Report on Digital Skills and Research Methods in Modern Business

This report examines the transformative impact of digital skills and research methods on modern business operations. It explores how technological advancements, including email systems, smartphones, CRM systems, accounting software, inventory control systems, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, have enhanced workplace efficiency, streamlined processes, and facilitated data-driven decision-making. The report also delves into the role of social media in marketing, data gathering, and communication, highlighting its influence on brand awareness, customer engagement, and the expansion of marketing reach. Furthermore, the report discusses the challenges and future trends in digital technology, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and investment in technology to maintain a competitive edge in the evolving business landscape. The analysis considers the advantages and disadvantages of using digital tools and technologies in different business functions.

DIGITAL SKILLS AND
RESEARCH METHODS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................1
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Modern era has transformed the overall world’s economy. Frequent technological
advancement has changed the way of communicating and sharing data and information. Also, at
present, the use of technology has increased to a great extent in businesses. Moreover, on
internet, each and every information is available (Bryman, 2016). This has benefited the
organization to expand their operations in different countries. Furthermore, use of technological
tools and equipment at workplace has enabled in smooth flow of operations. This assignment
will describe how modern technologies have enhanced effectiveness at workplace. Also, it will
discuss how social media is used by businesses in marketing of products and services and in
gathering data and information.
MAIN BODY
Era of digitalization has revolutionized the way of doing business. It has created a vast
number of opportunities to grow and develop. Also, technology has modified traditional method
of performing operations. It has brought automation in processes making it easy to perform.
Technology is playing a significant role in the growth of organizations. They are emphasized on
implementing technology within workplace so that efficiency can be improved. Also, more
products can be developed and new goals are formed. In addition to it, there are different types
of software and application which are used in improving workplace environment. It has been
useful in appropriate performing of tasks and accomplishing targets. This is possible because of
use of communication tools and equipment (Marsh and et.al., 2017). Many new technologies
have been invented which is used by companies in improving their productivity. With
automation they are able to do complex task. There are different types of modern technologies
used by businesses. Besides this, it is necessary for business to compete in market and sustain for
long term. So, technologies have provided a platform to increase their productivity and develop
products and services to attract more customers.
Different types of IT tools have modified the way of running operations. It has replaced
the traditional way where each and everything was done manually and it required a lot of
paperwork. The implementation of technology in different departments has assisted in
performing functions in an advanced manner. For each unit, there are tools available which
consist of special features. Hence, it has helped in integrating various functions. Also, they all
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are interrelated with each other. Thus, they are performed in a systematic way. Doing complex
task in less time has allowed employees to focus on other things.
TYPES OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES
E mail system- This technology has emerged to a high extent presently. In today’s time, many
firms have developed their own e-mail software. This has helped in quick sharing and exchange
of information. Employees are able to communicate with each other in a proper way. Moreover,
e-mails have become an essential source while working. It has also covered large area range. By
using this, expenses of business are reduced. The information is circulated within seconds
making it easy in decision taking. In this way, it has enhanced doing of task and completing it in
specified time.
Smartphone – This invention of smart phone is biggest technological advancement of decade. It
has completely changed way of communicating (Clark and et.al., 2016). Almost everyone is
using smartphone in present time. Businesses are also benefited from it. This has eased process
of sharing data and information. Employees working in organization all over can interact with
anyone, anytime. The use of smartphone has allowed enterprise to get in touch with customers.
For example- Apple have given their employees Ipad to communicate with each other.
CRM systems- The use of CRM system has helped in maintaining records of customers. It has
enabled in storing large data sets in segregated way. Thus, it has been useful in providing
services in effective way. Moreover, decision related to solving customer issues are taken
properly hence reduction in conflicts among employees and management.
Accounting system – There are several accounting systems which is been used by business. In
them financial transactions are recorded automatically. Also, the system contain features in
which calculations are done and processed (Types of business technology, 2018). It has helped in
providing precise and accurate data to management. Thus, by using data decision are taken and
budget are prepared. Additionally, complex transactions are interpreted quickly. This has
improved recording of financial transaction and measuring organization performance.
Inventory control system – Another modern technology used is inventory system (Martínez-
Cantos, 2017). They track every item ad keeps record of it. This has been useful in updating each
item if it is delivered in market. Also, it has ease process of purchasing raw materials so that
production is not impacted. These systems are integrated with financial one.
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Artificial intelligence – This latest technology is implemented to boost operational efficiency. It
has eliminated the manual working with highly automated one. Large companies are investing
huge amount in AI to do complex task. It has provided a platform to gain competitive advantage
and develop variety of products. Furthermore, with use of AI employees are able to work in
effective way. These systems have supported in implementation of strategies successfully and in
less time. This have enabled in enhancing smooth flow of operations. It has helped in
maintaining quality as per standards set. An example can be taken of Volkswagen which is using
AI in assembling and designing of cars.
Data analytics – The emerging new technology of 20th century has been useful in many ways. It
has assisted in analyzing large data set into useful information. Thus, management and
employees are able to take quick and accurate decisions. Therefore, new products are developed
and strategies are formed. For example – Tesco is using data analytics to track data of customer
from SMM. It has assisted them in effective decision making.
Apart from this, different type of software and applications are used in departments like
accounting, logistics, etc. it has reduced the processing time. Software like Word, Excel,
spreadsheet system that performs small task. Hence, manual workload has decreased. Also, data
can be stored, updated, delete, etc. in efficient way (Eriksson and Kovalainen, 2015). Hence,
employees are able to perform their roles by using software. Moreover, decisions are taken by
analyzing data. It has also enabled in prioritizing activities.
