Harrods Digital Transformation Project Plan

This assignment outlines a project plan to integrate digital technologies into Harrods Ltd's operations. It includes a detailed work breakdown structure, Gantt chart, network diagram, time schedule, and illustrations demonstrating the impact of digital adoption on business performance. The plan also considers potential risks, barriers, and learning opportunities for future improvements.

MANAGING BUSINESS
SUCCESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC
“To identify the impact of digital technology supporting SME growth and innovation - A
case study on Harrods Ltd”
INTRODUCTION
Digital technology influences productivity and profitability of company positively. The
current assessment is based on understanding several aspects of project management for Harrods
Ltd regarding using digital technologies for its business operations. In this regard, project plan
for adopting digital technologies for the small scale enterprise is discussed. Moreover, research
methods for data collection and analysing company's performance will be introduced in this
assignment. However, recommendations for project management and meeting goals are
understood for effectiveness of Harrods Ltd.
TASK 1
LO 1
P1) Project aims and objectives
It is essential for any company's growth to adopt digital technologies during business
operations. In this regard, profitability, marketability and competitiveness of the entity (Adhikari
and et.al., 2014). However, aim and objectives of project on identifying the importance of using
digital technologies for Harrods Ltd:
Aim of the project:
“To understand the impact of using digital technology supporting small scale entity's
growth - A case study on Harrods Ltd”
Objectives:
 To identify the usefulness of using digital technologies in business operations
 To evaluate the impact of adopting digital technologies on development of Harrods Ltd.
 To understand the influence on marketability and competitiveness of entity by using
digital technologies
 To recommend for project management and adopting digital technologies for Harrods
Ltd.
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P2)
It is required to consider different tools and aspects for project on using digital
technologies for business operations of Harrods Ltd (Ahlemann and et.al., 2013). For instance,
cost incurred, time frame, quality of products and services, communication and so on. In
accordance with this, some tools for managing project are to be identified as follows:
 Cost: For managing project, it is planned that how cost is to be incurred for digital
technologies and implementing business activities (Baldi, 2014). Along with this,
different ideas are generated for allocating fund as well working for further project.
However, expenditures incurred on purchasing materials, labour costs and additional
overheard are planned. Likewise, it is effective for appropriate planning in relation to cost
incurred on project for using digital technologies for Harrods Ltd.
 Time frame: It is identified that project planning includes time frame as accomplishing
any specific task in particular determined time (El-Hajjar and Hanzo, 2013). For
example: conducting survey in 2-3 weeks, implementing project plan for 5-6 weeks and
so on.
 Scope: This project on using digital technologies for development of small scale
enterprise has scope of increasing productivity and profitability of firms at higher level.
In accordance with this, it will be effective for appropriate decision making and
contacting with people (Iwamoto, 2013). Likewise, project is on understanding the
usefulness of digital technologies for business performance of Harrods Ltd. However,
project management aspects and different tools are recognised for enhancing small scale
entity's effectiveness.
 Quality: It is a factor for analysing the quality of materials and resources used in project
management in terms of digital technologies and business operations (Kerzner, 2013).
Likewise, it is efficient for project and managing all resources for enhancing the
efficiency of Harrods Ltd. Thus, quality used in project and different factors are
identified for planning and managing entire resources and funds efficiently.
 Communication: It is a two way process for expressing and sharing ideas and
information from one place/person to another (Mir and Pinnington, 2014). However, for
project management, it is essential to discuss all planning and project stages with team
members. In accordance with this, good coordination among workers can be identified
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towards accomplishing tasks and meeting goals effectively. However, communicating
cost, planning and tact for project is needed for adopting digital technologies to develop
the business performance of Harrods Ltd. effectively.
 Risks: Therefore, analysing these risks and back-up plan are required for managing
project and reducing issues occurred in it (Popaitoon and Siengthai, 2014). However,
variety of ideas is generated for project planning and getting success to adopt digital
technologies for Harrods Ltd.
 Resources: Different resources are identified for project management like finance,
people and equipment used for implementing digital technologies and so on (Schwalbe,
2015). In accordance with this, all resources are identified as well as planned for
accomplishing the tasks effectively. It is beneficial for optimum utilization of resources
and fund for project and getting success in using digital technologies for business
operations of Harrods Ltd.
P3) Time frames and stages for project completion
Time frame is referred as setting a specific time for accomplishing any particular task of
project at rightly (Tekalp, 2015). Therefore, for all stages and project planning, systematic
timing is set for project on using digital technologies for development of Harrods Ltd. In this
regard, time scale is set for the project is identified as follows:
Table 1: Project plan
Plan Activity Cost Time frame
Preparing project plan All plans are created
including targets for
project on identifying
importance of using
digital technologies for
Harrods Ltd.
100 1 week
Data collection
(Survey with 10
managers)
Conducting survey
with 10 managers on
analysing significance
200 2-3 weeks
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and working for
managing project
Data interpretation Respondents' views
are analysed for
project management
and adopting digital
technologies for
business operations of
Harrods Ltd
100 1 week
Discussion Discussion on findings
is done for project and
implementing
strategies effectively
100 1 week
Working for project All project plans are
implemented for
entity's growth
efficiently
500-600 4-5 weeks
Performance
evaluation
Actual and expected
performance is
compared for project
and getting success.
200 1-2 weeks
Taking feedback from
all team members
Feedback is taken
from each team
member for
participating in project
and working for
entity's growth.
100 1 week
Reporting Project planning 100 1-2 weeks
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process and
contribution of all
workers are reported.
Work Breakdown structure:
It is structural framework for presenting steps involved from project starting to closure
(Digital techniques influence in business activities, 2016). However, all stages for project plan
are mentioned for goal accomplishments and meeting goals effectively. However, WBS for
assignment on utilising digital technologies in growth of Harrods Ltd is to be identified as
follows:
Illustration 1: Work Breakdown Structure
Gantt chart:
It is structural framework of project plan which demonstrates all steps from starting up
project to its completion. In this process, all stages are presented in the form of days, weeks,
months and years (El-Hajjar and Hanzo, 2013). Likewise, vision and strategies to be
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implemented for project are evaluated systematically for goal accomplishments and getting
success in project plan effectively. In accordance to this, Gantt chart for project on understanding
significance of adopting digital technologies for Harrods Ltd's growth can be presented as below:
Illustration 2: Gantt chart
Network diagram:
Network Diagram structural framework is to express connections of project actions with
both (Mir and Pinnington, 2014). However, all stages and process for project are to be identified
through network diagram as follows:
Illustration 3: Network diagram
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Time schedule:
M1) Comprehensive project management plan
It is essential to plan for all aspects for project management on using digital technologies
for Harrods Ltd. In this process, cost incurred, time consumed, people involved in project etc.
However, different ideas are generated for project completion and allocating resources/fund
effectively. Including this, quality and quantity to be used in materials, human resources and
impact of other factors are analysed (Popaitoon and Siengthai, 2014). Therefore, comprehensive
project management plan includes entire aspects and tools for completing tasks and improving
entity's business performance at maximum level.
D1) Critical evaluation on project management process and research methods
It is recognised that by following on entire project management will be effective for
completing tasks and increasing efficiency of Harrods Ltd. In this regard, profitability and
competitiveness of small scale entity can be enhanced on larger scale (Baldi, 2014). The lack of
funds and resources will be affecting operations of business and that of working on project as
well. The lack of coordination within members of team will not allow project to achieve its target
and would also be impact in negative way. However, occurrence of uncertain changes disturbs
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Illustration 4: Time schedule for project

