Digital Technology Transformation in Business: A Case Study of Mark and Spencer

This project report examines the impact of digital technology on the business activities of Mark and Spencer, a leading retailer in the UK. It explores how digital technology has transformed various departments, including marketing, operations, HR, and accounting. The report utilizes qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze the benefits and challenges of digital transformation. It also includes a comprehensive project management plan, a work breakdown structure, and a Gantt chart to illustrate the project's scope, timeline, and resources.

Unit 6: Managing a Successful Business
Project
1

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................4
Part 1...........................................................................................................................................................5
P1 Devise clear aims and objectives of your project................................................................................5
Problem statement...............................................................................................................................5
Project strategy....................................................................................................................................5
Objective.............................................................................................................................................6
P2 Produce a project management plan incorporating: costs, scope, time, quality, communication, risk
and resources...........................................................................................................................................7
P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and stages for
completion...............................................................................................................................................9
Project implementation plan................................................................................................................9
Work break down the structure............................................................................................................9
Gantt chart.........................................................................................................................................10
M1Produce a comprehensive project management plan........................................................................12
Part 2.........................................................................................................................................................14
P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives..............................................................................14
M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the different research methods you have applied to your
project....................................................................................................................................................18
D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and the research methods used.......................19
Part 3.........................................................................................................................................................20
P5 Analyze your research and data using appropriate tools and techniques..........................................20
P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw valid
and meaningful conclusions..................................................................................................................25
P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and
performance...........................................................................................................................................26
M3 Evaluate your selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support
and justify recommendations.................................................................................................................27
M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process and use of qualitative research to meet stated
objectives and support own learning and performance..........................................................................28
D2 Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decision-making process and changes or
developments in the initial project management plan............................................................................29
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Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................30
References.................................................................................................................................................31
3

Introduction
It is very difficult for every business organisation to survive in a digital technology environment.
The company needs to manage and control its functions as well as operations in a well-structured
manner for which they require4d to adopt high technology that reduces workload from
employees. This project report is based on Mark and Spencer which is the largest retailer in the
United Kingdom that offer high-quality products and services to its customers. This organisation
provides a wide range of goods like food products, clothing, and home products. With the help of
high digital technology company is able to fulfill the market requirement and customer’s demand
in an effective way that enhances their level of satisfaction. For achieving high growth and
success it is essential for the company to focus on the high technology and latest techniques in
the production procedures. The organisation takes help of research for identifying current needs
and demand of customers. It is highly important to create aims and objectives for the research
that help in overall project work. There are various methods and techniques available in markets
like Gantt chart and work breakdown structure which has been analyzed in this report that is used
by the investigator for managing entire project activities. In this report, several methods of
research have been examined such as qualitative as well as a quantitative method that helps in
creating suggestions and recommendation for future.
4

Part 1
P1 Devise clear aims and objectives of your project
Topic- How digital technology has transformed business activities, e.g. marketing, operations,
HR, and accounting.
Background
With the help of high digital technology company can easily increase its profitability and
productivity. The digital technology influence positively and negatively on operations and
functions of the business organisation. In the project plan, it is necessary to understand all the
problems and issues in a proper way for developing a suitable solution. This will help
management to control project plan in a most appropriate way that provides better outcomes.
There are various different departments in Mark and Spencer because it produces a wide range of
products like clothing, luxury food products, and products to its customers. By taking help of
digital technology company can provide innovative, unique and high-quality goods at low prices
(Acaps, 2012).
Problem statement
Different type of issues and problems has faced by the company while implementing digital
technology in the required improvement area in the workplace. Employees do not have technical
knowledge due to which they are not aware of the advantages of digital technology within the
organisation.
Project strategy
The project strategy is to evaluate the impact of digital technology on business activities that
help in achieving set aims and objectives effectively. It is necessary for management to
understand the need for technology in a different department like HR, accounting, Marketing and
production of the organisation for improving function. With the help of project strategies
organisation can attain high growth and success.
5

