Managing A Successful Business Project

This document provides guidance on managing a successful business project. It covers topics such as aims and objectives, project management plan, Gantt chart, small scale research, analysis of research and data, and recommendations.

Managing A Successful
Business Project

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aims and objectives...............................................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan.......................................................................................................2
P3 Gantt chart and work breakdown structure............................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Small scale research...............................................................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5 Analysis of research and data................................................................................................8
P6 Recommendation.................................................................................................................14
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................14
P7 Reflection.............................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................17
Log book........................................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Digital denotes as an electronic technology that helps in generating, storing and
processing data at workplace. However, main objective behind installing latest tools is to cope up
with current changes and trends. As a result, numerous of small and medium businesses are
trying to upgrade their equipment’s and machineries (Kowalkowski, Kindström and Brehmer,
2011) . Thus, “Continental Consulting limited” which is a small firm headed by Mario
Bindas as CEO engaged in business Process Re-engineering are aiming to upgrade their
previous technologies. Therefore, whole assignment is going to highlight the foremost agenda of
firm that is “assessing the influence of technology on small business growth and
innovation”. In the beginning of the project, prominent objective of the research will be
explained in order to design an impressive project management plan by considering necessary
elements. Furthermore, work breakdown structure and Gantt chart will be produced for providing
accurate time frame for project. Along with this data accumulation is also outlined in the report
for understanding the opinions of others towards usage of digital technology.
TASK 1
P1 Aims and objectives
Continental consulting limited is a small firm which was started eight years ago and
involved in a Business Process Re-engineering. At that time, their main objective is to offer best
services to small and medium manufacturing firms situated in London and around Greater
London. However, in coming time period there is lots of changes incurred in IT industries which
make the company feel that they are lagging behind. For example; equipment’s, tools and
machineries of selected firm are eight years old and it became obsolete. As a result, one of the
major agenda which comes out in an official meeting is that “upgrading of previous equipment’s
in order to overcome the key weakness” of an organization. Thus, most prominent objective of
the research is to “analyse the impact of digital technology in supporting growth of small
business” (Jeston, 2014).
As a section head of research department in continental consulting limited, it is essential
to design a specific aim of the research in order to move towards corrective direction. Basically,
digital technology is a cluster of various modern and advanced equipment’s which are used by an
organization for handling their business operations. Thus, selected firm is also trying to update
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their old versions of technologies step by step. Therefore, first or foremost aim of Continental
consulting limited is –
Research Aim-
“To determine the influence of mobile technology upon organizational sales and its
goodwill at marketplace: A case study on Continental Consulting Limited”
Research Objectives- To analyse the concept of mobile technology. To determine the impact of mobile equipment’s upon company sales and its goodwill. To ascertain the contribution of mobile technology in the growth of Continental
Consulting limited. To identify the relationship between mobile technology and company sales.
Research questions-
 Explain the concept of mobile technology?
 How the mobile equipment’s influence company sales and its goodwill? What is the contribution of mobile technology in the growth of Continental Consulting
limited?
 What is the relationship between mobile technology and company sales?
P2 Project management plan
Upgrading of digital technology is a really complex procedure due to the technical
features and signs which are not easy to understand by unskilled employees. Thus, it is essential
for managers of Continental consulting limited to design an appropriate plan for entire research
in order to manage things in a suitable way. Mainly, it consist of all the necessary elements
which will be consider by company while updating their digital tools such as; time, cost, risk,
resources, communication, quality and scope ( Hillson, 2017). Hence, detailed description of
these components are discussed as follows-
 Scope – As per the section head and CEO of an organization, company wants to update
their past technologies in order to implement current changes at workplace. However, IT
industry is having a wide scope across the globe due to the emergence of modern
equipment’s such as mobile applications are used for connecting people at international
platform. In fact, IT industries are coming with more and more options for Business
process such as; computer technology is a maximum usage tool that is utilized by
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corporate world for storing authentic data. Therefore, an organization is having numerous
of opportunity to upgrade their tools by analysing the current changed market in order to
attain their prior set agenda ( Fisher, 2011).
 Cost – Capital is considered as backbone of business operations because almost entire
organizational activities are depending upon funds. For example; hiring of skilled or
experienced employee requires high amount of salary, buying of latest technology
consume maximum range of cost and so on. Thus, it has been understood that company
needs to forecast their budget before implementing their plan at workplace as it helps in
minimizing the additional cost. However, current project of Continental Consulting
Limited is going to consumer approx. 1000GBP in which some of the necessary expenses
that might covered is explained below-
Expenses Amount (GBP)
Cost of Employer (dual role) 100GBP
Cost of software/ machinery 200GBP
Installation charge 150GBP
Testing procedure 250GBP
Additional expense 300GBP
Total 1000GBP
 Time- According to given scenario company is lagging behind as compared with current
market as they are having eight-year-old tools because of which managers needs to set
specific time frame for completing their updating project. In fact, time is really crucial
factor for organization as it is essential to meet the current demands of customers rapidly
in order to establish their image at marketplace. Therefore, after assessing budget of the
