Identifying Cloud Technology's Influence on Business Operations: Asda

This research proposal investigates the impact of cloud technology on business operations, focusing on Asda as a case study. The report begins with an overview, background, significance, aims, objectives, and research questions. Chapter 2 reviews the literature, covering the concept of cloud technology, challenges in implementation, and its influence on data storage and sharing. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including the type of investigation, research design, philosophy, approach, data collection, sampling, analysis, and ethical considerations. The report emphasizes the benefits of cloud computing for organizations, including improved data security, remote access, and enhanced communication. The research aims to identify the influence of cloud technology on Asda's business operations, analyzing the challenges and advantages of cloud implementation. The study addresses the concept of cloud technology in business, identifies challenges encountered during implementation, and analyzes its influence on storing and sharing information.

Research Proposal

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTROUDUCTION.................................................................................................1
Overview.....................................................................................................................................1
Background of research...............................................................................................................1
Significance of research..............................................................................................................1
Research Aims............................................................................................................................2
Research Objectives....................................................................................................................2
Research questions......................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................2
Concept of cloud Technology in business..................................................................................2
Challenges in implementation of business technology...............................................................4
Influence of cloud technology in storing and sharing of business information..........................5
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................6
Type of investigation...................................................................................................................6
Research Design..........................................................................................................................6
Research Philosophy...................................................................................................................6
Research Approach.....................................................................................................................7
Data collection............................................................................................................................7
Data Sampling.............................................................................................................................7
Data Analysis..............................................................................................................................7
Ethical consideration...................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 4: TIME-SCALE..........................................................................................................8
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................2

Topic: “To identify influence of cloud technology on business operations. A case study on
Asda.”
CHAPTER 1: INTROUDUCTION
Overview
It can be said that a business organisation carries its operations in order to make sure that
they are able to achieve their stated limit of profitability and functionality. There is a crucial need
for organisation to undertake digital measures so that a competitive edge can be availed over
rival organisation. A business environment provides numerous approach to implementation of
digital tools however it depends upon organisational suitability to choose the most suitable one
(Bodnar and Hopwood, 2012). This report will be focusing on the concept of cloud computing
and its influence in the organisational process and practices.
Background of research
Asda is a renowned supermarket retailer in the country which is known to operate in
more than 642 locations throughout the country. This organisation have been carrying out its
operations since 1965 and have achieved approximately 2,166 GBP as their profits for the year
2016. The organisation have been operating with a market share of approximately 16% market
share and aims to capitalise opportunities of the market so that there is a positive impact on the
market share. This supermarket retailer have been making use of the cloud computing measures
and make sure that there is an enhancement of communication and alternation in the manner
information have been stored and shared with other personnel.
Significance of research
It is essential to conduct research so that a better understanding can be formed on the
subject. This research intents to identify role which has been played by the digital tools in an
organisation. Therefore it has become essential to identify views and opinions of different
members in this segment. The conducting research in this segment is crucial as it assists in
identifying response of related resources in an organisation and determining whether it is
actually valuable to an organisation or not (Lin and Chen, 2012). The primary benefit is that it
facilitates decision making for an organisation as it clarifies existing circumstances. It will assists
an organisation in allocation of resources and making sure that better economic outcomes are
achieved. In context of this study, research attempts to identify the ease which has been catered
through digital tools in the organisation so that corrective actions can be formulated.
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Research Aims
The aim of research justifies intention of scholar with undertaking this study. The aims of
undertaking this study is, “To identify influence of cloud technology on business operations. A
case study on Asda.”
Research Objectives
Research objectives can be considered as an attempt to resolve the research questions.
They are helpful in determining the actions which will be undertaken by a researcher for the
purpose of reaching aim which has been formulated for this study. The formulation of specific
objectives is helpful in making sure that research outcomes are beneficial. The framework prior
to formulation of research objectives is easier for the scholar. The major objectives for this study
are as follows:
 To understand concept of cloud technology in business
 To interpret challenges encountered by a business in implementation of business
technology
 To analyse influence of cloud technology in storing and sharing of business information
Research questions
The research questions are an attempt through which research objectives are being
fulfilled ultimately leading to attainment of goals and objectives of this study. The major
research relating to this case study are as follows:
 Examine the concept of cloud technology in business.
 what are major challenges encountered by a business when implementing business
technology?
