Effective Project Management and Risk Control

This assignment discusses the importance of controlling every process effectively and identifying risks associated with a project. It provides references to books and journals that offer insights into qualitative research methodologies. The summary also mentions online resources available for research methodology. A Gantt chart, network diagram, and other illustrations are included to help visualize project planning and management. Students can find past papers and solved assignments on Desklib.

Managing Successful
Business Projects

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
1 Aims and objectives for the organisation............................................................................1
2 Preparation of project management plan covering various aspects.....................................2
3 Producing Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart ....................................................5
M1 Preparation of project management plan for monitoring aims and objectives................7
4 Carrying out small-scale research by implementing qualitative and quantitative methods of
research...................................................................................................................................8
M2 Accuracy and reliability of research methods................................................................10
M2 Accuracy and reliability of research methods................................................................11
P5 Analysing research using tools and techniques...............................................................12
P6. Conclusion and Recommendation..................................................................................20
7 Reflecting of own performance in attaining research........................................................21
M3 Making evaluation of selection of tools and techniques................................................22
M4 Presenting value of project management process..........................................................22
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

TITLE OF PROJECT: Impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and
innovation
INTRODUCTION
Research project is quite useful for carrying out theoretical frameworks. Present report
deals with Continental Consultancy Limited which is engaged in consultancy for small-scale
manufacturing firms. It is facing issue with regards to obsolete IT products which are purchased
eight years ago. Moreover, market share is reduced and research is undertaken to recommend
ways in which innovation is supported for growth of company. Importance of digital technology
and impact of the same supporting small business growth and innovation is provided.
1 Aims and objectives for the organisation
Background
Digital technologies have imparted valuable contribution to business in achieving goals
in an effective manner. With the help of digitisation, every process or function in company can
be integrated leading to time-saving mechanism and as such, cost-effective work is
accomplished. Continental Consultancy Limited is engaged in research and business
consultancy. It provides business process re-engineering and small manufacturing firms seeks
advice for enhancing their operations. IT (Information Technology) has revolutionised the way
of doing business and expertise should be accomplished so as to provide better services to
customers in order to maximise satisfaction level up to a high extent (Ledford and Gast, 2018).
Administration is enhanced by enabling cloud storage, sharing information which is enabled
because of digitisation. In the same manner, storage and distribution, production through
artificial intelligence are driving innovation and growth. Continental Consultancy Limited is
required to deploy innovative ideas through digital technologies to enhance its market by
outreaching from rivals.
Aim:
“To ascertain impact of digital-technology supporting small business growth and
innovation”- A study on Continental Consultancy Limited
Objectives:
 To analyse influence of digital technology on growth of business
1

 To identify relationship between business process re-engineering and digital technology
 To recommend ways by which Continental Consultancy Limited can compete for market
share
2 Preparation of project management plan covering various aspects
Cost-
The costs to be incurred in project should be analysed and budget is required to be
prepared, so that expenditures may be controlled. For current project, £10,000 is needed by
Continental Consultancy Limited for competing with rivals and implementing innovative ideas
for growth purpose. Cost sheet is stated below-
Particulars Amount
Purchasing of Materials 1900
Software license 2100
Licensing for database 800
Labour expenses 1100
Networking 400
Expenses for travelling 1600
Secondary resources cost 1500
Server expenses 600
Total expenditures 10000
Scope-
Project scope is accomplished by determining influence of digital technology on
Continental Consultancy Limited. Questionnaire is deployed to employees of organisation in
order to ascertain their viewpoints. Project has limited scope.
2

Time-
For attaining conclusion, project is required to be finish within time period. In current
project, Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are produced according to which it will be
completed in 51 days. Hence, outcome will be accomplished.
Quality-
Project quality is one of the major factor in overall project management plan. On the
other hand, Qualitative elements will be handled in a better way by providing data and statistical
techniques. Primary and secondary research are deployed for reaching to conclusion (Humphries,
2017).
Risk
Risks are inevitable and has presence in every project. In present scenario, risk prevails
because of lack of time. Moreover, due to less amount of resources, project is influenced up to a
high extent. Hence, it is affected by such factors.
Resources
There are various types of resources such as technical, financial and human resources. All
these resources are taken into consideration in order to produce desired outcome and complete
research quite effectively (Fletcher, 2017).
Communication-
S No. Communication Format Duration Personnel’s Presentation
1 Update about
managing
project
Email Once in a
week
Team persons
and stakeholders
Project progress
would be assessed
2 Action plan and
follow-up
communication
Through
meeting
Weekly Action plan team Steps for
completing project
3

