Digital Technologies Impact on Marks and Spencer: A Business Case Study

This project examines the impact of digital technologies on Marks and Spencer, a leading UK retailer. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys and interviews, the study analyzes the benefits and challenges associated with the implementation of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, inventory control systems, and digital assistants. The research findings highlight the positive influence of these technologies on various aspects of the organization's operations, including finance, human resources, and supply chain management. However, the study also identifies areas for improvement, such as employee training and wider technology adoption across departments. The project concludes with recommendations for Marks and Spencer to optimize their digital transformation strategy and achieve sustainable organizational performance.

BUSINESS MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
PROJECT
1

Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................4
Task 2.......................................................................................................................................14
Task 3.......................................................................................................................................19
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................29
Reference List..........................................................................................................................31
Appendices...............................................................................................................................32
Appendix 1- Questionnaire......................................................................................................32
Appendix 2- Project Logbook..................................................................................................32
2

Introduction
Digital technologies have been a revolutionary force that has helped numerous organisations
enhance their operations to be more efficient, and achieve better market competitiveness. In
this assignment, the effects of the implementation of digital technologies in an organisation
operating in the UK have been analysed. The organisation chosen for this assignment is
Marks and Spencer, a retailing giant in the UK. The technologies implemented by them in
their workplace, and the effects of them upon their daily operations have been evaluated
using appropriate methods, based upon which recommendations have been forth, to help
them address the gaps in their implementation of digital technologies implemented by them.
3

Task 1
LO1 Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme
P1-Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario addressing the chosen tile
as specified above.
1. Project Definition
The technologies are modifying and updating at a rapid rate. With the advancements in
technology, the business functions and operations are also changing. It is important for
business firms to keep upgrading and implementing new technologies so that they are able to
sustain thin the competitive environment. Marks and Spencer is one of the most popular
retailers of UK (Marksandspencer.com, 2018). The company provides quality products and
service to their consumers. This project deals with the impact of the digital technologies such
as Cloud computing, Artificial intelligence, internet of a thing and more on the operational
activities of M&S. the ways by which digital technologies are contributing towards providing
competitive edge to business retailers will be explored in this project. The project will explain
the time scale that will be required for each activity with the help of work breakdown
structure. The importance of the technologies will be evaluated in the project.
Problem Statement
Problem statements are the insufficient information or descriptions helps in understanding the
need of the project in the place. Thus, the study will be conducted in order to gain
information regarding the drawbacks that are faced by the organization due to the digital
technologies. The importance of the technological advancement for the business firm will be
analyzed in detailed and brief manner.
Project Strategy
The project strategy will help in providing guidance towards the success of the project. The
strategies that are being referred include schedules, project planning, control and closing the
project management. The process of strategic planning plays a vital role in creating both short
as well as long-term plans that helps in increasing the success rate of achieving all the
objectives of the project (Andersson, 2016). The project plan will help in setting appropriate
deadlines for the tasks so that the project can be completed within the stated timeframe. The
4

lacking areas of the project can be monitored with the help of strategic management. This
will help in working on the lacking details so that the project outcomes can be enhanced.
Project Objective
The objective of this project have been listed below-
 To understand the various advancements those are being used by M&S
 To analyze the impact of different technological advancements on the business as well as
operational activities of M&S
 To understand the issues or challenges that was encountered by the management of M&S
while dealing with technologies.
 To provide accurate recommendations that can be beneficial for the management of M&S
in order to overcome the challenges or issues.
P2 – Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time,
quality, communication, risk and resources for the chosen project
Cost and Activities of the Project
Activities Cost Time (Hours) Cost/hour (£) Total Cost (£)
Recording the
collected data
13 7 91
Analysing the
gathered data
78 9 702
Finalise the cost
of the project
12 8 96
Contacting digital
solutions
22 12 264
Drafting the
report
52 10 520
5

