Impact of Digital Technology on Small Business Growth

The assignment discusses how digital technology has affected the growth of small businesses, allowing them to expand their operations but also requiring significant investments in technology and human resources. It emphasizes the importance of adapting to emerging marketing trends and developing proper information technology infrastructure to remain competitive.

Managing a Successful
Business

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aims and objectives ..............................................................................................................1
P2 Produce a project management plan that covers various aspects..........................................2
P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart .......................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods..6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................17
P5 Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques.....................................17
P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations of research to draw meaningful conclusions18
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................19
P7 Reflect on undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning................19
CONCLUSION :............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22

Title- Impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation- A case
study on Continental Consulting Limited
TASK 1
P1 Aims and objectives
Background of research
Small businesses are growing at rapidly in the recent era. This is because; internet has
provided them a platform to expand operations in different markets. Besides this, digital
technology has played a vital role in the business operations (Raghavan, Desai and Rajkumar,
2017). It has provided advanced tools and techniques through which efficiency of overall
business get increased. A crucial role is also played by the social media. By using this, marketing
of products has become easy and cost efficient. Business process re-engineering has been
implemented in which digital equipment are updated to modify the production process.
Moreover, by upgrading the overall process, business can compete in the market and survive for
a long period of time. Advancement in technology has allowed business to integrate its
operations that include finance, human resources, etc. Furthermore, technology has enabled the
channel of distribution in providing products and services on time. Business are able to keep
pace with advancement in technology so that customer can be retained. This will be beneficial
for them as it will integrate efforts thus leading to increasing performance. Due to emerging
marketing trends business is using developing digital strategies to effectively promote their
products and services (Govender and Wait, 2017). They are using social media platform that
has saved time and cost of advertising. This has helped in meeting the demand and supply on
time and solving customer problems easily.
Rationale of research
Present research has been conducted to find out the way Continental Consulting can
upgrade its systems and equipment that will enable them to compete in the market. Also, it will
help in providing suggestions on how efficiency can be maintained by developing effective
information technology infrastructure. Main aim of conducting this research is to find out the
impact of advancement in digital technology on growth of small business. This will help

Continental Consulting in achieving the goals and objectives in an effective manner. In this way,
it can expand in different markets and earn profits (Woodill and Udell, 2015).
Aim - “To analyse the impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and
innovation–A case study on Continental Consulting Limited”
Objectives:
 To identify how various digital equipment’s has helped in generating more revenue to
small business.
 To identify main elements that are used in monitoring digital equipment’s
 To analyse the impact of digital equipment’s in advertising and promoting of products
and services in small business. To recommend ways through which efficiency of digital equipment’s can be maintained.
Research questions
 What do you understand by the concept of using social media in marketing of products
and services?
 What are the applications and systems used in monitoring different strategies?
 How digital technology integrated different functions and operations of Continental
consulting?
P2 Produce a project management plan that covers various aspects
A project management plan is a framework that is made before conducting research. It
contains different elements such as cost, time, etc. that are included in it. The main purpose of
developing management plan is to develop activities that have to be performed (Durach and
Nitsche, 2016). Also, it gives an insight on how much time will be required for completing one
activity. It is like a schedule that consists of different things. The management plan of present
research is described as below:
Cost – This is the basic requirement of research. The management plan gives an insight of how
much cost will be incurred in overall project. By getting an idea of estimated cost, resources are

allocated to each activity. Besides this, it will help in controlling the cost of overall project. In
addition to this, identifying cost will help in managing the resources.
Risk – This is also a common element that is included in the management plan. This element can
affect the project to a great extent (Sharma, Lindsay and Everton, 2015). Basically, it is related
to the cost and time. These two must be maintained so that research process can flow in a smooth
manner.
Scope- It will help Continental Consulting in developing effective strategies so that tools and
equipment can be upgraded effectively. Also, scope of research will help company to monitor the
strategies and in maintain efficiency of equipment.
Resources – They are the main parts of conducting research. Continental Consulting can develop
proper technological infrastructure so that system can be updated regularly.
Quality – It is related to the quality of collecting data. The data collected must be of effective
quality so that it can help in getting effective and specific research outcomes (Rathi and Zalzala,
2016). It is used in collecting data from two methods, that is, primary and secondary.
Communication- While conducting research, it is necessary to have a proper and effective
communication. This helps in working together and completing activities on time. Also, it helps
in interacting with employees of organisation and collecting more information.

