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E182282 1696440656331 344518 Assignment
E182282 1696440656331 344518 Assignment
E182282 1696440656331 344518 Assignment
Higher Nationals in
Computing
Unit 16: Computing Research Project
(Pearson Set)
Research Project Proposal
1. A Cover page or title page – You should always attach a title page to your assignment. Use
previous page as your cover sheet and be sure to fill the details correctly.
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what it means to copy another’s work.
Give details:
LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research process
Resubmission Feedback:
Action Plan
Summative feedback
Unit Number and Title Unit 16: Computing Research Project (Pearson Set)
Academic Year
Unit Tutor
Assignment Title
Issue Date
Submission Date
Submission Format:
Research Project Proposal
The amount of data created and stored globally is expected to reach 175 Petabytes by 2025, a six-fold
increase from 2018. This will demand additional hardware and power consumption, which; in turn, will
increase the environmental impact of the digital sector and there is already increasing attention on the
environmental footprint of ICT equipment and services as they become more widespread in all aspects of
human life. It is the responsibility of everyone to take action in addressing the challenges of climate
change, as professionals we must also seek ways that the digital sector can play its part. While digital
technologies are one of the sectors that has achieved greater efficiency; achieving about 100 times more
computation power from the same amount of energy per decade, it remains unsustainable. The sector
must continue to seek ways in which it can continue to support and drive innovation, while addressing the
global climate emergency for a greener and fairer future.
1. A clear definition of research problem or question. (This can be stated as a research question,
objectives or hypothesis)
2. Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualization of the proposed area
of study. (This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which the data can be
judged)
3. Examine and critically evaluate the research methods and processes available for primary and
secondary research. Select the suitable research process and methodologies for the chosen
research project based on the theoretical/ philosophical frameworks. Provide a strong
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Centre Name
Unit Unit 16: Computing Research Project (Pearson Set)
Tutor
Proposed title
Title or working title of research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis):
Research project objectives (e.g. what is the question you want to answer? What do you want to
learn how to do? What do you want to find out?): Introduction, Objective, Sub Objective(s),
Research Questions and/or Hypothesis
The environmental impact of digital transformation
The main objectives and responsibilities listed out in the research are,
The main objective of the research is to identify the impact of digital transformation on the
environment.
To identify the main competencies that are required for the digital transformation of
businesses that are needed for integrating environmental sustainability.
To determine which emerging technologies, such as AI, big data analysis, IoT, and
blockchain, could be used to solve environmental problems.
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Science Direct
Research gate
Diva portal
Google Scholar
MDPI etc.
The conceptual framework which I presented for my research to show the impact between
the dependent and independent variables is as follows;
Technological innovations
Impact of digital
Dynamic capability transformation on the
environment
Environmental perceptions
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I confirm that the project is not work that has been or will be submitted for another qualification
and is appropriate.
13
Questionnaires:
Observations:
Data Analysis:
Action Research:
Focus Groups:
Thematic analysis ✘
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
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Yes No
If “NO” please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this.
Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be observed.
Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e. give them a brief explanation of
the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general)
Yes No
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection
Act (1998)
Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
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Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy:
Yes ✘ No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes ✘ No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may arise in
the course of my research.
Date: 04.10.2023
Please submit your completed form to the ESOFT Learning Management System (ELMS)
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By
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Thank you for your patience and forbearance from the entire family during this research and
writing process, it is greatly appreciated. Your prayers for you are the only thing that keeps
me going.
Finally, I thank God for supporting me in everything I have been through. Your guidance
has been there for me every step of the way. I was able to finish college because of you. I
will continue to believe in you.
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The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of digital transformation on the
natural world. The effects of the digital revolution on human existence are expected to be far-
reaching. However, there is a shortage of overviews that trace digital development in the field
of environmental sustainability. This research seeks to fill that gap by investigating the
positive and negative consequences of the digital revolution on environmental sustainability.
