Research Project: ICT Effectiveness in Business - R.L. Maynard Ltd.

This research project investigates the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing business capabilities and performance, with a specific focus on R.L. Maynard Limited, a construction company. The introduction highlights the importance of ICT in modern business operations and its role in digitalization. The project includes a research proposal outlining the aim to analyze ICT's impact, along with specific objectives and research questions. A literature review explores the concept of ICT, its role in business administration, finance, customer relations, and its effectiveness in developing operations. The research methodology employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a primary focus on qualitative methods. The research aims to determine how ICT can provide a competitive edge, improve communication, and enhance customer relationships for R.L. Maynard Limited. The project utilizes both primary and secondary research methods to gather data and provide recommendations for the company's business development.

RESERACH PROJECT

TITLE:
To analyse the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in
developing business capabilities and performance. A case study on R.L. Maynard Limited.
INTRODUCTION
Information Communication Technology (ICT) consist as the infrastructure and element
which enable the modern computing. It also refers to all the technologies which are used to
handle programme media, telecommunication, intelligent building administration system,
audiovisual processing, transmission systems and network based monitoring and control system.
It is understood that ICT is most necessary element of digitalisation as it plays a huge role in
developing the operations of firm in impressive manner (Agbi, 2018). For this particular report
i.e. a construction company located in Gerrards Cross, R. L. Maynard Limited is the selected for
this organisation which is consolidated on 22 March 1973, with the registered office. This report
tell about the power of information communication technology on development of organisational
capabilities and performance. In the present research reports a specified objectives are created as
to moving forward to right direction by applying appropriate methods. Literature review and
Data analysis will be conducted for providing significant theoretic model and to drawing reliable
outcome for the project.
P1 Research proposal which clearly define question and hypothesis with literature review.
A research is a critical element which performs immense part in addressing an issue in
effective manner through gathering appropriate data and information. The present research work
is based on the the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in developing
business capabilities and performance. Information Communication Technology is a necessary
aspect of business which plays a big role in managing proper flow of data and information of the
external and internal sources of firm. This is one of the major technical execution which is
operative to revolutionize the experience or knowledge of human (Anderson, 2012). In the
today's business environment, competitors covered a great market place so organisations have to
focus on competition for achieve high growth and success in the market through expanding their
business activities at a large scale. R.L. Maynard Limited is privately owned small business
organisation which deals in constructing domestic buildings. The major motive of R.L. Maynard
Limited is to developing their business transactions at a large scale to increasing the profitability
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and performance of the firm. ICT is beneficial for developing a relevant communication channel
for the purpose of increasing the operations of the firm at world-wide. Information
communication technology is a key social networking website which helps in creating a regular
base of communication within and outside the organisation. The existing investigation is depend
on the implication of digital equipments and its effects on the efficiency and execution of the
firm. Research work is based on research aim and objectives, these are predetermined in nature
and show huge role in rendering a proper assistance to the researcher to carry out the work in
right style.
Research Aim
This consist core of any investigation work in which research issue is mentioned in the
form of statement. This is the primary component of research work as the whole activity of the
research is based on the aim of the investigation (Aten, Nardon and Stanko, 2016). The essential
aim of the research is “To analyse the effectiveness of Information Communication
Technology(ICT) in developing business capabilities and performance”. A case study on R.L.
Maynard Limited.
Research Objectives
This is also an important part of research work as it is interconnected with the aim of the
research. It is required to be incorporated into an investigation with the goal of resulting better
and effective outcome. The essential objectives of the research is described as below:
 To access the concept of Information Communication Technology and its role in
business.
 To evaluate the effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in
developing the operations of R.L. Maynard Limited.
 To determine the importance of communication system in enhancing the customers base
within the market place. To recommend ways by which R.L. Maynard Limited can attain higher competitive edge
within the market place.
Research Questions
This also referred as the general statement which is compelling in illustration dependable
outcome through building up a hypothetical structure by analysing the opinion of various writers
and scholars. Several suitable research questions are associated below:
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 What is the concept of Information Communication Technology and its role in business?
 What are the major effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in
developing the operations of R.L. Maynard Limited?
 What are the importance of communication system in enhancing the customers base
within the market place?
 What are the essential ways by which R.L. Maynard Limited can attain higher
competitive edge within the market place?
The research questions are effective in implementing the explore activeness in right
direction (Cascio and Montealegre, 2016). It is mandatory for the investigator to examine all the