Aim
The main aim of the project is to examine the importance of digital technology for improving
business activities and operations to achieve high-profit margin.
Objective
 To examine both positive and negative impact of digital technology on operations and
functions
 To analyse the Performance of Mark and Spencer in the competitive market environment
 To determine the importance of digital technology for achieving set goals and objectives.
Cost, performance and time objectives
There are various aims and objectives have been set by the investigator for this research study for
achieving set goals and objectives. It is necessary for research to set proper time, cost and
performance standard for the research so that entire project activities will be performed
accordingly. For example, 3 month time is taken by the researcher by setting a budget of £ 20000
which helps in completing research in a suitable way by reducing wastages (Kukhnavets, 2016).
Research question
 What is need of digital technology in business practices?
 How can an organisation increase their level of productivity and profitability?
 How digital technology influence performance of employees and organisation?
The significance of the study
It is highly important for an organisation to achieve high profitability and also maintain long-
term survival in the large competitive business environment. With the help of study, oragnisation
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will understand both positive as well as negative impact of digital technology on business
operations and functions.
P2 Produce a project management plan incorporating: costs, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk and resources
It is necessary for the investigator to give attention on project management plan which helps in
managing cost, quality, time scope, resources, and risk so that organisation can attain set goals
and objective effectively.
Time To achieve high profitability as well as
productivity it is important for the
organisation to set certain time period for a
specific activity. This will help in
completing the particular task in the set
time period.
Communication The organisation must convey developed
plans and strategies that help in
accomplishing set standard. It is the
responsibility of management to develop
proper communication process with
employees that help in resolving issues and
problems that arise in the workplace
(Nylen, 2015).
Scope Mark and Spencer gain high scope in the
large competitive business environment by
implementing digital technology in business
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activities.
Quality It is necessary to focus on the quality of
products in a proper way to achieve set
aims and objectives of the research project.
With the help of research organisation can
enhance the quality of goods and services.
Cost It is most important aspects which must be
controlled and managed by the Mark and
Spencer to attain high growth as well as
success. By using finance in a well-planned
way an organisation can avoid unwanted
and unnecessary activity which helps in
controlling operational cost.
Resources For achieving set goals and objectives it is
necessary to use available resources in a
well systematic way without doing any kind
of wastage and unnecessary activities
(Cameron & Green, 2015).
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P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and
stages for completion
Project implementation plan
In the project implementation plan organisation execute planned strategies and plan in a proper
way which helps in achieving set goals and objectives. By using project implementation plan
organisation can carry research work in proper manner.
Work break down the structure
(Figure: Work breakdown structure)
(Source: Kukhnavets, 2016)
It is highly important for the researcher to use work breakdown structure for dividing work
activities into different parts that help in attaining set aims and objects of the research project.
With the help of work, breakdown structure researcher can perform all activities in a well-
planned way that avoids unwanted activities (Marshall and Rossman, 2014).
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Project schedule
Work/Time Start date End date Duration
Set research topic 2.4.2018 8.4.2018 1 week
Create aims of the project 9.1.2018 15.4.2018 1 week
Secondary research 16.1.2018 22.4.2018 1 week
Use primary research 23.4.2018 6.5.2018 2 weeks
Data analysis 7.5.2018 13.5.2018 1 week
Recommendation 14.5.2018 20.5.2018 1 week
Submission 21.5.2018 27.5.2018 1 week
Gantt chart
The Gantt chart is the systematic graphical representation of activities and takes that is to be
performed by the company for the set project (Bernardi, 2013).
Work/Time Week
1
Week
2 week 3
Week
4
Week
5
Week
6
Week
7
WEEK
8
Set research
topic
10

