Impact of Cloud-Based Online Processing System on ASDA's Business

This report examines the potential impact of a cloud-based online processing system on ASDA's business operations. It analyzes the benefits, challenges, and costs associated with implementing such a system, focusing on its impact on order processing, marketing, and delivery monitoring. The report also includes a comprehensive project plan, a breakdown structure, and a Gantt chart to guide the implementation process. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are employed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed system.

MANAGING SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
PROJECT
Table of Contents
1

Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
Part 1:...............................................................................................................................................4
P1: Project title, Aim and Objects:.............................................................................................4
P2: Project Plan:..........................................................................................................................6
P3: Break-down structure and Gantt chart...................................................................................8
M1: Comprehensive plan of the project:...................................................................................10
Part 2:.............................................................................................................................................11
P4 qualitative and quantitative research methods......................................................................11
M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of different research methods applied......................13
D1 project management process and appropriate research........................................................14
Part 3:.............................................................................................................................................15
P5: analyse your research and data............................................................................................15
P 6: Recommendation:...............................................................................................................20
P7: Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives........................22
M3 selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity......................23
M4 value of the project management process and use of qualitative research..........................24
D2 Critically evaluate the value of the reflection on the project outcomes, the decision-making
process.......................................................................................................................................25
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................26
References:....................................................................................................................................27
2

Introduction:
Digital technology has a serious impact on modern businesses because every process of business
cannot be performed well without the assistance of latest technology. ASDA is a retail
supermarket chain which is dedicated to providing quality products to British peoples at low
prices. The current summary report is made to elaborate the impact of new technology on the
business of ASDA along with the benefits and objects of cloud-based online processing system
technology. The company is thinking to update its online processing system with a new and more
efficient cloud-based custom system and this report is made to advise the company management
about the impact of this update along with key matters like cost, time and plan of the same.
3

