Anglia Ruskin University: Apple Branding and Consumer Behaviour Study

This document presents a Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form involving Animals and Habitats, along with a research proposal focusing on the impact of Apple's branding strategy on consumer buying behavior. The research aims to measure this impact and analyze consumer behavior in the consumer electronics industry. It employs inductive and exploratory research designs, utilizing a questionnaire-based data collection method with a sample of 50 Apple users. The proposal outlines the research objectives, methodology, and potential value of the study in improving branding strategies and enhancing academic understanding. The document also includes a research ethics checklist, assessing potential risks and ethical considerations associated with the study, covering various aspects from biological samples to human participants and environmental impact.

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Stage 1: Research Ethics Application Form involving
Animals and Habitats (A&H Stage 1)
This form is for research which involves animals and significant habitats. It also includes all
the standard Stage 1 questions as the research may also involve humans or raise other
ethical issues.
Applicants carrying out research with children or vulnerable adults may also need to carry
out an online Safeguarding course and submit the pass certificate with their ethics
application. Please refer to the Question Specific Advice for the Stage 1 Research Ethics
Application Form involving Animals and Habitats at:
www.anglia.ac.uk/researchethics
SECTION 1: DETAILS OF THE RESEARCHER AND THEIR RESEARCH
Researcher details
First name
Family name
Department/Faculty
Email address
Name of Institution where you study or
work (if not Anglia Ruskin)
Are you(please tick relevant box)
☐ Undergraduate (UG) Student
☐ Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Student
☐ Postgraduate Research (PGR) Stud ent
☐ Member of ARU Staff
☐ Member of ARU Staff carrying out M asters/Doctorate Research
Students (including staff proposing research on a course/programme)
Your SID
Your course/programme title
The name of your First Supervisor (for
PGR) or Supervisor (for UG and PGT)
Research details
Title of your research project
N.B. For UG/PGT students, this is not
the title of your research module.
Impact of branding strategy on consumer buying behaviour:
A study on Apple
Name and institutional affiliation of any
research collaborators
Date of application
Brief Project Summary Research Background
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(up to 700 words).
Please summarise your research in
non-specialist language.
Branding is considered as one of most critical aspect for every
business in respect to present market conditions. Impact of
branding strategy on success of every business is also need to
be understand in desired way. It can be referred as one of
rationale behind the study. It has been noticed that branding
of every business firm is influencing the operations activities
(Ghodeswar, 2008). By having advancement in technology
the economic aspects also get enhanced. Consumer intention
for buying a pro duct and services of Apple can also be
understand in appropriate manner. It is also considered as
another rationale behind the study.
In addition to this, it can be said that present study has been
selected for evaluation of impact of branding on t eh
consumer buying process. Other than this, the reason behind
selecting the Apple as an organization is that it is one of
leading business firm in the industry. Along with this,
company is also focused towards innovation that impacts
customer perception in diverse manner. By having improved
focus on the present study the key elements of branding can
be evaluated in appropriate manner (Herstein and Gamliel,
2006). It assist businesses to design better branding strategies
so that goals and objectives can be accomplished. It will also
assist in developing the better academic learning in respect to
the branding. Along with this, company is also having close
observation of customer needs in order to develop better
products and services. It indicates that business firm is having
sustainable development by having understanding of
consumer buying behaviour.
Research aims
Research is conducted with an aim 'To measure
impact of branding strategy on consumer buying behaviour: A
study on Apple
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Research objectives
In order to attain research aims, certain objectives are
developed which are stated below.
 To critically understand the concept of branding
strategy in consumer electronics industry
 To analyse consumer buying behaviour
 To evaluate the impact of branding strategy on
consumer buying behaviour
Research Methodology
Research approach: In inductive approach the process of
research is from specific to general. In this process questions
are prepared and asked to the respondents. In order to analyse
the impact of branding strategies on consumer buying
behaviour, inductive research is taken into consideration.
Research design: For the present research proposal,
exploratory research is adopted by the researcher. Here, the
research material will be collected by exploring the new ideas
and theories.
Data collection: Data collection is the process through which
the information can be gathered with the effective use of
sources. There are two types of data collection method such as
primary and secondary method. In case of primary, the
information is collected for the first time with the help of core
research. On other side, secondary data is the one in which the
requisite informations gathered with the help of existing data
and theories. However, the researcher will visit to the apple's
store where 50 apple users are taken as the sample. In order to
gather information, questionnaire will be prepared which will
be filled by the respondents.
Sampling: Sampling is the process through which the
respondents for the research process are collected. There are
two sampling methods such as probabilistic and non-
probabilistic. However, for the present proposal random
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sampling method is being adopted by the researcher. Here, the
investigator will gather the raw data by visiting at apple store
where the 50 customers will be targeted as a respondents.
With the help of this method, the researcher will be able to
analyse the impact of branding strategy on consumers.
Data analysis: Data analysis can be done by two methods i.e.
qualitative and quantitative data. For the analysis of
qualitative data, the most appropriate method is considered to
be the thematic method. This method will help the learner to
prepare an appropriate justification on the gathered data.