question in effective way through giving proper description regards to the specified area of
survey. This section is effective in conducting an in-depth analysis through determining the
opinion of various authors and writers. Literature review is an important part of research work as
it is effective in providing a proper theoretical framework for analysing the appropriateness of
investigation. In this, data has to be gathered through secondary sources like books, journals,
online sites and past research work.
The concept of Information Communication Technology and its role in business
Information Communication Technology can be defined as an denotative term for
substance technology which emphasis the role of unified abstraction and the integration of
telecommunication, computer, software, middleware, storage, audio etc. As per the views
expressed by Erik-Wilhelm Graef Behm (2018), ICT has become a most integrated part of the
society. The digital transformation is encountered on innovation, but it is mainly driven by
customer, users and the societies changing demand, need and behaviour. ICT involved all digital
technology which assist individuals, business and enterprises in applying information. Basically,
it covers all electronic goods and services that deal with information in a digital form. In today's
business scenario, organisations are widely concern on adopting new and innovative
technologies as to develop the operations of the firm at global market (Chiocchio, Rabbat and
Lebel, 2015). R.L. Maynard Limited is a private company which is concern with enhancing its
operations and functions at large level through fulfilling the needs and demand of customers at
market place. Small and medium size organisations are considered as the driving elements of
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industrial growth and development in virtually all geographical areas. ICT plays vast role in the
business sector in which some are associated as below: Administration: Information Communication Technology plays effective role in
administrating the organisational functions and operations through Invoice,
communication, emails etc. Business, finance and accounting: ICT is also effective in making business plans,
financial forecasting, auditing, market analysis, research, recording transaction etc. Customers Relationship: Communication system is effective in managing the
relationship with customers as to attaining long term benefits.
The major effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in developing the
operations of R.L. Maynard Limited
As per the opinion of Morton Holder (2012), information and communication technology
refers as an umbrella term which involve any communication device or applications and the
different services or applications that are associated with them and are usually spoken of in a
specified area. In an organisation communication is the basic priority of the each department as it
is essential for firm or its higher authority to implement an effective communication system in
respect to maintaining the appropriate flow of data and information. The company R.L. Maynard
Limited is conducting its business operations at domestic level and widely concern on attempting
their desired goals and objectives through managing the operations of the firm by maintaining
the flow of data and information in each department (de Leede, 2016). As a construction
company, it is essential for R.L. Maynard Limited to use an appropriate flow of data and
information to manage all business activities in effective manner. Information communication
technology is also effective in gaining attention of customers through providing them appropriate
detailed about the offered products and services of the firm. A good and appropriate
communication channel helps the firm in maintaining good and friendly relationship with
customers through maintain direct contact with them.
The importance of communication system in enhancing the customers base within the market
place
According to the opinion of Chris Joseph (2018), Customers is refers as the most
essential element for the growth and development of the business. It is necessary for an
organisation to build an effective relationship with their customers in order to attain long term
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benefits for the operations of the firm. As a small business enterprise, the major purpose of R.L.
Maynard Limited is to increase their customers base through using new and innovative tools that
are effectual in fulfilling the demands and wants of people at market area. There are various
importance of communication system in developing the customers base, in which some are
described as below:
Gaining Clarity: Clarity of communication is essential at the time of analysing the needs
and wants of customers. Attaining clarity id mainly includes asking important questions to attain
better understanding of the customers situations (Ellis and Loveless, 2013). R.L. Maynard
Limited is widely concern on analysing the needs and wants of customers as to offering them
goods and services as per their choice and preferences.
Reinforcing the sales: Communication can serve as a valuable reinforcement tool as it
effective in solidify the purchase. Effective communication helps the customers in resolving the
issues which are faced by them in regards to the operations and products of the firm.
Staying in Touch: The major purpose of R.L. Maynard Limited is to build an effective
communication system as to implement an effective relationship with customers in order to
attaining high growth and success at market place. Communication systems are appropriate in
retaining customers for long time through keep in touch with them on regular basis.
P2) Research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research.
Research methodological analysis is the gathering of multiple techniques which are
utilized to set up the report of different stages of research which helps to set the diverse kinds of
parameter distinctive research methods which are utilized to make the project more exact and
accurate. In this stage, there are distinctive kinds of systems and strategies which are utilized to
execute all stages in right direction as to keeping in mind the end goal to achieve objectives and
targets of research in legitimate manner. This prompts keep up reliability in different kinds of
research process in powerful manner (Fish, 2015). In this particular research work, there are two
