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Hi,
You will find attached the proposal document, which serves as the basis for the M.Phil Proposal Defense Presentation: Digital Transformation Strategies for Saudi Arabian SMEs.
Based on the proposal document, update the M.Phil Proposal Defence presentation based on the following instructions for each slide:
1. Title Slide:
– Revise the title to specify the focus of the digital transformation strategies being investigated.
– Ensure the title clearly reflects the research topic and objectives.
2. Introduction Slide:
– Simplify the wording to emphasize the importance of digital transformation in enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, and market reach.
– Clearly state the objectives of the study without including additional details.
3. Problem Statement Slide:
– Reframe the problem statement to focus solely on the core problem without including information about gaps, significance, or objectives.
– Clearly identify and articulate the specific problem that the research aims to address.
4. Research Objectives Slide:
– Align the research objectives directly with the core problem identified in the problem statement.
– Ensure that the objectives are clear, concise, and directly related to addressing the identified problem.
5. Hypotheses Slide:
– Justify the formulation of hypotheses based on existing literature and research gaps identified.
– Present hypotheses before discussing the literature review to demonstrate their derivation from existing research.
6. Research Methodology Slide:
– Provide specific details about the methodology, including the sample size, target participants, and data collection techniques.
– Clarify the rationale for choosing a mixed-methods approach and justify its suitability for the research.
7. Significance of the Study Slide:
– Emphasize both the theoretical and practical significance of the research.
– Clearly articulate how the study contributes to advancing understanding in the field and informing real-world practices.
8. Literature Review Slide:
– Summarize key literature related to digital transformation, e-commerce, and business analytics in the context of Saudi Arabian SMEs.
– Highlight gaps in existing research, specifically focusing on the lack of specific strategies tailored to Saudi Arabian SMEs.
9. Research Plan and Timelines Slide:
– Specify the goals, milestones, and timeline for each stage of the research.
– Ensure clarity in presenting the expected goals and execution plan for the research.
10. Conclusion and Thanks Slide:
– Conclude the presentation by summarizing the key points discussed and reiterating the core problem being addressed.
– Thank the audience for their time and attention, expressing readiness to address any further questions or feedback.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Digital Transformation Strategies for
Saudi Arabian SMEs
Integrating E-commerce and Business Analytics
Introduction
• Importance of Digital Transformation:
Enhances competitiveness, efficiency,
and market reach.
• Objectives: Analyze current
digitalization levels, identify challenges,
and propose effective strategies.
Problem Statement
IDENTIFIED GAP:
LIMITED RESEARCH ON
SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
FOR SAUDI ARABIAN
SMES.
IMPORTANCE: ENSURES
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
AND ADAPTABILITY.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
AIM TO ENHANCE
DIGITALIZATION
AMONG SAUDI
ARABIAN SMES.
SIGNIFICANCE:
PROVIDES ACTIONABLE
INSIGHTS FOR
POLICYMAKERS AND
SMES.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
ASSESS CURRENT
LEVELS, IDENTIFY
BARRIERS, AND
PROPOSE STRATEGIES.
Research Objectives
Overall Aim: Enhance digitalization
among Saudi Arabian SMEs.
Specific Objectives: Assess current
levels, identify barriers, and propose
strategies.
Importance: Offers a comprehensive
understanding and practical solutions.
Research Questions: Address current
digitalization levels, challenges, and
integration strategies.
Research Questions
Research Questions:
Current digitalization levels?
What are the primary challenges
hindering digital integration?
Effective integration of ecommerce and business analytics?
Relevance: directly contributes to achieving research objectives.
Potential Impact: Informs actionable steps for enhancing
digitalization efforts.
Research Hypotheses
Hypotheses:
Significance: Validates the
importance of digital
transformation.
Contribution: Provides
empirical evidence supporting
the necessity of digital
integration.
• Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant relationship between digital
integration and SME performance.
• Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Effective digital integration positively impacts
SME performance.
Significance of the Study
Theoretical Significance: Advances understanding of digital
transformation’s impact on SMEs.
Practical Significance: Offers actionable insights for enhancing
digitalization strategies and policies.
Impact: Contributes to academic literature and informs real-world
practices, fostering economic development.
Literature Review
Summary of Key Literature: Studies on Digital Transformation,
E-Commerce, and Business Analytics in the SME Context.
