Research Project: Impact of Digital Technology on HRM in Jamaica

This research project, conducted by a student at Colbourne College, investigates the impact of digital technology on Human Resource Management (HRM) in Jamaica. The report details the research methodology, which employs a mixed-method approach (qualitative and quantitative) involving surveys, interviews, and secondary data analysis. The study aims to understand how digital tools influence HRM practices, including recruitment, training, and development. Data collection methods include online surveys using SurveyMonkey, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of existing literature from journals, books, and the internet. The research focuses on large firms in Kingston and Montego Bay, with a sample size of 50 participants, including HR managers, operations managers, and administrative staff. The report includes a declaration of originality, table of contents, and detailed sections on methodology, data collection, and analysis, providing a comprehensive overview of the research process and findings.

Colbourne College
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
Unit Number and
Title UNIT 11: Research Project
Academic Year 2019
Student Name And
ID Number
Caymone Samms
Col#1578
Unit Tutor Mr. Cargill
Mode of Study On Campus
Assignment Number
& Title LO3: Understand how to formulate a research specification
Issue Date July 30, 2019
Submission Date August 12, 2019
TERM PAPER DECLARATION:
STATEMENT OF ORIGINALITY AND AUTHENTICITY
I confirm that the term paper I am submitting is an original and authentic piece of work written by myself that
satisfies academic rules and regulations with respect to Plagiarism. I further confirm that I have fully referenced and
acknowledged all material incorporated as secondary resources in accordance with the Harvard System.Please note
that Term paper will not be marked without the inclusion of this signed declaration by the student/s.
STUDENT/S SIGNATURE: C. Samms DATED: August 12, 2019.
OFFICIAL USE BELOW: GRADE AND SUMMATIVE REMARKS
Grade Assigned
Assessors’
Name & Date MARKER INTERNAL VERIFIER

TABLE OF CONTENT
PAGES
Introduction-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
AC 1.5 Research Methodology ---------------------------------------------------------------4-10
Consent Forms-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-13
Conclusion----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
Questionnaires-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15-18
AC 1.6 Provide an appropriate plan and
procedures for the agreed research specification ----------------------------------19-22
References----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23-25

Introduction
According to Carrell and Dittrich (1978) methodology is characterized as the conceptual and rational
analysis of the ways utilized for a particular field of study. It comprises of the theoretical framework of
the scrutiny of the ways and standards identified with a field of knowledge. In general, it covers the
terms, for example, paradigm, theoretical model, stages, and quantitative or qualitative approach. In
other words, the methodology draws out the technique in which the investigation will be actualized,
in addition to other things, it identifies with the approaches to be embraced and how a required
outcome is to be accomplished (Howell, 2013).

AC 1.5 Section Three – Methodology
1.3 Research Methods
This chapter describes the adopted methodology to achieve the research objectives. This research
aims at studying the impacts of digital technology on human resource management in Jamaica. To
achieve the objectives, the research will undertake a mix method approach (qualitative and
quantitative) Quantitative and qualitative technique explores various fields of knowledge and both
techniques are intended to address research questions. While the quantitative technique gives an
objective view of reality, the qualitative technique enables the researcher to investigate and better
comprehend the complexity of a phenomenon (Hurmerinta-Peltomaki and Nummela, 2006).The
primary source will allow the researcher to gather information from survey questionnaires while the
secondary source will aid the researcher to gain access to literature books, the internet and journals
in support of the data collected from the primary research.
1.2 Justification of selected methodology to achieve the research objectives
This research will be conducted using both qualitative and quantitative approach. This combination
allows the researcher to more complete and synergistic the use of information than to do isolate
quantitative and qualitative data accumulation and analysis. The time allocated to the research will
need attention, as exploring and editing the information is a part of the early stages in the research
method and as such, the research has been narrowing in scope due to the limited time frame given
to conclude the paper. The methodology selection process is of utmost importance as it is to be used
in collecting data and findings to complete this research (Merkens, 2004).
The qualitative approach will be utilized to gain a better comprehensive definition in identifying gaps
and perspectives of other authors, whilst the quantitative method will be used as a survey
methodology to capture quantitative data, with the use of structured questionnaires to gain feedback
from participants (Merkens, 2004). Creswell and Clark (2011) further proposed that a mix method
approach is seen as an effective tool for capturing and evaluating information in an exploration. It is

