Managing a Successful Business Project Objectives and Aims

Managing a Successful Business
Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Objectives and aims of project.........................................................................................1
P2. Project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost, quality and communication
................................................................................................................................................2
P3. Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart in order to set time frames and offer different
stages of project......................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies..6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and toolsP6. Recommendation for
draw conclusions....................................................................................................................9
P6 Recommendation on project management......................................................................16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................17
P7 Reflection on understanding research.............................................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
Today technology has developed in rapid manner which aids organisations in operating
their business in more easy and systematic manner. In UK and rest part of the world, business of
small companies are enhancing more as compared to large enterprises. Transforming
digitalisation into working system aids business owners of small associations to manufacture
products in less costs and time as well as it reduces wastage of production also. In this manner, it
is required by companies to introduce cloud computing in business which helps in preventing
data from loss or theft. In this regard, a report has been prepared on evaluating the impact of
digital technologies on business of small companies (Lian, Yen and Wang, 2014). For this
process, Continental Consulting Limited of UK has been taken who wants to implement new
technology in business like cloud computing. The main aims and objectives of this project has
been disclosed along with a management plan. In addition to this, Gantt chart and work break
down structure with some recommendation is also given in further part.
TASK 1
P1. Objectives and aims of project
Digitalisation change way of conducting business of enterprise like mobile technologies
help them in staying connect with customers. In addition to this, cloud computing, market
segmentation, connectivity and more aids managers in building a continuous supply chain. It
helps in making connection with different suppliers of the world through which productivity of
business can be increased.
In context with Continental Consulting Limited, this company deals in consultancy sector
has headed by Mario Bindas (Chang, Walters and Wills, 2013). It has an expert team of 22
members who contributed their entire efforts in enhancing business adequately. There members
are highly experienced and skilled who help this organisation in making decisions related to
adoption of technology. Currently this firm wants to introduce cloud technology which helps
administration in effective filling, sharing information as well as storage the same in proper
manner. Cloud technology provide various benefits to companies like allowing workers to work
in more flexible manner, accessing to automate updates and more.
Topic: How digital technology help small enterprises in enhancing growth and innovation of
business.
1

Background of research
Digital technology is used to reshape entire business structure of a company as well as
change all aspects of operational activities. With introducing cloud technology, a firm can move
its business to servers of other companies who can access the same by internet connectivity. This
will result in making variable data packages available without fear of loss (Papadopoulos,
Stamati and Nopparuch, 2013). In addition to this, by using cloud computing, system of
enterprise will regularly updated with latest versions of software. It also upgrade server as well
as processing power of system.
Aim: “To analyse the impact of cloud technology in business organisation for sharing
information with others. A case study based on Continental Consulting Limited.”
Objectives:
 To determine the effect of cloud computing on business
 To ascertain impact of cloud computing on human resource who are associated with
business of a company To analyse financial implication of cloud computing
Research questions:
 What are the advantages of using cloud computing in business?
 How cloud technology create an impact on human resource of enterprise?
 How cloud computing affect on consistency of company's budget?
P2. Project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost, quality and communication
Project management refers to the practice of planning, controlling and implementing
work of particular team with motive of achieving goals and objective. A project manager is
required to design proper pattern or blueprint for his team members to accomplish their desired
goals. Every project is formulated for specific period of time and it is the responsibility of the
project manager to project in given time (Gupta, Seetharaman and Raj, 2013). In relation to
Continental Consulting Limited, project manager is concentrating on implementing cloud
technology in their business to improve the usage of software and other application in smooth
way. Cloud technology saves the space of hard disk as it stores whole data on the cloud based
storage. Its easier for the employees to access their information from any place at any time. It is
beneficiary for Continental Consulting Limited as this technology will save their storage space
2

