Project Management and Business Operations

The assignment is a comprehensive report that covers various aspects of project management, including work breakdown structures, task management, and self-reflection. The learner has to manage a project related to the impact of social media and mobile technology on small business growth and innovation. The report includes a detailed description of the project, its objectives, tasks, and outcomes. It also includes a self-assessment by the learner, where they reflect on their performance, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

MANAGING
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Project aims and objectives....................................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication,
risk and resources........................................................................................................................2
P3 Work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide time frames and stages.................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods.................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5 Research and data using appropriate tools and techniques....................................................8
P6 Appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis.............................16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................17
P7 Value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives...............................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
Technology refers to summation of techniques as well as skills employed through
business in process of production. Digital technology and its enhancing prevalence have affected
life of human in previous few decades by implementing different digital tools in business
activities. As it improves working efficiency of workers along with organisation . Technology
helps in changing way to conduct business or activities. Digital technology aids in reshaping
business world and also has modifies all business operation aspects (Ahmed Dine Rabeh,
Jimenez-Jimenez and Martínez-Costa, 2013). This present report is based on “Continental
Consulting Limited”. Business of this firm is to Re-engineering business process to medium and
small production companies in London. Under this, mention report discuss about project aims
and objectives related to topic. Small scale research through applying quantitative and
qualitative research methods by using aims and objectives will also mention. Researcher conduct
an investigation to collect data by using better tools and techniques so that conclusion could be
drawn.
TASK 1
P1 Project aims and objectives
In this modern era, taste and demands of consumers are changing day by day, so there is
a need for company to regularly evolve its business operations. Technology development have
been more beneficial for firm as it aids in make improvement in convenience as well as
effectiveness in an approach under which all operations are to be carried out. It is crucial for
business to adopt the different technological advancement so from this organisation can achieve
the better position at market place (Bruhn, M., Schoenmueller and Schäfer, 2012). Continental
Consulting Limited provides its services to small and medium size business by using social
media and mobile technology. It continuously make upgrade its technology to run business
operations smoothly. Digital technology helps in connecting people in all over the world. In
addition to this, social media and mobile technology both are necessary resources for enhancing
growth level of firm. Social media is a combination of online communication channels which
dedicated to interaction, community based inputs, collaboration and also content sharing.
Topic: Impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation.
Background of Project
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Digital technology is helpful in changing way to run business as well as enhancing
productivity of business. Digital technology provides better opportunities to business and attract
large number of consumers towards firm. The main purpose behind conducting this project is to
know how mobile technology and social media help organisation to enhance their profit and
productivity. Social media is an effective tool to connect with more people as well as
communicating with them in significant manner (Eckerson, 2015). It is computer based
technology that facilitates to sharing of information as well as ideas and also develop virtual
communities and networks. There are many social media tools which used through Continental
Consulting Limited for instance Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn. Through all these
social media tools, this firm can aware people about its services in better manner. On the other
hand mobile technology is used for the purpose of cellular communication. It refers to device
with an internet capability to accessible from the anywhere.
Aim: To determine affect of social media and mobile technology supporting small business
growth and innovation. A case study on Continental Consulting Limited.
Objectives
 To identifying impact of social media tool as an approach to cost effective marketing.
 To evaluate importance of mobile technology and social media to increase business
productivity.
 To determine effectiveness of mobile technology to maximise efficiency of Continental
Consulting Limited.
Questions
 What are impacts of social media tool as an approach to cost effective marketing?
 What is importance of mobile technology and social media on increase business
