Research Project: Digital Technology and Business Operations at M&S UK

This research project investigates the impact of digital technology on the performance and operations of a business enterprise, specifically focusing on Marks and Spencer UK. The project includes an introduction outlining the aim and objectives, followed by a detailed methodology section covering research design (descriptive), approach (inductive), philosophy (interpretivism), research type (qualitative), data collection methods (primary and secondary), and sampling techniques (probabilistic). The project employs questionnaires and secondary data from journals and books. The methodology section also includes data analysis (qualitative, thematic approach) and ethical considerations. The project includes a literature review, timeline, references, and appendices with sample questionnaires. The core of the project analyzes how digital technology is utilized in business, the factors influencing its application, and its relationship with functional values, ultimately assessing its effects on business performance. The project aims to understand how digital technology is impacting the business world.

RESEARCH PROJECT
(Part 1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS..............................................................................................................2
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................4
1. INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................4
Overview......................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Aim and Objectives...............................................................................................................4
1.2 Objectives:.............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Research Questions................................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Rational..................................................................................................................................4
2.2 Why I chose...........................................................................................................................5
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................5
Research Design..........................................................................................................................5
Research Approach......................................................................................................................6
Research Philosophy....................................................................................................................6
Research Type.............................................................................................................................7
Data Collection Method...............................................................................................................7
Sampling technique.....................................................................................................................8
Data Analysis...............................................................................................................................8
Ethical Consideration...................................................................................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Literature Review..................................................................................................................9
3.2 Timeline...............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................................17
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Overview......................................................................................................................................1
Aim and Objectives.....................................................................................................................1
Rational........................................................................................................................................2
METHODOLOGIES.......................................................................................................................2
1. Data collection method............................................................................................................2

Sampling technique.....................................................................................................................2
Data analyse.................................................................................................................................2
2. Ethical consideration...............................................................................................................3
3. RESULTS AND FINDING.........................................................................................................3
4. Frequency distribution tables...................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
6 RECOMMENDATION................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
APPENDIX 1.................................................................................................................................11
SAMPLE : 1..................................................................................................................................11
SAMPLE : 2..................................................................................................................................12
SAMPLE : 3..................................................................................................................................13

TASK 1
1. INTRODUCTION
Overview
In present era the digital technology is referred as one of most essential section for every
organisation because it allows to have sustainable development. By having an appropriate
consideration of digitalisation the issues in terms of business activities can be resolved. There are
various tools which are being referred by businesses for effective development of opportunities.
Classification of such tools can be as social media, digital services, CRM, etc. By having an
effective consideration of digital technology the businesses firm can easily meet the standards in
terms of administration, communication, storage, etc. (Edward, 2010). Present study is focused
on the understanding about the impact of digital technology on the performance and operation of
business enterprise: A case study of Marks and Spencer UK. It means the digital technology also
has a relation with business operations.
1.1 Aim and Objectives
Aim:
To explore the understanding about the impact of digital technology on the performance
and operation of business enterprise: A case study of Marks and Spencer UK
1.2 Objectives:
 To understand the use of digital technology in the business
 To identify factors associated with digital technology and its relationship with functional
values
 To assess the effect of digital technology on the business performance.
1.3 Research Questions
 How digital technology is being used in the business?
 Which factors impacts the application of digital technology and how it relates to
functional values?
TASK 2
2.1 Rational
In present study, the application of digital technology has been considered as critical term.
Also, the impact of such application on business performance and values is also a major concern
behind the project. Such kind of measures has been taken into account by researcher because

many businesses are investing on up gradation of technology in process but the results of such
investment has not been measured previously. It has motivated expert to select the topic and
ensure about the understanding of digital technology (Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and Lanvin, 2013).
Along with this, another rational of the present study is to bridge the gap identified in previous
studies. In this respect the application of literature section is being taken into account in desired
manner. Moreover, majority of businesses are having expansion in terms of technology
development so it is also essential to understand and explore the impact of such developments on
the business.
2.2 Why I chose
This topic is selected as I have personal interest for the same and this will help me to
boost up my future carrier. Apart from this, I have personal interest for this topic. With change in
time, there are many changes that has taken place with respect to strategies that are applied by
the business and all these will help me to develop my skills and capabilities.
METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is one of significant aspect of every study, it allows to have effective
application of tools and techniques which assist in accomplishment of research. By having an
effective consideration of research methodology the overall research can be scheduled in desired
manner. In this, different kinds of values are being referred by the experts such as design,
philosophy, approach, collection, sampling and analysis. By having an effective reference of
such process the effectiveness of conducting a research can be advanced in critical manner. In
this, consideration of ethical framework and limitations is also significant so that key outcome
can be attained in desired manner (Zumitzavan and Michie, 2015). It is necessary for researcher
to have selection of methodological section because it assist in examination of key factors in
more significant manner. In present study, selection of methodology will provide understanding
about the impact of digital technology on the performance and operation of business enterprise.
Research Design
In order to meet the outcome and objectives of the investigation, researcher can focus on
diverse forms of research platforms according to nature of the investigation. It means the nature
of subject need to be referred by experts in desired manner. There are different kinds of designs
which are being employed by researchers as per nature of subject. Classification of such designs
can be as descriptive, semi-experimental, explorative and meta- analytic. With an application of

