Business Research Method: Role of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business

This business research proposal delves into the role and expansion of ubiquitous media systems within business firms. The project aims to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and overall impact of these systems on business operations. The report begins with an introduction that highlights the growing dependence of modern businesses on technological advancements and the incorporation of ubiquitous devices. The objectives of the project are clearly stated, focusing on understanding the role, benefits, and drawbacks of ubiquitous media systems. The project scope includes a literature review that examines the application of ubiquitous media systems in business, focusing on U-commerce models, benefits like worldwide presence, promotion of sharing, and digital marketing, as well as drawbacks like complexity, time intensiveness, and high costs. The literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the subject, comparing and contrasting various resources to identify gaps and provide a holistic understanding of the topic.

Running head: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHOD
Business Research Method
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Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction..........................................................................................................................2
2.0 Project Objective..................................................................................................................2
3.0 Project Scope........................................................................................................................3
4.0 Literature Review.................................................................................................................3
4.1 Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business...........................................................................3
4.2 Benefits of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business........................................................5
4.3 Drawbacks of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business....................................................9
5.0 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................11
6.0 References..........................................................................................................................13

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1.0 Introduction
The world has been growing at a tremendous pace over the bygone years. It is noted that the
extensive technological development has exceeded the population of the world and is
expected to rise in the near future. In the words of Carillo et al. (2016, p. 3), human beings
are now mobile-connected to each other. In addition to lives of the people, hi-tech innovation
has completely changed the face of business across the globe. Further, invention and adoption
of these developments has provided organizations with vast field of opportunity. The
incorporation of ubiquitous devices like tablets, smart-phones, phablets, smart locks, NEST,
digital watches and many others within the framework of an enterprise has provided it with
several benefits. However, Harrell (2013, p. 65) stated that like every modern tool, ubiquitous
media systems also has its individual list of drawbacks and complications that directly or
indirectly affect its expansion. On the other hand, emerge of multi-device platforms has
entirely washed away traditional gaps between mobile and stationery data system. As
compared to earlier times, firms towards a detailed investigation on ubiquitous information
access (Fan and Gordon, 2014, pp. 74-81). In order to ensure that the devices are optimally
utilized, the management involves in building up effective plans and integrates supportive
functions within the company structure as well. Moreover, administers also seek the help of
experts to help with this matter. As per Carillo et al. (2016, p. 3), the changing face of
technology leads to a modification of ubiquitous systems, which in turn impact decision
making, performance and productivity of a organization.
2.0 Project Objective
The main objectives of this project are as follows:
1. To study the role and expansion of ubiquitous media systems in business firms.
2. To understand the various advantages offered by ubiquitous media systems.

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3. To learn about the several drawbacks of ubiquitous media system and their effect on
businesses.
3.0 Project Scope
This particular project is based on the idea of using ubiquitous media systems in business
organizations. In order to critically analyze the subject, a few secondary resources (articles,
books, journals, magazines, conference reports and newspapers) have been taken into
consideration. Further, in addition to the role of ubiquitous devices, their individual
advantages, disadvantages and effects on companies have been focused in this project. Lastly,
the report not only compares and contrasts the resources, but also locates gaps within them
with a motive to fill them up.
4.0 Literature Review
4.1 Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business
According to Li et al. (2016, p. 81), the modern business industry has been greatly dependent
on the innovation of technology. The innovation of ubiquitous systems has acted as an aid to
operational processes. Unlike the traditional period, companies are able to be in contact not
only with each other, but also with the people through media devices. Additionally, the rise of
demand level in the market has been subject to a consequent expansion of manufacturing
procedures. On the other hand, Zhang et al. (2013, 179-211) mentioned that the existence of
internet and online channels also have greatly benefit sharing, transfer and exchange of data.
Ubiquitous media devices have made work very comfortable for employee in a company as
well. It is noted that the system has acted like a bridge between the producers and consumers,
thereby providing a solid and strengthened ground for business. However, Wu et al. (2014,
pp. 94-99) states that the aspect is greatly affected by the increasing rivalry amongst
organizations. It is often that the management of a firm seeks help of service provider
agencies to build up a profitable competitive edge.