productivity?
 What are effectiveness of mobile technology to maximise efficiency of Continental
Consulting Limited?
P2 Project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication,
risk and resources
Project is an effort of an organisation to develop something new and carries some value.
Under this, project management plan is approved and formal document which are used to
manage an implementation of project. It is a duty of project manager to develop project
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management plan by following inputs from project team as well as key stakeholders. Project
management defines implementation, monitor and also control of project (Goodrich and De
Mooij, 2014). This document is helpful in defining an approach of project team that takes to
deliver an intended scope of project. At the time of developing a project, it is necessary for
manager of Continental Consulting Limited to consists some of the necessary aspects like time,
scope, quality, risk, communication, cost and also resources. These necessary aspects are given
below as above:
Scope- In relation to project management, scope refers to activities or tasks which are
undertaken in successful manner to finish project in better manner. . Implementation of advance
technology is helpful in performing and finishing activities with in given period of time.
Cost- It is an expenditure of firm in order to implement project. Under this, it is a
responsibility of project manager to arrange proper funds for doing activities in systematic
manner. For this, company develop a budget and at the same time manager provide guidance to
its staff members for perform its project activities as per given budget. Through this, firm can
achieve target of business in given time period (Hutter and et. al., 2013).
Cost budget on cloud
computing
Particulars Amount
Initial investment 120000
Expenses:
Research and developmental
activities 28000
Operational expenses 14600
Cost to IT experts 23000
Maintenance 15000
Licensing fee 5000
Closing value 34400
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Time- Activities and also time both are regarded as time bound. Under this, project
manager allot the activities according to the time. It helps in finish project with in particular time
period. It aids to staff members to motivate them to attain business objectives. If time will be
allocated by manager on the basis of activities, then employees can focus on perform tasks as per
given time period.
On the basis of this diagram, time period for complete this project is 16 weeks.
Quality- It is a necessary factor in project management and all activities need to be
carried out by keeping quality in mind. The focus Continental Consulting Limited on providing
quality services to small and medium size business organisations. Continental Consulting
Limited should conduct its activities by using better quality of resources.
Communication- It is necessary element that evaluated through project manager at
workplace. There is a requirement to use better channel of communication that helps in giving
proper information and also solve queries. It is responsibility of manager to develop better
communication among top manager and staff members. So that employees can focus on
completing tasks. In order to communicate with the different departments and other stakeholders,
firm will use the written method of communication because it helps in understand the
information and data in a clear way.
Risk- IT is involved in every project whether it is large or small. Manager should know
about manage that project in better manner. Project manager should determine new methods to
achieving tasks by using modern technology (Pookulangara and Koesler, 2011). With the help of
using digital technology, Continental Consulting Limited an eliminate risk and focus on finish
project in better manner. Risk develops the negative impact on business and its operations. In
order to adopt the new technology, there are many different risk involved for an instance funds,
training to employees etc.
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P3 Work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide time frames and stages
Gantt chart and Work break down structure both are incorporated through business in
order to plan project. Both are helpful in completing project with in given time period.
Work Breakdown structure- It refers to break large project in to small components in
order to manage work in an effective manner. From this, activities are to be completed with in
given time period by using all necessary resources. It is deliverable oriented break down related
to project in small elements. Continental Consulting Limited is helpful in provide better
consultancy services to small companies so that they can conduct their business operations in an
easy manner (Smith, 2011).
Under this, flow chart is divided in to three parts and each part is divided in to the
different activities that are phase 1.1, Activity 2.1, Activity 3.1. All these actions are segmented
in to the single work package those are Deliverable 1.2, Work package 2.2, Work Package 3.2.
After then the Deliverable 1.2 is divided in Work package 1.2.1 and Work package 1.2.2.
Thorough this, employees can easily focus on that and will perform their activities with in given
period of time.
Gantt chart- Under this, activities are segmented in to small parts also allot time
according to that. It provides graphical presentation of activities which need to be completed on
5
Illustration 1: Work Break down structure

