Impact of Digital Tools and Technologies on HRM: Softwire Report

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of digital tools and technologies on Human Resource Management (HRM) practices, focusing on a case study of Softwire Ltd. The report begins with an introduction outlining the research's overview, background, significance, aims, objectives, and research questions, including ethical considerations. The second chapter provides a literature review, exploring the need for IT implementation, the significance of HRM practices for Softwire, the impact of digital tools and techniques on HRM, and methods to improve HRM practices. Chapter 3 details the research methodology, covering the types of investigation, research design, philosophy, approach, data sampling, and analysis, including ethical considerations. The subsequent chapters present data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. The research aims to evaluate how digital tools and technologies have reshaped HRM practices, offering insights into the benefits and challenges of digital transformation within Softwire and providing recommendations for optimizing HRM through technology.

Research Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
1.1 Overview of the research..................................................................................................2
1.2 Background of the research .............................................................................................2
1.3 Significance of the research .............................................................................................3
1.4 Research aim....................................................................................................................3
1.5 Research objectives .........................................................................................................4
1.6 Research questions ..........................................................................................................4
1.7 Ethical considerations ......................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................5
2.2 Needs of implementation of information technology ......................................................5
2.3 Significance of human resource practices for Softwire Ltd. ...........................................5
2.4 Impact of digital tools and techniques on HRM practices...............................................6
2.5 Justify the ways to improve HRM practices.....................................................................7
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................8
3.1 Types of investigation .....................................................................................................8
3.2 Research design ...............................................................................................................8
3.3 Research philosophy ........................................................................................................9
3.4 Research approach ...........................................................................................................9
3.5 Data Sampling .................................................................................................................9
3.6 Data analysis...................................................................................................................10
3.7 Ethical consideration......................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS ...............................................................................................10
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS.........................................................22
5.1 Conclusion .....................................................................................................................22
5.2 Recommendations .........................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................26

TITLE – “To evaluate the impact of digital tools and technologies on HRM practices” - A case
study on Softwire.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of the research
Due to modernisation, every company tends to adopt new and innovative techniques in
order to improve the working practices and operations. Managers want to have well skilled and
qualified workforce for getting high competitive advantage. Apart from this, human resource
management is the most crucial function of business organisation. It helps company to manage
the workforce and influence them to work for accomplishing set goals and objectives (Aral,
Brynjolfsson and Wu, 2012). Human resource management has adapted wide changes and it
always focus on rising technology within functional areas which greatly influence the working
culture of HR department. If a company has powerful and efficient workforce then it results in
the enhancement in performance level of employees. There are several HRM practices such as
recruitment, selection, training, performance management, personnel management, industrial
relations, etc. If digitalisation will add in these practices then they would make more effective
and innovative which is beneficial for company. This can also resolve all biasses at workplace
and generate a friendly environment (Asogwa, 2012). On the other hand, company can also
create its own job portal and update information about current vacant position so that individuals
can easily apply here. It helps in finding and hiring the best candidates.
1.2 Background of the research
The present research is going to describe that every business organisation needs to use
modern or digital techniques for operating all functional areas of services. These equipment
helps company to gain high competitive advantage by improving the efficiency of its business
activities. The research is based on Softwire which is a software provider company. The mission
statement of business organisation is to manufacture high-tech techniques and software which
give maximum level of satisfaction to their clients. In order to achieve its mission statement,
other organisation is highly focused on improving the knowledge criteria of its employees
(Bardhan and Thouin, 2013). For this, Softwire organises online training sessions through video
conferencing, presentations, apps, e-virtual classrooms, etc. All these training modes would help
company to improve workers' performance and reduce employee turnover costs.

1.3 Significance of the research
This research is conducted to know that how an organisation can improve its human
resource practices by using information tools and techniques. If cited venture i.e. Softwire Ltd.,
use new and advanced techniques while hiring new employees and providing training to existing
ones then it will help to manage an effective workforce which is liable to achieve firm's goals
and objectives. Apart from that, this research also helps readers to know different types of human
resource practices and the way these can be improved to get desired outcomes. In today's
scenario, every corporate association wants to grow and diversify (Bermès and Fauduet, 2011).
For this purpose, it used different HRM practices so as to gain a powerful workforce.
Digitalisation in HRM also enables performance management and appraisals. It means that
supervisors will submit the performance data of all employees to HR department. Further, it also
manages the confidentiality of information. Therefore, digitizing has ability to unlock new level
of efficiency in performance management in the corporate world. At the same time, it can also
raise the quality as well as relevance of information supply aggregately.
1.4 Research aim
Research aim is a wide statement of desired results. It is a common intention for which
overall research is going to be conducted. It renders the major purpose to reader behind
conducting a research. In addition, research aim is a broad statement and focused on what is
going to be achieved in the future. It defines long terms project outcomes like expectations and
aspirations towards the research project (Crook and et. al., 2011). The aim of this research
project is, “To evaluate the impact of digital tools and technologies on HRM practices” - A case
study on Softwire Ltd.
1.5 Research objectives
Research objectives are the proper strategies which described the way to achieve research
aim. All steps which takes needs a specific lists of tasks in order to attain goals of research
project. Research objectives should be sensible and precisely decided. They make an accurate
use of concepts and data (De Groot, 2014). There are described major objectives of this research
project, such are stated as under: -
 To ascertain the requirement of implementation of digital techniques within organisation.
 To evaluate the significance of effective HRM practices at Softwire Ltd.

 To determine the influence of digitalisation on human resource practices within
organisation.
 To find out the ways of improving human resources practices in Softwire Ltd.
1.6 Research questions
Research questions start with exploring problem and issues. They provide brief
explanation about a specific issue which must be addressed or changed. It defines the area of
interest but not a declarative statement like hypothesis (Garrigos-Simon, Lapiedra Alcami and
Barbera Ribera, 2012). Below mentioned certain research questions are:
 What are the requirements of regulating information technology at workplace?
 What is the importance of HRM practices for Softwire Ltd. ?
 How to ascertain the impact of digital tools on human resource practices in M&S?
 Recommend various ways of improving HRM practices?
1.7 Ethical considerations
While making any kind of research, it is necessary for the researcher to follow certain
ethics and principles. Basically, ethics are moral principles which define what is right and wrong
or it may be a comparison between both. An investigator needs to make a proper balance in
between principles and practices. Apart from this, in this part of research, an investigator
identifies different issues and problems which can affect the research activities or tasks (Guest,
2011). There are several constraints like time, money, author-ship, availability of data,
plagiarism, etc. Among all these, time is one the major issues as if researcher does not get proper
time for conducting research then the accuracy and reliability of data will get hampered.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
A literature review refers as published information about a specific topic and sometimes,
it is just for a certain time period. In other words, LR is just a simple summary of different
sources from where data is gathered but it is usually based on a company's pattern (Jiang and et.
al., 2012). Along with this, it provides new interpretation through old material and combine both
of them in order to make better decisions. The main purpose of literature review is to resolve all
research problem or issues and address them in a systematic manner.

2.2 Needs of implementation of information technology
Digital tools and techniques are benefited to a business organisation, it allows companies
to work effectively and raising its productivity. There are several tools of information
technology, such as- faster communication, electronic storage as well as data storage helps a
company to gain high competitive advantage at marketplace. According to Kallunki, Laitinen
and Silvola, 2011, the word digitalisation means to manage overall working activities through
computer system, which is very advantageous for getting incorporate information. For example-
digital tools gives remote access to company for managing all networking areas. Such
accessibility increases productivity because all employees are in under control with management.
Normally, multinational companies, i.e. Softwire Ltd., is required to keep track and regulate all
activities; in this relation they can use information technology system in order to store several
documents, communication records and operation data.
Apart from this, digitalisation also helps in improving decision making process of the
company by getting all necessary information which is required. Decision includes selection of
course of action from different sources and carrying out activities (Laudon and Laudon, 2016).
Therefore, it can be said that digitalisation plays a crucial role in growth and success of every
business; it aids managers in every functional area, such as- marketing, finance, human resource,
research and development. So that, it is essential for business organisation to upgrade their all
activities and resources in order to get succeed and achieve high returns in target market.
2.3 Significance of human resource practices for Softwire Ltd
Human resource management is a broad term which is used to manage overall workforce
within organisation. HRM practices refers to implementation of a HR strategy; the best practices
put a huge impact on employees. Love and Singh, 2011, states that it helps in providing
adaptability and flexibility to an organisation. Along with this, there are several human resources
practices which is used by Softwire Ltd., in order to manage the performance level of employees
and getting high competitive to a company. Establishment of these policies also helps in
managing workforce diversity, training and ethics. Beside this, it forces company to shows its
commitments towards corporate governance and regulations of human resources.
Best HRM practices can eliminates cultural differences among people and improve their
interpersonal relations; it increase workers' trust and morale towards moral. There are several
HRM practices, such as- training and development, recruitment, selection and performance