Sustainable resource management, pollution avoidance, and waste management are the three
primary areas that these findings shine a light on, all of which are crucial to preserving the
planet. In addition to a review of related literature, this study considers the prospects and
obstacles for future work in this area.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENT.............................................................................................................i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................ii
CONTENTS..............................................................................................................................iii
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................1
1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................1
1.2. Purpose of research......................................................................................................2
1.3. Significance of the Research.......................................................................................3
1.4. Research objectives.....................................................................................................4
1.5. Research Sub objectives..............................................................................................4
1.6. Research questions......................................................................................................4
1.7. Hypothesis...................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW...........................................................................................................6
2.1. Literature Review........................................................................................................6
2.1.1 Impact of digital transformation on the dynamic capability of the environment..........7
2.1.2 Impact of digital transformation on the environment perceptions...............................8
2.2. Conceptual Framework................................................................................................9
METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................................10
3.1. Research Philosophy.................................................................................................10
3.2. Research Approach....................................................................................................10
3.3. Research Strategy......................................................................................................10
3.4. Research Choice........................................................................................................11
3.5. Time frame................................................................................................................11
3.6. Data collection procedures........................................................................................11
3.6.1 Type of Data................................................................................................................11
3.6.2 Data Collection Method..............................................................................................12
3.6.3 Data Collection and Analysis Tools............................................................................13
3.7. Sampling....................................................................................................................14
3.8 The selection of participants...........................................................................................14
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................15
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1.1. Introduction
In the past decades, digital transformation has become the main focus for many researchers
and practitioners. The term "digital transformation" refers to the upheaval caused by the
spread of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT),
blockchain, and many other technologies. , businesses, and all industries.
Research focused on comprehensive analysis in this area has produced few results despite the
inextricable link to digital transformation and environmental sustainability. Research shows
that only a small number of review papers have been published. The authors have compiled a
summary of studies that evaluate the ecological impact of digital products. In this study, the
researcher specifically looked at the metrics used by businesses to assess the ecological
footprint of ICT equipment. At the same time, the author conducts a comprehensive literature
review on the impact of ICT on the environment. Research looks at how the integration of
ICT into other products and services affects the environment (Truong, 2022).
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The study's goal is to identify how advances in digital technologies have accelerated over the
last two decades in the environmental impacts, resulting in business disruptions, massive
changes in organizational value creation, and strategies, and new challenges and
opportunities for environmental sustainability. The digital transformation era is the result of
the combination of new business models and disruptions in global markets. Even while waste
management systems and sustainable production strategies are receiving more attention from
governments and organizations, environmental sustainability in the modern day remains a
concern. This research looks at the environmental impacts of digitization and how such
changes may be maintained in the modern day.
Environmental sustainability is a broad field that includes several subfields, such as pollution
prevention, eco-friendly manufacturing, green city planning, and trash disposal. Among the
many aspects of digital transformation are big data analytics, AI, the IoT, and cloud
computing. As a consequence, there has been a rise in environmentally harmful byproducts
such as e-waste, pollutants, and novel manufacturing techniques. Therefore, comprehensive
research into the implications of the digital revolution on environmental sustainability is
essential. Keeping the environment safe from pollution and other forms of deterioration is
difficult in the modern digital age, necessitating the flexibility afforded by digital
transformation.
The importance of research lies in defining the problem. Several organizations and businesses
are reliable proponents of environmental sustainability when they decide to incorporate
technology into their operations (Abad-Segura et al., 2020). Organizations adopting new
business models generally recognize the need for company engagement, tasks made easier by
the use of technology such as big data, artificial intelligence, blockchain, Internet of Things,
and social media platforms. By using such technology, there will be better opportunities to
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The main objective of the research is to identify the impact of digital transformation on the
environment.
To identify the main competencies that are required for the digital transformation of
businesses that are needed for integrating environmental sustainability
To determine which emerging technologies, such as AI, big data analytics, IoT, and
blockchain, could be used to solve environmental problems.
What are the main competencies that are required for the digital transformation of businesses
that are needed for integrating environmental sustainability?
What are the emerging technologies such as AI, big data analytics, IoT, and blockchain that
could solve the environmental sustainability issues?