4

Part 1:
P1: Project title, Aim and Objects:
Title: Use and Impact of a cloud-based online processing system on business process and
business marketing.
ASDA is a leading company in UK market which is engaged in the retail business of
supermarket stores along with the online delivery system. As online business is providing high
growth, the company is thinking to improve its online business processing system by adopting
cloud-based processing system. With this installation, the company will be able to improve its
online marketing, order and delivery system also it will reduce some extra cost of the
advertisement. As online delivery sector needs real-time processing and high customer assistance
to provide satisfactory services, a cloud-based processing system is must for the company. To
establish a sound system, the company should identify the aims and objectives of the project
before the adoption so that it can achieve desired targets.
Aim:
Mainly This report is made to elucidate the impact of technology update on the business of
ASDA which is thinking to install cloud-based online processing system. As the company is
expecting a lot of benefits from this project, the report is made to describe the issues, challenges
and cost factors of the project so that management of the company can understand all aspects of
the project. The concerned cloud-based online processing system is custom software which is
made to assist the online order, delivery and marketing process and company should give
attention to each matter which is related to this installation.
Objectives of the project:
The current project is associated with various objects which are going to be fulfilled this
installation and some of them are as follows:
 By the Installation of this system, company wants to improve order processing because
current order processing system is based on website interface and not enough to handle
high traffic.
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 By this installation, the company wants to reduce its marketing cost because additional
payment is made to purchase customer data and after the installation, it will available
without any additional payment because concerned system has cloud mobility.
 Some Non-financial but important benefits are also expected from this system as it will
enhance customer satisfaction because the concerned system has customer review
facility.
 Another object of installation is that company wants to improve its delivery monitoring
system and due to mobile accountability, the company can monitor its delivery process
online and real-time basis.
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P2: Project Plan:
A: cost determination:
Cost is the main element in every project and business because the selection of a project is
depending on the cost of the project. If benefits from a project are less then it cot the project will
be rejected. Cost affects every activity of a project and company should investigate all aspects of
a cost like initial cost, extra costs, Cost which may arise due to future uncertainty etc.to ensure
the success of the project (Fenton, 2014).
High outflow is expected from this project and an idea of it is as follows:
Cost Amount ₤
Cost of project customisation 400000
yearly payments for update 40000
Payment to the developer for post-installation services 200000
Amount paid to It expert for plan valuation 10000
Total expected cost 650000
Time:
Time is another important factor of this project. Before the starting of a project, time scheduling
and time management are must to ensure the success of the project. By considering on time
factor, a company can make plan and time schedules for every activity so if there is delayed at
any stage, it can be managed with extra efforts. Installation of the project take a time of three
months and a maximum up and down of 10% is possible (Cheng, 2014).
Quality: quality of the project is related to its aims. Focus on quality is made to the exam that is
the concerned project is uniform with the expected aims and business process. Managers of
ASDA Cloud project should deeply concentrate on this question because this installation is
directly related to company business process. Focus on quality helps the user to ensure the
sustainable benefit from concern project for the business.
Communication: during the decision-making process related to this project, written and verbal
both types of communications are made by the company management. Before the adoption
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decision, permission from stakeholders was taken by the company management and all this
process is conducted through the written communication. The company passed a resolution in
Annual meeting and project was approved by stakeholders on the basis of declaration provided
by the finance manager of the company that company is able to bear the cost of the project
without taking external funding.
Resources: various types of resources are needed for this project. First human resources are
introduced to conduct the research regarding project appropriateness. An initial outflow of
650000 is expected from this project and company have sufficient fund to pay this liability. The
company also have to appoint a project IT manager to monitor the new system so that he can
investigate loopholes points and developer can remove that discrepancy (Fenton, 2014).
Risk: Risk is another factor which should be monitored during the project selection because
project failure generates two types of losses for the business. One the initial cost and second is
opportunity cost (Fenton, 2014). There are various risks like it is possible that implemented
system will not work as per expectations and company should exam all the possible risks
because sometimes failure of a big project cause a serious negative impact on business.
The scope of project:
The scope of the project includes the identification of areas which are expected to be improved.
The current project of ASDA is focused on the online and real-time data processing to assist the
online business of the company.
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P3: Break-down structure and Gantt chart
Gantt chart is an important tool to manage the project as per time schedule so that the project
manager can ensure timely completion of the project. It denotes the time which is allocated to
each activity project and project manager can manage the activities as per this chart. The chart
gives complete time-related information about the project activities and project manager can
make preparation for future activities (Zecheru and Olaru, 2016)
Activities
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eek
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Aims and objectives
Cost determination
and stakeholder
permission
Plan for the
management of
project
IT data analysis
Advice
9

Work breakdown structure:
The break-down structure is another important tool used to manage and effectively complete the
tasks of the project. In this system, different tasks of a project are divided into various parts and a
hierarchy is made for the activities according to the time schedule (Harrison, et. al., 2014). Work
break-down structure of the current project is as follows:
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Asda
Aims and
objectives
Requirement
gathering
Cost determination
and stakehlder
permission
Identification Listing
Plan for the
management of
project
Reporting and
planning
IT data analysis
Problem
analysiis Deployment
Advice