measurement, payroll and compensation. Apart from this, these policies also tend towards
managing workers' performance and getting a healthy and positive working environment.
Another major aspect of HR policies is to build an effective organisational cultural (Maditinos
and et. al., 2011). For instance – retention policies include flexible workforce and compensation
policies. Furthermore, HR department should focus on rewarding and appreciating employees as
they can motivate towards performing in well manner. Through which firm will be easily
achieved its goals and objectives in a minimum time period.
2.4 Impact of digital tools and techniques on HRM practices
Technology highly influence human resource practices. It provides strategic advantage to
the firms. It is necessary for every organisation to have skilled and knowledgeable workforce
which administer them competitive edge. Effective management of human capital requires
accurate and timely information of present and potential employees in order to gain advantage
from the market place. According to Nambisan, 2013, due to changing scenario and new
technology evolution, meeting information needs becomes important. It is necessary for the
managers of human resource management department to be aware about the technological
changes. It will increase the quality of workforce information as well as have strong impact on
the effectiveness of organisation.
In this competitive world, firms now a days focuses on adopting new technologies. It is
beneficial for the organisation as it increases the productivity as well as profitability that leads
the firm towards growth and success in the market. Digital tools and techniques helps in
providing effective training to employees so that their skills are improved and they are able to
perform in effective and efficient manner (Ochsner, Hug and Daniel, 2012). Use of information
technology allows firms to enhance their internal processes, organisational structures, core
competencies and relevant markets at global level. Technology has influence on workforce and
at the same time employees, customers, suppliers and managers increase their expectations for
HR functions. In Softwire, human resource practices are changed by the emergence of
information technology. So, incorporation of information technology in the processes and
activities of human resource management helps in enhancing the performance of an organisation
as well as its employees. The process of recruitment, training, data storage & retrieval and
performance management made more efficient activities.

2.5 Justify the ways to improve HRM practices
There are several different ways or methods which needs to adopt by every firm in order
to improve human resource practices. Such improvements also helps in attaining and retaining
staff members for long term period within organisation. Below mentioned certain methods
through which companies can improvise its HR policies and practices, such as- Set organisational goals and objectives –The foremost activity is it is fundamental for
corporate associations to set its goals and objectives. It provides direction to all workers
as they work accordingly. Pardo, Nam and Burke, 2012, states that unclear goals and
targets reflects employee’s interests within organisation. Performance management – It is also recommend to HR manager to measure the
performance level of staff members on regular basis. This can enhance the quality of their
work life and improve overall production level. Be transparent – Softwire Ltd., is heavily is focus on workplace cultural and
transparency. Therefore, managers have to always share their decisions and viewpoints
with other employees in order to win their trust and morale (Peppard and Ward, 2016). Listening employee’s grievances – HR manager should also listen workers' issues and
grievances so as to make healthy and friendly environment at workplace. Through which
enable in improving decision making process of the company.
 Using digital or modern tools – Company also has to new and modern tools in its
production process in order to improve HR practices.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is an activity through which information is gathered with an aim
of making business decisions. It involves public research, surveys, interviews, questionnaire and
other research techniques that is based on historical as well as present research. In other words,
research methodology encompasses different methods or ways which are used in order to
conduct a research (De Groot, 2014). Basically, research methodology is conducted in order to
resolve all business problems and determine relevant solution for the same. Therefore, it can be
said that this part of research provides right direction to research provide and make it more
effective and innovative.

3.1 Types of investigation
There are different types of research can be used by researcher, such as- applied,
qualitative and quantitative research. In which, applied research tries to reduce the problems by
adding basics into it, here problems are addressed and from the viewpoint of discipline. Applied
research reports are compiled in a technical language. Beside this, quantitative research is based
upon numeric figures or statistics; its aim is to measure the amount of information and then
compare it with past records. Such information are used for future period. The major objective of
quantitative research is to evolve mathematical model, hypothesis or theories concern to
phenomena. Apart from this, qualitative research is all about collection and interpretation of
information by observing other's viewpoints and opinion (Ochsner, Hug and Daniel, 2012). It
means to collect real facts or figures. The research is not much subjective and usage various
methods of collecting information. Furthermore, the present research project is based upon
qualitative research as it based upon a sample size of people which are interviewed for a specific
purpose. The qualitative research method is used for collecting and gathering important facts and
figures for completing the project.
3.2 Research design
An effective research design offer an opportunity to researcher to make out working
activities effectively. It makes a research valuable so as to generate huge information with less
efforts, money as well as time. Along with this, research design allows a researcher to smooth
sailing of different operations, so that research can be more efficient and effective. On the other
hand, there are three types of research design, such as- descriptive, experimental and exploratory
research design. In which descriptive research design is accessible in providing answers of
different questions, i.e. who, when and how will be associated in a specific research problem.
Whereas experimental research design is a blueprint of procedure which enables that investigator
has to put a control over all aspects which can hamper the results of an experiment or research
(Rezaeian, 2014). Exploratory research design is conducted in order to resolve all research
problems when there is no earlier studies are depend to forecast an outcome. Beside this, the
present research is based on descriptive research design because it obtain data that is concern
with current status of the phenomena. Descriptive research is used for gaining accurate data and
information that can be helpful in preparing good and appropriate report.

