A Research Project: Digital Transformation Altering Work Design

This research project investigates the impact of digital transformation on work design. It explores the reasons behind digital transformation, how it changes the work design, and its potential impact on the future of work. The study uses a qualitative research approach, incorporating secondary data analysis and thematic analysis to identify key concepts such as digitalization, the impact on organizational performance, and the challenges associated with digital transformation. The findings highlight the importance of digital technologies in improving productivity, customer experience, and overall business performance. The research also reflects on the effectiveness of the chosen research methods and suggests alternative approaches for future studies. The conclusion emphasizes the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping the modern workplace.

Research Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
P1 Alternative research methodologies.......................................................................................3
P2 Alternative methods used for data collection that includes cost, access and ethics...............3
P3 Research proposal including aim and objectives....................................................................3
Aim and objectives......................................................................................................................3
Limitation of the study.................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
Reason behind digital transformation..........................................................................................4
Ways in which digital transformation changes the work design.................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................5
P4 Research including research methods....................................................................................5
DATA ANALYSIS.........................................................................................................................7
P5 Research findings and outcomes............................................................................................7
Concept of digitalisation and digital transformation...................................................................7
Impact of digital transformation on organisational performance and work design.....................7
Challenges, associated with digital transformation at workplace................................................8
RESEARCH FINDINGS.................................................................................................................9
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................10
P6 Reflection on effectiveness of research methods.................................................................10
P7 Alternative research methodologies and lesson learnt from study.......................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Digital transformation can be defined as a process in which companies use digital
technologies in order to create new products or developing existing ones (Ebert and Duarte,
2018). This study is going to discuss effectiveness and reasons of using advanced technologies
within business. It will further discuss benefits that companies can take by transforming its
workplace.
P1 Alternative research methodologies
Research methodology also plays a vital role as it enables researchers in accomplishing goals and
improving decision. Main method that has used in this project include: qualitative research,
Interpretivism philosophy, inductive research approach, primary and secondary data collection
and qualitative data analysis.
P2 Alternative methods used for data collection that includes cost, access and ethics
Cost: It is important for researcher to set a budget that will be required for completing
study in an effective manner. For this study, there will be requirement of around $20,000.
Access: For making it reliable and validate, secondary information has selected from
PubMed and other reliable sources.
Ethics: Ethics will be considered for making this study in an effective and successful
manner. For this purpose, participants will be selected randomly and they will be given an equal
opportunity to share their views.
P3 Research proposal including aim and objectives
Research questions
Research questions of this study are as follows:
 What are the reason behind digital transformation?
 In what ways digital transformation changes the work design?
 What are some of the ways in which digital transformation will impact future work?
Aim and objectives
Aim: Aim of conducting this research study is “To analyse how digital transformation has
altered the work design in the contemporary world”.
Objectives:
 To understand the reason behind digital transformation.

 To evaluate the ways in which digital transformation changes the work design.
 To recommend ways about how digital transformation will impact future work.
Limitation of the study
 As in this study, secondary data have been gathered and it is believed that primary data
gives accurate and reliable information as compared to secondary data. It might be vague
and can affect performance of research study.
 Population are not representative of the UK and it is other main limitation of this study.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Reason behind digital transformation
Digital transformation creates a system for collecting accurate and the right data and
incorporating it for business intelligence. According to the Bican and Brem, (2020) one of the
main reasons of purpose of digital transformation at workplace is: making workflows faster and
easier. Employees find easier in performing their functions as rather spending hours in
processing paperwork, employees can focus on other activities by making use of digital
technologies.
Zaki, (2019) argued that digital transformation can help businesses out in increasing
customers’ experience and improving productivity. By using digital technologies, employers can
communicate with customers and can solve their problems. It makes customers feel valued and
save their travelling cost as well as time.
Ways in which digital transformation changes the work design
In regard to digital transformation, it can be said that the shift in the nature of work has
increased the demand for digitalisation. Fenech, Baguant and Ivanov, (2019) stated that digital
transformations positive impact as it increases employees’ productivity. Nowadays, people
cannot imagine business as well as their personal lives without digital technologies. In addition,
it is also stated that digitalisation or by transforming workplace into digital ways, companies can
improve job satisfaction, improve work life balance and can promote work autonomy.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
P4 Research including research methods
Research strategy: It is the main element that is step by step plan of actions. It gives a
direction to researchers’ thoughts by which they can complete study in an effective manner.
Qualitative and quantitative are 2 research strategies that refers data collection form. In
qualitative research strategy, scholar collects data in the form of feelings, thoughts and
theoretical rather collecting data in numerical form (Hayashi Jr, Abib and Hoppen, 2019). In
quantitative research strategy, scholar focuses on collecting data in the form of numbers and
statistical. For knowing impact of digital transformation on organisational performance,
researcher has conducted qualitative research strategy. By conducting this research, scholars can
know views, opinion and real based feelings of people regarding this topic. It can improve
decision making process and researcher may find easier in accomplishing the main research aim.
Research approach: Research approach can be defined as a plan that consists of some steps
of broad assumptions with detailed methods of collecting, interpreting and analysis of data.
Inductive and deductive are 2 research approaches (Mahmudin, Sumarmo and Kustiana, 2020).
Inductive research approach is all about formulation of set aim, objectives and research questions
by developing a brand new theory. Whereas, deductive is all about formulation of hypothesis by
developing an existing theory. For this research study, researcher has conducted interpretivism
research approach because it is associated with qualitative research strategy. Other reason of
selecting this approach is to gather reliable information as well as increasing knowledge by
generation of brand new theory.
Research philosophy: Research philosophy is an effective framework as well as element of
research methodology that guides the ways in which research should be conducted. There are 2
types of beliefs such as: interpretivism and positivism. Positivism is an effective theory and it
states that authentic knowledge can be verified through scientific methods such as: experiments,
observation and logical. It is also believed that society shapes behaviours of individual. Whereas,
in interpretivism, it is believed that individuals play a vital role as they shape behaviour of
society. For this research study, interpretivism has been used as in this philosophy, researchers
focus on subjective interpretation of collected data. It helps them out in taking decision on the
basis of facts and subjective information.

