Research Project: The Implications of Digital Tech on SMEs

This research project examines the implications of digital technologies, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with a case study on Austin Fraser. The project begins with a research proposal defining the research question, objectives, and questions, focusing on the significance of IoT in connecting and integrating systems. It explores the background of the research, the aim, and the research objectives, including identifying the significance of IoT for business operations, analyzing its impact on integrating systems, determining the challenges faced during IoT implementation, and identifying different types of enterprise deployments. The project reviews relevant literature on the impact of IoT on business operations, including intelligent transport solutions, and its effects on integrating systems, such as increased productivity, cost savings, gathering rich data, and new business opportunities. The research investigates the impact of digital technologies on SMEs, specifically how they impact businesses and the challenges businesses face. The research includes the analysis of the implications of digital technologies on SMEs and how businesses can take advantage of the opportunities that digital tools and IoT provides.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis........................1
P2 Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research............................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business research project
................................................................................................................................................8
P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data...........................12
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................21
P5 Covered in PPT...............................................................................................................21
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................21
P6 Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques.............................21
P7 Determine alternative research methodologies for the project........................................22
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

Topic: “The implications of digital technologies on SME’s”
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology refers to the electronic technology that stores, generate and also
processes the data or information. Digital technology has modified the way the manner in which
operations are carried out along with redefining interaction with people.. In context to business,
technology increased usefulness of services and products in safe manner by implementation of
Internet of Things. It is helpful in developing the value and consists machines, tools, instruments
and some of the other devices which provide the advantages to human life by adopting the
upgrade and new technology (Aijaz and Aghvami, 2015). Through using the digital technology,
business organisations can conduct its operations as well as activities in an effective way. It helps
in save the time and cost of firms leading to enhance profitability. Technology has enhanced the
development as well as productivity of an industry. In context to social, it is more useful and
permit the easy interact with other people in the faraway locations. There are many different
digital tools such as social media, cloud technology, Internet of Things and Artificial intelligence
which help in connecting will people, share and store data etc. It can useful in several various
categories involving the inventory control, security, energy conservation, shipping, individual
tracking and location. Internet of Things permit for the interaction among the devices and
referred to as the Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication.
TASK 1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis
Digital technology has changed way in which people communicate play and also work. It
can make improvement in probability, productivity, leverage the satisfaction of customer in
loyalty and many others. Among all, Internet of Things is one of the most effective technology
which firms use. It is a network of vehicles, physical devices and home appliances embedded
with software, connectivity, sensors electronics and actuators which enable all these things to
connect and also exchange information and data (Bandyopadhyay and Sen, 2011). It helps in
giving better opportunities for the purpose of direct integration of physical world in to computer
based systems. It consists extending the connectivity of internet beyond the standard devices like
smartphones, tablets, laptops to any non-internet-enabled physical devices. It is important for an
investigator to know about reason behind conducting research so that it can provide some value
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to firm. It is necessary for researcher to identify reason behind conduct work of particular
research. This present investigation is concerned with importance of The Internet of Things to
integrating and connecting the systems in Austin Fraser. In this present time period, company
faces many issues related to connecting with the people and diminishing efficiency of business in
a significant manner. It is an emerging as big revolution in technology world. Internet of Things
develop huge impact on small size business as it has provided opportunity to drive efficiency of
business with the help of connecting sensors or inert devices with prospects and process in order
to get the valuable data or information over an internet.
In context to Austin Fraser, it can reap several advantages from Internet of Things such as
inventory control, security, energy conservation, shipping, individual tracking and location.
Internet of Things permit for the interaction among the devices and referred to as the Machine-
to-Machine (M2M) communication. In context to this, physical devices are helpful to
communicate with people to let them about the condition as well as located. Under this, business
is based on specific execution of certain activities but mainly focuses on collecting more data or
information regarding their own services along with the internal systems (Bi, Da Xu and Wang,
2014). Implementation of Internet of things provides the better outcomes to business of Austin
Fraser.