design the determination of factors related to subject can be taken into account in significant way
(Johnson and Christensen, 2010).
For present study the selection of descriptive design will be considered as critical part. It
will allow to have long term development in terms of present study. With an assistance of this,
results of the study can be attained in more appropriate manner. Selected design allows to have
in-depth collection of data so that better outcome can be attained. In descriptive study the
researcher allows to have analysis of different factors in order to resolve the research problem.
By having a reference of such design the investigator can easily have examination of diverse
facts and information which are associated with digital technology and its impact on the business
operation.
Research Approach
In addition to this, it can be said that there are two different kinds of research approaches
which are generally being accessed by the experts in order to accomplish objectives.
Classification of such approaches can be as inductive and deductive approach. Application of
inductive approach allows to have significant observation of diverse evaluation tools which are
associated with the study. With an assistance of this, essential information about the subject can
be gathered so that outcome can be attained. On the other hand the deductive approach assist in
application of general rule which assist in managing functions regarding research study (Khalid,
2009).
For effective accomplishment of the present stud, the inductive approach will be
employed the researcher. With an assistance of this, scholar can easily draw a base of concept
and knowledge which assist in meeting the objectives. The nature of approach makes
investigation more reliable tool for the present study. It will allow to determine the importance of
digital technology and its effectiveness for business.
Research Philosophy
It is referred as an ideology that a person holds. It is one of key reason that experts
consider application of philosophy as an ideological application in the study. By having an
application of research philosophy the researcher can have better control over diverse factors
related to the research work. Classification of key philosophies can be as interpretivism and
positivism. In addition to this, it can be said that positivism is the philosophy which is used to
apply different scientific methods of data collection as per natures of investigation (Zumitzavan

and Michie, 2015). It allows to have logical and reasoning data collection in order to offer better
support to the study. On the other side, interpretivism philosophy is referred as method which
provides effective collection of data on the basis of small sample size. It is a tool which also have
association with the assumption of researcher towards concepts and theories employed.
For present investigation the selection of interpretivism philosophy will be taken into
account by the researcher. With an application of such measures the experts can have efficient
data collection and ensure that key outcome is being accomplished. Application of interpretivism
factors will allow to have identification of factors associated with digital technology and its
relationship with functional values.
Research Type
There are majorly two kinds of research which are basically employed by researchers in
order to meet the outcome. In addition to this, it can be said that classification of such research
types is as qualitative and quantitative. In order to have effective accomplishment of the present
study, qualitative measures of study will be employed. In this, theoretical as well as graphical
presentation of data will be taken into account (Johnson and Christensen, 2010). It will allow to
ensure that specific information about the subject is being collected and presented to meet the
objectives. In this, in-depth investigation about application of digital technology and its impact in
operation will be referred as critical aspect.
Data Collection Method
In order to have appropriate consideration of research study, the experts need to focus on
selection of data collection methods. There are basically two kinds of data collection methods
such as primary and secondary. Primary are those methods which are gathered for the first time
(Khalid, 2009). On the other hand, secondary are those that are gathered with the help of books,
journals, online sources, etc. in primary there are tools like questionnaire, interview, focus
groups, etc. Interview is conducted in which respondents are called personally and open ended
questions are asked. Questionnaire consists of both open and closed ended questions. Both
primary and secondary methods will be applied by the researcher. For primary investigator will
make use of questionnaire and questions will be framed by the experts on the basis of designed
objectives. Questionnaire method of collection of data is considered as effective and efficient
method. It helps in collection of data from large population. Other than this, secondary data
collection will be completed with a help of diverse journals, books and sources. In this, it is