1.4. Hypothesis
H0: There is a positive impact of digital transformation on the technological innovation of the
environment
H0: There is a positive impact of digital transformation on the technological innovation of the
environment
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Green innovation is the use of novel or better methods, tools, systems, or goods to lessen
environmental impact (Beise, 2005). Another definition of green technological innovation is
"an innovation whose main objective is to mitigate or avoid environmental damage while
protecting the environment and enabling firms to meet new consumer demands, create value,
and increase production" (Albort et.al, 2017). Numerous follow-up studies and extensions of
Schumpeter's innovation theory have developed from its examination of the five types of
innovation (product, technical, market, resource allocation, and organizational structure) that
make up the theory. Green innovation can be subdivided into green product innovation and
green technology innovation in accordance with Schumpeter's theory of innovation (Klassen,
1999). The latter includes any technological adjustment made to the production process that
reduces the amount of wasteful pollution released into the environment. This technological
development may provide companies with additional options for how to organize their
activities, in addition to increasing productivity (Taklo, 2020).
Research on the factors that foster or stifle the development of new environmentally friendly
technologies has focused on both systemic and market-based external elements. From the
standpoint of systemic external factors, for instance, rigorous environmental rules might
motivate corporations to innovate in green technology in order to avoid pollution fines (Bai et
al., 2019). The lack of capital may prevent manufacturing enterprises from investing in green
technology innovation in response to rigorous government environmental rules that increase
the cost of environmental responsibility. Companies' interest in developing green
technologies is proportional to the degree to which the government controls in this area.
Mandatory government regulatory measures and incentive regulatory policies, such as
financial subsidies and green financing, are important drivers in supporting green technology
innovation by firms. Government subsidies, for instance, may assist enterprises in splitting
the higher financial costs and risks associated with technological transformation. External
stakeholders including government assistance, consumer demand, industrial chain partners,
institutional investors, and community participation may encourage businesses to innovate in
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The company's dynamic capabilities are based on its ability to identify and exploit strategic
opportunities and market demands in a changing and uncertain external environment, then
integrate and reorganize internal and external resources to meet those demands and gain a
competitive advantage. According to the theory of dynamic capabilities, green dynamic
capabilities of companies are the ability to update and develop green organizations to
achieve sustainable growth in response to dynamic changes in external market competition.
The growth potential of a manufacturing company greatly affects its green dynamic
capabilities. Learning green dynamics as an advanced ability for businesses to achieve green
growth reflects the self-interested nature of businesses (Zahra et al., 2010), so that they use
available resources and knowledge to update and exploit the capabilities of green
organizations; changes in the business environment (Qiu et.al, 2020). Green dynamic
capabilities are becoming an ever-more-pertinent area of study as a result of the actions and
reactions of businesses as they pursue new market possibilities. By improving their green
dynamic capabilities and working toward sustainable development, businesses may
accomplish green innovation in goods and technology in response to government
environmental legislation and external stakeholder demand.
The rise of digital technology is shaking up conventional wisdom (Rasiwala and Kohli,
2021). Changes in competitive dynamics and business models are predicted as a result of
digital transformation (Philip and Gavrilova Aguilar, 2022). Monopolies' market power may
be bolstered by digital transformation, according to some research (Soto Setzke et al., 2021)
while inequalities in firm size can be mitigated, according to another (Hu, 2022). Knowledge
flows, technical personnel and board structures are only a few examples of the areas of
emphasis in this article. According to the notion of organizational capabilities, organizations
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The digital revolution is altering the organizational structure and board diversity of
organizations. Board diversity is one of the most significant variables impacting corporate
sustainability. While digital technologies have the potential to boost 'information
centralization' and public access to information, they also have the potential to create a
culture of gender equality. However, digital technologies might worsen existing gender gaps
in areas like health and risk perception (Kohlrausch and Weber, 2021) and reinforce existing
gender stereotypes (Dragiewicz et al., 2018). There should be a wide range of ages
represented on the board. Some research suggests that younger directors are more attuned to
new technologies and better able to adapt to shifting conditions in the external environment.
However, it should be noted that digital transformation involves unforeseen hazards that may
be addressed by the comparatively deep management expertise and resource linkages net
(Chen, 2011) of senior directors. Considering the impact that the digital revolution, a key
strategy for attaining sustainable development, may have on gender and age equality is vital
since these factors are inextricably linked (Zhang, 2022).
