Impact of Digital Technology: A Case Study of McLaren Construction

Impact of digital technology: A case study of McLaren Constriction
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Table of Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................3
Aim:............................................................................................................................................3
Objectives:..................................................................................................................................3
Rationale:...................................................................................................................................4
Literature Review:......................................................................................................................5
Research Questions:...................................................................................................................8
Questionnaire:............................................................................................................................9
Research methodology:............................................................................................................15
Ethical considerations:.............................................................................................................15
Research data accuracy and reliability:....................................................................................16
Evaluation of research methodology:.......................................................................................17
Project management plan:........................................................................................................17
Project structure (grant chart):.................................................................................................18
Findings:...................................................................................................................................20
Conclusion:..............................................................................................................................20
Recommendations:...................................................................................................................21
Personal Reflection:.................................................................................................................21
References................................................................................................................................22
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Introduction:
Business project is a set of actions conducted through utilising the work force and proper
scheduling. The objective of a business project is to analyse an operational factor with their
effectiveness and efficiency within an operational business environment. It helps to take
decision about the required changes within the organisational structure and work process. The
proper implementation of the digital technologies can improve the productivity of business
organisation and increase the operational efficiency.
Throughout the human history, human being has discovered plenty of things to boost up their
social and operational efficiency and accuracy. In this era of civilisation, the digital
technology is most useful and versatile term in for any kind of personal and professional
operation. Through digital technology the employee, consumer communication, internal
information interchange and other business operations can be executed in more simplified
and time effective way.
Aim:
The aim of the project is to analyse the effectiveness of digital technologies during the
execution of different operation of McLaren Construction. This project also assists to find the
required methods and techniques that can be used to implement various business activities.
Objectives:
Identify the purpose of digital technology
Specific McLaren Construction uses multiple digital technologies to operate
their business successfully. This project aimed to assess all of these
implementations.
Measurable Assessing the usage of Cloud computing, Big Data, Internet of
things, AI, Social media and its level of involvement in company’s
functionality
Achievable The objective is achievable, because the company maintain regular
documentation
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Determine the advantage of digital technology over the productivity
Specific The management has to conduct various training and development
program to improve the adoptability of their employees in advanced
digital technology based work environment.
Measurable Studying the regular report of training and development and its
potential outcomes will help the management to determine the
proper way of training campaign.
Achievable Due to sincere documented report and proper scheduling this
objective is achievable.
Identify the methods of implementing digital technology successfully within business
operation of McLaren Construction
Specific The evaluation of various implementation is required to sustain the
performance level
Measurable Assessing the most applicable theory of implementation for
McLaren Construction is a measurable factor.
Achievable The degree of success depends on the incorporation of theories,
which is achievable by efficient monitoring.
Rationale:
McLaren Group is a well-known name in various global industries. After the financial crisis
the UK government has increase the tax rate in fuel cost that have high impact on the
business expenditure. In order to retain their return on investment the company needs to
implement various digital technologies. In order to analyse the contribution of digital
technologies towards any business organisation the operational process and purpose of
different digital technologies have to be examine. Through the appropriate use of digital
technology Cloud computing, Big Data, Internet of things, AI, Social media can be selected
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as major pillars of business operations especially for a constructional business company
McLaren Construction.
Literature Review:
The word digital technology refers the technologies effect the organizational performance
through advance digitization. Digital comes from the word digit, which refers the
mathematical approach in electronics and communicational engineering. Without
implementation of digital technology, any operational business organisation cannot flourish
with market value, profit, brand, and revenue increment. In this research, the execution field
of digital technology is a construction company named McLaren Construction.
In order to analyse the contribution of digital technologies towards any business organisation
the operational process and purpose of different digital technologies have to be examine. The
implementation of digital technologies uplift the business growth significantly throughout the
last decade involving market making, customer communication, internal integration and
promotional activities. From the diverse use of digital technology Cloud computing, Big
Data, Internet of things, AI, Social media can be selected as major pillars of business
operations especially for a constructional business company McLaren Construction.
Cloud computing:
Cloud computing refers specific data processing and handling process, which involves virtual
data processing and file handling. In cloud computing a particular information or data can be
accusable by multiple end user simultaneously along with the capabilities of alter, write and
read. In these technologies, the company can store their data and information on internet by
the use of virtual storage technologies.