 Analyse influence of cloud technology in storing and sharing of information.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of cloud Technology in business
The concept of cloud technology in business in relatively newer, it is an approach which
helps in a business organisation in manage computing with the help of internet. This concept
emphasizes use of third party storage for the purpose of storing crucial business information
(Dhar, 2012). The term 'cloud' in this context is referred to internet which provides access to a
person with decent internet connection. Undertaking this concept will make an organisation more
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capable when it comes to storing and accessing of information through virtual platforms.
According to Son and Lee, (2011) cloud computing eliminates boundaries which has been
formulated on the geographical grounds. It is an undeniable fact that internet is redefining the
manner in which operations are carried out, it is not only confined to alteration of organisational
operations as it is helpful in improving the manner through which interaction with the society is
facilitated. Earlier, a business can only access data and information which is present in the
hardware and software of a computer. The major impact which has been catered by cloud
computing is minimizing importance of hardware and software which are not mobile.
Cloud computing equips an individual with power to access data which has been placed
over virtual platforms at anytime and anywhere. It has eliminated needs to store data on the
software with the system as information can be stored on the public servers. Therefore it is
essential for an organisation to ascertain their need for cloud storage and build a platform which
is capable of fulfilling distinct requirements in terms of data and information storing (Wu and et.
al, 2013). The organisation can choose from variety of options such as public, private and hybrid
server on the basis of requirement of an organisation. The private cloud is more suitable for
organisation who focuses on data and ensures that sensitive information is to be preserved in the
ideal manner. Where as public platform are more suitable for organisation which preferred cost
saving and flexible working of an organisation. The most crucial is hybrid platform, in which
sensitive information can be stored behind the firewall and and accessible situation is stored with
minimal security. For instance: this organisation can save their emails on the public cloud and
vital information of business on the private platforms. Therefore it is essential for a business to
identify its requirement and to make sure that most suitable server is being selected. There are
majorly three types of cloud computing service available for cloud computing are software as a
service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and finally platform as a service (PaaS). As it is
a mega corporation most suitable approach is Paas. In this server model an organisation have to
rent hardware, software and application environment. The organisation in this model possess a
major control on the technical and informational aspects and can be customised depending upon
the needs of an organisation.
Challenges in implementation of business technology
It has been identified that change in context of a business organisation is never easy. A
business have to plan thoroughly and consider all the crucial element leading to smooth
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transition in business structure or environment. It can be termed as a crucial feature as change
oriented organisation tends to last longer in the business environment and achieve better results.
It is very important to consider major challenges in cloud computing implementation in the
organisation so that better results are achieved. There is a brief description of the major
challenges which a business will be exposed to prior to implementation of digital technology
such as
Low digital literacy of employees: The primary challenge to which a business is exposed
to is that employees working for the organisation are not literature when it comes to digital
technology. There is a large section in the organisation who is unaware of the digital measures
and technology which are to be addressed if a business attempts to use cloud computing in the
organisation (Jazdi, 2014). This emerges to be a monumental change which is to be managed
effectively by the management of an organisation.
Company culture: the culture of an organisation refers to the values and beliefs which
determines the manner in which organisational work is being carried out. The culture is
embedded in the roots of an organisation therefore not very easy to change or alter. According to
Luftman and Zadeh, (2011) It can be termed as one of the biggest challenge to which a leader is
exposed because actions, goals, practices and communication are interlocked in the
organisational environment and needs to be managed very carefully. Therefore incorporation of
digital tools and measures will be very difficult as they are known to alter manner in which
business practices and communication is being carried out.
Budget availability: The availability of budget is referred to be an major challenge to
which a business organisation is exposed. There is an involvement of major costs in this segment
have made organisations reconsider their plan of venturing into digital technology (Li and et. al.,
2011). There is a needs to control costs of business as there are numerous costs involved in this
process such as cloud infrastructure, capacity planning and other relevant costs.
Data security and privacy: it can be perceived that data security and protection is a major
challenge for an organisation. There are numerous parties involved such as service provider, and
cloud vendor which maximises risk and security concerns relating to data transfer. The service
provider are yet to consider importance which is being expected by the service provider. The
inclusion of large number of parties make it more difficult for organisation to secure and
preserve their data (Cegielski and et. al, 2012). Therefore it is very important to undertaken a
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detailed analysis of manner through which service provider preserves sensitive data and
information.
