Self-Assessment Report and Performance Review

This assignment requires the student to write a self-assessment report and performance review of a project. The report should include details about the project's objectives, the student's role and responsibilities, and their achievements and challenges. The performance review section should evaluate the student's performance as a manager and identify areas for improvement. The student is also expected to provide a summary of what they have learned from the project and how it will inform their future professional development.

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 risk................2
P3. Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart in order to set time frames and offer different
stages of project...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.......4
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and tools.......................................8
P6 Recommendation.................................................................................................................15
P7 Reflection on understanding research..................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Due to intense competition, every organisation tends to introduce latest technologies in
business for improving performance and working practices. By adding digitalisation within
system and practices, help a firm in generating more innovative products. It would give them
various tools and techniques like cloud computing through which an association can keep data or
information in more secure manner (Gupta, Seetharaman and Raj, 2013). A project has been
prepared on analysing the significance of digital and cloud technologies on business of
organisations. In this regard, Talent Plus has been taken which deals in small sector. This
consultancy company wants to keep confidential information in adequate manner. Therefore, it is
required to implement cloud technology in system. For this assistance, major aims and objectives
have been disclosed in first part, with a management plan. Along with this, concept of Work
Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart techniques also described with some recommendation for
this company.
TASK 1
P1. Objectives and aims of project
Today in digital world, organisations much rely on tools and technologies of
digitalisation. As it will help in conducting operational activities in more easy manner. In order
to win competitive advantage, most enterprises whether big or small, concern more on
implementing high innovative technologies (Standing, Tang-Taye and Boyer, 2014). It would
help them in maintaining flow of operational activities in high effective manner. By
implementing cloud technology in business, a firm can develop effectiveness and efficiency in
customer satisfaction. Cloud computing consists remote server network rather than personal
computer for storing and processing data.
As Talent Plus Company of UK is chosen in this project for ascertaining the significance
of cloud technology in business. It is an international recognised consulting organisation and has
conducted more than 6 million interviews and assessment in various companies for providing
best candidates in their workplace. The major responsibility of management of this firm is data
security (Chang, Walters and Wills, 2013). Therefore, for this process, it is necessary for Talent
Plus to implement cloud technology in business which provides digital tools for storing data in
confidential manner.
1

Background of research
Cloud computing is regarded as main element of digitalisation which integrates a firm to
develop as well as maintain a good relationship with customers (Morrison, 2013). This will lead
a company towards next level and makes able to attain fruitful result by improving its
performance. In today's competitive world, it is necessary for an organisation to maintain
business and personal information of customers in confidential manner. Talent Plus deals in
consultancy sector and provide candidates to other companies of UK as per their requirement. It
was established in 1989 and currently has near about 400 clients in 20 countries. Along with this,
it conducts interviews of candidates in more than 30 languages (Bizirgianni and Dionysopoulou,
2013). For recruitment process, this firm needs to store large amount of data therefore, it requires
to implement cloud technology in workplace. It will help in storing and manipulating flow of
information in appropriate manner.
Aim: “To evaluate the importance of cloud technology in manipulating and storing a data within
an organisation. A case study based on Talent Plus”
Objectives:
 To determine the importance of digital tools within Talent Plus
 To evaluate significance of cloud technology for storage of data and sharing information. To ascertain influence of digitalisation on productivity and performance of business.
Research questions:
 What are the major importance of digital tools within Talent Plus?
 How to evaluate significance of cloud technology for storage of data and sharing
information?
 How to ascertain influence of digitalisation on productivity and performance of business?
P2. Project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost, quality and risk
Project management refers as an application of skills, knowledge, tools and techniques
which are applied on activities for meeting its requirements. It is also states as a process which
includes planning, way to put the same into action as well as measuring its progress
(Benckendorff, Sheldon and Fesenmaier, 2014). Therefore, to make a project plan, research team
of Talent Plus is required to concern on following points:-
2

