Managing a Successful Business Project

This project examines the impact of digital technology, specifically cloud computing, on small business growth and innovation. It analyzes the benefits and challenges of adopting cloud technology for Continental Consulting Limited, a business and research consultancy. The project includes a small-scale research using quantitative and qualitative methods, data analysis, and recommendations for successful implementation. Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments for students.

Managing a Successful Business
Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Development of project aims and objectives.........................................................................1
P2 Development of project management plan that covers various aspects of research..............2
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time-frames and stages for work
completion...................................................................................................................................4
..........................................................................................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Conducting a small-scale research by applying quantitative and qualitative research
methods to meet project aims and objectives..............................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P5 Analysis of research and data by using appropriate tools and techniques.............................9
P6 Communication of appropriate recommendations to draw valid and meaningful conclusion
...................................................................................................................................................17
P7 Reflection on value of undertaking research to meet stated objectives, own learning and
performance...............................................................................................................................18
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
In today's world, Digital Technology plays crucial role in growth and success of every
business organisation. It becomes an essential part of firm that contributes in increasing its
efficiency and productivity. Almost all the companies begins to adopt digitalization as prime
source for profitability, product differentiation and growth of business. It allows businesses to
unlock ample collection of communication and information data (Assegaff and Hussin, 2012) .
In the present assignment, given organisation is Continental Consulting Limited which is a
business and research consultancy that deals in business process re-engineering. This report
covers establishment of objectives, aims and time frames based on digital technology theme. A
small scale research is also conducted in which appropriate data, information and knowledge is
gathered. Apart from this, meaningful conclusion and recommendations is communicated based
on analysis and findings. At last, reflection is given on value and usefulness of conducting
research to support sustainable performance of organisation.
TASK 1
P1 Development of project aims and objectives
Digital Technology has change the way of conducting business and transform its overall
processes. Over the last few years, it brings drastic changes within organisations and
dramatically transformed traditional business models and activities. The utilization of digital
mobile technology has administered businesses with an opportunity and wealth of choice. It
enables development of innovative products and become existing products to be more profitable
that leads to maximizing diverse product portfolios. It highly impacts on business systems such
as communication, administration, production, storage and distribution. It helps in renovating the
ways by which a firm serve its customers. For example: Adoption of cloud technology by
Continental Consulting Limited enables it to effectively storing, filing and sharing of
information. This assists firm in storing ample amount of data related to business and its
customers. An entrepreneur allows to renew their service model and business strategy in favour
to customers by the use of cloud technology (Chang, 2016).
Project Background:
The key objective of this project is to evaluate “The impact of digital technology
supporting small business growth and innovation”. Continental Consulting Limited is one of the
small-medium firm that deals in business process re-engineering. It aims to upgrade and
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diversify business activities efficiently and effectively. After analysing the need of upgrading
obsolete information technology, firm decided to bring innovation by adopting cloud technology
in business operations to maximize its capabilities. It enables firm in storing, filing and sharing
large amount of information. This helps company in achieving economies of scale and
coherence. However, adoption and execution of digital technology is not easy for business as it
requires to encounter resistance from workforce. So, it is very essential for administrator of
Continental Consulting Limited to motivate and encourage employees to adapt with changes.
They should communicate them about needs and benefits of adopting digital technology in order
to successfully implement it within firm (Cuijpers, Guenter and Hussinger, 2011).
Topic: “The impact of digital technology on supporting small business growth and
innovation”.
Aim: “To determine the influence of cloud computing as digital technology on firm and
its growth and innovation”.
Objectives:
 To determine the concept of cloud technology in business growth and innovation of
Continental Consulting Limited.
 To identify the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud technology in business
processes by Continental Consulting Limited. To ascertain the relationship between cloud computing and business growth and
innovation of Continental Consulting Limited.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of cloud technology in business growth and innovation of
Continental Consulting Limited?
 What are the advantages and disadvantages of using cloud technology in business
processes by Continental Consulting Limited?
 What is the relationship between cloud computing and business growth and innovation of
Continental Consulting Limited?