distinct sorts of research procedures that are performed in different situation arising during the
research. Qualitative Research: It is type of research as to working on a right direction. This
determined as a scientific method of observation which is used to gather non numerical
data and information. In this type of research data has to be collected on the basis of
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qualitative means as in this accumulated data is based in qualitative nature. In this type of
investigation result is accumulated through descriptive research approach.
 Quantitative Research: This is also considered as an another essential means of research
as it is applied to find out the outcome in the form of exploratory research approach. In
this type of investigation data has to be gathered on the basis of quantitative means. This
refers to be the systematic empirical research of observable phenomena through
statistical, mathematical and computational techniques.
In the present research work qualitative means of the research is applied by researcher as
to drawing valid and reliable outcome. This is the most effective tool which provides a proper
information in regards to the descriptive approach. Primary Method: This referred as an essential technique which is used to collect
information for the very first time. The major obligation of the investigator is to make
proper involvement of data in appropriate way as the primary sources is effective in
gathering new and fresh data by different sources (Gasson, Kosta and Bowman, 2012).
This is mainly effective in conducting survey as to gaining proper and reliable data for
carry out the research work in appropriate manner. This part plays vast role in gathering
information through preparing questionnaire, as it is effective in accumulating real and
viable information. Secondary Methods: This is also determined as the another effective part of research
work as it is efficient in gathering data and information through secondary sources like
books, journal, online sites and past research projects. This tools is mainly appropriate in
conducting Literature review so as to analyse the views on the research topic written by
others on internet. It assist towards gaining high growth and profitability.
Sampling: This emphasises on taking some people into consideration whose views and
opinions are considered while taking decision and drawing conclusion at the end of the research.
This can be identified in the form of probabilistic or non-probabilistic data sampling, which
depends on appropriateness of research work. The present research is mainly depends on
purposive non-probabilistic sampling technique as it is interlinked with the research work related
with achieving a valid conclusion within pre-determined time for carrying out complete research
and result.
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TASK 2
P3 Conduct primary and secondary research by using appropriate methods and techniques.
A research is considered as crucial viewpoint which assumes immense part in defeating
the conflict of past research project which are connected with the comparable territory of study.
Information and data are the principal part of research project (Krumm and Schulze, 2017). The
real duty of research is to assemble suitable and significant data for do the work in successful
way. Primary and secondary source are compelling in gathering information and data with
respect to finishing the research targets in appropriate way. It is fundamental for investigator to
have a proper information about the reasonable devices and strategies of information gathering
as to aggregating appropriate result and outcome. It is required for R.L. Maynard Limited to
have a effective comprehension about the methods which are utilized as a part of an investigation
report in which some compelling components are portrayed as under:
Cost: It is the most essential segment which expect colossal part in executing all examination
exercises in ponder and ground-breaking way. It is required for examiner to keep up appropriate
stream of assets and capital as to driving all exercises without standing up to any kind of issue.
The cost of this endeavour isn't high as in this outline is coordinated among 40 respondents and it
is definitely not hard to gather information by their own comprehension. On the contrary side as
to get-together information through auxiliary sources the money related arrangement of
undertaking is updated as to totalling data through different sources. The sentiment of makers are
effective in drawing a considerable and fitting outcome.
Ethical Issue: A ground-breaking research is consolidates and portray certain moral issues
which need to dissect in a transcendent and picked way. A moral issues could be related with
unfit approach use and furthermore sharing of individual data and so forth. Along these lines,
every moral issue need to gauge and see legitimately while engineering study so better and
depict data could be joined (Leede, 2016). This investigation is free from all sort of good issues
and issues and reflect strong get to R.L. Maynard Limited. Thusly in the present research work
data must be collected through 30 respondents who are not having any kind of impedance in each
others life and this make a motivating force in reducing the likelihood of dispute.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware about the Information Communication Technology ? Frequency
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Yes 36
No 4
Q2) Does the implementation of ICT is beneficial for the growth and
development of the business activities of R.L. Maynard Limited?
Frequency
Agree 32
Disagree 8
Q3) What is the importance of Information communication technology in
enhancing overall performance of the organisation?
Frequency
Better reach over consumers 22
Effective communication among Employees 8
Easy access to various Markets 10
Q4) Which department of R.L. Maynard Limited is most benefited from the
ICT?
Frequency
Department of Marketing 15
Department of Human Resource 10
Department of Operations 15
Q5) Which section of the organisation is most benefited from implementation of
ICT within the firm?
Frequency
Employees 10
Top Management 20
Managers 10
Q6) Who are the frequent users of ICT within the organisation? Frequency
Employees 15
Top Management 25
Q7) What is the impact of ICT on Company's growth as well as profitability ? Frequency
8