3 Problem of
research
Group
Presentation
Alternate days Team persons
and stakeholders
Addressing issues
4 Budget usage Discussing
with group
Monthly Team persons
and stakeholders
Discussing
expenses incurred
5 Risk assessment Emails and
meetings
Weekly Project Manager Project Manager
approval
Project Scope Statement-
The scope of project is needed to be made so as to get timely completion of project. It can
be noted that allocating tasks to employees will be done.
3 Producing Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart
Project management plan is made below-
Task Name Duratio
n
Star
t
Finis
h
Predecesso
rs
Resource
Names WBS Risk
Selecting topic 2 days Low
Listing and implementing
statement of problem 6 days 1 2 Moderate
Making Literature
Review (LR) 4 days 2,1 literature 3 High
Meeting deadlines and
schedules 5 days 3 4 Moderate
Making selection of
research methods 7 days 4
Journals
and
internet
articles
5 Moderate
4

Analysis of data collected 6 days 5 6 Low
Representation of data 4 days 6
Project
manageme
nt
7 Low
Assessing findings of
research 5 days 6,7 8 Moderate
Making conclusion and
recommendations 2 days 7 9 Low
Reflection of methods
chosen in study 3 days 9,8 10 Low
Making documentation
of accomplished
outcomes
2 days 10
Technical
and human
resources
11 Low
Closing project 2 days 11 12 Moderate
Submitting the final
report 1 day 11,12 13 Low
5

Illustration 1: Gantt chart
6

Illustration 2: Gantt chart
Illustration 3: Network diagram
M1 Preparation of project management plan for monitoring aims and objectives
Project management plan is one of the important part of project which provide step-by-
step structure to be followed in order to complete project in the best possible manner. It is
essentially required so that it may give useful insight to scholar to finish-off entire project within
stipulated time and generate outcome of it (Alberts and Altmann, 2012). Milestones can be
achieved as outlined in Gantt chart. In this way, it will take 49 days to complete full project by
considering constraints and results will be attained.
7

4 Carrying out small-scale research by implementing qualitative and quantitative methods of
research
Research Design-
The design in research is essential document enlisting project requirement within time
frame (Research Methodology. 2018). Moreover, blue-print is made by which researcher may be
able to start project in right direction. This helps to collect relevant information before starting it
and as such, scholar is able to attain aim and objectives in a better way. Moreover, it helps to
identify problems in research and queries can be resolved with much ease. Exploratory,
descriptive and experimental designs are some of research design. In current study, for
ascertaining effective results, scholar will use exploratory design which will help to assess
characteristics of population, thereby, attaining conclusion (Alvesson and Sköldberg, 2017). This
is taken so as to explore facts regarding study, hence, exploratory design is taken.
Research Philosophy-
It is another vital part of completing research in a proper manner highlighting attitude of
researcher adopted for ascertaining outcome in the best possible way. It helps to guide scholar
for collecting data and how it will be analysed by him so that company may get different
innovative ideas for meeting competition in the best possible manner. With regard to this,
research philosophy is of four types such as realism, pragmatism, positivism and interpretivism
and provides scholar with desired way to approach towards its research and attain conclusion
with ease. Various methods could be used depending on the objectives in mind of scholar. In
present scenario, philosophy of interpretivism has been adopted for carrying out research and
attain conclusion (Lancaster, 2017). It is taken because facts will be helpful in interpreting data
gathered and thereby, theory could be achieved which will regard as the final outcome of
research problem. Thus, Continental Consultancy Limited would effectively be able to outreach
competitors with the help of digital technology.
8