P2 Development of project management plan that covers various aspects of research
Project management plan (PMP) is a formal representation that is utilize by managers for
project execution (Deokar and Sarnikar, 2016). It assist firm to determine ways in which a
particular project is to be execute,supervise, managed and ended. It also act a communication
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tool for organisation to ascertain that its key stakeholders are having full understanding of all
details related with a project. In context to Continental Consulting Limited who is planning to
expand its business by adopting digitalization through cloud computing it becomes highly
essential to formulate PMP. It is because through PMP company will be having a proper
guideline to determine its aims, objectives, strategies, employee requirements, manner in which
project is to be recorded, measured and shared stakeholders (Dwivedi, Henriksen and Wastell,
2013). Mentioned below are certain most prominent factors that are required to be analysed
before implementing cloud technology in business :
Scope: Implementation of digital technology at work affect various functions perform by
business enterprise. With concept of cloud computing company can store huge amount of
information and at the same time can ensure smooth transfer of knowledge. Thus, for Continental
Consulting Limited it is of high advantage to implement cloud techniques in its business as it
will help in enhancing individual accounting functions to full IT infrastructure and will assist
company to store and process data in a privately owned server.
Cost: Introduction of new technology in business is always subject to huge investment to
be incurred by a company. Cost of cloud computing technology is subject to price per hour
depending upon Ram in GB and type of server that firm is to opt (Espiner, 2015) . For instance,
Amazon Web Services charges price in accordance to 1000 or 10,000 queries. Thus, for
managers of Continental Consulting Limited is to of vital importance to formulate a proper
budget inclusive of all details related to allocation of finances that each activity requires in
reference to project of applying cloud technology. A sample cost statement is mentioned below:
Total forecasted budget
Particular 2017-18(£)
Implementing technology cost 25000
Training charges 9000
Total cost 34000
Time:Time forms yet another essential constraint that is of high significance to be
determined before starting a new project. Continental Consulting Limited for identifying
probable time period for implementing cloud technology in its various departments can make us
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of critical path method. This method will assist managers to ascertain time taken by each task in
a project and to set priorities for the activities that require critical attention. For instance, The
project of applying cloud technology in context to Continental Consulting Limited will take
approx 7 weeks to get completed (Gitata, 2017).
Risks: Every new addition or alteration that an organisation tends to introduce in its
business is subject to some risks and uncertainties. This makes it important for Continental
Consulting Limited to critically identify all risks that firm could encounter while introducing
cloud technology in its various units. For instance the most prominent one is associated with
company to face resistance from its employees as they new technology will make them to
change their working style. Also this project requires huge capital investment to be incurred by
organization that is another major factor to be considered by managers of Continental Consulting
Limited.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time-frames and stages for work
completion
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
It refers to the deliverable oriented breakdown of an assignment or project into smaller
elements. Work breakdown structure is defined as a chart in which all the critical work
components (tasks) of a project are elaborated to represent their relationship with each other and
entire project. Its graphical nature can assist manager of Continental Consulting Limited to
predict results based on different scenarios that ensures that effective decisions are made
regarding whether to adopt suggested changes or not (Grillo, 2014). The primary purpose of
developing work breakdown structure is to eliminate complicated activities to group of tasks.
Managers requires to ensure that tasks should be independent and measurable with clearly
outlined limits. It helps managers in resource allocation, procurement management, project
budgeting, risk management, quality assurance, scheduling, quality control, service oriented
management and product delivery.
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Gantt chart:
It is a horizontal bar chart which is developed as a tool for production control. Gantt chart
is frequently utilized in project management as it gives graphical exemplification of schedule
that assists to plan, track and coordinate particular tasks in project. This tool is used by manager
of Continental Consulting Limited for project planning and scheduling. Gantt chart is the useful
way of depicting which work is scheduled for a particular day to be done. It is a timeline that is
used to illustrate about how project will run. The main advantage to firm of using this chart is its
ability depict multiple timelines and tasks in single document. It also assists manager in
assessing that how long a project must take, identifying the needed resources and determining
the sequence in which tasks are complete (Hagel, 2013). It is helpful in managing dependencies
among tasks.
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TASK 2
P4 Conducting a small-scale research by applying quantitative and qualitative research methods
to meet project aims and objectives
Qualitative research: The basis of this research is scientific procedure of observing
individuals in order to collect non numerical data related to particular subject. It involves deep
analysis of a specific phenomenon, event, situation or condition that is examine by researcher
through exploring scenario. Several sources can be utilized for collecting relevant information
that assists in carrying out research. This data or information can be acquire by observation,
focus groups or interview. Conduction of qualitative research is an expensive as well as time
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consuming process (Hakim, 2012). However, the methods adopted for collection of data or
information are reliable and authentic. In order to analyse the impact of digital technology, i.e.,
cloud computing and its relation with business growth and innovation, manager of Continental
Consulting Limited conduct qualitative research.
Quantitative research: By conducting this type of research, it becomes easy for
researcher to collect numeric data. This research format includes data in form of percentage,
statistics etc. This information is collected from potential and existing customers of firm. For
data collection, Continental Consulting Limited can adopt several methods like questionnaire,
surveys, online polls, etc. This collected data helps manager in determining the impact of cloud
technology on growth and innovation of business.
