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Research the Sector

Rating 1-2

Your research into the sector will help you to create a valid proposal. These are the instructions in the brief:

Activity A(i) In preparation for developing a proposal for the digital solution, you have been asked to carry out research. Your research should consider how digital solutions are used to meet the needs of different users within the xxx sector, including:

  • how hardware and software are used within the context of the industry.
  • newly emerging technologies.
  • how digital solutions could be used to meet the needs of different users.
  • the industry-specific guidelines and regulations you will need to follow.

Any notes you produce should be kept and submitted in an appendix.

The scope of the research

SECTOR RESEARCH

Some aspects to cover may be:

  • What is their target market for the product proposed?
  • Is the sector a for-profit, or non-profit sector?
  • Is this market growing, shrinking, or closed and defined?
  • Can you find data to support the research?
  • How is the industry sector financed or funded.
  • What software is used at the moment in the sector?
  • What hardware is typically used by the targeted end-user?
  • Are there newly-emerging technologies that will cause change?
  • How will these changes affect the proposed solution?
  • Will the changes offer possibilities?
  • What are the different types of users?
  • What are the needs of these users?
  • Do they have a varied set of skills and competence?

LEGISLATION AND COMPLIANCE

Legislation

  • What laws apply to the sector?
  • How do the laws affect your proposed solution?
  • Are the laws national or international?
  • What penalties might be applied for breaches of law?

Regulations

  • Is there a 'Governing Body' for the sector, such as the General Medical Council for doctors?
  • What rules might have an affect on your proposed solution?
  • What would be the effect of a breach of regulations?

Guideline

  • Are there conventions that are commonly followed in the sector?
  • Is there a professional body that supports stakeholders in the sector?
  • Will you be affected by development guidelines, such as those set out by the British Computer Society.

Remember

Your research should also help you to understand why things are done in a particular way in a given sector. Of course, any system used may be a drawback or benefit.