Research Approach-
Approaches in research are important for giving suitable direction to the overall research
so that proper outcome can be achieved in an effective manner. There are generally two types of
research approaches these are deductive and inductive which could be used in accordance to the
purpose of research in the best possible way. In present project, purpose of research is to provide
sustainability to Continental Consultancy Limited which is facing obsolescence of IT products
purchased eight years ago. For meeting this, inductive approach is useful in order to interpret
data quite effectively. Inductive approach starts with observations and after this, theories are then
formulated and proposed at the end of research process (Choy, 2014). In simple words, raw data
is given shape and brief summary can be outlined which helps in formulating theoretical aspect
quite comfortably. Statistical data is taken into consideration and as a result, proper conclusion is
drawn. Deductive approach is ignored because statistics does not form the purview of point of
research. Hence, constructive conclusion can be effectively accomplished so that research
purpose could be attained.
Data collection-
Data is one of the major element in carrying out research in that way by which conclusion
can be supported with real facts and figures. Research aims and objectives should be analysed
and only relevant data needs to be gathered which serves as a base for attaining outcome. There
are generally two types of data which is collected by researcher so as to present facts in the best
possible manner. In relation to this, primary data is to be gathered by scholar in order to
recommend ways to organisation so that it may be able to implement more business re-
engineering model and effectively compete market share (Hollway, 2018). This will help to
provide small business growth by implementing digital technology. Primary data is generated by
circulating online questionnaires employees of Continental Consultancy Limited which is taken
as a sample.
Sampling Technique-
Selected sample will help in arriving at final outcome quite effectually. Scholar will take
sample size 30 and will perform convenience sampling. In present report scholar have used
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random sampling technique. Employee of Continental Consultancy Limited has been selected
as participants.
Data Analysis-
Data has been collected by having sample of 30 employees of company in order to
ascertain outcome in effective manner. Qualitative and quantitative techniques both of them
provide proper conclusion of research by deploying them in practice (Malti and et.al., 2018).
Quantitative technique means numerical facts and figures are taken and then analysis is made.
On the other hand, qualitative technique is opposite of quantitative as only theoretical aspect is
usually taken for ascertaining research in a right direction. In relation to this, since online
questionnaires are provided to respondents, qualitative method is appropriate for this. It is
because thematic analysis will be made representing viewpoints of respondents and as a result,
outcome will be attained in a better way. Thus, data analysis is a vital element of research
governing constructive conclusion to scholar (Billig and Waterman, 2014).
M2 Accuracy and reliability of research methods
In order to meet research aim and objectives qualitative research design has been selected
by the researcher. This research type is highly effectual and in line with the issue being
investigated. However, on the critical note, research can provide better view of issue by applying
statistical tools on quantitative data set. Further, for resolving research issue or problem data has
been gathered from both primary and secondary sources which in turn considered as highly
prominent.
Questionnaire
1. What is the major advantage derived from installing Digital Technology in firm.
 Increase in Efficiency
 Effective Results
 Less Errors
2.Which among provided digital technology is benefiting organisation more?
 Cloud Computing
 Big Data Analytics
 Artificial Intelligence
 All of the above
10

3. What changes have been observed by the firm after adopting Digital Technology?
 Enhanced Quality Services
 Effective resolution of issues
 Optimum utilisation of Resources
4. How digital technology has re-engineered every processes involved in business?
 By increasing performance efficiency
 Through maximising coordination
 By introducing automation
5. What problems were faced by company initially while installing digital technology?
 Disagreement from employees
 Lack of awareness
 No advanced devices
6. What strategies are adopted for increasing market share through implementing digital
technology?
 Effective promotions
 Maximising service delivery
 Handling more customers
7. Employees are trained for using the latest technologies through
 Expert Guidance
 Regular training sessions
 Conduction of seminars
 All of the above
8. What are the special requirements a company needs while installing digital technology?
 Advanced electronic devices
 Employee support
 Technical Knowledge
P5 Analysing research using tools and techniques
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THEME 1- Major advantage derived from installing Digital Technology in firm is Increase in
efficiency.
1. What is the major advantage derived from installing
Digital Technology in firm.
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Increase in Efficiency 22 73.33%
Effective Results 5 16.67%
Less Errors 3 10.00%
Total 30 100.00%
12
Increase in Efficiency Effective Results Less Errors
0
5
10
15
20
25
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that 22 respondents have agreed upon the fact
that there is an increase in the efficiency of task performance. As there are many benefits which
are associated with it. Less wastage of resources occurs and results are effectively derived. With
all these aspects, business activities are improved serving many advantages to them. Apart from
this, there are least chances for occurrence of errors.
THEME 2- Cloud Computing, Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence are some of the
technologies which are benefiting organisation in many aspects.
2.Which among provided digital technology is benefiting
organisation more?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Cloud Computing 5 16.67%
Big Data Analytics 5 16.67%
Artificial Intelligence 5 16.67%
All of the above 15 50.00%
Total 30 100.00%
13