project it has been understood that around 6 months will consume for completing the
research (Doherty , Ashurst and Peppard, 2012).
 Quality – Installation of digital technology is a long as well as complex procedure which
requires high range of funds, skilled employees, proper planning and so on. As all these
factors aids in managing entire activities but on the same time quality measurement is
also most indispensable element in this process. Basically, main objective of quality team
is to control the probabilities of errors that might incur while continuing the process of
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installation. Moreover, prior checking of quality helps Continental Consulting limited in
minimizing their unusual losses which occurred during the process.
 Communication – An effective interaction is indispensable for the smooth functioning
of whole procedure as minor misunderstanding can change the positive result into
negative. It means, communication is also considered as one of major aspect in project
management plan of selected firm because proper coordination and team work between
staff members is a sign of great achievement. Thus, a manager needs to make sure that
communication procedure is totally clear and concise (Cheung, Chan and Kajewski,
2012).
 Risk – Future is uncertain which means fluctuation in any factor occurs anytime and it
can affect the agenda of company. For example; changes in the price of software because
of high demand disturb the prior set budget. It means, a manager needs to have creative
minds as well as contingency plan for controlling the possibilities of risk.
 Resources – It’s all about materials which is required by Continental Consulting limited
to accomplish their set objectives such as; human resource, plant or machinery, funds,
land and building henceforth. In fact, all these are necessary also to complete the project
such as; capital is used for buying all the other resources like skilled labour will be hired
by offering high range of salary (Morris and Geraldi, 2011).
Hence, all the above factors are indispensable for completing the project of technology
Updation in perfect manner as these will helps in directing entire team towards corrective path.
Along with this, support in difficult situations by presenting contingency plan.
P3 Gantt chart and work breakdown structure
Installations of latest or advanced technology consist of long procedure due to the high
range of complexity. Along with this, it requires specific time period and skilled employees at
Continental Consulting Limited for managing risky circumstances. Thus, Work breakdown
structure is most appropriate tool that is used by an organization for managing business activities
in more suitable manner ( Adzic, 2011). Main objective of this element is to split the task into
various employees or department for minimizing the work pressure from one group. It means, a
manager needs to split the duties between several team members in order to distribute the
responsibilities. However, this structure is to complete the whole project in a minimum time
frame but in a corrective manner.
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Apart from this, Gantt chart is designed for directing the employees about specific time
for each and every activity in order to control the wastage of duration. In fact, stages helps an
organization while conducting business activities such as; employee will set the mind while
accomplishing their business activities and tried to finish in a given time frame (Nicholas and
Steyn, 2017).
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Critical path for completing the project of Continental Consulting Limited was drawn
above in order to understand the actual direction for attaining the set objectives.
TASK 2
P4 Small scale research
Continental Consulting Limited is a firm which is not having skilled employees because
of insufficient funds. Thus, it is essential to accumulate necessary data and information about the
benefits and drawbacks of digital technology such as; impact of mobile applications on business
sales. However, various methods are identified which might be used by company for gathering
relevant facts or figures about the usage of technology at workplace as well as their demand in
corporate world ( Duffield and Whitty, 2015). Some of the data collection methods are discussed
as follows-
 Primary- Data which is collected by an organization by itself for a first time such as;
questionnaire is one of most suitable example from which fresh information is acquired.
In fact, this information is more realistic because it’s a first hand data (Primary source
and secondary source, 2018).
 Secondary – Another name of this method is second hand because this information are
already used by some other person. For example; factors determined through books are
consider under this tool because that information is read by number of people.
 Qualitative – It means information is acquired by Continental Consulting Limited
through quality rather than any factor such as; appearance, value of that data at specific
place or situation ( Drucker, 2012).
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 Quantitative- Numerical or statistical data is acquired by this tool which is used by
company while making financial decision.
It has been understood that all the above methods are suitable according to the situations
but for selected firm questionnaire is most appropriate one because company wants to know the
need of upgrading technology at workplace. For example; wanted to know about the influence of
mobile technology in maximising company sales as well as its goodwill. Therefore, around 20
staff members are selected for understanding the perception of employees towards technology
upgrade (Pekuri and et. al., 2014).
Questionnaire
Q1. What is your first preference in terms of technology to perform business activities? Latest technology Traditional technologies
Q2. Do you really want to use latest tools for performing assigned job? Yes No
Q3. Is there any change in your performance with the use of latest technology? Yes No
Q4. Is there any change in customer demand with the installations of modern technologies? Yes No
Q5. Is there any fluctuation in company sales performance? Yes No
Q6. What is the benefit of using latest technology at workplace? Personal or professional development Sales improvement Enhancement of goodwill All the above
Q7. Any suggestion you want to give about installation of modern technology at workplace?
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TASK 3
P5 Analysis of research and data
Theme 1:- Your first preference in terms of
technology to perform business activities.
Frequency
Latest technology 15
Traditional technologies 5
15
5
Frequency
Latest technology
Traditional technologies
Interpretation- From the above diagrammatic representation, it has been analysed that
demand of modern technologies are increasing day by day due to its efficiency and usefulness at
workplace. Thus, around 15 members of Continental consulting limited prefer latest technology
for organization and agree with the installation of new software. On the other hand, almost 5
employees are not agreeing with this statement and they are selecting traditional tools for
enjoying their comfort level.
Theme 2:- Are you really wanted to use latest
tools for performing assigned job.
Frequency
Yes 14
No 6
8

