Research Project: Digital Technologies and SMEs' Productivity

This research project investigates the implications of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, on the development and productivity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), using Solotech Inc. as a case study. The project is structured around several tasks, including defining a research question, outlining research objectives, and selecting appropriate research methods. The research explores the significance of digital technology in SMEs, examining the effects of AI on business growth and productivity. It also delves into the role and effectiveness of AI in enhancing organizational activities and proposes strategies for improving profit levels. The project includes a literature review, analyzing the impact of digital technologies on SMEs, the influence of AI on Solotech Inc.'s development, and the role of AI in organizational growth. The research aims to provide practical insights into how SMEs can leverage digital technologies to improve their operations, increase efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth in a competitive market.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question...................................................1
Research objectives.....................................................................................................................3
P2 Appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research..............7
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................9
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods.................................................9
P4 Analytical tools, analyse research findings and data.............................................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................20
P5 Research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience............................20
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................21
P6 Effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives of the business research
project........................................................................................................................................21
P7 Alternative research methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcome’s...............21
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

TITLE: “The implications of digital technologies on SME’s”.
INTRODUCTION
Artificial intelligence refers to development and theory of computer system that able to
be perform the activities and tasks needed the human intelligence like for an instance speech
recognition, visual perception, translation among languages and also decision making. It is
regraded as necessary part of technology and also a branch of the computer science that goals as
well as develops the intelligent machines. The main objective of small and large business firm is
to enhance their productivity along with sales of services and products of an organisation. Firms
are more concern towards adopting advance as well as updates technology in order to
minimizing the workload of staff members at workplace. With the help of this they will retain
towards company for long period of time and productivity will be enhanced.
TASK 1
P1 Research proposal that clearly defines a research question
In this modern era, digital technology plays a necessary role in increasing for increasing
productivity by make improvement in production process and operations of company (Nilsson,
2014). It is a responsibility of every organisation to adopt the new technologies in business so
that productivity of firm can be enhanced and company can expand business at large scale. It
provides benefits for organisations to retain its competitive position at market place by compete
with their strong competitors. In context to artificial intelligence, it assures to make improvement
in current services as well as products by enable automation of various activities as well as tasks.
It has more influence on an economy by providing innovation in existing products on the basis of
demands and needs of customers. It is helpful in develop the positive impact on mind of
consumers at market place. Artificial intelligence is stimulation of process of human intelligence
through machines especially the computer systems. Under processes consist reasoning, self-
correction and learning, under this, it is an ability of computer controlled robot and digital
computer in order to perform activities which are related with the intelligence being.
Background of Research
In this present time period, life of human depends on digital technology which are more
effective as well as better in make the life of human more easy along with the comfortable.
Artificial intelligence is helpful in making the operations as well as activities more effective.
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This research is based on Solotech Inc. organisation and it gives the complete IT solutions for
lightning, rigging for business, sporting, sound, restaurants, exhibitions, clubs, casino and many
others. The main focus of this organisation is to develop the business operations as well as
functions at market place by enhance standard and quality of services. In addition to this, main
aim of every organisation is to expand their activities as well as operations by develop the
innovative services at competitive market for fulfil demands and wants of consumers. Solotech
Inc. is specialist in control system, audio, lightning and video. The artificial intelligence is
helpful for every organisation to develop the value for minimizing workforce of company to
minimize the human efforts and also develop the operations through establish the advance
technology at workplace (Wamba and et. al., 2017). Artificial intelligence is develop the
technology which permits machines and also computers to function in proper and intelligent
way. It is a machine that designed and also programmed in a manner that they are act like
human. It is helpful in minimize the human effort. In applications of artificial intelligence
consists speech recognition, machine vision and also expert systems.
Significance of research
This research part is emphasising on identifying main aims of conduct research in an
effective manner to develop the better knowledge base through collecting relevant information
and data by different sources. This current investigation depends on impact of the artificial
intelligence on increasing development and growth of firm. It includes wide field of study that
aids in maximising knowledge base of individuals in field of the artificial intelligence. Main aim
of this organisation is to achieve the set objectives with in specific period of time. With the help
of research, an investigator can find the main solutions to overcome from problems by collecting
the appropriate and relevant information to particular study area. Under this, research process is
helpful for people to increasing an ability to search information and data related with the specific
problem. Under this research project, specific investigation is to be discussed for reaching at the
reliable as well as valid outcome of work.
