Research Proposal: Analyzing AI Impact on UK Retail (Nisa) - Unit 11

This research proposal investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on driving innovation within UK retail businesses, specifically focusing on Nisa retailers, which are SMEs. The research aims to assess the importance of innovation, evaluate the factors of digital technology driving innovation, determine the use of AI in Nisa retailers, and recommend effective measures for driving innovation through AI. The proposal outlines the research objectives, literature sources, activities, timescales, research approach, and methodologies, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, and ethical considerations. The research will employ a descriptive method with a qualitative analytical approach, examining data thematically to achieve the research aims and objectives. Limitations, such as time and cost constraints, are also acknowledged. The research seeks to understand how AI can be leveraged to improve various aspects of retail operations, including product innovation, service innovation, and supply chain management.

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ____________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or
hypothesis)
To analyse the impact of artificial intelligence in driving innovation in retail businesses of
UK- A study on Nisa retailers (SME).
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to answer? What do you want
to learn how to do? What do you want to find out?):
 To assess the importance of innovation in retail organisations of UK.
 To evaluate the factors of digital technology which tends to drives innovation in the
business.
 To determine the use of artificial intelligence in driving innovation in Nisa retailers. To recommend effective measures of driving innovation by Nisa retailers through
artificial intelligence.

Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are studying,
personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is
important):
Personal interest and my future plans required me to enhance my skills and competencies
in this specific area of digital technology an I have thus undertaken this investigation topic.

Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question, objective or
hypothesis:
According to Stage and Manning, (2015), it is stated that various innovation capabilities
that retailers find to compete and thrive in the market. Digital technology i.e. artificial
intelligence has brought changes in areas of product innovation, service innovation,
channel innovation, business model innovation. Digital capabilities and innovation are big
differentiators in this field. In cost-pressured and competitive market experience in one
field could help retailers to differentiate and allow them to convert to become a more than a
platform. As per the view of Cleary, M., Horsfall and Hayter, (2014) integration of AI in
Nisa would rather be able to take big data sets and use them for their advantage. It will
create more targeted ads that would be varied from store to store. AI algorithms such as
neural networks produce a model that provide answers like real human being and these are
given on the basis of whatever AI obtain data from the dataset. This is actual sales data that
is grabbed and is connected to linked customer data. This has been contradicted by Bristow
and Sauders, (2015), AI technologies also help in logistics, supply chain and inventory
management. Through optimum algorithms supply and demands are kept on proper level
by reducing stock depletions and increasing stock levels.

Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g research,
development and analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical
analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing the
report):
Activity 1st
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Identify
research topic
Review of
Literature
Drafting
Methodologies
Complete
Proposal
Design
question and
pilot research
Documentatio
n of records
Analysing data
and
interpretation
Discussion
and
How
long
this
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take:

Conclusion
Final Report
Editing and
Completion
Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely to use and why?

What your areas of research will cover:
Research Approach:
Research approach is mainly data gathering of data which further analysed and
interpreted. It is of two types, inductive and deductive. In this research inductive is used
because the scope of research is wide and broad. Its dimensions can be increased in further
ways.
Research Design
Research design can be referred as the quality of data collection and its analysis
which can be done in various ways. Every form of research design has its own needs and
purpose. There are three types of research design: descriptive, explanatory and exploratory
(O’Gorman, Lochrie and Watson, 2014). Descriptive method is used here because
research is done in a deep and clear manner.
Data collection
Data collection is a process of gathering data from all related sources so that
problems could be sorted appropriately. There are two types of data collection method:
primary ans secondary method. This research has used primary method because it ensures
high level of understanding and quality of data collection. Interviews, surveys and focus
groups are embedded in primary data collection.
Sampling
Sampling can be described as specific way to collect data from targeted population
which is further involved in the research work. Due to interest of large population that
work directly, statistical sample of 10 employees would be taken (Flick, 2015). This would
be purposive in nature. It would result in accurate findings and speed up the work.
Research philosophy
Research philosophy is associated with the source, nature and development of
work. It should be profound and data collected should be properly analysed and used.
There two types of research philosophy: Interpretivism and Positivism. In Research work
mainly Interpretivism is used because it is subjective and deals with philosophical position
of idealism. It groups diverse and verified approaches.
Ethical considerations
Ethical consideration is essential part of research methodology. Participants'
confidentiality, consent should be protected. They should not be harmed in any ways. Their
dignity should be properly maintained. Aims and objectives of research work should be

kept in mind and must not be avoided (Marczyk, DeMatteo and Festinger, 2017). All these
factors should be followed while following research work.
Research Limitation
Research limitation is mainly based on cost and time. With the help of activity
based budgeting there will be costing for each activity. Work should be performed within
time frame. It should not go over budget. Therefore, time and costs are two restraints of
research work.
Analytical Approach
Examining of data is done through various methods: qualitative and quantitative
method. This research work uses qualitative method because it is thematic and theoretical.
It recognizes common patterns and critically analyse them to attain research aims and
objectives

Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another
qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date