Analyzing Digital Technology's Role in Globalization: M&S Study

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of digital technology on globalization, focusing on Marks and Spencer as a case study. The research begins with a detailed introduction outlining the evolution of globalization and the significant role of technology in modern business operations. Task 1 involves a research proposal that clearly defines the research question and hypothesis, supported by a thorough literature review exploring globalization, digital technology's role in business, and the challenges faced by businesses. The proposal includes aims, objectives, research questions, and rationale, along with the scope and limitations of the study. Task 2 covers the examination of appropriate research methods, including research design, philosophy, and approach, as well as data collection and sampling techniques. The report employs both primary and secondary research methods. The findings of the research are then presented and analyzed. The report concludes with reflections on the effectiveness of the research methods applied and consideration of alternative methodologies. The report is well-structured and provides valuable insights into the effects of digital technology on business operations in a globalized world.

Research Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis
supported by a literature review..................................................................................................1
Literature review..........................................................................................................................2
P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research 5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research using appropriate methodology............................6
P4 Apply analytical tools, findings and data...............................................................................6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
P5 communicate research outcomes in appropriate manner......................................................10
Covered in PPT..........................................................................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied...................................................10
P7 Consider alternative research methodologies......................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

Title- The role of digital technology in globalization: A case study of Marks and Spencer
INTRODUCTION
The evolution of globalization has transformed the world's economy. it has
revolutionized the way of doing business. Also, it has provided a platform through which
business can expand their operation globally (Gupta and et.al., 2017). It has led to generate in
vast number of opportunities for business to enter in new market and fulfil needs of people. It
can be stated that globalization has impacted on business to a great extent. The companies are
highly engaged in trading with other countries and earning more profits and sales. Apart from
this, technology is playing a significant role in business. the use of technology has provided ease
in doing business. it is having a wider role in globalization. The integration of technology and
business has transformed global world. It has connected people with each other. Through this,
they are able to share data and information to each other. Social media has also played a
significant role in marketing. Companies are highly using various networking sites to advertise
their products.
TASK 1
P1 Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis supported
by a literature review
Background
In present era, there has been a high competition among companies in every sector. But
technology has made it easy for business to operate all around the world. It has created a network
through which it can be easily operated from one place. Moreover, by using social media and
internet they are able to attract large number of people (Manyika and et.al., 2016). it has resulted
in building a large customer base in different markets. Furthermore, use of digital tools in
production department has customised overall process. Similarly, countries are also benefited
from it. when a company enter in new market, they bring in technology along with them. thus, it
leads to innovation in technology and provide new tools to people to use. Digital marketing has
emerged as popular concept as well. Globalisation has created growth opportunities for small
business to implement digital marketing and advertise their products in different market. This has
led to trade war between countries.
Aims – To identify impact of digital technology in globalization: A case study of Marks and
Spencer
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Objectives-
 To assess the role of digital technology in retail sector
 To analyse the impact of digital technology on business operations.
 To investigate impact on growth of retail sector due to globalisation.
 To recommend how digital technology can be implemented in Marks and Spencer
Research questions
 What is the role of digital technology in retail sector?
 How digital technology has impacted on Marks and Spencer operations?
 What recommendation can be implemented to develop effective strategies?
Rationale
In recent times, globalization is playing a vital role in retail sector. it has allowed
organization to enter in new market and develop variety of products (Narula, 2014). This
research will help in investigating whether technology has benefited business in globalization or
not. Also, it will identify the factors which forces business to update their technology to cope up
with international competition. Moreover, it will help in finding out impact on companies
operating in retail sector.
Scope and limitations
Through this, other researcher will be able to analyse impact of digital technology on
other sector like auto mobile, airline, travel and tourism, etc. and countries development. They
can compare results and obtain effective outcomes.
Limitations- the research topic globalisation is expanded in wide area. thus, it will be difficult to
collect precise data and identify impact on retail sector.
Literature review
Globalisation
Global trade has emerged as new concept in which companies are trading with other
countries. it means exchange of goods and services across international boundaries. It has led to
import and export between nations. This is possible due to globalisation. It has removed the
barriers within government as well as countries (Valacich and Schneider, 2015). it is been
identified that due to globalisation, there has been improvement in social life of people. also, the
political relations between nation has improved. now they are focusing on investing in other
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countries. this has introduced concept of FDI. Each nation has allowed other to invest in very
sector.
Impact of globalisation
As said by Barrett and et.al., 2015, this concept has transformed world economy. It has
created a platform of international trade and exchange of goods and services. also, it has created
a great impact on business and nation development. The main benefit it has is on availability of
all type of goods and services to people. it has fulfilled their needs and developed a common
culture. It has enhanced lifestyle of people in underdeveloped countries. however, it has enforced
it to produce high quality and differentiated products.