Interpretation- It has been analysed that 15 respondents’ states that installation of new
digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics and cloud computing has
improved business process in consultancy firm. As with the help of big data analytics, company
is able to derive essential information related to particular aspect which is helpful for effective
decision making. Through cloud computing firm can get excessive virtual storage for strong
huge data associated with company. Apart from this, artificial intelligence provides automation
to every activity which is conducted in the organisation.
THEME 3- Enhanced Quality Services is the major change that has been observed by the firm
after adopting Digital Technology
3. What changes have been observed by the firm after adopting
Digital Technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentag
e Share
Enhanced Quality Services 17 56.67%
Effective resolution of issues 5 16.67%
Optimum utilisation of Resources 8 26.67%
Total 30 100.00%
14
Cloud Computing
Big Data Analytics
Artificial Intelligence
All of the above
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been interpreted that, 17 respondents have agreed on the fact that
quality of services has been enhanced with adoption of digital technology. Along with this,
resources are used in an optimal manner that leads to create less wastage of inventories
Therefore, every task becomes cost effective. Also, all the issues related to productivity or
operational aspect can be resolved easily. This leads to positive impact on the company as well.
THEME 4- Digital technology has re-engineered every processes involved in business by
increasing performance efficiency
4. How digital technology has re-engineered every processes
involved in business?
Number of
Respondents
Percentag
e Share
By increasing performance efficiency 15 50.00%
Through maximising coordination 9 30.00%
By introducing automation 6 20.00%
Total 30 100.00%
15
Enhanced Quality Services
Effective resolution of issues
Optimum utilisation of Resources
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that 15 respondents have agreed on the fact
that digital technology has led to re-engineer every process conducted in firm. Now, task which
are performed in business have great efficiency. This has made every process to be performed on
time with lesser wastage of inputs. Due to this, coordination among every unit in the organisation
has been increased. It is easy to track every activity or a process that is performed in different
departments. Also, manual work is eliminated by automation which has resulted in less errors
due to involvement of more machines as compared to humans.
THEME 5- Disagreement from employees was the major problem that was faced by company
initially while installing digital technology
5. What problems were faced by company initially while
installing digital technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Disagreement from employees 16 53.33%
16
By increasing performance efficiency
Through maximising coordination
By introducing automation
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Lack of awareness 7 23.33%
No advanced devices 7 23.33%
Total 30 100.00%
Interpretation- It has been interpreted that 16 respondents have asserted that
disagreement of employees was major problem during initial phase of installation. As workers
were not aware regarding benefits which they could achieve with utilisation such advanced
technologies. This lead to create obstacles in the path of introducing a change in an organisation.
Also, there were no availability of advanced devices for supporting concept of introducing new
technologies in business.
Theme 6- Effective promotional strategies are adopted for increasing market share through
implementing digital technology
17
Disagreement from employees
Lack of awareness
No advanced devices
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

6. What strategies are adopted for increasing market share
through implementing digital technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Effective promotions 20 66.67%
Maximising service delivery 5 16.67%
Handling more customers 5 16.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Interpretation- It has been analysed that 20 respondents have asserted that effective
promotions are the major strategy which is used by the company for maximising market share in
economy. Apart from this, delivery of services has been maximised which has led to impact
business growth of the firm. Also, organisation is able to handle more customers in an effective
manner which has resulted in increasing customer base. Therefore, more potential buyers are
attracted towards company.
18
Effective promotions
Maximising service delivery
Handling more customers
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Theme 7- Employees are trained for using the latest technologies through Expert Guidance,
Regular training sessions and Conduction of seminars.
7. Employees are trained for using latest technologies through
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Expert Guidance 5 16.67%
Regular training sessions 5 16.67%
Conduction of seminars 6 20.00%
All of the above 14 46.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Interpretation- It has been interpreted that 14 respondents have responded that they are
prepared for using these advanced technologies through providing guidance from experts for
better practical knowledge. Apart from this, regular training sessions as well as seminars are
conducted. With this employee are able to understand new operations and fewer errors occur
19
Expert Guidance
Regular training sessions
Conduction of seminars
All of the above
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

while operating them. Through all these measures workers are made aware regarding every
benefits which can be derived from these advanced technologies.
THEME 8- Support from workers is the special requirement, a company needs while
installing digital technology.
8. What are the special requirements a company needs while
installing digital technology?
Number of
Respondent
Percenta
ge Share
Advanced electronic devices 13 43.33%
Employee support 15 50.00%
Technical Knowledge 2 6.67%
Total 30 100.00%
Interpretation- It has been interpreted that 15 respondents’ states that employee support
is the major needs a company requires while introducing any kind of change in an organisation.
Specially, when an advanced technology has to be installed in the firm. An induction session
20
Advanced electronic devices
Employee support
Technical Knowledge
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

