Project Knowledge Transfer: A Paradoxical Approach

This assignment delves into the complexities of project knowledge transfer, framing it as a paradox through a set-theoretic lens. It encourages students to analyze the challenges and opportunities inherent in transferring knowledge within project environments. The assignment also touches upon the ethical dimensions of project management, drawing upon concepts from business ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Managing a successful
business project
TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Analysis of project aims and objectives.................................................................................3
P2 Production of project management plan................................................................................5
P3 Production of work breakdown structure and Gantt chart.....................................................8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................9
P4 Carrying of small scale research through application of qualitative and quantitative
techniques....................................................................................................................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................12
P5 Analysis of the research and data through use of appropriate tools ...................................12
P6 Communication of recommendations to draw valid conclusions........................................18
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................18
P7 Reflective report about to meet stated objectives ...............................................................18
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
There are many internal and external factors which impacts the small organisational
capacity to grab the future opportunities in effective manner. For attaining sustainability in their
operations small organisations is need to conduct the business activities with the application of
new ideas and technologies to attain effectiveness in their operations. There are large number of
benefits are associated with the implementation of digital technology with the organisation such
as helps in growth activities, capturing large markets share, high amount profitability, high
amount of sales, high brand image etc. But there are many challenges are faced during the
process of adoption digitisation within the organisation for ex., lack of support of employees,
need of high amount of investment etc. OAK Cash and Carry is small wholesale grocery
organisation (Bakker and et. al., 2011).
In the present report explain about, aim and objectives of project, development of project
management plan, production of work breakdown structure and Gantt chart and carrying
research with the help of qualitative and quantitative methods. Also, interpretation of data with
the help of effective tools and techniques, drawing out of important conclusions and production
of reflective report.
TASK 1
P1 Analysis of project aims and objectives
It is important for every organisation whether small or large in organisation to determine
their aims and objectives for guidance of employees to design their task and behaviour which
contributes in accomplishment of desired targets. The present report includes the description
about the contribution of digital technology in the growth of organisation and the challenges
which are arise due to its implementation in organisation. Adoption of innovative technology
within the organisation strength their position in market which helps satisfaction of the different
requirements of customers. There are different areas within the organisation which built effective
through use of such innovative techniques. In enhance the power of administration department
regarding effective filling, storage, record and sharing of information through application of the
provisions of cloud technology. The communication channels within the organisation and with
outsiders also improves through use of the mediums of E-mail and social media. This will
provide the opportunity regarding attaining the trust and loyalty of customers to retain them

longer period of time. Storage and distribution system of organisation also built more profound
through adoption of internet connections and integrated systems throughout the business
structures which contributes in the development of distribution system. Production is one of the
important function in any organisation. Through use of innovative technology organisation is
able to produce good quality diversified product according to the trends which are exist in
market. It helps to attain competitiveness in their operations which contributes to enhance the
sales and profit of organisation. There are many challenges are faced by the small organisation in
the process of the implementation of digital technology within the organisation. This will include
about resistance of employees to accept change, lack of funds, need of expert teams, increased
cost of production and low profit margins. It has shown negative impact upon the growth of
small business. All the above mentioned factors are internal and present within the organisation
which reduces the strength of organisation to grab the opportunities in effective manner to attain
maximum outputs (Bakker and et. al., 2011).
Background of project
OAK cash and carry Ltd. Is small organisation which provides grocery products. It is
analysed from the past figures that 58 employees are working in organisation which helps to
provide their diversified activities in appropriate manner. The management of organisation wants
to expand their business operations to attain high position and market share in market. This will
not only be strengthening the business structure but also helps in development in their brand
image. The different kind of changes which they want to bring in organisation is about
establishment of effective distribution channels, application of online mode of business to attract
more customers and to grab all the opportunities which are available after implementation of
innovative technology. There are different issues arise in the process of implementation of
technology. To cope up effectively need to develop training and development and orientation
programmes to takes the support of employees.
Topic: “How business have coped with the major challenges of Digital Disruption and
Transformation: A case study of OAK Cash and Carry”
Aims: The main aim of organisation is to adopt digitisation with the organisational
activities to attain competitive advantage and cope with the challenges arise due to digital
disruption and transformation.
Objectives