Increase in Profits 18
Neutral 10
Decrease in profits 12
Q8) Is Information Communication Technology is helpful for an organisation to
go global?
Frequency
Yes 36
No 4
Q9) Is it Costly for R.L. Maynard Limited to implement ICT within the
organisation?
Frequency
Yes 30
No 10
Q10) Do you have suggestion for analysing impact of digital technology on
business activity and their functions within an organisation?
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P4 Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research finding and data
This defined as the most essential part of research as it helps in analysing the data and
information in effective manner. In this section, data has to be determined through thematic
analysis as in this themes are prepared which are based on the questions of questionnaire.
Theme 1: In the modern era, people are aware about the Information Communication
Technologies.
Interpretation:
As per the description of the above given chart, it has been concluded that 36 out of 40
respondents said that they are agree with the information communication system. In the modern
era, the human life is very much based on digital tools and technologies are they are very much
aware about the new and advance technologies. 4 people are not aware about the new or advance
information communication technologies.
10
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 36
4
Column B

Theme 2: The implementation of ICT is beneficial for the growth and development of the
business activities of R.L. Maynard Limited.
Interpretation:
From the above given report it has been concluded that in this modern era, the major
purpose of each small as well as large business enterprises is to attain high growth and success at
market place. 32 out of 40 respondents said that the implementation of ICT is beneficial for the
growth and development of the business activities of R.L. Maynard Limited as to analyse the
growth of firm. 8 people are not agree with the same as per their opinion the implementation of
ICT is not much effective in enhancing the performance of R.L. Maynard Limited.
11
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35 32
8
Column B

Theme 3: There are various importance of Information communication technology in
enhancing overall performance of the organisation.
Interpretation:
According to the above mentioned report it has been identified that there are various
importance of Information Communication Technology for developing the overall performance
of the firm. The major motive of each business is to attain higher growth and success at market
place. 22 out of 40 respondents said that it is effective in enhancing the customers base, 8 people
go with the option of effective communication among the employees and remaining people go
with the option of easy access to various markets.
12
Better reach over consumers
Effective communication among Employees
Easy access to various Markets
0
5
10
15
20
25 22
8
10 Column B