Create aims of
the project
Secondary
research
Use primary
research
Data analysis
Recommendatio
n
Submission
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M1Produce a comprehensive project management plan
It is necessary for Mark and Spencer to produces project management plan for implementing its
technology in business activities.
Identify practices: In the first stage, management identifies all project activities which must be
carried by the researcher for attaining better outcomes. With the help of cloud computing that is
systematic concept through which management can transfer all record and information related to
business activities.
Estimate needed time and resources: In this phase organisation estimate the required
resources and time to reduce wastages and unnecessary practices.
Examine resources: For achieving better outcomes and result it is essential for the investigator
to estimate the need for resources and the proper relationship between all project activities.
Estimate schedule constraints: In this stage, investigator take suitable action to overcome
various issues and problem-related to business activities.
Project control: It is the last phase in which researcher manage overall project management
plan to attain set aims and objectives (Crawford, 2014).
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Work/Ti
me Week 1 Week 2 week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 WEEK 8
Set
research
topic
Create
aims of
project
Seconda
ry
research
Use
primary
research
Data
analysis
Recomm
endation
Submissi
on
Milestone 1
Milestone 2
Milestone 3 Milestone 4
Milestone 5
Milestone 6
Milestone 7
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Part 2
P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research
methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.
Project log book for two weeks
Week1
1.1 Update on weekly research/tasks achieved
In the first week management of Mark and Spencer understand the importance of digital
technology in business functions and operations for achieving high growth and success.
1.2 Any risks and/or issues identified?
Yes, there is so many risks and issues have been identifying by the organisation while
implementing digital technology in a different department.
1.3 Problems Encountered
Stakeholders and employees against towards the implementation of the technology in the
workplace. Employees have less knowledge of technology due to which they are not aware of its
benefits.
1.4 New ideas and change of project direction
There are lots of new ideas generated in this week that help in entire project works effectively
(Larson and Gray, 2013).
1.5 What have I learned about myself this week?
I learned that how the project has to get started with proper planning and strategies.
1.6 Tasks Planned for Next Week
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In this next week, researcher set aims and objectives of the project for accomplishing better
outcomes.
1.7 Project plan status to date
Project topic has been set by the researcher till the date in an effective way.
1.8 Supervisor comments to address
The supervisor gives a comment that overall project activities must be performed in a well-
structured manner.
Week 2
2.1 Update on weekly research/tasks achieved
The aims and objectives of the research have been started in a well-planned manner.
2.2 Any risks and/or issues identified?
Yes, there are lots of issues faced by the researcher in performing project activities.
2.3 Problems Encountered
Researcher face problem in implementing developed idea and plan in a well-planned way.
2.4 New ideas and change of project direction
There are lots of new ideas and plans generated by the researcher to meet set aims and objectives
of the research (Schwalbe, 2015).
2.5 What have I learned about myself this week?
I have learned so many new things like patience and calm during the project activities.
2.6 Tasks Planned for Next Week
The literature study will be performed in the next week.
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The researcher will study literature in the next week for achieving set goals and objectives.
2.7 Project plan status to date
Till the date aims and objectives of the research project have been set by the researcher.
2.8 Supervisor comments to address
The supervisor gives a comment that overall project work must be performed effectively to meet
with set target and standard.
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1.Is use of digital technology improves functions of mark and Spencer?
 Yes
 No
Q2. Do you think that organisation enhances the quality of products and services with the
help of digital technology?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q3. What are the elements that contribute to the growth of the Mark and Spencer?
 Resources
 Government Aid
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 Technologies
Q4. What are the methods through which Mark and Spencer can maintain its performance
and position in the large competitive marketplace?
 Advanced technologies
 Optimum utilisation of resources
 Diversifying the market
Q5. How are Mark and Spencer can overcome issues and problem by taking help of digital
technology?
 Provide proper training to employees
 Encourage and motivate employees
Q6. What is the impact of digital technology on business activities of Mark and Spencer?
 Positively
 Negatively
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M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the different research methods you have
applied to your project
There are various methods which are used by the researcher for collecting information and data
relevant to the selected study topic. Both qualitative, as well as a quantitative method of research,
are used by the investigator to collect important information about the importance of digital
technology in business activities. With the help of different methods and tools, the investigator
can attain set aims and objectives in a well-planned manner. It is necessary for the researcher to
select appropriate tools and methods that help in achieving set goals and objectives of the
organisation. With the help of collect information and data company can easily overcome with
issues and problem which affect its operations and functions. The company can implement
digital technology in an effective way by collecting lots of new facts and aspects that help in
identifying the perception of employees and stakeholders. Collected information can be used by
the company for maintaining long-term performance and position in the competitive business
environment (Martinelli & Milosevic, 2016).
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D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and the research methods used
According to Higgins, et. al. (2012) project management plan is most important aspects of the
research which is used by the researcher for controlling overall project work. It will help in
avoiding unnecessary wastages activities which increase operational cost of the organisation.
Project management plan is a well-structured way which helps the researcher in conducting
research by managing and controlling time and cost. If the investigator does not use project
management process in a well-planned way then it is difficult for the organisation to attain better
outcomes and result in certain time. This will help the organisation in performing all business
activities properly through which it can maintain long-term stability and performance in large
competitive business environment. The qualitative and quantitative research method is helpful
for the research through which investigator collect so many new aspects and facts related to the
selected topic of study. With the help of these facts, an organisation can resolve issues and
problem which arises in the workplace at the time of implementing the digital technology.
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Part 3
P5 Analyze your research and data using appropriate tools and techniques.
An investigator takes help of qualitative and quantitative research method for gathering
important information and data through a different source. It is necessary for the research to
analyze the collected data in a proper way to attain set aims and objectives of the research. There
are 50 participants selected by random sampling in this method which help the organisation in