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Technological innovations
Impact of digital
Dynamic capability transformation on the
environment
Environmental perceptions
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Research philosophy refers to a set of principles related to the worldview or perspective from
which research is conducted. Research in this field often uses ontological and epistemological
foundations.
While epistemology concerns itself with the trustworthiness of knowledge and how it may be
acquired, ontology concerns itself with the veracity of information and comprehension of
human life. Both positivism (the notion that knowledge is objective and distinct from the
topic of study) and interpretivism (the view that every observer has a unique viewpoint on the
world) are common in academic research. This means that whereas interpretative studies are
often qualitative, positivist studies tend to be more rigorous and give a test of phenomena.
The qualitative focus of the study led the researchers to choose a descriptive methodology. In
order to see whether my hypothesis, which is based on the aforementioned literature review,
holds water, I will be analyzing the secondary data.
The research onion model emphasizes the need to select a suitable research strategy after the
selection of a suitable research technique. The deductive method begins with the formulation
of a working hypothesis informed by the researchers' prior observations from the literature
review and then proceeds to test this hypothesis to see whether it holds in various settings. On
the other hand, in an inductive study, the researcher utilizes existing data to build a
hypothesis. Since I will be beginning with a hypothesis based on my observations from the
literature study, my methodology is deductive; at the conclusion of the research, I will either
verify or reject the hypothesis.
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Due to the nature of qualitative research, time will be of the essence. Data is gathered from a
large number of participants at one point in time and location in a cross-sectional research. In
cross-sectional studies, data is gathered without any attempt to manipulate the outcomes.
Economists, psychologists, physicians, epidemiologists, and other social scientists all make
use of qualitative research methods. Epidemiologists may utilize a cross-sectional design to
gather and analyze data on the current illness prevalence in a community (Thomas, 2020).
The term "secondary data" is used to describe information that is not primary in nature. This
implies the information may be accessed and examined by anybody who wants to see it.
Books, periodicals, newspapers, and other publications are all instances of secondary
sources. It's possible to make or keep information secret.
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Notes Journals
Previously untold life stories, etc. (BYJU'S, 2022).
Internet resource.
Secondary data might be collected via Internet research. The internet makes it simple to
locate and acquire data. If it has not yet been made, this data can be downloaded for free or
for a nominal fee. Corporations and other organizations may do extensive research with the
help of the Internet. However, businesses should only use reliable resources as part of their
data collection.
Secondary research can benefit from a few select governmental and non-governmental
organizations. Organizations can benefit from the data made available by the Small Business
Development Center, the United States Census Bureau, and the United States Government
Press Office. For a fee, you can access and use the information provided by these groups. The
organization's data is reliable and should be used.
Community resource.
The public library is a great place to look for specific details. Fortunately, copies of these
seminal works are widely available in public libraries. There is a wealth of information and
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Places of learning.
The second study rarely considers the significance of data collected from schools. However,
more research is done in the academic sector than in any other sector. Primary research is the
primary purpose for which the university collects data. Universities and colleges may be
contacted by businesses and other organizations for information, but (Bhat, 2018).
The method used to analyze the data that has been collected is through thematic analysis.
Thematic analysis is a qualitative data analysis method. This term often refers to a
conversation or recording. The researcher observes the data to find recurring themes that are
concepts, ideas, or patterns of interpretation.
The most popular method of thematic analysis consists of the following six steps:
identification, coding, theme generation, theme review, theme naming and definition, and
theme writing. If you follow this procedure, you will not be affected by confirmation bias
when developing your analysis. This method was originally developed by Virginia Brown
and Victoria Clark for use in the field of psychology. Thematic analysis is an adaptable tool
that can be used in a variety of research studies (Caulfield, 2019).
1.1. Sampling
Since I’m following up with qualitative research, the sampling method selected is, the
convenience sampling method. In comparison to other types of sampling, convenience
sampling requires little time or effort on the part of the researcher. Easy and basic go along
nicely most of the time. But you must understand it to know when it is appropriate to use it
and when it is not.
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