What is the primary purpose of this study? To determine how emerging organisations in
the Taxi Service Industry achieve competitive advantage through unique IT applications
Original research
Audit
Undergraduate dissertation
Postgraduate dissertation
Other (please detail)
5
Has the proposed study been submitted to any others ethics committee?
Has approval been given?
N/A
6
What is the justification for the research? What is the background? Why is this an area of
importance?
According to Kendrick (2015) technological innovations have changed the existing
business models. Despite the introduction of Radio-taxi services which was hailed in the
80s and 90s as a great feat in the taxi technology circles, however, the launch of the
UBER and other collaborative applications have been a major disruptive innovation in the
way taxi services are accessed by customers, currently the emergence of innovations.
Also too, innovative information technology, price, accessibility, convenience and
affordability are just few of the factors driving competitiveness amongst firms in the taxi
sector. According to Clayton (2016) there are insufficient studies on the effects of new
technologies on taxi companies.
Consequently, this study is essential as it provides for the academic field and the
business environment the basics of disruptive innovation that has the potential in
disrupting the status quo and redefining the business process of segments thus turning
some segments of the traditional economy, promoting revision in traditional business
practices.
Give a full summary of the purpose, design and methodology of the planned research,
including a brief explanation of the theoretical framework that informs it.
Is the power of the study sufficient to answer the question that is being asked? Please
indicate the power calculations used for the required sample size, including any
assumptions you may have made. If you consider that power calculations are not
appropriate, please explain why.
N/A
N/A
11 Does the research involve any physically invasive procedures? Are there any known
hazards associated with these procedures?
N/A
12 Will individual or group interviews/questionnaires discuss any topics or issues that might
be sensitive, embarrassing or upsetting, or is it possible that criminal or other disclosures
requiring action could take place during the study (eg during interviews/group discussions
or use of screening for drugs)
N/A
13
Does the research involve any deception regarding aims and objectives?
N/A
14 What is the expected duration of participation in the study for each participant?
3 HOURS ON EACH INTERVIEW DAY
15 How will potential participants in the study be (i) identified, (ii) approached and (iii)
recruited?
A total of 36 employees would be interviewed. Amongst Strategic members of staff, a
bulk of the respondents about 50% would come from employees within these section of
the organisation particularly, directors of planning, research, product management,
branding and strategy. Emails would be sent to the respondents intimating them on the
study and an invitation for them to participate in the study. The sample size would be the
key employees of both organisations; these include top management that are key
decision makers in deciding innovative strategies and with regards the direction of the
firm. The next set of respondents would come from the middle management and
operational employees for departments such as finance managers, office manager
administrators, despatch operators and drivers.
16 What measures have been put in place to ensure confidentiality of personal data? Give
details of whether any encryption or other anonymization procedures will be used and at
what stage.
Confidentiality of the responses will be of serious concern for both the respondents and
the researcher. Disclosing confidential information to third parties may result in the
enforcement of legal obligations such as fines (if sued). For this the researcher will
ensure that it is promptly communicated to the respondents that the research is solely for
academic purpose and the identities of the respondents would be kept confidential.
17 Who will have access to the data and what steps will be taken to ensure data remains
confidential?
It will be difficult to have access to the relevant information about the Taxi business under
study; the study confined itself into five challenges which are being investigated. Data will
be gathered and interviews conducted within the scope of these challenges thus
contributing to availability of limited data for analysis since there are many other
challenges that the study failed to incorporate and have an effect towards service
delivery.
the basics of disruptive innovation that has the potential in disrupting the status quo and
redefining the business process of segments thus turning some segments of the
traditional economy, promoting revision in traditional business practices.
No
If yes, give details of who will obtain consent and how it will be done. Give details of any
particular steps to provide information (in addition to a written information sheet) eg
videos, interactive materials. Please note that a copy of the subject information sheet
must be included with this application.
21 How long will the participant have to decide whether or not to take part in the research?
N/A
22 Will subjects be informed that they can withdraw at any time from the study?
YES
N/A
25 Will the study result in financial payment or payment in-kind to the applicants/to the
department? Please specify amounts etc involved.
N/A
UNITED KINGDOM
27 How are the costs of this study to be met?
PARENTS
28 Please describe any other ethical considerations which need to be taken into account by
the Ethics Committee?
The information supplied above is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, accurate. I have
read the notes to investigators and clearly understand my obligations and the rights of
subjects/study participants, particularly in relation to obtaining valid consent.
Signature of Principal Investigator:
Date:
Signature of Supervisor/
Director of Studies (if applicable):
Date: