Higher Nationals

Internal verification of assessment decisions – BTEC (RQF)

INTERNAL VERIFICATION – ASSESSMENT DECISIONS

Programme title BTEC HND in Computing

Mrs. Belinda Shedden

Assessor Internal Verifier
Unit 13: Computing Research Project
Unit(s)
Final Research Project Proposal - The environmental impact of digital
Assignment title transformation
Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera
Student’s name
List which assessment criteria Pass Merit Distinction
the Assessor has awarded.

INTERNAL VERIFIER CHECKLIST

Do the assessment criteria awarded match

those shown in the assignment brief? Y/N

Is the Pass/Merit/Distinction grade awarded

justified by the assessor’s comments on the Y/N
student work?
Has the work been assessed
Y/N
accurately?
Is the feedback to the student:
Give details:
• Constructive? Y/N
• Linked to relevant assessment criteria? Y/N
• Identifying opportunities for Y/N
improved performance?
• Agreeing actions? Y/N
Does the assessment decision need
Y/N
amending?

Assessor signature Date

Internal Verifier signature Date

Programme Leader signature (if required)
Date

Confirm action completed

Remedial action taken
Give details:

Assessor signature Date

Internal Verifier
Date
signature

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Programme Leader
Date
signature (if required)

CRP/2021/22/Remote working – Jayan Perera – E127670

Higher Nationals - Summative Assignment Feedback Form
Student Name/ID Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera – E127670

Unit Title Unit 13: Computing Research Project

Assignment Number 1 Assessor Mrs. Belinda Shedden

30th October 2023 Date Received
Submission Date
1st submission
Date Received 2nd
Re-submission Date
submission

Assessor Feedback:
LO1 Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research
process
Pass, Merit & Distinction P1 P2 M1 D1
Descripts

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Resubmission Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature & Date:

* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place and
grades decisions have been agreed at the assessment board.

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Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor Date
signature

Student signature Date

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Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Computing
Unit 13: Computing Research Project
Project Proposal

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General Guidelines

1. A Cover page or title page – You should always attach a title page to your assignment. Use
previous page as your cover sheet and make sure all the details are accurately filled.
2. Attach this brief as the first section of your assignment.
3. All the assignments should be prepared using a word processing software.
4. All the assignments should be printed on A4 sized papers. Use single side printing.
5. Allow 1” for top, bottom , right margins and 1.25” for the left margin of each page.

Word Processing Rules

1. The font size should be 12 point, and should be in the style of Time New Roman.
2. Use 1.5 line spacing. Left justify all paragraphs.
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4. Use footer function in the word processor to insert Your Name, Subject, Assignment No, and
Page Number on each page. This is useful if individual sheets become detached for any
reason.
5. Use word processing application spell check and grammar check function to help editing your
assignment.

Important Points:

1. It is strictly prohibited to use textboxes to add texts in the assignments, except for the
compulsory information. eg: Figures, tables of comparison etc. Adding text boxes in the body
except for the before mentioned compulsory information will result in rejection of your work.
2. Avoid using page borders in your assignment body.
3. Carefully check the hand in date and the instructions given in the assignment. Late
submissions will not be accepted.
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5. Excuses of any nature will not be accepted for failure to hand in the work on time.
6. You must take responsibility for managing your own time effectively.
7. If you are unable to hand in your assignment on time and have valid reasons such as illness,
you may apply (in writing) for an extension.
8. Failure to achieve at least PASS criteria will result in a REFERRAL grade .
9. Non-submission of work without valid reasons will lead to an automatic RE FERRAL. You will
then be asked to complete an alternative assignment.
10. If you use other people’s work or ideas in your assignment, reference them properly using
HARVARD referencing system to avoid plagiarism. You have to provide both in-text citation
and a reference list.
11. If you are proven to be guilty of plagiarism or any academic misconduct, your grade could be
reduced to A REFERRAL or at worst you could be expelled from the course

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Student Declaration

I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely to use another’s work and to present
it as my own without attributing the sources in the correct form. I further understand what it means
to copy another’s work.

1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.

2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of Edexcel UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiarise or copy another’s work in any of the
assignments for this program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspect of my program, will be my
own, and where I have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the correct
way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding
agreement between myself and Pearson , UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is not
attached to the assignment.

Student’s Signature: Date:

(Provide E-mail ID) (Provide Submission Date)

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Higher National Diploma in Computing
Assignment Brief
Student Name /ID Number Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera – E127670

Unit Number and Title Unit 13 – Computing Research Project

Academic Year 2021/22

Unit Tutor

Assignment Title

Issue Date 25th June 2023

Submission Date 30th October 2023

IV Name & Date

Submission format

Research Project Proposal

• The submission is in the form of an individual written report.