P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart

Task Name Duration Start Finish
Providing research topic 2 days Thu 10/25/18 Fri 10/26/18
Developing the aim and objective 3 days Mon 10/29/18 Wed 10/31/18
collecting secondary data 5 days Thu 11/1/18 Wed 11/7/18
Literature review 3 days Thu 11/8/18 Mon 11/12/18
Developing Questionnaire 2 days Tue 11/13/18 Wed 11/14/18
Distribution of questionnaire 4 days Thu 11/15/18 Tue 11/20/18
Data analysis 7 days Wed 11/21/18 Thu 11/29/18
Writing recommendation 3 days Fri 11/30/18 Tue 12/4/18
Submitting report 2 days Wed 12/5/18 Thu 12/6/18
Activities Explanation
Providing research topic
Here, topic was determined to conduct research. It took 2
days to select proper topic and subject.
Developing the aim and objective
Now, aims and objectives were developed that helped in
giving reason why research is been conducted. It describes
overall goals of research.
collecting secondary data
The previous research articles, journals, etc. were collected
and analysed. It gave an insight about what has been done
and its results.
Literature review
After collecting secondary data, literature review is written.
It describes results of other researchers in that field.
Developing Questionnaire Then, questionnaire is developed to collect primary data. it
contains both open and close ended questions.

Distribution of questionnaire
In this questionnaire is distributed to sample population
that is been selected for research.
Data analysis
This is most important in research where data is analysed
by using different tools.
Writing recommendation
Here, recommendations are provided that can be followed
by other research or companies.
Submitting report A last paper is published in journals or newspaper.
TASK 2
P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
Questionnaire

Name:
Age:
Gender:
Does Continental consulting use effective digital application technology in their
operations or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not Sure
Have any measures taken by Continental consulting to update applications or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not Sure
Are there any policies related to using information systems?
 Yes
 No
 Not Sure
How equipment’s can be innovated in Continental consulting?
 By updating it
 Installing new equipment’s
Does updating of equipment’s will help in increasing efficiency of Continental
consulting or not?
 Yes
 No

 Not sure
Will Continental consulting be able to grow and develop by implementing new digital
equipment’s or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not Sure
In which area equipment’s has enabled in increasing efficiency of small business?
 Finance
 Human resource
 Operations
 Production
How digital technology has affected the growth of small business?
 Positive
 Negative
 Neither positive nor negative
Use of digital technology has allowed business to develop products and improve the
quality of services or not?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
Data Analysis
Theme 1: Continental consulting uses effective digital equipment’s in their operations

Does Continental consulting use effective digital equipment’s in their
operations or not?
Frequency
Yes 3
No 13
Not Sure 4
Total 20
Interpretation: A research was conducted in Continental consulting regarding updating
digital equipment’s. In this sample of 20 respondents was taken by random method. For this
questionnaire was given to them collect data. From this it was identified that out of 20, 13 said
that there are no advanced equipment’s used by Continental consulting. 3 said yes and 4 was not
sure about this. Therefore, it can be said that there are no latest equipment’s that has been
Yes No Not Sure Total
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Frequency

implemented by Continental consulting. They need to install it quickly that will help them to
increase their efficiency so that it can compete with competitors.
Theme 2: Measures taken by Continental consulting to update applications
Have any measures taken by Continental consulting to update
applications or not?
Frequency
Yes 6
No 9
Not Sure 5
Total 20
Interpretation: The researcher in order to accomplish his goals and objectives conducted
research regarding growth of small business. For this he has taken sample of 20 respondents and
questionnaire are given to them. By analysing the data, it was identified that 6 said that measures
Yes
No
Not Sure
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Frequency

are taken for updating equipment’s. While 9 said no measures were taken and 5 was not sure
about this. Thus, it can be concluded that the weakness of Continental consulting lays down in
using of obsolete equipment’s. It has affected its operations and growth.
Theme 3: Any policies related to using information systems or not?
Are there any policies related to using information systems or not? Frequency
Yes 8
No 6
Not Sure 6
Total 20
Interpretation: From the research that was conducted in Continental consulting the
researcher randomly selected 20 respondents. From this it was identified that 8 said that there
were some policies developed by Continental consulting related to digital equipment’s. Whereas
Yes
No
Not Sure

6 said that no policies exist and 6 was not sure about this. Form this it can be concluded that
besides having policies in Continental consulting there was no action taken by management to
update equipment’s. Thus, it was restricting growth and development of Continental consulting
in different markets.
Theme 4: Equipment’s can be innovated in Continental consulting
How equipment’s can be innovated in Continental consulting? Frequency
Updating software 15
Installing new equipment’s 5
Total 20
Interpretation: - In order to accomplish goals and objectives the researcher conducted
research at Continental consulting It was done to find out the impact of digital technology on
Updating software Installing new equipments
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

growth of small business. For these 20 respondents were selected. By analysing the data of
questionnaire, it was found that 15 respondents said that advance digital technology can be
implemented by updating existing equipment’s while 5 said that Continental consulting requires
new equipment’s in order to survive in the market. Thus, it can be said that Continental
consulting must update its existing equipment’s by using software or developing IT
infrastructure.
Theme 5: Updating of equipment’s will help in increasing efficiency of Continental consulting
Does updating of equipment’s will help in increasing efficiency of
Continental consulting or not?
Frequency
Yes 15
No 3
Not Sure 2
Total 20
Yes
No
Not Sure
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Frequency