M1: Comprehensive plan of the project:
Activity Element Project detail
Cost ₤ 650000 is expected the cost of the project. The company also
make a reserve of 15% of total cost because an increase in cost is
expected due to project complication.
Scope The concerned system is focused on the real-time processing of
ordering, delivery and customer data which will improve the
online business capabilities of ASDA Limited.
Risk There are three types of risk which are associated with the project:
 It is possible that implemented project does not work as per
desired aims (Cheng, 2014).
 It is also possible that uniformity between project and
business process not found after project execution.
 Project failure and data hack.
Time A period of three months is expected to complete this project.
Resources Data related to new cloud technology, detailed analysis of the
business process. Fund of 650000 as expected total cost.
Above details describes complete information about the project. Regular monitoring is also
required to establish the project in a sound manner so that businesses can avail the benefit of
high growth which is reporting by the online sale market.
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Part 2:
P4 qualitative and quantitative research methods
Qualitative research method: It is the primary method of research which helps in gaining the
understandings of thinking, opinion, reasons and motivations. It is a method of the unstructured
and the semi unstructured techniques. I this method we gathered the non-numerical information
of the data. In this method, we don’t count or measure the things. This method basically
emphasis on the meaning of the concepts, symbols, description, the meaning of the things. This
method approaches the research of social and natural human elements (Almalki, 2016). This
method includes the concepts, methods and research of the academic field. This method is
widely used in the political and social science and also in the education factors. This method
helps in making the decisions of the questions related to such as why and how. This method
gives the textual description and it gives the information about the values, behaviours, thinking
opinion, etc.
Quantitative research method: It is the method of investigation of the data through the
statistical or mathematical techniques. In this method, the data are shown in the numbers such as
decimals, percentage, averages, quotas, statically, etc. This method provides the fundamental
connection between the observation and the expression of the quantitative relationship. This
method is used when we have to analyse a large number of data. This method generally used in
the marketing, economics, development and political science. In this method, we collect the data
then analyse the data in the mathematical form (Roller, 2015). This method is used to measure
the variable with an intuition to explain, predict and control the organisation. This method is
based on the hypothesis method of theory. With the help of surveys and observation only we can
analyse the statistical data.
The aim and objective of Qualitative research method: The main aim is to analyse the data of
the surroundings and to understand the meaning of the behaviour. With the help of surveys, we
can do the judgements easily. This method gives the considerable opinion which is helpful in
analysing the data. It gives the instructions of the information accurately (Eyisi, 2016). Their
main aim is to predict the data and information and then add to the knowledge base. Their aim is
also to fulfil the personal, social, and organisational impact. Its aim is to implement the new
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ideas and to examine the past surveys. This method also evaluates the change occurs from the
past surveys.
The aim and objective of Quantitative research method: The main aim is to identify the
information and to summarise the data for the effective working in the organisation. Its aim is to
present the data in a statistical or mathematical form so that it can easily understand and also
easily evaluate. This method helps in the long term and also for the large organisation. Learning
different techniques to analyse statistical data is also the object of the research (Büthe, et. al.,
2014). Not only practical but also theatrical part should be considered in finding a particular
issue. It shows the statistical data in figures and numbers to explain the observation.
13

