Impact of Digital Technologies on Small Business: Sterling Telecom Ltd

This research project investigates the impact of digital technologies on small business growth and innovation, using Sterling Telecom Ltd. as a case study. The project includes an introduction outlining the research overview, significance, aims, objectives, and research questions, along with a Gantt chart for project management. A comprehensive literature review explores the impact of digital technologies on working activities and processes, the importance of innovation for small businesses, and the role of digital technology in raising performance levels. The methodology section details the research design, approach, philosophy, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. The project also includes a data analysis section, followed by conclusions, recommendations, and a list of references. The aim is to ascertain the impact of digital technologies, focusing on how they support growth and innovation within the context of Sterling Telecom Ltd. and the telecommunications industry. The project also seeks to identify ways for the company to gain a competitive advantage through digital adoption.

RESEARCH
PROJECT

Table of Contents
TITLE – To ascertain the impact of digital technologies which supports growth and innovation in
small business organisation. A case study on Sterling Telecom Ltd. .............................................1
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
1.1 Over view of the Research....................................................................................................1
1.2 Significance of the study.......................................................................................................1
1.3 Research Aim........................................................................................................................2
1.4 Research Objectives .............................................................................................................2
1.5 Research Questions...............................................................................................................2
1.6 Research Issues.....................................................................................................................3
1.7 Gantt Chart............................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................4
2.1 Impact of digital technologies on working activities and processes.....................................4
2.2 Importance of innovation for small businesses.....................................................................5
2.3 Significance of digital technology in raising performance level and production for Sterling
Telecom Ltd. ..............................................................................................................................5
2.4 justify the ways through which firms can get high competitive advantages.........................6
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................8
Introduction.................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Type of Investigation............................................................................................................8
3.2 Research Design ...................................................................................................................8
3.3 Research Approach ..............................................................................................................8
3.4 Research Philosophy ...........................................................................................................9
3.6 Data collection......................................................................................................................9
3.7 Ethical Consideration..........................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................25

TITLE – To ascertain the impact of digital technologies which supports growth and
innovation in small business organisation. A case study on Sterling Telecom Ltd.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Over view of the Research
The present research project is going to be described importance of digital tools and
techniques for small business organisations. The main motive of every small business association
is to obtain maximum competitive advantage through expand market area and functionality
(Loebbecke and Picot, 2015). The research project is a brief study of importance of digitalisation
by having specific objectives which are able to justify the overall problem. Along with this,
literature review will be done in order to get opinions or viewpoints of different authors on area
of study and determine appropriate solutions for the same. To conduct this research in an
effective manner, there will be used qualitative research for getting appropriate or relevant data.
In present scenario, small businesses are concerned to explore their working activities so as to
create developing market occurrence. Sterling Telecom Ltd is one a small business organisations
which offers voice and data services in local areas of UK. Other services may include, phone,
Internet, television, and networking for businesses and homes. The pricing points for the
different services vary widely and may be different for residences and businesses. The prime
objective of Sterling Telecom Ltd., is to expand their business activities in different geographical
areas through introducing new and innovative products at market place.
1.2 Significance of the study
The given investigation report is depend on the impact of digital tools and technologies
on developing firms productivity or performance. Every business firms is centred on picking out
new and innovative tools and methods in respect to attaining high market position. Digital
technologies are very much effective in enhancing firms performance through applying
appropriate tools and methods at right place (Tarutė and Gatautis, 2014). Small as well as big
organisations are classified among various departments in order to establishing perfect
coordination of work so that desired goals and objectives can be achieved in effective manner
(Banai and Tulimieri, 2013). Major outcome of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of
new technologies through identifying various tools and techniques that are suitable for particular
business firm.
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Along with this, idea of digitalisation is to provide more and more benefits to workers in
form of less work as new technologies allows people to work on computer. In this over dynamic
environment, small businesses are tend to acquire innovative working procedures so as to do all
tasks and activities in a systematic manner (Rayna and Striukova, 2014). Therefore, it can be said
that technology is growing fast and becoming essential for all business organisations. In this
manner, to be stay afloat at marketplace, small businesses have to become tech-savvy and hire
staff that is well aware of the digital world.
1.3 Research Aim
The most common aim of every research is to create testable as well as measurable data
by adding certain accumulation of human knowledge. So that research aims should be
formulated in an appropriate manner as it is one of the most essential aspect of thesis. Thus,
formulation of research aim is one of the imperative part of which involves in depth interviews
(Lee and Olson, 2016). The aim of this research project is, “To ascertain the impact of digital
technologies which supports growth and innovation in small business organisation”. A case
study on Sterling Telecom Ltd.
1.4 Research Objectives
Research objectives divides research aim into various parts and evaluate each part
separately. They are needed to be based upon SMART objectives whereas abbreviation stands of
specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Basically, research objectives are used to
determine scope, depth and whole directions of research project (Bhimani and Willcocks, 2014).
Some problem solving objectives are described as under:
 To identify the impact of digital technologies on working activities and processes
 To evaluate the significance of innovation in Sterling Telecom Ltd.