and also improves the working practices of employees. Project management involves various
elements like scope, communication, time, risk, quality and these are described as below:
Scope of project: Cloud technology is internet based service and application which can
be easily operated by the employees are they are habitual of using web based application for their
official work (Agnihotri and et. al., 2012). In context to Continental Consulting Limited, this
technologies is beneficial for improving their working practices as it can be used at any place
where internet is accessible. In this, scope of cloud technology is very vast as it will help the
manager in maintaining records of the employees with security for long duration of time.
Time: For the success of each project, it is important to complete the every task on given
time period. If the assigned work is not implemented on the preset time it will directly affect the
due of the project as well as financial resources (Lin and Chen, 2012). In relation to Continental
Consulting Limited, it is essential for the project manager to analyse the task and set time
according to the work.
Cost: It refers to the availability of financial fund for particular project. Continental
Consulting Limited have to raise fund to execute cloud technology in their firm to improve the
storage problem of the employees as well as manager. Project manager of this project is required
to make appropriate budget to implement this technology in firm.
Quality: It refers to the effectiveness of the project (Cegielski, and et. al., 2012). It is
essential for every project manager to maintain the quality of work while completing it in the
given time period. To attain the quality of the work it is mandatory for project manager to
monitor performance of employees. Implementing quality project is beneficial for the company
in achieving high profitability.
Communication: This term refers to exchange ideas and thoughts to give appropriate
meaning to it. In relation to Continental Consulting Limited, it is necessary to use two way
communication method to implement cloud technology in the work place (Turban and et. al.,
2013). Open communication helps the project manger to guide to discuss the issues and
problems with the team members and find feasible solution by their suggestion.
P3. Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart in order to set time frames and offer different
stages of project
In a project management, it is needed by managers of Continental Consulting Limited to
use some effective tools which aid them in completing all activities in set period of time. It
3

includes Work Breakdown structure and Gantt chart. Procedure of both techniques are
interlinked with each in the following way:-
Work Break-down Structure (WBS): According to Project Management Body of
Knowledge (PMBOK), WBS can be defined as procedure of dividing activities of task into
manageable sections. This tools helps in organising and defining project work in a structural way
which includes work, time duration as well as requirement of costs for each task (Brettel and et.
al., 2014). Thus, by developing WBS, project manager can force team-members to complete
each activity in set duration.
(Source: Work Breakdown Structure, 2018)
Gantt chart- It is given by Henry L. Gantt which shows all tasks of a project which was
divided by WBS tools into visual presentation. It shows overview of duration for activities as
well as inter-dependence of each (Garrison, Wakefield and Kim, 2015). In general, this tool
represents various tasks on vertical bar and time duration of each on horizontal axis. Thus, it
force members associated with project to work in predetermined time through which overall
4
Illustration 1: Work Breakdown Structure

efficiency improves. It provide various benefits like giving clarity of dates, ensures
accountability, easy to understand as well as bring efficiency.
5

In addition to complete a project, it is necessary for researcher of Continental
Consultancy Ltd. to follow following format:
 Problem identification
 Literature review
 Identify main issues
 State and define concept of study
 A sample of respondents whose perception help in conducting project research
 Development plan
 Data collection
 Analysis and review
As per mentioned Gantt Chart, it has revealed that for conducting literature review,
researcher team will take near about 15 days. While for using methodologies to collect relevant
information, they will need approx 28 days. Further, for data collection and analysis, they want
25 and 16 days respectively. Other than this, to make project report after conducting all
activities, 25 days are needed. At last, for final presentation, project-makers need 7 days more.
TASK 2
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
While conducting any research, investigators are used two methods generally that are
qualitative and quantitative. In this context, qualitative research helps them in exploring different
perceptions of targeted customers of a company. While quantitative states how many of them
think equally. Qualitative research aids a firm in analysing thoughts of people in depth manner
and questioning can adapt in more flexibility way. But for this procedure, investigators are
required to take a small size of sample as it is more difficult to generalise large data. In addition
to this, such researchers are needed to possess high skills and knowledge in particular field also.
On the other hand, using quantitative data, project managers can take large sample of data if
need. As comparison, procedure of this method is more easier and faster too. But as result is
based on numerical data, therefore, it gives less detail of perception of people (Davenport, Barth
and Bean, 2012). In context with Continental Consultancy, managers of this firm use both
methods to evaluate what actually customers think.
6