M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of different research methods applied.
ASDA Limited is researching the impact of the digital technology in supporting business growth
and innovations. ASDA Limited is the large organisation in the UK so it will choose the method
very accurately. The company has chosen the research method of quantitative as a comparison to
the qualitative method because this method is more accurate and reliable. Quantitative method is
considered to be realistic and scientific as a comparison to qualitative result. It is the method
which is based on the mathematical or numerical and helps in analysing the data statistically to
answer the hypothesis (Mohajan, 2018). In the quantitative method, we can analyse the data in a
large manner and it is considered more appropriate method because it analyses a statistically
large number of data. This method has control over the data and data can be collected from a
distance also with the help of the experiment. This research is based on the figures, graphs and
numbers so it also helps in easily understanding the data and also represents the data properly.
Quantitative methods are also more accurate and reliable than the qualitative method because
this method hypothesis and based on cause and effect and also predictions whereas the
qualitative method understands an integral part of the organisation. It is also more reliable
because it is based on the measurement and the validated data collection method whereas the
qualitative data collected from interviews, observation, responses, etc. Quantitative method
basically focuses on the narrow-angle lens whereas the qualitative method is basically concerned
with the wide angle lens. This method is also best to examine because it maintains the
relationship between the two variables and also looks for cause and effect relationship (Roller,
2015). Quantitative methods use the experimental approach which is reliable for the companies.
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D1 project management process and appropriate research
ASDA Limited applied some project management process and the research methodologies. The
main aim of the company is to increase the business growth and evaluate the innovations in the
organisation. Digital skills are important to participate in the economy so establishing the new
technology is very important in the fluctuating market. Management process requires proper
planning and distributes the task effectively. Project management controls the work and helps in
achieving the goals and objectives of the company. ASDA Limited has the big project so it has to
manage the processes and coordinates with the company.
Project management process is very important for the company because it initiates the planning
controlling and executes the controlling. Quantitative method is more appropriate for the
research because it gives the information in numbers or mathematical data. In this method, we
can analyse the statistical data with the experimental approach. It is basically based on the
method of cause and effect. It is also appropriate method because it is reliable for the large
organisation such as ASDA Limited. It can analyse the growth of the company on the large scale.
It shows the data in figures and graphs so it is easy to understand the information’s related to
data.
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Part 3:
P5: analyse your research and data.
Q1: Is the cloud computing usage helping in enhancing the efficiency of application
real-time order processing.
Yes 5
No 4
Not much 1
Yes No Not much
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
number of users
number of users
Yes, 50% of company employees say that proposed system will be very beneficial for the
company. It will improve real-time processing of customer order and also delivery system will
improve through the online tracking system. 40% employee says that proposed system is a
custom software based system and complex interface of software will reduce the chances of
success of this system. 10% employees say that they do not have an idea about this system so
can’t say anything.
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Q2: Is the application based on cloud computing easy to use?
Yes 3
No 5
Not sure 2
Yes No Not much
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Number of users
Number of users
This question sounds confusing for the answerer. The conclusion of research says that 50% of
employees are not so friendly with digital technology and they say that a cloud-based custom
software which is built to process online business process will require special technical
knowledge for operating and in this way, use of the proposed system will not be easy. 30%
employees think that it is a good system which is specially developed according to the company
needs and in this way, it will be easy to use. 20% people say that they can’t say anything about it.
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Q3: Is the application uniform with the company’s business process
Yes 4
No 3
Not much 3
4
3
3
number of users
Yes
No
Not much
It is a complex question in research so everyone can’t say anything surly. Research result says
that 40% of employees think that integration and uniformity with business process is the main
aim of the proposed system and it will greatly accountable with the business process. 30%
employees think that aims and processing of system are not clear to the new application will not
be uniform with the business process. 30% people say that they do not have any idea about the
processing so they cannot say anything.
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Q4: Is the new system has the ability to monitor the supply system?
Yes 4
No 2
Not much 4
Yes No Not much
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Number of users
Number of users
Yes, online and real-time monitoring of product delivery is an inbuilt feature of this system and
research says that 40% employees are sure about this benefit of the new system. They say that
new system specially designed to improve supply system and online tracking of delivery
definitely improve it. 20% employees, which are not related to technical background says that
online tracking of each delivery is not possible due to high sales volume and in this way, online
tracking will be failed.
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Q5: Did the new system reduce the marketing cost?
Yes 2
No 3
Not much 5
2
3
5
number of users
Yes
No
Not much
20% people who understand the benefits of cloud computing and comes from technical
background says that new system will reduce the cost of marketing and advertisement in future.
30% employees say that new system is produced to support online business process and there is
not marketing feature in the new system. In this way, it will not able to reduce marketing cost.
50% employees do not have an idea about it so they don’t give any particular opinion.
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P 6: Recommendation:
After a deep study of the proposed plan, following recommendations are given for the ASDA
Limited:
Identification of needs: To select an appropriate system company should investigate its own
strengths and weaknesses along with needs and aims which are to be fulfilled from the adoption
of the new system. With the identification of needs, the company can convey its needs to
developer and developer can develop more useful and suitable system.
Skilled Project manager: To effectively introduce this system company should appoint an IT
specialist manager who has significant knowledge about the digital technology. The project
manager will be liable to manage the execution of system in a planned manner from start to end.
In this way, IT manager will monitor system adoption process throughout the process which will
ensure the success of the project (Kahugu, 2015).
More investment in the advertisement: it is right that the proposed software will decrease the
cost of marketing in future because complete customer data will be available to a company
which can be used to make direct contact with customers but initially company management is
advised that they should make an extra expenditure for advertisement. It will generate two
benefits one it will increase customer traffic on company website so the sale of products will be
increased and after first customer order, complete data related with the customer will be
available to a company which can be used to make contact with the customer in future (Ferreira,
et. al., 2014).
Delivery system: it is finding that the delivery system of ASDA is not so efficient in comparison
with others. The company is taking minimum five days to the delivery of product but a
competitor of the company is doing the same in three days. It is also affecting the sales of the
company and to remove this situation, the company should work to improve its supply system
(Kahugu, 2015). It can be done by increasing number of delivery agents, providing supply
franchise and doing contract with courier companies.
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Regular monitoring: after the adoption of the new system, ASDA should concentrate on the
effectiveness of the system to ensure that it is capable to fulfil company needs. It is advised that
after the implementation, ASDA appoint a technical team which will investigate the performance
of the new system as per business needs and give significant advice to the developer so that he
can remove any loop points.
Post-implementation services: the company should make proper discussion with a developer
about the post-sale assistance fees because many developers charges several extra types of
charges for post-sale assistance service. Sometimes they charge unfair amounts for their services
due to unclear contract terms (Ferreira, et. al., 2014). It is advised to the management of ASDA
that they should enter into a contract with Developer Company with clear terms and condition
regarding post-sale services.
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P7: Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives
ASDA limited is the largest organisation in the UK. It is the chain of the items which operates
the things such as groceries, fresh foods, drinks, beauty products, news, etc. It provides all the
items which are necessary for the home such as a blanket, furniture, lightings, etc. The project is
presenting the market condition of each product items. The main objective is to achieve the
outcomes within the specific period. Their performance is showing the financial situations of the
organisation. To increase the items and to improve the growth of the organisation it has to work
with the business portfolio as well. The company’s performance is good in the market and has
good ratings as well as a reputed store in the market (Mertens, 2014). The organisation has set up
in the market where large numbers of customers are attracted to it so they have become loyal to
the product. The research helps in meeting the next moves in the markets. Employees of the
company are also satisfied with their job so it helps them to fight with their rivals. The
performance of the company is effective and is increasing day by day as it also provides services
to the customers.
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M3 selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity
Appropriate tools and techniques help the management to attain the objectives. Appropriate tools
help the organisation to grow and to achieve the targets. Tools and techniques also show the data
properly so we can easily analyse the information of the related product. It also helps in solving
the financial problem of the organisation. With the help of techniques, we capture the accurate
data of the company (Heagney, 2016). This also helps in improving the performance of the
customers, employees and the suppliers. With the help of tools and techniques, we can easily
make the policies, strategies which lead to the better work of the organisation. With the help of
research, we can obtain the knowledge of the existing funds which helps in justifying the
activities also.
24

