BM631 Research Methods: Ethical Considerations Report on Sainsbury's

This report, prepared for the BM631 Research Methods module, critically reflects on the ethical considerations of a research proposal. The assignment begins by outlining the research aim, which is to evaluate the importance of environmentally friendly approaches within small, medium, and large enterprises, using Sainsbury's as a case study. The objectives are defined, followed by a discussion of the methodology, including the research approach (quantitative), research design, methods (questionnaire), and participants (Sainsbury's customers). The report then delves into the crucial section on ethical considerations, addressing respect for autonomy, privacy, dignity, scientific integrity, and social responsibility. Specific procedures like participant consent forms, data storage methods, and measures to ensure data authenticity are discussed. The report emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in research to maintain the integrity of the study and the well-being of participants. The report highlights measures taken to maximize benefits and minimize harm, ensuring the research contributes to knowledge while upholding ethical standards.

Research Methods

Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................3
Methodology............................................................................................................................................3
Ethical Considerations..........................................................................................................................4
Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and communities..................5
Scientific Integrity..................................................................................................................................5
Social Responsibility.............................................................................................................................5
Maximizing benefit and minimizing harm.........................................................................................5
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................7

INTRODUCTION
The business environment is increasingly becoming competent and it is
important for the different organizations to address the various challenges in an
effective manner. The consumers are increasingly becoming conscious about the
environment and hence, they prefer buying products that are eco-friendly (Bensberg,
2021). There is a need for establishing as well as applying different methods that are
environment friendly. It can be said that environment friendly approach for the growth of
the overall success of an organization.
Research Aim
“To evaluate the importance of implementing environmentally friendly
approaches within the Small, Medium and large enterprises. A case study of
Sainsbury.”
Objectives
 To analysis the role of environmentally friendly approach for the growth of
company’s success.
 To determine the importance of implementing environmentally friendly approach
in MSME enterprises.
 To evaluate some major challenges face by the company while implementing
some environmentally friendly approaches.
Methodology
Research Approach – Research approach is an important part of the research
and helps the research in an effective manner (Cottrell and et.al., 2021). There are two
types of research approaches such as inductive as well as deductive research
approach. It is important for the researcher to choose the most effective research
approach.
Research Design – Research design is another important component of a
research and qualitative as well as quantitative are the two types of research design.
And primary as well as secondary are the two types of methods that can be used for the

process of data collection. In context to this research, the researcher has used the
quantitative research design.
Methods and Participants – There are different research methods that can be
used by the researcher in order to collect effective data from the respondents. In context
to this research, the researcher has conducted a primary research. And a questionnaire
has been used for the process of data collection (Duffy and et.al., 2021). This is
because it will help in gathering first-hand information from the respondents. On the
other hand, the participants of this study were the customers of Sainsbury’s. and the
number of participants is 40.
Validity and Reliability – Validity and reliability of a research ensure that the
methods that have been used for completing the research are reliable. Also, these two
measures that will ensure that the research is conducted in an effective manner as well
as the outcomes of the study are reliable. As a result, the growth and development can
be analyzed.
Data Analysis – This is one of the most important part of a research and
involves analyzing the data in order to attain useful insights as well as conclusions from
the data that has been gathered (Graham and et.al., 2021). The researcher has used
different charts, graphs as well as tables in order to present the findings of the data.
This can help the company in making informed as well as useful decisions for its overall
growth.
Ethical Considerations
Ethics in research are important because they govern how the research is carried
out and disseminated. Research ethics are important because they promote the aims of
the study as well as help in expanding overall knowledge. While conducting this
research, the researcher has taken into account the different ethical issues. For
instance, written informed consent was obtained and the respondents were briefed
about the research before the collection of data. Also, all of the information that was
gathered from the respondents was kept anonymous and confidential until the study

was complete. Also, the questions in the questionnaire were designed keeping in mind
the topic as well as objectives of the research.
Respect for the autonomy, privacy and dignity of individuals and
communities
In order to obtain valid consent from the respondents, a participant consent form
has been used. The respondents were asked to fill in the details and the researcher has
stored these forms. As far as privacy is concerned, all of the information that was
gathered by the researcher, has been stored in a laptop as well as a USB to make sure
that it is safe from getting misused (Wood, Glass and Decker, 2021). Also, when the
participants were selected for the research, they were provided with a participant
information form. The participants were asked to provide basic details about
themselves.
Scientific Integrity
In order ensure that the respective study is based on authentic data, the
researcher will use a questionnaire. This is because a questionnaire will help in
gathering first-hand as well as reliable data from the respondents. Apart from this, the
researcher can also tailor the questionnaire based on the requirement of research. The
accuracy of the data that is gathered through a questionnaire is high and can help the
researcher in making useful conclusions that can be used for making informed
decisions.
Social Responsibility
The respective research contributes to the overall knowledge of the readers.
While undertaking this study, the researcher has ensured that the respect for the dignity
and integrity of the participants has been maintained (Bensberg, 2021). There were
different measures that were taken by the researcher such as the participants were
briefed about the research in order to ensure that they provide effective responses in
the questionnaire. Also, the information was kept confidential as well as anonymous.

Maximizing benefit and minimizing harm
In order to avoid potential risks, a plan was developed as this helped in
identifying the potential risks. As a result, the researcher was able to develop effective
strategies for the same. This has helped the researcher in carrying out the research in
an effective manner. the information was kept confidential and this helped in
maintaining the privacy of the participants. Also, the participants were briefed about the
research before-hand in order to make sure that they provide accurate as well as
reliable responses. This helped in maximizing the benefit as well as minimizing the
harm.

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Bensberg, M., 2021. Developing a systems mindset in community-based prevention.
Health promotion practice, 22(1), pp.82-90.
Cottrell, E.K. and et.al., 2021. Documenting new ways of delivering care under Oregon’s
alternative payment and advanced care model. The Journal of the American
Board of Family Medicine, 34(1), pp.78-88.
Duffy, F. and et.al., 2021. Mixed methods pilot evaluation of interpersonal
psychotherapy for body image for adolescents. Clinical Child Psychology and
Psychiatry, 26(1), pp.167-177.
Graham, L.M. and et.al., 2021. The validity and reliability of available intimate partner
homicide and reassault risk assessment tools: A systematic review. Trauma,
violence, & abuse, 22(1), pp.18-40.
Wood, S.N., Glass, N. and Decker, M.R., 2021. An integrative review of safety
strategies for women experiencing intimate partner violence in low-and middle-
income countries. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 22(1), pp.68-82.