The Impact of Collaborative Technology on the Virtual Business World - Assignment Example

Table of Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 2 Discussion 2 Research Steps 2 Part I 4 Theoretical Framework 4 Part II 6 Research Design 6 Conclusion 8 References 9 Abstract The advancement of technology has increased the scope and size of business to a great extent. The limitations of location and boundary have also expunged. Moreover, technology has also allowed business houses to carryout business operation across the globe. The level of interaction with the customers, employees and other stakeholders of the company have also improved due to the implementation of technology. This study seeks to investigate the impact of collaborative technology on the virtual business world. It has been found that collaborative technology acts as a facilitator of virtual business. Introduction The development of technology has helped organizations around the world to experience new dimensions of business (Tsai, 2003). Technology has not only played crucial roles in streaming the business process but has also allowed them to carryout marketing and selling activities as well. In this study, the research process proposed by Sekaran & Bougie (2010) will be evaluated. Emphasis and thrust will be given on the 4th and 6th step of the research process as proposed by the authors. Finally, on the basis of the findings the study will draw a conclusion. Discussion Research Steps The authors have highlighted that there are 11 stages for completing a research process. The steps are as follows: - 1. Observation: - In this stage, the broad area of research is identified. On the basis of that the area of research is selected. 2. Preliminary Data Gathering: - The preliminary data can be gathered through processes such as literature survey and interviewing. 3. Problem Definition: - In this stage, the research problem is identified and a rough sketch of the research process is done about how to address this problem. 4. Theoretical Framework: - In this stage, the variables associated with the study are identified and labelled properly. 5. Generation of Hypothesis: - In this stage, hypothesis is developed. 6. Scientific Research Design: - This is one of the vital steps of the research process. In this stage, a scientific research design is formulated. 7. Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation: - In this stage, the required data for the project is collected. The sources range from both secondary sources as well as primary sources. 8. Deduction: - This is probably the most vital step of the research process. In this stage, a deduction about the subject of concern is carried out. The validity of the hypothesis developed in the 5th stage is evaluated. In addition, whether the research questions have been answered or not are also verified. If both the conditions are satisfied, the process moves to the 9th, 10th and 11th step consecutively. However, if the research process fails to address the research question and hypothesis, the process again shifts back to the 2nd stage and the process further continues. 9. Report Writing: - in this stage, the entire report of the research process is written. 10. Report Presentation: - The presentations of the findings are carried out in this stage. Rather, than submitting the project in a writer form, the researcher simply presents the findings of the research with the help of audio visual technology. 11. Managerial Decision Making: - On the basis of the findings of the research and the data presented, a decision is made. Part I This study is meant to analyse the fact whether collaborative technology in virtual business teams a facilitator of corporate globalization? The hypothesis developed for the statement is as follows: - H0- collaborative technology in virtual business teams is a facilitator of corporate globalization. H1: - collaborative technology in virtual business is not a facilitator of corporate globalization. Theoretical Framework According to Sekaran & Bougie (2010), a theoretical framework can be defined as the foundation of hypothetico-deductive research as it is also the factor on the basis of which the hypothesis of the study is developed. In order to evaluate the statement, the first task is to identify the depend variables of the study. The dependent variable that enhances the global productivity is based on the independent variables namely time management, communication, efficiency of the management and technology, and most essentially teamwork. The relation between the independent variable and dependent variable are also affected by the moderating variables and principally focuses on management’s expertise of the organization. The study will now shed light on the relationships between the variables. The virtual team members communicating with each other, assists directly in the growth of the business and enhances the efficiency (Pauleen, 2004). In addition, it also minimizes the wasted time. If the communications between the members are incessant, the work details and assignments will be accomplished successfully in timely manner. Gibson and Cohen (2003) throw light on the fact that an efficient team is what that has developed itself by sharing understandings in a dynamic procedure by considering that the business has set standards in order to reach the intended goals. Hence, it is evident that when team members efficiently utilize the time, they will achieve success. In the virtual world, management of time cannot be ignored as it is always accompanied by deadlines. Moreover, completion of the allotted tasks on time is a clear reflection of enhanced productivity. On the contrary, if technology is not collaborated virtual world of business, it can result into a number of misunderstandings and low level of productivity (D'Aprix, 2007). It is the duty of the team members and supervisors to ensure they focus on a broader picture that helps in pushing