necessary to make sure that secondary sources accessed are offering relevant and valid
information (Eason, 2014). In addition to this, it can be said that access to articles which are
related to digital technology are need to be evaluated in standardised manner.
Sampling technique
Technique selection of sampling is also essential to refer by the management so that goals
and objectives can be accomplished in desired manner. In addition to this, it can be said that
there are different kinds of technique which need to be referred by experts such as probabilistic
and non-probabilistic. In order to have effective development of the standards the present study
will be focused towards probabilistic approach. In this, random sampling will also be taken into
account for continuous opportunities. Along with this, it can be said that experts can focus on 10
managers of M&S, London for effective data collection. By having a consideration of such
measures the issues in terms of primary collection can also be resolved in desired manner. It will
allow to have information about effect of digital technology on the business performance.
Data Analysis
It is significant for every researcher to have focus on effective analysis of collected
information. Research data analysis can be done in two forms qualitative and quantitative. In
order to have analysis of present study the researcher can focus on qualitative measures. It means
the analysis of information will be presented in theoretical manner as well as graphical value. In
this, thematic approach of data analysis will be employed to have authentic understanding about
the subject. By having a proper valuation of such measures the different themes on the basis of
questionnaire will be framed by the experts. It will assist in development of key terms about the
subject. It means assess to the effect of digital technology on the business performance can be
taken into account by having a proper reference of data collection method. Along with this,
themes will provide in-depth analysis of factors which are essential to have the understanding
about the impact of digital technology on the performance and operation of business enterprise.
Ethical Consideration
In order to meet the standards of research study, it is necessary for experts to have focus on
ethical values. By having an effective consideration of ethical valuation the experts can meet the
objectives. It has been noticed that there are number of ethical standards which need to be
followed by members in order to have sustainable development. It is necessary for investigator to
have focus on valid and reliable information gathering. In order to meet the reliable content

standard the authentic secondary sources will be accessed. Also, recent articles will only be taken
into account by the experts to meet the objectives. Along with this, confidentiality is also a key
factor which need to be referred by the researchers to accomplish the study. It means personal
information of participants will not be shared with any other third party. With an consent of the
participants the data is being collected so that correct measures can be taken into account for the
study.
TASK 3
3.1 Literature Review
Digital innovation assumes an extremely critical part in the business. Computerized stage is
one of the noteworthy channels which can help up the execution of organization. Aside from
that, by executing advanced innovation in the business activity, organization can likewise spare
its extra cost and use. As per the view of (Blackwell, Lauricella, and Wartella (2014), firm can
make the advanced business activity by utilization of different sources, for example, web,
workstation, PCs, cell phone, PDAs and so forth. Organization can bring advancement and
development by actualizing computerized stage into its activity. Business firm can execute
organize connected capacity gadgets by which it can deliver the test identified with age of huge
measure of information. Additionally, Fitzgerald, Bonnet and Welch (2014) has said that
administration should refresh its page on the web and online networking so right data about the
administrations can convey to the client.
Nambisan, (2017) has contended that organizations are receiving new advancements for
our business, which incorporates the drivers and boundaries to take up. Computerized innovation
is a standout amongst other system, which executes their organizations effortlessly.
Computerized innovation is critical for all ventures to offer speed, to their business procedure.
Investigation likewise criticized that digitization is rising and the usage of advanced innovation
into the organizations have additionally expanded the gainfulness. According to Oldham and Da
Silva, (2015), digital showcasing is one the best and important apparatuses for accomplishing the
objectives of little and medium undertakings effectively. There are such a large number of issues
emerges to receiving advanced showcasing towards the little and medium undertakings. That
implies there are numerous organizations around the globe in which that don't have the essential
apparatuses to work in computerized procedure.

Edward (2010) has contended that there are some specialized hindrances emerges in the
little and medium undertakings like, web issues, absence of information in the advanced
advertising and absence of securities. Businesses additionally faces the budgetary issue in which
they don't have appropriate money related foundation. It has been recognized that there are such
a large number of classes of advanced showcasing items accessible in the market, organizations
can choose any kind of innovations for their business. There are a few answers for diminish the
issue emerges in the organizations identifying with the digitization. The first is to deny the cost
of purchasing the computerized advertising items, developing the mindfulness among client
about the advanced showcasing, employments of web adequately and by expanding the
effectiveness. As per the view of Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and Lanvin (2013), Organizations are
additionally receiving web based business to build up their organizations and to expand the
productivity, which is extremely helpful for the advancement of the organizations. In some cases
there are numerous troublesome circumstances emerges, which have been made conceivable by
the blast of computerized innovations. Advanced advances enhances the different procedure of
working by which little and medium ventures can recognize the open doors for adjustment and
dissect the proficiently and they are receiving computerized innovations speedier.
In addition to this, it has been said by Borghoff and Pareschi, (2013) that through having
an effective consideration of digitalization in the business activities, business firm can attain
various outcome. It allows to meet the objectives and ensure that key standards are being well
maintained. It has been witnessed that cost of overall operations can also be controlled in desired
manner so that outcome can be attained in desired manner. By having an application of digital
tools the issues in terms of profitability can also be overcome and lead to impressive level of
success. Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and Benbasat (2010) has argued that use of smartphone has also
been advanced in recent years which indicates that business firm can easily promote its business
using digital tools. It will allow to have sharing of information in desired manner so that key
outcome can be accomplished. Digitalization allows to have sharing of information in desired
manner so that goals and objectives can be accomplished.
It has been witnessed that by the Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and Benbasat (2010) that, digital
marketing is considered as process which allows to have promotion of business activities on
online market. It allows to improve the performance so that goals and objectives can be taken
into account. One of key factor is that reach to customers is cost efficient which need to be

