Impact of Information Technology on Employee Performance in Retail Sector (GC02036)
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.
1.1 Research background.
1.2 Research rationale.
1.3 Research problems.
1.4 Research aims and objectives.
1.5 Research questions.
1.6 Research significance.
2.0 Literature Review.
2.1 Introduction.
2.2 Information Technology used in the retail sector.
2.3 Employee performance in the retail sector.
2.4 Importance of performance management system in the retail sector.
2.5 Impact of Information Technology on employee performance and productivity in the retail sector.
2.6 Conceptual framework.
2.7 Conclusion.
3.0 Methodologies.
3.1 Introduction.
3.2 Research approach.
3.3 Research design.
3.4 Research methods.
3.5 Data sources.
3.6 Research instruments.
3.7 Sampling methods.
3.8 Data analysis.
3.9 Research reliability and validity.
3.10 Research ethics.
3.11 Research timetable.
References.
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Research background
The retail industry increasing day by day due to its huge profitability and liquidity. But this sector has also faced some problems regarding using information technology. Most of the retail industries are using information technology to operate the production, distribution and communication functions. In Bangladesh, retail business organizations are also increasing the use of IT for operating their production, distribution and communication functions in an efficient way. According to Bangladesh Brand Forum (2018), the amount of sales of goods and services of the retail industry is increased by 15-20% and the total value is Tk 15.0 billion. The retail sector in Bangladesh also saves huge costs and time to operate their production, distribution and communication functions through applying information technology (Chakraborti, 2017).
The products and services of the Bangladeshi retail industry include hygienic goods, fresh vegetables, meat and fresh fish in the market. Most of the retail industries produce goods and services according to the needs of the community’s potential customers. At this point; the retail industry uses information technology to communicate with the consumers and collect their lifestyle, choices. According to the demands of the consumers, the retail industry produces the goods and commodities that help to fulfill the demand of the consumers (Datta, 2018). The Bangladeshi retail sector uses computers to collect and store information about the employee name, quality, salary sheet and customers survey report. The retail sector of Bangladesh also uses various types of online messaging systems, fax, email and other electronic software to share the information among the employees in the firm. In Bangladesh; Agora, Nandan and Meena Bazar are the popular retail shops. In this situation; this study helps to identify the importance of information technology for improving employee productivity especially in the retail firm in Bangladesh.
1.2 Research rationale
In this 21st-century information technology are the most calling word and influential factor in a firm’s productivity. In the recent few years, it is the most revolutionary tool and even India is also grabbing this revolution. According to Datta (2018), Information technology introduces better arrangements and performance since its inception in this modern world. Information technology has become more important as the performance of the business is now based on customer-driven marketing. And in this customer-driven marketing system information is the key ingredient as the customer’s behavior, needs, and demands are ever-changing. As a result, information is needed in decision making in all spear of business. Information is basically needed in an organization because of customer awareness about the products of different brands and their utility. Therefore, information is needed in every action of decision-making in a business (Marmouse, 1997).
Although, it is a matter of consideration that information technology affects employee performance and business productivity indeed or not. In this modern world, business operation is being conducted through information technology (Applegate and Mills, 2010). He also mentioned that there are three factors when information technology does not work with a positive return. The first one is when employees don’t want to implement or accept the information technology introduced by the organization. The second one is managers can not influence the employees to be connected with the technology. And the last one is the whole business system doesn’t support the information technology system.
The use of information technology has bought milestones in the improvement in the retail sector. Through the use of information technology retail industry can provide better and improved services to its customers (Banker and Kauffman, 2013). It also helps in the improvement of business operation, quality of product, better decision making, and provides competitive advantages. Information technology also establishes e-retailing from where customers can have diversified advantages including promotional offers by the retail industry. Thus, information technology is needed for both customers and retailers to avail the information about the products by the customers and needs and demands of the customers by the retailers. As a result, it is necessary for improving the performance of the organization.
1.3 Research problems
At present; the market is globalized and full of competition. The firm’s performance and employee performance are interrelated terms. Without one; others can’t be accomplished. The firm performance is not established without establishing the employee performance. The retail sectors have faced various problems regarding competition, efficiency, and sustainable growth of the firm. Marmouse (1997) mentioned that all retail sectors have an ultimate goal and some set of objectives. However; the goal of the firm and objectives is accomplished by ensuring the performance of the employee. In addition; the retail sector of Bangladesh has faced challenges regarding the change in the internet, globalization, method of production; organization change and other technological development. Drucker (2006) stated that the establishment of employee performance is the first condition to overcome the challenges.
For this reason; employee performance is improved by using information technology. Jalagat (2016) stated in his study that HRM is an important department of a firm that performs the management of human resources effectively and efficiently. The HRM department uses various types of information technology to improve the quality of the performance of the staff. The retail industry uses IT instruments to make a virtual learning environment for the employees (Pourmirza, 2006). The necessity of IT in HRM is categorized into the following categories. Firstly; Information technology helps to collect data and set accurate goals and objectives. Secondly; Information technology helps to mitigate the various difficult problems regarding production and distribution activities. Thirdly; Information technology helps to improve the quality of the performance of the staff for accomplishing the predetermined objectives.
1.4 Research aims and objectives
Aims
The proposed study aims to how technology used in the retail sector affects employee performance and business productivity. Then, the study provides recommendations for retailers in Bangladesh to use information technology more effectively to improve employee performance and business productivity……………………..
Full Documents Click Download Button