Background of Research
Internet of things is computing concept that explains idea of the each data physical
objects which is connected to internet and also able to be determine itself with other devices. It
refers to system of interrelated the digital machines, computing devices and also mechanical that
provides unique identifiers along with ability to transfer information or data over network with
out need an individual to commuter and computer and human to human interaction. This
technology is helpful in connect to internet, gathering and also sharing data or information. This
report is based on the Austin Fraser organisation, It provides consultancy as well as recruitment
services to people and business firms. It deals in engineering, human resources, information
technology etc. In order to integrating and also connecting with people, Austin Fraser uses the
Internet of Things because it enhance developed wide areas of business. Internet of Things
directly increasing profit level of business (Bonomi and et. al., 2012). In addition to this, Internet
of Things provides just-in-time training for staff members so that their skills and knowledge
could be improved leading to attainment of improved business productivity. It helps in improve
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the utilisation of assets, process efficiencies and productivity which can save the expenditure of
business. It is helpful in maximising opportunities for Austin Fraser through transformation
their business operations. Internet of Things is helpful in secure the data as well as privacy of
company. With the help of this, Austin Fraser can conduct its business operations with fear of
hacking.
Aim
The aim of research is “To identify significance of Internet of Things to connecting and
integrating systems in company”. A case study on Austin Fraser.
Research Objectives
In the research project, it is a main part that describes the issues or problems if research in
significant manner. There are some objectives of investigation mention below as above:
 To identify significance of Internet of Things for the purpose of conduct business
operations.
 To analyse affect of The Internet of Things on integrating as well as connecting systems
of Austin Fraser.
 To determine issues which are faced through Austin Fraser during execution of Internet
of Things.
 To identify types of enterprise deployments in Internet of Things in order to perform
business operations.
Research Questions
This part of an investigation depends on research objectives and helpful in clarify or
solve the problem of research in form of statement. It will assist in conduct the literature review
in systematic way. Some research questions are given below:
 What is significance of Internet of Things for the purpose of conduct business
operations?
 What is affect of The Internet of Things on integrating as well as connecting systems of
Austin Fraser?
 What issues which are faced through Austin Fraser during execution of Internet of
Things?
 What are types of enterprise deployments in Internet of Things in order to perform
business operations?
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Literature review is an important part of research project and it gives core information
concerned with the specific topic. To collect information, researcher uses books, journals,
articles and many others. It provides as strong base for research thereby prepared the aims and
also objectives with particular time period. It aids in conduct the analysis of an investigation
from all relevant aspects. It develops foundation for investigation through giving the information
and data from the different perspectives.
Significance of Internet of Things for the purpose of conduct business operations
On the basis of Borgia, (2014), internet of things refers to network of the devices for an
instance home appliances, software, connectivity, sensors etc. that permit all these things to
interact, exchange and also connect the data. It is network of the physical things or devices that
enable all objects to exchange and also connect the data. It plays a necessary role in an
organisation to provide them better business opportunities in an effective or efficient manner. On
the other hand internet of things is helpful in increase utilisation of assets in significant way.
Internet of Things is helpful for firm to reduce cost and also maintain competitive benefits to it.
On the basis of view point of Da Xu, He and Li, (2014) it has been stated that The
Internet of Things contribute towards the growth and profit level of Austin Fraser company. In
an industry of technology, Internet of Things is wide concept and it influence interaction of
economic. Individual and also technological changes. At the time of using the Internet of Things
in business, there is a requirement to business to manage the risks as well as comply to ever
modifying the legal process. In order to this, an explosive development in number of the devices
which are connected with Internet of Things as well as exponential enhance in consumption of
data reflect on development. Importance of Internet of Things mention below:
 Intelligent transport solutions is helpful in speed up the flows of traffic, reduce the fuel
consumption, save live and many others.
 It helps in minimize the barrier in connecting and share of necessary information and
data.
 It extend connectivity of internet beyond the standard devices like fort an instance tablets,
laptops and smartphones.
 Internet of Things offer the many business business related opportunities along with the
revenue streams. The new devices are helpful in navigate the changes.
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 It helps in connect with more devices to Internet that permits the Austin Fraser
organisation too more intelligence as well as ability to provide effectiveness of business
operations. As Austin Fraser is small size firm and it needed to be upgrade its equipments
and also install the smart devices.
Affect of The Internet of Things on integrating as well as connecting systems of Austin
Fraser
According to opinion of Domingo, (2012) internet of Things is an interconnection of the
devices across wider spectrum in daily lives. It permits the objects to sensed as well as controlled
remotely across a current network infrastructure, developing the better opportunities for
integration among computer based system and physical world. On the other hand, internet of
Things is helpful in connecting and also integrating the system in an organisation in significant
manner. In addition to this, emerging of Internet of Things (IOT) is regarding connecting of
systems as well as machines together through actuators and sensors which provide the
meaningful information from systems and increase productivity of business. This technology
influences ways in which company perform its business. Under this ,there is a requirement to
optimize the process, compete with rivals, improve communication and also rethink about the
business models in order to attain the set aims. Impact of Internet of Things mention below as
above:
Increase productivity- Automation is an essential key business trends. Internet of Things
helps in connecting system and it is an effective way to enhance productivity. It provides training
to staff members, reduce mismatch of the abilities, improving performance of labours while
enhancing the productivity of company.
Cost saving- Productivity, procedure efficiencies and improvement on assets utilization
can save the expenditure of business. On the basis of view point of Feki and et. al., (2013) it has
been suggested that Internet of Things has reached at inflated expectation of the emerging
technologies. With the help of this Austin Fraser organisation can overcome from the many
challenges such as privacy and security concerns, complexity in growing, information and data
management problems and many others.
Gathering rich data- Internet of Things is enable the Austin Fraser company to collect
wide range of data and information regarding their consumers about services of firm.
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New business opportunities- This technology does not provide the efficiency but it
provide the new business related opportunities to business and increase revenue. In context to
this, it provides potentiality to business to change the way of conduct business. From this, there
is a requirement to company to use the new services as well as device for execute the change.
Issues which are faced through Austin Fraser during execution of Internet of Things
Internet of things is a main technology that organisations mainly use. Austin Fraser
company will able to track the assets with in given period of time. It is helpful in improving the
proper utilisation of assets in order to meet the demand. In addition to this, main challenge that
company face is related with handling massive data and information. It consists data security,
analytics and network needed to be drive the usable business intelligence (Heer and et. al., 2011).
At the time of implement the new technology, Austin Fraser organisation faces many issues
which are mention below:
Security- The main focus of Internet of Things on connect the more number of devices
together. It can cause the entry points for the malware. According to Holler and et. al., (2014) it
has been stated that Sensitive loss of data as well as hackers develop the more risk and also
interrupt the operations of business.
Ubiquitous connectivity- In some areas, there is no availability of internet. Internet of
Things concept is reliable the connectivity, so, there is no reliability of connectivity of sources
caused the issues in executing of Internet of Things.
Compatibility and Longevity- Internet of Things is developing in the several various
location with the different technologies which competing to became standard. It will cause the
complexities as well as need deployment of additional software as well as hardware at the time
of connecting the devices.
Types of enterprise deployments in Internet of Things in order to perform business
operations
On the basis of view point of Hong and et. al., (2013) it has been stated that As Internet
of Things continuous the explosive development and productivity, many business firms are look
towards generate the value to business from the connected devices from which data is to be
generated. There are different types of enterprise deployments in the Internet of Things mention
below:
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Data centre monitoring, automation and management- Under this, Internet of Things
initiative in company was monitoring, automation and data centre management. All these
concepts are not new and the capabilities or abilities which are available through the current
services, Internet of Things will help the business to tackle massive data influx that will assist in
grow on regular basis.
Mobile device management- On the basis of research report, management as well as
tracking the mobile devices was listed through 38.8 percent of respondents (Khan and et. al.,
2012). In context to this, new devices as well as data cause some issues or challenges for the
mobile device management but it permits the Austin Fraser company to be drill down in detailed
manner and also understand about maintain the devices.
Surveillance and security monitoring- After connect the device with network, it has
potentiality to became more valuable tools for the purpose of data collection and manage data in
an easy manner. In addition to this, security of data is necessary and it helps in conduct the
business operations in an effective manner.