• This should be written in a concise, formal business style using single spacing and font
size 12.
• You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and subsections as appropriate,
and all work must be supported with research
• Reference using the Harvard referencing system.
• Please provide a referencing list using the Harvard referencing system.
The recommended word limit is minimum 2000 words.
Unit Learning Outcomes:

LO1. Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the research
process.

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

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The environmental impact of digital transformation

The amount of data created and stored globally is expected to reach 175 Zettabytes by
2025, a six-fold increase from 2018. This will demand additional hardware and power
consumption, which; in turn, will increase the environmental impact of the digital sector
and there is already increasing attention on the environmental footprint of ICT equipment
and services as they become more widespread in all aspects of human life. It is the
responsibility of everyone to take action in addressing the challenges of climate change, as
professionals we must also seek ways that the digital sector can play its part. While digital
technologies are one of the sectors that has achieved greater efficiency; achieving about
100 times more computation power from the same amount of energy per decade, it
remains unsustainable. The sector must continue to seek ways in which it can continue to
support and drive innovation, while addressing the global climate emergency for a greener
and fairer future.

Choosing a research objective/question

Students are to choose their own research topic for this unit. Strong research projects are
those with clear, well focused and defined objectives. A central skill in selecting a research
objective is the ability to select a suitable and focused research objective. One of the best
ways to do this is to put it in the form of a question. Students should be encouraged by
tutors to discuss a variety of topics related to the theme to generate ideas for a good
research objective. The range of topics discussed could cover the following:
• The use of modern methods to reduce carbon emissions in IT network
systems.
• The impact of cloud data centres on the environment.
• The environmental implications of e-waste and ways to reduce it.

The Learner requires to produce a research proposal that clearly defines a research question
or hypothesis, supported by a literature review (Use the project proposal and ethical
consideration form template formats)

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Project Proposal should cover following areas.
1. Definition of research problem or question. (This can be stated as a research question,
objectives or hypothesis)
2. Provide a literature review giving the background and conceptualisation of the proposed
area of study. (This would provide existing knowledge and benchmarks by which the data
can be judged)
3. Critically evaluate research process /different research methodologies that can be applied to
computing research project by demonstrating an understanding of the pitfalls, ethical issues,
and limitations. choose a suitable research methodology and justify the selection based on
theoretical/philosophical frameworks.
Draw points (1–3, above) together into a research proposal by getting agreement with your tutor.

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CRP/2021/22/Remote working – Jayan Perera – E127670
 Grading Rubric

Grading Criteria Achieved Feedback

P1 Produce a research proposal that clearly defines a

research question or hypothesis, supported by a literature
review

P2 Examine appropriate research methods and approaches

to primary and secondary research.

M1 Evaluate different research approaches and

methodology and make justifications for the choice of
methods selected based on philosophical/ theoretical
frameworks.
D1 Critically evaluate research methodologies and processes
in application to a computing research project to justify
chosen research methods and analysis.

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 Research Proposal Form
Student Name Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera
Student number E127670 Date 30th October 2023

Centre Name ESoft Metro Campus Gampaha

Unit Computer Research Project
Tutor Mrs. Belinda Shedden
Proposed title
Environmental Impacts Caused by The Energy Consumption in The Data Warehouses in
The Banking Sector

Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities

Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis):
Research project objectives (e.g. what is the question you want to answer? What do you want to
learn how to do? What do you want to find out?): Introduction, Objective, Sub Objective(s), Research
Questions and/or Hypothesis
Title
• Environmental Impacts Caused by The Energy Consumption in The Data
Warehouses in The Banking Sector.

Aim
• This research aims to identify the negative effects on the environment caused by the
energy used in data storage in the digital sector. Studying this issue can uncover
important factors that harm our surroundings. Specifically focusing on Sri Lanka,
there are data centers associated with the banking industry. We can proceed with our
research by selecting one of the top banks in Sri Lanka and examining their data
centre. Ultimately, we can provide practical solutions to address the environmental
challenges discovered during our research.

Objectives
• The purpose of this study is to measure the consequences of energy data warehousing in
banking operations.
• Our aim is to comprehend how the energy consumption related to data warehousing
impacts the ecological footprint of banking activities.
• We intend to examine the connection between energy usage in data warehouses and
environmental sustainability within the banking sector.
• Through this research we hope to gain insights into ways to mitigate the impacts
caused by energy consumption in data warehousing, within banking operations.

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Research Questions

1. How is the energy usage, in data warehouses related to its impact on the environment in the
banking sector?
2. What are the environmental effects, both direct and indirect of data warehouse energy
consumption in banking?
3. How can sustainable practices be incorporated into data warehousing to minimize its
impact on the environment in banking?
4. What factors primarily contribute to energy consumption in data warehouses within
the banking industry?
5. What approaches can be implemented to enhance sustainability by optimizing energy
usage in data warehouses, for banking purposes?

Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project

Reasons for choosing the project (e.g. links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest,
future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important): Motivation,
Research gap
The environmental goals of the banking sector face a challenge due to the energy nature of
data warehouses. It is important to comprehend the impact that data warehouses have on the
environment in order to align banking operations with practices. Given that data plays a role
in banking activities it is essential to address its footprint as part of responsible business
conduct. Through this research project, we aim to fill a knowledge gap by exploring the
implications of data warehousing in the banking industry. By investigating energy
consumption in data warehouses, we strive to contribute towards a future, for the banking
sector.

Motivation

The banking industry's growing reliance brings up concerns over data warehouses' energy
usage and environmental effects on them. As experts, we understand how urgent it is to
address these issues in light of climate change. Our goal is to contribute to the process of
identifying long-term fixes for the digital banking environment.

Research Gap

Despite being a crucial topic, the environmental effects of data warehouses in the banking
industry have not gotten much attention in the literature so far. Making educated decisions
and putting sustainable ideas into practice in banking operations require an understanding of
the environmental effects of energy-intensive data warehousing practices. Bridging this
knowledge gap will help banking practices match up with international environmental goals.

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Relevance of the Subject

Taking data's environmental impact into account is essential for ethical business practices
because of the critical function that data plays in the banking industry. One major obstacle
to attaining sustainability in the banking industry is immediately addressed by concentrating
on the energy-intensive nature of data warehouses. In addition to solving a critical issue, our
investigation into data warehouse energy use will help the banking sector become more
ecologically conscientious in the future.

Plans for the future and skill development

Gaining experience in evaluating the environmental effects of technology in banking

operations is possible with this study project. It adds to a deeper comprehension of
responsible data management and is consistent with future career goals in sustainable
banking practices.

Section Three: Literature sources searched

Use of key literature sources to support your objective, Sub Objective, research question and/or
hypothesis: Can include the Conceptual Framework
G. Vial, "Understanding Digital Transformation" (2019)
• This resource provides an overview and research agenda for understanding digital
transformation. It explores the implications and potential research directions in this field.

S. Kunkel and M. Matthess, "Digital Transformation and Environmental Sustainability in

Industry" (2020)
• This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and environmental
sustainability, particularly in Asian and African industrial contexts. It offers perspectives on
policies and expectations in this regard.

T. Santarius, J. Pohl, and S. Lange, "Digitalization and the Decoupling Debate" (2020)
• This resource delves into the debate surrounding digitalization and its potential to decouple
economic growth from environmental impacts. It explores whether Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) can help reduce environmental harm.

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Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g. research, development, analysis of ideas,
writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation,
writing the report) and How long this will take:
Milestone Propose completion data
Selecting a topic and preparing the proposal 25th June 2023
Referring literature sources 30th June 2023
Collecting Data 5th August 2023
Presenting the Proposal 22 October 2023
Completing The Research 30th October 2023

Section Five: Research approach and methodologies

Type of research approach and methodologies you are likely to use, and reasons for your choice:
What your areas of research will cover: Research Onion; Sample Strategy/Method; Sample Size

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Pragmatism
• In the context of your research, pragmatism means taking a practical and flexible
approach. It allows you to use both quantitative (numbers-based) and qualitative
(descriptive) methods to get a comprehensive view of the environmental impacts.

Deductive
• Deductive reasoning starts with a general idea (a hypothesis) and looks to see if it
holds true in specific cases. For your research, this means starting with a hypothesis
about how energy consumption in data warehouses affects the environment in
banking and testing it with data.

Survey
• Surveys involve asking people (in this case, stakeholders in banking institutions)
specific questions about their practices related to data warehousing and energy
consumption. This method can provide structured data on energy usage patterns.

Mixed Method
• This approach combines both quantitative and qualitative data. For your research, it
means using surveys (quantitative) and possibly interviews or focus groups
(qualitative) to gather a more complete understanding of the environmental impacts.

Cross-sectional
• A cross-sectional study looks at a specific point in time, providing a snapshot of the
situation. In your case, it means examining the environmental impacts of energy
consumption in data warehouses within the banking sector at a specific period.

Sample Strategy/Method
Sampling Method: Convenience Sampling
Since you're working with a small, manageable sample of three banks, convenience
sampling, which involves selecting the most accessible participants, is appropriate for your
study.
Sample Size

Number of Banks: 3
Given that your research involves three specific banks, your sample size is three.

