Project Management Knowledge and Skills

This assignment delves into the crucial role of project management knowledge and skills in contemporary settings. It examines various aspects of project management, including traditional methodologies like critical chain project management, building information modeling (BIM), and cloud computing's impact on project delivery. Furthermore, the assignment highlights the importance of adapting to a digitalized world by incorporating digital strategy and capabilities for successful project execution in diverse industries.

Managing a
successful business
project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 2............................................................................................................................................1
P4 Research with help of various research methods..............................................................1
M2 Accuracy and reliability of various research methods.....................................................7
D1 Project management process and research methods.........................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................7
P6 Recommendations...........................................................................................................17
P7 Self reflection .................................................................................................................18
M3 Selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy...........................................18
M4 Value of project management to meet stated objectives................................................19
D2 Reflection on project outcomes......................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
Today, every business enterprise utilise technology in to complete its business operations.
One of the main benefit of this is that it help in provide better services to customers and help in
retain them for a long time period (Awais Ahmad Tipu and Manzoor Arain, 2011). Use of digital
technology provide an opportunity ton firms to do marketing of its products and
PART 2
P4 Research with help of various research methods
Market research forms an integral part in the success of a company. It is because it helps
in gathering and analysing information related to customers needs , preferences, business
competitors, prevailing market conditions ,government policies etc. On the basis of which a
company make necessary alterations in its present strategies as well as take accurate decisions on
its future course of actions. Thus, by catering needs of its consumers it becomes able to maintain
and enhance its market share , growth and productivity. IKEA is a multinational retail brands
that deals in various types appliances, furnitures and home accessories. Mentioned below are the
two types of research modes that can be adopted by the firm for collecting requisite data and
information: -
 Qualitative research – This type of research is concerned with gathering historical data
and analysing it to evaluate behaviour, attitude, thinking, approaches of a firm. There are
various other types of data that are collected in various geographical boundaries on basis
on specific components comprising religion, name, community, culture, tradition etc.
 Quantitative research – The data collected in this type of research is in the form of
numerics (Basu, 2014). This is one of the most critical yet effective type of research as it
requires data to be gathered from various sources like surveys, research and mathematical
analysis and to efficiently examine that information in order to reveal performance of its
business structure. These researches are easy to understand and analyse as it includes
data representation through charts.
 Primary research – It comprises first hand information that is collected by the
researcher on a particular subject for the first time. Primary research requires lot of time
and expertise to understand and evaluate the findings. It is generally consists of data
collected for forecasting demand for new and potential market where the firm is not
1

having any previous business experience and therefore there is uncertainty about firms
growth and efficiency of its product and services in that market.
 Secondary research – This research consists of data that has already been gathered and
studied by other researchers or by company itself. A company refers to such data in order
to further analyse this information in order to develop better understanding of firms
activities and to find out ways of further enhance its performance to generate more and
higher revenues in its future business prospects (Geraldi and Lechter, 2012).
In completion of this assignment, there has been choose 70 respondents who are the local
people of UK and regular customers of IKEA. All these people helps firm to make imperative
decisions while implementing digital technologies in business process. Following is defined
questionnaire method which has been chosen for completion of this research, such as -
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name
Age
Gender -
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business activities?
A. Agree
B. Disagree
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies
C. Enables continuous transformation
Q3. Can IKEA have chances of getting global by adopting digital technology sector and
innovation in it?
A. Yes
B. No
Q4. Which kind of digital tools and techniques are acquired by retailing companies to
promote their products and services over the market?
A. Social media
B. E-mail
2

C. Search Engine Optimization
Q5. What are the benefits for employees in implementation of digitalisation?
A. Freely transformation of information
B. Increase growth opportunities
C. Improve performance criteria
Q6. What are the advantages for HR department of digitalisation?
A. Provide training and development
B. Recruitment and selection
C. Performance management
Q7. Is digitalisation also improves quality of existing products and services of the company?
A. Yes
B. No
Q8. What types of processes should acquire by IKEA for competition of its operations?
A. Traditional methods
B. Modern methods
Q9. Are you satisfied with products and services of the company?
A. Yes
B. No
Q10. Recommendation to ensure digitalisation effectively in an organisation_____________
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation: IKEA
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Managing Business
Successful
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?
Comments
All task that was given ton me
for identify transformation of
business activities with help of
digital technology.
3

Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
Did you need to make any changes
to your project management
plan?
Yes
Yes, I have completed all my
tasks as per the time allocate.
Yes, so many changes take
place during formulation of
project management plan.
Any risks and / or issues
identified?
 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, I have faced issues such
as lack of ineffective
communication, lack of time
and financial resources.
Most of the respondents are
customer.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome
them?
Lack of financial resources and
time.
I have attended several
seminars and group activities.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
From require to offer proper
training and development
programmes
4

What Have I learnt about myself
this week?
 How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
So , I was not afraid of the
problems that were coming in
my way during completion of
project.
I tried to give my best.
I need to improve my
communication and
interpersonal skills.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
I require to develop and follow
a time management plan.
Yes, I have kept few days so I
can deal with any kind of
change and contingency.
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
Up to date
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and
date:
5

Template for Performance Review
Template to be attached with the
report by the learner:
 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
The present assignment is relies upon determining the impact of
digitalisation upon business organisations, i.e. IKEA and how it
influence working activities and processes of the firm.
 Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment
undertaken.
Yes, the project has achieved its aim which states that how digital
technologies can helps in gaining growth and development for
the company.
 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.
While completion of this project I assigned all working activities with a
proper time framework; it provides right way to do things in better
manner.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
Yes, several problems are being occurred while collecting and
information from customers. Another problem is lack of money.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I got to know regarding their several software which utilized by IKEA
to do all tasks in the best possible manner.
 How would you rate your performance as a management
consultant leading the project?
8.5 out of 10.
 What strengths and weakness of your performance did you
identify?
My main strength is to have strong communication skills whereas
lack of research knowledge and low confidence is my major
weakness.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
6

For this, I have to do proper communication with all employees
and subordinates Those individuals who are dealing and working
with me as well in favour and support me so they can also
carrying out along with the entire project functions in their
correct way and direction for getting decrease their hesitation so
they can talk with the fresh individual by considering with the
more confident.
M2 Accuracy and reliability of various research methods
Various research methods are there that can be utilise by a researcher to carry out
research or to complete the whole study (Harish and Kumar, 2014). Every research method has
its own benefit, cost and advantage so it is very essential for researcher to analyse all these
elements before choose a final method to complete the research. When researcher choose a right
method to complete the research then in only help in draw valid conclusion but at the same time
support in find an effective solution of research problem and also serve as a evidence for future
research. Right research method help in collect and analyse more accurate information related
with main topic of research.
D1 Project management process and research methods
If enterprise wants to execute or complete a specific project then various activities are
perform by its employees. As per the point views of Hwang and Ng, 2013, it is very important
that every activity require to be complete in time and firm should have all the resources to
complete the project. Manager can prepare a project management consists time and resources
require to complete the research. This also help in utilise all resources at an optimum level and
bring efficiency in business process. In addition to this, to increase effectiveness of whole
project, it is very important for researcher to select an effective research method.
TASK 3
P5 Data Analysis
Thematic analysis:
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business
activities?
A. Agree 60
7

B. Disagree 10
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency 45
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies 15
C. Enables continuous transformation 10
Q3. Can IKEA have chances of getting global by adopting
digital technology sector and innovation in it?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
Q4. Which kind of digital tools and techniques are acquired
by retailing companies to promote their products and services
over the market?
A. Social media 40
B. E-mail 20
C. Search Engine Optimization 10
Q5. What are the benefits for employees in implementation of
digitalisation?
A. Freely transformation of information 50
B. Increase growth opportunities 5
C. Improve performance criteria 15
Q6. What are the advantages for HR department of
digitalisation?
A. Provide training and development 20
B. Recruitment and selection 35
C. Performance management 15
8

Q7. Is digitalisation also improves quality of existing products
and services of the company?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
Q8. What types of processes should acquire by IKEA for
competition of its operations?
A. Traditional methods 30
B. Modern methods 40
Q9. Are you satisfied with products and services of the
company?
A. Yes 60
B. No 10
Q10. Recommendation to ensure digitalisation effectively in
an organisation_____________
Data analysis: -
Theme 1: Impact of digitalisation on business activities and processes.
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business
activities?
A. Agree 60
B. Disagree 10
9