14
6
Frequency
Yes
No
Interpretation- From the above graphical representation, it has been understood that
around 6 members are not agree with this statement. On the other hand, almost 14 employees are
really wanted to use modern tools for managing their business operations. It means, company
needs to focus on the requirement of maximum employees.
Theme 3:- Any change in your performance
with the use of latest technology.
Frequency
Yes 16
No 4
16
4
Frequency
Yes
No
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Interpretation- On the basis of demonstration, it is assessed that 16 members get
succeeded in improving their performance by using latest tools. Whereas, rest 4 individuals
failed in attaining their set objectives or goals in a defined time frame.
Theme 4:- Any change in customer demand
with the installations of modern technologies.
Frequency
Yes 17
No 3
17
3
Frequency
Yes
No
Interpretation- Throughout the analysis, it has been understood that customer demand is
really changing with the use of modern technologies because almost 17 members are fully
agreeing with this statement. On contrary to this, only 3 employees are not satisfied with this
statement because of their own reasons.
Theme 5:- Is there any fluctuation in company
sales performance.
Frequency
Yes 18
10

No 2
18
2
Frequency
Yes
No
Interpretation- By analysing employees performance, it is identified that there is a
major fluctuation in sales performance of an organization because 18 staff members are agree
with this statement. In fact, few members like this technology as it helps in enhancing their
personal knowledge also. Whereas, only 2 individuals are not satisfied with this statement and
believes that there is no change in sales volume.
Theme 6:- Benefit of using latest technology at
workplace.
Frequency
Personal or professional development 5
Sales improvement 5
Enhancement of goodwill 5
All the above 5
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5
55
5
Frequency
Personal or professional
development
Sales improvement
Enhancement of goodwill
All the above
Interpretation- By assessing various situations and viewpoints of employees, it has been
analysed that usage of latest technology in current time frame is really indispensable. In fact,
various members are agreeing with the installation of advanced technology because of its several
benefits such as; personal and professional development, improvement in sales, enhancement of
goodwill and so on. Thus, 5 members are saying that personal or professional development,
another 5 are selecting sales improvement, other 5 are goodwill and rest 5 are saying all these are
improved. Hence, it has been proven that continental consulting limited needs to install latest
technology and improve their IT department for acquiring several benefits.
P6 Recommendation
By analysing the whole research one thing is determined that digital technology is not an
easy procedure due to the involvement of various complexities such as; consume maximum
amount of funds, skilled labour, technical support and so on. Thus, the manager of continental
consulting limited needs to consider few things in order to minimize the chances of mistakes and
errors. For example;
 Make sure that employees are fully trained and updated about modern technology or
applications in order to minimize the probabilities of accidents.
 In future company requires considering specific factors before appointing employees
such as; experiencing, talent, knowledge about modern technology, ability to deal with
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risky situation and so on. As it helps in minimizing the cost of additional training and
development programme.
 Reserve funds before getting involved in these kind of activities for reducing the
obstacles of success.
 Create a positive relationship between staff members for marinating the proper
coordination between them while working as a team.
 By assessing the viewpoints of employees with the help of questionnaire method, it has
been understood that implementation of digital technology is really indispensable for the
success of an association. Along with this, use of modern equipment is beneficial for the
development of staff members because it aids in accomplishing set objectives in a
defined time frame.
TASK 4
P7 Reflection
Throughout the analysis I have gone through numerous of issues and problems while
attaining my set objectives that is; implementation of latest technology such as; mobile
technology at workplace for maximizing company sales as well as its goodwill establishment.
For example; when I was asking employees about the installation process then some might agree
with my opinion but few are not happy with this as they are finding it as a complicated process.
Along with this, funds are also one of major factor which act as an obstacle in my success path
because sometime I really need technical staff for understanding code langue of software. For
example; few experienced or technical team are demanding high salary and we are getting failed
in fulfilling their desires. Thus, in attaining my set target of the research I have encountered
major issues but somehow I have managed all the things and get success in achieving my aim.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been summarized that usage of latest technologies is
maximizing at marketplace due to which small business are also trying to upgrade their previous
equipment’s in order to maximize profit level. Hence, whole assignment is circulated around the
installation of digital technology by showing its influence on progress of small firm which is
continental consulting limited. Along with this, questionnaire was also used for understanding
the perceptions of distinct employees that are performing at workplace in order to analyse the
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need of digital tools. Thus, after analysing the viewpoints of several member’s managers of an
organization get aware about the need of technology for employees, customers as well as success
of whole association.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Kowalkowski, C., Kindström, D. and Brehmer, P. O., 2011. Managing industrial service
offerings in global business markets. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 26(3).
pp.181-192.
Jeston, J., 2014. Business process management. Routledge.
Hillson, D., 2017. Managing risk in projects. Routledge.
Fisher, E., 2011. What practitioners consider to be the skills and behaviours of an effective
people project manager. International journal of project management, 29(8). pp.994-
1002.
Doherty, N. F., Ashurst, C. and Peppard, J., 2012. Factors affecting the successful realisation of
benefits from systems development projects: findings from three case studies. Journal of
Information Technology, 27(1). pp.1-16.
Cheung, E., Chan, A. P. and Kajewski, S., 2012. Factors contributing to successful public private
partnership projects: Comparing Hong Kong with Australia and the United Kingdom.
Journal of Facilities Management, 10(1). pp.45-58.
Adzic, G., 2011. Specification by example: how successful teams deliver the right software.
Manning Publications Co..
Duffield, S. and Whitty, S. J., 2015. Developing a systemic lessons learned knowledge model for
organisational learning through projects. International journal of project management,
33(2). pp.311-324.
Drucker, P., 2012. Managing for results. Routledge.
Pekuri, A., and et. al., 2014. Managing value creation: the business model approach in
construction. International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 8(1). pp.36-51.
Nicholas, J. M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Morris, P. W. and Geraldi, J., 2011. Managing the institutional context for projects. Project
Management Journal, 42(6). pp.20-32.
Online
Primary source and secondary source, 2018. [Online] Available through;
<https://businesscasestudies.co.uk/food-standards-agency/market-research-and-
consumer-protection/primary-and-secondary-research.html>.
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APPENDIX
Log bookProject Logbook for the chosen
:
organisation Continental
Consulting Limited
:
Name of the learner
:
Name of the Supervisor
:
Project Title Managing successful
business
:
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
Installation of digital
technology
Yes
Yes, each and every
requirements are accomplished
in a given time frame.
None of the modification is
required
/
?
Any risks and or issues identified