Incorporating with existing infrastructure: Another crucial challenge to which a
business is ascertained is that infrastructure of cloud computing is not easy to incorporate with
the existing infrastructure of the company. There are numerous organisation who are dealing
with this situation at present. The benefits which are being catered by cloud computing will not
be achieved if an organisation is failing to incorporate them in existing infrastructure of the
company. Therefore, it is very important to systematically plan and develop a strategy so that it
assist an organisation into transitioning and attaining benefits which are being offered by digital
tools.
Influence of cloud technology in storing and sharing of business information
It has been identified cloud computing have become a common term among business
organisations. According to CN Wee and YK Chua, (2013) Digital development measures have
been influential to an organisation in the attainment of business efficiencies and competitive
advantages in an organisations. There is a latest trend in the market which business organisations
are venturing in the market. The research stated that 69% of the business have been taking
reliance of cloud computing platform at one point or another. The reason which has been
identified is that organisation which has been taking reliance of the cloud platforms and investing
in data have experience a rise of 53% in the revenue attained. The primary influence which can
be seen by an organisation is in context of data security. There is increase in the data usage by
organisation in 21st century as it is helpful in communicating and forming relationship with the
consumers throughout the selling process. The employees can make use of customer information
through their server while travelling and can further make use of information throughout the
world (Hsu, Ray and Li-Hsieh, 2014). The storing of information have become more secure
which makes an organisation which can be accessed remotely. There is an certain degree of
flexibility which has been offered by cloud computing services. The company can make best use
of local bandwidth to make sure that business demands are met in the defined manner. The
employee can even make use of their smartphones to see the data and to make sure that staff who
is not present in the office can use information stored on the cloud to stay up to date with the
clients and co-workers. The convenience and accessibility which has been offered by the cloud
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computing makes sure that employees are able to fulfil their task in the efficient manner and are
able to form a improved work-life balance (BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING. 2018).
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It can be referred to as one of the most crucial segment of the research as it attempt to
identify measures through which data to conduct research would be collected. The type and kind
of data collected for the research determines the effectiveness of the study which is being carried
out by a researcher (Zdravkovic and et. al., 2013). Before ascertaining of research methodology
it is essential to consider its numerous elements so that right data and information could be
availed. The brief description of numerous elements are as follows:
Type of investigation
The type of information collected determines manner in which research will be collected.
The researcher is provided with a duty to opt for the best and most suitable investigation
approach to conduct this study. There are commonly two types of research investigation which
are considered by a scholar such as qualitative and quantitative. The quantitative investigation
focuses on collection and analysis of information through statistical approaches where as
qualitative investigation focuses on quality of information which has been availed through
numerous sources. This study will be based on qualitative research approach as it attempts to
identify challenges and potential of cloud technology in business.
Research Design
Research design determines the process which will be considered while carrying out this
study. Even in this context, suitability with the research topic is considered when selecting
research design. The research design can be categorised on mainly three types which are
descriptive, exploratory and experimental design. This research focuses on undertaking
exploratory research as it attempts to gather additional information on the usefulness and
challenges which have been put forward by cloud computing in business organisations.
Research Philosophy
It is considered to be a belief which is helpful in gathering and analysis of data. The
research in this utilises his knowledge and determines his knowledge and perception of the
world. The research have to chose a research philosophy out of interpretivism and positivism.
The research philosophy in this study is Interpretivism as it focuses social aspects of
implementation of cloud computing technology in business operations. This approach
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emphasizes on collection of knowledge which relates to reality and its influence on social
construction of an organisation.
Research Approach
Approach is referred to as a way of proceeding towards the established research goals. It
can be considered as important section of the research as it is helpful in achieving positive results
(Kannabiran and Dharmalingam, 2012). The major categorisation of research approach can be
carried out on two segments i.e. Inductive and deductive research. This study takes into
consideration of inductive approaches to research as it attempts to gather a detailed
understanding of the world along with which a research requirements are fulfilled. The
observation is undertaken to build a abstract which will be helpful in gathering information
related to relationship shared by different variables.
Data collection
There can be two approach through which information can be obtained. The primary
sources are the one which possess first hand data which has been collected by the researcher for
the purpose of study through questionnaire, survey and observations. The information can be
obtained form secondary sources such as articles, magazines and journal assists in forming an
understanding on the subject. The information will be collected through forming a questionnaire
and gathering relevant information.