 Impact of digitisation upon the performance of business organisation
 Evaluation of the measures to cope up with challenges faced in the process of
implementation of digital technology
 Different benefits which are gathered by organisation after adoption of innovative
technology
Research questions
 Does use of digital technology contributes in the expansion of business activities?
 What are challenges which are faced by OAK Cash and Carry in implementation of
digital technology?
 What are the preferable measures to cope with with digital disruption and transformation?
P2 Production of project management plan
It is important for management of the organisation is to develop the project management
plan which helps to make effective plans regarding different aspects which are considered as
important part of project (Crane and Matten, 2016). Such kind of plans are work as guidelines
which is used in the process of effective implementation of technology in most appropriate
manner through which desired results are achieved within stipulated period of time. The different
aspects which are need to oversee while preparing the plan includes cost, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk and resources etc. This plan contributes in effective management of
different future activities related to such project. The major benefits which are gathered through
production of such plan includes saving of time, efforts, higher involvement of employees,
development of better strategies to effectively deal with unwanted situations etc. The different
aspects in regards to the project of implementation of digital technology within the organisation
is defined below:
Scope: The scope of project is identified through analysis of the benefits which are
attained by the organisation which contributes in accomplishment of their predetermined
objectives. Use of innovative technology helps in development of the overall business structure
from its production to distribution of product to end customers. As it is wide in scope which
helps in improvement of every aspect like administration, promotion, production, distribution,
expansion through use of online technology etc.
Cost: This part of project plan provides the information about the cost which is required
to effectively implement the digital technology. In the process of digitisation every aspect of

business transformed which incurs some of amount of cost which is included in the cost of
project (Crane and Matten, 2016). At initial stage of implementation of new technology requires
high amount of expenses on different aspects like on its implementation in different departments,
training of the employee’s in development of their skills and development of their competency
about the effective use of the provisions of new technology.
Total forecasted budget 2017-18($)
Particulars
Implementing technology cost 15000
Promotional expense 5000
Advertisement expense 4500
Catalogues 1600
Training charges 6500
Total cost 32600
Time: This aspect provides the information about the time period which is required to
effectively implement the new technologies within the different departments of organisation. It
also describes about the time which is taken by the such technologies to provide return with
effective rate in future. OAK Cash and Carry Ltd. Uses critical path method to determine the
time period which is needed to complete to different paths of project to attain their results. It
provides the opportunity to the management of organisation to effectively allocate the roles and
responsibilities to different personnel of organisation for completion of the different paths of
project within given frame of time period.

Quality: Another important aspect which provides about building of quality
organisational operations which contributes in development of products and services which
satisfies the different requirements of customers. The aspect of quality is accomplished through
appointment of expert team within the organization which guides in effective utilisation of the
different innovative of new technologies for attaining competency in different offerings of
organisation (Eweje, Turner, R. and Müller, 2012). In this regard, need to make research of the
market which helps in identification of the strategies adopted by competitors, quality of their
products, preferences of customers, current trends prevail in market etc. it provides the
opportunity is to build their new and innovative strategies to cope with the market trends and
bring changes in the quality of their products.
Risk: One of the important point of project management plan which helps in
identification of the potential risks which are associated with the implementation of digital
technology. It is important to identify such risks for the management of OAK Cash and Carry
Ltd. To make new plans which contributes in reduction of their adverse impact upon business
performance. The potential risks which are identified are related to employee support, large
amount of funds, training requirements, lack of knowledge etc. Employees are the important
assets of organisation and without their support it is not possible ton success in future.
Application of new methods of working is not accepted by the employees as their routine is
change and they have to provide more efforts to accomplish their tasks. All these different risks
restrict the organisation in improvement of the business performance appropriate manner.
Communication: It is one of the important factor which helps the organisation to spread
awareness among the employees about the changes which happen within the structure of
organisation. It provides the opportunity is to take the support of employees and coordinate their
operation in accomplishment of the desired targets. Through application of the innovative
technologies the communication with individuals of society is also increase through use of the
method of social media. These modes of communication are further used regarding providence
of information about different offerings of organisation in market. It helps to make good
connection and their retention with particular for longer period of time. This will have direct
impact upon their sales and profit (Eweje, Turner and Müller, 2012). In the present report, the
method of questionnaire is used to ascertain the views of employees and public which are
presented with the help of graphs and Gantt charts.