Identified Gaps: Lack of specific strategies tailored to Saudi
Arabian SMEs.
Importance: Provides theoretical and empirical foundations
for research design.
Research Methodology
• Research Methodology: Balances qualitative
and quantitative approaches.
• Mixed-Methods Approach: integrates surveys,
interviews, and case studies.
• Sampling and Data Collection: Utilizes
stratified sampling, structured interviews, and
surveys.
Research Plan and
Timelines
Stage
Literature Review
Research
Design
and Methodology
Data Collection
Analysis
and
Findings
Strategy
Development
Thesis Writing and
Documentation
Review and Revision
Submission
of
Thesis
Goals and Milestones
Complete comprehensive literature review
Timeline
Month 1-2
Develop research design and methodology
Month 3
Conduct surveys, interviews, and analysis
Month 4-8
Analyze data and develop key findings
Month 9-10
Formulate tailored digital transformation
Month 11
strategies
Draft and finalize the research thesis
Month 12
Conduct reviews and incorporate feedback
Month 13
Final submission of the completed thesis
Month 14
• Expected Goals: completion of a literature
review, data collection, analysis, and
dissemination.
• Execution: adherence to the timeline and
continuous monitoring of progress.
References
ABED, S. S. (2020). SOCIAL COMMERCE ADOPTION
USING TOE FRAMEWORK: AN EMPIRICAL
INVESTIGATION OF SAUDI ARABIAN
SMES. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT, 53, 102118.
ALATEEG, S. S., & ALHAMMADI, A. D. (2023).
TRADITIONAL RETAILER’S INTENTION TO OPT ECOMMERCE FOR DIGITAL RETAIL BUSINESS IN SAUDI
ARABIA. MIGRATION LETTERS, 20(7), 1307-1326.
SANTOS-JAÉN, J. M., GIMENO-ARIAS, F., LEÓN-GÓMEZ,
A., & PALACIOS-MANZANO, M. (2023). THE BUSINESS
DIGITALIZATION PROCESS IN SMES FROM THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF E-COMMERCE: AN EMPIRICAL
ANALYSIS. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL AND APPLIED
ELECTRONIC COMMERCE RESEARCH, 18(4), 1700-1720.
1. Project Title (Research Topic)
Digital Transformation Strategies for Saudi Arabian SMEs: Integrating E-commerce
and Business Analytics
2. Introduction
•
Background of the Study
Digital Transformation has become an essential tool for businesses beyond
borders. Hence, a shift from the norm has been identified and implemented to
dovetail this change. First, this shift is significant for SMEs in Saudi Arabia because
the business environment is dynamic worldwide. The SMEs perform an essential
function on the economic map of Saudi Arabia, creating substantial inroads into
occupancy and GDP. On the other hand, they tend to get stuck when changing with
digital evolution.
The competition is also because of changes in technology in the
environment operated by the Saudi Arabian SMEs. Soon, consumer habits will also
change, and they will have to work in a dynamic environment. The prevalence of
e-commerce and business analytics renders a strategic direction of symbiosis in
which SMEs may enhance their competence and sustainability. E-commerce assists
in establishing the presence of business on the web and creates a more extensive
base of markets. In contrast, business analytics provides an option to make datadriven decisions, making it easy for managers to strategize upon its valuable
insights. Understanding the digital transformation domain concerning critical small
and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia is crucial in formulating strategies
to drive their development in the digitalized world.
•
Problem Statement
While digitalization is essential, a significant gap remains in understanding
the business practices that pose particular threats and exciting opportunities for
digital integration in Saudi Arabian SMEs. The gap that emerges from an
assessment of the existing literature is that Saudi Arabia still needs to examine the
contextual conditions acting as barriers or enablers to adopting these transformative
technologies among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This study seeks to
fill this gap by examining the precise characteristics of digital transformations by
supporting SMEs in Saudi Arabia.
This is an implication whereby the difficulty in distinguishing the obstacles
deterring SMEs from having a clasp on e-commerce and business analytics from
those that novice large businesses. Moreover, there needs to be more research that
designed programs dealing with SMEs’ requirements and limitations in Saudi
Arabia for their digitalization process. In doing so, this study aims to bring valuable
insights by identifying these issues and providing contextual solutions to enhance
the current knowledge foundation equipped with practical recommendations to help
small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia navigate the digital transformation
landscape.