3.3 Research philosophy
A research philosophy involves nature, source and knowledge of research. The approach
enable to decide that which one the best suitable philosophy for researcher and whether it is
derived from research questions or not. Research philosophy is classified into three parts, such
as- positivism, interpretivism and realism. In which, positivism research philosophy is based on
observable social entity; these hypothesis are tested and confirmed before using in any research
project. Realism research philosophy is known as branch of epistemology which concerns with
scientific enquiry (Tesch, 2013). It pertains to disclose the existence and reality of the objects
that are prevalent in human mind. Apart from this, interpretivism is emphasised on the
differences between social and human elements. In this, there is an interpretation of social roles
which presents in own set of meaning. The research is based on positivism research philosophy
that can be used as qualitative data and information in better manner.
3.4 Research approach
Research approach is divided into two parts, such as- deductive and inductive. In which
inductive research approach generalise from specific to general. Here, data collection is used in
order to explore identify themes and patterns. But the research is based upon deductive research
approach because it is generalise from general to specific (Rezaeian, 2014). In this, data is used
with an aim of evaluation of propositions and hypothesis concern with existing theory. In this
research, deductive method is used for gaining specific information that can be used in order to
acquire income and revenue.
3.5 Data Sampling
Data sampling is known as statistical analysis technique which can be used so as to select
and manipulate an allegorical subset of data points for determining the patterns in larger data set
being examined. The present research is conducted on the basis of 40 respondents.
3.6 Data analysis
Data analysis a framework in which gathered data is examined whether it is beneficial for
so as one can make better decisions (Robinson and et. al., 2015). It helps researcher to know
other's viewpoints or thoughts about company's products and services.
3.7 Ethical consideration
This phase of research project refers that an investigator have to use different ethics and
principles while collecting information. The person needs to protect the vulnerable group and

other participants. Respondents should be safeguard from any kind of exploitation. Research
ensure respect, privacy, dignity and fair treatment for subject.
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis is the imperative part of research project. In this, data collect and interpret
by different sources. It can be represented through various graphs and pie charts. Here, data
analysis is done through questionnaire.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name
Age
Gender
Phone No.
Q1. Is digital techniques are helpful in getting high competitive advantage at market place?
A. Yes
B. No.
Q2. Do you think that corporate associations need to regularly improve its human resource
practices?
A. Agree
B. Disagree
Q3. Which tools are helpful in managing performance level of employees?
A. Web based
B. Client based
C. Client/server based
Q4. Are employees of Softwire Ltd., available 24X7 or they allowed/encouraged to switch off
their mobile phones during working hours?
A. 24 X 7
B. Allow to switch off
Q5. Which HRM practices are followed by Softwire Ltd?
A. Managing industrial relations
B. Performance management
C. Training and development

D. Recruitment and selection
Q6. What are the tools of measuring employee’s performance level?
A. Balance scorecard
B. Performance pyramid
C. Performance Prism
Q7. What is the impact of digitalisation within Softwire Ltd.?
A. Better customer understanding
B. Maintain the quality of workforce
C. Improving production level
Q8. Are you satisfied with offered products and services of the company?
A. Highly satisfied
B. Satisfied
C. Dissatisfied
Q9. Which is the most effective sector of Softwire is highly responsible for its market growth?
A. Electronic products
B. Grocery products
C. Financial services
D. General merchandise
Q 10. Rating the products and services of the business organisation?
A. Excellent
B. Good
C. Average
Q11. Which is the most appropriate communication channel used by HR department of the
company?
A. Mollie Phones
B. Specific applications
C. Video conferencing
D. E-mails or text messages
Q12. Give your recommendations regarding any improvements in digital techniques of the
company for making effective HRM practices?