 To ascertain the role of digital technology in raising performance level and production of
the company.
 Recommend various elements through which Sterling Telecom can gain competitive
advantage.
1.5 Research Questions
In the section, research questions are prepared by considering research objectives, it
supports to ascertain all elements which are required to conduct or organise work in a systematic
manner. Some essential questions are described as under:
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 What is the impact of digitalisation on working activities and processes?
 What is the importance of innovation for small businesses?
 What is the role of digital technology in increasing output level and performance level of
organisations?
 Define major ways to gain high competitive advantage at marketplace.
1.6 Research Issues
While conducting any kind of research project there is occurred several issues which can
affect by the entire area of concern. Although, such issues and obstacles are uncertain in nature
and can be raised in any situation. Time and money is one of the major issued that is being faced
by researcher while doing this research. As he did not get proper time to gather relevant data and
information. But, researcher is emphasised to resolve these issues so as to prepare an effective
research report.
1.7 Gantt Chart
In research project, Gantt chart is used to determine the time period which have been
taken by each working activity or task. It supports to do all tasks on or before its given time
schedule so as to get better outcomes. After completing working activities researcher is required
to revised all of them properly and make necessary solutions in the same.
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
It is an essential part of entire investigation which will support to administrate in depth
research by introducing opinions of various authors who have done systematic study on about the
topic that is going to be studied. Literature review helps researcher to carrying out all working
activities or processes in the best possible manner; it results better outcomes will achieved in a
certain time period. This section of research allows to make appropriate discussion upon opinion
of authors, writers or researchers (Brody and Pureswaran, 2015).
2.1 Impact of digital technologies on working activities and processes
According to F. Bustinza, C. Parry and Vendrell-Herrero, (2013) digital tools and
technologies has a positive or negative hindrance on company's performance in terms of raising
working efficiencies and capabilities. It plays a crucial role in boosting up organisational
performance level and make it capable to easily acquire internal and external changes. These
measurements and its associated software are proliferating over working practices; they collect
data through continuous sensing. Along with this, adoption of new technologies are also used to
predict and plan as well as to recommend, even to make necessary business decisions.
With the viewpoint of Gillespie and Goddard, (2017) this interplay of code and big data
is raising pervasively while governing, leading and doing various working activities. In context
of small businesses, Sterling Telecom is used new technology in order to diminish operation
costs as such software enable a firm to automate back office functions, like – accounting, payroll,
record keeping. For instance – mobile tech allows companies to interact in real time with
customers and recognise their needs and wants. Telecom companies also use digital technology
so as to build secure and safety environment in respect of maintaining sensitivity of businesses or
information of target audiences. Many technologies or software are use friendly and allows
business owners to make their services more effective. Furthermore, digital technology aids
small business organisations to improve its communication processes by using e-mails, websites,
mobile apps and texting. It enables firms to saturate in economic market by delivering their
message.
On the other hand, digital technology provides an effective direction to employees of the
organisation for expanding their capabilities or competencies; it results to perform all tasks and
activities in the best possible manner (Xu and Quaddus, 2013). With the assistance of such
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technologies, i.e. social media, emails, internet and further websites where people can express
their views or thoughts for improving organisational performance.
2.2 Importance of innovation for small businesses
Innovation is the process through which an enterprise built wealth producing resources as
well as endow existing resources in order to enhanced potential of the company. In respect of
small business, business innovations supports to generate new and unique products for target
audiences and increasing market share of the company. Due to high market competition,
resources are getting more intense, ability of firms will be improved; it results accomplishment
of corporate goals and objectives. Innovation also increases various developments, such as-
internet of things that has a huge impact on job roles in terms of getting real time data collections
that is sufficient to perform business in the best possible manner. With a spirit of innovation,
even self confessed old fashioned business can innovative to survive for long term.
According to McDowell, Harris and Geho, (2016) qualities of innovative nature is really
essential for businesses in today's world so as to learn how to be creative. It supports business
skills make valuable things; this provides potential and growth opportunities to small businesses
by building new markets and keep up them with current trends. Innovation gives organisational
sustainability while doing continuous modifications, i.e. repackaging and re-branding. Thus,
management should recognise the need to innovation and improve business skills for raising
creativity. Basically, innovation is not about creating a new product or service but also focuses
on existing businesses procedures to improve their efficiencies by identifying new target
audiences, driven up profits and cut down wastage costs. When a firm is continuously involved
in innovating of practices, it aids to attracts better workforce and keep existing staff for long run.
2.3 Significance of digital technology in raising performance level and production for Sterling
Telecom Ltd.