Scope of project: It describes what a research wants to achieve and entire working
procedure for generating outcomes. Therefore, scope of cloud-computing for Talent Plus is much
high, it will help in storing and manipulating data in more safe manner (Brettel and et., 2014).
Time: It defines procedure period of a project and entails deadline for completing the
same. In context with Talent Plus, for completing activities of this project by researchers, they
need near about seven months.
Cost: This part of project management plan refers as a budget which includes all
necessary expenses and budget for completing a research (Dickinson and et. al., 2014). Thus,
project team of Talent Plus require near about 500 pounds
Quality: It can be defined as a combination of criteria and standards through which
outcomes of a project deliver in effective manner. Thus, researchers are needed to conduct
overall activities of project in appropriate way and keep an eye of performance of team members
so that quality can be maintained.
Risk: This aspect can be stated as potential of external events which may impact on
project in negative manner. Thus, while conducting this project, potential of occurrence of risks
are high.
P3. Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart in order to set time frames and offer different
stages of project
For completing a project on time, it is required by managers of Talent Plus to understand
concept of Work Breakdown structure and Gantt chart. It will help in generating higher
outcomes of data. Techniques of both data can be described in following manner:-
Work Break-down Structure (WBS): As per PMBOK (Project Management Body of
Knowledge), this technique can be stated as a process of distributing major activities of a into
small fragments (Del Chiappa and Baggio, 2015). These manageable segments are helpful in
completing a task in pre-determined period of time. Along with this, risk of failure is also
reduces by using WBS technique.
Gantt chart- This tool is interlinked with WBS system as activities which are segmented
by it, can be set in proper time framework. Gantt Chart was by Henry L. Gantt which reflects
time required by each fragmented part of a task. Therefore, by using this technique, a research
team can completed a task before deadline.
3

TASK 2
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
In general, there are two types of research is made i.e. either qualitative or quantitative.
In this regard, qualitative research is considered as best method for gathering a data. It is based
on theoretical and verbal part of data in which interpretation can be done in subjective manner.
While quantitative research refers to a structured way for collecting information in numerical
manner (Egger, 2013). According to objectives, this project is based on qualitative research so
that perception of targeted customers can be evaluated appropriately.
For gathering information, project team of a company can use following methods of
research also:-
4

Primary: Under primary research, investigators can collect data by using various
methods like field trails, survey or questionnaires, interviews, mailing and so on. Therefore, as
per objective and budget, a firm can choose best techniques of primary research (Lian, Yen and
Wang, 2014). For this process, project makers are required to format a proper questionnaire
through which they can analyse different perceptions of people.
Secondary: As primary source takes much time and cost for conducting a research
properly, therefore, there is an another method exist which consumes less period. It is secondary
research method by which a project maker can evaluate different perceptions of people through
published data. These types of data are available on internet, newspaper, literature books,
magazines and more. All these sources provide informations instantly as per objective of a
project (Lo and et. al., 2011). But in terms of reliability, this method doesn't appropriate
outcomes as compared to primary source.
For conducting a research on significance of cloud technology for Talent Plus in proper
manner, research team of this company use questionnaire method of primary source. It will help
in evaluating the perceptions of people on effectiveness of cloud computing within an
organisation. With this assistance, they choose a sample of 50 respondents from targeted
customers.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Q1) Is cloud computing beneficial for storage and process of confidential data
of information within Talent Plus?
Frequency
 Yes 38
 No 12
Q2) Which tools and techniques beneficial for Talent Plus in storing and
manipulating data?
Frequency
 External Storage Service Provider 10
5

 Internal Storage Frame Work 10
 Cloud Computing 30
Q3) Which division of Talent Plus mostly used cloud technology for
accomplishment of working activities?
Frequency
 Management and Operation 10
 Information Technology Department 12
 HR Department 18
 Production Department 10
Q4) Does digital tools or cloud computing reduce workload pressure on
employees of Talent Plus?
Frequency
 YES 30
 NO 20
Q5) What is major benefits gained by organisations by usage of Cloud
Technology?
Frequency
 Higher Efficiency 12
 Less Work Load 18
 Cost Reduction 20
Q6) Who will mostly affect by implementation of cloud computing within Frequency
6

Talent Plus
 Customers 15
 Employees 18
 Suppliers 12
 Share Holders 5
Q7) What is main cause behind implementing cloud technology for storing and
processing confidential data or information?
Frequency
 For minimising pressure of work 20
 For obtaining cost effectiveness 15
 For saving time and cost in outsourcing of information 15
Q8) What is the main significance of digital technology or cloud computing for
development of business of Talent Plus in consultancy sector?
Frequency
 Growth as well as Development in business. 19
 Cloud Solution 11
 Low cost Services to customers 20
Q9) Provide recommendation for creating modification in business of Talent Plus
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8