research. The authors stated that the approach adds value to the study by increasing validity in the
discoveries, illuminating the accumulation of the second data source, and helping with knowledge
creation. Furthermore, studies have shown that by utilizing a mixed-method approach the researcher
will gain a more profound and wider understanding of the phenomenon under investigation (Leedy,
1997).
Method of Data Collection
Data accumulation is an organized technique for collecting and analysing information from numerous
sources and converting this information into a meaningful configuration to get a complete and
accurate sample of the area of interest. Data accumulation empowers an individual to answer
relevant questions and analyse results (Cohen,Manion and Morrison, 2007). According to Cooper
and Schindler (2001), data comprises of raw materials collected from the participants, sample of the
study and already published information. Data is defined as a primary and secondary source. Data
allocation is a significant part of any kind of research project. However, gathering inaccurate
information can influence the outcomes of a study and along these lines lead to invalid outcomes
(Cooper and Schindler, 2001).
Secondary Source:
The reusing of existing data gained from previous research studies is called secondary research and
it can be used to examine or investigate new or more research questions or to verify previous
research findings (Leedy, 1997). The secondary source was undertaken on literature to investigate
the impact of digital technology on human resource management in Jamaica. Secondary data was
obtained from journals, the publication from textbooks, and the internet that discussed the thesis of;
human resource management (HRM), human resource development (HRD) recruitment and
performance management. The researcher will also take the approach of interviewing administrative
staff and operation managers using open-ended questions. The data from the secondary source will
help to develop and support the material that will derive from the primary source.

rate, the researcher indicates the purpose of the study and why the research is undertaken.
Questionnaires are a less expensive tool and consume less time. However, the disadvantage of the
questionnaire is the tendency to analyze general characteristics (Leedy,1997). The questions that
will vividly contribute to this research consist of ten (10) fundamental questions relating to the
research topic. The questions will be addressed to qualified human resource Managers. The
informants will be selected through email interaction and social media over three weeks.
Interviews
An interview gives uniform data, which assures the equivalence of information (Levy, 1999). A semi-
structured interview will be conducted over a two (2) day period. The interviewees will be asked to
answer the following questions: (1) what are the different types of digital technology utilized within
the human resource department? (2) Do you think digital technology has developed the competency
of human resource? (3) In what way does digital technology influence the recruitment process within
the organization? According to Collis and Hussey (2003) the advantages and limitations of using
interview incorporate the following: a) the interview method is suitable in very small sample size; b) it
is a successful and flexible method for gathering much data. However, it has some disadvantages. It
is a very costly way of collecting information and it is also time-consuming (Collis and Hussey, 2003).
Online Survey
According to Cohen, Manion and Morrison (2007) survey is a route for collecting data as introduced
by the studied participants. The authors further stated that this technique is a questionnaire intended
for the particular purpose of gathering information from the respondent who answers the questions
themselves. An online survey was created by the researcher to distribute the questionnaire to the
participants via emails. An online survey is viewed as an advantageous tool to gather data as it
saves both the respondents and researcher time. Another advantage is that respondents can be
automatically prompted when they give an invalid answer, for example, selecting several tick boxes
when it’s only one that should have marked. However, the disadvantage of utilizing an online survey