In addition to this, some other methods used by project making team of this firm for
gathering information are:-
Primary: In this research methodology, data is collected directly by investigators. They
use various techniques for gathering information such as interviews, field trails, questionnaires or
surveys and more. Among these methods of primary research, an investigator can opt the best
one as per budget and time. As research is conducted by project team themselves therefore, it
gives more reliable data. But if there is a large size of population then conducting research by
using this kind of method becomes more difficult.
Secondary: In place of conducting research directly, by secondary method investigator
can use gather data easily (Laudon and Laudon, 2016). This method provides them information
which is collected by others and published on different sources like on Google, in literatures,
magazines, books and newspapers etc. Thus, it will consumes less time and money as compared
to primary source. But in case of reliability, secondary method fails to give appropriate result.
In order to conduct proper investigation on evaluating the impact of cloud computing on
business of Continental Consultancy Limited, they use questionnaire format of primary research
method. In this regard, they take a sample from targeted audience of size 80 respondents.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Contact Number:
Q1) What is the main advantage of introducing cloud computing in Continental
Consultancy Limited?
a) Data Backup and storage of data
b) Cost effective and time saving
c) Increase in productivity
d) Powerful server capabilities
Q2) Which model of cloud computing is needed to be used by Continental Consultancy
Limited in business?
a) Public Cloud
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b) Private Cloud
c) Community Cloud
d) Hybrid Cloud
Q3) What is main aspect of providing security by cloud computing?
a) Access Control
b) Authentication and Authorization
c) Identify Management
Q4) Does cloud computing really affect on consistency of budget of Continental
Consultancy Limited?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q5) If cloud technology create an impact on human resource of Continental Consultancy
Limited?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6) What is the main requirement of implementing cloud computing in Continental
Consultancy Ltd.?
a) Managing service level policies
b) Operating system of organization
Q7) What is the exploitation level of cloud computing in Continental Consultancy Ltd.?
a) Low
b) Medium
c) High
Q8) If cloud computing helps Continental Consulting Group in enhancing productivity of
business?
a) Yes
b) No
Q9) Provide necessary recommendation through which Continental Consultancy Group
can increase productivity of business.
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TASK 3
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and toolsP6. Recommendation for
draw conclusions
Theme 1: Main advantage of introducing cloud computing
Question Frequency
Q1) What is the main advantage of introducing cloud computing in
Continental Consultancy Limited?
a) Data Backup and storage of data 20
b) Cost effective and time saving 25
c) Increase in productivity 15
d) Powerful server capabilities 20
Interpretation: The term cloud computing refers to a service where data of a company is
remotely managed, maintained and backed up easily. It helps a firm in preventing from loss of
data as well as allow users to store their data online so that they can access same whenever they
need. It provides various benefits to associations which work on small sector like storing data
easily, using software as a service and more. In this manner, project team of Continental
Consultancy have made a survey on 80 respondents as shown in above graph. It has interpreted
from this graph that among 20 users have common belief in context with advantage of cloud
9
0
10
20
Column B

computing in present firm. They thought that it is more beneficial for data backup and storage of
data. While 25 other respondents from them think that cloud computing is much useful in cost
effectiveness and savage of time related to conduct business operations. Other than this, 15 from
remaining ones have perception that it will increase productivity of organisation. Lastly, 20 users
have same thoughts that it is more powerful server capabilities.
Theme 2: Model of cloud computing
Question Frequency
Q2) Which model of cloud computing is needed to be used by
Continental Consultancy Limited in business?
a) Public Cloud 15
b) Private Cloud 10
c) Community Cloud 15
d) Hybrid Cloud 40
Interpretation: Cloud computing consists four models which are used for enabling on-demand
network access. It includes public, private, hybrid and community model of cloud. In this
context, private cloud model is used by single organisations which have comprised with large
10
a) Public Cloud
b) Private Cloud
c) Community Cloud
d) Hybrid Cloud
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Column B