Resources: Important aspect which includes the information about the different resources
which are needed for the effective establishment of the technologies in the organisation. The
different kind of resources which are needed in this regard includes human capital, funds etc.
P3 Production of work breakdown structure and Gantt chart
M1 project management plan
Project management plan refer to a document that consists various activities implement
by project manager to attain set aim and also indicate the resources require to implement all
activities. Some important aspects are there that need to be involve in the project management
plan and these are risk, quality, communication, time and cost involve in complete the project.
D1 Evaluation of project management process
As per the point view of Trevino and Nelson, 2016, it is very important that there should
be coordination among all functions of project as it help in execute this in an effective manner.
Various steps ae there that require to be follow by the project manager to complete the project.
Initiation, planning, execution, control & monitor and close all are the five major steps of project
management that require to be follow by project manager in order to complete the project in time
and to get all benefits related with it.

TASK 2
P4 Carrying of small scale research through application of qualitative and quantitative techniques
To effectively meet out their objectives and targets to need to gather the different type of
information from the market through application of the different method research. Such
information either collected from the application of tools of primary method or use of secondary
sources. These information helps to attain the views of respondents which enhance their
decision-making regarding different aspects (Fisher, 2011). The results and conclusions are
drawn from such collection through application of the different methods. For improvement of the
understanding of the employees of organisation these results are need to present in form of
graphs which supports in performance of functions as given criteria and available information.
The different research and data collection methods which are used to carry out the mini research
are defined below:
Qualitative research: One of the important research method which includes the study of
the behaviour of respondents. It helps to gather the information from their gestures, behaviour,
attitudes of respondents about the impact of digital technology upon the business operations and
the challenges which are faced in their successful implementation ( Keller, Parameswaran and
Jacob, 2011). This method includes the enquiry about the research topic in depth where emphasis
is provided to why rather than what. This will provide the opportunity to collect the direct
experiences of respondents which is happen in their daily life. The common methods which are
used regarding making research is group discussions, individual interviews and observations.
The size of sample is relatively small as it takes more time to gather depth information.
Quantitative research: This will include about the investigation of the observable
phenomenon through application of the methods of statistics, mathematical and computational
techniques. The main objective behind the use of this method is to attain more precise results.
This method of research is huge importance because comparison is possible with standard
through issues are identified and appropriate approaches are applied to get desired results.
Through application of the provisions of this method, it is possible to conduct through taking
large sample from the total population. It saves the time of the researcher to collect more reliable
and accurate information.
Primary method: It is one of the important method to collect data from respondents. The
information which is gathered from the application of these methods are more reliable and

accurate (Too and Weaver, 2014). This information is free from any biases because it directly
collected from respondents. Such information is also known as first-hand information which is
not published in any other outside sources. It provides the opportunity is to gather the
information directly related to the research topic about the impact digital technology upon the
businesses and effectiveness of the different measures which contributes to cope with challenges
which are arise during the process of implementation of the digital technology. The different
methods which can be used in this regard includes questionnaire, observation, interview etc. In
the present report, primary method is used regarding improvement of decision making enlarging
of the business operations in effective manner. Here, Questionnaire is prepared which includes
10 different questions directly related to research topic to attain the feedback of respondents.
Customers of OAK cash and carry are the respondents in present research. Sample size for this
research project is 40. Customers of OAK Cash and carry are selected in this research for get the
opinions and to draw relevant conclusions.
Secondary method: This method is used by the organisation when they are required to
collect the information in less period of time (Trevino and Nelson, 2016.). This will include
about collection of already published information which is published in different resources like
articles, newspapers, magazines etc. This kind of information is not much reliable for the
research purpose and adequate results as it is not directly related to the research topic. It is
considered as the most cost efficient method which helps to collect information in less amount of
cost.
Questionnaire
Name
Gender
Age
Q1. Does implementation of digital technology impact the business of OAK Cash and Carry?
 Yes
 No
Q2. What is the major benefit of utilise technology for carry out business activities?
 Encourage creativity and innovation
 Saves time
 Improve human resource management

Q3. What are the major resources requiring by OAK cash and carry to implement digital
technology at workplace for transformation business activities?
 Technical resources
 Expertise knowledge
 Funds
Q4. Does use of digital technology helps OAK Cash and Carry to improve profitability?
 Yes
 No
Q5. Does digitisation created difficulties to conduct business activities for OAK Cash and
Carry?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q6. In which area of business need to implement digital technology first?
 Distribution
 Promotional
 communication
Q7. Do you think OAK Cash and Carry has adequate amount of funds to implement digital
technology?
 Yes
 No
Q8. Which factor has most restrictive to adopt innovative technology within organisation?
 Employee’s
 Funds
 Lack of management
Q9. Does digitisation help OAK Cash and Carry to expand business operations?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q10. Provide their own suggestions to cope with challenges of digital disruption and
transformation?

