Research Area
I aim to conduct research in the field of technology in business during the sudden outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic. In the study published by Al-Omoush, Simón-Moya, and Sendra-García (2020), the author mentioned that technology plays an important role in the business for improving the range of opportunities in the domestic as well as international business. Furthermore, technology also helps a business to expand its range of business operations and gain a competitive edge from the market (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Over the last two years, many people affected by the SARS Cov-2 died at a remarkable rate. Implementation of appropriate business measures might help to overcome all the challenges witnessed due to covid and gain a potential advantage (Rangarajan et al. 2021).
On the other hand, it is also observed that covid-19 influenced the rise in challenges in terms of cybersecurity for all companies irrespective of all sizes, states or even federal governments (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). In addition to that, a range of cyber threats might lead to a loss of more than 13.4 billion in revenue for all sectors around the world. However, pubs, restaurants, digital advertising, pharmacies as well as banks among many other businesses are highly dependent on modern technology or systems for approaching their customer or for delivering quality services (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Hence, many business managers have implemented employee training regarding new technical skills so that they might be able to retain a strong brand image by delivering customized service even during the covid pandemic (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
Many studies show that the coronavirus pandemic affected many businesses worldwide, especially the firms operating in developing countries (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Analysing business reports or other secondary data, it is observed that the coronavirus situation created a crisis that slowed down marketing, especially in the hospitality and IT industry (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Furthermore, it also weakened the marketing performance of many businesses, reducing the overall rate of revenue generation, job loss or slowing down of the overall business management (Jafari-Sadeghi et al. 2021). Even though, the government implemented different mechanisms to cope with this challenge, however, they have been unable to minimise the impact up to a certain level (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
Around the world, many small, as well as large businesses, are focused on restarting their business operations, especially those firms, which are highly affected due to economic loss (Al-Omoush, Simón-Moya, and Sendra-García 2020). It is believed by many experts that the implementation of technology can help to enhance digital innovations in business as well as its overall presence in the external marketplace (Mathivathanan et al. 2021). In addition to that, the firms affected by the business can also modernize their customer support operations by developing a trusted technology ecosystem (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Scaling automation pilots can also be enhanced by improving the business approach or by promoting their supply chain management (Ilmudeen 2021).
Research Methodology
Thus, the area of study will cover the impact of modern technologies in the field of business or different sectors present around the world. In this research paper, I will focus on different sectors and businesses thereby highlighting the role or impact of technology in business. In the long run, how the evolution of technology can create opportunities or threats in the business is assessed. The progress of digitalization in the field of healthcare is also assessed in this research paper.
I aim to focus on both forms of data collection methods, which is qualitative as well as a quantitative method of data collection, that can benefit to understand different demographic demands present in the market. In addition to that, maintaining both models of data collection will help me to sustain my research proposal and provide me with a thorough idea about the research topic that I will be focussing on. There are four major points to be covered or answered in this research proposal. This includes attributes, beliefs, attitudes as well as behaviour with the help of research methodology that involves a set of categorical questions as well as a mix of opened or closed questions (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
In the study published by Akpan, Udoh and Adebisi (2020), the author explained that research work is important because it enables a researcher for making effective decisions in terms of information available. In addition to that, it is also dependent on the ability to understand how helpful that information might assist in carrying forward that research work. Qualitative research is considered to be highly important for educational research. This is because it addressed “why” as well as “how” research questions thereby enabling deeper understanding in terms of context, experiences as well as phenomena.
Similarly, the quantitative mode of research will help me to measure and understand data for showing the results through objective data. Furthermore, it will provide descriptive data, which can be broken down for determining variances between different groups such as age, income, preferences among many others (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Thus, this paper will cover both types of data for understanding customer demands of different age groups where the individual will be able to identify variances and provide solutions or recommendations based on that derivation.
