Robotics as Innovative Digital Tech in UK Retail: Morrison Study

This report investigates the importance of robotics as an innovative digital technology within the UK retail workplace, focusing on a case study of Morrison's. The project planning section outlines the scope, milestones, and execution phases, including a Gantt chart and work breakdown structure. The b...Read More

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CONTENTS
1. PROJECT PLANNING......................................................................................................1
Scope......................................................................................................................................1
Milestone................................................................................................................................1
Initiation planning and execution...........................................................................................1
Gantt chart and work break down..........................................................................................2
2. BUSINESS CASE..............................................................................................................4
Chapter 1: Literature review...................................................................................................4
Chapter 2: Methodology.........................................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Findings and discussion........................................................................................7
Chapter 4: Conclusion and recommendations........................................................................9
3. PROJECT LOGBOOK.....................................................................................................10
4. RFELECTIVE PRACTICE..............................................................................................11
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................15
Questionnaire........................................................................................................................15

Topic: To investigate the importance of robotics as an innovative digital technology within
the UK retail workplace: A study on Morrison
1. PROJECT PLANNING
Scope
The scope of conducting the study on this topic is to understand the importance of
using advance technology and then implemented the same within industry. With the help of
this study, company can implement robotics that helps to improve the business performance.
Further, other scholars also use the study in order to understand the trend which in turn assist
to conduct the study in more effective manner (Guo and Zhang, 2022). Also, companies
operated in this will also assist the business to improve the overall performance of a
company.
Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the importance of Robotics as an innovative digital
technology within the Morrison.
Objectives:
 To understand the concept of robotics as an innovative digital technology
 To assess the significance of using robotics within the retail industry.
 To ascertain the challenge faces by the Morrison while implementing robotics as an
innovative digital technology.
 To recommend the best ways through which innovative technology can be
implemented to compete in the competitive market.
Milestone
There are two milestone for the project which include:
 Research methodology: 8 August 2022
 Analyzing the data : 22 August 2022
Initiation planning and execution
 Initiation: It is the first stage which in turn assist to determine the base on which the
study is based. Under this, aim, objectives will be drawn which in turn determine why
there is a need to conduct the study.
 Planning: A second stage which is considered one of the main stages where scholar
ensure that there is a proper planning of the study in which Gantt chart, resources
included that helps to meet the defined aim (Pan and Zhang, 2021).
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 Execution: In this stage, findings need to be drawn which in turn helps to conduct the
study and determine whether the aim and objectives of the study has meet or not. This
in turn assist to determine whether the aim, objectives have met or not.
 Closure: The last stage in which the scholar completed the project in which all the
budget of the study finalized and team disperse.
There are different factors that project manager needs to include while conducting
study on this topic.
 Cost: The cost of this project includes £520 in which transportation; internet expenses
are included that helps to complete the project.
 Quality: There is a need to ensure that all the quality standards are met while deciding
the resources so that authentic results can be generated and this provide effective
outcome as well.
 Resources: For the current project, human resource, technological resource, are
considered as a major resource that helps to improve the overall performance (Wu and
et.al., 2021).
 Communication: There is a need to ensure that there should be proper flow of
communication that helps to improve the business results. It is so because a small
error in the communication lead to cause negative results.
 Risk: There are different risk faced by the company which in turn affect the project
aim and this include lack of financial risk, not attaining the scope etc.
 Time: In order to complete the entire project, 35 days needed which help to improve
the business performance.
 Deliverable: In this, time tracking, people management and software collections are
considered as a key deliverable that helps to improve the project.
