Research Project 2: Effectiveness of Automation for Auto Trader, UK

This report investigates the effectiveness of automation within Auto Trader, UK, focusing on its influence on sales and growth. The research employs both primary and secondary research methods, with primary data gathered through questionnaires administered to 30 respondents. The report analyzes the data using thematic analysis, exploring key themes such as changes in working approaches, the impact on different employee skill levels, performance implications, and the benefits of automation. Findings indicate that automation is perceived to enhance manufacturing processes, streamline operations, and facilitate organizational growth at a global level. The report also addresses the challenges of implementation, including the need for employee training and adequate funding. The analysis highlights the importance of automation in enhancing organisational sales and growth. The report also includes a reflection on the effectiveness of the research methods used and suggests alternative methodologies. It concludes by summarizing the key findings and implications for Auto Trader.

RESEARCH
PROJECT
2

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Primary and Secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques...................1
Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data..................................4
Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience......10
Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques...................................12
Determine alternative research methodologies for the project.............................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................14

Executive Summary
In a business organisation, automation play a most important role which is refer to the
implication of advance equipments for the manufacturing and other processing activities. All
these activities assist to maximise organisation's sales as well as profitability. Utility of
automation aid to manage organisation's processing in respect of replacement human endeavour.
Digitalisation is also a most appropriate tool that ascertain the effectiveness of employees skills
and their knowledge in order to represent creative ideas to implement innovation in business
approaches. This report is determine effectiveness of automation for the organisation Auto
Trader, UK.

TITLE
To ascertain the effectiveness of automation in the modern business era and its
influence on enhancing organisational sales and growth. A case study on Auto Trader, UK.
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology is a most appropriate tool that has been continuously acquire changes
in order to comprehend how different things are getting done. In the current era, business
organisations using different tools of technologies as automation that assist to implement
advance equipment in business in order to improve manufacturing and other operational
approaches of firm. Almost each business firm are relaying on automation in order to enhance
their treading process easily (Al-Jabri and Sohail, 2012). This research report is determine
effectiveness of automation for the target organisation Auto Trader, UK. Major focused areas of
this research is to enhancing organisational sales and growth by adopting automation properly.
The research report is determining data analysis by implementing primary methods. At last, it
determine research outcomes, self reflection and alternative research methodologies for research
project.
Primary and Secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques
Research is defined as a systematic investigation approach that represent desirable results
as well as findings. On the basis of this, researcher can make desirable rectification to attain
craved outcomes easily. The method of research analysis are consider as Primary and Secondary
which is assist to provide overall content on specific subject. All these methods are require
appropriate skill and knowledge in order to utilize them properly for data analysis approach.
Determination of Primary and Secondary methods are given below as -
Primary research methods – Primary research is a direct concept that uses to analyse
authenticate information and data. It is also considered as tool and systems that are used for the
purpose of store and generate authenticate informations (Brewster and Hegewisch, 2017). This
research process is working in a systematic manner in which organisation require to design a
research framework in which they can determine objectives of research to grab authentic data
easily. Methods of Primary research are Interview, questionnaire, observation and survey. This
1

method of analysis provide appropriate information on the basis of customer's own opinion and
views that they observe after using services.
Secondary research methods- This analysis method ascertain information and data that
are already existing. Secondary analysis is a time saving approach which is also provide specific
information on less expenses. The types of this investigation activity are Articles, websites,
books, published documents, journals, magazine and some other informations from past surveys
as so on. Now a days, investigator analyse maximum information on their authentic subject from
Internet which is known as collection of maximum informations (Cascio, 2014).
In this research project, investigator collect information and authenticate data from
Primary method in which questionnaire form will helping to grab most appropriate content. On
the basis of this, researcher can easily analyse views, thoughts and personal opinion of 30
respondents on implement of automation in business operations. In this method, some issues and
conflicts are arises which are determine below as -
 Cost: Primary research is a expensive approach in which organisation requires to invest
maximum amount in order to collect authentic information easily. This is a appropriate
for large scale business firm because small scale organisation can not invest a huge
amount in such investigation process. Auto Trader, UK requires to spend appropriate
amount on questionnaire activities in which data is collected through 30 respondents
(Christopher, 2016).
 Ethical Issue: While conducting primary research approach, investigator faces several
issues as management of confidentiality, carefulness, honesty and integrity of relevant
data. These are needs to maintain properly because results of research are based on such
collective informations. Therefore, such informations requires to analyse in early stages
in order to rectify them in easily or in proper way.
Questionnaire
Q1) How will automation changes the way of working in the future ? Frequency
Flexible working arrangement 12
Less job security 11
2