Aim
The main aim of this investigation is to determine an impact of Artificial Intelligence on
development and productivity of firm. A case study on Solotech Inc.
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Research objectives
It is an other fundamental research piece that is interconnected with research point. Under
this, research objective is more suitable in providing the exact methods to an investigator to
implement the research exercises in the deliberate method. Some of the research aims mention
below as above:
 To analyse significance of the digital technology in small and medium size
organisations.
 To identify affect of the Artificial Intelligence on development and productivity of
Solotech Inc. organisation.
 To examine role of artificial intelligence and also its effectiveness in growth of
organisational activities.
 Recommend some ways by which Solotech Inc. company can enhance its profit level
along with productivity.
Research questions
It can be solved as noteworthy research work piece that provides unmistakable heading in order
to actualise session of conducting a survey in a systemic manner. Some research questions are
given below as above:
 What is significance of the digital technology in small and medium size organisations?
 What will be affect of Artificial Intelligence on development and productivity of Solotech
Inc. organisation?
 What is role of artificial intelligence and also its effectiveness in growth of organisational
activities?
 What are different ways through which Solotech Inc. company can enhance its profit
level along with productivity?
Literature Review
It is an evaluation of information report found under this section of literature review
concerned with the chosen study area. Review should explain, summarise, clarify and also
examine this literature. It should provide the theoretical base for an investigation to identify
nature of an investigation.
Significance of the digital technology in small and medium size organisation
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In this existing internet time period, digital technology plays a necessary role. With the
help of an investigation,determine that above 3 billion of consumer using internet at the national
level. On the basis of view point of Becerra-Fernandez and Sabherwal (2014).A relational study
of supply chain agility, competitiveness and Technology is a necessary factor that impacts on
operations of business. It impacts on efficiency, relationship and also culture of business. In
business, technology is developing necessity and helpful in learning as well as innovation in
business. There are some significance of digital technology mention below:
Communication with consumers- Technology impact on ability of company to interact
with the consumers. In busy business environment, it is essential for staff members of Solotech
Inc. company to communicate with its consumers clearly as well as quickly. In context to this,
website permit the consumers to search answers to different questions in an easy manner. For
moving products, over large geographic area, option of fast shipment is permit the business. Use
of digital technology to interact with consumers provides different advantages to firm. It will be
helpful in develop the strong public reputation of company at market place.
Operation efficiency- Technology is helpful for business to understand the requirement
of cash flows as well as preserve the precious resources like for an instance physical space and
time. With the help of using advance technology, company can minimize the cost and also time
through holding the meetings over internet instead of corporate headquarters.
Support and security- With an automated process, digital technology can give, increase
growth of firm to reach at the high level. It is only because that minimum resources are to be
consumers in process the business activities and tasks. Through using the advance technology,
company can provide better quality of services to consumers. According to opinion of ….. it has
been stated that Digital technology provides security to small size organisations in context to
secure reliable data or information.
Improve productivity- Each firm is look towards improving growth and productivity. One
method to attain the goals is through executing innovations in business that helps staff members
to interact, working performance and collaboration. If all staff members will be work together
with out arising any kind of conflict then they will focus towards attaining the aims of firm with
in given period of time.
Affect of Artificial Intelligence on development and productivity of Solotech Inc.
organisation
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According to Negahban and Smith, (2014) it has been stated that Artificial intelligence is
one most promising tools in an organisation. It is helpful in analyse any business related
problems which are faced through an organisation. It is a kind of computer based technology
related with developing the machines work in intelligent manner similar way that work in mind
of human. It is helpful in develop the intelligent and better machines. An investigation that is
related with the artificial intelligence is more specialized as well as technical. The main issue of
artificial intelligence is programming the computers for some specific traits like for an instance:
reasoning, planning, perception, problem solving etc. The core concept of artificial intelligence is
machine learning. Under this, learning without any type of supervision needs an ability to
determine the patterns in inputs stream whereas the learning with an adequate supervision
includes the numerical regression as well as classification. Under this, machines are more
important for an organisation in order to getting the valid as well as reliable results with in given
period of time. There are some activities which related with artificial intelligence for certain
aspects like for an instance learning and speech recognition. In addition to this, artificial
intelligence is proper study to execute the computers for doing the things in a reliable as well as
significant manner. On the basis of view point of Rich and Waters, (2014) Artificial intelligence
is helpful in control mistakes of all departments. It is helpful in increasing productivity as well as
growth of Solotech Inc. Artificial intelligence used to improve the security of business so that
objectives can be achieved with in given period of time. The artificial intelligence can be used on
the mobile phones in order to assure the access of large volume of the personal data or
information.