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Fan and Gordon (2014, pp. 74-81) takes into consideration a number of U-Commerce models
that concentrate on building up uninterrupted communication between organizations,
customers, products and services. As compared to any other business tool, ubiquitous systems
tend to be more attractive and understandable. The acceptance of these innovations among
the people has forced administrators to reconsider their integration into the structure of a
firm. Conversely, the development of these mediums have resulted in the usage downfall of
traditional features like radio, newspapers, booklets, TV and many others from the corporate
industry (Carillo et al., 2016, p. 3). The set up of a productive U-Commerce model within a
firm easily connects the workforce irrespective of their geographical location.
Based on the idea of Lugmayr et al. (2014, pp. 7-37), it can be stated that organizations build
up a business model particularly for the innovative systems to secure positive results in the
long run. On the other hand, Harrell (2013, p. 65) mentions that the aim and objective of a
firm act as the main factors that affect creation of an effective U-Media model.
As stated by Logan (2016, pp. 187-193), ubiquitous-media or U-Media Business Concept can
be typically broken down into three individual parts:
1. Architecture for information, product and service flows (including business actors)
2. Depiction of advantages offered by the business actors
3. Depiction of revenue sources
As compared to Logan (2016, pp. 187-193), Edson et al. (2016, pp. 312-328) tends to focus
on the following three elements that guide construction of a U-Media model:
1. Availability of Ubiquitous Media Form
2. Ubiquitous Media Content
3. Ubiquitous Media Technology
Additionally, it is noticed that the participants can be classified into the following fields
based on the three parts of the model:

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1. Content Creator
2. Distributing Channels
3. Consumer
4. Advertiser
4.2 Benefits of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business
In the words of Abdelnasser et al. (2015, pp. 1472-1480), ubiquitous media have been
circling the globe for quite a while now. The regular rise of companies and their creative
goods lead to a consequent increase of demand levels. The change of customer preferences
and the capability of organizations to meet their needs experienced a shift from the physical
to the virtual world Obal and Verber (2014, pp. 388-400). However, it was the emergence of
smart sensors and devices that joined hands with both the aspects to bring them to reality.
Similarly Scornavacca et al. (2016, pp. 510-523) believed that U-Media joined both
biological and digital systems to revolutionize the business industry as a whole. It is noted
that ubiquitous devices not only collected and attached information to create a new content,
but also made efforts to develop bio-digital concepts. The hybrid resources tend to provide a
vast range of benefits not only to newly set up firms, but also to high profit earning
companies.

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Figure: Ubiquitous Media System Enablers
(Source: Carillo et al., 2016, p. 3)
According to Scornavacca et al. (2016, pp. 510-523), the various benefits of using ubiquitous
media systems in a business organization are as follows:
1. Worldwide Presence: It is with the help of the developed devices that a company is
able to achieve contact with the people all across the world. On the other hand, Logan
(2016, pp. 187-193) states that an expansion of the virtual world has lead to a rise of
several agencies, websites and other intermediaries that supports business promotions,
selling and transactions at ease. As compared to traditional devices, U-Media has
significantly cut down complications of international trade (Li et al., 2016, p.81).
2. Promotes Sharing: Among the various benefits of using ubiquitous systems, sharing
and accessing of large scale information tends to be profitable for firms. In addition to

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knowledge about competitors, companies are able to learn about recent trends,
customer preferences, technological innovations, marketing channels and many other
similar aspects. As per Zhang et al. (2013, pp. 179-211) customers often tend to
contact and stay informed with their preferred firms thought U-Media devices.
3. Forward Planning: The success of a venture or a firm as a whole greatly depends on
its capability to plan forwards. It is with the help of the develop systems that
managers are able to learn from the external environment and imply them within the
framework (Wu et al., 2014, pp. 94-99). Moreover, digital networks allow companies
to operate on the virtual world thereby providing it a chance to communicate with
people all situated even at the corner of the globe.
4. Digital Marketing: Similar to Scornavacca et al. (2016, pp. 510-523), Lugmayr et al.,
(2014, pp. 7-37) also believes that people prefer modern technology as compared to
the traditional ones. The growth of ubiquitous media sources has enabled enterprises
to place their business on the virtual world. It is noted that promotion over internet
have not only developed reach of firms, but also has noticeably expanded its target
market. Additionally, the emergence of bio-digital supply chains has lead to an
increase in productivity levels as well. However, Obal and Verber (2014, pp. 388-
400) states that digital marketing can lead to risky situations at times.

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Figure: Benefits of Ubiquitous Media Systems
(Source: Scornavacca et al., 2016, pp. 510-523)
Despite of a detailed insight into the aspect of ubiquitous media in companies, Scornavacca et
al. (2016, pp. 510-523) fails to focus on a financial and operational aspects of a company. On
the other hand, there is no mention of real companies that actively benefit from the concept.
Further, the authors fail to recognize other facets of the multi-dimensional systems.
However Fan (2015, pp. 133-140) takes into consideration the modernized phase of
ubiquitous media devices along with comparing it to traditional systems and thereby lists
down the following other advantages:
1. In comparison to earlier used systems, U-Media devices are easy to program and
install within a firm.
2. The modern devices involve zero additional charges.
3. There is a downfall in hardware costs.
4. U-Media devices facilitate high speed digital processing of information.
5. As compared to traditional techniques, modernized systems ensure a higher level of
reliability.

