Description
I need help with a research proposal I am writing, specifically the literature review section. I’ll attach the brief but the review needs to be 1000 words, and I have around 700. I think the introduction is okay, but where I really need help is in the literature review. Please edit and update the whole paper to where it could be masters level quality. The references need to be cited using harvard citation style.I’ve attached what i have so far, the assesment brief, the marking criteria, and suggested content for the paper (please just focus on introduction and literature review as thats all this assesment requires).
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Research Proposal
Title: Understanding Artificial Intelligence’s Impact On Small Enterprises in the
Northeastern United States
Introduction
In the continuously progressing realm of technological advancements, artificial
intelligence (AI) stands out as a pivotal technology, ushering in transformative changes
across industries and operational landscapes worldwide (Dwivedi et al., 2021). This
study will aim to address the effects of AI on small businesses in the United States,
specifically in the northeast region. This aim is to contribute to bridging a research gap
that exists within the current literature. Despite the existing wealth of academic insights
on AI, a critical lack of comprehensive understanding surrounds the challenges faced by
small businesses in the United States and the lasting effects that the adoption of AI will
have on them. Small businesses just do not have the resources available to conduct
studies and research reports on such a rapidly advancing technology. Bridging this
knowledge void is not only academically significant but also holds practical importance
for informing policy decisions that may impact local entrepreneurs. As a business owner
myself, the bridging of this research gap will stand to directly benefit me, as well as my
competitors and partners in the region. With that in mind, the study will be laser-focused
on answering critical research questions that seek to bridge the research gap, and help
local entrepreneurs navigate the exponentially changing world of AI. In order to help
bridge the gap, and start to do the research to benefit the entrepreneurs of the North
East, we will start with a few basic research questions. They Include:
● In what ways does the adoption of AI contribute to or affect innovation in small
businesses in the US?
● How does artificial intelligence affect employment dynamics within small
businesses in the US?
● What factors have influenced the adoption of AI in small businesses in different
industries?
● How has AI allowed small businesses to focus more on sustainability goals?
Literature Review
In a study conducted by Loureiro et al (2021), they aimed to understand the
influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on local businesses and predict the future
prospects for businesses implementing it. The researchers employed a literature review
as their theoretical framework and methodology. The findings revealed that the
implementation of AI in small businesses positively influenced their success. However, a
limitation of the research was identified in the potential bias in the selection of literature
for the review.
Ahmad et al (2021) focused on exploring the opportunities and challenges
associated with implementing AI in the energy industry. The researchers conducted a
literature review as their theoretical framework, unveiling that AI could assist the energy
industry in optimizing the power grid and maintaining reliability. However, a limitation of
the study was noted in its limited primary research, as it primarily concentrated on the
sustainable energy sector, neglecting other potential areas. Also, the energy sector is
not particularly relevant to the northeastern region of the United States.
In the research by Fossen et al (2021), the authors investigated the impact of
digitalization on the success of local businesses. While the specific theoretical
framework was not specified, a quantitative analysis was employed. The findings
indicated that the implementation of digitalization strategies at the entrepreneurship
level positively influenced production in businesses. However, limitations were
acknowledged, including an inadequate address of the theoretical framework and scope
limitations in assessing the impact of digitalization on entrepreneurship.
Akpan et al (2022) aimed to determine the level of awareness regarding the
influence of technology adoption in emerging and developing markets and the lessons
learned by businesses from the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers utilized case
studies and surveys without specifying a theoretical framework. The results
demonstrated high awareness levels about the influence of AI in businesses,
contributing to the efficiency of small businesses. Despite the complex effects of
COVID-19, it provided entrepreneurs with valuable lessons on the importance of
embracing technology. The study’s limitations included potential regional biases in
addressing emerging markets and the absence of a specific theoretical framework.
Bessen et al (2023) investigated the role of AI in enhancing the sustainability of
startup businesses. The authors employed a literature review, though they did not
specify a theoretical framework. The findings highlighted that increased computing
power and AI applications led to the growth of local enterprises, with startups replacing
human specialists with AI, resulting in improved efficiency and reliability. However, the
study’s limitations included a methodology based on a literature review and a potential
limitation in generalizing the findings due to the focus on AI startups.
Overall, This literature review synthesizes findings from five distinct studies, and sheds
light on the multifaceted influence of AI in diverse business contexts. Loureiro et al
(2021) discerned the positive impact of AI implementation on the success of small
businesses, albeit with a caveat of potential bias in literature selection. Ahmad et al
(2021) explored opportunities and challenges in the energy industry, revealing AI’s
potential to optimize power grids while acknowledging limitations in primary research
and regional relevance. Fossen et al (2021) investigated digitalization’s role in local
businesses, finding a positive influence on production but raising concerns about the
lack of specificity in the theoretical framework. Akpan et al (2022) delved into
technology adoption post-COVID in emerging markets, highlighting the high awareness
levels and efficiency gains for small businesses, but acknowledging potential biases and
theoretical framework absence. Lastly, Bessen et al (2023) examined AI’s role in startup
sustainability, revealing growth opportunities through increased computing power, albeit
with limitations in methodology and generalization. Together, these studies provide a
comprehensive overview of the current landscape, emphasizing both the potential
benefits and methodological considerations in the integration of AI across diverse
business sectors.