Please explain the potential value of
your research to society and/or the
economy and its potential to improve
knowledge and understanding.
The research proposal plays a significant role in the
improvement of the branding strategy on consumer buying
behaviours. In context to this, it will also assist the learner to
gain understand of the adopted subject and enhance current
knowledge level. In addition to this, with the help of this
proposal, corrective measures can be taken by the companies
for getting positive impact of branding strategies on consumer
behaviour. The organizations will also be able to improve
their branding methods. This will result in attain the goals and
objectives of the stated organization
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SECTION 2: RESEARCH ETHICS CHECKLIST (Refer to Section 3 for an explanation of the colour
coding.)
You must provide a response to ALL questions. Please refer to the Question Specific Advice
for completing the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form (Animals and Habitats) for
guidance.
WILL YOUR RESEARCH: YES NO
1 Involve gathering or preparing non-living biological samples not held already in
university, museum or other research collections?
✔
2 Involve scarce, vulnerable or protected species, habitats or sites? ✔
3 Involve invertebrates (other than cephalopods or decapod crustaceans)? ✔
4 Manipulate the environment, including introducing new species or destructive
collecting/harvesting?
✔
5 Include work on live decapod crustaceans, cephalopods or vertebrates? (If YES
please answer the following questions 6-12. If NO go to Question 13).
✔
6 Include observation of any free-living or captive animals? ✔
7 Risk causing pain, suffering, psychological or physical harm to an animal? ✔
8 Involve removal of biological material directly from a live animal? ✔
9 Involve manipulating an animal’s environment for the explicit purpose of your study? ✔
10 Involve a) the breeding of animals and/or b) animalsthat are either pregnant or
raising young?
✔
11 Involve manipulation of an animal’s diet or drinking water? ✔
12 Involve human participants? ✔
13 Create a risk that individuals and/or organisations could be identified in the outputs? ✔
14 Involve participants whose responses could be influenced by your relationship with
them or by any perceived, or real, conflicts of interest?
✔
15 Involve the co-operation of a ‘gatekeeper’ to gain access to participants (for
example, a pet owner or zoo, a company manager or a head teacher)?
✔
16 Offer financial or other forms of incentives to participants? ✔
17 Involve the possibility that any incidental health issues relating to participants be
identified?
✔
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18 Involve the discussion of topics that participants may find distressing? ✔
19 Take place outside of the country where you work and/or are enrolled to study? ✔
20 Cause a negative impact on the environment (over and above that of normal daily
activity)?
✔
21 Involve genetic modification of animal or human tissue, or use of genetically ✔
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modified organisms at Class One activities?1.
22 Involve genetic modification of animal or human tissue, or use of genetically
modified organisms above Class One activities?2.
✔
23 Collect, use or store any human tissue or DNA (including but not limited to, serum,
plasma, organs, saliva, urine, hairs and nails)?3
✔
24 Involve medical research with humans, including clinical trials or medical devices? ✔
25 Involve the administration of drugs, placebos or other substances (e.g. food,
vitamins) to animals or humans?
✔
26 Cause (or have the potential to cause) pain, physical or psychological harm or
negative consequences to humans?
✔
27 Involve the collection of data without the consent of participants, or other forms of
deception?
✔
28 Involve interventions with people aged 16 years and under? ✔
29 Relate to military sites, personnel, equipment, or the defence industry? ✔
30 Risk damage/disturbance to culturally, spiritually or historically significant
artefacts/places, or human remains?
✔
31 Contain research methodologies you, or members of your team, require training to
carry out?
✔
32 Involve access to, or use (including internet use) of material covered by the Counter
Terrorism and Security Act (2015), or the Terrorism Act (2006), or which could be
classified as security sensitive?4
✔
33 Involve you or participants in
a) activities which may be illegal and/or
b) the observation, handling or storage (including export) of information or
material which may be regarded as illegal?
✔
34 Require ethical approval from any recognised external agencies? e.g. NHS, Social
Care, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence. Please refer to the Question Specific
Advice for the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form (Animals and Habitats)
and Code of Practice for Applying for Ethical Approval for further information.
✔
35 Involve individuals aged 16 years of age and over who lack ‘capacity to consent’
and therefore fall under the Mental Capacity Act (2005)?
✔
36 Pose any ethical issue not covered elsewhere in this checklist? ✔

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SECTION 3: APPROVAL PROCESS SECTION 4: PROJECT DETAILS
Management of Ethical Risk
For each of Questions 1-21and/or35 where you have responded ‘Yes’, please explain for the committee
how you justify and will manage the ethical risk created.Your research is in the Yellow risk category.
For Q 12
Since, this research will involve participation of human therefore proper consent shall be taken from
them. Also, data that shall attain from it will be secured and not be share by third party. It will solely be
used for research purpose and same will destroy once the purpose of whole research get completes.