Method of Data Analysis
A methodological and empirical study was conducted on literature. Herein are some key points that
were identified: (1) Information Technology has liberated the HR staff from routine jobs and
empowered them to concentrate on strategic planning in human resource development. (2)
Communication and information technologies have increased the value of HR applications(3) Online
recruitment has brought considerable advantages and quality in regards to developing, sorting and
reaching applicants (4) Training and development are one of the innovative practices to which
digitalization brings a fresher face of transformation. The data was collected using journals, books
and the internet. The data will be used to compare and contrast with the information emerging from
the primary source. The primary source will allocate data in the form of a survey questionnaire and
the secondary source will allocate data through interviews. The questionnaire and interview
questions were created based on the literature. The survey is employed to collect data from
participants who operate in the field of human resource management via emails through an online
platform called Survey Monkey. Survey Monkey is an online website that is utilized to administer and
develop surveys and provide analysis of data deriving from the findings (SurveyMonkey, n.d).
A total of ten (10) questions were formulated for the questionnaire. Respondents will be asked; (1)
how information technology influences the competency of human resource management, (2) the
main practices of human resource that is mostly influenced by digital technology and (3) which
functions of human resource utilize IT tools within the company. This instrument was chosen as it
enables the researcher to produce the data in various forms of graphs, tables and charts to
showcase the percentages, means and frequency in the responses received from the participants.
Operation managers and administrative staffs will be interviewed with a total of six (6) fundamental
questions. The empirical material will be documented carefully through recording, transcribing and
writing notes during the interviews. The data analysis will take place over two days in a face-to-face
discussion. This will helps the researcher in identifying rich sources of patterns and themes providing
a basis for the interpretation of the data and then broken down into textual information and coded.

operations. This selection was deemed the most suitable for the study due to the scope of the
research as the smaller service sector would not have provided quality and in-depth analysis to meet
the aim and objectives of the research. The sample size of this research consisted of fifty (50)
participants. This includes (20) human resource manager, (15) operation manager and (15)
administrative staffs from different departments and functions within the organization to achieve a
wider perspective. The research population was classified between the age group of 18 and over
and the gender comprises of males and females.
Discussion
The research question was suitable due to the high interest of knowledge demonstrated in the
analysis of digital technology on human resource management. Digital possibilities have been
challenging traditional ways of delivering the services of HRM within the service sectors (Shrivastava
and Shaw, 2003 and Stone et al., 2006). Guest (1997) explains that human resource departments
are increasingly utilizing web-based technologies to recruit and retain candidates. The author further
indicates that human resource (HR) managers contribute significantly to the improvement of
organizational techniques and business accomplishment. This research will deliver a quantity of data
and statistic that adds value in achieving the objectives of the research through in-depth analysis
and the utilization of both qualitative and quantitative technique. The entire achievement of the
research is also reliant on the satisfaction of the informants towards answering the questions that
include both closed and open-ended questions.
1.1 Assessing Validity and Limitation of the research methods
The steps taken in this research process can influence the output of the research so it was of
significance that the researcher avoids as many mistakes as possible during the stages of the
exploration to increase the credibility of the outcomes' (Brink 1989). It was also in the best interest of
the researcher during the interview sessions to be friendly and ethical towards the respondents
which can help massively with securing the validity of the information. According to Patton (1990) the

(2007) explains the advantages and limitation of these sources. He expresses that books provide a
thorough review of historical information of previously published authors but the limitation is that
books are not reliable because of the long period it takes to be published. Journals information is
reliable and has a lesser timeframe to be published than books but the limitation is that journals are
subjected to a peer-review procedure, which is time-consuming. The Internet is faster to access
materials while the limitation is that the information can be inaccurate and obsolete. Raean (2003)
indicates that qualitative research involves an in-depth comprehension of human perspectives.
Moreover, subjective research depends on inductive techniques that begin from allocating data from
individuals in the field to arrive at a logical conclusion. One component of the qualitative research is
that the sample population is limited and information can be allocated by utilizing various tools, for
example, observation, interviews, articles and academic journals. Despite the benefits of subjective
research, some researchers argued that it is time-consuming, and hard to be generalized to other
research settings (Raean, 2003).
Mack et.al (2005) demonstrated that qualitative research does not contribute to creating statistical
information and there is no manner of randomly choosing research participants. Creswell (2014)
argues that qualitative research doesn’t allow the researcher to partake in the information gathering
process and as such the researcher does not know how precisely it was led. Therefore, the
researcher does know how effective and reliable the data is. Quantitative research emphasizes on
gathering and dissecting numerical information. Utilizing a quantitative technique enables the
researcher to arrive at a more objective conclusion than qualitative approach may permit. It likewise
accomplishes a high standard of reliability of the assembled information and the questionnaire can
produce a great amount of information from a large number of persons in a brief timeframe (Guler,
2004). However, the restrictions of this technique are that the structures of the survey are measured
with low return rate, and because the researcher and the informants are not interacting, issues with
the questionnaire cannot be remedied or addressed (Guler, 2004). Quantitative research also
neglects to convey a more intense underlying meaning and clarifications Creswell (2014).
1.0 Ethical Consideration

