Business Research: Social Media and Customer Communication (HI6008)

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students. This reflective report analyzes social media's role in business communication.

HI6008 BUSINESS RESEARCH ASSESSMENT 3
1

Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Effectiveness and usefulness of learning experience.......................................................................5
Usefulness of learning process........................................................................................................6
Happening in the learning process...................................................................................................7
Evaluation of what is learn..............................................................................................................8
Learning Process..............................................................................................................................9
Plan for applying this learning in future........................................................................................10
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12
2

Introduction
This is the reflective writing report about how information technology uses social media to
communicate with the external environment business research has helped me in gaining the
knowledge and enhancing my learning. The explanation is made of the learning process which
will be useful in the future. Evaluation is made of the observations made in the business research.
Plan of how this learning will be applied in the future has also been mentioned.
3

Effectiveness and usefulness of learning experience
While researching “how information technology uses social media to communicate with the
external customer?” I identified that research methods and research which are used by the
business enterprises in their business are embedded in the large scope. Good learning experience
can create an engaging, memorable and relevant educational experience specifically addressing
the specific challenges of me as a learner. Efficient use of limited time can be made through the
learning experience. During the research process, I experienced the immersive and real-world
simulations. Learning experience refers to course, action, program and other experience in which
the learning takes place. Whether its occurrence is taking place in traditional academic settings,
i.e. in classrooms and schools or non- traditional settings, i.e. outdoor environments or outside of
school locations; traditional educational interactions or non-traditional interactions. I learn that
with the effective learning design, maximum utilisation of resources can be done and will
facilitate in the optimal interaction. A strategic interest group of research practice and research
methods exists in promoting the debates around all academic research’s aspects. I got the
knowledge about the different methods used in research which helps me in improving execution
and design of the research. The academic researches done about business are different from other
business research. Considerations of Epistemological have a great influence on the strategy of
research (Ning and Downing, 2012).
The experience I have earned during the conduction of the research will help in doing further
research in the future. It promotes my self-knowledge. I have a better understanding of the goal
and find myself more attached to the learning outcomes. Resources and knowledge can be
shared. The experience I have gained will help me in finding solutions to the problems providing
many advantages. It gives me a better idea of looking at limitations. The underrated benefit was
provided through this knowledge regarding the peace of mind (Taylor, 2017).
4

Usefulness of learning process
Through this research, I get the knowledge of social media and how business organisations use
social media for attracting customers and developing potential customers for the business. The
social media is not only useful for the companies, but customers also get to know knowledge
about different companies and numerous products available in the market and can make a
decision of purchasing while comparing the products attributes and the best services offered by
the company. This learning will help in my further studies and preparation of many other
research projects. I am confident enough to participate in the different programs related to
research.
The main aim of learning and education is that the knowledge and skill which we acquire in a
formal and controlled situation like in classroom or training or while conducting the research can
be transferred to the real-life situations and can adopt me more effectively (Bernard and Bernard,
2012).
5

Happening in the learning process
While conducting the research, I study various study materials and guide related to my research
topic. Techniques were used for gathering data. Forgetting the information related to my topic I
conducted the research and gathered the information and data related to it. Afterwards, relevancy
of data was checked. I find it difficult to do the summarization of information; therefore, I had to
be4 careful about the references which I used. My topic of research was so constant that I need to
focus on avoiding data duplication. The quantitative data was then conducted by random
sampling. Analysis of quantitative data was made after which it was put into the theoretical
knowledge. It was found in the duration of research that social media has both advantages and
limitations for the business organisations and customers. The speed at which it can make the
brand image of the company and develop the goodwill, with the same speed it can be the reason
for the downfall of the company. The Woolworths enjoyed the benefit of using social media as
the promotional activity, and it works as a strong marketing strategy of the company resulting in
saving its costs. Its competitors can misuse the limitation of using this strategy by Woolworths as
they could see the marketing tactic it has used for attracting the customers and increasing its sale
which can be adopted by the other companies also which will affect the functioning of the
company (Tracy, 2012).
6

