Managing a Successful Business Project

This project examines the impact of digital technology on a small business, David Michael & Co., a food flavor manufacturer. It analyzes the use of social media and mobile technology for customer engagement and examines the challenges and benefits of digital transformation. The project includes a project management plan, Gantt chart, and a survey to gather insights from customers. Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students.

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............................................................................................................................................5
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies..5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and tools...................................7
P6. Recommendation ...........................................................................................................15
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................15
P7 Reflection on understanding research.............................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
In today's business environment, digital transformation is considered as most essential
concept which aids a firm in staying competitive. With the growing connectivity among
machines, human resource and more, demand of marketplace is changing rapidly. Therefore, to
keep up and meet demands of customers on time, it is necessary for employers to transform
business into digitalisation. In this context, a report has been prepared to analyse how digital
technology can transform into business. David Michael & Co. has been taken which deals in
food industry. The main aims and objectives of this project has been disclosed in first task on
usage of mobile technology and social media. Other than this, small scale research has been
conducted by gathering information through statistical tools and techniques (Kerzner and
Kerzner, 2017). This assignment also includes a project management plan, Gantt chart and work
break down structure to support research. Further recommendation on whether transforming
digitalisation into business is useful for this company also given.
TASK 1
P1. Objectives and aims of project
Technology has revolutionised for small companies majorly in order to make them able
to keep stay with big industries at same marketplace. Business of small companies are revolving
around technology i.e. from servers to mobile devices. It helps them in developing high
competitive advantages by creating operations using the most appropriate technology. It has
evaluated that main purpose behind integrating technology into business of small enterprises is to
reduce costs of production and operation. Therefore, every business owners use specific software
that enables them to automate functions such as accounting management, record keeping and
payroll etc. In addition to this, employers use technology for creating secure information related
to operation and customers' detail (Hutter and et. al., 2013). It also aids firms in improving
communication process by facilitating various applications like e-mails, websites, social media,
texting and so on.
In context with David Michael & Co. which deals its business in small manufacturing
sector. This firm serves a wide range food flavours i.e. near about 40,000 in worldwide countries
including UK. By implementing digital technology in business, this company can make
connection with various dealers and customers easily.
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Topic: How digital technology can be transformed into business activities.
Background of research
Social media and mobile are considered as the main aspect of information and
communication technology. These digital applications are continuously progressing as well as
creates a benchmark on today's modern business (Goodrich and De Mooij, 2014). These
digitalisation aids small business organisations in improving communications and increasing
productivity as well. In addition to this, it also assists David Michael & Co. in broadening
customer bases by outsourcing business functions.
Aim: “To evaluate the main impact of social media and mobile technology in a small business
organisation for making connection with customers. A case study based on David Michael &
Co.”
Objectives:
 To analyse usage of social media and mobile technology in operational activities
 To determine needs of social media and mobile technology for making interaction with
customers of distant place To identify challenges faced by company while integrating emerging technologies within
business organisation
Research questions:
 What are main usage of social media and mobile technology in operational activities?
 What are the main advantages of usage of mobile technologies in business?
 What are the major challenges faced by company while integrating emerging
technologies within business organisation
P2. Project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost, quality and communication
A project management plan is a formal document which used by management of a
company in managing execution process. This type of documents defines all major activities
which are needed to be done for completing a project (The Project Management Plan (PMP).
2015). It also states the way a project is going to be executed, monitored as well as controlled
and closed by research team. Therefore, before integrating emerging technologies within
business organisation, it is required by managers of SME to develop a management plan in
adequate way by looking out different components. It includes project's scope, time, quality and
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risk which create a major impact on business. In terms of David Michael & Co., a project
management plan for this firm is given below:-
Scope of projects: There is a huge scope of implementing digitalisation into business for
SMEs. It helps employers in minimising costs of operations by outsourcing functions to other
companies of national and international business (Larson and Chang, 2016). With this assistance,
technology allows David Michael & Co. to reach new market era easily.
Cost: This is the main component of any project plan which entails total amount used to
conduct research by management of a company (Ghobakhloo and et. al., 2012). Therefore, it is
necessary for managers to arrange required funds for project makers so that they can carry out
entire activities in proper manner. In this regard, for conducting present task, research team of
David Michael & Co. requires near about 550 pounds.
Quality: It is also considered as essential component which create a large impact upon
entire activities of project. Thus, researchers are needed to focus more on quality of project so
that wastage can be minimised during transformation of digitalisation into business.
Time: In order to increase efficiencies and effectiveness of a project, it seems to be
necessary for investigators to finish all planned activities in predetermined period of time. If any
single activity doesn't complete on time or fails to meet desired outcomes, then it will affect
entire activities of project also. In such conditions, managers are required to change duration of
further activities also which will consumes time and costs also (Pookulangara and Koesler,
2011). Thus, it is required by management of David Michael & Co. to monitor and control
process of each activity so that entire task can be completed on time. Thus, present project may
consumers near about 5 months.