Data collection: It is an essential part of research in which data is collected from various
respondents. In order to carry out research for Continental Consulting Limited, primary source of
data collection is used to collect information and it is acquired through questionnaire. In this
research, 30 respondents is select for filing questionnaire (Jeannerot, 2013).
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Name:
Gender:
Occupation:
Contact no.:
Email id:
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of cloud computing technology?
 Yes
 No
 Neutral
Q2) In your opinion, is it beneficial for Continental Consulting Limited to use cloud computing
technology in business operations?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
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 Disagree
Q3) As per your opinion, which one is the most effective cloud computing technology that
contributes in innovation and growth of Continental Consulting Limited?
 IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service)
 SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
 PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service)
 Storage, Application, Database, Process, Information
Q4) What is the main advantage that Continental Consulting Limited can get by implementing
cloud computing technology in business processes?
 More Storage
 Reduced Cost
 Worldwide Access
 Easy set up
Q5) Before going for platform of cloud computing technology, what are the important things
that requires to be consider by Continental Consulting Limited?
 Compliance
 Data storage
 Loss of data
 Business continuity
 Uptime
Q6) Is use of digital technology will lower down the work of employees within Continental
Consulting Limited?
 Yes
 No
 Neutral
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Q7) In your opinion, which is the prominent issue that Continental Consulting Limited may
face at the time of executing cloud computing technology in business processes?
 Time
 Employee Resistance
 Cost
 Other
Q8) Is it essential for company to provide training to its employees so they can easily use digital
tools at workplace?
 Yes
 No
Q9) Which mode of training will be the most suitable for employees of Continental Consulting
Limited?
 On the job training
 Off the job training
Q10) Any recommendation for Continental Consulting Limited related with implementation of
digital technology at workplace.
TASK 3
P5 Analysis of research and data by using appropriate tools and techniques
Theme 1: Aware about the concept of cloud computing technology
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of
cloud computing technology?
Frequency
 Yes 15
 No 5
 Neutral 10
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Interpretation 1: From the above given image, it can be summarised that 50% respondents give
their point of view in the favour that they are aware about the concept of cloud technology.
Further 5 said that they are not aware about this concept while other 10 said that they have little
information about the concept of cloud technology.
Theme 2: Use cloud computing technology is beneficial for continental Consulting Limited
Q2) In your opinion, is it beneficial for
Continental Consulting Limited to use cloud
computing technology in business
operations?
Frequency
 Neutral 5
 Strongly Agree 12
 Agree 8
 Strongly Disagree 2
 Disagree 3
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Interpretation 2: From the above given graph, it has been evaluated that 12 out of 30 respondents
are strongly agree that it is beneficial for Continental Consulting Limited to use cloud technology
in its business operations. Further 3 respondents said use of cloud technology does not provide
any benefit to company.
Theme 3: Most effective cloud computing
Q3) As per your opinion, which one is the
most effective cloud computing technology
that contributes in innovation and growth of
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
 IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service) 8
 SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) 8
 PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) 8
 Storage, Application, Database,
Process, Information
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Interpretation: From the above given graph, it can be summarised that 8 respondents said that
IaaS is the most effective technology of cloud computing that largely contribute in innovation
and growth of company. Other 8 summarised that SaaS is more useful while other 8 concluded
that PaaS is more effective tool.
Theme 4: Advantage of Continental consulting limited
Q4) What is the main advantage that
Continental Consulting Limited can get by
implementing cloud computing technology
in business processes?
Frequency
 More Storage 10
 Reduced Cost 5
 Worldwide Access 5
 Easy set up 10
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Interpretation: From then above given graph, it can be summarised that 10 out of 30 respondents
give their views in the favour that one of the major benefit related with the implementation of
cloud technology is it ensure more storage of information. Other 10 said that its set up is very
easy. Other respondents said that it help in reduce cost.
Theme 5: Major factor that require to be consider by Continental Consulting Limited
Q5) Before going for platform of cloud
computing technology, what are the
important things that requires to be
consider by Continental Consulting
Limited?
Frequency
 Compliance 7
 Data storage 7
 Loss of data 7
 Business continuity 5
 Uptime 4
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Interpretation: From the above given image, it can be summarised that 7 out of 30 respondents
said that compliance is the major factor that require to be consider by Continental Consulting
Limited before going for digital implementation. In addition to this, 7 respondents said that issue
of data storage should be consider by company.