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Reference List
1. G. Vial, “Understanding digital transformation: a review and a research agenda,” The
Journal of Strategic Information Systems, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 118–144, 2019.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
2. S. Kunkel and M. Matthess, “Digital transformation and environmental sustainability
in industry: putting expectations in Asian and African policies into
perspective,” Environmental Science & Policy, vol. 112, pp. 318–329, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
3. T. Santarius, J. Pohl, and S. Lange, “Digitalization and the decoupling debate: can
ICT help to reduce environmental impacts while the economy keeps
growing?” Sustainability, vol. 12, no. 18, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
4. J. C. T. Bieser and L. M. Hilty, “Assessing indirect environmental effects of
information and communication technology (ICT): a systematic literature
review,” Sustainability, vol. 10, no. 8, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
5. J. Malmodin and D. Lundén, “The energy and carbon footprint of the global ICT and
E& M sectors 2010–2015,” Sustainability, vol. 10, no. 9, 2018.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
6. B. Krumay and R. Brandtweiner, “Measuring the environmental impact of ICT
hardware,” International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, vol. 11,
no. 6, pp. 1064–1076, 2016.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
7. A.-L. Balogun, D. Marks, R. Sharma et al., “Assessing the potentials of digitalization
as a tool for climate change adaptation and sustainable development in urban
centres,” Sustainable Cities and Society, vol. 53, Article ID 101888, 2020.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
8. A. K. Feroz, H. Zo, and A. Chiravuri, “Digital transformation and environmental
sustainability: a review and research agenda,” Sustainability, vol. 13, no. 3, 2021.
View at: Publisher Site | Google Scholar
9. G. Westerman, C. Calméjane, D. Bonnet, P. Ferraris, and A. McAfee, “Digital
Transformation: a roadmap for billion-dollar organizations,” MIT Cent. Digit. Bus.
Capgemini Consult., vol. 1, pp. 1–68, 2011.
View at: Google Scholar
10. G. Westerman, D. Bonnet, and A. McAfee, “The nine elements of digital
transformation,” MIT Sloan Management Review, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 1–6, 2014.

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 View at: Google Scholar

Comments and agreement from tutor

Comments (optional):

I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification
and is appropriate.

Agreed Yes ☐ No ☐ Name Date

Comments and agreement from project proposal checker (if applicable)

Comments (optional):

I confirm that the project is appropriate.

Agreed Yes ☐ No ☐ Name Date

Research Ethics Approval Form

All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data
collected from human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing
their research. Please answer all relevant questions and note that your form may be returned
if incomplete.
Section 1: Basic Details
Project title: Environmental Impacts Caused by The Energy Consumption in The
Data Warehouses in The Banking Sector
Student name: Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera
Student ID number: E127670
Programme: HND in Computing
School:
Intended research start date: 25th June 2023
Intended research end date: 29th October 2023
Section 2: Project Summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as part of your project
• Interviews: ☐
• Questionnaires: ☒
• Observations: ☒
• Use of Personal Records: ☐
• Data Analysis: ☐
• Action Research: ☐
• Focus Groups: ☐
• Other (please specify): ☐ ................................................................
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?

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Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Age 12-16 ☐ Young People aged 17–18 ☐ Adults ☒
How will participants be recruited (identified and approached)?

I already have three well-known employees from three banks and with their help I would be
able to create a group of employees from those banks. I gathered information from them by
using online platforms.
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:

As I mentioned above, I gave a google form for the employees that in my group via
WhatsApp. Through that google form. From that form I gathered information that I want
and I get those employee’s personal opinions on that.

Studies involving questionnaires:

Will participants be given the option of omitting questions they do not wish to answer?

Yes ☒ No ☐
If “NO” please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this.

Studies involving observation:

Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be observed.

Yes ☒ No ☐
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e. give them a brief explanation of
the study)?

Yes ☒ No ☐
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study? (This could be a brief
summary of your findings in general)

Yes ☒ No ☐

Section 4: Data Storage and Security

Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection
Act (1998)
Yes ☒ No ☐
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
Only the researcher will have access to data and personal information.

During the research:

Where will the data be stored?

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Both on the researcher's personal Google Drive and laptop.
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used?
Yes ☒ No ☐
If “YES”, please provide further details:

The personal laptop of the researcher and his personal Hard disk drive will be used
throughout the research.
After the research:

Where will the data be stored?

Both on the researcher's personal Google Drive and laptop.

How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?
Until the researcher finish his research.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers?
Yes ☐ No ☒
If “YES”, please provide further details:

Section 5: Ethical Issues

Are there any particular features of your proposed work which may raise ethical concerns? If so,
please outline how you will deal with these:

Section 6: Declaration

I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy:
Yes ☒ No ☐
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:
Yes ☒ No ☐
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct and that this is a full description of the ethics issues that may arise
in the course of my research.

Name: Alawathurage Jayan Mihisara Perera

Date: 30th October 2023

Please submit your completed form to: ESOFT Learning Management System (ELMS)

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CRP/2021/22/Remote working – Jayan Perera – E127670