In order to gain accurate information for this research proposal, I will focus on employees or managers as well as owners of small or large businesses in the domestic or even from the foreign market. In addition to that, I will consider adults or people who work for a company and understands or witnessed changes in the business during the covid pandemic (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). The main focus for conducting the interview will be on people or adults who are working in health care or the hospitality industry (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). This is because many studies show that small or large businesses operating in the health care and hospitality industry witnessed massive changes in their business as well as in the rate of revenue margin (George, Lakhani and Puranam 2020).
Sample Selection
The employees will be able to provide me with insights into overall business operations and changes in organizational culture (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). In addition to that, the employees will also be able to discuss recent changes in the business (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Implementation of new technologies for continuing the business and retaining business profits will be shared by the workers (Plé and Koles 2021). As it is discussed before, the covid pandemic affected many businesses around the world, hence communicating with the managers or owners globally will help me to gain an overview of what technologies they implemented for gaining the competitive edge (Kang, Wang and Ramizo 2021).
This research paper will involve many details about the market both from the view of experts as well as from the view of employees and owners or managers. Hence, the sample will be assessed through-
- Contacting the employees and managers who are working in local health care or hospitality firms (pubs, restaurants, hotels, airlines among many others). In addition to that, reviewing feedback of the employees will help to observe employee behaviors or attitudes regarding the implementation or use of new technology in the business (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). From customer reviews, potential opportunities or threats for a business can be evaluated appropriately (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
- In addition to that, interviewees who will not be able to be present might join through a zoom call or any video call tools. This also includes individuals who reside overseas. On the other hand, a survey form will also be implemented for understanding employee views or perceptions in this approach (Zhe and Hamid 2021).
- In the case of the employee survey, a form will be shared on different social media platforms, where individuals will be able to share their knowledge or perception in the changing norms of business through technology, especially in the field of hospitality or health care.
- Through this survey, the employees can share feedback about the transformation, which can help to create awareness about underlying threats and possible measures to overcome any form of challenges (Seetharaman 2020).
- Finding any specific information based on demographic social behaviour (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
As discussed by Abed (2021), the author explained that the digitalization of business helped with business expansion as well as shaping the future of a particular organization. In addition to that, leaders of digital technology are focused on shaping the future of the organization (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). The sudden outbreak of the covid pandemic has influenced many technology leaders to improve their business approach and continue their business operation even during this lockdown (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). The constant change in digital channels might create a potential challenge for businesses around the world (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Covid-19 pandemic also influenced worldwide lockdown due to which small or large firms might witness potential challenges (Dwivedi et al. 2021). Thus, the implementation of technology or digitalization of business can help them to overcome these challenges.
Covid-19 pandemic helped the world to understand the importance of diversification in business and the role of technology in it (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Furthermore, I also analysed that technology in different sectors helped to recover many small or medium businesses around the world. Provided the complexity caused during this pandemic, there are reasons to believe that appropriate use of systems in business (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). It can assist to achieve unprecedented levels of communication, change in the existing configurations as well as orchestration among others (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). Many leaders in the technology industry are focusing on remaining informed about necessary adjustments, which are enacted in the form of a crisis (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021).
Objectives
Some of the expected outcomes from this research paper are to provide appropriate support or enhance the overall experience of the workforce for collaboration as well as co-creation (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). In addition to that, this paper should also focus on providing or securing technology in the new work environment (Gregurec, Tomi?i? Furjan and Tomi?i?-Pupek 2021). This is followed by constructing or monitoring any “command centres” associated with strategic response. Lastly, producing a playbook involved future disruptions, especially anything associated with the health care or hospitality sector (Nithya and Kiruthika 2021).
What is the role of technology in business during the covid-19 pandemic around the world? How do large or small businesses are able to cope with different challenges post and during a lockdown?
Themes: The theme of this research paper will be to understand and analyze the role of technology or different advanced systems in the business. It also includes the derivation of different data to increase the accuracy of this solution.
- To understand and evaluate the role of technology in business during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
- To provide solutions or recommendations for the businesses for overcoming the challenges faced during this crisis.
- To increase business profit margin and minimize any form of threat, which can create an impact on the business. It also includes providing or recommending solutions to the firms (both small as well as medium firms) so that they can recover or restart their business during this uncertainty.