Data collection: Data collection is an important element of research methodology. It
enables researcher in accomplishing aim and completing study with effectiveness. There are 2
types of data collection such as: primary and secondary. In primary data collection, researcher
collects first hand data that have never been used before. Such data can be collected by
conducting questionnaire, survey and interview. Whereas, secondary data is the one that have
easier access to researchers (Johhson and Sylvia, 2018). Such data are published on internet and
are existing literature. They are being collected for the second or many of the time and it is the
reason, it is called secondary data. For this research study, scholar has collected secondary data.
Collecting secondary data is time and cost effective. Online library, articles and books and
journals are some sources of collecting secondary data.
Data analysis: Data analysis is a process of making collected data accurate and reliable by
transforming them as per the need. For analysing data, researcher requires some effective tools
and it is being divided into 2 types such as: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative data analysis
tools are being used when there is qualitative research. When researcher collects data in the form
of themes, theories then qualitative data analysis tools are being used. As like this, for
quantitative research, researcher uses quantitative data analysis tools. As this study is qualitative
and data have been collected in the form of theory and non-numerical so, for this study, thematic
qualitative data analysis tool has been selected. By analysing data, researcher may find easier in
taking decision as well as accomplishing all objectives.
Ethical consideration: Ethics in research study refers moral principles that make researchers
able in identifying the difference right things and wrong things. Researcher can complete
research study in a successful manner when they consider ethics and perform all functions in a
right manner. There are number of advantages that researcher can take by considering ethics
such as: it promotes aim of research; it supports values that required for collaborative work,
mutual respect and fairness (McCradden and et.al., 2022). Honesty, integrity, objectivity,
openness, carefulness and respect are some principles of ethics that need to be considered. Some
ethics that has also been considered by researcher in this study include:
 Data needs to be de-identified before release to researchers and associated organisation.
 Usage of data must not result in any damage.
 Maintaining confidentiality and saving organisational data in a safe manner.

DATA ANALYSIS
P5 Research findings and outcomes
For knowing all about digital transformation and ways in which it has changed work design,
some themes have been developed. This thematic data analysis will help out researcher in
knowing about research topic. It will be easier for scholar in improving decision and solving
research related problem. Some themes that have been developed include:
Concept of digitalisation and digital transformation
In regard to digitalisation, it can be said that it is a way of improving processes by
leveraging digital technologies and digitised data. In other words, it can be said that it is a
process of creating something new or making innovative and effective changes in existing
products and businesses process by making use of digital technologies. There are number of
definitions of digitalisation (Bernhard-Skala, 2019). From books and journals, it is found that
nowadays, businesses cannot even think to run their businesses without using technologies.
When business activities are being performed with the help of advanced and digital technologies
then such workplaces are considered digital workplace.
When an organisation changes its ways of performing functions and business activities by
using technologies then this term can be known as digital transformation at workplace. It
provides number of benefits to companies and nowadays, around 95% of businesses use
technologies for performing business activities (Bresciani, Ferraris, Romano and Santoro, 2021).
Impact of digital transformation on organisational performance and work design
From secondary data and books and journal, it is found that the overall aim of digital
transformation is to increase productivity as well as creativity of employees. Social media and
networking are main two examples of digital technologies that have changed the world to the
great extent. Businesses rely heavily on these technologies for number of purposes. It makes
them able in promoting their goods and services, interacting with customers, solving problems of
customers. On the basis of usage of digital technologies, it can be said that digital technologies at
workplace can increase customers’ base and customers’ retention rate. When businesses perform
their functions by using digital technologies then they are more likely to provide unique features
of products to customers in a timely manner (Schwarzmüller, Brosi, Duman and Welpe, 2018).

