Defense

What is your research study all about?

Our research focuses on developing a responsive website and interactive Android-based mobile application for a small food business callled Mediterranean in Velvet. The goal is to improve how the business communicates with its customers, manages orders, and presents itself online. The system makes it easier for customers to place orders and for the business owner to manage daily operations

Why did you choose this study?

We chose this study after observing that many small food businesses struggle with visibility and efficiency due to lack of digital tools. Mediterranean in Velvet lacked an ordering system, which inspired us to help them adapt to modern demands.

What is the scope of your study?

Our system includes a website for business information and a mobile app for placing orders. Customers can register, view the menu, and submit feedback. The admin can manage menu items, orders, and access sales data. The system runs only on Android and supports Cash-on-Delivery.

What motivated you to undertake this research?

The shift in consumer behavior toward online ordering and our desire to support small businesses in adapting to digital transformation motivated us. Also, the high commissions of third-party platforms made an in-house system more viable.

Why is your research important in this area?

Our research provides small food businesses with a cost-effective alternative to third-party apps, helping them boost sales, gather data insights, and retain customer engagement. It also shows how digital tools can support local economic growth.

Who will be interested in your research?

Small business owners, IT students, developers, and community leaders who are looking for ways to help local businesses grow will be interested in our research.

What gaps did you intend to bridge with your research?

We aimed to bridge the gap between small businesses and the digital marketplace — especially those who lack technical resources or access to affordable e-commerce platforms.

What are the implications of what you have found for society in general?

Empowering small businesses with digital tools promotes digital inclusion and gives more people access to local food services in a convenient way.

Why did you choose this research methodology?

We used prototyping because it allowed us to build the system step by step and get feedback from users. This method helped us make improvements based on actual needs.

Would you have discovered something else with a different approach?

Possibly. A long-term study might have revealed long-term behavioral changes in user habits or Customer engagement over time after full deployment.

How do you know that what you have found is correct?

We based our findings on survey responses and literature-backed needs analysis. The consistency between user needs and system design validates our approach.

How will your findings contribute to the related area of knowledge?

Our findings can serve as a model for other small businesses contribute to digital transformation studies in MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)

Did you experience any limitations in your research?

Yes. Limitations included platform support (Android only), exclusively for a single food business, no online payment integration, and reliance on internet connectivity. Feedback also needs to be reviewed manually by the business owner.

What would you suggest as future research and why?

Future research can include developing iOS support, online payments and real-time chat support. These improvements can help the system reach more users.

What advice would you give if you could go back to the beginning of your research?

We would conduct earlier testing with a wider user group and interview more business owners to expand generalizability.

A research starts with a problem and ends with a problem. What problem do you want to address?

We address the problem of small food businesses not having access to affordable and effective digital platforms for managing their operations and reaching customers.

Why did you come up with this study?

To help a local business overcome digital challenges by leveraging our technical skills as IT students. Mediterranean in Velvet had limited digital tools, and we saw an opportunity to make a difference.

What is the significance of your study?

It demonstrates how custom-made digital solutions can improve business operations, customer experience, and shows that small businesses can use simple and cost-effective technology to grow and compete in today’s digital world.

What is your statement of the problem?

How can a small food business like Mediterranean in Velvet increase customer engagement visibility, and operations using a custom-built website and mobile application?

What are the independent and dependent variables of your study?

• Independent: The website and mobile application.

• Dependent: Business efficiency, customer satisfaction, and online visibility.

Why did you choose this topic?

Because it allowed us to combine our technical capabilities with a meaningful real-world impact.

Briefly explain what your research project is all about.

It’s about developing a dual-platform system — a website and a mobile app — to assist a small food business in improving its digital presence, operations, and customer service.

What is the significance of the study?

It provides a real example or model for how small businesses can go digital without high costs or technical barriers.

What research methodology did you use?

Prototyping methodology with iterative user feedback, supported by survey data and usability testing.

What source of data was employed for the research?

Primary data from surveys, interviews with the business owner, and literature reviews of similar systems.

How did you formulate your statement of the problem?

We identified common challenges from local business observations and supported them with surveys and literature data.

What are the main objectives of your study?

• Develop a user-friendly ordering platform.

• Reduce reliance on third-party platforms.

• Improve branding and customer relations.

• Allow better management of orders and sales for business owners.

How did you come up with these research questions?

They were based on the issues identified during our observation, survey responses, and review of similar studies.

Why did you set these boundaries for your study?

To keep the system feasible given our timeline, resources, and the target business’s immediate needs. Focusing on one business and one platform allowed us to develop the project effectively.

How will your study contribute to existing literature or knowledge?

It offers a practical framework and case study for digital transformation in micro-businesses, particularly in food service.

What is the purpose of reviewing the RRL/RRS in your study?