Gantt chart and work break down
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
1 selecting topic 2 days Thu 8/4/22 Fri 8/5/22
2 developing aim and
objectives 2 days Mon 8/8/22 Tue 8/9/22 1
3 selecting sources for the
literature review 3 days Wed 8/10/22 Fri 8/12/22 1,2
4 presenting research
methdology 1 day Mon 8/15/22 Mon 8/15/22 1,3
5 drafting questionnaire 1 day Tue 8/16/22 Tue 8/16/22 1,3,4
6 sending the same to 2 days Wed 8/17/22 Thu 8/18/22 5
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selected respondents
7 analysing the data 2 days Fri 8/19/22 Mon 8/22/22 6
8 finding and discussion 3 days Tue 8/23/22 Thu 8/25/22 6,7
9 conclusion and reflection 1 day Fri 8/26/22 Fri 8/26/22 8,3
10 formatting and
submission 1 day Mon 8/29/22 Mon 8/29/22 9
11 waiting for feedback 7 days Tue 8/30/22 Wed 9/7/22 10
12 modification and
submission 1 day Thu 9/8/22 Thu 9/8/22 11
Workbreak down
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2. BUSINESS CASE
Chapter 1: Literature review
2.1 Introduction
The present section will determine the secondary sources that helps to understand the
concept of digital technology and its importance for the company. In this, different article,
books will be used which in turn assist to meet the research objectives.
2.2 Concept of robotics
According to Khanna and et.al., (2021) robotics is the branch and a tool used under
the machines which is mainly designed in order to assist the people so that business can
improve their performance and save time. The robots are trained in such a manner that helps
to interact in a physical world so that they can improve their performance.
2.3 Importance and significance of robotics in the retail industry
As per the opinion of Amelia, Mathies and Patterson (2021) robotics are mainly
designed so that they can assist human and they are trained in such a manner that helps to
improve the business and reduce repetitive work as well. Also, it eliminate the dangerous job
for human because they are enough capable of working in such a hazardous working
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environment. Chauhan, Brouwer and Westra (2022) also critically analyse that in the retail
industry they are used for the lifting heavy loads, toxic substance and repetitive task. This in
turn assist to improve the business performance and improve the overall performance. Along
with this, it can be stated that hiring robotics assist the company to prevent many accidents
and save money so that they can improve the business performance.
Hayashi and et.al., (2021) also critically analysed that it helps to improve the
operating cost, increase production output rates, manufacturing flexibility and raise the
quality of work so that company can sustain the brand image at global level.
2.4 Challenges faced by the company while implementing robotics
It has been analysed by Calderón-Arce, Brenes-Torres and Solis-Ortega (2022) that
the when the company implement robotics then they require skillset and experience holders
that assist to improve the business performance. However, not every individual is well trained
to operate such robots into the workplace and that is why, it is considered as a key challenge
for the retail industry. Choubey and Sharma (2021) critically analysed that cost of technology
is also considered one of another challenge faced by the company which in turn affect the
business because not each organization have enough financial source that help to implement
the same within a company. That is why, it has been analysed that such organization faces
many issues regarding the same.
2.5 Conclusion
By summing up above section, it has been identified that adapting new and advance
technology at the workplace is considered the best trend which in turn assist to improve the
business performance. Also, the secondary sources entails that it has both positive as well as
negative aspect. This helps to create a better outcome for the company.
Chapter 2: Methodology
3.1 Research process
The process which is followed in the present study involve:
 Selecting aim and objectives: It is the first step which need to be used for the present
study where scholar select aim and objectives that need to be addressed for the same.
 Selecting sources for the present study: In this step, there is a need to select the best
article, books and journals which in turn assist to conduct the literature review. This
helps to develop an understanding pertaining to chosen topic so that effective outcome
can be generated.
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 Selecting methods for research: Here, there is a need to select methods which help
to generate a better outcome. In this, all the methods need to be descried which assist
to examine the results so that accordingly data can be generated.
 Analyzing the data: It is the last method which need to be used by the scholar that
helps to analyse the data. In this, scholar develop graph, tables that help to create a
better outcome and identify whether the aim/objectives met or not.
3.2 Research approach
A research approach is being referred as the plan and the procedure of carrying out
the whole research work. There are mainly two types of research approaches that is inductive
and deductive approach. Deductive approach is utilized in case of quantitative study whereas
inductive approach is adopted in case of qualitative study (Säfsten and Gustavsson, 2020). In
the present research work, the researcher has selected inductive approach as it initiates with
observation and evolution of the theory. Further, it also includes development of the
questions which are being answered in the study.