Interpretation: A research was conducted in Continental consulting on related to impact of
technology on business. In this researcher developed aims and objectives. For achieving those 20
respondents were selected and questionnaire was given to them. It was identified from collecting
data that out of 20, 15 said that Continental consulting can improve their operations if
equipment’s are updated and 3 said no. On the other hand, 2 was not sure about this. Thus, from
this it can be identified that Continental consulting can grow and compete in market.
Equipment’s will help in increasing productivity and developing products and services
Theme 6: Continental consulting can grow and develop by implementing new digital
equipment’s
Will Continental consulting be able to grow and develop by implementing
new digital equipment’s or not?
Frequency
Yes 16
No 1
Not Sure 3
Total 20

Interpretation: On the basis of research done by researcher it can be evaluated that data
collected by research It was identified from collecting data that out of 20, 15 said that
Continental consulting can improve their operations if equipment’s are updated and 3 said no.
On the other hand, 2 was not sure about this. Thus, from this it can be identified that Continental
consulting can grow and compete in market. Equipment’s will help in increasing productivity
and developing products and services
Theme 7: Area in which there is increase in efficiency of small business
In which area equipment’s has enabled in increasing efficiency of small
business?
Frequency
Finance 7
Human resource 5
Operations 4
Production 4
Yes
No
Not Sure

Total 20
Interpretation- As per the research done by researcher in Continental consulting a
questionnaire was given to 20 respondents. In this they were asked about in which area
efficiency of small business has increased. By analysing data, it was identified that 7 said that
finance department, 5 said human resource, 4 were in favour of operations and 4 in production.
Thus, it can be concluded that high amount of equipment’s is used in financial area. This has
enabled business to allocate resources effectively and proper utilisation of them. Due to this they
are able to save cost and generate high profits.
Theme 8: Effect digital technology on growth of small business
How digital technology has affected the growth of small business? Frequency
Positive 10
Negative 3
Finance Human resource Operations Production
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Frequency

Neither positive nor negative 7
Total 20
Interpretation - On the basis of research process that was investigated by researcher in
Continental consulting. 20 respondent’s data by giving them questionnaire to fill it. It was
identified that 10 said digital technology has affected in positive way, 3 said that it has affected
in negative way. On the other hand, 7 said neither positive nor negative. Therefore, it can be
concluded that there has been rise in growth of small business due to digital technology. It has
enabled them to develop products and improve their quality of service so that customer can be
retained.
Theme 9: Digital technology has helped in developing products and improve the quality of
services
Use of digital technology has allowed business to develop products and
improve the quality of services or not?
Frequency
Yes 11
Positive
Negative
Neither positive nor negative

No 3
Not Sure 6
Total 20
Interpretation – From this research done by researcher in Continental consulting it can be
analysed from data that is collected. It can be identified that out of 20 respondents 11 said that
digital technology has resulted in new products and services. Whereas 3 was not in favour of this
and 6 said they were not sure. Thus, it can be concluded that customer care getting a variety of
products to choose from. Also, use of tools has led to improvement in service quality. This has
enabled small business to increase customer satisfaction and retain them.
TASK 3
P5 Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
Research is conducted by applying different methods and approaches. It helps in conducting
research in a smooth manner. The process through which methods and approaches are developed
is called researcher methodologies (Harrison and Lock, 2017). It assists researcher in using the
Yes
No
Not Sure
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Frequency

appropriate methods. This helps in getting specific results. Various methods included in research
are as follows: -
Research Philosophy- There are two types of research philosophies used that are positivism and
interpretivism. By using this, researcher gets an idea on how research can be conducted. For the
present study, positivism philosophy is applied. It is because
Research Approach- It helps in taking further step in conducting research. There are two
research approaches that are deductive and inductive. Present study will be based on deductive
approach as it contains hypothesis and questionnaire. With this, precise and accurate data will be
collected generating adequate outcomes.
Research design- It is used in the analysis and presentation of data. This is formulated by the
researcher according to his or her wish (Carayannis, Sindakis and Walter, 2015). There are
many types of research designs available such as descriptive, exploratory, etc. It depends on the
researcher on which design will be chosen. For the present study, descriptive design is applied. It
will help in describing the implications of digital technology on growth of Continental
Consulting.
Collection of data- It is an important process of research because all results are based on this.
The researcher must collect proper quality of data and information. Usually, primary and
secondary are two types of data collection methods. For the present research, primary method is
applied in which questionnaire will be developed and then data will be interpreted.
Analysis of data- It is a crucial process in which data is analysed and interpreted. Researcher
must analyse the data properly so that there will be no impacts on results. A better analysis will
give specific results (Jeffery and Rzymski, 2017). In the present study, data will be analysed by
using thematic analysis.
Data sampling- The research results are also based on selecting data samples. It reflects on the
population on which research will be conducted. There are many data sampling techniques such
as random, stratified, etc. Researcher will use random sampling technique and will select 20
respondents in Continental Consulting