Evaluation of what is learn
Various understanding and knowledge were gained while researching the topic of how
information technology uses social media to communicate with the external customer and how
Woolworths is getting advantage from this and what limitation sit has to suffer from the same. I
learn about the different research methodologies like qualitative and quantitative research
method. I also get to learn about the primary and secondary data collection process. For
completion of the business research, the data analysis was conducted using various management
articles, journals, magazines, and companies financial statements. Some amount of duplication
can be found in qualitative data analysis. For removing such type of duplication issue, the
researcher personal experience method can be used. Statistical data was gathered by adopting the
questionnaire process of quantitative data. These methods have helped me in enhancing my
efficiency and knowledge of course by embedding the process of cognitive learning. This will go
to help me in facing any contingencies. The record of the complete research was maintained by
me that will assist me in future in completing my tasks on time and meeting the deadlines. It also
gives me the knowledge about how social media should be effective by the bigger organisations
like Woolworths so that they can be benefitted by this (Vapnik, 2013).
7

Learning Process
I have learned that another element in identifying good research is good and effective academic
writing which will help in accuracy and validating the research. Wide information is there in the
qualitative data, duplication, and ambiguity of data takes place if wide information cannot be put
in the research. The assignment should follow the clear structure. Critical and efficient analyses
of the research questions should be done. It is essential that the researcher persuade the audience
in getting their point of view. The researcher can use the writing strategies for this purpose. It
was found during the research that the qualitative interviewing process is more flexible. Too
much structuring of the guide of the interview should not be there which the researcher is going
to prepare. Leading of data manipulation can take place, and it might be possible that the
respondents do not feel ease in information sharing. I can use transcription and audio-recording
method in future research for collecting the information. I adopted the random sampling method
while collecting the data about the research and I find that the quantitative research method is
more beneficial than a qualitative one. Although the use of a qualitative method is also important
the secondary data analysis is required to be performed at that time for checking the data
relativity and reliability (Boud.et.al, 2013).
8

Plan for applying this learning in future
The learning and the knowledge which I gained from this business research will help me in
future whether in my academics, my career or my life. I have made a record of all the limitations
and problems which I suffered during this research and what steps I took for overcoming them.
This record will help me in future research projects. The guidance of my seniors and faculties
help me a lot in completing this business research related to the social media use in attracting
customers. This knowledge will be a direction to me when I am a manager in a company; I will
be able to take effective decisions considering all the hindrances a company face. I am now able
to make strong & effective planning for completing my projects. I can use all the acquired
knowledge during my exams (Chatt.et.al, 2012).
9

Conclusion
From the overall report, it can be concluded that learning is an effective tool for the smooth
conduction of any research project. It is essential for being a researcher to implement all the
knowledge and experience during the research. Both qualitative and quantitate methods of
research should be applied, and the primary and secondary methods of data collection play a
crucial role in this. The data relevancy and reliability should be maintained then only the result
of the research project will be reliable. All this learning process knowledge will be used by me in
future project researches, academic courses and in life too and I will be able to make a good
decision in future so that all the limitations and problems and issues which I faced during this
research does not occur in future and if there are chances of the occurrence of these issues then I
can handle it with great care.
10

References
 Bernard, H.R., and Bernard, H.R., 2012. Social research methods: Qualitative and
quantitative approaches. Sage.
 Boud, D., Keogh, R., and Walker, D., 2013. Reflection: Turning experience into learning.
Routledge.
 Chatti, M.A., Dyckhoff, A.L., Schroeder, U. and Thüs, H., 2012. A reference model for
learning analytics. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 4(5-6),
pp.318-331.\
 Ning, H.K., and Downing, K., 2012. Influence of student learning experience on
academic performance: The mediator and moderator effects of self‐regulation and
motivation. British Educational Research Journal, 38(2), pp.219-237.
 Taylor, E.W., 2017. Transformative learning theory. In Transformative Learning Meets
Bildung (pp. 17-29). SensePublishers, Rotterdam.
 Tracy, S.J., 2012. Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis,
communicating impact. John Wiley & Sons.
 Vapnik, V., 2013. The nature of statistical learning theory. Springer science & business
media.
11