This technology allows the company to work in a manoeuvrable condition where they can
change their operational location without worrying about their physical storage and file
handling. More than 96% of SME and large business organisations are using this cloud
technology to store their data and information and to access them from any part of the world.
Cloud computing is the base of multi-operational work environment where a particular file
can be simultaneously written and edited by two individual end user (Chen et al., 2015). In a
fast-paced work environment, the cloud computing can assist the information processing in
small amount of time.
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Big Data:
Big Data refers specific data storing and handling process that use virtual data storing and file
handling for a large amount of data. In Big data, huge number of information or data can be
stored in an online or offline based network along with the capabilities of alter, write and
read. In this technology, the company can store their large amount of data and information on
a high volume storage device by the use of multithreaded storage technologies. These data
and information can be accessed and operated by any authorised user within the accessible
range (Emelyanov and Klygin, 2016). This technology allows the company to handle huge
amount of internal and external data without worrying about their physical storage capacity
and maintenance.
There is no limit of storing capacity in big data technology, which allows the company to
store their internal, external and market oriented data in a digital format. Big data is very
useful for the organisation that operates huge data and information for their internal
operational strategy and external business approach.
Internet of things:
Internet of things is physical technology that is used to store and operate digital data and
information through various interconnected hardware and software (Wortmann and Flüchte,,
2015). In Internet of things the company can have the opportunity to store and operate online
or offline based network.
Artificial intelligence:
Artificial intelligence is a core of automation technology where the company can schedule a
particular process or a group of interrelated systems to perform a systematic task on a
variable environment. The artificial intelligence can be used as advanced data processing and
file handling program for any high volume Data Base Management System. It also reduces
the time and space complexity to perform a particular operation of a group of data and
information. According to the survey, artificial intelligence can provide efficient work
process and information handling that increases the overall productivity by more than 36%.
Therefore, any construction company can use artificial intelligence for their internal and
external data and information handling as well as information sorting and alteration.
Social media and networking:
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After the incorporation of Web 2.0 the revolution of social networking and internet-based
communication has began (Wamba and Carter, 2016). On the other hand, it can be said that
the global and national social and cultural overlapping, social media has played a important
role. Currently more than 76% of the global and regional enterprises are using social media
for their internal interaction, online marketing and promotional activities. Both employee
relation and customer handling can be operated by this technology with ease. According to
different surveys, the social media based marketing and advertising influence more than 73%
of smart phone users.
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Research Questions:
The research questions are as follows:
 What is digital technology?
 What are the merits of digital technology?
 How can McLaren Constructions implement the digital technologies?
 Do you think the use of digital technology will have any impact on the success
of a business?
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Questionnaire:
Quantitative Data Collection
Through surveys, conducted amongst 50 present employees of the organization, data will be
collected. This quantitative data can easily be analysed because it shall be put forward in
terms of numbers. There will be five questions; all of them being close-ended.
Q1. What is your age?
Options Respondents Percentage Total Responses
19-50 11 22% 50
26-32 12 24% 50
33-39 13 26% 50
40-46 14 28% 50
Table 1: Age of respondents
22%
24%
26%
28%
Age of respondents
19-50
26-32
33-39
40-46
Figure 1: Age of the respondents
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Q2. Specify your gender.
Options Respondents Percentage Total Responses
Male 32 64% 50
Female 18 36% 50
Others - - 50
Table 2: Gender of the respondents
64%
36%
Gender of the respondents
Male
Female
Others
Figure 2: Gender of the respondents
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Q3. How frequently do you use digital technologies for business purposes?
Options Respondents Percentage Total Responses
Most frequently 16 32% 50
Frequently 14 28% 50
Sometimes 5 10% 50
Often 5 10% 50
Rare 10 20% 50
Table 3: Frequency of usage of digital technologies in the organisation
32%
28%
10%
10%
20%
Frequency
Most frequently
Frequently
Sometimes
Often
Rare
Figure 3: Frequency of usage of digital technologies in the organisation
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Q4. How satisfied are you with the implementation of digital technologies within the
organization?