But on contrary as elucidated by Athreye and Cantwell, 2016, its negative impact is it
has resulted in increase in competition within markets. Due to this many small and medium
companies are not able to sustain in market for long term. Moreover, in order to gain more
customer business are providing low quality products. in many nations the situation of cold war
has occurred. For example, between US and Russia. Alongside this, businesses are highly using
natural resources of nations rapidly. This has resulted in depletion of resources. In the view of
Madon and Krishna, 2018, there has been high fluctuation in prices of goods. For instance –
China produces similar goods at lower rate as compared to US so, it has enforced US to reduce
prices as well. So, it has forced firm to change their prices according to demand and supply in
different markets. Besides this, many nations are been involved in trade war. It has created a
poor image on their reputation. Due to this, they have imposed strict tariffs laws and regulations.
Thus, it is impacting on other business who are already operating there.
Role of digital technology in business
Technology has created a great impact on business. it has allowed them to integrate it
with operations. this has resulted improving operational efficiency and maintaining quality of
goods. Other than this, businesses are able to provide product information all over the world. The
advancement in technology has using high and advance tools and equipment’s. this has allowed
in connecting business with each other. according to Colbert, Yee and George, 2016, it has
been useful in communicating with people. the importance of technology in retail sector is it has
given vast number of opportunities to organisation to produce variety of goods in different
markets. Also, technology has reduced complexity of task and enhanced operational efficiency.
As said by Chayko, 2014 the major impact technology is on marketing of products and services.
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businesses are totally shifted from traditional way to digital marketing. Through this, they are
able to promote it at wider area. there are new concept which are been invented. They are
explained below :-
Transport technology – the exchange in technology has made it easy for business to produce
high quality products at low cost. also, the transport systems has now become more faster and
efficient making it easy for business to transfer goods from one place to another (Narula, 2014).
there are many other technologies used such as cloud computing, CRM etc. which helps in
providing services to customers. for example, Sales force is an app through which customer data
is maintained and services are provided.
Communication technology – internet has played crucial role in connecting people. they can
share and communicate with each other around the world (Gupta and et.al., 2017). Also, instant
communication between business and people has revolutionised social lives. Mobile phones, e
mails, etc. has become an integral part of human being. By collecting data and information
companies are able to determine their needs. it has provided information on change in market
trends. IOT has made it easy for business to get connected to devices and helps in operations.
besides this, it has been useful in communicating with buyers and suppliers across the globe. For
example, SCM software is used in supply and logistics management through which products are
shipped and delivered.
Challenges faced by business
According to Manyika and et.al., 2016, business has to face many challenges due to
globalisation. It has impacted on their growth in negative way. they have to develop effective
and different strategies to overcome challenges. It is stated that small businesses are suffering a
lot due to technological advancement. This is because they have to update their IT infrastructure
to compete in market. also, big firms are having capability to dominate market. they use digital
tools to advertise product. This is done by using high and advance technology as they invest a lot
in R&D (Barrett and et.al., 2015).
CAD is used by business to make it modifications in products design. it helps in
improving product performance and making it easy for business to retain their customers. with
help of cloud computing businesses provide high quality services to people directly. It has
enabled in enhancing operational efficiency. Moreover, CAM is used in machines to
manufacture products in more efficient way.
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P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
In order to conduct research, there are several methods which is applied. It provides a
framework to researcher on how overall research will be conducted in systematic way (Research
methodology. 2018). these methods are discussed below :-
Research design – it helps user to identify that on which design research is based. Usually, there
are only two types of research design available. They are exploratory and conclusive. in this
researcher will use exploratory design. through it, he or she will be able to explore areas in
digital technology and globalisation.
Research philosophy – this is first method which is described by researcher (Valacich and
Schneider, 2015). A research philosophy is a framework that gives an idea that how data will be
collected and analysed. It depends on researcher that which philosophy should be used as it is of
various approaches like realism, positivism, interpretivism, etc. here, positivism approach will be
used by researcher. This is because it is most commonly used and will help in collecting
statistical data about role of technology in globalisation. It includes pre defined theories on basis
of which data is gathered.
Research approach – the approach shows pattern of data collected. This gives researcher an
insight that how data will be gathered to obtain results. Generally, it is of three types that is
deductive, inductive and abductive. In this research, inductive approach will be used. It is
because it will help in generating new theories from topic. also, by this it will be easy to identify
how technology has affected globalisation. Also, it is a systematic procedure to analyse
qualitative data.
Data collection – in a research data collection plays a vital role. in order to collect data, there
are many methods available. This is a process of gathering data. basically, there are two methods
primary and secondary (Barrett and et.al., 2015). In present researcher will use both methods to
collect data. the primary data will be collected through questionnaire whereas secondary through
previous articles, journals, etc. quantitative data will be collected through questionnaire and
qualitative will be collected by previous research project, articles, etc.