M2 Reliability of various methods applied
So many methods are there which can be utilise by the researcher to complete the research.
Every research method has its own benefits and cost related with it. Right research method
should be use by investigator to complete the research. Quantitative and qualitative are the two
major methods of research that can be use by investigator to complete the research. Quality
remain the main focus of researcher under qualitative research method while information is
collected in numbers and figures under quantitative research method.
TASK 3
P5 Analysis of the research and data through use of appropriate tools
In the present report, primary method is used to carry out their research. For this purpose,
close-ended questionnaire is prepared which contains different option and one is selected by the
respondent as per their own choice. This method helps to attain their views regarding the
research topic. In the process of carrying research ahead 40 respondents are selected from the
total population through use of random sampling method. The information which collected from
the research is defined below with their interpretation.
Q1. Does implementation of digital technology
impacts the business of OAK Cash and Carry?
Frequency
 Yes 26
 No 14

Interpretation: It has been observed from the above graph that large number of
respondents are in support that digital technology has significant upon the business activities.
Out of 40, 26 respondents are in support of digital technology.
Q2. What is the major benefit of utilise
technology for carry out business activities?
Frequency
 Encourage creativity and innovation 20
 Saves time 10
 Improve human resource management 10

Interpretation: From the above given graph, it can be summarised that 50% audience
give their views in the favour that one of the main benefits of utilise technology for carry out
business activities is that it encourages innovation at workplace which help company to get
competitive benefit. Further other 10 respondents said that it saves time and other 10 concluded
that it improves management of human resource at workplace.
Q3. What are the major resources require by
OAK cash and carry to implement digital
technology at workplace for transformation
business activities?
Frequency
 Technical resources 10
 Expertise knowledge 12
 Funds 18
Interpretation: Above given image is summarising that 10 respondents said that
technical resources are the major resources require by entity for implementation technology at
workplace. Further other 12 respondents concluded that expertise knowledge is very essential for
technology implementation while other 18 respondents said that funds are the most essential
resource.
Q4. Does use of digital technology helps OAK Frequency

Cash and Carry to improve profitability?
 Yes 25
 No 15
Interpretation: It has been seen from the above graph that, digital technology helps to
earn large number of profits. 25 respondents are in support out of 40.
Q5. Does digitisation created difficulties to
conduct business activities from OAK Cash
and Carry?
Frequency
 Agree 19
 Disagree 21

Interpretation: It has been observed from the above graph that out of 40, 21 respondents
have the opinion that implementation of digital technology creates difficulties to conduct
business.
Q6. In which area of business need to
implement digital technology first?
Frequency
 Distribution 18
 Promotional 10
 communication 12

Interpretation: It has been interpreted from the above graph that digital technology is
first need to implement in distribution channels to satisfy the demand of customers on time. 18
respondents are support of this statement.
Q7. Do you think OAK Cash and Carry has
adequate amount of funds to implement digital
technology?
Frequency
 Yes 17
 No 23
Distribution Promotional communication
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 18
10
12
Column B

Interpretation: It has been observed from the above graph that 23 respondents have the
opinion that cited organisation does not have adequate amount of funds to implement digital
technology.
Q8. Which factor has most restrictive to adopt
innovative technology within organisation?
Frequency
 Employee’s 16
 Funds 14
 Lack of management 10
Interpretation: It has been noticed from the above graph that employees are the most
restrictive factor in the process of implementation of digital technology which is supported by 16
respondents out of 40.
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
17
23
Column B
Employee’s Funds Lack of management
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18 16
14
10
Column B