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6. U-Media design is comparatively easier than old devices.
4.3 Drawbacks of Ubiquitous Media Systems in Business
According to Carillo et al. (2017, pp. 317-355), ubiquitous systems despite of providing
organizations with a vast variety of opportunity pose several issues and complications that
significantly affect smooth flow of operations. Further, decision making and productivity also
suffers in the presence of U-Media hurdles. However, Fan (2015, pp. 133-140) states that
managers often involve in active planning to mitigate such situations. It is noted that
marketing, promotion, and research processes act as the main support to operational
processes of a company. Businesses might also be confronted with huge losses in case of
failure of the systems as well (Mettouris and Papadopoulos, 2014, pp. 223-257).
The numerous disadvantages of ubiquitous devices mentioned in Carillo et al. (2017, pp. 317-
355) are as follows:
1. Complexity: Despite of Fan (2015, pp. 133-140) stating that U-Media systems have a
simple and noncomplex approach, Phon-Amnuaisuk and Au (2015, p. 611) considers
it to be a feature of complication. The hybrid technology is often problematical to
understand, thereby making it difficult for incorporation. Also, these devices are
recognized to be of complex architecture without an easy approach. It is only with
efficient configuration that an organization can benefit from the innovations
(Scornavacca et al., 2016, pp. 510-523).
2. Time Intensive: Ubiquitous devices require regular monitoring, which is largely time
intensive. Further, with a focus to build long term relationship with customers on the
internet, managers often neglect short period objectives causing damage to their firm
(MacDougall, 2015, p. 162). Additionally, managing these systems seems to be
difficult for untrained processionals. Managers need to be well educated with norms
and requirements of the systems to ensure smooth flow of activities and information.

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It is noted that organizing training and skill development initiatives not only requires
time, but also adds up initial expenditures for a company.
3. Costly Hub: In contrast to Scornavacca et al. (2016, pp. 510-523), Mastorakis et al.
(2015, p. 281) considers ubiquitous devices to be excessively costly. Further, they
might also involve hidden costs that will adversely affect a firm in the long run. On
the other hand, maintenance costs of U-Media tend to be very costly and can greatly
impact a firm`s budget plans. Further, the infrastructural requirement also tend to be
extensive thereby opening up a field that requires high investments.
4. Data Privacy: U-Media devices tend to be vulnerable in the absence of security
norms. Huang and Kinshuk (2015, p. 71) stated that a firm might incur huge losses in
case of data loss or hacking activities. Further, the leak of personal data and private
credentials of customers can significantly harm reputation of a company as well. The
utilization of social networks over the devices also builds up privacy issues for a firm.
A loss of data might lead to disagreement between the producer and the consumer
thereby creating a huge uncertainty between them. It is vital that the administration
deal with these issues so as to secure a place among the general population. Trust is
perceived as one the core aspects that extraordinarily affect perception of stakeholders
towards an enterprise (Gao, 2013, p. 312). Clients oppose web based purchasing in
case of fear for losing private data. Moreover, there also arises distances between
companies and their target groups as well.
5. Difficult to Replace: As per Sampson (2013, pp. 151-167), technology has been
evolving at a rapid rate. The emergence of new models or ubiquitous systems is
greatly difficult to incorporate in presence of an existing device. Further, these tools
are difficult to upgrade as well. The management is faced with a high level of risk in
the process of replacing a U-Media. It is noted that a negative effect of the device will

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corrupt framework of the firm, henceforth giving rise to a lot of complications (Obal
and Verber, 2014, pp. 388-400).
6. Cabling Issues: Ubiquitous tools involve a huge cabling network for effective
performance. Harrell (2013, p. 65) finds irony in the way the systems are able to
connect to each other at huge distances and still need a lot of cabling to be done
before commencing functions. Moreover, the devices also require cooling elements to
continue performing in an effective manner.
Although Carillo et al. (2017, pp. 317-355) focuses on the major inescapable drawbacks of
utilizing ubiquitous media systems, it fails to provide with any solutions to the issues.
Moreover, the material takes no notice of SMEs in such risky situations. According to Gao
(2013, p. 312), an organization might be greatly affected due to its unpreparedness to
incorporate the modern innovations.
5.0 Conclusion
Based on the project it can be inferred that technological developments have lead to the
creation of ubiquitous media systems. In addition to affecting the lives of the people, the
innovation has significantly affected the business industry. Further, acting like a bridge
between market forces, the concept has extraordinarily changed the way companies connect
to customers or even facilitate operational functions. It is often that managers tend to build up
relationship with external service providers or experts in order to maximise capacities. In
order to secure profitable results the administration of a firm also tends to involve in building
up U-Commerce and U-Media models as well. Like every other tool, U-Media also has its
own set of benefits and drawbacks. Concentring advantages, worldwide presence, active
sharing, digital marketing forward planning are considered to be the most contributing
factors. While on the other hand, complexity, costly hub, time intensive, data privacy,
replacement and cabling issues act as hurdles to a company. Additionally based on the