Theme 4: In R.L. Maynard Limited different departments are most benefited from the ICT.
Interpretation:
From the above given report, it has been analysed that ICT is the most effective tool
which plays vast role in developing the operations of the firm at market place. R.L. Maynard
Limited deals in construction and there are various departments which are benefited from ICT
tools.15 out of 40 respondents go with the option of department of marketing, 10 people go with
the option of department of human resources and remaining people go with the option of
department of operations.
13
Department of Marketing
Department of Human Resource
Department of Operations
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
10
15
Column B

Theme 5: Different section of the organisation is most benefited from implementation of ICT
within the firm.
Interpretation:
From the above given report it has been evaluated that different section of the
organisation is most benefited from implementation of ICT within the firm.10 out of 40
respondents said that employees are benefited with the adoption of ICT technology and 20
people go with the option of top management as ICT is effective for top management to maintain
the flow of information in each department and remaining people go with the option of managers
as managers are also benefited by ICT as to managing the operations of the firm through using
communication system.
14
Employees Top Management Managers
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
10
20
10
Column B

Theme 6: The frequent users of ICT within the organisation.
Interpretation:
As per the description of the above given chart, it has been concluded that in the modern
business environment, information is considered to be the most essential element which needs to
be transformed within the work place as to carry out the business operations in right manner. 15
out of 40 respondents said that employees are the most frequent user of the ICT within the work
place and remaining people go with top management as ICT is majorly provide benefits to the
top management.
15
Employees Top Management
0
5
10
15
20
25
15
25
Column B

Theme 7: ICT has some positive impact on Company's growth as well as profitability.
Interpretation:
As per the above given report, it has been evaluated that ICT has some positive influence
on the growth and development of the firm.18 out of 20 people go with the option of increase in
profits and 10 people go with the option of neural and remaining people go with the option of
decrease in profits.
16
Increase in Profits Neutral Decrease in profits
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
18
10
12
Column B

Theme 8: Information Communication Technology is helpful for an organisation to go
global.
Interpretation:
As per the description of the above given chart, it has been determined that 36 out of 40
people said that Information Communication Technology is helpful for an organisation to go
global. ICT is effective in developing an effective communication channel which is appropriate
in enhancing the customers base and this create value in attaining high growth and success of
firm at market place. 4 people are not agree with the same as per their opinion Information
Communication Technology is not much helpful for an organisation to enhance their business at
global level.
17
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 36
4
Column B

Theme 9: It is Costly for R.L. Maynard Limited to implement ICT within the organisation.
Interpretation:
From the above given report it has been concluded that 30 out of 40 respondents said that
it is Costly for R.L. Maynard Limited to implement ICT within the organisation. 10 people are
not in favour with the same.
18
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
10
Column B