TOTAL 1673
Table 1: Cost and Activities of the Project
(Source: Created by the learner)
Deliverables
The project deliverables are the measurable performance that indicates the quantity as well as
quality of the intangible and tangible services that have been mentioned in the plan. This
project will analyze the impact of various technologies that are used by M&S. The impact of
those technologies on the business performances of the company will be studied (Chow et al.,
2014). The analysis will helps in understanding the outcome of the research and will assist to
acquire all the states objectives of the research.
Project Scope Statement
Included Scope
The scopes that have been included in this project and will assist in achieving the mentioned
objectives of the project have been discussed below:
 The time scale of the project will be monitored with the help of a well-organized work
break down structure.
 The project will provide a detailed plan regarding the steps that will assist in completing
the project
 Recruitment of efficient team members will help in completing the project
Excluded Scope
The scopes that have been excluded in the present project have been mentioned below:
 The description of various activities that made the utilization of digital technology
difficult
 The study will exclude irrelevant employee engagement in the processing of the project
management.
Success Criteria
6

The success criteria of this project lie in understanding the impact of the technologies on the
operation of M&S. This will be done with the research data that will collect and by
conducting an interview wand survey with the managers and consumers of the organization.
7

Live Risks
Sl.
no.
Date
Identi
fied
Owne
r
Risk Type of
Probab
ility
Imp
act
Leve
l
Impact
on the
Project
Actions
to
reduce
risks
Triggers
and
Actions in
case of
risk
1. 9th
July
2018
Mana
ger
Lack of
knowledge
regarding
the
technologi
es among
the staff
members
low Hig
h
Inefficien
t
utilizatio
n of
technolog
ical
advance
ments
Providi
ng the
employ
ees with
effectiv
e
training
Trigger
Lack of
adequate
training
and skills
among the
employees
Actions
Arranging
a proper
training
program
for the
employees
2. 10th
July
2018
Mana
ger
Communic
ation
Low Hig
h
Ineffectiv
e
cooperati
on
between
the
employee
s
Providi
ng
approp
riate
training
Triggers
Diverse
cultures
and
different
languages
8

Actions
Improvin
g the
communic
ation and
encouragi
ng
interactio
n among
the staff
members.
Table 2: Live risks
(Source: Created by the learner)
9

Expired Risks
No
.
Date
Identifi
ed
Owner Risk Happene
d?
Impac
t
(L,M,
H)
Effect
on
Proje
ct
Risk
Reducti
on
Actions
Propose
d &
Actual
If it
happened:
Triggers &
Actions
Proposed &
Actual
1. 16 –
July-
2018
Manag
er
Financi
al
issues
Lack of
proper
funding
mediu
m
High Making
effective
plan
about
the
project
budget
Triggers
Lack of
proper
planning
Actions:
Identificvati
on of
different
resources
that cvan
help in
propert
allocation of
the bsudget.
Table 3: Expired risks
(Source: Created by the learner)
10

P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and
stages for completion with reference to the chosen project.
1. Implementation Plan
The plan is the method of technique that will be used in order to complete the different
activities of the project. The work breakdown structure that will be developed will consist of
the activities and the specific time scale within which those activities will be completed in
order to achieve the objectives of the project. A Gantt chart will be generate that will provide
graphical representation of the time scale within which the project will be competed.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Tas
k
Details of the Activities Start date Time Duration
(Days)
End Date
Evaluating the
implementation of digital
technologies in Marks and
Spencer
12-08-
2018
51 02-10-2018
1 Creating an evaluation
scheme
12-08-
2018
15 27-08-2018
1.1 Informing the employees
about the project plan
12-08-
2018
9 21-08-2018
1.2 Determining the potential
advantages of the
technologies implemented
21-08-
2018
4 25-08-2018
1.3 Final planing for the
project
25-08-
2018
2 27-08-2018
2 Evaluating the benefits of
implementing digital
technologies in Marks and
Spencer
27-08-
2018
13 09-09-2018
2.1 Collection of survey and
interview data
27-08-
2018
5 01-09-2018
2.2 Evaluation of collected data 01-09-
2018
3 04-09-2018
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2.3 Devising strategy for
analysis on the basis of the
gathered data
04-09-
2018
5 09-09-2018
3 Researching methods of
analysis to suit the
organisational needs
09-09-
2018
9 18-09-2018
3.1 Analysis of the digital tools
in context of the
organisational need
09-09-
2018
4 13-09-2018
3.2 Devising post-
implementation plans
13-09-
2018
3 16-09-2018
3.3 Allocating the available
financial resources to
different project groups
16-09-
2018
2 18-09-2018
4 Implementation phase 18-09-
2018
14 02-10-2018
4.1 Delegating responsibilities
to different project team
members
18-09-
2018
7 25-09-2018
4.2 Executing the prepared
plan
25-09-
2018
2 27-09-2018
4.3 Evaluating project success 27-09-
2018
5 02-10-2018
Schedule (Gantt Chart)
Gantt Chart
12