P3. Work breakdown structure and Gantt Chart in order to set time frames and offer different
stages of project
Work Breakdown structure- While conducting a project management plan, investigators
have to conduct various activities which sometime causes many problems (Eckerson, 2010).
Therefore, with the help of WBS technique helps them in dividing different activities into
smaller manageable components. It provides a time framework which entails management of
David Michael & Co. in identifying duration of entire project as well as requirement of cost to
run the same. This process helps managers of this firm in preparing budget plan in a proper
manner.
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Gantt chart- It is considered as main technique for controlling entire production of a
company. This tool is formulated by Henry L. Gantt in 1970. It generally represents entire
activities of a project management plan on a Cartesian plane where tasks are denoted on vertical
bar while horizontal line shows time duration of each. Thus, this graphical representation of
planned activities helps management of David Michael & Co. in tracking, monitoring as well as
controlling procedure of entire activities in a proper manner (What is a Gantt Chart?, 2018).
Therefore, Gantt Chart entails clear illustration of current status of project. But it fails in
indicating dependencies of tasks on each other. In this regard, for conduct a research in adequate
manner, it is required by research team of David Michael & Co. to follow format given below:-
 Identification of problem
 Literature review
 Determining main problems
 Define entire concept of project
 A sample of users whose feedback aids a firm in evaluating conclusion
 Development plan
 Data collection
 Analysis and review
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TASK 2
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
For conducting a project, an investigator can used various statistical tools ant techniques
as per scope of management plan (Bruhn, Schoenmueller and Schäfer, 2012). Basically a
research is conducted in two parts that are qualitative and quantitative form. For evaluating
opinion and perception of customers, a researcher use qualitative methods in which data is
collected on the basis of quality. Other than this, gathering data by using mathematical and
statistical tools refers to quantitative research. Thus, it has seen that qualitative data gives biased
result while quantitative obtain unbiased outcomes. Some other methods used by investigators
for gathering information for market research are:-
Methods to collect information:
Primary: This method includes questionnaires, surveys and interview methods which are
carried by investigators themselves (Berends and et. al., 2014). With the help of above
procedures, data collected by researchers are more reliable as well as obtain correct perceptions
of customers. But it will consumes much time and money as well as researcher needs to possess
special skills like critical thinking, good communication, sharp observer and more.
Secondary: This method of research gives information which is already published by
others. These data can be obtained from different sources such as magazines, Google, internet,
literature part, published books and so on (Bengtsson and Johansson, 2014). In addition to this, it
will also provide scientific data which is conducted by medical councils and professionals. But
sometime it provides false or unreliable data also. Abilities needed for conducting secondary
research in an investigator are ability high technicals skills, good statistician and more.
For making project investigation team of David Michael & Co. use questionnaire method
of primary research by choosing a sample of 50 respondents.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
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Age:
Gender:
Contact Number:
Q1) Is mobile technologies and social media helpful for connecting with customers of
distant place?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What is the main stages that David Michael & Co. have to focus on while
implementing digitalisation?
a) Isolated
b) Strategic
c) Integrated
d) Agile Business
Q3) What is the major challenges faced by David Michael & Co. during integrating
emerging technologies within business
a) Providing connectivity to all employees
b) Dealing with a wide range of IT products
c) Understanding changing technologies needs
Q4) What is the main advantage of using of social media and mobile technologies for
David Michael & Co.
a) Dealing with changing behaviour of consumers
b) Electronic Fund Transfer
Q5) Is e-commerce helpful in driving success in business of David Michael & Co.?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6) How much management of a company becomes able in engaging with stakeholders by
digital technology?
a) Less
b) More
c) Average
Q7) Are mobile technology and social media tools beneficial for David Michael & Co. in
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enhancing its business in other parts of the world?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8)
Q9) Give some recommendation through which David Michael & Co. can maximise its
profitability ratio?
TASK 3
P5. Examine of research information with right techniques and tools
Questions Frequency
Q1) If mobile technologies and social media helpful for connecting
with customers of distant place?
a) Yes 38
b) No 12
Q2) What is the main stages that David Michael & Co. have to focus
on while implementing digitalisation?
a) Isolated 10
b) Strategic 10
c) Integrated 10
d) Agile Business 20
Q3) What is the major challenges faced by David Michael & Co.
during integrating emerging technologies within business
a) Providing connectivity to all employees 16
b) Dealing with a wide range of IT products 12
c) Understanding changing technologies needs 22
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Q4) What is the main advantage of using social media and mobile
technologies for David Michael & Co.
a) Dealing with changing behaviour of consumers 24
b) Electronic Fund Transfer 26
Q5) Is e-commerce helpful in driving success in business of David
Michael & Co.?
a) Yes 38
b) No 12
Q6) How much management of a company becomes able in
engaging with stakeholders by digital technology?
a) Less 16
b) More 24
c) Average 10
Q7) Are mobile technology and social media tools beneficial for
David Michael & Co. in enhancing its business in other parts of the
world?
a) Yes 32
b) No 18
Q8) Does information and communication tools aids David Michael
& Co. in boosting overall sales and profitability of business?
a) Agree 42
b) Disagree 8
Q9) Provide recommendation by which Continental Consultancy
Group can maximise overall there profitability ratio
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Theme 1: Mobile technologies and social media is helpful in making connection
Interpretation: Mobile technologies has changed entire way of conducting business of a
company like it creating and developing a website, making interaction with targeted audience
and more. Thus, in context with David Michael & Co. which offers food flavours to customers, it
has interpreted from above graph that majority of people i.e. near about 38 out of 50 are agreed
with this concept. While rest of them that are 12 don't believe the same.
Theme 2: The main stage of implementing digitalisation
9
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Column B
a) Isolated b) Strategic c) Integrated d) Agile Business
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Column B