3.3 Research strategy
Research strategy is defined as the step-by-step plan of action which provides a
complete direction and pathway to the thought process of the investigator. There are different
types of research strategy such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed strategy. For the
present study only qualitative research method has been used because the selected topic is
relied upon the theories and concept. That is why, it has been analysed that opting qualitative
over quantitative assist scholar to develop an understanding pertaining to digital technology
and then determine whether the aim and objectives of the study has met or not. The chosen
topic is relied upon different key aspect pertaining to robotics and that is why, opting
qualitative over quantitative is beneficial.
3.4 Research methodology and tools
There are different methods of collecting data in the study that is primary and
secondary data, however in the present work the researcher has utilized both primary and
secondary data collection methods. Primary data was gathered by conducting survey of 20
employees working in Morrisons with the help of questionnaire. They were being selected
though simple ramdin sampling method. On the other hand, secondary data was collected by
exploring different journals, articles, books and scholarly papers related to the topic under
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study (Rutberg and Bouikidis, 2018). Further, the collected information was being evaluated
using qualitative analysis technique wherein the researcher has used thematic analysis tool.
With this method, common themes derived from the collected data was presented in the form
of common themes.
Chapter 3: Findings and discussion
3.1 Overview
This is being regarded as one of the most important chapters as it includes analysis
and interpretation of the major findings of the study. Further, it presents the meanings and
understanding of the collected information in the form of small data sets.
3.2 Presentation and discussion of results
In the current study, the researcher has utilized both primary and secondary data
collection methods for accumulating relevant information. The primary survey was
conducted over 20 employees of Morrisons with the help of questionnaire. Additionally, the
collected data was being evaluated through qualitative analysis technique wherein thematic
analysis was adopted by the researcher. The presentation of the common themes being
derived from the evaluation is as follows:
Theme – 1: A robot is an autonomous, programmable and on-board computer
Interpretation
When it is was asked from the participants being involved in the primary study in
regards with their understanding about robots than most of them that is around 17 out of 20
participants stated that robots are an autonomous and programmable machine and on-board
computer which makes things and tasks quite simple. On the other hand, the remaining 3 out
of 20 were of the view that robots are autonomous as they are self-directed.
Theme – 2: Morrisons adopts robotics digital technologies
Interpretation
This theme is related with the adoption of any of the robotics system by the
Morrisons. To this, 15 out of 20 participants were of the view that the company adopts
robotics digital technologies in many of their operations. Furthermore, it was also stated by
them this innovative technology is supporting the firm in achieving greater level of hights in
the market. on the other side, there were around 5 participants who responded that the
company does not make use of nay robotic digital technologies. They are been planning from
long however were not successful in implementing the same.
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Theme – 3: Inventory robots are utilized by Morrisons
Interpretation
When it was questioned from the participants about the type of robotic technology
being used by their company than 14 out of 20 answered that Morrisons makes use of
inventory robots. On the other side, 2 out of 20 were of the opinion that they make use of
delivery robots on a regular basis. The remaining 4 stated that the company adopts retail
robots in their operations.
Theme – 4: Robotics as an innovative digital technology is very important for the retail
industry
Interpretation
At times when the respondents being involved in the primary survey were enquired
about the significance of robotic digital technology for the retail industry than it was revealed
that most of them that is almost 16 out of 20 respondents stated that robotics is very essential
for carrying out numerous tasks such as gathering information about the consumer behaviour,
logistics and supply chain. While, some of them that is 4 out of 20 respondents stated that
robotics is not essential and important for the retail industry as it is very costly and will
require manpower for offering better services to the clients.
Theme – 5: Cost and efficient skilled workers are the key challenges Morrison faces
while implementing robotics
Interpretation
When it was questioned from the participants about the type of challenges their
company faced while implementing robotics than it was revealed that 9 out of 10 stated that
cost is the major factor that impedes successful implementation of the robotics within
Morrisons. Further 9 out of 20 were of the view that availability of skilled as well as efficient
workers is the main challenge in the context of robotics. 1 out of 20 stated that it is the
challenge of security and the other 1 stated that new working practices is the key challenge
being faced by their company.