- Providing the business with clear objectives, especially the business operating in the hospitality industry and evaluating the profits gained by businesses operating in the health care industry during this pandemic outbreak.
- Estimating the profits or identifying types of systems or technologies implemented or should be implemented by small or medium-sized businesses to overcome the risks.
- What is the challenges business faced during covid?
- What types of technologies or systems should a business or firm implement for overcoming the challenges?
- What are the threats of those technologies?
- Possible recommendations to minimize these risks.
References
Abed, S.S., 2021. A literature review exploring the role of technology in business survival during the Covid-19 lockdowns. International Journal of Organizational Analysis. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/IJOA-11-2020-2501/full/html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_journalLatest
Akpan, I.J., Udoh, E.A.P. and Adebisi, B., 2020. Small business awareness and adoption of state-of-the-art technologies in emerging and developing markets, and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, pp.1-18. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08276331.2020.1820185
Al-Omoush, K.S., Simón-Moya, V. and Sendra-García, J., 2020. The impact of social capital and collaborative knowledge creation on e-business proactiveness and organizational agility in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 5(4), pp.279-288. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444569X2030038X
Dwivedi, Y.K., Ismagilova, E., Rana, N.P. and Raman, R., 2021. Social media adoption, usage and impact in business-to-business (B2B) context: A state-of-the-art literature review. Information Systems Frontiers, pp.1-23. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10796-021-10106-y
George, G., Lakhani, K. and Puranam, P., 2020. What has changed? The impact of Covid pandemic on the technology and innovation management research agenda. Journal of Management Studies. https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37370410
Gregurec, I., Tomi?i? Furjan, M. and Tomi?i?-Pupek, K., 2021. The impact of COVID-19 on sustainable business models in SMEs. Sustainability, 13(3), p.1098. https://www.mdpi.com/969072
Ilmudeen, A., 2021. The impact of managing IT on business-IT alignment and firm performance: an empirical study. foresight. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/FS-11-2020-0116/full/html
Jafari-Sadeghi, V., Garcia-Perez, A., Candelo, E. and Couturier, J., 2021. Exploring the impact of digital transformation on technology entrepreneurship and technological market expansion: The role of technology readiness, exploration and exploitation. Journal of Business Research, 124, pp.100-111. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296320307736
Kang, J., Wang, T. and Ramizo, D., 2021. The role of technology in business-to-consumer e-commerce: Evidence from Asia. Asian Development Bank Economics Working Paper Series, (632). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3785122
Mathivathanan, D., Mathiyazhagan, K., Rana, N.P., Khorana, S. and Dwivedi, Y.K., 2021. Barriers to the adoption of blockchain technology in business supply chains: a total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) approach. International Journal of Production Research, 59(11), pp.3338-3359. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207543.2020.1868597
Nithya, N. and Kiruthika, R., 2021. Impact of Business Intelligence Adoption on performance of banks: a conceptual framework. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, 12(2), pp.3139-3150. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12652-020-02473-2
Plé, L. and Koles, B., 2021. The influence of technology on business schools curricula: a triple crown perspective. In Handbook of Teaching and Learning at Business Schools. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://www.elgaronline.com/downloadpdf/edcoll/9781789907469/9781789907469.00019.pdf
Rangarajan, D., Sharma, A., Lyngdoh, T. and Paesbrugghe, B., 2021. Business-to-business selling in the post-COVID-19 era: Developing an adaptive sales force. Business Horizons, 64(5), pp.647-658. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000768132100032X
Seetharaman, P., 2020. Business models shifts: Impact of Covid-19. International Journal of Information Management, 54, p.102173. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268401220309890
Zhe, B.O.M. and Hamid, N.A., 2021. The Impact of Digital Technology, Digital Capability and Digital Innovation on Small Business Performance. Research in Management of Technology and Business, 2(1), pp.499-509. https://publisher.uthm.edu.my/periodicals/index.php/rmtb/article/view/1932