consumers. Therefore, under this employers are needed to managed and operated entire
operations in own manner. While community cloud is used by specific group of users who have
shared same concerns. In addition to this, public cloud is provisioned for use by all. Hybrid cloud
is a composition of all above infrastructures which enables a firm in accessing data as per
different situation. In this manner, by conducting survey on 80 respondents, it has evaluated that
major portion of people i.e. 40 out of them have believed that hybrid model will give more
benefits to Continental Consultancy. While 10 of them, think that private cloud is better for this
firm. In addition to this, rest of 80 users, belief equally that both public and community model is
helpful.
Theme 3: Main aspect of providing security by cloud computing
Question Frequency
Q3) What is main aspect of providing security by cloud computing?
a) Access Control 35
b) Authentication and Authorization 25
c) Identify Management 20
11
a) Access Control
b) Authentication and Authorization
c) Identify Management
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column B

Interpretation: As cloud computing provides different aspect of security in business like through
identify management, managers can authorises application services easily. Along with this, by
implementing such technology in organisation, employers can allow users to control and access
of another one who wants to enter in cloud environment. It also provide benefits to companies
that only authorised and authenticated people can access data. In this regard, from above mention
graph, it has interpreted that 35 out of 80 users think that accessing control is major aspect of
cloud computing. While, 25 of them believe that it will be more useful in sense of authentication
and authorisation. Other than this, remaining ones that are 20 have said that identifying
management is best security aspect of cloud computing.
Theme 4: Cloud computing really affect on consistency of budget
Question Frequency
Q4) Does cloud computing really affect on consistency of budget of
Continental Consultancy Limited?
a) Agree 55
b) Disagree 25
12
a) Agree b) Disagree
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Column B

Interpretation: Cloud computing creates a large impact on business of a company as to
implement this, employers are needed to give training to employees first. This will help them in
increasing their knowledge and skills require to work on new system. Thus, it would demand
more investment for introducing training program in business which affect finance. After
conducting a survey, it has evaluated from this graph that out of 80 users, major portion of them
that are 55 agree on this statement. While 25 of them didn't think the same as they thought it will
not impact much on budget of company much.
Theme 5: Cloud technology create an impact on human resource
Question Frequency
Q5) If cloud technology create an impact on human resource of
Continental Consultancy Limited?
a) Yes 58
b) No 12
Interpretation: As change in any system of business will impact first on resources like finance,
manpower, production and more. In this regard, it mostly affect performance and working skills
of human resources. Since transforming digitalisation or cloud in business is a technical process
13
a) Yes b) No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Column B

therefore, it is necessary for management of a team to judge whether team-members are able to
work on such system. By conducting survey, it has interpreted that out of 80 respondents, major
proportion of targeted audience believe that cloud computing create a large impact on workers
who are associated with Continental Consultancy. Other than this, rest of them i.e. 12 didn't
believe that it will affect much.
Theme 6: Requirement of implementing cloud computing
Question Frequency
Q6) What is the main requirement of implementing cloud computing
in Continental Consultancy Ltd.?
a) Managing service level policies 42
b) Operating system of organization 38
Interpretation: In order to see requirement of introducing cloud computing in business,
managers of Continental Consultancy has evaluated that it is more needed in managing service
level policies of organisation. It has amended by 42 respondents from 80 users also as shown in
14
a) Managing service level policies
b) Operating system of organization
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Column B