proper time. This type of chart shows about time, progress and resources which are required in
order to complete project with in given time period. It is useful for schedule and planning
projects. For completing these tasks, there are capable and well- qualifies employees selected
through Continental Consulting Limited. It illustrates begin and complete dates of summary and
terminal components of project. Through Gantt chart, firm can determine critical path. It helps to
business in remove all activities as well as efforts of project that helps in choosing right activities
to finish process.
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TASK 2
P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
In this project management, an investigation is conducted to collect data or information
related to specific topic. Information and data gathered by prospects is necessary for business in
order to take necessary decisions. For gathering data, there are two different research methods
given below as above:
Qualitative- It is helpful in using for uncover trends in opinions, dive deeper and
thoughts in to problem. Its main focus on obtain information and data by conversational and
open- ended communication. It helps in conduct an in- depth investigation which depends on
responses of selected respondents.
Quantitative- It emphasis on measuring objectives and mathematical, numerical and
statical analysis of collected information and data by questionnaire, polls, surveys etc. with the
help of using computational techniques.
There are two sources of collecting data mention below:
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Primary- In this, data and information collected through an investigation is never used
before. To collect information, researcher used observation, questionnaire, surveys etc. An
investigator use this method of data collection to know about opinions as well as view points of
people (Wang, Yu and Wei, 2012). So, under this, Continental Consulting Limited using
questionnaire to gather information related to particular topic by taking 40 respondents.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Contact details:
Address:
Q1) Does social media and mobile technology helpful in enhancing productivity and
growth of Continental Consulting Limited?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What benefits Continental Consulting Limited can get by using social media tools?
a) Brand development
b) More revenue generate
c) Attract large number consumers
Q3) What are different social media tools used by Continental Consulting Limited to
communicate with large number of people?
a) Facebook
b) Twitter
c) Instagram
Q4) Does mobile technology is helpful for consumers in order to getting information about
company and its services?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5) What are impact of mobile technology on business of Continental Consulting
Limited?
a) Improved Customer Experience
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b) Better Marketing Strategies
c) Enhanced Collaboration
Q6) What are issues faced by company at the time of using social media?
a) Develop social media marketing strategy
b) Confection with people
Q7) Are tools of social media helps in getting competitive benefits to Continental
Consulting Limited at market place as comparison to its competitors?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) Are social media and mobile technology helps in maximise profit and market share?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q9) Recommendation some ways by which Continental Consulting Limited can enhance
its market at large scale.
Secondary: It refers to information and data that is gathered through researcher from
many different sources like for an instance books, magazines, articles, internet etc. Under this,
information that is collected from various sources are already used by other researchers.
Data sampling- It is a method of collecting the samples from whole population. In order
to collect the sample, researcher uses the random sampling method. It collects the 40 respondents
from whole population of age group of 16- 30 years.
TASK 3
P5 Research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
Under this, an investigator analyse gathered data with the help of thematic analysis. To
collect information, there are 40 respondents selected through respondents with the help of
random sampling technique.
THEME 1: Social media and mobile technology helpful in enhancing productivity
Q1) Does social media and mobile
technology helpful in enhancing
productivity and growth of Continental
Frequency
9