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
12-08-2018 22-08-2018 01-09-2018 11-09-2018 21-09-2018 01-10-2018 11-10-2018
Figure: Gantt Chart
(Source: Created by the learner)
2. Project Processes
The process refers to the method or practice that helps in initiating, controls, plan, execute
and the closure of the task. The major aim of the project is to discover the impact of digital
technology on the business activities of M&S. The process will help in ensuring the project is
submitted within the deadline. The factors that are being considered in the project reflect the
techniques, financial resources, network plans, establishments, methods and instructions
(Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
Communication Plan
What Who/Target Purpose When/
Frequency
Method/Type
Initiating the
project
meetings
Different
project
stakeholders
Collect
valuable
information
Start-up time of
the project
Telephonic
meetings,
Skype chats
Initiation of
the project
Board
members and
All the
important
Time of Distribution of
the draft or
13

plan and
discussion on
the same
Employees members of the
firm should be
aware about
the scope of the
project
initiation planning
documents
Meeting with
the team
members
Entire project
team members
A review about
the plan must
be conducted
On a weekly
basis
Regular
meeting with
the entire
teams in order
to understands
about the
development
process.
Table 3: Communication Plan
(Created by the learner)
14

Task 2
LO2 Conduct small- scale research, information gathering and data collection,
generating knowledge to support the project as specified above:
P4-Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research
methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives for the chosen scenario.
To conduct this project, the researcher utilized qualitative and quantitative data collection
method to collect information. Quantitative method portrays the computation of the
objectives in numerical, arithmetical, and statistical means via carrying out surveys and
presents it in the form of questionnaires. Quantitative analysis focuses on collecting the data
and evaluating the information based on the responses of the targeted audience. On contrary,
qualitative analysis of data constitute of conducting personal interviews with the managers of
the company to gather their views and have a idea about their perception towards the
influence of digital technologies on the organizational operations.
Quantitative Data Collection
In order to collect quantitative data, the researcher prepared a set of questionnaires for the
employees of Marks and Spencer. The questionnaires consisting of the responses gathered
have been mentioned below:
Q1. What is your age?
Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total numbers of
students
18-23 20% 20 100
23-33 35% 35 100
33-40 15% 15 100
40 and above 30% 30 100
Table: Age of the respondents
Q2. What are the digital technologies that are integrated within the company?
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Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Cloud computing 40% 40 100
AI 15% 15 100
IVC 30% 30 100
Digital assistants 10% 10 100
Some other 5% 5 100
Table: Digital technologies integrated by Marks and Spencer
Q3. Do you agree with the point that digital technologies have positive effect on the
business operations of Marks and Spencer?
Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Strongly agreed 30% 30 100
agreed 20% 20 100
Neutral 15% 15 100
disagreed 20% 20 100
Strongly disagreed 15% 15 100
Table: influence of digital technologies on the business operations of Marks and
Spencer
Q4. Do you agree with the point that incorporation of digital technology would improve
the activities of the finance and accounting department of M&S?
16

Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Strongly agreed 20% 20 100
agreed 25% 25 100
Neutral 20% 20 100
disagreed 15% 15 100
Strongly disagreed 20% 20 100
Table: influence of digital technologies on the accounts and finance department
activities of M&S
Q5. How far do you agree that the integrated digital technologies help M&S in gaining
competitive edge in the market?
Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Strongly agreed 15% 15 100
agreed 20% 20 100
Neutral 15% 15 100
disagreed 30% 30 100
Strongly disagreed 20% 20 100
Table: Integrated digital technologies help M&S in gaining competitive edge in the
market
Q6. How far do you agree that integration of cloud computing helps the human
resource department of M&S?
17

Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Strongly agreed 25% 25 100
agreed 20% 20 100
Neutral 15% 15 100
disagreed 20% 20 100
Strongly disagreed 20% 20 100
Table: Integration of cloud computing helps the human resource department of M&S
Q7. How far do you agree that digital technologies have positive effect on the Supply
Chain Management of the company?
Options Percentage of
respondents
Number of
respondents
Total number of
respondents
Strongly agreed 45% 45 100
agreed 30% 30 100
Neutral 5% 5 100
disagreed 15% 15 100
Strongly disagreed 5% 5 100
Table: Digital technologies have positive effect on the Supply Chain Management of
company
18

Qualitative Data Collection
Qualitative method is applied to collect information from two managers of M&S by
interviewing them and asking them questions.
Q1: What are problems that occur due to the integration of digital technologies?
Q2: Do you think the incorporation of digital technologies enhanced the activities carried
in the organization?
19

Task 3
LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on
meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and /or analysis
P5 – Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques for the chosen
project
20%
35%15%
30%
18-23
23-33
33-40
40 and above
Figure 1: age of the respondents
Analysis:
From the above graph, it can be seen that 20% of the respondents belong from age group 18-
23 and 35% of the respondents or employees of M&S belongs from age 23-33. On the other
hand, 15% of the respondents belong from age group 33-40 and 30% of the respondents
belonged from age 40 and above. Thus, the employees belonging from age 23-33 and age 40
and above were the most active participants in the survey.
20

Cloud
computing AI IVC Digital
assistants Some other
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
40%
15%
30%
10%
5%
Figure 2: digital technologies integrated by Marks and Spencer
Analysis:
The above figure shows that 40% of the digital technology used in M&S is Cloud computing
whilst 30% of the technologies integrated are IVC. In addition, 15% of the digital
technologies integrated within the company are AI and 10% are Digital Assistants. Just 5% of
the digital technologies are some other.
21

30%
20%
15%
20%
15%
Highly agreed
agreed
Neutral
disagreed
Highly disagreed
Figure 3: influence of digital technologies on the business operations of Marks and
Spencer
Analysis:
As per the data in the above figure, it can be observed that 30% of the respondents strongly
agreed that digital technologies have positive effect on the business operations of Marks and
Spencer and 20% of the respondents agreed with it. Just 15% of the respondents gave neutral
responses. In addition, 20% of the total respondents disagreed with the point that digital
technologies have positive effect on the business operations of Marks and Spencer and 15%
of the respondents strongly disagreed with the point.
22

20%
25%
20%
15%
20%
Highly agreed
agreed
Neutral
disagreed
Highly disagreed
Figure 4: incorporation of digital technology would influence the finance and
accounting department of M&S
Analysis:
According to the details provided, it can be noticed that 20% of the respondents strongly
agreed and 25% of the respondents agreed that incorporation of digital technology would
influence the finance and accounting department of M&S in a positive manner while 20% of
the respondents gave neutral responses. In addition, 15% of the respondents disagreed with
the point and 20% of the respondents highly disagreed. Thus, it can be stated that
incorporation of digital technology would improve the activities of the finance and
accounting department of M&S.
23

Strongly agreed agreed Neutral disagreed Strongly
disagreed
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
15%
20%
15%
30%
20%
Figure 5: Integrated digital technologies help M&S in gaining competitive edge in the
market
Analysis:
From the details provided in the above figure, it could be seen the responses provided by the
respondents majorly either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the point that integrated
digital technologies help M&S in gaining competitive edge in the market. It could be stated
that most of the employees believe that since the other companies are also adopting several
digital technologies it increases the competition in the market and it makes it possible for
M&S to cope up with competition rather than gaining competitive edge.
24

Strongly agreed agreed Neutral disagreed Strongly
disagreed
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
25%
20%
15%
20% 20%
Figure 6: Integration of cloud computing helps the human resource department of
M&S
Analysis:
As per the responses gathered from the employees of the company, it can be seen that most of
the respondents agreed that integration of cloud computing helps the human resource
management of the company. It is due to the fact that Cloud computing provides the company
with online cloud storage that helps the HR department to store the information in cloud
storage. Some of the respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed because they think
sometimes it gets riskier as the personal data of the employees stored might get breached due
to malfunctions in technology.
25

