Research Report: Digital Technologies and Business Activities Analysis

This research report investigates the implications of digital technologies, specifically the Internet of Things, on business activities, using The Corner Communications Ltd. as a case study. The report includes a detailed research proposal with clearly defined research questions, supported by a comprehensive literature review. It outlines the aims and objectives, explores the concept of IoT, identifies challenges faced during implementation, and analyzes the importance of IoT in connecting different systems. The research methodology encompasses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The report covers primary and secondary research methods, data analysis techniques, and the effectiveness of research methods in meeting objectives. Furthermore, it discusses alternative research methodologies and concludes with a reflection on the findings and their implications for the business.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by
literature review.....................................................................................................................1
P2 Research methods and conduct primary and secondary research.....................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business research project
................................................................................................................................................7
P4 Analytical tools to analyse research findings and data.....................................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................16
P5 Research outcomes in an appropriate manner.................................................................16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................16
P6 Effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives.................................16
P7 Alternative research methodologies................................................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

TITLE: To determine the implications of digital technologies on business activities.
INTRODUCTION
In this rapid changing world digital technology is growing in a rapid speed as it is
changing rate of work by a person. Digital technology simply breakdown the messages and
assist receiving devices in transforming the information into binary codes (Saad-Sulonen, 2014).
This binary code is generally denoted with code 0 and 1. internet of Things is a part of digital
technology that helps different devices to connect with one another via internet which further
enable these devices in sending and receiving data and information in a better manner. With the
help of this report, researcher will get to know about the implication of digital technology on
business activities of The Corner Communications Ltd., which is a modern advertising agency.
Present report will include a research proposal which will further involves research
questions supported by literature review. Furthermore, outcomes of the research will be
explained in order to identify stakeholders. Lastly, reflection on the application of research
methodologies and concept is mentioned in this assignment.
TASK 1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by
literature review
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis, supported by
literature review
A major change in the field of digital technology can be seen over the past few decades
as process of working in business in changing. Technologies has transformed analog technology
into digital one which has often maximizes the size and speed limitations, as this was a drawback
because during this period companies were not being able to store ample number of data and
information (Deegan and Sutherland, 2016). In this field, Internet of Things has come up as an
evolution as it has enabled systems in transferring information and data over the internet in quick
time. Thus, Internet of Things helps in connecting all physical objects via internet and the
process is known as RFID method of communication.
Background of research
Internet of things provides a world where all devices are connected with each other with
the help of internet. Therefore, it is setting a stage where physical world will become one of the
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biggest platform for sharing and storing information. Nowadays most of the companies are
adopting this for making their business activities more easier and other than this because it is a
cheap processors and contains a wireless networks which increases the capability of changing
anything into a part of IoT. Reason of conducting this research is to determine the impact of
Internet of Things on business operations of The Corner Communications Ltd which is a modern
advertising agency and provides creative solutions to its clients (Thibodeau, 2014). Therefore, all
the activities of the company are being done through digital technology as connecting with
devices has become more easier. For example: with the help of Internet of Things, The Corner
Communications Ltd can operate their online activities through their smart phones, motion
sensor or a smart thermostat.
In addition to this, people can now communicate with respective companies from any
place and any time.
Aims and objectives
Research Aim: “To determine the impact of Internet of things in connecting with
different systems. A case study on The Corner Communications Ltd.
Research objectives:
 To determine the concept of Internet of Things.
 To identify the challenges company face while executing Internet of Things within
Corner Communication Ltd.
 To analyse the importance of Internet of Things in connecting different systems in The
Corner Communications Ltd
Research questions
 What do you understand by the concept of Internet?
 What are the challenges company face while implicating Internet of Things within Corner
Communication Ltd?
 What is the importance of importance of Internet of Things in connecting different
systems in The Corner Communications Ltd?
Literature review is determine as a theoretical representation of overall research which
further helps in obtaining objectives. This inculcates various viewpoints of different authors and
scholars who have adequate knowledge and information about respective topics. Therefore, with
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the help of this, an investigator can gain effective knowledge of the chosen topic which
researcher can use for proper compilation of the entire research.
Concept of Internet of Things in The Corner Communications Ltd
According to Johnson, (2015), Internet of Things is determine as a network of physical
devices under which electronics, software, sensors and actuators are mostly embedded that assist
these things in connecting with other devices with the purpose of exchanging data and
information in a better and effective manner. Therefore, most of the companies are using Internet
of Things in order to provide enhanced customer services and also for increasing value of
businesses. Internet of Things, create a ecosystem which consist of web-enabled smart objects
that includes a processor, sensors and a communication hardware. All these elements collects
and sends information from one devices to another. Therefore, the entire process depends upon
protocol developed by an organisation.
