research

research 22 2021
Practical
Practical 2020
Social Media: The New Business
Platform for Selected Online Sellers in
Amadeo, Cavite

_
Josh Francis F. Ferrera
Emjay B. Arangusti
 Research Rationale
The COVID-19 widespread has taken a critical toll on economies and individuals of all countries and of
all ages, from all strolls of life, over the globe. Social media and virtual gatherings, locally and over the
globe, have ended up the “new normal” as individuals endeavor to keep regularity in their lives in the midst
of widespread limitations. Here within the Philippines, Computerized 2020 April Statshot report by
Hootsuite and We Are Social uncovered that 64% of Filipino web clients are investing more time on social
media, with 23% demonstrating an expanded action in their online shopping activity.
With customers turning more to online shopping in the midst of widespread confinements, business
people have grasped the advanced marvel for online shopping indeed more. E-commerce websites such as
Lazada and Shopee are at the cutting edge of these online shopping stages with anticipated surges in deals
incomes in millions of pesos. Innovation has as of now changed online trade exchanges into an interminable
commercial center where conducting trade has ended up more helpful and productive for both sellers and
vendees. The COVID-19 widespread has made this commercial center a more self-evident need where as
this investigate would particularly centers on the proficiency of social media in locks in to online businesses
and how this makes a difference in financial status of people dwelling in Amadeo, Cavite.

Source:https://home.kpmg/ph/en/home/insights/2020/07/the-new-normal-of-increased-online-business-transactions.html
 Research Framework
INPUT-PROCESS-OUTPUT FRAMEWORK

Input Process Output

• Related studies
• Respondents’ characteristics
• Level of buyers’ needs and
satisfaction
• Survey on the level of
efficiency of social media as
means of business
• Analysis of gathered date
from the survey administered
• Evaluation of the results
• Suggest recommendations for
future study/putting up a business
• Establish a relationship between
efficiency of social media
platforms to the income generated
of respondents/sellers
 Objectives of the study
General Objective
 To assess the efficiency of Social Media as Business Platforms for selected
online sellers in Amadeo, Cavite.
Specific Objectives
 To identify reasons why residents in Amadeo, Cavite decided to engage in
online business
 To evaluate which social media platforms would achieve greater
buyers/purchasers
 To associate the knowledge with selected demographic variables.