Data sampling- the researcher must select appropriate sample from population to conduct
research. It is known as data sampling method in which population is divided into groups and
sample is selected. Generally, it is categorised into two that is probability and non probability
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method. Here, researcher will use probability method to select sample size. He or she will select
20 employees of Marks and Spencer. Data will be collected by conducting survey.
Data analysis – this is a process of interpreting collected data to obtain results. The data must
be analysed properly as overall research aims and objectives are based on this. There are
different tools available for analysing data. in context to present research, researcher will use
thematic analysis technique. This will help in interpreting data in effective way and generating
precise outcomes.
TASK 2
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research using appropriate methodology
Primary research is done to collect fresh data from employees regarding how digital
technology is been used by Marks and Spencer. Secondary data is gathered to give an insight
about what role is been played by digital technology in another sector.
There are some factors which is taken into consideration while conducting research. Also,
it allows researcher to follow some rules as well. It helps in performing activities in proper way.
the factors are discussed a below :-
Cost – it included the overall cost which will be required in conducting research. The researcher
identifies resources required so that total budget is developed. So, in present total cost required
will be $800.
Access- it refers to gaining consent of participants so that data and information is collected in
effective way. also, participants are not harmed by any other way. if consent is gained, it makes
it easy to take open overview of people involved in it.
Ethics – there are some rules and regulation which must be followed by researcher. This is
because it will help in conducting research in authentic way. here, some ethics will also be
followed. Firstly, consent of employees will be taken so that they can express ideas and reviews
openly. Second is confidentiality and integrity of data will be maintained (Athreye and
Cantwell, 2016). it will not be shared with any third party. Alongside it, business related
information will be protected and kept secured. At last each and every person involved in
research will be treated with respect and his or her dignity will be maintained.
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P4 Apply analytical tools, findings and data
Questionnaire
Name
Age
Gender
1 Has your company implemented digital technology or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
2 Do you think that digital technology has improved the operational efficiency of Marks and
Spencer?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
3 Do you think that With help of digital technology firm is able to expand in different markets or
not?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
4 which business function in Marks and Spencer is highly benefited due to implementation of
digital technology?
 Marketing
 Supply chain and Logistics
 Production
 R&D
5 Is Marks and Spencer emerged as global brand and created brand awareness in different
markets?
 Yes
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 No
 Not sure
6 Has there been reduction in cost of product due to globalization?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
7 Is Marks and Spencer able to identify needs of people in different markets and develop
products accordingly by using digital technology ?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
Theme 1 Company have implemented digital technology
Q-1 Has your company implemented digital technology or not? Frequency
Yes 13
No 2
Not sure 5
Total 20
Theme 2 digital technology have improved the operational efficiency of Marks and Spencer
Q-2 Do you think that digital technology has improved the operational
efficiency of Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
Yes 12
No 3
Not sure 5
Total 20
Theme 3 using digital technology firm has expanded in different markets
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Q-3 With help of digital technology firm is able to expand in different
markets or not?
Frequency
Yes 15
No 2
Not sure 3
Total 20
Theme 4 business function in Marks and Spencer benefited due to implementation of
technology
Q-4 which business function in Marks and Spencer is highly benefited
due to implementation of technology?
Frequency
Marketing 7
Supply chain and Logistics 4
Production 8
R&D 1
Total 20
Theme 5 Marks and Spencer emerged as global brand and created brand awareness in
different markets
Q- 5 Is Marks and Spencer emerged as global brand and created brand
awareness in different markets?
Frequency
Yes 16
No 3
Not sure 1
Total 20
Theme 6 Cost of product reduced due to globalization
Q-6 has there been reduction in cost of product due to globalization? Frequency
Yes 10
No 4
Not sure 6
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Total 20
Theme 7 Organization identified needs of people in different markets and develop products
accordingly
Q- 7 Is Marks and Spencer able to identify needs of people in different
markets and develop products accordingly?
Frequency
Yes 11
No 4
Not sure 5
Total 20
TASK 3
P5 communicate research outcomes in appropriate manner
Covered in PPT
TASK 4
P6 Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied
After completion of research I evaluated that aims and objectives was achieved by me.
This was possible because I determined research method and followed it. I analyzed that I
selected exploratory design which helped me in finding in depth about interlink between
globalization and role of digital technology in it. also, I was able to analyze how retail sector has
grown and transformed. The reason why I selected positivism philosophy was that it benefited
me in defining how technologies can be used by retail companies to emerge as global brand.
With help of it, it was easy for me to gather data. Also, I choose specific area that is retail sector.
inductive approach gave an advantage to me to generate theories from it. I realized that I attained
one objective through it. I collected data by primary method. So, it was easy for me to analyse
and interpret it and obtain outcomes. In addition to it, by applying random sampling technique I
was easily able to select sample size. This saved my time as well as cost. the thematic analysis
tool was used to interpret data. this was chosen by me as it is simple and effective tool to analyse
data which helps me in determining appropriate results.
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