Theme 6: Digital technology lower down the work of employees
Q6) Is use of digital technology will lower
down the work of employees within
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
 Yes 15
 No 10
 Neutral 5
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Interpretation: From the given image, it has been evaluated that 50% respondents said that
utilisation of digital technology will lower down the work of employees. while 10 said that it will
not reduce the work of employees.
Theme 7: Issue that Continental Consulting Limited may face during implementation of digital
technology
Q7) In your opinion, which is the
prominent issue that Continental
Consulting Limited may face at the time
of executing cloud computing technology
in business processes?
Frequency
 Time 6
 Employee Resistance 10
 Cost 6
 Other 8
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Interpretation: From the above given graph, it has been summarised that 10 out of 30 respondents
said that employee resistance is one of the major issues face by Continental Consulting Limited
during implementation of cloud technology. 6 said that time is the major challenge which
company face.
Theme 8: Essential to provide training to employees
Q8) Is it essential for company to provide
training to its employees so they can easily
use digital tools at workplace?
Frequency
 Yes 25
 No 5
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Interpretation: From the given graph, it can be summarised that 25 out of 30 respondents said
that it is very important for company to provide training to its employees so they can work with
digital technology.
Theme 9: Effective mode of training
Q9) Which mode of training will be the
most suitable for employees of
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
 On the job training 20
 Off the job training 10
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Interpretation: From the above given image, it can be summarised that 20 out of 30 respondents
said that on the job training is more effective. While other 10 said that off the job training is
more effective.
P6 Communication of appropriate recommendations to draw valid and meaningful conclusion
From the above discussed report, it is recommended to managers to ensure effective
utilisation of digital technology it play a in improving business processes and operations. It can
help in bringing innovation and attaining business growth. Cloud technology could be the best
tool for Continental Consulting Limited in improving its processes and operations. Adoption of
this technology can provide various benefits to company in terms of storing and sharing ample
amount of data. By utilizing cloud storage, firm don't require to store information or data in their
own hard drive. It also provides benefit to download it and access it from any location or onto
any device. It is very easy for manager of firm to set up cloud computing service. It is often
inexpensive as its software is installed online so, company won't require to install it themselves.
The provider of cloud computing is responsible for ensuring the availability of updates, firm only
requires to download it.
Moreover, it saves time of Continental Consulting Limited and there is need of expert for
updating device. Initially some amount of storage is free but, for additional storage, firm requires
to pay a fee. Generally, fees is set at monthly or annual basis as it totally rely on services that
company may use. For proper implementation of digital technology within firm, it is very
essential for manager to prepare an appropriate plan that helps in handling issues effectively.
There is high possibility of arising issues as employees may resist to change. So, it is the
responsibility of manager to communicate the need of change and its benefits to employees and
firm. It can assists them in encouraging their manpower to adapt with changes and gaining high
competitive advantage in market. It is recommended to manager to offer proper training to
employees so they can perform their job roles in better manner with help of digital technology.
TASK 4
P7 Reflection on value of undertaking research to meet stated objectives, own learning and
performance
This project is based on influence of digital technology on business growth and
innovation. From the above analysis, I have examine that formulation of proper schedule is very
necessary in order to complete the tasks on specified time. Setting up of proper time management
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system is also necessary for each activity as it assists researcher to ensure completion of
activities as per their priority. Several ways are there for getting information or collecting data.
In order to gather information, survey method is used in this project. During carrying out
research, I have learned or gained knowledge or information regarding different subject areas
and appropriate techniques for conducting research. One of the best way for collecting large
amount of data in less time is questionnaire. This research assists in improving my knowledge in
area of digital technology and developed my skills that assists in completing project on time.
After doing this research, I have found that time and cost is the major problem due to which I
face difficulties as it consumes a lot of time. At the time of filling questionnaires, some
respondents was not responded properly due to which difficulty arise. Lack of effective
communication is also one of the problem due to which I face difficulty at the time of interacting
with people. All the set objective before carry out research are achieved.
CONCLUSION
As per the above mentioned report, it has been concluded that use of digital technology in
business operations proves to be very beneficial for firm as it contributes in its success and
growth. It also helps in bringing innovation within firm and improving its activities and
functioning. Use of cloud computing technology increases data storage capacity of company. By
the help of this technology, firm can store ample amount of data regarding customers and
business related activities. Questionnaire is used to to gather data as it is beneficial in collecting
more data in less time. It is a cost effective method as less cost is incurred in preparing
questionnaires. Use of digital technology directly impacts on productivity and profits of
company as eliminates paper work and allow managers to store all the data on online cloud
storage.
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