Research Methods
Aim of the Research
This study seeks to investigate the effectiveness of cybersecurity practices among local small businesses in the UK and identify the factors that promoted either the success or failure of the practices.
Objectives of the Research
- Perform a detailed analysis of the cybersecurity practices that local small businesses in the UK use.
- Discuss what barriers these businesses may face while implementing and managing effective cybersecurity due to resource constraints, insufficient understanding, and changes to the nature of cyber threats.
- Explore how cybersecurity measures affect customer trust and the general industry resilience of small businesses to cyber threats.
- Recommend measures to improve local small businesses’ cybersecurity concerning the enunciated issues and impact on organisational security.
Methodology
Approach
The study provides a holistic view and acknowledges specific problems related to cybersecurity faced by small firms in the UK.
Design
Applying the research e-surveys as the primary data collection method, the research uses a quantitative approach to efficiently collect data from a wide range of small business owners and employees.
Ethical Considerations
Respect for the Autonomy, Privacy, and Dignity of Individuals and Communities
Fair Treatment
Fair treatment is one of the research priorities, as all participants will be treated with respect and without discrimination (Arifin, 2018). The recruitment will aim to engage individuals across industries, businesses, and demographics to provide a general picture of small businesses in the UK. Moreover, communication will also be transparent and open during the research process to ensure that the participants know why and how to expect. Fairness in research implies ensuring that research participants are not subjected to disrespect.
Scientific Integrity
Data Authenticity
Scientific integrity reflects honesty and transparency in conducting and reporting research. It ensures the research depends on reliable data obtained via strict and objective approaches. MeasuresMeasures will be put in place to maintain scientific integrity at all stages of the research process to maintain scientific integrity. The research design will comply with ethical practices by observing the standards and guidelines for proper data collection. E-surveys conducted using the NVivo software would ensure a systematic and reliable analysis by minimising data extraction and interpretation bias. The questions will be carefully written in nonleading and non-suggestive language to ensure the research is nonbiased.
Scientific integrity will be based on transparency, with a thorough description of the methodology used, the data collection process, and possible limitations. The researchers will readily take note and address any biases, homing in on a level and impartial portrayal of the cybersecurity situation of small enterprises within the UK. In addition, using different data collection methods, such as qualitative and quantitative approaches, and triangulation of data sources will guarantee the validity, reliability, and objectivity of the final results, strengthen the general credibility of the findings, and reduce the risk of bias. Every part of the research will reflect the hermetic commitment to scientific rigour, establishing trust in the authenticity and validity of the gathered data.
Social Responsibility
Respect for Dignity and Integrity
This study corresponds to social responsibility as it considers the dignity and integrity of people or organisations participating. The research seeks to provide information about the peculiarities of cyber threats that small companies in the UK are likely to be subjected to. The research findings support creating customised cybersecurity measures for small-scale firms that suit their unique issues.
Common Good
Social responsibility in research is the acknowledgement of the effect of the study on people, communities, and the whole society. The study collaterally contributes toward the general interest by increasing the scope of knowledge concerning cybersecurity practices in the small business arena. The results can be relevant to policymakers, cybersecurity experts, and small business owners, contributing to a safer virtual world. This study fills in the research gap concerning the applicability of cybersecurity mechanisms for SMEs by contributing to the benefit of a wider community by improving more efficient cybersecurity practices.
Maximising Benefit and Minimising Harm
Avoiding Potential Risks
Maximising benefits and minimising harm means making proactive efforts through which any approach adopted ensures that it adds value to people in the community while eliminating any risk involved. The research will be prepared to prevent possible threats to individuals’ values, invasion of privacy, and psychological well-being of the participants and organisations. The survey questions will be phrased to obtain needed information without creating excessive distress or discomfort for respondents. The research team will use ethical considerations to handle delicate areas concerning cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Beneficiaries and Impact
The study results can be helpful for different stakeholders, such as entrepreneurs, politicians, security experts, and ordinary citizens (Bougie and Sekaran, 2019). The information obtained from this investigation can help small business owners adjust their cybersecurity strategies, policymakers develop better support programs, and cybersecurity officials improve their understanding of the needs of local small businesses. Ultimately, the objective is to promote a safer digital environment to help small-scale businesses overcome cybersecurity challenges.
References
Arifin, S.R.M., 2018. Ethical considerations in qualitative study. International Journal of Care Scholars, 1(2), pp.30-33.
Bougie, R. and Sekaran, U., 2019. Research methods for business: A skill building approach. John Wiley & Sons.
Ngozwana, N., 2018. Ethical dilemmas in qualitative research methodology: Researcher’s reflections. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 4(1), pp.19-28.
Ross, M.W., Iguchi, MY and Panicker, S., 2018. Ethical aspects of data sharing and research participant protections. American Psychologist, 73(2), p.138.
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