3.3 Discussion
The main objective of the present study was to determine the importance of Robotics
as an innovative digital technology. The study was being performed within the Morrison. As
per the outcomes of the study it can be said that robotics is very essential for carrying out
numerous tasks such as gathering information about the consumer behaviour, logistics and
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supply chain. This is supported by Ahmed and Asadullah (2020), who stated that robots
supports then humans in making improvement in the business practices and also helps in
reducing the repetitive working. Further, it was also found out from the study that the
company faces some challenges while implementing robotic digital technologies such as cost,
skilled and efficient workers etc. This is supported by Donepudi (2020) who revealed that
despite different advantages, Robotics offer varied challenges related to cost of new software,
security and novel working practices.
Chapter 4: Conclusion and recommendations
4.1 Conclusion
Thus, from the above evaluation and discussion it can be concluded that robotics
digital technology is quite crucial for the ritual industry as through this firm can achieve
competitive advantage in the market and can make improvement in their operations. further,
it was also found out that Morrison makes use of inventory robots in their operations wherein
they are being used for tracking the stock of inventories in the store. However, implementing
this technology comes up with lot of challenges related to cost, skilled and efficient workers,
security and new working practices. It is important on the part of the managers of the
company to adopt certain strategies and manner for executing innovative technology so that
they can achieve greater level of success and growth.
4.2 Recommendations
Based on the above evaluation, it is important that the Morrison should make use of
certain ways and approaches for implementing innovative technologies within their system
for competing in the competitive market. some of the suggestions are as follows:
 It is quite essential on the part of the Morrisons to offer adequate training and
development to the staff members in regards with the new digital technology being
implemented within the firm. Many a times due to inadequate staff training, the
innovative digital technologies are not embraced and utilized. With this, the workers
will get to know about the technology effectively and will accept the same whole
heartedly (Heller, 2017).
 In addition to this, it is also suggested that the managers of the company should also
make efforts to encourage, empower and motivate the employees in regards with
adoption of innovative technologies within the firm. This is very important because
innovative divert the attention of the workforce and thus, they don’t feel empowered
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and equipped. Thus, it is crucial that innovation culture should be boosted through
motivational activities.
 A coherent innovation plan is also required to be developed which will help the firm
in directing the course of innovation (Mathur, 2019).
3. PROJECT LOGBOOK
Project Logbook
Logbook Entry 1 Date:
Problem: At the first stage, I faces issue pertaining to selection of aim and objectives on which
the entire research is based upon. Also, at this stage, I realised that I am lacking research skill
and that is why, I am not able to write the aim & objectives.
Steps to resolve the same: In order to solve the issue, I took help of my tutor and teachers in
order to frame the same so that it will assist me to frame the same in an effective manner. Also, I
understand how to frame aim, objectives to meet the defined aim.
Logbook Entry 2 Date:
Problem: The another problem identified within the research include selecting sources for
literature review and this in turn affect the results in negative manner. Though I have a good
knowledge pertaining to selecting source but I do not know how to use the same for the study.
That is why, it is considered as a second problem for my study.
Steps to resolve the same: In order to improve the same, I consult with my teachers which in
turn assist me to improve the results and help to select the technique which can assist me to
improve the results and select those source that help to complete the literature review.
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Logbook Entry 3 Date:
Problem: Another problem identified within this is related to data analysing in which I am not sue
to use the type of data analysing method that helps me to improve the findings and presentation.
Also, it has been identified that there is a need to improve the same because it is depend upon
the entire study on which the study analyse whether the aim and objectives met or not.
Steps to resolve the same: In order to resolve the same, I mainly review previous research that
assist to improve the findings and presentation. This in turn help to determine the results and
create a better outcome and examine whether the research aim and objectives have met or not.
4. RFELECTIVE PRACTICE
1. The main aim which I want to achieve through this work is I wanted to learn and conduct
the process of research study. I also desire to gain knowledge and understanding in relation
with the area of information and digital technologies in the retail industry.
2.Yes, my work succeeded in attaining the desired aim and purpose of the report. this was
known by undertaking primary research study and afterwards qualitative analysis of the
accumulated data. The results and interpretation of the collected data helped me in realizing
that the aim of the study was fulfilled.