To understand existing solutions, identify best practices or finding out what works best in similar systems, and ensure that our system design is innovative and relevant. It helped us to have less mistakes and apply proven techniques.

What research design did you use?

A developmental research design with elements of user-centered design (UCD) and a design focused on creating, testing, and improving a working system .

What were the key findings from the data analysis?

• Users prefer simple, image-rich interfaces with minimal text

• Small businesses benefit from having control over their digital tools.

• Real-time updates and order tracking improve customer trust.

What do your key findings mean in the context of the study?

They confirm that tailored digital platforms can meets user needs and can help small businesses succeed with affordable and accessible technology.

How can digital platforms improve customer engagement for small food businesses like Mediterranean in Velvet?

Digital platforms give small businesses tools to reach their customers more effectively. Features like menu browsing, order tracking, and real-time notifications make it easier for customers to interact with the business. Our system adds feedback options and user accounts, helping customers feel connected and valued.

What challenges do small food businesses face in adopting digital solutions, and how can a tailored system address these?

Common challenges include high development costs, lack of technical knowledge, and dependency on third-party services. A custom-built solution like ours is affordable, user-friendly, and specifically designed to meet the business’s needs without relying on third-party platforms.

What features should an effective mobile application for food ordering include to meet customer expectations?

The app should include a clear menu, simple ordering process, account registration, notifications, and order history. Our mobile app includes all of these, plus customer feedback and preferred delivery addresses.

How can a combined website and mobile app improve operational efficiency for a small food business?

The website provides general business visibility and menu information, while the app manages interactive functions like orders and user data. Together, they reduce manual work, speed up transactions, and help the owner manage operations better.

What are the limitations of existing third-party food delivery services from the perspective of small food entrepreneurs?

Third-party platforms often charge high commission fees and offer limited control over delivery and customer service. These platforms can reduce profit margins. Our system gives full control to the business owner, improving profit and service quality.

How does the lack of digital tools affect the sales performance and visibility of micro-businesses in the food sector?

Without digital tools, small businesses rely on walk-ins or social media. They miss out on online orders, data insights, and wider audience reach. This limits growth and makes it hard to compete with bigger brands.

What user interface design principles are most effective for food ordering apps targeting non-tech-savvy users?

Design should be simple, visual, and consistent. Large icons, readable text, and a guided flow help users navigate easily. Our system uses a clean layout and clear buttons to help users complete tasks with minimal effort.

How can a small business manage and benefit from customer feedback through digital platforms?

Digital platforms can collect, store, and display feedback in an organized way. This helps the business understand customer preferences, address complaints, and improve services. Our app allows feedback submission and viewing within the admin panel.

In what ways can data analytics within a mobile app help a business owner make informed decisions?

Sales trends, popular menu items, and customer behavior can be tracked through data analytics. These insights help the owner adjust pricing, improve services, and plan marketing strategies. Our app includes a basic sales report feature.

How effective is the prototyping methodology in developing systems tailored to the needs of local businesses?

Prototyping allows frequent testing and feedback during development. This ensures the final system aligns with real needs. In our case, it helped us refine the design and functionality based on feedback from Mediterranean in Velvet.

What are the key differences in user experience between web-based ordering platforms and mobile apps?

Web platforms are better for general information and larger screens, while mobile apps offer convenience and faster interaction. Apps support push notifications and user personalization. Our project combines both for full coverage.

To what extent does digital transformation influence customer loyalty in local food service businesses?

Digital tools improve service speed, accuracy, and convenience, which leads to higher customer satisfaction. Satisfied customers are more likely to return, increasing brand loyalty. Features like order history and personalized experiences support this.

How can the developed system reduce the dependency on third-party platforms and their commission-based structures?

By handling orders, notifications, and customer engagement internally, the business no longer needs to pay commissions to external platforms. This increases profit margins and gives the owner full control over the customer experience.

What are the common usability issues found in food ordering systems, and how can they be addressed?

Issues include confusing layouts, slow performance, and poor responsiveness. We addressed these by using a clear layout, fast loading screens, and intuitive navigation.

What privacy and security concerns must be considered when collecting and storing customer information in such systems?

We must protect personal data such as names, addresses, and contact info. Secure login, encrypted storage, and access control are necessary. Our system uses basic authentication and limits admin access to sensitive data.

What are the differences of our system compared to other existing food delivery apps?

Most existing food delivery apps are generalized platforms that cater to multiple businesses and charge commission fees. These platforms also control most aspects of the user experience, including branding and customer service. In contrast, our system is custom-built for a single business—Mediterranean in Velvet—giving full control over branding, customer interactions, and order management. It does not charge commissions, is cost-effective, and specifically addresses the needs of one local business rather than multiple vendors.