Interpretation: - According to the above market research, it get concluded that
digitalisation plays a vital role in growth and success of every business association. It supports
firms to attain their goals and objectives in the best possible manner. In addition to this, digital
processes helps in boost efficiency of working activities or tasks. Thus, there are over 60
participants agreed with this statement whereas 10 are totally disagree with this.
Theme 2: Benefits of digitalisation for business entities.
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency 45
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies 15
C. Enables continuous transformation 10
10
A. Yes B. No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
60
10
Column B

Interpretation – As the above graphical presentation, it get analysed that digitalisation has
several benefits for IKEA in respect of attaining high growth opportunities in a certain time
period. Thus, with the viewpoint of 45 participants digital tools increases team efficiency and
effectiveness so that employees can perform in well being manner. Apart from this, 15 states that
it expand effectiveness of process automation techniques which can facilitate operations or
production. Whereas remaining 10 are in favour that digital tools enable continuous
transformation.
Theme 3: Significance of digital technologies in global market
Q3. Can IKEA have chances of getting global by adopting
digital technology sector and innovation in it?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
11
A. Social media B. Websites C. Telephones
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Column B

Interpretation – As per the market research, it is assessed that if IKEA uses digital tools
then it will get chances to explore at global level and bring so many innovation in its working
processes. There are over 50 respondents are in favour of this statement whereas 20 are totally
disagree with this.
Theme 4: Types of digital tools and techniques by retailing organisation.
Q4. Which kind of digital tools and techniques are acquired
by retailing companies to promote their products and services
over the market?
A. Social media 40
B. E-mail 20
C. Search Engine Optimization 10
12
50
20
A. Yes
B. No.

Interpretation – As per the above diagram it get evaluated that various digital techniques
are adopted by several firms in order to promote their products and services. In which 40 states
that IKEA is using social media whereas 20 are in favour of e-mail. Apart from this, 10 search
engine optimisation is a good tool of promoting products and services.
Theme 5: Advantages for employees of digitalisation
Q5. What are the benefits for employees in implementation of
digitalisation?
A. Freely transformation of information 50
B. Increase growth opportunities 5
C. Improve performance criteria 15
13
A. Social media B. E-mail C. Search Engine Optimization
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 40
20
10
Column L

Interpretation – According to the above stated graphical presentation, it is assessed that
digitalisation also helps employees in different aspects. In which 50 respondents states that it
helps in free transformation of information within organisation. Apart from this, 5 are in favour
that digitalisation increases growth opportunities whereas 15 states that it improves performance
criteria of IKEA.
Theme 6: Significance of digital tools for HR department
Q6. What are the advantages for HR department of
digitalisation?
A. Provide training and development 20
B. Recruitment and selection 35
C. Performance management 15
14
50
5
15
A. Recent trends
B. Legal laws
C. Competitors

Interpretation: - As per the above diagram it analysed that the main advantage of digitalisation
for HR department is providing training and development to employees with the viewpoint of 20
customers. Apart from this, 35 states that it helps in recruitment and selection process whereas
15 signifies that digitalisation assists in managing performance level of staff members.
Theme 7: Digitalisation improves quality of products and services
Q7. Is digitalisation also improves quality of existing products
and services of the company?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
15
A. Provide training and development
B. Recruitment and selection
C. Performance management
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column B

Interpretation – As per the above graph, digitalisation boost up quality of existing
products and services of IKEA with the opinion of 50 customers whereas 20 are totally disagree
with this statement.
Theme 8: Processes acquired by IKEA for fulfilling its operations
Q8. What types of processes should acquire by IKEA for
competition of its operations?
A. Traditional methods 30
B. Modern methods 40
16
A. Agree B. Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Series1

Interpretation – Several processes are acquired by IKEA for completing business
operations. As per market research, 30 customers preferred that the firm uses traditional methods
whereas 40 states that firm should acquire modern methods of digitalisation.
Theme 9: Customer satisfaction level with goods and services of the company
Q9. Are you satisfied with products and services of the
company?
A. Yes 60
B. No 10
17
30
40
A. Traditional methods
B. Modern methods