session and semi-structured interview. The active informants will be acknowledged that the collecting
or retaining of any information that will be given will remain anonymous and confidential. Each
informant will be treated with dignity and the data received will be maneuvered carefully in protecting
the privacy of the participants. Their identity will not be disclosed in any composed material resulting
from this investigation. A final report will be made available to the participants for their perusal.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this chapter has introduced and explained the methodology approach. The chapter
has in great detail discussed each of the data allocation stages, involving sampling and ethical
considerations. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of digital technology on HRM in
the larger service sector of Jamaica, which utilizes a mixed-method simultaneous research design;
however, the data for this part was accumulated through in-depth interviews and survey
questionnaire with HR managers, operation managers and administrative staffs. Quantitative and
qualitative research techniques investigate and discover various creation of knowledge and both
tools are intended to address research questions. While the quantitative tool gives an objective view
of reality, the qualitative tool enables the researcher to explore and better comprehend the intricacy
of a phenomenon. Although these techniques seek to give sensory knowledge as truth, none is
without limits in its structure (Williams, 2007).

COLBOURNE COLLEGE, KINGSTON, JAMAICA
PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
You are been invited to take part in a research study on; “The Impact of Digital Technology on
Human Resource Management in Jamaica. This research is geared towards my Unit 11 assignment
titled Research Project. Your participation in this study is voluntary with no restrictions, and you don’t
have to provide a reason if you decide not to. In addition, if you decide to participate, you can
discontinue at any time.
If you participate in this study you will be asked to participate in the questionnaire session and a face
to face interview, answering questions that are pertinent to the topic. The duration of this study will
be four (4) months. However, you will participate in the study for two (2) days. The information in this
study will be kept confidential and anonymous. As the principal researcher, information collected will
be kept safe and carried out in the way it is outlined to you.
If you have any queries, concerns or issues, contact:
Ms. Maxine Samuels (Director)
c/o Colbourne College,
6 Hillview Avenue, Kingston
Telephone: [phone]

PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM
Please complete the form below.
Your signature below will indicate that you have decided to voluntarily participate in this research
study and that you have read and understood the information outlined above. You can freely
withdraw your participation in this research study at any time and also refuse to answer any
question(s). Your name will not appear on the interview manuscript either will it be identified in
reports regarding this research. I understand that I will be given a signed copy of the information and
consent form.
I hereby give my consent to be a participant in this study.
Participant’s Name (Printed): ____________________________________________________
Participant’s Signature: ________________________________ Date: _____/______/______
Researcher’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: ____/______/_______

Interview Questions
You are being asked to answer the following questions. Write your responses on the line provided.
1. What are the various types of digital technology tools utilized within your organization?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
2. Has information technology develop the competency of human resource management?
(a) Explain
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
3. What are the main practices of human resource management that is mostly influenced by digital
technology?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
4. Does digital technology have a positive impact on human resource practices?