Q9. Does digitisation helps OAK Cash and
Carry to expand business operations?
Frequency
 Agree 26
 Disagree 14
Interpretation: It has been observed from the graph that adoption of digital technology
helps the organisation to expand business operations. 26 respondents are in favour of this
statement.
P6 Communication of recommendations to draw valid conclusions
From the above analysis of research recommended that there is huge negative impact of
digital disruption and transformation upon the business operations of OAK Cash and Carry. The
major disruptive technique which is introduced in retail sector which changes the whole scenario
of business includes E-commerce. This mode of business has wide reach in comparison to local
stores. To effectively cope with this challenging situation, management of OAK Cash and Carry
is need to adopt digital technology which helps to expand their business operations and attain
sustainability in their operations. From the fact of implementation of digital technology large
number respondents are of also satisfied that it has positive impact upon their different business
activities. There are many issues are faced by the organisation in the process of implementation
of digital technology but after its success it helps the organisation to improve their sales and
profit. It is recommended that large number of benefits are derived by organisation like high
market share, sales, profit and bran image. In order to implement digital technology at workplace
in effective manner and to get all benefits related with this it is very essential for manager to
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30 26
14
Column B

identify the factors which affect its implementation so that policies can be formulated according
to that. For example, one of the major challenge which company face during implementation of
digital technology is that lack of employee’s involvement and this not only create delays but at
the same time increase cost of business operations. In order to deal with this issues, manager
require to use effective method to encourage employees to take part in transformation process
and this can be done by make the workers aware about the benefits of digital implementation at
workplace. Another challenge which company face is lack of funds and to deal with this, entity
can develop a budget and can utilise different sources to raise funds to implement the project.
M3 Selection of appropriate tools and techniques
Different tools and techniques are there that a researcher can utilise to carry out research
and to attain its end objective. When research carries out research with help of quantitative
research method that different statistical tools and techniques are utilise in order to draw
conclusions and communicate the same with target audience.
D2 Reflection on project outcomes
By carry out this project report I learn various project management skills such as time
management skills, identify risk factors and many more. During carry out this project I face
various issues such as lack of time and cost. But still I tried my best to complete the project in
order to draw reliable conclusions. Major finding of this business project is that company face
different challenges and require different resources for implement digital transformation at
workplace but at the same time it offer different benefits to company.
TASK 4
P7 Reflective report about to meet stated objectives
From the analysis of the above report, identified that adoption of digital technology helps
the small organisation to transform their business activities. It is complicated process at initial
sage which requires to take care about different steps to attain competency. If these steps are not
followed then various negative impacts are ascertained in the form of data leakage, hacking etc.
So, it is important for organisation is to bring new techniques within the organisation with care to
make their project successful.
 From the above analysis, I learned about how successful business project is made.
It helps me to assess the impact of disruptive technologies upon business activities. I also

learned about the role of research behind the improvement of decision-making. Through
this, I interpret information through use of Gantt chart and other important software's to
draw important results. During completion of this business project, I learned that to
achieve set goals and objectives of a project, it is very essential that all activities of
project should be implement and complete. This not only save time and cost but at the
same time help in get desired outcome. At the end of the research, it can be summarised
that this research helps in attain the set objective define in starting phase of this project.
Present research helps the enterprise to identified how company can enhance its
performance with help of digitalisation. Further, it helps in develop effective strategies
through which all issues that arise during implementation of digital technology at
workplace can be deal. In addition to this, present research support in identify the ways
through which it can get the maximum benefits of implement digitalisation at workplace.
It is very important all activities included in complete the research should be should be
execute well as his help in find an effective solution and finding of research serve
beneficial for future purpose.
M4 Value of project management process
Value proposition for project management starts with the time that it takes and efforts
require to proactively manage the project and its various activities. Cost of the project is more
than made up for the life of the project made by complete it more quickly. In order to enhance
the valuer of project, it is very essential for project manager to first improve work environment
and should more focus on decision making based on facts.
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that, due to emergence of digital technology
it has huge impact upon the business activities of other small organisations. In retail sector, E-
commerce is one of the most disruptive and transforming situation which change the whole
market and buying behaviour of customers. To attract the large number of customers, OAK cash
and Carry is need to implement digital technology with the organisation which provides the
opportunity to bring effectiveness in their operations to get their desired targets easily. The
different kind of benefits which are achieved through this includes high brand image and
profitability.