project's planning as well new risks for the small scale unit. Therefore, it is required for entity to
consider project plans and formulating strategies related to effectiveness of the enterprise.
TASK 2
LO 2
P4)
Data collection is a process of analysing actual performance of the entity and further
decision making to achieve its effectiveness. It is done through research on primary and
secondary level which can be understood as: Primary data collection: Primary data collection is that types which will be include
various surveys and observations which are either conducted based on email to
participants or face to face interviews as well. Therefore, actual business performance can
be analysed which has no link with performance of business in the last year as well future
intentions. In this regard, investigator is to conduct investigation with 10 employees of
Harrods Ltd regarding importance of implementing digital technologies for effectiveness
of the small scale unit. It includes qualitative and quantitative research for conducting
survey (Iwamoto, 2013). Where, for qualitative research, views, opinions and ideas of
respondents are analysed while under quantitative research process, data are collected
quantitatively as in numbers for identifying business performance of the entity.
 Secondary data collection: Research method, information are gathered through using
already conducted investigations or information which are published (Adhikari and et.al.,
2014). For instance; reading articles of books, magazines, using social networking
platforms etc. Thus, business and market performance of the entity can be observed on
which further decisions are made.
Questionnaire:
It consists of list of questions for asking with participants involved in survey method.
However, variety of ideas is created for balancing entire business operations and improving it
effectively (Smith and et.al., 2015). Therefore, by collecting respondents' views, appropriate
decision can made for effectiveness and growth of the entity. In this regard, prepared
questionnaire by asking 10 employees of Harrods LTD
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Data interpretation (Thematic analysis):
Managers' opinions on using digital technologies for growth of Harrods Ltd can be
interpreted thematically as:
Theme 1: Business performance of Harrods Ltd using digital technologies
Yes 8
No 2
Total number of
respondents 10
Interpretation: In the beginning, investigator requests about employees opinions on
influence on performance of business using digital technologies for Harrods Ltd. It is evaluated
9
Yes No
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Column C
Illustration 5: Business performance of Harrods Ltd using digital technologies