M4 value of the project management process and use of qualitative research
The project management process object is to plan, control and coordinate the different activities
of the company. Their main object is to establish the new ideas in the company. The project
helps in predicting the problems and controlling those activities for the efficient working of the
organisation. It gives the instructions and monitors the activities which are helpful for the new
solution (Kerzner and Kerzner). Good quality research includes the quantitative method. Data
comes in the proper format manner and it gives the information of the evidence. Summarise the
data on the basis of nature, quality, conduct and gives the transparency. The object is to fulfil the
desired outcomes and to achieve the goals of the company.
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D2 Critically evaluate the value of the reflection on the project outcomes, the decision-
making process
Decisions help in driving the project. The decision is the crucial sector for the projects regarding
the tools and techniques and allocation of the resources. ASDA Limited management plans
helpful in increasing the growth of the organisation. Evaluation of the number of projects is very
essential for the company. It contributes the information, accountable the project then analyse the
data. It also helps in justifying and promoting the actions of management (Burgess, 2012). It also
determines the objectives of the company and reviews the methods and techniques of the
company. In the initial project, there is the change which leads to the success of the organisation.
ASDA Limited is the chain store of the grocery as well as necessary products so to take
decisions frequently with the fluctuating market along with the management plan leads to the
proper growth. In company to manage the plans and to take right decisions at the right time only
matters for the proper growth.
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Conclusion:
In this assessment, the chosen company ASDA is going to digitalize its business by
implementing the cloud-based real-time ordering system. The impacts of digital technology are
discussed for the ASDA as how the digital technology helped ASDA to grow and get more
innovated. With this, the cost and time are also identified in implementing the digital technology
that is cloud services in the ASDA. Different customer’s interpretation is made based on their
reviews against the cloud technology in ASDA. Some recommendations to successfully
implement new digital system is also given in this report and After the study of this report, user
will be able to understand benefits of digitisation along with the speciality of new business
processing system for ASDA.
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