Options Respondents Percentage Total Responses
Highly satisfied 16 32% 50
Satisfied 9 18% 50
Neutral 7 14% 50
Dissatisfied 8 16% 50
Highly dissatisfied 10 20% 50
Table 4: Satisfaction levels of employees in accordance to digital technology usage
within the organisation
32%
18%
14%
16%
20%
Satisfaction levels of employees
Highly satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Highly dissatisfied
Figure 4: Satisfaction levels of employees in accordance to digital technology usage
within the organisation
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Q5. “Digital technologies will affect the profitability of McLaren Constructions.” How
far do you agree with this statement?
Options Respondents Percentage Total Responses
Strongly agree 15 30% 50
Agree 8 16% 50
Neutral 6 12% 50
Disagree 11 22% 50
Strongly disagree 10 20% 50
Table 5: Employee perceptions of digital technology usage
30%
16%
12%
22%
20%
Employee perceptions
Strongly agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly disagree
Figure 5: Employee perceptions of digital technology usage
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Qualitative data collection
Two managers of McLaren Constructions were selected for the interviews. It comprised of
three different questions, all of them open ended, and each of their responses were recorded
and evaluated. The questions and the response of the managers are given below:
Q1. What do you think prompted McLaren constructions to implement digital
technologies with their business operations?
Manager 1: According to her, competitive advantage and sustainability were the two greatest
drivers of implementing such technologies. She commented that in an age of internet, when
the boom in technology has affected all industries, McLaren Constructions did not want to be
traditional in their approach.
Manager 2: He stated that the basic ideology behind the implementation of digital
technologies in their business was done to mainly overcome all hindrances in operational
functions. At the same time, he believes that peer pressure played a great role behind the
company’s decision to implement such changes.
Q2. Which areas do you think have been affected the most due to these new
technologies?
Manager 1: According to her, communications within the organization showed the most
impacts after these changes were incorporated. She feels that the work environment of the
company is now more positive than before. Inter-departmental communications are at an all
time high and the employees have been successfully integrated with the management of the
organization.
Manager 2: While he stated that the efficiency within the organization had increased because
of the recent changes, he felt that the HR department of the organization had been affected
the most. According to him, recruitment was more productive as well as company awareness
were at an all time high due to the implementation of digital technologies.
Q3. Do you think digital technologies will affect the profit margins of the organization?
Manager 1: The manager stated that there is enough scope for the application of digital
technologies in their business and it was too early to comment on whether it would have any
considerable effect on the profitability of their organization. However, she believes that the
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employees within the organization are very positive regarding these technologies and it has
definitely improved efficiency and productivity.
Manager 2: He stated that overhead costs had been reduced since such technologies arrived
in the organization. Therefore, there would definitely be a positive effect on the profit
margins. However, he was sceptical of the longevity of these technologies and that only time
would prove whether these technologies could sustain profitability.
Research methodology:
The research methodology is the backbone of any research project that helps the researchers
to conduct a particular research with proper guidance. In this research project, both primary
and secondary research has been conducted. As primary research, the project has
incorporated qualitative and quantitative approach over limited sample size. The quantitative
approach has been conducted on 50 random survey reports amongst the employees of
McLaren Constriction. For qualitative approach, the researcher has interviewed two of the
managers responsible for McLaren Constructions, who are directly involved with
technological implementation within the organisation.
Ethical considerations:
Confidentiality: The researcher had conducted the whole research process with high regards
for protection of information. Since names were not mentioned, the researcher could
guarantee anonymity in the whole process. At the same time, it was made sure that
confidential information is not collected while gathering both quantitative and qualitative
data.
Moral: Consent and approval of the participants were taken into consideration while
collecting all the information. The participants were well-informed regarding both the type
and contents of the questions that were formulated. Neutral grounds were selected while the
ongoing data collection process, to maintain high standards regarding the moral aspects of the
research.
Conduct of research: Physical appearance as well as professionalism was kept in mind when
the research was conducted. Tone of voice and etiquettes were of high importance to
guarantee the successful completion of the research process. As and when the researcher had
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to explain the questions to the participants, gestures and body language was paid a great deal
of attention.
Respect: The researcher made sure that the participants were in no way disrespected during
the ongoing data collection process. In addition, providing the participants with a safe and
neutral ground was guaranteed. This helped in collecting information completely free of bias.