/
Did you identify risks issues
with a lack of skills required for
?
undertaking research tasks
,Yes few potential areas are
identified and corrected with
.possible solutions
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
Did you identify any additional
/
risks issues that have an impact
on the project management
?
plan
Related task and management
.are connected with the plans
Problems encountered

?
What barriers did you face

?
How did you overcome them
Trust and fund issue.
Proper solutions by the support
of team member.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
development perspective digital
tools are more effective and
.effecient
What Have I learnt about myself this
?
week
l
How did I feel when I had to
/
?
deal with tasks problems
l
Did I find it useful to complete
?
the tasks
l
?
How well have I performed
?
What did I contribute
l
What can I improve on next
?
week
l
How might this learning apply
?
in the future
How to resolve complex issues
in a minimum time period.
Yes
This report is effeciently
performed by me.
My interaction skills needs to
be .enhanced
It will be helpful in interpreting
positive ways to director by
which coming judgement can be
.taken
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Tasks planned for next week
l
?
Which tasks are priority
l
Have you set aside sufficient
?
time for completion
Type of difficulties and
problems were faced by
organisation
,Yes I have
( ,
Project plan status to date on
,
)
ahead behind
Up to date
Supervisor comments to address
:
Signature of the Supervisor and date
Performance review
1. ?What was the Project supposed to accomplish
This project is supposed to accomplishe need of latest technology
for small firm.
2. / ?Did the project succeed in its objectives how do you know
, .Specifically please outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken
The major aim and objective of the company is to upgrade their
old equipments.
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
Initially, I was unprotected to entire activities which are concerned in it
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they
?tackled Was there timely identification of issues and resolution during
?the project process
,Yes it was difficult to accumulate concise data and conduct them to
solution
5. ?What did you learn from undertaking the project
By this task I have acquire which is needed to follow current
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.digital technology so that objectives can be earned in effective manner
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant
?leading the project
8 10.out of
7. ?What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify
My main strength is better and effective management ability .
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
?development
It is important for corporate level to modulate free flow of
.abstraction in company as they can get with together
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