(b) If No, Can you elaborate some more?
5. In your estimation does digital technology have a negative impact on human resource practices?
(a) State your reasons
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. Is the recruitment process more effective since the utilization of digital technology?
(a) State your reasons
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________

Questionnaire
This questionnaire is designed to assist with my unit 11 assignment; Research Project, on the topic:
The Impact of Digital Technology on Human Resource Management in Jamaica. Please note that
the information provided will be confidential and will only be used for the purpose of answering my
research questions.
Instructions: Please answer the following questions by placing a tick () beside the response you
consider appropriate.
1. What is your gender?
A. Male
B. Female
2. To what age group do you belong?
A. 18-21
B. 22-25
C. 26-29
D. 30 and over
3. In what category below would you classify yourself?
A. Senior Manager

4. Would you agree that the use of technology within the workplace impact the practices
of HRM?
A. Agree
B. Strongly agree
C. Disagree
D. Strongly disagree
5. In which human resource functions the IT tools are commonly used in your company?
A. Recruiting
B. Training
C. Communication
D. Career Management
6. Out of a scale of one to ten (1-10), how would you rate the success of using the
information and communications technology in your business operations?
A. 1-3
B. 3-5
C. 5-7
D. 8-10
7. Which of the HR practices below is mostly utilized with digital technology?
A. Recruitment and selection
B. Payroll

the years?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Rarely
9. Would you agree that information technology influences the competency of human
resource management?
A. Agree
B. Strongly agree
C. Disagree
D. Strongly disagree
10. Has the work performance of human resource increased significantly in your
organization since the utilization of digital technology?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Rarely
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING

16
1.6 SECTION: Provide an appropriate plan and procedures for the agreed research
specification.
Resource Planning and Allocation
Research
Structure Timeframe Research Activities Resources Required Cost
(If any)
Research
approach/guideline Feb. 11 – 12
Read instructions and review
requirements to understand the
aspects of how to carry out this
research.
Computer, internet and
discord $500 JMD
Research topic Mar. 4- 25 Conduct relevant research to
select a research topic.
Computer, internet, book,
pen
Gathering materials April 20-30 Investigate relevant literature to
support the research topic.
Computer, internet, books
and pen
$ 500 JMD
Introduction May 16-Jun. 10
Background/Purpose of the research
topic.
Scope of the research.
Establish the research aim
and objectives.
Computer, internet, books,
articles and pen
Research
specification May 16 – Jun.15
The outline of the research is a
clear statement displaying the
description of the research into
sections and sub-sections.
Computer and internet
Literature review Jun. 17- Jul. 14
Critique literature relevant to the
research topic and develop
questionnaires for the Survey.
Computer, internet,
journals, books and money $400 JMD

16
Submission of
section 1 and 2 Jun. 18 – Jul. 15 This section is collated into one
report, checked for plagiarism,
then upload for submission.
Computer, printing
service and internet
$560 JMD

15
Research method Jul. 20 – Aug.1
Justifying the methods that will be
used in conducting field research
and carrying out a critical review of
the literature.
Computer, journals, book
and internet
Resource planning
and allocation Jul. 23- Aug. 2
The materials and costs to execute
the research are documented and a
deadline is given for completion.
Books, computer
and pen
Creation of
participant
consent forms
and questionnaire
Aug. 9-11
A participant’s consent form will be
drafted and submitted for approval
as well as, questionnaire and
interview questions, then sent to
selected participants.
Websites, computer,
internet and pen
Submission of
section 3 and 4 Aug.12
This section is organized and
checked for plagiarism and uploaded
for submission
Computer, internet and
printing service
$560 JMD
Research findings
and discussion Aug. 22 – Sep.1
The final account of the research is
documented with a summary of the
approaches used for the research
method, data allocation and analysis.
The research is then analyzed,
compared, justified and Compiled
into one report.
Internet, book, pen,
websites and computer
Conclusion and
recommendation Aug. 22–Sept. 1
The final results of the research are
concluded and Justifiable
recommendations are proposed for
better improvement in the future.
Computer, internet,
websites and pen.

16
Submission of
section 5, 6 and
7
Sept. 2
Submission of final research and
celebrating the completion of this
research paper.
Computer, printing service
and internet. $ 560 JMD
Total costs $ 3,080 JMD

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Stone, D. L., Stone-Romero, E. F., and Lukaszewski, K. (2006). ―Factors affecting the acceptance
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