TASK 3
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and tools
Thematic analysis -
Theme 1: Cloud technology is beneficial for storing and processing information
Q1) Is cloud computing beneficial for storage
and process of confidential data of information
within Talent Plus?
Frequency
A. Yes 38
B. No. 12
Interpretation: As per this graph, it has interpreted that cloud technology is most beneficial for
storing and processing data by Talent Plus. Out of 50 respondents, 38 are in favour of this
statement while rest of them didn't think so.
9
A. Yes B. No.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Column B

Theme 2: Cloud technology is best option for storing and sharing information
Q2). Which tools and techniques beneficial for
Talent Plus in storing and manipulating data?
Frequency
A. External Storage Service Provider 10
B. Internal Storage Frame Work 10
C. Cloud Computing 30
Interpretation: For storing and keeping data in more confidential manner, companies use
various methods like external and internal storage, cloud computing etc. Therefore, with the view
point of targeted customers, it has evaluated that among 50 participants, the major portion of
them i.e. near about 30 have common belief they thought that cloud computing is best option of
storage data. While 10 gives their support to internal storage service provider and remaining ones
are in favour of internal storage frame work.
10
A. External Storage Service Provider
B. Internal Storage Frame Work
C. Cloud Computing
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column B

Theme 3: Cloud technology is mostly used by HR Department of Talent Plus
Q3). Which division of Talent Plus mostly
used cloud technology for accomplishment of
working activities?
Frequency
A. Management and Operation 10
B. Information Technology Department 12
C. HR Department 18
D: Production Department 10
Interpretation: Cloud technology is used by department of a company in conducting their
working activities on time. According to views of 50 respondents, it has evaluated that 18 of
them believe that this technique is mostly beneficial for HR Department in storing personal data
of recruiters. Other than this, 12 think that it is mostly used by IT Division of Talent Plus for
processing business data. While 10 have common perception that Production Department may
11
A. Management and Operation
B. Information Technology Department
C. HR Department
D: Production Department
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column B

used this technique much. Remaining 10 of them are in support with Management and
Operation.
12

Theme 4: Digital tools help in reducing workload pressure on employees
Q4). Does digital tools or cloud computing
reduce workload pressure on employees of
Talent Plus?
Frequency
A. Yes 30
B. No 20
Interpretation: From this mentioned graph, it has evaluated that cloud technologies or digital
tools help in reducing workload pressure on employees of Talent Plus. Out of 50 respondents, 30
users are in favour of this statement while 20 are in against of the same.
13
A. Yes B. No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Column B

Theme 5: Cloud technology helps in reducing cost
Q5).What is major benefits gained by
organisations by usage of Cloud Technology?
Frequency
A. Higher Efficiency 12
B. Less Work Load 18
C. Cost Reduction 20
Interpretation: From this above graph, it has evaluated that 20 respondents from 50, are
believed that cloud technology helps a firm in reducing cost. Whereas 18 users think that it is
helpful in reducing workload pressure. Rest of them support to higher efficiency for the same.
14
A. Higher Efficiency B. Less Work Load C. Cost Reduction
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Column B

Theme 6: Cloud technology helps in reducing cost
Q6). Who will mostly affect by
implementation of cloud computing within
Talent Plus
Frequency
A. Customers 15
B. Employees 18
C. Suppliers 12
D. Shareholders 5
Interpretation: As per this graph, it has analysed that from 50 users, 18 have same perception
that implementation of cloud technology affect employees much as they need to take training
first for operating on new system. While 15 users support to customers as it will help in keeping
their personal data more secure and safe. Apart from this, 12 participants are in favour with
suppliers whereas rest of them go with shareholders.
15
A. Customers B. Employees C. Suppliers D. Shareholders
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column B

Theme 7: Company use cloud technology mostly for reducing workload
Q7). What is main cause behind implementing
cloud technology for storing and processing
confidential data or information?
Frequency
A. For minimising pressure of work 20
B. For obtaining cost effectiveness 15
C. For saving time and cost in outsourcing of
information
15
Interpretation: It has interpreted from this graph that a firm uses cloud technology for various
purposes. As per 20 respondents from 50, they believe that company use this technique for
reducing workload pressure whereas 15 are in favour with cost effectiveness. Other than this, rest
15 users think that to save time and cost in outsourcing process, a firm uses cloud-computing
technique.
16
0
6
12
18
Column B