Advanced innovations assumes best part in picking up development and accomplishment
at advertise zone. It has some positive and negative impact on authoritative efficiency. In today's
world small business are emphasised on providing wide of products to their target audiences for
attaining and sustaining them. Customers' centric organisations have adopted various
measurements which are beneficial to improving functional area of the company. According to
the statement of Weare, 2013, digital innovations are generally connected by little and
additionally extensive business undertakings with a specific end goal to create high gainfulness
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and efficiency of firm, some significant adequacy of advanced advances are quickly assessed as
under:
 Selection of most recent innovation: In this cutting edge period advancements are as
often as possible changed due to emerges change or development in any creation (Øiestad
and Bugge, 2014). Each firm are focused on utilizing distinctive creative instruments and
advances at workplace in regard to creating high efficiency and gainfulness through
serving vast assortment of merchandise and ventures to their potential clients.
 Compelling correspondence channels: Digital innovations assumes best part in setting up
different routes through which the stream of data should be possible in productive way. It
is required for each firm to build up a viable correspondence channel inside the
association so information and data can be moved in different divisions according to the
necessity (Agrawal and et. al., 2015).
 Change in efficiency: Market assumes best part in investigating business exercises in
various topographical territories. The organization is concern is upgrading their execution
through applying different instruments and strategies which are more suitable in
enhancing working capacity of representatives.
2.4 justify the ways through which firms can get high competitive advantages
The main objective of every business association is expand their market share by earning
higher sales and profitability. For this purpose, firms are tend to improve the quality of their
products, it results sustaining high competitive edge in a certain time period. It is necessary for
small business organisations to conduct a market research in order to determine needs and wants
of target audiences and then produce products accordingly; it assists to gain higher customer
satisfaction level from target market in a certain time period. Below described several
recommendations which are given to small businesses: -
 Provide quick and easy services to potential buyer in respect to satisfying their needs and
wants (Berger and Frey, 2016).
 Effective utilisation of resources, so that productivity can be improving through applying
proper tools and techniques.
 Provide after sales services to their potential customers, so that their issues can be
resolved in effective manner (Salas and et. al., 2012).
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 Provide fast and effective services to their buyers so that profitability can be gained.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This consist to be the most essential part of research project as it helps the researcher in
carry out the whole research activities in systematic manner. This also refers as the combination
of various applications which all are interlinked with each other and helps in accumulating
appropriate outcome ad result of project (Tarutė and Gatautis, 2014). This section of research
performs essential role in analysing data and information through selecting appropriate
methodology which suits the most to the activities of Research. This section of research involves
various applications which are are effective in providing a significant direction to the researcher
to researching at final result and outcome.
3.1 Type of Investigation
This is the key element of research methodology as in this researcher plays crucial role in
selecting the type of research on which the whole activity of research is carried out in appropriate
manner. The research can be qualitative or quantitative in nature and it is essential for
investigator to select the most suitable one for completion of research work. Th present research
project is based on qualitative research method as in this data and information are gathered on
the basis of qualitative means.
3.2 Research Design
This is the most critical piece of investigation and this is ordered among three noteworthy
sorts, for descriptive, exploratory and experimental research design. This can be considered as
the blue print of enquiry through which all exercises can be execute in right way. In the present
research project descriptive research design has to be taken into proper action as it helps in
clarifying the all activities of research and implement them as per the requirements so that
outcome can be attained in effective manner (Rayna and Striukova., 2014). Descriptive research
design is effective for this research as it is appropriate for qualitative means of research. This
design ineffective in providing a significant direction to the research to implement all research
operations in effective manner.
3.3 Research Approach
This is also an another essential part of research project which helps in analysing the
reverence of research activities which are implemented in a particular research project. This
section of methodology is categorised among two major types such as deductive or inductive in
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nature. In the present research project inductive research approach has to be applied by
researcher as it is effective for analysing the relevance of qualitative data or information.
3.4 Research Philosophy
This can be determined as the most effective part of research methodology in which
researcher is having choice to select the most suitable philosophy as to providing proper
information through analysing the opinion of authors and writers (Lee and Olson, 2016). This
section of methodology has two major types such as interpritivism and positivism in which
researcher have to select the one as per the requirement of research work. In the particular
research project interpritivism philosophy has to be taken into appropriate action by research as
the major reason for selecting interpritivism philosophy is that it is effective for accumulating
data and information of qualitative research.
3.5 Data Sampling
A research undertakes various elements and techniques in order to present the entire report in
more factual way. Hence, this is required for a researcher to demonstrate public or population
size in regard of managing report. The selected sample represents the entire population of
undertaken research report from whom the data is being accumulated. This report outline 40
respondents in their research from whom the questionnaire is being filled for the accumulation
and analysis of data in significant manner. This is required for researcher to opt one of both types
of researcher whether non-probabilistic or probabilistic as per the appropriateness and suitability
of research project. This project will utilise the non-probabilistic research method for more
convenient and effectively presentation of the entire research population (Zhang, Ma. and
Cartwright, 2013).
3.6 Data collection
This can be defined as the procedure of data accumulation while conducting a proper research
evaluation technique. There are various types and methods of data collection that can be termed
as secondary and primary data. This research project will utilise both primary data for
presentation of new facts and logics along with systematic outcome along with secondary data
for presenting literature review in more effective and significant manner. Hence, this is essential
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