Role of artificial intelligence and also its effectiveness in growth of organisational activities
Artificial intelligence is helpful in change the way of life and conduct business in an easy
manner. It is an ability of computer program or machine to learn and think. It is technology and
science depends on disciplines like psychology, engineering and computer science. Through
develop the better artificial intelligence in business, firm can get an ability to save the money as
well as time through automating the routine tasks and also processes. With the help of this,
company can take the faster and better decision in favour of an organisation. It is regarding the
reasoning, problem solving and also intelligent decisions. On the basis of view point of Ahi and
Searcy, (2015) it has been stated that Artificial intelligence seems to be more reasonable and also
helpful in getting the valuable conclusion. It seems to more modifications which have been
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minimize the particular job and develop the better quality of services for consumers. In addition
to this, artificial intelligence is helpful in develop the more or better opportunities for firms.
Under this, some implications are concerned with the use of advance technology which would
result in resolve the jobs of people at risk and also overcome from the employment in a better or
significant manner. Due to the digital automation, there is enhancing the demand for workers in
context to small and also medium firms. On the basis of view point of (Cohen and Feigenbaum,
2014).
Some ways by which Solotech Inc. company can enhance its profit level along with
productivity
Firms which able the Artificial Intelligence at the medium and small level enhancing the
internal effectiveness as well as efficacy for make the better decisions in favour of firm. Some
problems which are used to be remain for those which are not deploy the Artificial Intelligence
on the basis of mentioned capability. Solotech Inc. business firm operate its business by using
the digital technology in business. There is a requirement to make use of the different electronic
aspects which will be helpful in achieving the expected outcomes in context to future. Artificial
intelligence is helpful in making the business more competitive as well as reliable. It is necessary
that firm should meet with the needs of company along with the staff members. It will be helpful
in develop the positive impact in the mind of consumers and through this firm can retain at
market place for long period of time. It is difficult for company to align with the all basic needs
which are useful for transform the future resources in context to get the reliable as well as valid
outcomes in regards to future. In addition to measure success of business by artificial
intelligence, it will develop the negative impact. It is helpful save the time as well as cost of
business operations. Various ways through which company can improve its profit level and
productivity are explained below:
Determining existing workflow: In order to get success in business operations it is
important that managers and superiors have appropriate knowledge about what kind of work is
being done and company what outcomes are there from the same. Analysis of people working in
an organisation, use of appropriate tools and technologies, communication processes etc., are
considered in this. It will enable managers in making suitable strategies and plan of action which
can be adopted for attaining future objectives.
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Update business processes: If current workflow of company is shared with managers and
other subordinates than improvement in plan can be seen. This can further help company in
executing their plan in right manner and in a systematic was as well.
Investment more in employees education: As company is an IT firm so it is required
that their employees are well trained and skilled in terms of technologies. This can be possible
after giving appropriate knowledge and training.
Incorporating smart tools and techniques: With the change in course of time many new
tools and technologies have evolved which firm can utilise for providing effective services to its
clients. In addition to this, it will give competitive advancement to organisation.
Stay organised: It is determined as one of the effective method in order to execute plan
of action in a systematic manner without any chaos (Khorasani and Yazdi, 2017). If activities are
not performed properly than there might be a possibility that a large amount of money can be
utilised for accomplishing task in an effective manner.
Encourage collaboration: Employees need appraisal which directly boost their moral
and assist them in pushing their limits. Along with this, mutual understanding between
employees is necessary as it will motivate them in working for a common goal.
P2 Appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research
Research is considered as an procedure which is being conducted by researcher so as to
know and gain knowledge. In common terms research is determine as a scientific process which
is done in a systematic manner so as to get information in the fields investigator is working.
Hence, research is a process of collecting information in order to conduct research properly.