P2 Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
Methodologies refers to theoretical as well as systematic analysis of methods which are
applied in study of research. Under this, research methodology refers to collection of the
strategies which are use to set reports of various research that aids in set some diversified
parameter. It is helpful in provide the exact as well as valuable outcomes. There are different
types of research approaches as well as methodologies which an investigator use to implement
the distinctive advanced that explore with particular goals in order to attain the set research
objectives in a systematic manner (Kopetz, 2011). Research methodology define the way to
solve issues on a logical as well as systematic manner. Under this, an investigator used to gather
data and information for purpose of making the better business related decisions. Under this
includes surveys, interviews and some of the other research related techniques which include the
present as well as historical information.
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is a method of finding an individual's in
depth understanding, thoughts, experience, opinion, views, ideas on particular topic. It is an
exploratory research. Under this research data can collect through semi structured way i.e.
through interviews, observation, group discussion which cannot be measured in numbers.
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Quantitative Research: Quantitative research is a method of evaluate the problem with
the means of numerical figures and statistics. It's a conclusive research which uses random
sampling to collect data. Data can be collected by preparing questionnaire, surveys etc.
Primary Method: Under this included collecting the new data and information that has
not gathered before. There are different methods of data collection includes such as interviews,
questionnaires with people in focused group. Under this fresh data is used through researcher
(Lee and et. al., 2013).
Secondary Method: It includes summary, synthesis and collation of the current
investigation. It is contrasted with the primary investigation. Under this, data is collected through
articles, books, journals and many others.
Sampling: For conduct an investigation or collect the relevant information or data, there is a
requirement to collect the sample size. It is a procedure of choosing units from interest of
population so that through studying sample. Under this research, there is 40 respondents are
selected through researcher and collect the relevant data and information about the specific topic.
TASK 2
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business research project
Research is a wider concept that plays an essential role in providing brief discussion
related to specific research area in order to identify the problems related with past research work.
Data or information both are key aspect of research work that develop some value in giving
significant direction to an investigator to execute relevant or accurate activities in significant
manner (Lee and Lee, 2015). Under this, there are two different kinds of data collection methods
primary and secondary which are stated as under -
 Primary data - It contains first hand information or direct evidence about an event,
person, object and so on. Primary data includes new or fresh evidence on specific area of
concern, but data gathered from this source is quite lengthy and expensive in nature. The
results of empirical studies are typically found in scholarly articles or papers delivered at
conferences (Li, Da Xu and Wang, 2013). Primary data collection sources are interviews,
surveys, questionnaire and physical testing etc.
 Secondary data - It provides second hand information that already as been collected or
recorded by another person for making further researcher and not linked with current
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problem statement of research. Secondary data can be easily available as well as save
time and cost of investigator. Sources of secondary data collection are censuses, internal
records, government publications, reports, journal articles, internal records or reports,
websites etc.
From these above methods, primary data collection sources has been used for completion
of this present assignment as it delivers more qualitative and up to the mark information. The
research method is always specific as per researcher needs and provide accurate data which helps
to draw a better conclusion.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name
Age
Address
Q1. Do you think that IoT helps in improving growth and market sustainability of an
organisation?
A. Yes
B. No
Q2. What would be an expected outcome while applying digital tools, i.e. Internet of things at
workplace?
A. Cost efficiency
B. Increasing profitability and revenues
C. Manage risks and uncertainties
Q3. Which one is the effective future technology for business purpose?
A. Cloud computing
B. Big data
c. Internet of things
D. Fog computing
Q4. What are the main challenges may face by Austin Frazer while implication of IoT?
A. Scalability
B. Data interpretation
C. Self organising
Q5. Which one is the effective application of internet of things?
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A. Smart companies
B. Smart security
C. Smart management
Q6. Which one is the best digital tool used by Austin Frazer to reach target audiences?
A. Social media sites
B. Mobile Applications
C. Websites and emails
Q7. What changes can be seen after execution of IoT in business associations?
A. Connecting devices with each other
B. All departments can easily transfer data or information
C. Improve performance and output level
Q8. What are the features required to efficiently apply IoT requirement within an
association?
A. Low latency and location awareness
B. Mobility
C. Large number of nodes
Q9. Are employees of Austin Frazer have enough knowledge to use IoT in working
processes?
A. Yes
B. No.
Q10. Provide suggestion through which organisations can make improvement in their digital
platform and enhance their sales ?
Data analysis
Q1. Do you think that IoT helps in improving growth and
market sustainability of an organisation?
Frequency
A. Yes 60
B. No 10
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