Participant Information Sheet (PIS)
(Estimated Completion Time: 5-7 minutes)
You are invited to take part in this research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and then decide whether to take part or not.
(Estimated Completion Time: 5-7 minutes)
You are invited to take part in this research study. Before you decide whether to participate, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and then decide whether to take part or not.
What is the purpose of the study?
The study explores the individual and organisational factors influencing Blockchain and Fintech SMEs' intention to adopt Security Token Offerings (STOs) as a new fundraising method. It examines key drivers, barriers, and demographic impacts on adoption intentions, aiming to provide recommendations to bridge the SME financing gap and foster a supportive environment for STOs.
This will be part of a three-year research project undertaken for the Business Administration (DBA) Doctorate course at Teesside University International Business School (UK).
Why have I been invited to participate?
You have been selected as you are a key decision-maker within a Blockchain and Fintech SME, directly or indirectly involved in shaping your organisation's fundraising strategies. This role positions you to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities SMEs face when considering innovative fundraising methods. Thus, you will have knowledge and first-hand experience in the areas being studied in this research.
Do I have to take part?
Your participation is voluntary. You can ignore this invitation, and not start the survey, or even cease continuing while participating in the survey. Should you decide to proceed upon reading the Participant Information Sheet (this section), you may click on the link provided to access the online survey. Any incomplete survey will not be captured or counted. Only at your own will, upon clicking the “submit button” at the end of the survey, your answers will be recorded and used for this research; if not, none of your data or answers will be recorded by the online survey platform. Given the nature of an anonymous questionnaire, your responses captured cannot be retrieved and removed. Hence, withdrawal of participation after completion and submission of the online survey is not possible.
What will participation involve?
Participation will take about 5-7 minutes. Participants can complete the online survey at any time that is convenient. This is an anonymous online survey. There are no payments required to participate in this online survey.
Are there any risks associated with taking part?
Participating in this research is not anticipated to cause you any disadvantages or discomfort. However, should you feel distressed about a sensitive topic during the survey, you can stop the participation and be free to withdraw from the data collection process. Should any participants feel stressed (during/after the survey), please contact a toll-free counselling hotline operated by trained counsellors (Community Touch Line, contact number: 1800 377 2252).
Are there any benefits associated with taking part?
There is no immediate benefit for the participants in this research project, and participants will not receive any benefits or payment. Nonetheless, the data collected will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing Blockchain and Fintech SMEs' intention to adopt STOs as a fundraising method. This research will provide valuable insights that could help shape future policies and practices in SME financing. Additionally, by engaging in this research, participants will gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends in fintech and increase their visibility as thought leaders in the industry.
What will happen to the results of the research project?
The data collected from the participants will be exported into MS Excel format and input into the statistical package for social science (JASP) software for statistical analysis. Analysis of the results will allow the researcher to make an appropriate recommendation as part of the research project.
How will my data and my privacy be protected?
All the information you provide will be held in confidence. Careful steps will be taken to make sure that you cannot be directly identified from the information given by you. The study is purely anonymous; there would be no attempt to capture or require your personal details. Hence, no individual will be identifiable at any stage in the research or presentation of the findings.
Data collected will have controlled access and be limited to the researcher and appointed supervisor. In accordance with Teesside University's Research Data Management Policy, data are expected to be in storage until 31 July 2028 (one year after submission date) or the final decision by the university’s examination board for this research project (whichever is later). Following that, the destruction of data will be performed using appropriate software to prevent unintentional or unauthorised access.
Who is involved in the project?
The research is conducted by Fong Loong Kwan, Ian, a student at Teesside University International Business School (UK). This project has been approved by the Teesside University Ethics Committee’s ethics review procedure and subsequently endorsed by the ethical framework of the university.
If I have any questions, who should I contact for further information?
Researcher: Fong Loong Kwan, Ian
Email: S3428309@live.tees.ac.uk
Thank you for your time in reading this information sheet and appreciate your participation in this research!
Click <here> to download a copy of the Participant Information Sheet for your retention.
Are there any benefits associated with taking part?
There is no immediate benefit for the participants in this research project, and participants will not receive any benefits or payment. Nonetheless, the data collected will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing Blockchain and Fintech SMEs' intention to adopt STOs as a fundraising method. This research will provide valuable insights that could help shape future policies and practices in SME financing. Additionally, by engaging in this research, participants will gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends in fintech and increase their visibility as thought leaders in the industry.
What will happen to the results of the research project?
The data collected from the participants will be exported into MS Excel format and input into the statistical package for social science (JASP) software for statistical analysis. Analysis of the results will allow the researcher to make an appropriate recommendation as part of the research project.
How will my data and my privacy be protected?
All the information you provide will be held in confidence. Careful steps will be taken to make sure that you cannot be directly identified from the information given by you. The study is purely anonymous; there would be no attempt to capture or require your personal details. Hence, no individual will be identifiable at any stage in the research or presentation of the findings.
Data collected will have controlled access and be limited to the researcher and appointed supervisor. In accordance with Teesside University's Research Data Management Policy, data are expected to be in storage until 31 July 2028 (one year after submission date) or the final decision by the university’s examination board for this research project (whichever is later). Following that, the destruction of data will be performed using appropriate software to prevent unintentional or unauthorised access.
Who is involved in the project?
The research is conducted by Fong Loong Kwan, Ian, a student at Teesside University International Business School (UK). This project has been approved by the Teesside University Ethics Committee’s ethics review procedure and subsequently endorsed by the ethical framework of the university.
If I have any questions, who should I contact for further information?
Researcher: Fong Loong Kwan, Ian
Email: S3428309@live.tees.ac.uk
Thank you for your time in reading this information sheet and appreciate your participation in this research!
Click <here> to download a copy of the Participant Information Sheet for your retention.