•
Research Objectives
Overall Aim:
This study examines Saudi Arabian SMEs’ digital transformation initiatives,
concentrating on e-commerce and business analytics.
Specific SMART Objectives:
1. To assess the current status of digital transformation in Saudi Arabian
SMEs:
a. Assess e-commerce adoption.
b. Assess existing business analytics tool use and deployment.
2. To identify the challenges hindering the integration of e-commerce and
business analytics in SMEs:
a. Examine financial, technical, and organizational obstacles.
b. Examine cultural and regulatory influences on digital change.
3. To explore the opportunities associated with the integration of ecommerce and business analytics for SMEs in Saudi Arabia:
a. Find economic, strategic, and competitive benefits.
b. Assess how government policies and assistance promote
digitization.
4. To develop tailored digital transformation strategies for Saudi Arabian
SMEs:
a. Provide realistic e-commerce integration frameworks.
b. Advise on using business analytics.
5. To contribute to the academic and practical understanding of digital
transformation in the context of Saudi Arabian SMEs:
a. Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
•
Research Questions
This research will focus on the following research questions:
1. What is the current level of adoption of e-commerce among Saudi Arabian
SMEs, and how does it vary across different sectors?
2. What are the primary challenges faced by SMEs in Saudi Arabia in
integrating e-commerce and business analytics into their operations, and
how do these challenges differ from those encountered by larger
enterprises?
3. What opportunities does the integration of e-commerce and business
analytics present for the growth and sustainability of Saudi Arabian SMEs,
considering economic, strategic, and competitive aspects?
4. How can tailored digital transformation strategies be developed to address
the specific needs and constraints of Saudi Arabian SMEs, taking into
account cultural, regulatory, and organizational factors?
•
Research Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1:
•
Null Hypothesis (H0): There is no significant association between the level
of e-commerce adoption and the overall digital transformation status of
Saudi Arabian SMEs.
•
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): A positive correlation exists between the level
of e-commerce adoption and the overall digital transformation status of
Saudi Arabian SMEs.
Hypothesis 2:
•
Null Hypothesis (H0): The challenges hindering the integration of ecommerce and business analytics in Saudi Arabian SMEs are similar to
those of larger enterprises.
•
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): There are distinct challenges specific to SMEs
that significantly differ from those encountered by larger enterprises in
integrating e-commerce and business analytics.
Hypothesis 3:
•
Null Hypothesis (H0): Integrating e-commerce and business analytics has
significantly impacted Saudi Arabian SMEs’ strategic and competitive
advantages.
•
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Integrating e-commerce and business
analytics significantly contributes to strategic and competitive advantages
for Saudi Arabian SMEs.
•
Significance of the study
➢ Theoretical Significance
This research is of theoretical importance because it adds to the
relevant body of theoretical knowledge in digital transformation, but more
so within the Saudi Arabian SMEs. By addressing the identified research
gaps, the study will enable us to deepen our understanding of the distinctive
specifics of challenges and opportunities related to the incorporation of ecommerce and business analytics in a disruptive digital environment. The
empirical findings will help correct and sharpen existing theoretical
frameworks and, to a greater extent, provide an in-depth understanding of
factors that influence digital transformation in the SME sector. Moreover,
the study will complement the overall body of literature on technology
adoption-based organizational change by focusing mainly on these
phenomena of the Saudi Arabian context characterized by ramifications of
culture, regulation, and economic conditions.
The insights provided theoretically from this study will act as a base
for future research initiatives in similar settings, and many may be
beneficial to other digital transformation studies in other developing
countries. In implementing more effective strategies targeting SME
digitalization as much as in Saudi Arabia as in other international contexts
of its kind, the research aims to inform scholars, policymakers, and
practitioners of its contribution to the theoretical progress, evident in our
disciplinary understanding of digitalization.
➢ Practical Significance
In terms of practicality, this research is crucial for the SMEs in Saudi
Arabia, the policymakers, and practitioners in the industry who want to
maneuver difficulties and capitalize on the available platform during digital
transformation. The personalized digital transformation methodologies that
will emanate as a result of this study will be a tangible application for SMEs
that seek to adopt and incorporate e-commerce and business analytics into
their line of operations. These strategies will aim to satisfy the conditions
specific to the cultural, regulatory, and organizational setting of SMEs in
Saudi Arabia, enabling them, in turn, to bring valuable information to
decision-makers.