Source:https://home.kpmg/ph/en/home/insights/2020/07/the-new-normal-of-increased-online-business-transactions.html
 A Research Method
.
For the purposes of this research, the researchers have decided to use a combination of two of the classic social sciences
research tools – questionnaires and interviews (Winchester, 1999; Sarantakos, 2013; Silverman, 2004; Greenfield, 2002). The
questionnaires will be distributed among selected online sellers using social media platforms in Amadeo, Cavite as a new
technique in the business industry. As a complementary method, the researchers conducted interviews from the said group.
The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed below.
Questionnaires
Questionnaires were chosen for this research because they are a reliable and quick method to collect information from
multiple respondents in an efficient and timely manner. This is especially important where time is one of the major constraints
(Greenfield, 2002; Silverman, 2004; Bell, 2005). As the questionnaires provided linear and clear results, but many elements
from the research were left uncovered.
Interviews
In order to cover more abstract aspects of the research, the researchers chose a complementary method structured
interviews consisting of several questions, which were distributed among the selected respondents. Interviews are often used
as complementary research method in the social sciences, because they give the opportunity for a more in-depth, open
discussion, and more informal, free interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee (Potter, 2002; Winchester, 1999;
Sarantakos, 2013). Despite being considered a disadvantage because it produces subjective results, the flexible format of the
interviews was a major advantage for this study, as some nuances of the research such as exploring “emotions”, and “creating
memorable experience” could not be properly captured with the questionnaire design.
 B. Research Population or Samples
For the purposes of this qualitative study, the researchers had to examine the
selected respondents. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling has been
used, It is highly subjective and determined by the qualitative researcher generating the
qualifying criteria each participant must meet to be considered for the research study.
Convenience sampling method is also considered due to the fact that this sampling
technique uses to recruit participants who are easily accessible and convenient to the
researchers.
A total of 6 selected online sellers in Amadeo, Cavite who are using social media
platforms to acquire buyers and also for convenience and as to obey strict protocols as
the world is facing the pandemic situation. This took place in the course of three
weeks. All of the five respondents were invited for an online interview, the interviews
took place over the phone/Messenger and recorded by the researchers The
questionnaires would be attached in the appendices if needed.
 C Research Instrument
Questionnaires
.
For the purposes of this research, the writers designed two separate questionnaire scripts and two brief interview scripts.
The questionnaire for the respondents consisted of twenty open questions, related to their online business engagement
and other related business matter. The first part of the questionnaire consisted of demographic questions, related to age,
gender, and questions related to the significant role of the participants, such as length of their experience in the online
business industry, exact goals and responsibilities. The core questions were divided into groups for clarity, addressing
the main objectives of the research, through the perspective of the respondents. More importantly, these questions were
designed to address the core competencies, established in the previous chapter to assess social media as online business
platforms-it’s efficiency and reliability.
The questionnaire for the respondents consists of the same number of questions, and again combines open and closed
questions. Apart from the demographic questions, the rest of the questions are organized and evaluated as a group.
Interviews
The interview scripts for the respondents consist of five brief, but open questions.
The questions for the respondents were designed to discuss in detail business strategies related to the use of social
media platforms.
The questions for the respondents were designed to reflect their experience as recipients of the study, and address
specific components such as performing in the workplace, with the purpose of earning expected income.
 D Data Gathering Procedure
.
Most of the communication with the respondents took place via online calls and chats.
Before that however, the researchers created an analysis, which met the research criteria using
a simple google search. The researchers purposefully targeted smaller group of people,
because the probability of being granted access to them was higher, and the process – less
time-consuming, which turned out to be the case. At first, the writers contacted via the phone
relevant respondents who were observed to be engaged in social media platforms selling
different goods and stuffs, to make them acquainted with the purposes of the research and to
ask for permission to conduct the research. For confidentiality, the respondents were asked if
the researchers would allow to attach pictures of them while having the survey and interview
minutes or would not include, the respondents’ names are also optional. The researchers
distributed the questionnaires via chat through google forms. The questionnaires were
distributed and completed in the course of three weeks. The interviews were conducted over
the phone/video calls depending on the preferences of the respondents.
D Respondent’s Consent
.
E. Statistical or data analysis
E. Statistical or data analysis
 Discussion of results based on objectives
In terms of age bracket majority of online sellers in Amadeo, Cavite is 18-20 from an average
of 66.7% which means that younger ages are into online business since they are really familiar
with the use of social media and internet. An exact same percentage of 16.7% for ages 21-30 and
31-above. Sex majority will be female having 66.7% than male of 33.3% At the modern age,
women are considerably having a longer patience in handling online business, exerted effort and
dedication than men who prefer to do physical duties
(Source:https://addicted2success.com/entrepreneur-profile/5-reasons-why-women-are-better-more-
successful-entrepreneurs-than-men/). In terms of products/services offered in online business, non-
perishable products are best product to offer in online business. As per general objective targeted
how efficient social media as business platforms determines that it is highly suggested to put up
online business on social media for easy transaction and also to observe safety protocol amidst
COVID pandemic. Specifically aiming some of the objectives, as the surveys and interviews
resulted that respondents engaged into online business with the use of social media as a support for
respondents’ daily needs, some also find this online business easier than to physical jobs and they
find it as good source of income. Respondents preferably Facebook where almost all residents of
Amadeo, Cavite have their own Facebook accounts/access.
 Summary
Facebook is an example of social media platform where online business is an
outgrowing partner of every potential business minded. In Amadeo, Cavite
registered online sellers are drastically increasing now a days. Respondents to
this research find social media platforms a very efficient medium in business
transactions. Amidst of COVID pandemic non-perishable goods like clothing,
furniture, beauty products, gadgets and accessories are products that can be
easily purchased due that it will not decay and can be in various aesthetic and
ergonomic designs which catch the attention of potential buyers. Finding this
modern business technique/strategies can ease every day needs as it provide
enough income and can also be as their hobby engaging this modern business.
CONCLUSION
 Recommendations
The researchers highly recommend to the following:
Online Business Entrepreneurs
- Start business in a small quantity and let it grow by determining best strategy in finances and
funding, after all, smart budgeting, consistency, and honesty are the keys in putting up a
business whether online or conventional business.

Future Online Sellers

-Settle first the important papers needed for legitimacy and to avoid future problems. Always
consider the keys in putting up a business, at first it will be tough and frustrating but with
efforts and dedication it will surely work little by little.

Online Buyers
-Support small businesses as supporting big ones, there is no bad in helping online sellers up
and it will be a big thing to them as you purchase every product they offer.