When customers receive qualitative and valuable products in a timely manner then they stay with
business for the long run. In addition, it can be said that competition is increasing to the great
extent and due to increasing rise of companies in the market, customers have more bargaining
power. Companies are striving hard for being in the competition and due to high bargaining
power of customers, they find problems in retaining customers with their businesses. But quality
and value of products is the main key of organisational success. by providing unique features and
innovative products to customers before expected delivery, they can stay their customers. Loyal
customers are less likely to bargain and they do not switch brand.
In addition, it is also found that digital transformation can improve performance of
employees. It makes their work easier and save time as well. Employees find easier in
communicating with customers and on the basis of interaction, they can produce products
accordingly and can satisfy needs of customers. Satisfied customers remain loyal and they give
positive feedbacks to employees. It boosts their confidence and they are more likely to improve
their performance. On the basis of this, it can clearly be said that digital transformation can
improve organisational performance, improve brand image and can make companies able in
taking competitive advantages (Baptista and et.al., 2020).
Challenges, associated with digital transformation at workplace
Transforming workplace and implementation of digital technologies at workplace is not an
easy task as employers have to face some problems. Some problems that are associated with
digitalization include: privacy and managing big data. Companies store big data and nowadays,
companies are striving hard in securing their data because of increasing rate of data breaches and
security issues. It happens when employees do not have proper IT knowledge. They accept
cookies and fake links, send by hackers and it lead problems related to data theft (Haddud and
McAllen, 2018).
Resistance of employees to adapt changes and working accordingly is other challenge,
associated with implementation of digital technology. Employees believe that if they perform
their functions with new ways then it may affect their overall performance. In addition, it is also
found that implementation cost of digital technologies is one of the main barrier. Small and
medium size companies cannot implement digital technologies as it can increase overall cost of
company. So, it is one of the main challenge that companies face.

RESEARCH FINDINGS
On the basis of above results and collected secondary data, it can be said that digital
transformation at workplace plays a vital role as it enables employees in improving their overall
performance. Employees find easier in performing their functions by using technologies as it
saves their time. Digital technologies have made employees able to work from home and
working from remote areas. They can communicate with their mangers and employers in an
effective manner (Aly, 2020). It makes their work easier as it decreases miscommunication
among employees and they can continue their work without getting affected. Other advantages
that have been discussed in above results and analysis include: improving image of company,
making workplace innovative, increasing employees’ performance, improving employees’
satisfaction and customers’ experience. Some examples of digital technologies have been
discussed such as: social media, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and others. All these
technologies make companies able in attracting customers and staying them with business for the
long run. When employees work at digital transformative workplace then it increases their
productivity and they are more likely to satisfy customers’ needs by communicating with them
and solving their problems as well.
In addition, it can also be said that on the basis of published secondary data and literature
that complexity is one of the major challenge that is associated with digital transformative
workplace. In regard to this, it can be said that’s transformative workplaces have numerous
software packages that are not designed to work together and employees need to learn ways of
using that packages. Due to lack of knowledge and training, they find difficulties in using
number of software packages and understanding that software interrelated. It causes a great deal
of complexity. Companies require providing training to employees that might also increase cost.
So, on the basis of this, it can be said that implementation of digital technologies at workplace is
not an easy task (Gilch and Sieweke, 2021). Fear of change and disengaged remote workers due
to network problem and connectivity problems also can create problems in performing functions
at digital transformative workplace. Overall, it can be said that digital technologies and
transformative workplace has both positive as well as negative impact on overall performance of
companies. It relies on ways of using software packages and technologies. Some strategies have
also been discussed in above discussion by which companies can solve all these problems. Some
effective ways by which employers can enable their employees to work at transformative