Empathy: Moral grounds were accounted for, as has already been mentioned. At the same
time, if any participant was unable to go for the survey or the interview without any prior
notice, their decisions were understood and respected. In addition, personal space and privacy
was ensured so that the researcher did not come off as intrusive.
Fairness: Neutrality of both environment and sample size was maintained throughout the
process of data collection. Participants were not given any special attention based on different
grounds, no matter what they might have been. All feedback related issues were handled with
unbiased attitudes as well.
Discrimination: Participants were not discriminated against on the grounds of sex, caste,
creed, or in fact on any grounds. Even experienced employees were not treated with any
special affection or care. Voicing opinions was always kept in mind, with special emphasis
on the fact that everyone was given equal opportunities to make their grievances known.
Research data accuracy and reliability:
The data collected has a high level of accuracy as it has been directly been taken from the
employees of the organization. It has not been manipulated in any way and has been
presented in as raw a form as possible (Hannula et al., 2014). Although there might be some
discrepancies in the views expressed by the selected participants, it would be safe to say that
the data is 100% accurate and credible as well.
While the data presented has a high standard of accuracy, its reliability is of questionable
terms. Due to the sample size being small and limited to just one company, it would be
unwise to express it as the views of the whole industry. For better reliability, the sample size
has to be larger and it should take into account the views of similar organizations in the same
industry.
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Evaluation of research methodology:
The project has taken a mixed approach of conducting both primary and secondary forms of
research. The main reason behind such an approach is the fact that without properly
understanding the technologies implemented and their advantages and disadvantages, the
project would not only be inaccurate, it would be incomplete as well. To eliminate chances of
discrepancies, the secondary research took into account as much of the previous works on the
field, as possible. On the other hand, the primary research has put forward the fact that the
employees have taken to these technologies with a positive attitude and they believe that its
advantages shall be more than its disadvantages.
Project management plan:
Included scope:
 To identify the new technologies that have been implemented
 To assess the frequency of usage of these technologies
 To assess the impacts of these technologies on the company’s profitability
Excluded Scope:
 To compare the scenario of McLaren Constructions before and after implementation
of the digital technologies
 To identify the detailed working of the digital technologies
 To assess whether these technologies will affect marketing
Cost Objectives:
Activities Monthly cost (£) Cost for three months (£)
Designing training and
development programs
300 900
Interviews 120 480
Surveys 150 450
Data Evaluation 100 300
Total Cost 680 2130
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Time Objectives:
 The project shall take a maximum of three months for completion
 Interviews and surveys should be completed in a maximum period of six weeks
 Training and development programs should take a maximum of five months for
completion
 Data evaluation should take about ten to twelve days
Quality and risk management: The employees should be trained for maximum retention of techniques while using
the different digital technologies available to them. This should help the organization
in focus on quality management. The first risk of disproportionate participation can be overcome if the organization
convey the importance and need for the surveys and interviews. Secondly, more experienced officials, to limit the amount of biased views coming
into the limelight, should review the questions selected for the data collection
process.
Constraints: Time: Since the project has a tight time schedule to stick to, it might affect the
project’s accuracy and reliability.
 Budget: premium documents and sources of information could not be studied because
there were money constraints regarding the project.
Resources:
 Raw materials needed to design the questionnaires
 Human capital required to supervise and undertake successful completion of the
surveys and the interviews.
