A Research Proposal on Digital Technologies and SME Performance

This research proposal aims to examine the implications of digital technologies on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), using Stripe Ltd as a case study. The research objectives include analyzing the usefulness of digital technologies, identifying methods for boosting company performance, measuring the impact of technology integration on Stripe Ltd's effectiveness, and finding ways to enhance performance and gain a competitive edge through digital technology. The study uses qualitative research, an inductive approach, a descriptive design, and interpretivism as its research philosophy. Data will be sampled using probability methods, covering the impact of digital technology on business operational capabilities and the implications and benefits of introducing technology. The proposal also includes sections on literature sources, activities, timescales, research approach, methodologies, and ethical considerations, ensuring compliance with data protection and ethical research practices.

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: ______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a
question, objective or hypothesis)
“To examine the implications of digital technologies on performance of small medium
enterprises. A case study on Stripe Ltd”
Research objectives (e.g what is the question you want to
answer? What do you want to learn how to do? What do you want
to find out?):
Objectives
 To analyse the usefulness of digital technologies in present scenario.
 To identify methods that can be adopted by company for boosting performance of
company.
 To measure the impact of integration of digital technologies on effectiveness of
Stripe Ltd.
 To find out ways that can be used by Stripe Ltd for enhancing their performance
and gain competitive edge in market by using digital technology.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you
are studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills
you want to improve, why the topic is important):
This research work is very vital and it will ensure that managers understand the role of

digital technology in boosting or reducing organisation capabilities. This study will assist
them in identifying ways in which productivity of Stripe Ltd can be enhanced. It will
enable company in achieving a competitive market edge in market and ensure that each
task is completed in a set time period.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
Books
Thomas, M. ed., 2011. Deconstructing digital natives: Young people, technology, and the
new literacies. Taylor & Francis.
Wartella, E. and et. al., 2013. Parenting in the age of digital technology. Report for the
Center on Media and Human Development School of Communication
Northwestern University.
Journals
O'Keeffe, G. S. and Clarke-Pearson, K., 2011. The impact of social media on children,
adolescents, and families. Pediatrics. 127(4). pp.800-804.
Petty, N.J., Thomson, O.P. and Stew, G., 2012. Ready for a paradigm shift? Part 2:
Introducing qualitative research methodologies and methods. Manual
therapy. 17(5). pp.378-384.
Wood, E. and et. al., 2012. Examining the impact of off-task multi-tasking with technology
on real-time classroom learning. Computers & Education. 58(1). pp.365-374.
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research
project (e.g research, development and analysis
of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical
analysis, tutor meetings, production of final
outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
1. Selection of topic
2. Aim and objectives setting
3. Literature review
4. Research methodology
How long this
will take: (In
Days)
1
3
5
5

Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you
likely to use and why?
Research type- Qualitative research
Research approach- Inductive
Research design- Descriptive
Research Philosophy- Interpretivism
Data Sampling- Probability
What your areas of research will cover:
Impact of digital technology on business operational capabilities.
Implications, benefits of introducing technology in business.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):

I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be
submitted for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV
sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human
participants or the use of data collected form human participants are
required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research.
Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be
returned if incomplete.

For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed
research fully with your unit tutor. Please complete this form in good
time before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title:
“To examine the implications of digital technologies on performance of small medium
enterprises. A case study on Stripe Ltd”
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your
project:
 Questionnaires Yes
 Observations Yes
 Use of personal records Yes
 Data Analysis Yes

Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where
necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Adults: 18 and above
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Approach will be based on probability and people will be
recruited randomly.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what
you are doing:
People will be informed via emails or personal interaction.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written?
How will it be made clear to participants that they may withdraw
consent to participate at any time?
Consent will be taken via personal approach. People will be
stated that they can withdraw their consent before undertaking
any research work. Once they fill up forms then they cannot back
track.
Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option
of omitting questions that do not wish to answer?
No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical
issues arising from this

There are no questions that breaks the privacy limits. This
questionnaire strictly follows ethics and is concerned only with
digitalisation and its impact.
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be
asked for their informed consent to be observed.
Yes
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give
them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?
(This could be a brief summary of your findings in general)
No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in
compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998)
Yes
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
I will be keeping data to myself.
During the research:
The data will be carried on my laptop.
Where will the data be stored?
On the hard drive.

Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes
If Yes, please provide further details:
Laptop with an external hard drive will be used for storing and
managing personal data of people.
After the research: It will be uploaded on personal cloud storage.
Where will the data be stored?
Hard drive and cloud.
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
6 months after research work.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
No
Section 5 : Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may
raise ethical concerns? If so, please outline how you will deal with
these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks
that may arise because of your research. Please consider/address all
issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not
limited to the following :
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the
research (including transfer, sharing, encryption,
protection).
 Reporting
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s
Research and Ethics Policy:
Yes
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with

my Unit Tutor:
Yes
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of
the ethical issues that may arise in the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to the Cohort Leader and a
copy to your supervisor only