Strongly agreed agreed Neutral disagreed Strongly
disagreed
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
45%
30%
5%
15%
5%
Figure 7: Digital technologies have positive effect on the Supply Chain Management of
company
Analysis:
As per the responses gathered, it can be said that the integrated digital technologies within the
company has a positive impact on the supply chain management. Most of the employees
agreed and strongly agreed with the point as they think the supply chain management of an
organization carries out the complex processes of the company and the technologies play a
vital role supporting the management department to maintain the supply chain of the
company.
26

Qualitative Data Collection
Q1: What are problems that occur due to the integration of digital technologies?
Manager 1: The first manager stated that the biggest problem that occurs while integrating
several kinds of digital technologies is the aspect of time. It takes a huge amount of time
while integrating the digital technologies properly. If the digital technologies are not properly
integrated, it could have a negative impact on the organizational functions.
Manager 2: The second manager stated that another major problem that lies due to the
integration of numerous digital technologies is the aspect of cost. While integrating the digital
technologies help the organization in several ways but it consumes a huge amount of cost for
properly integrating the digital technologies.
Q2: Do you think the incorporation of digital technologies enhanced the activities carried
in the organization?
Manager 1:
As per the viewpoint of manager 1, incorporation of several digital technologies such as
cloud computing, AI, IVC, digital assistants helps the company to carry out its operations in
an effective manner. The incorporation of several digital technologies helps the various
functional departments of the company in conducting the operations. The first manager stated
that the finance department of the company is benefited due to the technologies integrated as
the process of transaction got simpler, helps the department to keep track of all the financial
transactions and other activities of the company.
Manager 2:
The second manager stated that the integrated technologies also help the HRM and SCM of
the company. It makes it easier for the SCM to keep a track of every activity that is taking
place in the Supply Chain. On the other hand, the HRM of the gets benefited as the
technologies helps in keeping track of the performance of the employees and the manner in
which they are progressing.
27

P6 – Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data
analysis to draw valid and meaningful conclusions for the chosen project.
In order to assess the impact of digital technologies in the organisational processes of Marks
and Spencer, the researcher utilised a primary quantitative and qualitative data collection
method. The qualitative data was collected using a survey that was conducted upon one
hundred arbitrarily selected employees from Marks and Spencer. The participants of the
survey were asked to answer questions that helped ascertain their opinions regarding various
aspects of the implementation of digital technologies in their workplace. The qualitative data
analysis was conducted with the help of an interview conducted upon two managers of the
company, which were asked two key questions regarding the challenges faced by them due to
the integration of digital technologies in the company, and the benefits they brought about in
the long-term.
As per the quantitative and qualitative primary survey conducted in the company, it is
observed that digital technologies have played an instrumental role in helping Marks and
Spencer enhance their operations and improve numerous aspects of their organisational
functions. The implementation of cloud computing provided them with a robust framework
for managing their resources in their workplace, and the use of inventory control technologies
have helped them to better stock, and distribute their products. Artificial intelligence has also
been an effective technology used in the company, with it being used to analyse user data,
and better target their customers for enhanced marketing.
However, the technologies implemented in the company did not affect all of their
departments in a similar fashion. Thus, there are numerous avenues for improvement in their
implementation of the examined technologies. The key recommendations put forth by the
researcher regarding the implementation of digital technologies in the company:
Employee training initiatives:
The success of the implementation of the digital technologies is heavily dependent upon the
ability of the people within the organisation to use them effectively. Thus, it is pertinent that
Marks and Spencer takes initiatives to train their employees in the specific technologies
implemented by them. This includes training them in utilising artificial intelligence
algorithms effectively, using cloud computing and optimally sharing resources, and helping
them effectively controlling their inventory using IVC technologies.
28

Delegating technologies among all departments:
A stark difference was observed regarding the implementation of technologies in the finance
and accounting departments, the marketing departments, and the human resource
departments. However, all of these departments could benefit from the use of digital
technologies in an optimal fashion. Thus, it is imperative that the company utilise their
technologies in all of their departments optimally, and use them to their full extent. Their
marketing department can use digital marketing to target their customers more effectively,
and their human resources could utilise cloud computing and database management system to
optimally manage and share resources. Further, they could utilise big data analytics to more
effectively manage their finance and accounts departments.
29