workplace with effectiveness include: training to employees, making use of project management
tools and improving cyber security. Training to employees and having experienced technical
staff can be the best ways of solving all problems as well as improving performance by
implementing digital technologies at workplace (Golinelli and et.al., 2020). Overall, it can be
said that companies can take competitive advantages, can become the market leader and can
improve overall performance. For this purpose, employers need to make sure that workers have
proper knowledge of using technologies and they have protected their system with strong
password.
REFLECTION
P6 Reflection on effectiveness of research methods
I want to share my experience in regard to this research study that I have conducted. In
regard to research topic, I can say that this topic increased my knowledge to the great extent as I
came to know about effectiveness of digital transformation at workplace. It made me able in
knowing different ways by which employees as well as employers can improve their
performance and can accomplish their personal set goals by performing functions with the help
of advanced technologies (Williams, 2020). Along with this, I came to know that employers face
number of problems when they transform their workplace and implement digital technologies as
well as software packages. It becomes difficult for employees to use and run software packages
and for solving this problem, employees need to invest in training and development programs. It
might increase cost but it can increase knowledge of employees and they find easier in using
advanced technologies and satisfying customers. I came to know that working at productive and
safe place is vital and nowadays employers cannot even imagine themselves without
technologies. For business expansion, becoming the market leader, satisfying customers and
retaining them with business, they need to make use of advanced technologies such as: artificial
intelligence, cloud computing, robotics and social media. But they need to have proper and in
depth knowledge of using otherwise, they may face problems regarding data security, lawsuit
complexity. By providing training to employees and developing awareness program, all these
problems can be solved out. Overall, I can say that I learned number of new things regarding
digitalisation and importance of transforming workplace.
In addition, I want to share my feelings and experience of research. In regard to research
study, I can say that it is one of the best ways of increasing our knowledge. When we research

and perform each stage of research study then we are more likely to push our self and use our
research skill (Apostel and et.al., 2018). There is a systematic way of conducting research study
and we need to perform each stage in systematic way, otherwise it may lead barriers in
successful completion of research study. For example: we cannot analyse data without collecting
them as like this, we need to perform each stage accordingly. I learned about this way and it
boosted my confidence. I believe that I can conduct research study in the future with
effectiveness and successfully. In addition, I can say that this research study increased my
knowledge regarding collection and analysis. I came to know about different sources of
collecting primary as well as secondary data and the main difference between these both types of
data collection. I found importance of ethical consideration in research study and I believe that
considering ethics is important for all of us and we can improve our lives by considering them in
personal and professional life (Moral-Muñoz and et.al., 2020). I found that each step or element
of research methodology is linked and associated with each other. For example: selection of
research approach between inductive and deductive relies on the selection of research strategy as
if researcher has conducted qualitative study then researcher must select inductive research
approach. It can save my time and I can conduct study without investing most of time in
researching. Overall, I can say that it would make me able in conducting successful research in
the future by evaluating each strategy, approach and philosophy.
P7 Alternative research methodologies and lesson learnt from study
In this research study, researcher has conducted qualitative research which means researcher
has collected data in the form of non-numerical. There are number of advantages of conducting
qualitative research as it gives in detailed and real information because such data are being
collected in feelings and theoretical form. But it can be recommended to researchers that he
should have conducted quantitative research as by collecting data in numerical form, researcher
can know facts and statistical (Kelley-Quon, 2018). By knowing number of companies that have
implemented digital technologies at workplace and improved financial performance, researcher
could have known real practical impacts of digital transformation. But on the other hand, it can
be said that conducting quantitative research is time consuming process. Analysing statistical and
numerical data can become complex also it gives limited outcomes. So, on the basis of this, it
can be said that selected research strategy is suitable for this study.

In regard to data collection, it can be said that researcher has collected secondary data
because it is time and cost effective process. Collection of primary data is time consuming but it
can be suggested that for gathering real based and accurate information, scholar should have
collected primary data (Augustin and et.al., 2021). By conducting questionnaire and asking
questions related to research topic to sample or target people, current and reliable information
can be gathered. This alternative can make researcher able in accomplishing aim and improving
decision. But collection of primary data is time consuming and it can be the reason as researcher
has collected secondary data.
CONCLUSION
It has been summarised from the above study that digitalisation plays a vital role as it makes
employees as well as employers able in performing their functions smoothly. It saves their time,
increases their productivity and boost confidence as well. This study has discussed number of
advantages that companies can take by transforming their workplace and implementing advanced
technologies. It has shown that with digital transformation, companies can improve
communication with their employees and can provide information to remote workers as well.
Digital technologies have allowed employees to work from home otherwise, it would have
affected them in a negative manner at the time of Covid-19.
Further, this research study has shown effectiveness of collecting secondary data and ways
in which it enables researchers in accomplishing research objectives. Data collection and
analysis are important elements in research methodology. These elements can help out researcher
in collecting accurate information and accordingly, they can take decisions. It has discussed
some challenges that employees face while implementing digital technologies along with
strategies to solved them.