Theme 8:
Q8). What is the main significance of digital
technology or cloud computing for
development of business of Talent Plus in
consultancy sector?
Frequency
A. Growth as well as Development in business 19
B. Cloud Solution 11
C. Low cost services to customers 20
Interpretation: As per this graph, it has interpreted that development and growth of business is
major significance of digital technology according to 19 respondents from 50. While 20 have
faith in low cost to customers.
P6 Recommendation
As per this project, it has evaluated that there are different ways by which a company can
store its data. For storing data within premises, it is required by a firm to make a large investment
17
A. Growth as well as Development in business
B. Cloud Solution
C. Low cost services to customers
0
4
8
12
16
20
Column B

to keep in secure manner. As Talent Plus deals in small sector therefore, it is not possible for this
organisation to invest on the same. But if same think will not be done then this firm will incur
extra expenses which may affect budget in future context. Thus, it has recommended to
management of Talent Plus to introduce digital technology like cloud computing in premises. It
will incur less cost or one time investment which helps in keeping information more safely.
Along with this, it is also required by managers of this firm to develop new policies and
strategies for implementation of new technologies in successful manner.
P7 Reflection on understanding research
In this project, various theoretical perceptions are ascertained by me which is more
important for future purposes. I have faced various issues while conducting this report and learnt
different things also which help me in making future projects more effective. It includes how to
work with such people in a team who have different thoughts and perceptions. Along with this, it
also helps in utilising resources which are available in less quantity for making a project more
effective. For achievement of objectives on time, I have evaluated that it is necessary for project
makers to use Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart. It will help in dividing major activities of a
project into small segments in a time frame.
Apart from theoretical part, I have learnt two major things which aids me to face different
problems and resolve them on time. It includes cloud computing technology which is used in
understanding versatile techniques of web-based system. It will help in storing and processing
data more quickly. Through this report, second thing that I have understand is how to manipulate
a data and give interpretation on it in proper manner.
CONCLUSION
From this given report it has been concluded that in today's modern era, it has become
essential for all firms to turn their business into digitalisation. It will help them in conducting
operational activities in much easy manner. Digitalisation give various tools and techniques
through a company can conduct operational activities in effective way. It includes cloud
computing which assist a firm in keeping information and personal data in more confidential
manner. It gives various benefits to them as well like reducing workload from employees,
minimising cost effectiveness and more through which an organisation can attain growth and
development of business.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Lo, I. S. and et. al., 2011. Tourism and online photography. Tourism management. 32(4).
pp.725-731.
Egger, R., 2013. The impact of near field communication on tourism. Journal of Hospitality and
Tourism Technology. 4(2). pp.119-133.
Del Chiappa, G. and Baggio, R., 2015. Knowledge transfer in smart tourism destinations:
Analyzing the effects of a network structure. Journal of Destination Marketing &
Management. 4(3). pp.145-150.
Dickinson, J. E. and et. al., 2014. Tourism and the smartphone app: Capabilities, emerging
practice and scope in the travel domain. Current Issues in Tourism. 17(1). pp.84-101.
Benckendorff, P. J., Sheldon, P. J. and Fesenmaier, D. R., 2014.Tourism information technology.
Cabi.
Bizirgianni, I. and Dionysopoulou, P., 2013. The influence of tourist trends of youth tourism
through social media (SM) & information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences. 73. pp.652-660.
Morrison, A. M., 2013. Marketing and managing tourism destinations. Routledge.
Standing, C., Tang-Taye, J. P. and Boyer, M., 2014. The impact of the Internet in travel and
tourism: A research review 2001–2010. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing. 31(1).
pp.82-113.
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.
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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 a research project
on significance of cloud technology
on operations of organisation.
Yes
Yes, I have completed overall
activities of task on deadline.
No, I didn't need to do any
modification during project
management plan.
Any risks and / or issues identified?
20

 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, various risk factors are arise during
collection of data.
Yes, I have ascertained various additional issues
like working in group with such persons have
different perception and utilisation of minimum
budget.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Under this project, team and cost management
are some main problems which I have faced.
To reduce these issues I had taken some training
session under professionals.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
By conducting this research, I have understand
the concept of Work Breakdown Structure and
Gantt Chart which helps in completing a project
on time.
21

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 searching new ways through which I
can resolve problems on time.
Yes
In this present project, I have performed well and
concern more on delivering high quality of the
same.
After completing this project, I have evaluated
that I need to do some improvement in my
technicals skills.
By developing technical skills, I can become
more able to conduct a research in efficient
manner.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
After completing this research, I will give
priority to such project which are based on
technical research.
No, I haven't enough time to complete this
project on deadline.
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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:
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