In addition to this, according to the point of view of Echenique, Molías and Bullen,
(2015), it can be said that Internet of Things is consider as an umbrella that enabled different
devices like smartphones, personal computers etc. through internet technologies and IoT can also
be determine as a next stage of internet with the help of which company can gather and collect
information very easily with quick time without any kind of complications and issues. Instead of
providing so much benefits some people misunderstood Internet Of Things and believe that all
the objects that are connected comes under Internet of Things for example: for example:
phenomena of Machine-to-machine under which devices cannot be considered under Internet of
Things. Therefore, IoT enables smart digital physical objects which can store and capture data in
a secured manner.
In relation with The Corner Communications Ltd., with the help of Internet of Things,
company can easily communicate with their clients more effectively and moreover, IoT will
enable firm in connecting their devices with other objects. Therefore, it can be said that Internet
of Things is something beyond connecting traditional device such as laptops, desktops
smartphones etc., because it includes objects which can be connected from external environment
via internet. For example: connected security systems, lights in household and commercials.
Challenges company face while implicating Internet of Things within Corner
Communication Ltd?
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As per the point of view of Hollis and et. al., (2015), Internet of Things is entirely a new
concept and it is providing a huge opportunities to organisation by transforming their world into
digital form. Basically, IoT is incorporated by companies in order to collect data, analyse the
organisation's consequences and includes an insight through which new ideas can be generated.
In addition this, it assist firm in sharing information from one system to another via internet.
Although Internet of Things provides benefits but its deployment are challenging and some of
them are explained below:
Scaling: This is a major problems which are mostly faced by companies as in a glance
company cannot get an idea about the network equipment required, sensors or required software
etc. Therefore, to overcome this, company can prepare a footprint under which they maintains a
solutions for issues and problems faced.
Implementation: It is considered as one of the challenge which company can face as
employees can not agree for introducing Internet of Things in their organisation because of
security concern. Further, it can be a question for IT department whether they can be able to
understand the concept of Internet of Things (Stankovic, 2014).
Data Protection and Security: With increasing benefits and facilities which are availed
through internet also lead to emergence of many hazards. As internet is the large perspective
which is connected with maximum organisation, it is required by companies to secure their
confidential and sensitive data by adopting various security policies that helps in securing data.
Hence, it is required by Internet of things service provider to ensure that the details of company
is safe for long term.
Connectivity: Basically the entire process of Internet of Things is based on connectivity
via internet. Thus, if the physical systems are not connected properly than company can face
issues while operating their business in an effective manner. For example: company has a system
that are operated through smart devices but because of connectivity issues further process can
hamper. Therefore, it is crucial that company has proper gateways which are compatible with
GPRS and Wi-Fi/LAN. Furthermore, effective protocols should be developed so that entire
process can be conducted in an effective manner.
Importance of Internet of Things in connecting different systems in The Corner
Communications Ltd
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According to Holler and et. al., (2014), in recent times, Internet of Things is becoming
one of the interesting topic and according to a study, the number of using IoT will be increased
by around 26 billion by 2020. Many of the people misunderstood Internet of Things as an
independent technology that includes three fundamental components which are Hardware: this
enable physical objects to responds and retrieve data and information so that appropriate
responds can be given. Software: with the help of Internet of Things, software can now gather
information, store, manipulate and instruct to employees and workers. Communication
Infrastructure: This is considered as an important factors as Internet of Things includes
protocols and technologies which moreover enable two physical objects in exchanging data and
information (Challenges while implementing Internet of Things, 2018).
In this modern era, broadband is widely available and can be afforded by companies in
order to perform their business activities. Therefore, now firm can be able to interact with its
clients in much cheaper way. For example: firm can use Internet of Things in their automated
cameras in order to monitor daily activities of their clients. IoT is important for companies to
adopt as this will assist firm in developing an ecosystem through which organisation can
communicate and share information in the most easiest form. Other than this, it will assist firm in
monitoring overall business process which gradually save time and money and improve customer
experience (Rifkin, 2014). As a result, with the help of Internet of Things , company can enhance
their productivity and generate more and more revenue. For example: with the help of IoT
company can sense and gather information about consumer's behaviour such as what are the
demands of customers regarding online advertisement. As a result, it will further assist company
in making appropriate decisions of their clients after analysing the views and thoughts of
customers.
P2 Research methods and conduct primary and secondary research
Research methodology can be defined as a theoretical aspect and is considered as an
systematic approach which assist an investigator in analysing and evaluating a valid conclusion.
This includes certain tools and techniques which are important for determining and interpreting
collected data and information of a given topic. Therefore, research methodologies provides a
proper guidance to researcher in accomplishing the task in a given period of time (Yan, Zhang
and Vasilakos, 2014).
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 Qualitative research: This is an approach that is used by an investigator in order to
collect information as this majorly focus on factors like interviews, survey methods,
group discussion and many more. Basically, this is done in order to make theoretical part
of the research more appropriate as through this method researcher can get different point
of views regarding the respective topic.