Reduction in employment 7
Q2) Who will be majorly affected by the implementation of
automation in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Low-skilled workers 15
Average skilled workers 10
High Skilled workers 5
Q3) What will be the major impact of automation upon employees
performance in future?
Frequency
High 11
Average 10
Low 9
Q4) Does adoption of automation assist to maximise organisation
structure on a global level?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Q5) What are the different benefits that Auto Trader can gathered
after implementation of automation ?
Frequency
Enhance manufacturing process 15
Time saving 6
Cost saving 9
Q6) Is there any obligation of providing training to employees for the
effective utilisation of automation in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Q7) Which department of Auto Trader getting maximal advantage by
implementing automation in business operations ?
Frequency
Finance Department 10
Manufacturing Department 17
Marketing Department 3
Q8) What are the major need in effective adoption of automation
technique within Auto Trader ?
Frequency
3

Appropriate funds to implement advance equipment 12
Maximum skills and knowledge in employees 10
Appropriate infrastructure 8
Q9) Which factor influenced the most in the adoption of advance
equipment in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Technology 13
Target Market 6
Employees skill 11
Q10) What obstacles do business faces in preparing strategy while
dealing with major conflicts of automation ?
Frequency
Lack of knowledge 11
Lack of assistance 9
Lack of funds 10
Q11) Any suggestion to Arcadia Group Ltd for adopting social media
and mobile technologies
Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data
Data analysis is a most appropriate element that uses to analysing information in
appropriate manner to getting desired results easily. In this research, investigator adopt
questionnaire method in order to collect maximum information from target user of services. This
data analysis approach is based on specific theme as -
Theme 1: Changes in working approaches after adopting automation
Q1) How will automation changes the way of working in the future ? Frequency
Flexible working arrangement 12
Less job security 11
Reduction in employment 7
4

Interpretation – As per the above graphical representation, it has been summarised that out of
30 respondents, 12 are thinks that after adoption of automation major changes are arises on
Flexible working arrangement while as 11 individuals are thinks that it affects on minimal job
securities of employees.
Theme 2: Employees who are majorly affected by the implementation of automation
Q2) Who will be majorly affected by the implementation of
automation in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Low-skilled workers 15
Average skilled workers 10
High Skilled workers 5
Interpretation – According to the presentation of the above statement, it has been examined that
implementation of automation has major impact on low skilled workers. In between 30
5
Low-skilled workers
Average skilled workers
High Skilled workers
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
15
10
5 Column C
12
11
7
Flexible working
arrangement
Less job security
Reduction in employment

candidates, 15 are thinks about low skilled workers, 10 individual are thinks that Average skilled
workers and 5 are in the favour of High Skilled workers.
Theme 3: Major impact of automation upon employees performance in future
Q3) What will be the major impact of automation upon employees
performance in future?
Frequency
High 11
Average 10
Low 9
Interpretation – From the above statements it has been concluded that automation has positive
impact on employees performance and organisational productivity. In this, out of 30 respondents,
11 individual are in the favour of high performance, 10 candidates are in the favour of average
performance and 9 are in the favour of low productivity.
Theme 4: Adoption of automation assist to maximise organisation structure on a global level
Q4) Does adoption of automation assist to maximise organisation
structure on a global level?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
6
11
10
9
High
Average
Low

Interpretation – According to above representation it has been analysed that adoption of
automation is assist to maximise organisational structure at global level because through this
firm can easily enhance their manufacturing as well as other operational approaches. For this, in
between 30 respondents, 25 are in the favourable approach while 5 are in adverse.
Theme 5: Different benefits that Auto Trader can gathered after implementation of
automation
Q5) What are the different benefits that Auto Trader can gathered
after implementation of automation ?
Frequency
Enhance manufacturing process 15
Time saving 6
Cost saving 9
7
Enhance manufacturing process
Time saving
Cost saving
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Column C
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
5
Column C