above graph. But rest of them that are near about 38 have different opinion in the same. They
think that operating system of organisation is required much. Thus, it has interpreted that to
manage service level of policies and operational activities, Continental Consulting Group has to
implement cloud technology in business. It will prove in increasing productivity of business as
well as help in carrying out entire operations in proper manner.
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Theme 7: Exploitation level of cloud computing
Question Frequency
Q7) What is the exploitation level of cloud computing in Continental
Consultancy Ltd.?
a) Low 22
b) Medium 33
c) High 25
Interpretation: Cloud computing has changed the entire traditional way of business. It improves
production and operational level of organisation much. It increases speed, efficiencies of
business as well as profitability of company also. In order to see, if implementing this technology
is really helpful, managers of this firm has conducted a survey on sample of 80 respondents. As
per this graph, it has evaluated that 33 of them believe that it exploits on medium level of
business. While 25 of them have common perception that it will majorly affect business. Other
than this, 22 users have said that it doesn't exploit much.
16
a) Low b) Medium c) High
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column B

Theme 8: Cloud computing helps in enhancing productivity of business
Question Frequency
Q8) If cloud computing helps Continental Consulting Group in
enhancing productivity of business?
a) Yes 50
b) No 30
Interpretation: As there is various benefits of implementing cloud computing in business which
increase speed and improves operational level. Therefore, it will enhance productivity of
organisation as well. As per this graph, it has evaluated that out of 80 users, 50 respondents are
agreed with this statement. While 30 of them are thought that it will not effect on business
activities much so productivity level cannot be enhanced much. Thus, through feedback of users,
it has analysed that introducing cloud technology in business, helps Continental Consulting
Group in increasing efficiencies. It will aid this firm in storing large amount of data about
customers' information in secured and confidential manner.
17
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Column B