Project structure (grant chart):
Task Breakdown Start End
Dura
tion
(day
s)
•Task 1: Outlining the Project 16-01-
2018
21-01-
2018 5
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•1.1 identifying the focus of research, devising the aims and
objectives
16-01-
2018
17-01-
2018 1
•1.2 Selecting objectives 17-01-
2018
20-01-
2018 3
•1.3 Analysing excluded and included scope 20-01-
2018
21-01-
2018 1
•Task 2: Selection of technologies to be adapted 22-01-
2018
11-02-
2018 20
•2.1 Conducting market research 22-01-
2018
24-01-
2018 2
•2.2 Communicating with experts 25-01-
2018
09-02-
2018 15
•2.3 Analysing the pros and cons of selected technologies 01-02-
2018
08-02-
2018 7
•2.4 Finalising the platforms to be used 05-02-
2018
11-02-
2018 6
•Task 3: Training and development 12-02-
2018
27-02-
2018 15
•3.1 Framing out of the training needs of the employees 12-02-
2018
24-02-
2018 12
•3.2 Meeting with the heads of these companies to discuss
required training needs and the project prospects
15-02-
2018
24-02-
2018 9
•3.3 Implementation 15-02-
2018
27-02-
2018 12
•Task 4: Conducting the Survey 28-02-
2018
18-03-
2018 18
•4.1 Preparing questionnaires 28-02-
2018
05-03-
2018 5
•4.2 Conducting survey 07-03-
2018
18-03-
2018 11
•Task 5: Interview Process 02-03-
2018
15-03-
2018 13
•5.1 Interviewing mangers for collecting information regarding
the project
02-03-
2018
15-03-
2018 13
•Task 6: Analysing Data 10-03-
2018
20-03-
2018 10
•Task 7: Implementation 21-03-
2018
30-03-
2018 9
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•Task 1: Outlining the Project
•1.2 Selecting objectives
•Task 2: Selection of technologies to be adapted
•2.2 Communicating with experts
•2.4 Finalising the platforms to be used
•3.1 Framing out of the training needs of the employees
•3.3 Implementation
•4.1 Preparing questionnaires
•Task 5: Interview Process
•Task 6: Analysing Data
15.1.18 4.2.18 24.2.18 16.3.18 5.4.18
Gantt Chart for research project
Findings:
The findings of the project have been mentioned below:
 Digital technologies have had an impact on the company’s efficiency and productivity
 Overhead costs have been diminished
 Employees have taken to these technologies with a greatly positive attitude
 McLaren Constructions still has to take some steps to incorporate these technologies
with their operations
 There are still a lot of functions which could be enhanced by the digital technologies
 The management as well as the employees believe that these technologies could have
an impact on the company’s profitability in the longer run
Conclusion:
The study has shed light on both the usage of new digital technologies as well as their impact
on McLaren Constructions. With the help of primary and secondary data collection
techniques, the study has been able to put forward the exact views of the company in terms of
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their positive outlook as well as the scope of these technologies. All suggestions aimed at
increasing the credibility are hugely appreciated and welcome.
Recommendations:
The following recommendations would be beneficial for improving the effectiveness of the
use of digital technology in McLaren Constructions.
It is observed that the expected outcome of the adaptation of new technologies become futile
due to the lack of awareness of the employees regarding the use of technologies. Therefore,
the company must initiate some training and development plan for the providing the
employees training regarding the use of technologies.
The organization must also make a proper research regarding the technologies that can b
used for the organization. Investing on such technologies, which can hardly benefit the
company, would result into financial loss of the company. Therefore, the organization must
use such technologies that would bring major benefits to the company.
Technical glitch and the concern regarding the security issues are major two issues that
reduce the festiveness of using digital technologies. Therefore, the organization must make
sure that the technologies adapted by them are properly encrypted. The organization also has
to use useful technologies that have lack of changes of technical glitch.
Personal Reflection:
The project has provided me the opportunity to improve my skills in various ways. By
completing this project, I have come to know how new projects can be initiated completed in
an effective manner. This has also provided me the opportunity to understand several aspects
related to the use of digital technologies. From this project I have learnt how to conduct
qualitative and quantitative analysis and the way a survey can be conducted. This has
improved my problem solving skills as I had to recognise the major risk factors and the
possible ways to solve them.
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References
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interaction through wearable computing and cloud technology. IEEE Wireless
Communications, 22(1), pp.20-27.
Emelyanov, A.A. and Klygin, R.A., 2016. Cloud Technology in Education: Problems and
Perspectives. In Informatization of society: socio-economic, socio-cultural and international
aspects: materials of the VI international scientific conference on January 15-16 (Vol. 2016,
p. 71).
Hannula, M., Suoranta, J. and Vadén, T., 2014. Artistic research methodology. New York:
Peter Lang.
Wamba, S.F. and Carter, L., 2016. Social media tools adoption and use by SMEs: An
empirical study. In Social Media and Networking: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and
Applications (pp. 791-806). IGI Global.
Wortmann, F. and Flüchter, K., 2015. Internet of things. Business & Information Systems
Engineering, 57(3), pp.221-224.
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