Interpretation – On the basis of above visual representation, it has been identified that out of 30
respondents, 15 are in thinks that implementation of automation is beneficial for manufacturing
procedure while 9 candidates are thinks that it is a cost saving method.
Theme 6: Obligation of providing training to employees for the effective utilisation of
automation
Q6) Is there any obligation of providing training to employees for the
effective utilisation of automation in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Interpretation – As per the the above representation, it has been analysed that management of
Auto Trader requires to conduct training program in their business while adopting automation
(Tene and Polonetsky, 2012). For this, it is necessary to enhance skills of worker for effective
uses of such digital tool in this 25 respondents are in the favour of this given statement while 5
are not.
Theme 7: Department that get maximum advantages by adoption of automation in firm
Q7) Which department of the major impact of automation on the cost
structure of the Auto Trader getting maximal advantage by
implementing automation in business operations ?
Frequency
Finance Department 10
Manufacturing Department 17
Marketing Department 3
8
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
5
Column C

Interpretation – As per the above presentation, it has been determined that out of 30 candidates,
17 are in the favour of the statement that manufacturing department of Auto Trader getting
maximum benefits of implementation automation in firm while furthers are in the favour of
finance and marketing (Rummler and Brache, 2012). As in the marketing department, only 3 are
in the favour.
Theme 8: Major need in effective adoption of automation technique
Q8) What are the major need in effective adoption of automation
technique within Auto Trader ?
Frequency
Appropriate funds to implement advance equipment 12
Maximum skills and knowledge in employees 10
Appropriate infrastructure 8
Interpretation – On the basis of above graphs, it has been analysed that major need in adoption
of automation is appropriate amount of funds that assist to manage resources in business firm
(McGrath, 2012). From out of 30 respondents, maximum 12 individuals are in the support of this
statement.
Theme 9: Factor that influenced the most in the adoption of advance equipment
Q9) Which factor influenced the most in the adoption of advance
equipment in Auto Trader ?
Frequency
9
Appropriate funds to implement advance equipment
Maximum skills and knowledge in employees
Appropriate infrastructure
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Column C

Technology 13
Target Market 6
Employees skill 11
Interpretation – According to above presentation, it has been analysed that in between 30
candidates, 13 thinks that technology can be a factor that influence the most in carrying out
advance equipment in firm.
Theme 10: Obstacles do business faces in preparing strategy while dealing with major
conflicts of automation
Q10) What obstacles do business faces in preparing strategy while
dealing with major conflicts of automation ?
Frequency
Lack of knowledge 11
Lack of assistance 9
Lack of funds 10
10
11
9
10
Lack of knowledge
Lack of assistance
Lack of funds
13
6
11
Technology
Target Market
Employees skill