 Quantitative research: Investigator collects information and data in a numerical form,
therefore, with the help of quantitative research gathered content are arranged in a
statistical manner which further assist investigator in knowing future trend present in the
market. This moreover, includes methods like questionnaire, in-depth interview and
many more (Granjal, Monteiro and Silva, 2015).
In order to conduct this research, researcher has used Qualitative approach because in
which, with the help of questionnaire, investigator tend to find out in-depth knowledge about a
particular topic. As a result, it assist researcher in getting a valid conclusion.
Data Collection Methods: Data collection is determine as a procedure that helps an
investigator in collecting and gathering information and preparing data. Therefore, its crucial for
keeping an record and preparing effective decisions in relation with the topic chosen. Basically,
it includes two methods of data collection that are primary and secondary method of data
collection which is further explained in a better manner for better understanding. Primary method: Data and information that are collected under this form are first hand
source which can be accumulated through observation, focus interview, surveys, case
study etc. Therefore, in order to gather information, questionnaire is being prepared
which are majorly based on close ended questions which can further be used for
collecting information in order to evaluate a valid conclusion (Razzaque and et. al.,
2016).
 Secondary method: Under this, information that collected are already existed and can be
obtained from different sources like journals, newspapers, etc. Therefore, this method is
used by most of the researcher as it is time and cost saving thus, collecting data and
information becomes more easier.
In order to collect data and information both primary and secondary method is being used
as it will assist researcher in evaluating a better outcome or conclusion regarding a specific topic.
For instance: with the help of primary method investigator can get authentic data which are fresh
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and not used by any other person. Whereas in terms of secondary method of data collection it
will aid researcher in making the part of literature review more authentic in nature.
Research Philosophies: This is a vast topic which helps researcher in developing
knowledge by collecting and analysing data and for this investigator make use of both primary
and secondary data. Saundars research onion helps in having a proper information about detailed
stage of research process and it assist researcher in designing a research methodology.
Sampling: It is collected from a subset of population as inquiring a large number of
public is not possible. In this, researcher can use probabilistic and non-probabilistic sampling.
Thus, according to the the given situation, in order to conduct this research, random sampling is
being used and sample size which was taken was of 30 which is according to the investigator is
appropriate (Fortino and Trunfio eds., 2014). This sampling methods was used in order to collect
data without biaseness as it provides population a equal chance of getting selected.
TASK 2
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business research project
An investigation is done in order to know and identify the main purpose or motive of
conducting this research. Therefore, it is crucial that while doing a research, an investigator must
have appropriate knowledge about how a research is being conducted and what are the skills
which are required for doing the same (Ortiz and et. al., 2014). Thus, there are two factors which
are important to be looked after if a researcher wants to accomplish the task in a better manner
that are explained below:
Cost: This is considered as a crucial factor which a researcher needs to evaluate the entire
cost of the project before starting a research. Thus, investigator should have adequate money so
that all the plan or activities can be executed in an effective manner without any complications.
Therefore, if this issue is handled properly than particular research can be completed in
speculated time frame.
Ethical Issues: This includes certain norms which can help them in distinguish between
what is right and what is wrong. Thus, it is important for researcher in conducting the research in
an effective manner by considering all the norms and principles. Therefore, it is crucial that
researcher keep the data and information secured so that no body can misuse the same or affects
the sentiments of that individual (Greengard, 2015).
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QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Gender:
Age:
Designation:
Q1. Do you have any knowledge related to Internet of Things ?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2. How Internet of Things may impact over business of The Corner Communication Ltd. ?
a) Improve productivity
b) Enhancement in sales
c) Upgrade business activities
Q3. As per current scenario, is it necessary for The Corner Communication Ltd. to adopt
Internet of Things?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4. Will Internet of Things give any advantage to The Corner Communication Ltd. in near
future?
a) May be
b) May be not
Q5. According to you, what are the challenges that can be faced by The Corner Communication
Ltd., while implementing Internet of Things in business?
a) Connectivity
b) Data Protection
c) Security
Q6) Is Internet of Things providing competitive advancement to The Corner Communication
Ltd?
a) Yes
b) No
Q7) According to you, is Internet of Things helpful in connecting all physical devices?
a) Agree
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b) Disagree
Q8) Is Internet of Things reducing the cost of business operations in The Corner
Communication Ltd?
a) Yes
b) No
Q9) Any suggestions, you want to give for improving business operations for The Corner
Communication Ltd?
P4 Analytical tools to analyse research findings and data
Theme 1: Information about Internet of Things
Q1. Do you have any knowledge related to Internet of Things ? Frequency
a) Yes 17
b) No 13
Interpretation: Internet of thing creates a hub of devices which are mostly connected to
each other through Internet. Therefore, from the above graph it can be evaluated that, from the
point of view of 17 respondents they agreed with the statement which means they are aware and
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a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column B

have appropriate knowledge about the concept of Internet of Things. Whereas according to the
13 respondents who stated 'No', don't know anything about Internet of Things.
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