that 8 out 10 respondents respond positively on its usefulness. However, they also express that it
is operative for implementing and enlightening business operations of the business effectively.
Theme 2: Managers who agreed on asked statement
Agreed 4
Strongly agreed 3
Disagreed 2
Strongly disagreed 1
Total number of
respondents 10
Interpretation: In this investigation, researcher gathers amount of agreed and disagreed
managers through declaration of practicality of digital technologies for refining organisation’s
performance. Here, in pie graph, blue colour presents number of agreed managers, orange for
10
4
3
2
1
Agreed
Strongly agreed
Disagreed
Strongly disagreed
Illustration 6: Managers who agreed on asked statement

strongly agreed, yellow for disagreed and green for strongly disagreed respondents. However, it
is interpreted that respondents are agreed the statement at maximum level which can be effective
for the project and improving its business performance effectively.
Theme 3: Influence on business performance by adopting digital technologies
Positive 2
Increasing 5
Neutral 2
Decreasing 1
Total number of
respondents 10
11
Positive Increasing Neutral Decreasing
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
Column C
Illustration 7: Influence on business performance by adopting digital technologies

Interpretation: from the table it is agreed that more than half of the employees of
Harrods said business performance of company is increasing with use of digital technologies. It
demonstrates that it is effective for entity to adopt digital technologies by which its effectiveness
gets enhanced at higher level.
Theme 4: Marketing department is accountable for implementing digital technologies
during business operations
HR department 1
Marketing 6
Finance 1
Production-operation 2
Total number of respondents 10
Interpretation: Out 10, 6 respondents are favoured for responsibility of marketing
department for adopting digital technologies for business operations of Harrods Ltd. It is
12
HR department
Marketing
Finance
Production-operation
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Column C
Illustration 8: Department accountable for the project

because, this department works for analysing recent trend in market as well enhancing
marketability for the entity at maximum level.
Theme 5: Business aspect which influenced at most for Harrods Ltd
Improving quality services 3
Easy and convenient to contacting with people 2
Enhancing marketability and competitiveness 4
Appropriate management of entire business operations 1
Total number of respondents 10
Interpretation: It is evaluated that 4 out of 10 managers are favoured for increasing
marketability and competitiveness of Harrods Ltd using digital technologies. Similarly, it
impacts on further operations and effectiveness of the entity on larger scale.
Theme 6: Critical evaluation on project plan
Lack of required fund and resources 4
13
Improving quality services
Easy and convenient to contacting with people
Enhancing marketability and competitiveness
Appropriate management of entire business operations
0 1 2 3 4 5
Column C
Illustration 9: Business aspect which influenced at most for Harrods Ltd

Lack of efficient workers for accomplishing tasks 3
Changes in environmental factors 3
Total number of respondents 10
Interpretation: On critical evaluation for adopting digital technologies for business
operations of Harrods Ltd, it is evaluated that it is costly to adopt these technologies and working
for entity's effectiveness for the small scale enterprise. Thus, it is needed for company to allocate
fund appropriately and further implementing its strategies to develop small scale unit.
Theme 7: Forecast on business performance of Harrods Ltd using digital
technologies
Positive 3
Increasing 4
Neutral 2
14
4
3
3
Lack of required fund and
resources
Lack of efficient workers for
accomplishing tasks
Changes in environmental
factors
Illustration 10: Critical evaluation on project plan