Interpretation – From the above graphical representation, it has been identified that major
conflicts and barriers in implementation of automation can be lack of knowledge of advance
technology. As in this process, out of 30 respondents, 11 thinks the same.
Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience
In this section of research, analyst examine information that they collected through
different methods. For this, it is required to analyse that data have to collected through authentic
sources that provide definite content. Main objective of this project section is to analyse that if
researcher get appropriate solution of research questions that assist to accomplishing objectives
in effective manner (Costen and Salazar, 2011). After this proper analysis, recommendation
takes placed in order to provide final conclusion. Review of research objectives are determined
below as -
The concept of automation and its various advantages for business growth
Automation is a most specific method that uses to implement advance equipment in
business firm in order to improve manufacturing as well as production approaches. For the
major impact of automation on the cost structure of the Auto Trader it can be a most beneficial
terms that uses to enhance sales as well as profitability. Major advantage of this process is, it
helps to reduce unnecessary approaches that takes a long time to accomplish a task. It also helps
to reduce workload from employees. As its conclusion, Auto Trader can easily get maximum
business growth by the implementation of automation in organisational concept.
The core factors which forces an organisations to implement automation within business
processes and operations
In Auto Trader, some core factors as Competition, Innovation and Customers satisfaction
requires implementation of automation (Ford, 2014). Through this strategy, management of firm
can easily getting desired growth as well as outcomes. Competition is a major factor that has
direct impact on organisational performance as well as goodwill. To manage proper reputation in
target market, Auto Trader needs to implement automation that assist to enhance manufacturing
and other operational approaches. Innovation and customer satisfaction is also a core factor that
require implementation of creative ideas in business firm in order to get higher benefits easily.
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As its conclusion, management of Auto Trader requires to analyse such core factors in order to
create impactful strategy as automation in their business firm.
The major impact of automation on the cost structure of the Auto Trader
Automation is a tool of digital technology that assist to enhance organisational
performance as well as productivity in order to getting higher growth. For this, management of
Auto Trader requires to manage maximum cost because such equipments are require a
manageable cost structure for effective adoption. It will hard for Auto Trader if firm not manage
their capital and funds properly. As its conclusion, general, funds and appropriate capital aid to
get beneficial outcomes of cost structure approach.
The various tools which are used by Auto Trader for implementing automation within the
working environment
For Auto Trader, it is require to use several tools as Information Technology and Social
Media for effective implementation of automation in working environment (Kolb, 2014).
Information technology assist to enhance working approaches in order to effective uses of
automation while as social media helping to promote organisation's services in target market as
well as create direct connection with new customers. As its conclusion, Information Technology
and Social Media tools will providing maximum benefits in implementation process of
automation for Auto Trader.
Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques.
As per the above research analysis, I analysed that automation is a method of
digitalisation in which an organisation implement advance equipment in order to enhance their
manufacturing as well as other operational activities. In this process, I examined that
management of Auto Trader requires to examine user's views as well as opinion in order to make
effective changes. For this, I gather information and data through questionnaire approach which
is a primary method of data collection that helped me to examine opinion of customers for this
method. Questionnaire is not a easy method because for this I needs to create a proper
framework in which I conclude several questions that I can ask to respondents. I opt primary
method for data analysis because its helps me to analyse personal view of customers but in
secondary method data is only determine past information which can not be more specific for
12

this research. After investigate proper data, I needs to analyse research outcomes to manage them
properly. At the end, I attain proper targets objectives of my research because I get sufficient
information through effective research methodology which is also helpful for Auto Trader in
order to implementation of automation in their business.
Determine alternative research methodologies for the project
The above research project is represent effectiveness of automation within a business
organisation in which data is collected through primary research methods. In this process
questionnaire technique assist to provide maximum information by analysing customer's own
view. As its alternative, Interview method can be uses as primary research approach which aid to
provide fresh data and information to researcher. Major advantage of interview is that its provide
authentic, unbiased as well as more brief information to analyst than questionnaire. But it also
has major drawback as it is a time consuming method which take twice duration in comparison
to the method of questionnaire. For this, researcher also requires to manage appropriate fund to
than other so for this research it is beneficial to grab maximum content through questionnaire
methodology.
Recommendation:
Digital technologies facilitate organisation to carry out their business activities in
effective manner. By implementing automation within business functioning, they can improve
their productivity and profitability. Following are some recommendations:
 They should implement automation wherever necessary so that they can earn maximum
profits.
 Automation will pose positive impact on organisation as well as employees in long run so
employers should adopt to this as soon as possible.
 As automation will maximise the efficiency of manufacturing procedures, so employers
should implement them within their working.
CONCLUSION
From the above research project it has been summarised that implementation of advance
technology assist to maximise organisation's performance in several terms. For this, firm needs
13

to analyse most effective methods that helps to achieve organisation's future objectives. This
research represent methods of data analysis that helps to gather maximum information of easily.
Data interpretation is method of primary research that provide proper content on the basis of
customer's view and opinions. This project discussed research outcomes, self reflection and
alternative research methodologies for research project.
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REFERENCES
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Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Email Id:
Address:
Q1) How will automation changes the way of working in the future ?
Flexible working arrangement
Less job security
Reduction in employment
Q2) Who will be majorly affected by the implementation of automation in Auto Trader ?
Low-skilled workers
Average skilled workers
High Skilled workers
Q3) What will be the major impact of automation upon employees performance in future?
High
Average
Low
Q4) Does adoption of automation assist to maximise organisation structure on a global
level?
Yes
No
Q5) What are the different benefits that Auto Trader can gathered after implementation
of automation ?
Enhance manufacturing process
Time saving
Cost saving
Q6) Is there any obligation of providing training to employees for the effective utilisation
of automation in Auto Trader ?
16