referred properly. It allows to improve the performance and lead to impressive level of success.
By having an appropriate consideration of measures the issues can be resolved in desired
manner.
As per the view of Edward (2010), it can be said that digital technology application
allows to have better benefits in terms of operational performance. Time consumption on any
activity can be controlled which will assist in accomplishing the task in less time. By having an
application of diverse measures the issues in terms of sustainability can be advanced in critical
manner. Also, digital technology assist in monitoring of activities. There are number of methods
which promote use of digital technology. 3D monitoring system allows to ensure that overall
process is being accomplished with an industrial standards. Graphical presentation is being taken
into account by having an appropriate reference of standards. It assist in meeting objectives and
ensure that goals and objectives are being accomplished. According to Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and
Lanvin (2013), there are number of technological developments which can be referred by
members in order to have sustainable opportunities. Cash flow benefits can be attained by having
an effective consideration of diverse software’s and applications. In addition to this, it can be
said that cash flow management software allows to integrate the present accounting system in
more appropriate manner. In this, permission to promote online payments can be referred so that
amount receivables and payables can be advanced in critical manner. It has been witnessed that
by having a use of business monitoring applications the changes in environmental values can be
identified in significant manner. Along with this, mobile document management helps in
improving database management which will assist in improving the performance and ensure that
goals and objectives are being accomplished.
Borghoff and Pareschi, (2013) has stated that using digital technology the connection
with customers can be advanced in critical manner. By having an application of digital values the
regular interaction and response can be offered to customers. It will assist in product alignment
and improvement so that long term opportunities can be attained. Digital technology advances
the cost control and ensure that key values are being well maintained. Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and
Benbasat (2010) has said that company can also have use of digital tools by having effective
branding of products and services. By having an application of such measures the issues can be
resolved and lead to impressive level of success. Internet has made it easier and cheaper to build
brand awareness as online marketing is often cheaper and more effective. It assist in meeting

objectives and ensure that key aspects are properly maintained in order to have sustainable
opportunities.
As per (Blackwell, Lauricella, and Wartella (2014), it might say that use of measures like
web-based social networking promoting, show publicizing, web index showcasing, online site,
booking gateway, and so forth are basic to allude. With a powerful thought of advanced
apparatuses, the organizations can share data in regards to items and administrations in fitting
way. It will permit to have long haul maintainability so objectives and destinations can be expert.
Different administrations can likewise be advanced utilizing web. Numerous organizations are
utilizing their own particular web-based interface to guarantee that they are giving simple access
to administrations with the goal that clients can have better understanding. Alongside this,
Fitzgerald, Bonnet and Welch (2014), contended that number of audit sites are additionally in the
market which causes organizations to advance their business successfully. Such sort of web-
based interfaces are alluded as verbal promoting devices where clients can audit administrations
and experience. Advanced promoting on TV and other e-stages enables client to have better
experience which likewise enhances the general improvement. Utilizing such practice, the
business helps in achieving the objectives and goals. It permits to guarantee that key measures
are being considered all the more every now and again with the goal that general improvement
can be considered.
According to Nambisan, (2017), there are number of components which impacts the
general use of digitalisation in activities. Characterization of measures can be as cost, learning,
assets, and so forth. It implies cost and back is one of key factor which impacts the use of
innovation inside business association. On the off chance that any business firm isn't having
fitting designation of assets to utilize the digitalisation then it will affect the activities. Be that as
it may, the cost of digitalisation as far as online networking and web-based interface is low when
contrasted with different instruments. Absence of information among individuals is additionally
one of basic factor which impacts the general working business firm in different way. Oldham
and Da Silva, (2015), has contended that key result as far as manageability is fundamental
through enhancing learning. On the off chance that individuals are not having information to
utilize the advanced device, at that point it will affect the working since need of preparing will be
created. On the off chance that assets to execute digitalisation are not fitting, at that point it will