collect data from the participants. €20 will be a data collection
source through an online site, articles and magazines.
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REFERENCES
BOOKS AND JOURNAL
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Practice, 16(3), pp.402-413.
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Broo, D.G., Lamb, K., Ehwi, R.J., Pärn, E., Koronaki, A., Makri, C. and Zomer, T., 2021. Built
environment of Britain in 2040: Scenarios and strategies. Sustainable Cities and Society, 65,
p.102645.
Cannas, R., 2021. Exploring digital transformation and dynamic capabilities in agrifood
SMEs. Journal of Small Business Management, pp.1-27.
Elsharnouby, T.H. and Elbanna, S., 2021. Change or perish: Examining the role of human capital
and dynamic marketing capabilities in the hospitality sector. Tourism Management, 82,
p.104184.
Ewe, S.Y. and Ho, H.H.P., 2022. Transformation of Personal Selling During and After the
COVID-19 Pandemic. In COVID-19 and the Evolving Business Environment in
Asia (pp. 259-279). Springer, Singapore.
Fidahic, M., and et. al, 2020. Research methodology and characteristics of journal articles with
original data, preprint articles and registered clinical trial protocols about COVID-
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Flick, U., 2020. Introducing research methodology: thinking your way through your research
project. Sage.
Geels, F.W., 2018. Low-carbon transition via system reconfiguration? A socio-technical whole
system analysis of passenger mobility in Great Britain (1990–2016). Energy research & social
science, 46, pp.86-102.
Gupta, B.N. and Gupta, N., 2022. Research methodology. SBPD Publications.
Iovino, F. and Tsitsianis, N., 2020. The methodology of the research. In Changes in European
energy markets. Emerald Publishing Limited.
John, J. and Thakur, R., 2021. Long term effects of service adaptations made under pandemic
conditions: the new “post COVID-19” normal. European Journal of Marketing, 55(6),
pp.1679-1700.
Kadir, B.A. and Broberg, O., 2021. Human-centered design of work systems in the transition to
industry 4.0. Applied Ergonomics, 92, p.103334.
Khan, N. and Millner, D., 2020. Introduction to people analytics: A practical guide to data-driven
HR. Kogan Page Publishers.
Kumar, S., Narkhede, B.E. and Jain, K., 2021. Revisiting the warehouse research through an
evolutionary lens: a review from 1990 to 2019. International journal of production
research, 59(11), pp.3470-3492.
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Mahuika, N. and Mahuika, R., 2020. Wānanga as a research methodology. AlterNative: An
International Journal of Indigenous Peoples. 16(4). pp.369-377.
Majukwa, D., Fan, S.K. and Dwyer, R.J., 2020. Impact of sustainability strategies on small-and
medium-sized enterprises in Zimbabwe. World Journal of Entrepreneurship,
Management and Sustainable Development, 16(2), pp.149-163.
Mishra, R., Singh, R.K. and Subramanian, N., 2021. Impact of disruptions in agri-food supply
chain due to COVID-19 pandemic: contextualised resilience framework to achieve operational
excellence. The International Journal of Logistics Management.
Online:
Ross, K. and Call-Cummings, M., 2020. Reflections on failure: teaching research
methodology. International Journal of Research & Method in Education. 43(5). pp.498-
511.
Säfsten, K. and Gustavsson, M., 2020. Research methodology: For engineers and other problem-
solvers.
Singh, K.K., 2022. Research Methodology in Social Science. KK Publications.
Stone, R.J., Cox, A. and Gavin, M., 2020. Human resource management. John Wiley & Sons.
Thomas, C.G., 2021. Research methodology and scientific writing. Thrissur: Springer.
Winterton, J. and Winterton, R., 2019. De-regulation, division and decline: the UK clothing
industry in transition. In Rethinking Global Production (pp. 18-40). Routledge.
Wohlin, C. and Runeson, P., 2021. Guiding the selection of research methodology in industry–
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Xiong, L., 2020. Improvise to win: the relationship between entrepreneurial improvisation and
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OBC Research Ethics Approval Form
Section 1: Basic Details
Project title:
Student name: ...................................................................................
Student ID number: ...................................................................................
Programme: ...................................................................................
Intended research start date: .............................................
Intended research end date: .............................................
Section 2: Project Summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project:
• Interviews:
• Questionnaires:
• Observations:
• Use of Personal Records:
• Data Analysis:
• Action Research:
• Focus Groups:
• Other (please specify): ....................................................................................................................................................................
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young People aged 17–18: Adults:
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?
The participants are being recruited based on a simple random
probability sampling method
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
E-mail and questionnaire will use to inform participants regarding the work.
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How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made
clear to participants that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
By providing accurate information regarding the research to the participants,
informed consent will be obtained from the respondents.
Studies involving questionnaires: Will participants be given the option of omitting
questions they do not wish to answer?
Yes: No:
If No please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from
this.
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their
informed consent to be observed.
Yes: No:
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e. give them a brief
explanation of the study)?
Yes: No:
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a
brief summary of your findings in general)
Yes: No:
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data
Protection Act (1998)
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Yes: No:
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research:
Myself Supervisor
Where will the data be stored and will electronic data be password protected?
In my computer
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used?
Yes: No:
If yes, please provide further details:
After the research:
Where will the data be stored and will electronic data be password protected?
On USB
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Until I don’t need them anymore.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes: No:
If yes, please provide further details:
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Section 5: Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical
concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise as
a result of your research. Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical
concerns may include, but are not limited to the following:
• Informed consent.
• Potentially vulnerable participants.
• Sensitive topics.
• Risks to participants and/or researchers.
• Confidentiality/anonymity.
• Disclosures/limits to confidentiality.
• Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer,
sharing, encryption, protection).
• Reporting.
• Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy:
Yes: No:
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor if
applicable:
Yes: No:
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that
may arise in the course of my research.
Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................
Date: ...................................................................................
Please submit your completed form to:
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.....................................................................................................................................................................
Sections 7 & 8 to be completed by a member of the ethics committee
Section 7: Stage One Approval
The intended research has been approved by the ethics committee subject to the
submission of signed consent forms from a sample of participants: Yes: No:
Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................
Date: ...................................................................................
Section 8: Stage Two Approval
The researcher has submitted signed consent forms from participants for the intended
research: Yes: No:
The intended research has been approved by the ethics committee: Yes: No:
Name: .....................................................................................................................................................................
Date: ...................................................................................
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