The report also informs government digitization initiatives for
SMEs and growth programs. The policymaker will be better able to adopt a
policy that rewards digital innovation and development by understanding
the practical consequences of business analytics and e-commerce. This
research’s pragmatic value comes from its potential to foster positive
changes and give SME owners in the region a chance to grow in the digital
world and build the region’s economy.
3. Literature Review
Sn.
Title
Summary
Methodology
Observations
Gap
1.
2.
3.
Abed, S. S.
(2020). Social
commerce
adoption using
TOE
framework: An
empirical
investigation of
Saudi Arabian
SMEs.
International
Journal
of
Information
Management,
53, 102118.
Alaskar, T. H.,
Mezghani, K.,
& Alsadi, A. K.
(2021).
Examining the
adoption of Big
data analytics in
supply
chain
management
under
competitive
pressure:
evidence from
Saudi Arabia.
Journal
of
decision
systems, 30(23), 300-320.
Alateeg, S. S., &
Alhammadi, A.
D.
(2023).
Traditional
Retailer’s
Intention To Opt
The
study
explores social
commerce
adoption
in
Saudi Arabian
SMEs using the
TOE
(TechnologyOrganizationEnvironment)
Empirical
framework.
investigation,
Empirical
framework
investigation
reveals factors
influencing
adoption,
providing
insights
into
the
SMEs’
social
commerce
landscape.
Investigates
Big
Data
Analytics
adoption
in
supply chain
management
under
competitive
Empirical
pressure
in Decision
Saudi Arabia. Journal
Empirical
evidence sheds
light on the
challenges and
benefits
associated with
the adoption.
Lack
of
Identifies factors exploration on
influencing social the integration of
TOE commerce
social commerce
adoption in Saudi with broader eArabian SMEs.
commerce
strategies.
Highlights
challenges
and
study,
benefits
of
Systems
adopting Big Data
Analytics in Saudi
Arabian SCM.
Examines the
intention
of
traditional
Qualitative research,
retailers
to Migration Letters
adopt
ecommerce for
Explores
traditional
retailers’ intention
to
adopt
ecommerce in the
Limited focus on
SMEs; gaps in
understanding
specific
challenges faced
by this sector.
Limited coverage
of broader ecommerce
strategies; focus
on
traditional
retail sector.
E-Commerce
For
Digital
Retail Business
In Saudi Arabia.
Migration
Letters, 20(7),
1307-1326.
digital
retail
business
in
Saudi Arabia.
The
study
employs
Migration
Letters
and
presents
insights
into
the
digitalization
of retail.
Saudi
Arabian
context.
4.
AL-Shboul, M.
D. A. (2023).
Better
understanding
of technology
effects
in
adoption
of
predictive
supply
chain
business
analytics among
SMEs:
fresh
insights
from
developing
countries.
Business
Process
Management
Journal, 29(1),
159-177.
Investigates the
effects
of
technology in
the adoption of
predictive
supply chain Empirical
study,
business
Business
Process
analytics
Management Journal
among SMEs
in developing
countries,
offering fresh
insights.
Provides insights
into technology
effects
on
predictive supply
chain analytics in
SMEs.
Limited focus on
the
Saudi
Arabian context;
gaps
in
understanding
specific
SME
challenges.
5.
Batwa, A., &
Alamoudi, R. H.
(2019).
Designing and
deploying an Ebusiness model
for small and
medium-sized
enterprises in
Saudi Arabia.
Journal
of
Economics and
Business, 2(4).
Proposes and
examines an ebusiness model
designed for
small
and
medium-sized
enterprises in
Saudi Arabia,
contributing to
the
understanding
of e-business
strategies for
SMEs.
Presents an ebusiness model
for SMEs in Saudi
Arabia.
Lacks empirical
validation of the
proposed
ebusiness model;
potential gaps in
practicality.
Conceptual
framework, Journal
of Economics and
Business
6.
7.
8.
Faridi, M. R., &
Malik,
A.
(2019).