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3. Talking in relation with the initial research it went quite well. However, initially I was very
nervous but with the adoption of the right searching strategy I was able to find relevant
materials related to the topic of the study. Further, the concept development and development
process were also good enough through adoption of accurate research methods, knowledge
and understanding. The presentation of the study also went well. this all helped me in
enhancing my writing, reading, searching, communication and presentation skills.
4. There were different problems and issues that were emerged during the whole project. the
most important among them was management of time. Initially, I was moving forward bit a
slow and because of that I was not able to met by initial deadlines. However, soon I realised
that I need to prioritize my tasks and activities and then made proper schedule which helped
me in completing my work effectively and timely.
5. Overall it can be said that I learned many new things from conducting this project. Firstly,
I got the chance to enhanced my certain skills such as communication, time management,
writing and presentation skills. Secondly, I also understood the significance of effective and
proper planning in research work, I got the knowledge in regards with different research
methods and tools.
6. There are two important strengths of the research process being identified by me and that is
cost effectiveness and reliability. Nevertheless, it has some weaknesses as well such as lack
of potential depth and inflexibility.
7. My research process can be improved for the future through addressing of my current
limitations of the study and constructing the whole research work in a new context and
location.
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REFERENCES
Books and journals
Ahmed, A.A.A. and Asadullah, A., 2020. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in
Waste Management and Recycling. Engineering International. 8(1). pp.43-52.
Amelia, A., Mathies, C. and Patterson, P.G., 2021. Customer acceptance of frontline service
robots in retail banking: A qualitative approach. Journal of Service Management.
Calderón-Arce, C., Brenes-Torres, J.C. and Solis-Ortega, R., 2022. Swarm Robotics:
Simulators, Platforms and Applications Review. Computation. 10(6). p.80.
Chauhan, A., Brouwer, B. and Westra, E., 2022. Robotics for a Quality-Driven Post-harvest
Supply Chain. Current Robotics Reports, pp.1-10.
Choubey, A. and Sharma, M., 2021, May. Implementation of robotics and its impact on
sustainable banking: A futuristic study. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol.
1911, No. 1, p. 012013). IOP Publishing.
Donepudi, P.K., 2020. Robots in Retail Marketing: A Timely Opportunity. Global Disclosure
of Economics and Business. 9(2). pp.97-106.
Guo, K. and Zhang, L., 2022. Multi-objective optimization for improved project
management: Current status and future directions. Automation in Construction. 139.
p.104256.
Hayashi, K. and et.al., 2021, January. Bidirectional generation of object images and positions
using deep generative models for service robotics applications. In 2021 IEEE/SICE
International Symposium on System Integration (SII) (pp. 325-329). IEEE.
Heller, F.K., 2017. Technological innovation applied to Walmart and Tesco’s supply chain
(Doctoral dissertation), Universidade Nova de Lisboa.
Khanna, O. and et.al., 2021. The path to surgical robotics in neurosurgery. Operative
Neurosurgery. 20(6). pp.514-520.
Mathur, P., 2019. Key Technological Advancements in Retail. In Machine Learning
Applications Using Python (pp. 159-181). Apress, Berkeley, CA.
Pan, Y. and Zhang, L., 2021. A BIM-data mining integrated digital twin framework for
advanced project management. Automation in Construction. 124. p.103564.
Rutberg, S. and Bouikidis, C.D., 2018. Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic
differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research. Nephrology Nursing
Journal. 45(2). pp.209-212.
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Säfsten, K. and Gustavsson, M., 2020. Research methodology: for engineers and other
problem-solvers.
Wu, C. and et.al., 2021. Ontological knowledge base for concrete bridge rehabilitation project
management. Automation in construction. 121. p.103428.
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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Demographic information:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1. What do you understand by Robots?
 On-board computer
 Autonomous machine
 Programmable machine
 All of the above
Q2. Does your company have adopted any of the robotics system?
 Yes
 No
Q3. What types of robotic digital technologies are being utilized at Morrisons?
 Delivery robots
 Inventory robots
 Retail robot
 All of the above
Q4. What do you think, robots are significant for the retail industry?
 Yes
 No
Q5. What are some of the challenges being faced by Morrison while implementing robotics
as an innovative digital technology?
 Cost
 New working practices
 Security
 Efficient and skilled workers
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