Decreasing 1
Total number of
respondents 10
Interpretation: 7 of the respondents agreed upon the point that with the use of digital
technology forecasting could be done of business operations within Harrods. However, it is too
suggested for small scale enterprise to use digital technologies for its business operations and
improving performances for the further years as well.
M2) Accuracy and reliability of research methods
All the data which is collected from employees of Harrods on their use and
implementation of digital technologies are all reliable and justified as well (Schwalbe, 2015).
However, actual survey is conducted for analysing current business performance of the entity.
Including this, research methods as primary data collection and analysing respondents' views are
reliable. Besides this, accuracy and ethical considerations are considered during survey and data
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Positive Increasing Neutral Decreasing
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Column C
Illustration 11: Forecasting on business operations using digital technologies

collection method which generates idea for further implementations. Therefore, research
methods and survey with managers is accurate and reliable for Harrods Ltd growth efficiently.
TASK 3
LO 3
P5) Research and data using tools and techniques
The questionnaire is prepared on analysing actual performance of business of Harrods
which will be recording their actual views and interpreting it as well. Research approach: There are many approaches which are used for data collection
which are deductive and inductive one (Smith and et.al., 2015). So in employees of
Harrods when their views on impacting digital technologies on operations of business are
done inductive approach would be used. This would be including various tools and
theories in way of gathering and collection of information or data more effectively. Research philosophy: Interpretivism approach will be used by researchers to gather
information and data which will be related to implementation and use of digital
technologies within operations of business of Harrods LTD. the data collected and will be
interpreted in thematic format within this approach of interpretivism. Then several ideas
will be generated in way of further decision making in effective manner. Research design: The structural framework is used for research is descriptive includes
both positive and negative aspects of project and its management (Tekalp, 2015).
However, clear and structural framework of project plan including outcomes can be
discussed effectively for the further implementations. Data collection: In this process, researcher selects 10 managers of the entity randomly
for conducting survey and project on implementing technologies for its services (El-
Hajjar and Hanzo, 2013). However, actual business performance is identified which
impacted on managing business activities as well improving efficiencies of organisation
effectively.
 Data analysis: In this process, all gathered information are analysed on which further
decisions are made for development of Harrods Ltd. However, varieties of ideas are
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created to adopting digital technologies and improving entity's effectiveness (Kerzner,
2013).
P6) Discussion and recommendations for project management
Discussion on collected data:
Researcher conducted survey with 10 employess of Harrods Ltd regarding using digital
technologies for improving its business performance (Ahlemann and et.al., 2013). However,
actual business and market position of the entity has been identified in terms of using these
technologies. Including this, managers express their views that using these technologies is key
tool to increase business' efficiency and appropriate for further decision making.
Recommendations:
For managing project effectively, it is needed to consider following recommendations as:
 Considering ethical considerations during data collection and managing project.
 Accurate data should be collected for findings and adopting digital technologies for
Harrods Ltd.
 All planning and strategies prepared for the project be implemented in determined time
and costing on it.
 It is essential to analyse workers' performance for segmenting work among them for team
building and getting success in project.
M3) Accuracy and authenticity to justify recommendations
It is justified that gathered information and research on using digital technologies for
business operations of Harrods Ltd are true and authentic. In accordance to this, respondents
express their fair opinions and suggestions for project for effectiveness of the entity (Mir and
Pinnington, 2014). Moreover, it is analysed that researcher has collected accurate data in relation
to implementing digital technologies for increasing organisation's effectiveness. In this regard, it
is justified to be considered all recommendations for project and working for small scale
enterprise's growth effectively. Thus, collected data and recommendations are authenticated
which can be effective for further business operations and improving its performance.
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TASK 4
LO 4
P7) Reflection on research to meet objectives on own learning and performance
On analysing own performance as contributing in project plan, I improved skills and
learning effectively. Including this, I enhanced knowledge regarding using digital technologies
for the entity's growth. Similarly, I improved problem solving skills to reduce issues occurred in
business operations also listening skills get enhanced (Ahlemann and et.al., 2013). However, I
learned to create effective team building and encouraging members for better performance.
Including this, by reading articles and online links, I increased knowledge of analysing market
position and different factors for improving business performance of the entity. Similarly, I
improved time management skills as accomplishing tasks in appropriate time and supporting
