Digital technology has revolutionised the way we conduct business. Over the last decade it has dramatically changed traditional business models and transformed business activities. The use of digital mobile technology has provided businesses with a wealth of choice and opportunity. This has enabled existing products to become more profitable and innovative new products to be developed, leading to increasingly diverse product portfolios.

This unit will enable students to examine the impact of digital technology on how we conduct business through the context of their chosen research objective. This will provide the opportunity for students to contextualise the implications of digital technology in the workplace and how it is shaping the future workforce. It will also enable them to explore both the challenges and opportunities rapid technological advances represents for businesses.

Choosing Research Objectives/Questions

Students are to choose their own research topic for this unit. Strong research projects are those with clear, well-focused and defined objectives. A central skill in selecting a research objective is the ability to select a suitable and focused research objective. One of the best ways to do this is to put it in the form of a question. Students should be encouraged to discuss a variety of topics related to the theme and from here to generate ideas for a good research objective.

The range of topics discussed could cover the following:

• The stages that organisations have to go through for digital transformation

• The challenges of integrating emerging technologies within organisations

• The implications of digital technology on SMEs

• E-commerce and how it drives business success

• Engaging with stakeholders through digital technology For this assignment, you should assume you are a newly appointed Research trainee officer of your selected organisation and write a research report whilst focusing on the questions (P, M and D) below:

Note** P=Pass, M=Merit & D=Distinction

Learning Outcome (1, 2, & 3) P1: Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question or hypothesis supported by a literature review (P1)

Guidance: The learner is required to develop the research proposition as developing the methodical and valid proposition as the foundation for a research project. The learner should set the research topic as per Pearson Set-Theme ‘The impact of digital technology on business activity’ such as the use of social media to online shopping.

P2: Examine appropriate research methods and approaches to primary and secondary research

Guidance: The learner is required discuss approaches like Inductive or deductive, Qualitative or Quantitative, Observational, experimental or survey research, Correctional, causal, exploratory or descriptive design.

M1: Evaluate different research approaches and methodology and make justifications for the choice of methods selected based on philosophical/theoretical frameworks (M1)

P3: Conduct primary and secondary research using appropriate methods for a business research project that consider costs, access and ethical issues (P3)

Guidance: The learner should use the appropriate research methods to support the coherent and logical argument. This includes use of observation, interview, questionnaire or secondary method for collection of data.

P4: Apply appropriate analytical tools, analyse research findings and data (P4)

Guidance: The importance of gathering data and information whether qualitative or quantitative to support research analysis. The learner must select the sample size from the selected population and techniques such as probability and non-probability sampling.

M2: Discuss merits, limitations and pitfalls of approaches to data collection and analysis (M2)

D1: Critically evaluate research methodologies and processes in application to a business research project to justify chosen research methods and analysis (D1)

P5: Communicate research outcomes in an appropriate manner for the intended audience (P5)

Guidance: The learner should be using the data collection tools such as interviews (if qualitative) or questionnaire (for quantitative). These analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding or themes help learner in presenting the research outcomes.

M3: Coherently and logically communicate outcomes to the intended audience demonstrating how outcomes meet set research objectives (M3)

D2: Communicate critical analysis of the outcomes and make valid, justified recommendations (D2) The learner is required to submit the presentation covering the questions as under whilst using the selected case study or any other organization of your choice.

Note** No more than 10-12 slides using MS PowerPoint and it should be supported with 500 words notes and P= Pass, M= Merit and D= Distinction

Learning Outcome (LO4) P6: Reflect on the effectiveness of research methods applied for meeting objectives of the business research project (P6)

Guidance: The learner should be able to explain if the research methods that have been used i.e. interview or questionnaire, have been useful in achieving the objectives or any alternative method would better address the research requirements.

To achieve the merit, the limitations and potential pitfalls of the chosen methods.

P7: Consider alternative research methodologies and lessons learnt in view of the outcomes (P7)

Guidance: The learner should avoid the generalisation but focus on personal development and the research process (what did you learn and improved while conducting this process) and the providing the critical reflective account (discussing the limitations and challenges during this research process)

M4: Provide critical reflection and insight that results in recommended actions for improvements and future research considerations (M4).

D3: Demonstrate reflection and engagement in the resource process leading to recommended actions for future improvement (D3)