identifying the importance of digital technology in the different department. Mark and Spencer
achieve set goals and objectives for using collected data in a suitable way (Jung, et. al., 2012).
Below is the interpretation of 50 people which is helpful for the organisation:
Q1.Is use of digital technology improves functions of mark and Spencer?
Analyses: Mark and Spencer is largest retailer organisation in the United Kingdom which can
easily improve its operation and functions by taking help of latest technology and advanced
methods in the production process. By analyzing above graph it can be said that technology
improves functions in the workplace through which organisation can attain set goals and
objectives. In this 25 participants give positive responses to the statement which is that
technology improves function and 25 participants gave negative response for the same (Marshall
and Rossman, 2014).
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Q2. Do you think that organisation enhances the quality of products and services with the
help of digital technology?
Analyses: By evaluating above graph it can be said that Mark and Spencer can enhance the
quality of its products and services for fulfilling the demand of customers. 30 Participants say
that digital technology is helpful in increasing quality of goods and 20 people say that digital
technology does not enhance the quality of products (Marshall and Rossman, 2014).
Q3. What are the elements that contribute to the growth of the Mark and Spencer?
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Analyses: There are so many important elements that contribute so much to the success and
growth of Mark and Spencer. In the above graph, 20 persons say that optimum utilization of
resources is effective element whereas 10 says that government aid is beneficial and 20 persons
say that use of technology contributes more in the growth of Mark and Spencer (Berisha-Shaqiri,
2015).
Q4. What are the methods through which Mark and Spencer can maintain its performance
and position in the large competitive marketplace?
Analyses: By using different methods Mark and Spencer can improve its position and
performance in large competitive business environment. The above-given graph presents
responses of 50 people in which 25 participants give a response to advanced technologies, 15
people say the effective use of available resources and 10 says that by diversifying customer
market Mark and Spencer can enhance its performance (Kerzner, 2013).
Q5. How are Mark and Spencer can overcome issues and problem by taking help of digital
technology?
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Analyses: It is very much important for a business organisation to develop great training and
development programs for employees so that they can accept implementation of digital
technology in a positive manner. In the above graph, 35 people say that training is a great
method to overcome several issues and problems whereas 15 people say that organisation can
resolve issues by motivating and encouraging employees (Martinelli & Milosevic, 2016).
Q6. What is the impact of digital technology on business activities of Mark and Spencer?
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Analyses: There is both positive and negative impact of digital technology which must be
understood by the organisation for attaining high profitability and productivity. In the above
graph, 40 people say that digital technology impacts positively on business activities whereas 10
says that its impacts negatively (Martinelli & Milosevic, 2016).
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P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to
draw valid and meaningful conclusions
With the help of information and data which is gathered in this research assist organisation in
examining the importance of high digital technology in different departments like HR,
accounting, Marketing, and Production? This will also help the organisation in achieving high
growth as well as success in the large competitive business environment. It is highly important
for the organisation to implement the latest technology in the workplace with proper planning
and strategies for avoiding the chance of risk. Business activities can be controlled and manage
in most appropriate and suitable way by taking help of digital technology. There are several
suggestions which must be understood by the organisation to resolve problem and issues which
arises due to the implementation of digital technology in the workplace. They are given as under:
1. To update skills and knowledge of employees related with digital technology
organisation should create good training and development programs so that they accept new
changes in a positive way and perform well in the workplace. Mar and Spencer can easily
resolve the issue of employees by make them aware of the importance of technology to attain set
goals and objectives (Berisha-Shaqiri, 2015).
2. By communicating requirement of digital technology within the workplace, the company
can easily overcome issues that arise due to employees and stakeholders. Proper communication
between employees and management help in taking right decision process.
3. To achieve high productivity and profitability it is necessary for Mark and Spencer to
utilize optimum resources. This will assist the organisation to reduce wastages and unnecessary
activities during the production procedure of the products and services.
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P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own
learning and performance.
It is very much important for the investigator to select appropriate tool and techniques for
co0nducting research to attain set aims and objectives in fixed time. Without setting aims and
objectives it is unable for the investigator to perform project activities in a suitable way because
they provide right direction. I analyzed so many new things and learn lots of things about digital
technology through which organisation can easily manage their business operations and
functions. I have faced so many issues and problem during the research project to manage cost as
well as time. Employees are not ready to accept easily the new change and high technology
within the workplace due to lack of knowledge (Sharon. and Dori, 2015). I learned that
employees will easily accept the implementation of digital technology in the business activities if
management provides proper training and development programs that enhance their skills and
abilities to perform the task. It is necessary for the investigator to manage time and cost from
starting stage of the research project. By analyzing this research project I get to know both
positive and negative aspects of digital technology which help the organization to overcome
several issues and also help in managing business activities accordingly. By implementing digital
technology in well-planned way organisation gain high competitive advantages and get huge
growth opportunities in the tough business environment. The organisation can easily achieve set
goals and objectives by taking help of digital technology in the business activities. I learned that
proper planning and strategies are necessary for an effective research project that assists in
achieving set aims and objectives of project work.
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M3 Evaluate your selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and
authenticity to support and justify recommendations.
By using qualitative and quantitative method investigator develop proper recommendations that
help in creating effective plan and strategies for attaining set goals and objectives of the
oragnisation. It is important to analyze the collected information and data by using different
methods and techniques. This will help to drawn appropriate suggestions as well as
recomme4ndation through which organisation can resolve various issues and problems related to
business acti9vities. It is important for the investigator to use right method and tool for gathering
information related to the importance of digital technology in the different department of the
organisation. By selecting right method research will get accurate and relevant information that
helps in achieving high profitability and growth in a certain time (Marić and Ilić, 2012).
27