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our research.you startybefore
You need to wait for ethical approval
the Stage 3 Approval form.
committeethebyfor considerationsubmit
32 you must also completeQuestion and
toYESyour answeredyouIfFREP.
them, and any other documents required, to
complete the Stage 2 Approval form. Submit
5SectionComplete andformthisof
Risk Category Red
Questions 22- 33any oftoYES
.youstartyourresearch
governanceapprovalbefore
Youneedtowaitforethical and/or
Approval for further information
of Practice for Applying for Ethical
Ethics Application Form and Code
Advice for the Stage 1 Research
Refer to the Question Specific
Anglia Ruskin ethics committee.
as equivalent to approval from an
which, if granted, may be regarded
You need external approval(s)
our research.you startybefore
You need to wait for ethical approval
documents.
facultyonly).Your furtherrequiremay
or FREP for the Faculty of Medical Science(
Owner Consent Form (PCF), to your DREP
PIS) orParticipantand(SheetInformation
it,submit the OwnerorParticipantand
Complete Section 4 and 5 of this form and
You can start your research immediately.
from a committee.
You do not require ethical approval
Faculty of Medical Science only).
send theforFREPor(DREPyouritto
CompleteSection thenandformthisof5
lepPuryorgRisk Cate
Questions 34-35
ofeither or bothtoYES
Risk CategoryYellow
questions.
to all otherNOand/or36but21
Questions 1any oftoYES
Risk Category Green
questionsallanswered toNO
ate)must then forward the application to the DREP/FREP (as appropri
checking. Your Supervisor. All student applications must be sent to your Supervisor for2
search Ethics Panel.. FREP = Faculty Research Ethics Panel, DREP = Departmental Re1

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SECTION 5: CONFIRMATION/DECLARATION STATEMENTS
Confirmation Statements
1 I have completed the relevant training in research ethics.5 YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
2 I have consulted the Research Ethics Policy and the relevant sections of
the Code of Practice for Applying for Ethical Approval, available at:
http://www.anglia.ac.uk/researchethics
YES NO
3 I have completed a Risk Assessment (Health and Safety).6 YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
4 My research complies with the UK Data Protection Act (1998) and/or the
data protection laws of the country where the research is being
conducted.7
YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
5 For research funded externally, and where the funding was acquired via
Anglia Ruskin, I have completed a Project Risk Assessment.8
YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
6 I have attached my confirmation of passing a Safeguarding course. YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
7 If my research project involves a contract between Anglia Ruskin
University and an external party, I have had the contract
approved by the Secretary and Clerk’s Office.9
YES NO
NOT APPLICABLE
Please note that the Faculty Research Ethics Panel (FREP) will refer to the Office of the Secretary
and Clerk at Anglia Ruskin University any research that, in the view of the FREP Chair, poses a risk
of a reputational, legal or security related nature to the university. The Chair will seek guidance from
the Secretary and Clerk before the FREP decides if the proposed research can be granted ethical
approval and/or the nature of any special arrangements which need to be put in place.
Confirmation of Data Storage Compliance
Where required, UG or PGT students must submit confirmation they have passed the on-line ethics training with this form.
Some courses have exemption from this requirement. Please check with your supervisor.
For research conducted at ARU including Ixion, University Centre Peterborough and College of West Anglia, go to
http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/staff/sec_clerk/gen_info.phtmlfor the relevant guidance. Students at other institutions
must follow local processes.
For guidance go to web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/staff/sec_clerk/dpa.phtml
Fordetailsgotohttp://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/rdcs/compliance/index.phtml
9 For details go to http://web.anglia.ac.uk/anet/staff/sec_clerk/
By sending this form you confirm that:
• Physical documents containing personal or confidential information will be stored securely and only
accessible to the research team and other authorised individuals.
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• You will not store protected information [as defined by the Data Protection Act 1998] in personal
cloud services, such as Dropbox, Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive as their quality or security
cannot be guaranteed.
• Any portable media, such as USB storage devices, removable hard drives, CDs or DVDs, that are
used to hold personal, confidential or sensitive data will be securely stored on-premises and
appropriately encrypted when used off-premises.
• Access to our remote desktop facilities will always be via an approved connection.
The preferred storage solution for electronic files is on a University server accessed froma password
protected computer.
Please consult our IT Acceptable Use Policy for further information and guidance:
http://web.anglia.ac.uk/it/policy/
Applicant Declaration
By sending this form from my Anglia Ruskin e-mail account, I confirm that I will undertake the research
as detailed here.I understand that I mustabide by the terms of my ethical approval and that I may not
amend the research without further ethical approval. I also confirm that the research will comply with all
Anglia Ruskin ethical guidance, all relevant legislation and any relevant professional or funding body
ethical guidance.
Supervisor/FirstSupervisor Declaration
BysendingthisformfrommyAngliaemailaccount,IconfirmthestatementsintheAp
plicantDeclarationandthatIwill
supervisetheresearchasdetailedintheapplication.
Thank you for completing the Stage 1 Research Ethics Application Form involving Animals and Habitats
(A&H Stage 1).
Please submit it as follows:
Staff Researchers: Send form directly to the relevant committee.
Student Researchers: Send form to Supervisor/First Supervisor.
Supervisor/First Supervisor: Check application and forward to the relevant committee.
Date: 3 August 2016
Version 2.8
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