HND Business Research Project

This document presents a research project proposal for an HND in Business, focusing on the role of online shopping in enhancing customer satisfaction at Asos UK. The project employs an inductive research approach and descriptive research design, utilizing both primary (customer surveys) and secondary data (journals, online resources). A random sampling technique with a sample size of 50 is proposed. Qualitative data analysis will be used to interpret the findings. The proposal includes a Gantt chart outlining the project timeline and sections addressing ethical considerations and data collection methods. The overall aim is to assess the relationship between online shopping and customer satisfaction at Asos and provide recommendations for improvement.

RESEARCH PROJECT PROPOSAL
FORM
Programme HND in Business
Surname
Forename(s)
Email address
Department Business
Working title of
your proposed
research
“Role of online shopping in enhancing customer satisfaction”- A
study on Asos
This is intended to help you reflect on possible issues of ethical concern arising from your
proposed research project.
1. Research project description
The scope of online shopping is increasing day by day and it has provided great
opportunities for growth and development to businesses. Last year a 16.2 growth has been
observed in UK's online retail sales (Centre for online research, e. d). The competition among
businesses in retail sector has become so intense that it is very difficult for companies to retail
their customers. Further the big question which lies in front of most of the businesses is how
to enhance the existing level of customer satisfaction. Thus, this research will help in
determine whether online shopping enhances level of customers satisfaction or not.
2.Aims: “To assess the role of online shopping in enhancing customer satisfaction”- A study
on Asos UK
Objectives -
 To determine the concept of online shopping
 To identify the link between online shopping and customer satisfaction in Asos
 To recommended the ways through which Asos can enhance its customer satisfaction
level

3. Information required
To carry out this research both primary and secondary information will be required. Data
regarding the concept of online shopping and link between online shopping and customer
satisfaction will be required by the researcher.
4. Research methodology
Research approach
Research approach is termed as the path which helps a researcher to carry out the
study in best possible manner. In addition to this, it assist in determine what are the right and
most appropriate tools and techniques which can be used for the researcher (Downey,
Hamilton and Catterall, 2007). There are two common type of approaches which are
deductive and inductive. When more specific results are required then, deductive approach is
used whereas those researches which require more general results then inductive approach is
used. Most of the time, selection of research approach relies on the nature and objectives of
the study. In the present study, inductive approach has been used where the information is
taken from the customers of Asos. They have provided accurate and relevant information
about role of online shopping in enhancing customer satisfaction.
Research design
Research design can be determined as the pattern which support a scholar to gather
most useful and relevant information as per the nature and topic of his/her study. Further with
the help of an appropriate research design a researcher is able to identify the actual problem
associated with the study (Amaratunga and et. al, 2002). Identification of the problem or
issue makes it very convenient for the scholar to carry out the research. Case study, casual,
exploratory, experimental, descriptive etc. are some of the most common designs used in
researches. In the present study. Descriptive research design has been selected as has assisted
in describing all the elements associated with the study. The benefit of this is that, it has
helped in carrying out the study in best possible manner.
Research philosophy
Research philosophy is defined as the values and belief of a scholar which are used at
the time of conducting the study and getting the most accurate findings. One of the main aim
of research philosophy is to evaluate whether the objectives of study has been accomplished
or not. Positivism and interpretivism are the common philosophies which are used at the time

of carrying out any study (Pring, 2014). In this study, interpretivism philosophy is used which
supported in addressing the objectives and ensuring the fact that objectives are achieved in
desired manner. Other than this, interpretivism philosophy is subjective in nature and thus, it
is very suitable for this type of study.
Data collection
Data collection is a systematic process which is used by a scholar to collect useful and
relevant information with regards to the topic of research. Primary and secondary are the two
main sources through which a researcher gather information (Jackson, 2011). In the present
study, both the sources are taken into consideration. The primary information is collected
from the customers of Asos. They have provided some useful information related to the role
of online shopping in enhancing customer satisfaction. On the other hand, the secondary
information regrading the topic of study is gather form various journals, online and books.
Sampling
In order to collect data, every scholar is required to select suitable sampling method
and sample size. Further sampling is the method in which a researcher selects some
respondents from the overall population in order to gather useful information (Crowther and
Lancaster, 2012). There are generally two type of sampling methods which are probabilistic
and non-probabilistic. In the present study random sampling technique which is a part of
probabilistic sampling method has been used. The information is collected from customers of
Asos and the sample size is 50.
Data analysis
Data analysis is termed as the process in which a researcher determines how a
researcher is going to evaluate the data collected from various sources. Further there are two
main techniques of data analysis which are qualitative and quantitative (Patton, 2005).
Qualitative data analysis helps a scholar to develop an in depth knowledge with regards to
the topic of researcher. The sample size of such analysis is also very less which some where
or the other affects the finding of study. In quantitative analysis the results are very accurate
which makes the entire study more reliable. In this study, qualitative analysis has been used
as the data is presented in non-numerical form.
5. Does your proposed research involve any of the following?
No

6. Any other information
NO
Time management plan
GANTT CHART
Activities 1st
Week
2nd
Week
3rd
Week
4th
Week
5th
Week
6th
Week
7th
Week
8th
Week
9th
week
10th
Week
Formation of
the research
proposal
Defining the
objectives
and aim
Developing
research
questions
Identifying
and selecting
method of
data
collection
Literature
review
Defining
Research
Methodology
Collecting
primary
data
Data
analysis
Writing up
the findings
of study

Conclusion
and
recommendat
ions
FEEDBACK FROM THE RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR
Name Date
APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH PROJECT
APPROVAL FROM RESEARCH PROJECT SUPERVISOR/TUTOR
Name Date