Interpretation: While implementing digitalisation into business, a company has to gone with
many stages like isolation, synchronisation, strategies, integration and agile business. Among all
these stages, it has interpreted from this graph that people believed that agile business will be
main which entails management what is regular in organisation system. Out of 50 users, 20 have
same opinion while rest of them equally gives votes to strategies, isolated and synchronised
stages.
Theme 3: The major challenges faced by David Michael & Co. in implementing
digitalisation
Interpretation: While implementing digitalisation, company's run on small scale have to show
various challenges like which application of technology provides them better result and cost
effectiveness too. In this manner, from this graph it has interpreted that understanding
requirement of changes in technologies as well as which application need to be adopted in
business is a major challenge for David Michael & Co. as per perception of 22 users out of 50.
Other than this, 16 from rest respondents are believed that providing connectivity to all
employees will be major task in the same. Lastly, remaining ones that are 12 users think that
dealing with a wide range of IT products is considered as most complex issue for management.
10
0
5
10
15
20
25
Column B

Theme 4: The main advantage of social media and mobile technologies
Interpretation: Social media and mobile technologies give various advantages to small business
organisations like in making connection with customers, dealing with their problems, understand
needs of them and more. Thus, in this regard by conducting survey on 50 respondents, it has
evaluated from this mention graph that out 26 out of them are believed that mobile technologies
helps in giving payments by electronic fund transfer. While remaining ones which are 24 didn't
go with same statement, they though that it will be beneficial in dealing with changing behaviour
of customers more.
11
a) Dealing with changing behaviour of consumers
b) Electronic Fund Transfer
23
23.5
24
24.5
25
25.5
26
Column B