Task 4
LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to
support sustainable organisational performance for the chosen project.
P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own
learning and performance.
Competency How I have developed in
this area
What I need to do to
develop further in this area
Research skill I have conducted vigorous
research in order to collect
data for the study. I have
researcher with the help of
journals and articles in order
to gather accurate data.
I must keep reading and
researching articles in order
to enhance my researching
skills.
Project planning In order to achieve the
objective of the project I
have developed a project
plan. This helped me in
developing my project
planning skill.
I must take up more
assignment and concentrate
on developing project plans
in a more detailed manner.
Communication skill I have conducted interview
as well as survey in this
project. This helped me in
enhancing, my
communication skills.
I will have to keep
interacting with my peer
groups on a regular basis in
order to enhance my
communication skills
Budget planning In order to complete this
project within the available
budget I developed a budget
I must keep control on my
expenditures and must keep
developing budgets in order
30

planning. rot improve my budget
planning skills.
Table 4: Self-reflection
(Created by the learner)
31

Reference List
Marksandspencer.com. (2018). Welcome to Marks & Spencer. [online] Available at:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/ [Accessed 30 Jun. 2018].
Andersson, T., 2016. Strategic project management for product innovation projects how
project strategy aligns project capabilities with project contingencies to drive project success.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Chow, A.F., Woodford, K.C. and Lambe, N., 2014. Using project deliverables and project
management for timely completion of student projects. Journal of Emerging Trends in
Economics and Management Sciences, 5(3), p.323.
32

Appendices
Appendix 1- Questionnaire
Appendix 2- Project Logbook
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by
the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation: John Lewis
Name of the learner: NICOLAE
CIPRIAN ADAM
Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Effects of
implementing digital technologies
on Marks and Spencer
Date:
Week 1
Update of weekly research/ tasks
achieved (Account for a minimum
of six weeks with dates) What have you completed?
 Did you fulfill Task
requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any
changes to your project
Informing the employees
about the project plan
Yes
Yes
No
33

management plan?
Any risks and / or issues identified. Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an
impact on the project
management plan?
No risks were identified
No
Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
None
--
New Ideas and change of project
direction
What Have I learnt about myself
this week? How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
No problems were faced in
this week
34

 Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks? How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning apply
in the future?
Yes
Based on self-evaluation, I
performed well, and
informed the employees
about the project
None
Effective communication
skills can help me better
express myself.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Drafting the project plan
Yes
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
On schedule
Supervisor comments to address:
Signature of the Supervisor and
date:
Week 2 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task
requirements?
Drafting the final project
plan
Yes
35

 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any
changes to your project
management plan?
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an
impact on the project
management plan?
No
No
Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
None
No barriers were faced
New Ideas and change of project
direction
36

What Have I learnt about myself
this week? How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks? How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning apply
in the future?
No problems were faced
Yes
The tasks were performed
well and achieved their
purpose
Time management skills
Planning and drafting a
project of this magnitude
helps me enhance my
organisational skills
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Evaluating the potential benefits of the
digital technologies implemented in
Marks and Spencer
Yes
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
On schedule
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and
37

date:
Week 3 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task
requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any
changes to your project
management plan?
Evaluating the benefits of
implementing digital
technologies in Marks and
Spencer
Yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an
impact on the project
management plan?
None
None
38

Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
None
No barriers were faced
What Have I learnt about myself
this week? How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks?
 How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning apply
in the future?
No problems were faced
Yes
The potential benefits were
effectively identified. Thus,
task requirements were
fulfilled and performance
can be assessed to be
satisfactory
None
Evaluating the benefits of
the technologies have
helped me enhance my
critical thinking skills
39

Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Execution of the project plan and
evaluating its success
Yes
Week 4 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task
requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any
changes to your project
management plan?
Executed the project, and evaluated its
success
Yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
No risks were identified
40

risks/issues that have an
impact on the project
management plan?
No
Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
None
No barriers were faced
What Have I learnt about myself
this week? How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks?
 How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
No problems were faced
Yes
The entire project was wrapped up
nicely, and thus my performance was
adequate.
--
41

 How might this learning apply
in the future? Executing and evaluating the project
has provided me with real-life project
management experience that would be
invaluable in the future
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
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