Therefore, for this researcher utilises different tools and techniques that are explained below:
Types of Investigation
In this market area there are different kinds of methods which researcher can use for
collecting information and utilise them in order to make out a valid conclusion. In the field of
research mainly researcher focus on two approach i.e. qualitative which assist investigator in
collecting information that are appropriate for research and quantitative helps in providing data
from back published articles and other sources. For conducting this research, researcher has used
both the approaches so as to get valid outcomes and results.
Research Philosophy
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Research Philosophy is used and are considered as sources through which data are
collected. Nature of research is also undertaken in this whether these are positive or negative in
nature. Thus, research philosophy is define as a process in which data are collected, analysation
is being done and further it is used for taking out a valid conclusion. It consist of two categories
both are explained below:
Positivism: It is based on factual knowledge that are evaluated after observing things. It
is basically based on quantitative observation and assist researcher in getting and validating
statistical data.
Interpretivisim: This is used by a researcher for evaluating data as per human interest. It
is majorly connected with philosophical position of idealism. Thus, it is a naturalistic approach
and includes activities like interviews.
Therefore, for this research, researcher has used interpretivism, which will assist
investigator in getting appropriate outcomes.
Research approaches
It is determined as one of the important part of research methodology as it assist
investigator in evaluating and analysing data in order to conduct research in a better manner.
Moreover it is divided into two categories which are mentioned below:
Qualitative: This is basically depends and concern with subjective study of assessment,
individual's opinion and behaviour are undertaken. For collecting information investigator
basically use methods like interview, questionnaire, surveys etc.,
Quantitative: Through this researcher tend to collect information that are statistical in
nature. It is helpful in knowing market size, number of respondents which will be included for
getting appropriate data etc., thus, it is very effective in collecting information and to make them
authentic.
Henceforth, for conducting this researcher, investigator is using both the methods as it
will assist him/her in validating an appropriate conclusion for his/her research.
Research design
This is an approach that consist of various kind of methods that can be used by
researcher, for conducting research in a better manner. With the help of this method objectives
are set, cost and time that will be required for completing the task are considered so that suitable
results can be gained. Further it can be divided into three categories which are exploratory,
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descriptive and experimental. Thus, in order to accomplish this research, investigator has used
descriptive research design through which problems can be identified and by using appropriate
methods it can be solved.
Data sampling
Data sampling is an essential part of research because in this number of respondents are
determined so that a proper estimation of population can be gained. This includes a subset of
population because interviewing all people is not possible. This is further divided into
probabilistic and non-probabilistic and researcher can use for getting appropriate data. For
conducting this research, investigator has taken 50 respondents which is enough for getting better
results.
TASK 2
P3 Primary and secondary research using appropriate methods
The present report is take in to the consideration is on impact of Artificial Intelligence on
development and productivity of firm. In this, main focus of company is to enhancing sales by
using the different tools and technologies.
Cost
It is considered as the necessary factor and it is important for an investigator to arrange
the funds on the basis of set research related activities. In order to collect information and data,
researcher need to arrange suitable funds so that investigation can be done in a proper manner.
Ethical consideration
In order to conduct research in a better manner, there may be a possibility that researcher
can face some issues thus, it is crucial that all these problems are eliminated under given period
of time. In ethical consideration, it is said that data that are collected by investigator are kept
confidential so that others can not misuse them.
P4 Analytical tools, analyse research findings and data
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Contact number:
Address:
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Q1) Does execution of artificial intelligence helpful in enhancing the development along
with the growth of Solotech Inc. organisation?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q2) What are different benefits of Artificial Intelligence which company can get by
executing it at workplace?
a) Reduce mistakes
b) Complex exploration
c) Digital Assistants
d) Daily Application
Q3) What are different applications of Artificial Intelligence?
a) Gaming
b) Vision system
c) Intelligent robots
d) Expert systems
Q4) What complexities faced through Solotech Inc. business firm at the time of execute
the Artificial intelligence?
a) Maximise cost
b) No Improvement with Experience
c) No Original Creativity
d) Unemployment
Q5) What will be the affect of Artificial Intelligence on growth and development of
business?
a) Innovation
b) Efficient production systems
c) Automation
Q6) Is there is any type of improvement provided through an Artificial Intelligence in an
industry of E- commerce?
a) Yes
b) No
Q7) Are you satisfied with the services and goods offered through Solotech Inc. company
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