Theme 5: E-commerce is helpful in driving business success in David Michael & Co.
Interpretation: Doing business through e-commerce is always beneficial for a company as
through this it can make deal with other organisations or customers easily. From this graph it has
seen that major proportion of 50 respondents which are 38 believe the same. On other hand,
remaining ones i.e. 12 didn't go through this statement.
12
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Column B

Theme 6: Management of David Michael & Co. is able in engaging with stakeholders
Interpretation: As digitalisation convert every single element of business into digitalised
therefore, it makes management of a company more capable in engaging stakeholders with
project. As per this graph, it has interpreted that 24 out of 50 respondents believes management
of David Michael & Co. become more capable. Other than this, belief of 16 users are just
opposite from them, they think that effectiveness of management cannot increase by
digitalisation. While rest of them that are near about 10 have opinion that impact of digitalisation
on management seems not be much fruitful.
13
a) Less b) More c) Average
0
5
10
15
20
25
Column B

Theme 7: Mobile technology and social media tools are beneficial for David Michael & Co.
Interpretation: Introducing mobile technologies and social media aid David Michael & Co. to
conduct business operations in more easy manner. Through this technology, marketing
department can promote its business in much economic manner. From this graph, 32 out of each
50 respondents believes that introducing business on social media will always help enterprise.
While 18 users don't go with same statement.
14
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Column B

Theme 8: Information and communication tools aids David Michael & Co. in boosting
overall sales and profitability
Interpretation: From this graph, it has interpreted that major portion of customers i.e. 42 out of
50 believe that information and communication tools given by social media and mobile
application helps a firm in enhancing its sales performance. Other than this, 18 users didn't
believe that it is much beneficial for boosting performance of sales.
P6. Recommendation
From this report, it has recommended that for conducting a proper research, an
investigator of small business companies needs to manage time and cost in proper manner. It will
help such firms in implementing changes in system more effective manner through which
efficiencies of business can be increased. By conducting survey, it has evaluated that major
portion of customers are agreed that by implementing social media and mobile technologies in
business, enhance profitability of business. In addition of this, company needs to implement the
concept of digitalization in order to make their image competitive and productive as well. As it
directly contribute in enhancing market share of the company as compare to its rivals.
15
a) Agree b) Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Column B