P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations of research to draw meaningful conclusions
While conducting research it was identified that Continental Consulting requires several
methods through which equipment’s can be updated. This will help them to maintain their
efficiency and compete in the market (Bwika and Munir, 2017). Also, there are certain
recommendations that can be followed by management of Continental Consulting in their
operations. These are as follows: -
Developing infrastructure- This can be installing and implementing different types of software
and database. Continental Consulting can develop and design their own information technology
infrastructure that will help in monitoring changes. Also, they will be able to maintain and
control all IT related work. This will enable company to store and maintain their data.
Hiring experts – This can be done by Continental Consulting. that will help in managing and
monitoring data systems. These experts will develop policies related to using them. Also, they
will help in aiding in developing strategies for growth.
Providing training – Continental Consulting can provide training to employees on how to use
systems and software (Raghavan, Desai and Rajkumar, 2017). This will enable them to gain
knowledge and skills on how to use it. It will increase their efficiency and improving their
productivity. This will lead to enhance in overall efficiency of Continental Consulting
operations.
Developing policies – Policies can be developed so that operations are done accordingly. It will
help in restrict employees to use technology for wrong means. Also, it will create a systematic
structure through which systems can be used.
Hence, these recommendations s can be followed by Continental Consulting It will help
them to manage their IT systems. Moreover, it will enable them to maintain pace with change in
technology (Govender and Wait, 2017). This will be beneficial for them as it will integrate
efforts thus leading to increasing performance.

TASK 4
P7 Reflect on undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning
After conducting research, I concluded that the results that was generated by me was
effective. I was able to accomplish my goals and objectives. I develop research methodology that
helped and guided me in conducting research. Along with this I also developed a Gantt chart. On
the basis of this I divided activities. It helped me in conducting research in effective way.
Moreover, the results that was generated was specific. I noticed that there was no proper
communication between team members. This was due to poor relations between them. Also,
there was lack of coordination while performing activities. This resulted in conflicts. For solving
it I had to create a proper communication structure. It was followed by all team members. I also
worked with them so that research can be conducted in smooth way. With this entire research
was completed on time and results was generated.
I also analysed that I performed my role effectively. I acted as team leader as assigned
roles and responsibilities to members. I did this by identifying skills and qualities of them and
then assigning roles. This was easy for them to perform task in given time period. Also, they
helped each other. This took less time in doing task. In order to save time and cost I mailed the
questionnaire to respondents. I gained knowledge about various research methods and how they
are applied. This enhanced my skills that will help me in career development. By doing this
research I got to know about how overall research is conducted. It will help me in becoming a
successful researcher in the future. I will be able to conduct research on different topics. With
this I will get specific results.
CONCLUSION:
This report concludes that digital technology has affected growth of small business. It has
allowed them to expand their business. But on the other hand, advancement in technology has
forced business to update their systems. For this they require huge funds and experienced
employees. Business are able to keep pace with advancement in technology so that customer can
be retained. Due to emerging marketing trends business is using developing digital strategies to
effectively promote their products and services. They must develop proper information

technology infrastructure in order to regularly update software and applications. This will be
beneficial for them as it will integrate efforts thus leading to increasing performance.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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towards innovation through managing corporate incubation process.
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organizational sustainability. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 40(1), pp.85-104.
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logistics networks (Vol. 6). Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin.
Govender, C.M. and Wait, M., 2017. Managing work integrated learning strengths,
opportunities and risks in the emerging South African environment. READINGS BOOK,
p.213.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Jeffery, M. and Rzymski, C., 2017. Ariba Implementation at MED-X: Managing Earned
Value. Kellogg School of Management Cases, pp.1-15.
Raghavan, K., Desai, M.S. and Rajkumar, P.V., 2017. Managing Cybersecurity and e-
Commerce Risks in Small Busi-nesses.
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Woodill, G. and Udell, C., 2015. Managing a Mobile Learning Project
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