TASK 3
P5 Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience
The concept of Information Communication Technology and its role in business
From the discussion of the research work it can be evaluated that information is presumed
to be the most essential element for each business firm. It is the major obligation of the firm or
its management is to maintain an appropriate flow of data and information in each department as
to conduct all the business operations in most effective and efficient manner. Information
Communication Technology is an essential aspect which is effective for each small as well as
large business enterprises to handle all the business operations in appropriate manner through
implementing coordination within the organisational employees.
The major effectiveness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in developing the
operations of R.L. Maynard Limited
From the analysis of the project it has been evaluated that the Information and
communication technology can be define as an umbrella term which included any specialized
digital product or applications and the distinctive administrations or applications that are related
with them and are typically talked about in a predetermined zone. It is essential through that the
viability of ICT's is in capacity to create access to the data and correspondence. In an association
correspondence is the fundamental need of the every division as it is basic for firm or its higher
expert to execute a powerful correspondence framework in regard to keeping up the fitting
stream of information and information. Information correspondence innovation is likewise viable
in picking up consideration of clients through giving them suitable point by point about the
offered items and administrations of the firm. A decent and proper communication channel helps
the firm in keeping up to date their clients in regards to the services of the firm.
The importance of communication system in enhancing the customers base within the market
place
From the above given discussion it has been identified that communication is refers as the
the key aspect for each business enterprises as an effective communication within work place
create value in implementing coordination and collaboration within the organisational
employees. In the modern business era, competition is so high at market place and organisation
are widely concern on attaining higher competitive edge through grabbing the attention of more
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and more customers towards the firm or its offered products and services. Customers are the key
elements of the firm as the higher customers base is effective for firm to attain high growth and
success at market place. Organisations are widely concern on using innovative tools and
technologies of communication as to make good and friendly relationship with their customers.
As the implementation of digital tools and technologies are effective in creating value in
attainment of high growth and success within the market place. Communication helps an
organisation in retaining customers for long run of business operations and this also plays
effective role in attaining higher profitability and growth. ICT is considered as the most
appropriate tools of digitalisation and it is significantly used by organisations as to providing
data and information to each department of firm in respect to attaining desired goals and
objectives of the firm.
TASK 4
P6 Reflection on the effectiveness of research methods and techniques.
Research contain to be a basic piece of research examination in which ask about method
expect enormous part in playing out the exercises of research in compelling way. The social
affair of data is settled as the most principal part and the whole research practices rely upon the
data which are gathered by the specialist. In the present research work, essential and what's more
auxiliary sources are associated by the specialist as to complete of the exploration work in
appropriate way. secondary sources are great in driving the bit of writing survey through
dissecting the observation and thoughts of various authors and researchers. Nearby, essential data
is accumulated through coordinating diagram by planning survey as this is the most appropriate
procedure to collect applicable and convincing information for the examination. Study or poll is
a best instrument which is appropriate for aggregating information and data which are
compelling in fulfilment of the work with important avocation.
P7) Determine alternative research methodologies for the project
Various alternative sources can be utilized to carry out an effective research in a powerful
and proficient way. For leading this investigation, I have used questionnaire as a technique to
collect reliable views and options of people who are having significant knowledge and idea about
the specified area of study. There are various alternative tools as well such as interviews which
can also be opted but consumes more time and energy. In the interview, the researcher lead
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questions answer from the respondents without receiving the feedbacks not using a questionnaire
Hence, according to one interviewer that I should use the interview which provide me reliable
and accurate views that helps in drawing a valid conclusion at the end of research. It the
important result. This method is also effective in providing relevant evaluation as to reaching at
final outcome. This is quite tough than the method of survey as in this data has to be gathered by
the less number of respondents because it is time consuming in nature.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Email:
Address:
Q1) Are you aware about the Information Communication Technology ?
Yes
No
Q2) Does the implementation of ICT is beneficial for the growth and development of the
business activities of R.L. Maynard Limited?
Agree
Disagree
Q3) What is the importance of Information communication technology in enhancing overall
performance of the organisation?
Better reach over consumers
Effective communication among Employees
Easy access to various Markets
Q4) Which department of R.L. Maynard Limited is most benefited from the ICT?
Department of Marketing
Department of Human Resource
Department of Operations
Q5) Which section of the organisation is most benefited from implementation of ICT within the
firm?
Employees
Top Management
Managers
Q6) Who are the frequent users of ICT within the organisation?
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Employees
Top Management
Q7) What is the impact of ICT on Company's growth as well as profitability ?
Increase in Profits
Neutral
Decrease in profits
Q8) Is Information Communication Technology helpful for an organisation to go global?
Yes
No
Q9) Is it costly for R.L. Maynard Limited to implement ICT within the organisation?
Yes
No
Q10) Do you have suggestion for analysing impact of digital technology on business activity
and their functions within an organisation?
25