must be conducted in order make them aware regarding every advantages as well as
disadvantages of using these digital technologies in business. Apart from this, electronic devices
must be updated with latest software in order to support such advanced technologies for effective
functioning.
P6. Conclusion and Recommendation
It has been concluded that this project has depicted the impact of digital technology in
supporting innovations well as growth of firm. For this researcher has conducted qualitative
research. This type of investigation has several advantages such as issues or subject that are
covered in depth. Generally, consumer pattern changes timely, it can impact demand of services.
in market. Therefore, with this type of investigation it is very possible for understanding attitudes
and behaviours of buyers very easily. This provides clearance regarding shift of thinking
procedures due to several factors. It is also regarded as a content generator. This approach allows
the researcher for genuine ideas that are needed to be accumulated from particular socio-
economic demographics. Also, it is cost as well as time effective. Qualitative research has
flexibility because in this, scholar seeks for authentic data as well as emotional responses of
respondents through surveys (Dang and Pheng, 2015). It has been included that for introducing a
change company always requires support from employee. Apart from this, training sessions must
be conducted in order to train them for using various new technologies.
On the basis of observed information that has been interpreted, following
recommendation can be applied
 Induction sessions should be conducted in order to make employees aware regarding
benefits of using new technology in firm.
 Latest trends must be acknowledged in order to assess its impact and advantages for
enhancing services
 Feedback must be taken from employees regarding current technology used in the firm so
that one can identify whether there is requirement of changes or not.
7 Reflecting of own performance in attaining research
Research has to be conducted with various information in hand so that proper outcome
can be attained in a better way. I've been able to complete research on the topic impact of digital
technology supporting small business growth and innovation on Continental Consultancy
21

Limited. Digital technology has been earmarked business with enormous benefits and is required
that organisation should effectively implement it so as to attain profits from it. Project is made on
the base that researcher must possess skills, abilities, capabilities to ascertain outcome of
research quite effectually. I've learnt communication skills which are required in order to collect
primary data from respondents. My skills are sharpened enough and furthermore; my data
analytical skills are also enhanced. I'm able to easily analyse data collected through
questionnaires and by applying thematic analysis for producing outcome.
Main objective behind choosing this topic was to assess whether small business is
influenced by digital technology or not. In relation to this, digital technology has greater impact
on business. On the other hand, interpretivism research philosophy is being applied in order to
make analysis of facts gathered by me and data is assessed keeping in mind objective of research
quite effectively. Research design is schema of project which outlines well-structured steps to be
taken for giving proper direction to research and as a result, exploratory research design is
applied to carry out final outcome in a proper way. Moreover, quantitative technique is
implemented which has helped me to complete project in a timely manner. Hence, overall I'm
learnt a lot from this research and in future will apply more focus on methods, techniques and
tools to attain better conclusion.
M3 Making evaluation of selection of tools and techniques
Major tools and techniques which are used for this investigation is Thematic Analysis.
Under this, several themes are made on the data derived from conducted survey among
employees of the firm (Fletcher, 2017). These themes are represented through graphical
representation under which all the information is conveyed as well as interested for formulating
an associated theory. Where themes depict a particular level of patterned responses or meaning
from data which is related to questions in research.
M4 Presenting value of project management process
The process of project management includes several aspects such as identification of
inventories, establishment of clear as well as achievable objectives, balancing among competing
demands from numerous stakeholders and also ensuring achievement of commonality of a
purpose. It is considered to be scientific and structure approach for practising management of an
organisation (Taylor, Bogdan and DeVault 2015). This process formulates scheduling of every
22

task according to their priorities and the deadline which is assigned to the complete project. With
this one can have clear objectives as well as focus for proceeding further and also provides
project planning in a realistic manner. Also, quality of every process can be controlled
effectively as well as identifying every risk which is associated with project and instant
eradication of them.
23

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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continuity and change. In Long-term field studies of primates (pp. 261-287). Springer,
Berlin, Heidelberg.
Alvesson, M. and Sköldberg, K., 2017. Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative
research. Sage.
Billig, S. H. and Waterman, A. S. eds., 2014. Studying service-learning: Innovations in
education research methodology. Routledge.
Choy, L. T., 2014. The strengths and weaknesses of research methodology: Comparison and
complimentary between qualitative and quantitative approaches. IOSR Journal of
Humanities and Social Science. 19(4). pp.99-104.
Dang, G. and Pheng, L. S., 2015. Research methodology. InInfrastructure Investments in
Developing Economies (pp. 135-155). Springer, Singapore.
Fletcher, A. J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 20(2). pp.181-194.
Fletcher, A. J., 2017. Applying critical realism in qualitative research: methodology meets
method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology. 20(2). pp.181-194.
Hollway, W., 2018. The importance of relational thinking in the practice of psycho-social
research: Ontology, epistemology, methodology, and ethics. In Object relations and social
relations (pp. 137-161). Routledge.
Humphries, B., 2017. Re-thinking social research: anti-discriminatory approaches in research
methodology. Routledge.
Lancaster, K., 2017. Confidentiality, anonymity and power relations in elite interviewing:
conducting qualitative policy research in a politicised domain. International Journal of
Social Research Methodology. 20(1). pp.93-103.
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