the business forward. Positive attitude and encouragement are the two critical factors for ensuring the timely completion of the assignment (Gates, 1999). In addition, if the supervisors ensure that the technology to be used for the purpose of executing the research process is operational, it is obvious that the business will achieve intended goals and can maintains its position in the market. The below diagram is the illustration of the operation of the variables identified above: - Part II Research Design The first part has been able to identify the variables of the study through the theoretical framework. In this part, the study will shed light on the research plan, research design and how the proposed research can be executed. This creates the need of focusing on the research design. According to Sekaran & Bougie (2010), research design is a model that provides in-depth information about the scientific research process and encompasses different decision making choices. Figure 1 - Research Design The above diagram has made it evident that the type of investigation needed, the unit of anlysis, problems pertaining to the rationale of the study, level of researcher interferences, level of interference in the regular flow of business, and time horizon have been used to formulate the hypothesis of te study. In order to develop the previous hypotesis or the hypothesis developed in the 1st part of the study, all the aforementioned factors have been used. Now, the research design for developing the aforementioned hypothesis is explained below: - Problems or Factors Explanation 1. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study is to examine whether collaborative technology in the virtual business teams acts as a facilitator of corporate globalization or not. In order to address the area of concern, the study will carry out comprehensive review of the literature, by considering the research papers prepared previously by the scholars. Apart from that theories proposed by authors about the role of collaborative technology in the virtual business teams will be explored. It is believed that exploring the aforementioned areas will help in gaining the basic knowledge. 2. Types of investigation Since the study is based on exploring whether collaborated technology in virtual business acts as a facilitator of corporate globalization or not, it will make use of complimentary investigation. In addition, it should be also noted that, this study will not explore any cause and effect relationship. 3. Study Setting The study will be conducted in a natural work setting. Hence a non-concocted setting will be used. The authors Sekaran and Bougie (2010) do not support the creation of any artificial setting for the purpose of conducting the research. The study will be conducted by choosing an organization i.e. in the natural setting. Once the organization is chosen, the study will evaluate whether collaborated technology in virtual business acts as a facilitator of corporate globalization or not. 4. Extent of researcher interference The extent of researcher interference has a direct impact on the outcome of the study. The level to which the researcher will obstruct or interfere in the operations or daily affairs of the business will be minimum or negligible. However, some amount of interference will be made in the areas related with the subject of study. For example, the interference will be on the areas such as methods adopted by the administration to handle their team members. In addition, interference will be made in the interview session of the chosen managers. 5. Unit of analysis The unit of analysis is one of the major entities of the research study. It describes about the “whom” and “what” to be studied. In general, some of the typical units of analysis include social organizations, individuals, social artifacts and groups (Bryant, 2011). However, for this study, the units of analysis are the specified groups. 6. Time horizon The research process will continue for a certain period of time. However, the research needs to be completed in a stipulated time frame. As a result of that this study will pursue cross-sectional time horizon. 7. Miscellaneous considerations Some of the other vital considerations are as follows: - There will be no ethical or legal violation Accurate reporting of the findings will be made. Conclusion The theoretical framework have clearly underlined that collaborative technology plays a crucial role in improving the business functions. Moreover, it also has a direct impact on the overall productivity of the organization. In the similar, way collaborative technology has a positive impact on virtual business setting by enabling flexible business. Moreover, considering the dependent and independent variables of the study, and the way these variables are related is the foundation of the design chosen for this research. Hence, from an overall viewpoint, it can be concluded that collaborated technology in virtual business acts as a facilitator of corporate globalization. References Bryant, A. (2011). Leading issues in business research methods. Reading: Academic Conferences Limited. D'Aprix , R. (2007). The credible company: Communicating with a skeptical workforce. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Gates, B. (1999). Business at the speed of thought. New York: Warner Book Inc. Gibson, C. B., & Cohen, S. G. (2003). Virtual teams that work: creating conditions for virtual team effectiveness. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Pauleen, D. (2004). Virtual Teams: Projects, Protocols and Processes. London: Idea Group Inc (IGI). Sekaran, U. & Bougie, R. (2010). Research methods for business: A skill-building approach. (5th ed). West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Tsai, H. (2003). Information technology and business process reengineering: New perspectives and strategies. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. Read More