Customer
engagement
technology in
sme’s in Saudi
Arabia: Does it
ensue
in
disturbance or
disruption.
International
Journal
of
Entrepreneurshi
p, 23(1), 1-8.
Kaabous
Alzaabi, M. O.
H., Omar, R., &
Romle, A. R.
(2021).
Organizational
factors and ecommerce
adoption
in
SMEs of United
Arab Emirates:
mediating role
of
perceived
strategic value.
International
Journal
of
Entrepreneurshi
p, 25(1), 1-18.
Lutfi,
A.,
Alsyouf,
A.,
Almaiah, M. A.,
Alrawad,
M.,
Abdo, A. A. K.,
Al-Khasawneh,
A. L., … & Saad,
M.
(2022).
Factors
influencing the
adoption of big
data analytics in
the
digital
Explores the
impact
of
Limited
customer
Examines
the
exploration
of
engagement
impact
of
the integration of
technology on Survey-based study, customer
customer
SMEs in Saudi International Journal engagement
engagement
Arabia,
of Entrepreneurship technology
on
technology with
investigating
SMEs in Saudi
broader
whether it leads
Arabia.
strategies.
to disturbance
or disruption.
Investigates
organizational
factors
influencing ecommerce
adoption
in
SMEs of the
UAE,
emphasizing
the mediating
role
of
perceived
strategic value.
Examines
organizational
Survey
and
factors affecting
mediation analysis,
e-commerce
International Journal
adoption in SMEs
of Entrepreneurship
with
mediating
role.
Conducts
a
case study on
Jordanian
SMEs
to
identify factors
Case
study,
influencing the
Sustainability
adoption of big
data analytics
in the digital
transformation
era.
Investigates
factors
influencing
big
data
analytics
adoption
in
Jordanian SMEs.
Limited focus on
Saudi
Arabia;
gaps
in
understanding
specific factors
influencing
ecommerce.
Limited focus on
Saudi Arabian
SMEs; potential
gaps
in
generalizability.
transformation
era: Case study
of
Jordanian
SMEs.
Sustainability,
14(3), 1802.
9.
10.
11.
Mahmud,
M.
(2020). Impact
analysis
of
digital
transformations
on
entrepreneurial
ecosystem in the
eastern province
of Saudi Arabia.
Journal
of
Entrepreneurshi
p
Education,
23(1), 1-15.
Santos-Jaén, J.
M.,
GimenoArias, F., LeónGómez, A., &
PalaciosManzano, M.
(2023).
The
Business
Digitalization
Process
in
SMEs from the
Implementation
of e-Commerce:
An Empirical
Analysis.
Journal
of
theoretical and
applied
electronic
commerce
research, 18(4),
1700-1720.
Selaković, M.,
Ljepava,
N.,
Tarabasz, A., &
Analyzes the
impact
of
digital
transformation
s
on
the
entrepreneurial
ecosystem in
the
eastern
province
of
Saudi Arabia,
providing
insights
into
the
broader
economic
effects.
Explores
the
impact of digital
Impact
analysis,
transformations
Journal
of
on
the
Entrepreneurship
entrepreneurial
Education
ecosystem
in
Saudi Arabia.
Limited focus on
SMEs
specifically;
potential gaps in
understanding
sector-specific
impacts.
Empirically
analyzes
the
business
digitalization
process
in
SMEs through
the
implementatio
n
of
ecommerce,
offering
insights
into
the
practical
aspects
of
digitalization.
Empirical analysis,
Journal of theoretical
and
applied
electronic commerce
research
Examines
the
business
digitalization
process in SMEs
through
ecommerce
implementation.
Limited coverage
of
broader
business
analytics
integration;
potential gaps in
strategic insights.
Explores
e- Conceptual
business as a framework,
catalyst for the Journal
Discusses
e- Limited
TEM business as a empirical
catalyst for the validation; gaps
Stojanović, I.
(2023).
EBusiness
as
Catalyst
for
Global
Transformation
of SMEs: A
Middle
East
Perspective.
TEM Journal,
12(3), 1838.
global
transformation
of
SMEs,
offering
a
Middle
East
perspective.
global
in
practical
transformation of applicability to
SMEs.
the
Saudi
Arabian
SME
context.