References
Ahmad, T., Zhang, D., Huang, C., Zhang, H., Dai, N., Song, Y. and Chen, H., 2021. Artificial
intelligence in the sustainable energy industry: Status Quo, challenges, and
opportunities. Journal of Cleaner Production, 289, p.125834.
Akpan, I.J., Udoh, E.A.P. and Adebisi, B., 2022. 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, 34(2), pp.123-140.
Bessen, J.E., Impink, S.M., Reichensperger, L. and Seamans, R., 2023. The business of AI
startups. Boston Univ. School of Law, Law and Economics Research Paper, (18-28).
Dwivedi, Y.K., Hughes, L., Ismagilova, E., Aarts, G., Coombs, C., Crick, T., Duan, Y., Dwivedi,
R., Edwards, J., Eirug, A. and Galanos, V., 2021. Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for
research, practice, and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 57,
p.101994.
Fossen, F.M. and Sorgner, A., 2021. Digitalization of work and entry into
entrepreneurship. Journal of Business Research, 125, pp.548-563.
Loureiro, S.M.C., Guerreiro, J. and Tussyadiah, I., 2021. Artificial intelligence in business: State
of the art and future research agenda. Journal of Business Research, 129, pp.911-926.
PG Research Proposals: Suggested Format & Contents
What should a coherent proposal include?
PLEASE REFER TO LECTURE SLIDES: ‘Research Design and Establishing the Project’
NB: the word count and weight of your submission toward your final mark will depend on your
degree programme requirements so MAKE SURE TO CHECK YOUR MODULE HANDBOOK FOR
SPECIFIC DETAILS
Title describing what the project is
Key words (5 max)
Introduction
–
What is the research problem to be studied? (supported by the research gap)
Why is it important: apart from the academic literature, referring to grey literature (like
market reports, corporate reports and policy documents) can be useful
What are your focussed research questions? (max 3)
Literature Review: Articulating the research gap and reflecting on the proposed research questions
–
Summary of the results of your literature review of the academic literature
o Get visual:
o Include a literature review table of 5-6 key papers to identify what has been studied
to back up your summary,
▪ what papers (Author, date)
▪ what research questions they answered
▪ using what theoretical frameworks and
▪ what methods,
▪ what are their findings and
▪ what are the limitations of their findings (based on your critique of their
research design)
o Include a simple figure mapping the key areas of research in your topic and clearly
positioning where your proposed research sits
Methodological Approach: Summarise your proposed research design to address your research
questions
–
Philosophical underpinnings: ontology, epistemology, axiology
What data will you collect and how will you get access to the data (sampling approach, data
collection instruments, and recruitment method)?
How will you analyse it?
Ethical considerations related to your proposed research design
Timeline: include a Gantt chart showing the timebound steps you will take to complete the
proposed research
References List: use the Harvard at Newcastle referencing style
NBS8062/NBS8372 ASSIGNMENT 1 MARKING CRITERIA
Criteria
1. Research Background
2. Literature Review
3. Evidence of Reading
4. Presentation
1.
2.
Total
Grades (%)
80%
Outstanding
•
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.
2.
Worthy of retaining
for reference.
Components
Research gap – 10%
Research question(s) – 10%
Research aim(s) – 10%
Understanding of the topic – 10%
Coverage of the existing literature – 10%
Critical debate – 25%
Linkage to the research background – 5%
Use of literature – 5%
Citation number (at least 10 academic
references for the Literature Review
section) – 5 %
Writing & structure – 5%
Referencing format (Cite Them Right
Harvard) – 5%
•
•
•
•
•
70 – 79%
Excellent
•
Breadth or intensity of •
accessed
data or literature
plus an original or
critical contribution. •
Weight
30%
50%
10%
10%
100%
Research Methods – Assignment 1
Publishable quality with valuable
original contribution to knowledge/discipline.
High level of achievement demonstrating insight
throughout the research proposal.
Outstanding introduction to assignment.
Outstanding assessment of subject- based literature
– linkages between literature and research
question(s) clearly articulated and discussed. The
general tone of the literature review shows critical
engagement of literature. An outstanding range of
references are cited within the literature review.
Outstanding arguments are presented in terms of
choice and description of theory for proposed
application.
Thorough, well-researched,
demonstrating originality, a good understanding of the
issue and its context, as well as a high standard of
presentation.
Meets all the structural and content requirements
set out in the assignment brief.
60 – 69%
Good
•
•
50 – 59%
Satisfactory
Pass
•
Thorough, clear
treatment
showing
understanding of
argument’s
contribution and
context.
Efficient use of
literature.
An adequate proposal
demonstrating
satisfactory
comprehension of
course material but
with little originality.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Meets all the structural and content
requirements set out in the assignment brief.
Good, competent treatment with no major
omissions.
Less thorough or original than categories above
but setting a good argument in an appropriate
context.
Meets the basic requirements and
structure set out in the assignment brief.
Satisfactory introduction to assignment.
Limited descriptive assessment of subject-based
literature – linkages between literature and
research questions only generally articulated.
The general tone of the literature
review is descriptive. A satisfactory range of
references are cited in the literature review.
Satisfactory arguments are presented in terms of
choice and description of theory for proposed
application.
40 – 49%
Condonable
Fail (except
dissertation)
•
•
Very basic approach to a narrow
•
or misguided selection of material.
Lacking in background or
flawed/incorrect
•
arguments/conclusions.
•
•
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