P6 Recommendation on project management
As Continental Consulting Group deals its business in consultancy sector where large
data of personal information of customers and clients are used for further operations. Therefore,
it is highly recommended to this firm to implement digital technologies in business. Due to
intense competition at marketplace, mostly companies use different-different software to conduct
business operations in rapid manner. Thus, by introducing cloud computing in system,
Continental Company gains advantage form them. As it helps in upgrading system with latest
technologies automatically. It allows workers of this firm to access data anywhere outside
premises of office which increase flexibility of work practices. In addition to this, collaboration
in cloud environment increases efficiencies of business as well. While working on a common
project, team-members can communicate and share information with each other easily by using
cloud technology. Further, it is recommended to this firm that before implementing cloud
technology in business operations, its employers are required to introduce proper amount of
funds first. Through introducing sufficient finance, confidence of managers and other team-
members will increase. It makes them able to conduct research and other operations in well-
mannered way.
TASK 4
P7 Reflection on understanding research
While investigating a project report on whether cloud computing is beneficial in business,
I have discovered that my skills are enhancing more. As main deficiencies of mine before
carrying out this project is time and budget management, therefore, after completing it I have
improved these disabilities. Now I have become more able to complete further projects of
business in systematic manner. I have learnt how different technology can implement in business
by focusing more on cost and time effectiveness. In this project, I have taken a sample of 80
respondents which increases my observation power. Now I am become able to analyse
perception of people easily as well as which aspects change their behaviour. This would help me
in giving suggestion to employers of firm how to improve their system and turn negative
perception of people into positive. Along with this, through working on this certain project, I
have faced various problems due to limited amount of resources. It includes inadequate amount
of cash, due to which to carry primary research, seems to be much hectic. Furthermore, time
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period under which each activity has to be completed, also put a pressure on me and my-team
members. Therefore, whole journey of research process helps me to analyse how to optimise
limited amount of resource and manage time duration as well.
CONCLUSION
From this assignment it has summarised that, to gain efficiency of business, it is required
by employers to implement digitalisation in their organisation. It will help them in conducting
operational activities in more easy manner. By introducing cloud computing in system, they can
prevent business from loss of data as well as store the same in more sequential manner. But
before, implementing this technology, it is needed by managers of a company to prepare a proper
project management plan first. It entails entire activities required to introduce new technology in
business and finance needed for the same.
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REFERENCES
Books & journals
Laudon, K. C. and Laudon, J. P., 2016. Management information system. Pearson Education
India.
Davenport, T. H., Barth, P. and Bean, R., 2012. How'big data'is different. MIT Sloan
Management Review.
Turban, E., and et. al., 2013. Business intelligence: a managerial perspective on analytics.
Prentice Hall, New York.
Cegielski, C. G., and et. al., 2012. Adoption of cloud computing technologies in supply chains:
An organizational information processing theory approach. The International Journal of
Logistics Management. 23(2). pp.184-211.
Lin, A. and Chen, N. C., 2012. Cloud computing as an innovation: Percepetion, attitude, and
adoption. International Journal of Information Management. 32(6). pp.533-540.
Gupta, P., Seetharaman, A. and Raj, J.R., 2013. The usage and adoption of cloud computing by
small and medium businesses. International Journal of Information Management. 33(5).
pp.861-874.
Chang, V., Walters, R. J. and Wills, G., 2013. The development that leads to the Cloud
Computing Business Framework. International Journal of Information Management.
33(3). pp.524-538.
Brettel, M., and et., 2014. How virtualization, decentralization and network building change the
manufacturing landscape: An Industry 4.0 Perspective. International Journal of
Mechanical, Industrial Science and Engineering. 8(1). pp.37-44.
Lian, J. W., Yen, D. C. and Wang, Y. T., 2014. An exploratory study to understand the critical
factors affecting the decision to adopt cloud computing in Taiwan
hospital. International Journal of Information Management. 34(1). pp.28-36.
Papadopoulos, T., Stamati, T. and Nopparuch, P., 2013. Exploring the determinants of
knowledge sharing via employee weblogs. International Journal of Information
Management. 33(1). pp.133-146.
Agnihotri, R., and et. al., 2012. Bringing “social” into sales: The impact of salespeople’s social
media use on service behaviors and value creation. Journal of Personal Selling & Sales
Management. 32(3). pp.333-348.
Garrison, G., Wakefield, R. L. and Kim, S., 2015. The effects of IT capabilities and delivery
model on cloud computing success and firm performance for cloud supported processes
and operations. International Journal of Information Management. 35(4). pp.377-393.
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Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks
achieved (Account for a minimum of
six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task
requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any
changes to your project
management plan?
Comments
I have completed project on impact of
cloud technology on business
operations.
Yes
Yes, I have conducted entire activities
on deadline.
No, I haven't need much for making
alternatives while making project
management plan.
Any risks and / or issues identified?
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 Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required for
undertaking research tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an impact
on the project management
plan?
Yes, risk factors are also arise while collecting
data.
Yes, I have determined some additional risk also
which are related with budget that creates many
issues in completing activities of further
research.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
In this project, team and time management are
some major issues that are faced by me.
To reduce these problems I had taken training
classes so that this problem can be reduced.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
Through analysing impact of cloud technology, I
am become able to give suggestion to company's
management in improving their operational
process.
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What Have I learnt about myself this
week? How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems? Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks? How well have I performed?
What did I contribute? What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning apply
in the future?
It helps in identifying innovative and new ways
which helps in minimising the barriers that
comes while completing project.
Yes
I have performed following project in efficient
and effective manner. In this project, I have
contributed efforts and knowledge.
I have to do some more improvement in my
management skills.
In future, learning can help in making further
project more easily. It makes me more able in
collecting data and interpreting result from that.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
In this, I will give priority to research technique
used in collecting data appropriately.
No, I didn't have sufficient time for completing
this project.
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Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
Up to date
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and
date:
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
This Project was related with impact of digitalisation and cloud technology
which support small organisation in growth and innovation as well.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please
outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes, it is most important to review execution process while completing
project.
3. What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the
project (e.g initial inception, project activities and project outcomes) from a
range of perspectives.
In present project, the things which was performed well are work break
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