TASK 4
P7 Reflection on understanding research
While conducting this investigation report, as a project manager I have faced different
problems like planning necessary activities, allocate resources for the same as well as complete
them on time. Thus, to cope up from such issues, it is essential for me to prepare an action plan
in systematic manner as well as formulate all activities in written form and sequential order.
Major problem which I have faced during conducting this research is lack of financial resource.
Due to this, I feel unable to use such special techniques through which major activities of this
task can be completed in more easy manner. But along with these problems, I have achieved
success in preparing this project in set period of time.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from this research, that digitalisation is always beneficial for small
and large organisations in making business operations more easy. It aids them in attaining
targeted goals and objectives in set period of time. Along with this, it makes small organisations
able to move business on next level. Digital technologies aid them in making interaction with
customers living at far distance in more systematic manner.
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REFERENCES
Books & journals
Bengtsson, M. and Johansson, M., 2014. Managing coopetition to create opportunities for small
firms. International small business journal. 32(4). pp.401-427.
Berends, H. and et. al., 2014. Product innovation processes in small firms: Combining
entrepreneurial effectuation and managerial causation. Journal of Product Innovation
Management. 31(3). pp.616-635.Dutta, D. and Bose, I., 2015. Managing a big data
project: the case of ramco cements limited. International Journal of Production
Economics. 165. pp.293-306.Pinto, J. K., 2015. Project management: achieving
competitive advantage. Prentice Hall.
Bruhn, M., Schoenmueller, V. and Schäfer, D.B., 2012. Are social media replacing traditional
media in terms of brand equity creation?. Management Research Review. 35(9). pp.770-
790.
Eckerson, W. W., 2010. Performance dashboards: measuring, monitoring, and managing your
business. John Wiley & Sons.
Ghobakhloo, M. and et. al., 2012. Strategies for successful information technology adoption in
small and medium-sized enterprises. Information. 3(1). pp.36-67.
Goodrich, K. and De Mooij, M., 2014. How ‘social’are social media? A cross-cultural
comparison of online and offline purchase decision influences. Journal of Marketing
Communications, 20(1-2), pp.103-116.pp.156-160.
Hutter and et. al., 2013. The impact of user interactions in social media on brand awareness and
purchase intention: the case of MINI on Facebook. Journal of Product & Brand
Management. 22(5/6), pp.342-351.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Larson, D. and Chang, V., 2016. A review and future direction of agile, business intelligence,
analytics and data science. International Journal of Information Management. 36(5).
pp.700-710.
Pookulangara, S. and Koesler, K., 2011. Cultural influence on consumers' usage of social
networks and its' impact on online purchase intentions. Journal of Retailing and
Consumer Services. 18(4). pp.348-354.
Online
The Project Management Plan (PMP). 2015. [Online]. Available through:
<http://2020projectmanagement.com/2013/08/the-project-management-plan-pmp/>.
What is a Gantt Chart?, 2018. [Online]. Available through: <http://www.gantt.com/>./
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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 my project which is
drecky related cloud computing and
hence it results in growth and
development of company.
Yes
I have completed all my tasks in
proper time. I do not want that there
are alternatives in prithee
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?
There are various risk factors which is related
with the data which is collected from many
people.
Additional risk is also there which is linked
with the budget and it is not enough so that
there
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Cost and time are some problems faced by me
in this project.
I had give solution so that my specific problem
can be solved.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
There is use of cloud computing so that
innovative solutions can be given.
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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 reduces the chances of conflict
Yes
I have also contributed my skills and knowledge
in protection.
I have to improve my communication skills.
I Learning helps me to interpret the data and
this results in effective decisions.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Priority is to collect data and I do nit have time
to complete this prefect.
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
Up to date
Supervisor comments to address
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Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
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5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
Through this project, I learned various things which is important for me
which help me
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<[e-mail]> To: [e-mail]
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
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I completed project which relate with impact of cloud technology on supporting
growth level of small business and innovation.
Yes
Yes, I complete all the activities as per given deadlines.
No, I do not need to make alternatives in 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, risk factors are there which relate with collected data from various people.
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Yes, the additional risk is also determined which relate with project budget that was not enough for
carry out the research.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
In this cost and time both are main issue which faced by me at the time of carry out research.
For reduce the problems I gave specific reason in order to make proper solution.
New Ideas and change of project direction
Use of cloud technology helps in storing as well as filling information to manage business activities.
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?
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 What can I improve on next week?
 How might this learning apply in the future?
It helps in determining new and innovative ways to reduce the chances of arising issues.
Yes
I also performed this project in effective way in which I contribute my skills and knowledge as well.
I needs to make some improvement in my communication skills.
In upcoming time frame, learning may helps in interpreting all the data and knowledge in effective
manner which help me in taking right decision.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for completion?
In this, the priority task are collect appropriate data and objectives.
No, I don't have proper time to complete mu project.
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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Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
Project is related with affect of cloud computing technology which supports
innovation.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please
outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
It is crucial to carry review for assessment of 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.
Through observation many things were performed. Work break down structure and project
management is used.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled?
Was there timely identification of issues and resolution during the project
process?
Cost and item are the major issues.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I have learned many things which is crucial and it helps me or perform things in effective
manner.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading
the project?
I give 8 pints out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
I can take effective decisions and I cannot interact with all people.
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8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
I can easily enhance my knowledge and enhance my skills for future planning process.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading
the project?
I can give 8 points out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
I can take right decision and I do nit communicate with all people.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
I can easily enhance my knowledge and skills in continuous professional
development.
27