Interpretation – As per the above graphical presentation, it get analysed that 60 customers
are totally satisfied with products and services of IKEA whereas 10 states that company needs to
make certain improvements in its offerings.
P6 Recommendations
After evaluating the whole information, it has been recommended to IKEA that adoption
of technology in activities and operation of firm makes its functioning more easy. Market
research is also needs to be conducted by company so that needs, tastes and preferences of
customers can be determined. Identification of consumer requirements assists firm in satisfying
those in an effective and successful manner. Training and development programmes should also
be organised by IKEA for its employees so that they get opportunity for developing their skills
and capabilities. It also assists in enhancing their knowledge regarding diverse areas and leads to
the personal as well as professional development of individual.
Development of skills and abilities of workforce enables them to perform their duties in
more effective and efficient manner. It supports in improving productivity as well as profits of
18
A. Yes B. No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
60
10
Column B

company and leads it towards high success and long term growth. In addition to this, it is also
recommended to firm to formulate effective strategies and policies and also develops some
tactics for successful implementation of those. It administers high competitive advantage to
company in market over its rivals and also helps in gaining attention of large group of customers.
Management is also advised to involve their staff members in meeting and provide them
opportunity to express their ideas and suggestions which in turns helps managers in taking
effective decisions.
Apart from this, cloud technology should be adopted by IKEA in order to save and store
data and information related to customers and activities and functioning of firm. It helps in
increasing effectiveness of firm and provides it competitive advantage in terms of flexibility,
increased storage capacity of data as well as reduce costs. In addition to this, cloud technology
facilitates in making proper utilization of existing resources and reduce redundancy of data. The
major advantage that company gets by using this tool is that it keeps the data related to past or
store its back up so that whenever it firm requires it, they easily get that data. This data helps in
improving process of decision making by managers. Moreover, Cloud computing entails about
the resources like hardware and software and ensure its availability on Internet as managing
third-party services, i.e., Netflix. Such services rely on modern software applications as well as
high-end networks system of server computers.
P7 Self reflection
At the time of doing this research, I realized that the major aim and objective behind
preparing this project is to ascertain the effectiveness of its activities and tasks. In addition to
this, several factors are there which affects my research. The major factor involves cost and time
that highly influence my research. By doing this project, I gets to know the significance of using
digital technology in retail stores an the way in which it assists in expanding business. Certain
activities are also ascertained by me regarding how to prepare report and way of arranging
orderly business venture.
M3 Selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy
Different tools and techniques are there which can be utilise by researcher to complete
the research. Quantitative research method is an effective one which help investigator to
maintain accuracy in research work but it is very essential that right statistical tool should be use
by research worker to analyse the information (Verzuh, 2015). One of the main benefit of this is
19

that it increase effectiveness of final outcome and also provide evidence how to deal with the
same problem in future. A range of statistical tools are there that can be utilise by the manager
of IKEA in order to bring and maintain accuracy in whole research.
M4 Value of project management to meet stated objectives
Activities execute or carry out researcher play a big role in success and growth of whole
project. In order to achieve set goals and objectives, it bis very essential that all activities should
be complete in time as this save time and cost of researcher. Another benefit of this is that it help
in attain final goals of research. In this context, a project management plan can be develop and
utilise by researcher as this help in complete whole project in time (Leach, 2014).
D2 Reflection on project outcomes
Project outcome is known as the final results or what a researcher get after execute all
activities in time. By complete the research I found that digital technology increase effectiveness
of various activities perform by a business organisation. This help manger in collect and store
huge amount of information in an effective manner this increase effectiveness of decision
making process. With effective use of digital technology, IKEA can provide better services to its
customers and at the same time can get a competitive benefit. In this way, company can attain its
set goals and business objectives.
CONCLUSION
From the above given project report, it can be concluded that implementation of digital
technology boost up the process of business and help in attain set business goals and objectives.
One of the main benefit of utilise digital technology is that it increase effectiveness of marketing
and help in attract more customers towards company's product. With help of this IKEA can get
competitive benefit and can sustain in market for long run. For make the project more successful,
manager of firm can formulate a plan contain time and resources require to complete the
research in this way all resources can be utilise at an optimum level.
20