Discussion
The findings of the literature study reveal well-developed research relating to digital
transformation, e-commerce, and business analytics in Saudi Arabian SMEs. Gaps are still stark
both in the study, but they are still helpful. According to Abed (2020), further investigation should
focus on merging social commerce with e-commerce mechanisms. Second, Alaskar et al. (2021)
and Alateeg & Alhammadi (2023) may need more attention to SMEs’ peculiarities. However,
various models introduced by Batwa and Alamoudi (2019) have no empirical validations, which
could reduce their practical values and impacts.
Regarding e-commerce adoption or big data analytics, the literature discusses these two
techniques as separate entities. The number of research analyzing corporate digitalization and
technology’s influence on predictive analytics adoption is one of few. They are Santos-Jaén et al.
(2023) and AL-Shboul (2023). Such investigations, however, should remain substantial and can
encompass necessary elements of digital transformation for SMEs to make credible plans.
Conclusion
The training study has been wrapped up with several facts regarding Saudi Arabian SME
digital transformation. The gaps reveal the call for work with a global sense of social commerce,
study SME concerns exclusively, empirically verify purposed models, and provide a
comprehensive vision of digital transformation. Such understandings will support the study in
contributing to the literature and produce practical guidance to Saudi Arabian SMEs on steps in
the digital world.
4. Research Methodology
Every research must clarify and expand on the procedures and the
techniques used to analyze and identify the relevant information concerning a
particular research title, this is what defines research methodology. In agility,
pragmatism is the chosen research philosophy of this study on the digital
transformation of Saudi Arabian SMEs. Through pragmatism, the two sides of the
philosophical divide can be straddled, for both positivists and interpretivists need
to be merged, with the empirical and the hermeneutic to be embraced, as the
blending of quantitative and qualitative insights is essential for complete findings.
The research methodology is deductive, which means that she started with some
theories about digital transformation and tested them in the context of SMEs in
Saudi Arabia. This research is primarily exploratory – studying the peculiarities of
creating digital transformation strategies, mainly concerning e-commerce and
business annotation.
•
Research Methodological choice
Since digital transformation in Saudi SMEs has different facets, a mixedmethods approach will be utilized to investigate this dynamic sector. This involves
using quantitative and qualitative research methodology. As for the methods, a
monadic approach will be applied for the quantitative part, with questionnaires and
standardized interviews, whereas the qualitative part will comprise in-depth
interviews and content analysis.
•
Sampling Methodology
In this study, the world is likely comprised of the various sector organizations
operated by Saudi Arab SMEs. The sample will be selected using stratified random
sampling, whereby individuals from different industries and geographic locations
will be included. The target population of the first stage will be represented by
SMEs registered by the government and distinguished according to industry type,
size, and geography in subsequent stratification. In this case, the sample size is 200
small to medium-sized firms, sufficient to ensure an all-inclusive perspective.
•
Data Collection
The quantitative data will be collected from structured questionnaires,
which will be based on prime existing scales developed and adjusted to appropriate
the Saudi context. Moreover, structured interviews will be utilized in data collection
and interpretation to define the detailed quantitative information. Using a semistructured approach with qualitative data collection frees a more influential look
into the discussion of digital transformation strategies. Content analysis methods
will be used to conduct analyses on relevant documents and the online presence of
small and medium-sized businesses.
The analytical process will rely on statistical measures of the regression
analysis for quantitative data and a thematic analysis for qualitative data.
Interpretation of data will involve acknowledging various influences of the Saudi
Arabian cultural norms and regulatory measures characterized by these SMEs.
•
Time Horizon
The analysis presented in this study will be short-term, covering a timeframe
broader than the two years defined in the current concept as unique and narrow.
These periods provide an opportunity to monitor changes in the adoption of
technologies regarding digital transformational actions, stating the tendency and
dynamics of the changes. The literature indeed specifies that the initiative Impact
and the other considered phenomena are strategic by nature and generally take time
to develop within SMEs. Such a time horizon allows for considering both shortterm effects and longer-term trends.
