Assessing Digital Tech Impact on Harrods Business Performance

This project assesses the impact of digital technologies on the business activities and performance of Harrods Plc, a prominent retail firm. The study aims to identify digital technology trends in the retail sector, evaluate the influence of digital tools (particularly social media marketing) on Harrods' operations, investigate the challenges associated with digital technology adoption, and recommend effective technologies for enhancing performance. The research employs a qualitative approach with an inductive philosophy, utilizing primary data from surveys and secondary data from books and journals. The methodology includes purposive sampling and thematic perception test techniques. The study's rationale highlights the importance of digital technology in business growth, the sensitivity of large corporations to social media marketing, and the need to address potential negative impacts on brand image. The findings of this study will benefit Harrods by providing insights into the positive and negative effects of digital technologies, guiding strategic actions to improve performance. The research also offers guidance for other researchers in this field. The project includes a detailed literature review, research methodology, ethical considerations, and a comprehensive list of references.

Topic: To assess the impact of digital technologies on business
activities and performance in the context of firms operating in
retail sector: A study on Harrods Plc

Research aim and objectives
 The aim behind initiating present study is to assess the impact of digital technologies
on business activities and performance of Harrods Plc.
On the basis of above aim following objectives have been drafted such as:
 To identify the trend of digital technology with regards to retail sector.
 To evaluate the influence of digital technology on Harrods business activities and
performance.
 To investigate challenges associated with the adoption of digital technologies in
relation to Harrods.
 To recommend effective digital technologies to Harrods that contribute in performance
enhancement.

Research questions
For conducting study in an appropriate manner researcher is required to develop suitable
questions by taking into account research aim & objectives.
 Q.1 What is the trend of digital technology in UK retail sector?
 Q.2 Does digital technology (social media marketing) impact business operations of
Harrods plc?

Rationale of the study
 The rationale of the study is many large organizations are operating their business
using the digital technology which creates several beneficial opportunities for the
growth of the business and many limitations are faced by the business in relation to
the image consciousness.
 Due to this, Large corporate are highly sensitive to the issue of social media
marketing on their business concerns.
 Digital technology influence the revenue and the customer base of the entity across
the world while negative feedback from the customers spoils the image of the
company.
 This issue has been highlighted by many of the industries as they are moving
towards the digital era for reaching the success and growth of the business and to
attain a global presence.

Significance of the study
 It helps the researcher in developing a well thesis regarding the impact of
social media marketing on the business.
 Harrods can use this study for evaluating the positive and negative effects on its
operations and brand so that appropriate action can be taken by it to enhance its
performance.
 The other researcher who are researching on this issue can take the guidance from this
study so that it becomes easy for them to address this issue effectively and efficiently.
 Research proposal facilitates an overview of the project that enables the researcher to
understand the scope of the research as well as the proposed methodology and chosen
research methods.
 Research proposal acts as a document that serve the content for the project.

Literature Review
Themes
Theme 1: Trend of digital technology in UK retail sector
Theme 2: Impact of social media marketing on the activities and performance of firms

Research methodology
In order to attain research aim methods which will be adopted by the researcher
enumerated below:
 Research type: Qualitative
 Research approach and philosophy: Inductive approach & Interpretisvism
 Data collection: Primary (survey) and secondary (books, journals & scholarly articles)
 Sampling: purposive (non- probabilistic sampling)
 Data analysis: thematic perception test technique
 Ethical consideration: Taking consent from respondents via form
 Reliability & validity: Use of latest sources

Resources required and timeline

CONTD…

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