M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process and use of qualitative research
to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance.
It is highly important for the researcher to give high attention on project management process
that helps in achieving set aims and objectives of the research. If researcher develops project
management plan in the improper manner then it will affect whole project work so it is important
to prepare it most effective way. There is a various method of research through which company
can collect important data and information about the importance of digital technology in business
activities. This will also help in resolving all the issues and problem related to technology. The
organisation can achieve set goals and objectives in a certain time by conducting a research
project in a suitable manner (Kerzner, 2013). Great project management plan assist the company
to implement digital technology within the workplace without any issue and problem. With the
help of strong strategies and plan, the investigator can develop great project management plan
that enhances the level of productivity and profitability.
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D2 Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decision-making process and
changes or developments in the initial project management plan
According to Prepletaný (2013), The organisation can easily compete with its competitors by
using digital technology in business activities. By conducting research project company get so
many facts and aspects related to the importance of high technology that helps to gain high
competitive advantages. It is highly important for the organisation to use proper research
techniques and great project management process that help in achieving set goals and objectives
in specific time. This will also help in decision-making process and planning process through
which organisation improves function and operations. This research study help in drawing
various recommendation and suggestions that help the organisation to overcome different
problem and issues related to digital technology. Many time research methods provide inaccurate
data which affect negatively on performance and function of the organization.
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Conclusion
By examining this report bit has been determined that no company can able to accomplish high
growth and development in today’s competitive business environment without taking help of
digital technology. By using latest and advanced methods of technology company can operate
its function in most effective as well as appropriate manner. With the help of digital technology
Mark and Spencer can produce high-quality products and services at reasonable prices that help
in fulfilling the needs of customers. This will also enhance the level of production and
profitability in the certain time period. Investigator uses both qualitative and quantitative method
of research for identifying the impact of digital technology on business activities. With the help
of work breakdown structure and Gantt, chart researcher can easily manage and control entire
project work to achieve set aims and objectives. There are so many recommendations and
suggestions develop by the investigator by collecting data and information through which
company can easily overcome with problem and issues in future.
30

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