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Figure 1: IT expenditure
(Source: IT services expenditure, 2017)
Therefore, modern technological system has benefited businesses in doing operations in a
simplified and flexible way. Employees are able to operate machine with help of tools and
equipment’s. Now, complex activities are performed in effective way. It has led to completion of
goals and objectives by utilizing less resources and expenses. Also, activities are monitored with
tools. This has resulted in proper controlling. However, technology has supported in eliminating
errors. In this way, it has assisted in implementing change. Furthermore, it has created a network
to communicate all over the world.
The invention of social media has fundamentally changed the way people communicate
and interact with each other. It not only includes chatting with friends, family, etc. but also with
business which has resulted in adding value in marketing operations. Another importance it has
provided is increase in range of communication (Parry and et.al., 2018). It has created a strong
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network where employees connect with each other. Alongside this, it has provided a single
platform to communicate all over the world quickly. This has reduced time and cost of
organization. By using e mail, smart phone, etc. Communication is done in easier way. It has
enabled in sending and receiving of messages through a common channel.
Social media has also been useful in gathering data. By reviewing customer feedback
enterprise are able to collect data and interpret it. Social media has helped in identifying change
in taste and preference of customers. By advertising goods organization find out what people
response. Moreover, business can evaluate their performance in different markets. In addition to
it, by targeting different people enterprise collects information about their needs and companies
which are already existing in market.
Figure 2: Business perception
(Source: IT industry outlook, 2018)
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As said by Bailey and Burch, 2017, the major impact of using social media is on
marketing of products. It has allowed businesses to promote their goods and services on various
networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. Through this, they are able to create
awareness in market and engage effectively with customers. People are able to compare the cost
and quality of product and buy it. They get complete information of products on social sites
which has saved their cost and time. Another advantage that social site has given is expansion in
range of marketing. There are several types of digital services used like PPC, SEO, SMM, video
and content marketing, etc.
All these services are offered by third parties. It has allowed business to promote goods in
an attractive and effective way. Due to this, many people have been attracted. With the help of it,
brand awareness is easily generated in market (Alam and Imran, 2015). Every company have
developed their own pages on social media. They promote it by giving variety of offers and
discounts. This has become a major source for them to create customer base. Moreover, is has
supported in finding out how other companies are promoting their goods. It has been useful for
business to interact with customers frequently. They send e mail to them regarding any offer or
new product. By displaying proper content and product information on various sites organization
are able to advertise it.
But, on the contrary Marsh and et.al., 2017, said that promoting on social media has
impacted negatively. It has resulted in providing fake information about product and services.
Moreover, it has led to rise in cases of frauds. There have been many cases of spams where
people get trapped. It has been main drawback of using social media. Additionally, it is been
difficult for business to track data of customer who have visited their page or website. Thus,
strategies are to be modified and implement in new way.
At present, there are various networking sites which is used by people. It has eased in
sharing information. In similar way, businesses have also allowed employees to use them to
communicate with each other. Now, employees are able to interact in real time and in quick way.
Moreover, social media has made it easy to review and get feedback constantly. (How social
media can be used as marketing tool, 2014). Social media tool has fastened communication
process at workplace as well. By using networking sites, employees connect and communicate
with each other from one place. They can connect to colleagues which are far away.
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According to Clark and et.al., 2016, in future, technology will become an integral part of
business. It will help in modernizing overall operations and bringing more effectiveness in
working. Every enterprise will focus on coping up with technological advancement so that they
can compete in the market for long term. Also, they will have to invent huge funds in technology
maintenance. This will increase burden on expenses. It is said by Bryman, 2016 that in future
high technological advancement will bring more changes in business. Artificial intelligence and
data analytics will become an important concept. It will play a vital role in gaining competitive
advantage in market and developing new products and services.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above report that by using advanced technologies,
operational efficiency of enterprises has improved to a great extent. They are able to achieve goal
and objectives in specified time. There are different modern technologies which are used by
firms now-a-days like E mail, CRM, etc. that have enhanced the efficiency at workplace. Also,
now communication process has fastened making it easy in decision making. Social media has
transformed the way of advertising goods and services. It has expanded area of marketing
through which a large number of people are attracted. Also, by this brand, awareness is generated
in the market. It has enabled business to interact with customers frequently and so, they are able
to retain them.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alam, K. and Imran, S., 2015. The digital divide and social inclusion among refugee migrants: A
case in regional Australia. Information Technology & People. 28(2). pp.344-365.
Bailey, J.S. and Burch, M.R., 2017. Research methods in applied behavior analysis. Routledge.
Bryman, A., 2016. Social research methods. Oxford university press.
Clark, D.B. and et.al., 2016. Digital games, design, and learning: A systematic review and meta-
analysis. Review of educational research. 86(1). pp.79-122.
Eriksson, P. and Kovalainen, A., 2015. Qualitative methods in business research: A practical
guide to social research. Sage.
Marsh, J. and et.al., 2017. Young children’s initiation into family literacy practices in the digital
age. Journal of Early Childhood Research. 15(1). pp.47-60.
Martínez-Cantos, J.L., 2017. Digital skills gaps: A pending subject for gender digital inclusion in
the European Union. European Journal of Communication. 32(5). pp.419-438.
Parry, R. and et.al., 2018. Mapping the Museum Digital Skills Ecosystem-Phase One Report.
Online
How social media can be used as marketing tool. 2014. [Online] Available through:
<https://www.b2bmarketing.net/en-gb/resources/blog/how-can-social-media-be-used-
marketing-tool>.
Types of business technology. 2018. [Online] Available through:
<https://smallbusiness.chron.com/types-business-technology-167.html>.
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