5. Research Plan and Timelines
•
Research Plan
A research plan clarifies on the specific way to approach and fix the selected
methodologies, goals, tools used, locations, timeline, and the types of participants
in research. This process will manifest in several stages during the research
development and thesis writing to through a deliberate structure and approach to
examine different approaches towards the digital transformation strategies among
Saudi Arabian SMEs. The first step includes the rigorous literature review aimed
at developing a solid theoretical basis and revealing the domains of knowledge
where gaps in current research need to be filled. After this, the research design and
methodology will be developed, taking into account the rarity of exposing SMEs in
Saudi Arabia. The following steps include a survey construction and a survey,
interviews, material analysis, and special attention to the combination of ecommerce and business analytics. Finally, the complementing analysis of
quantitative and qualitative data will result in the design of customized digital
transformation plans based on Saudi Arabian SMEs. This final thesis will present a
synthesis and interpretation of the findings, which will result in essential insights
on digital transformation in this regard available within the context of academic
and practical considerations.
•
Timelines
To ensure a structured and timely completion of the research, the following timeline
outlines the proposed goals and milestones for each stage:
Stage
Literature Review
Research Design and
Methodology
Data Collection
Analysis
and
Findings
Strategy
Development
Thesis Writing and
Documentation
Review and Revision
Submission of Thesis
Goals and Milestones
Complete comprehensive literature review
Timeline
Month 1-2
Develop research design and methodology
Month 3
Conduct surveys, interviews, and analysis
Month 4-8
Analyze data and develop key findings
Month 9-10
Formulate tailored digital transformation
Month 11
strategies
Draft and finalize the research thesis
Month 12
Conduct reviews and incorporate feedback
Final submission of the completed thesis
Month 13
Month 14
6. References
Abed, S. S. (2020). Social commerce adoption using TOE framework: An empirical investigation
of Saudi Arabian SMEs. International Journal of Information Management, 53, 102118.
Alaskar, T. H., Mezghani, K., & Alsadi, A. K. (2021). Examining the adoption of Big data
analytics in supply chain management under competitive pressure: evidence from Saudi
Arabia. Journal of decision systems, 30(2-3), 300-320.
Alateeg, S. S., & Alhammadi, A. D. (2023). Traditional Retailer’s Intention To Opt E-Commerce
For Digital Retail Business In Saudi Arabia. Migration Letters, 20(7), 1307-1326.
Almtiri, Z. H. A., & Miah, S. J. (2020, December). Impact of Business technologies on the success
of E-commerce Strategies: SMEs Perspective. In 2020 IEEE Asia-Pacific Conference on
Computer Science and Data Engineering (CSDE) (pp. 1-7). IEEE.
AL-Shboul, M. D. A. (2023). Better understanding of technology effects in adoption of predictive
supply chain business analytics among SMEs: fresh insights from developing
countries. Business Process Management Journal, 29(1), 159-177.
Batwa, A., & Alamoudi, R. H. (2019). Designing and deploying an E-business model for small
and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Economics and Business, 2(4).
Faridi, M. R., & Malik, A. (2019). Customer engagement technology in sme’s in Saudi Arabia:
Does
it
ensue
in
disturbance
or
disruption. International
Journal
of
Entrepreneurship, 23(1), 1-8.
Kaabous Alzaabi, M. O. H., Omar, R., & Romle, A. R. (2021). Organizational factors and ecommerce adoption in SMEs of United Arab Emirates: mediating role of perceived
strategic value. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, 25(1), 1-18.
Lutfi, A., Alsyouf, A., Almaiah, M. A., Alrawad, M., Abdo, A. A. K., Al-Khasawneh, A. L., … &
Saad, M. (2022). Factors influencing the adoption of big data analytics in the digital
transformation era: Case study of Jordanian SMEs. Sustainability, 14(3), 1802.
Mahmud, M. (2020). Impact analysis of digital transformations on entrepreneurial ecosystem in
the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Journal of Entrepreneurship Education, 23(1), 1-15.
Santos-Jaén, J. M., Gimeno-Arias, F., León-Gómez, A., & Palacios-Manzano, M. (2023). The
Business Digitalization Process in SMEs from the Implementation of e-Commerce: An
Empirical
Analysis. Journal
research, 18(4), 1700-1720.
of
theoretical
and
applied
electronic
commerce
Selaković, M., Ljepava, N., Tarabasz, A., & Stojanović, I. (2023). E-Business as Catalyst for
Global Transformation of SMEs: A Middle East Perspective. TEM Journal, 12(3), 1838.
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