Data Sampling
It is referred to be a tool which focuses on determining level of data which is to be completed for
the purpose of study. It will be difficult for a researcher to gather data before determining sample
size and frequency. The level and intensity of information required is being helpful in the
identifying sample size for this study. For the completion of this study, random sampling
technique is considered under which random people from within the organisation is selected to
gather information related to subject topic. 30 people will be chosen from within the organisation
to determine influence of cloud computing on business.
Data Analysis
It is essential to rightfully interpret the data which has been obtained from numerous
sources. The information which has been obtained from respondents is further classified and
interpreted so that outcomes could be determined. This researcher in this segment makes use of
distinct tool and techniques to make sure that better results are availed.
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Ethical consideration
The ethics stands crucial to a researcher as they helps in distinguishing what is right and
wrong in research. The inculcation of ethics in research is crucial as it helps in conducting
research in rightful manner (Bhattacherjee and Park, 2014). There is an involvement of the
complex human creatures and their views and opinion are to be preserved and only used for the
purpose of research. There is obligation to present results as they emerge and should not involve
any manipulation for self-gains.
CHAPTER 4: TIME-SCALE
It is essential to provide enough time to carry out research so that every aspect is
considered and all the activities and tasks are carried out in an ethical manner. The building of
time-scale helps in carrying out of activities in the right manner. The researchers in this segment
have taken assistance from the Gantt chart for allocation of right time and resources to the study
(Son and Lee, 2011). Time stands crucial in the research as it helps in provision of appropriate
consideration for the purpose of discussion of the research terms and to reflect upon the findings
and outcomes of the research. The Gantt chart have been helpful in making sure that right
illustration with the help of horizontal bar is being carried out and visual manner through which
schedule could be considered. It can be further utilised in consideration amount and level of
completion of task is being carried out.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bodnar, G.H. and Hopwood, W.S., 2012. Accounting information systems. Upper Saddle River:
Pearson.
Lin, A. and Chen, N.C., 2012. Cloud computing as an innovation: Percepetion, attitude, and
adoption. International Journal of Information Management. 32(6). pp.533-540.
Dhar, S., 2012. From outsourcing to Cloud computing: evolution of IT services. Management
Research Review. 35(8). pp.664-675.
Son, I. and Lee, D., 2011, July. Assessing A New IT Service Model, Cloud Computing. In
PACIS (p. 179).
Wu, Y. and et. al, 2013. Cloud computing in support of supply chain information system
infrastructure: understanding when to go to the cloud. Journal of Supply Chain
Management. 49(3). pp.25-41.
Jazdi, N., 2014, May. Cyber physical systems in the context of Industry 4.0. In Automation,
Quality and Testing, Robotics, 2014 IEEE International Conference on (pp. 1-4). IEEE.
Luftman, J. and Zadeh, H.S., 2011. Key information technology and management issues 2010–
11: an international study. Journal of Information Technology. 26(3). pp.193-204.
Li, Q. and et. al., 2011. Towards the business–information technology alignment in cloud
computing environment: an approach based on collaboration points and agents.
International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing. 24(11). pp.1038-1057.
Cegielski, C. G., Allison Jones-Farmer, L., Wu, Y. and Hazen, B.T., 2012. Adoption of cloud
computing technologies in supply chains: An organizational information processing
theory approach. The International Journal of Logistics Management. 23(2). pp.184-
211.
CN Wee, J. and YK Chua, A., 2013. The peculiarities of knowledge management processes in
SMEs: the case of Singapore. Journal of Knowledge Management. 17(6). pp.958-972.
Hsu, P. F., Ray, S. and Li-Hsieh, Y. Y., 2014. Examining cloud computing adoption intention,
pricing mechanism, and deployment model. International Journal of Information
Management, 34(4), pp.474-488.
Zdravkovic, J. and et. al., 2013, June. Modeling business capabilities and context dependent
delivery by cloud services. In International Conference on Advanced Information
Systems Engineering (pp. 369-383). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Kannabiran, G. and Dharmalingam, P., 2012. Enablers and inhibitors of advanced information
technologies adoption by SMEs: An empirical study of auto ancillaries in India. Journal
of Enterprise Information Management. 25(2). pp.186-209.
Bhattacherjee, A. and Park, S.C., 2014. Why end-users move to the cloud: a migration-theoretic
analysis. European Journal of Information Systems. 23(3). pp.357-372.
Online
BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.salesforce.com/hub/technology/benefits-of-cloud/>.
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