others for reaching out to a specific decision effectively. Therefore, my learning and working
attitude get more positive and effective which builds up my confidence for facing problems in
upcoming time for the entity and related to project. (Project Log Book in Appendix 2)
M4) Value of project management process and own learning
For managing project on identifying usefulness of digital technologies for business
operations of Harrods Ltd, all strategies are effective to meet its goals. In this regard, a
systematic planing is created for project and analysing importance of digital technologies.
Including this, it is evaluated that process amended in project planning is to be followed on
efficiently impacts on business operations (Kerzner, 2013). Moreover, on self reflection, I got
several positive changes as participating in project management plan. For instance; I improved
working efficiencies and different skills which is effective for the further implementation. Thus,
processing all stages for managing project and meeting goals, I learned to work effectively to
achieve effectiveness of the entity.
D2)
On analysing project outcomes, it is recognised that using digital technologies is key tool
for implementing business operations of Harrods Ltd. In this regard, positive outcomes are
identified in its performance and further effectiveness (Popaitoon and Siengthai, 2014). On
critical evaluation, it is evaluated that for small scale enterprise, it is difficult to afford for
adopting digital technologies and working for improving its performance. In addition to this, it is
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challenging task for getting coordination among workers towards team building and managing
project effectively. Likewise, working for productivity and marketability is difficult for the small
scale unit in terms of using digital technologies. However, for this purpose, it is needed to
implement planning appropriately impacts on decision making and managing project for the
small business entity efficiently.
CONCLUSION
It is determined that by means of digital technologies influence on business processes of
Harrods Ltd positively. Incidentally, project management tools and aspects are identified for the
small business entity and its development. Moreover, research methods and approaches used in
data collection process are identified by which managers' opinions observed for implementing
business activities of the entity. However, significance of using digital technologies has been
understood in this assignment for Harrods Ltd by adopting digital technologies for its business
operations.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
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APPENDIX
1. Quesstionnaire
QUESTIONNAIRE
(HARRODS LTD)
Name:
Department belonged to:
Q.1 Is business performance of Harrods Ltd get increased by using digital technologies?
 Yes
 No
Q.2 Comment on statement, “adopting digital technologies is key tool for development of small
scale enterprise”.
 Agreed
 Strongly agreed
 Disagreed
 Strongly disagreed
Q.3 How adopting digital technologies impact on business performance of the organisation?
 Positive
 Increasing
 Neutral
 Decreasing
Q.4 From which of the following department is responsible for this project plan?
 HR department
 Marketing
 Finance
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 Production-operation
Q.5 According to you, which of the following business aspect get improved at maximum by
using digital technologies for its operations?
 Improving quality services
 Easy and convenient to contacting with people
 Enhancing marketability and competitiveness
 Appropriate management of entire business operations
Q.6 Critical evaluation on adopting digital technologies for business operations of Harrods Ltd.
 Lack of required fund and resources
 Lack of efficient workers for accomplishing tasks
 Changes in environmental factors
Q.7 Forecast on further business operations of Harrods Ltd by using digital technologies for its
operations.
 Positive
 Increasing
 Neutral
 Decreasing
Recommend suggestion for project management effectively...................
2.. Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation: HARRODS LTD.
Project Title: To identify the impact
of digital technology supporting SME
growth and innovation - A case study
on Harrods Ltd”
Date: 26-Nov-2017
Update of weekly research/ tasks Comments
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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?
Research project on: To identify
the impact of digital technology
supporting SME growth and
innovation - A case study on
Harrods Ltd”
Yes
Yes
No.
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required for
undertaking research tasks?
 Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an impact
on the project management
plan?
Lack of knowledge, Budget
constrain and lack of experts
No.
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Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Communication barriers
By identifying the risk and
planning to overcome them.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
No.
What Have I learnt about myself this
week?
 How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete
the tasks?
 How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning apply in
the future?
I felt confidence in dealing out
with problems
Yes confidence of completion of
task was necessary
I have performed as per roles and
responsibility given to me. I have
contributed in all the activities.
By contributing in research data.
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Will be applied in my researching
skills in future context
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks is priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Data collection and its analysis
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead,
behind)
Completed successfully
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