Consulting Limited?
Yes 30
No 10
10
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
30
10
Column B

Interpretation: Social media and mobile technology both plays an important role in attract large
number of consumers. There are total 40 respondents selected through an investigator and among
them 30 respondents said that mobile technology and social media are helpful in enhancing
productivity and growth of Continental Consulting Limited firm. On the other hand, there are 10
other respondents which are not agree with this.
THEME 2: Benefits Continental Consulting Limited can get
Q2) What benefits Continental Consulting
Limited can get by using social media tools?
Frequency
Brand development 18
More revenue generate 15
Attract large number consumers 7
11
18
15
7
Brand development
More revenue generate
Attract large number
consumers

Interpretation: There are many which Continental Consulting Limited company getting some
benefits. According to 18 respondents, brand development is main benefits which company get
through using social media tools. On the basis of 15 people, main benefit of social media is to
generate more revenue. 7 respondents are with attract large number consumers.
THEME 3: Different social media tools used by Continental Consulting Limited
Q3) What are different social media tools
used by Continental Consulting Limited to
communicate with large number of people?
Frequency
Facebook 18
Twitter 12
Instagram 10
12

Interpretation: At market place, there are many social media tools which are used through
different departments. There are 18 respondents which said that Facebook is more used by
Continental Consulting Limited but 10 respondents said about Instagram. Among them 12
people are agree with Twitter option.
THEME 4: Mobile technology is helpful for consumers
Q4) Does mobile technology is helpful for
consumers in order to getting information
about company and its services?
Frequency
Yes 28
No 12
13
Facebook Twitter Instagram
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column B

Interpretation: Under this, on the basis of view point of 28 respondents mobile technology
helps customers to get better information and data regarding firm and its services. On the other
hand, there are 12 respondents which are not agree with this. Mobile technology is helpful in
attract large number of consumers towards firm and enhance sales.
THEME 5: Impact of mobile technology on business
Q5) What are impact of mobile technology
on business of Continental Consulting
Limited?
Frequency
Improved Customer Experience 20
Better Marketing Strategies 8
Enhanced Collaboration 12
14
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
28
12 Column B

Interpretation: According to 20 respondents, social media develop impact on business by
improving consumer experience. On the basis of 12 respondents, mobile technology helps in
increasing collaboration among organisations and consumers. On the other hand, there are 8
respondents, which said that it is helpful in develop better marketing related strategies.
THEME 6: Issues faced by company
Q6) What are issues faced by company at
the time of using social media?
Frequency
Develop social media marketing strategy 23
Confection with people 17
15
Improved Customer Experience
Better Marketing Strategies
Enhanced Collaboration
0
5
10
15
20
25
20
8
12
Column B

Interpretation: At the time of using social media in business, there are many different issues
faced through Continental Consulting Limited company. On the basis of view point of 23
respondents that for implementing the social media company face issue related to develop social
media marketing strategy. On the other hand, 17 respondents said about Confection with people
bin an effective or better manner.
THEME 7: Tools of social media helps in getting competitive benefits
Q7) Are tools of social media helps in
getting competitive benefits to Continental
Consulting Limited at market place as
comparison to its competitors?
Frequency
Yes 24
No 16
16
23
17
Develop social media
marketing strategy
Confection with people

Interpretation: Organisations use social media tools for gain some benefits at market place and
also compete with its strongest competitors in better manner. Under this, there are 24
respondents which said social media tools are helpful in getting competitive benefits at market
place as comparison to its rivals. But there are 16 respondents which are not agree with this.
THEME 8: Social media and mobile technology helps in maximise profit
Q8) Are social media and mobile technology
helps in maximise profit and market share?
Frequency
Agree 30
Disagree 10
17
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
24
16
Column B

Interpretation: According to 30 respondents, social media and mobile technology are helpful in
increase profit along with market share. But there are 10 respondents which are disagree.
P6 Appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis
Continental consulting limited is small organisation which provides their services in UK.
The organisation wants to expand their business and attain growth in future period of time
through implementation of digital technology within the organisation. One the aspect which is
used by the manager of organisation is about application of social media and mobile technology
which helps to spread awareness about their services in wide area. To check the viability of their
move they decided to conduct research which helps to attain their views and feedback. In this
regard, Close-ended questionnaire is formulated which contains different questions covering
about the research topic regarding impact of social media and digital technology upon growth of
business activities. The research is to be analyse or conducted to disclose some of the figures.
Through determining finding, recommendation are given in this, on the basis of response of the
selected respondents, different recommendations are mention below as above:
18
30
10
Agree
Disagree

 It should be recommended to the cited organisation that there is huge importance of
social media effectively interact with customers and ascertain their preferences and
demands which enables them is to satisfy in appropriate manner.
 On the other hand, implementation of mobile tech should improve the administration
activities and helps to record the large number of data in appropriate manner. This will
improves the performance in future and helps to retrieve data in less period at the time of
need. This will provides the opportunity to continental consulting limited to attain
sustainability in their operations.
TASK 4
P7 Value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives
This part covers the reflective view of researcher which includes the points regarding
experience and learning in the process of conducting research and defined about that how efforts
helps to meet desired objectives. The present report is covered the aspects regarding application
of digital technology for development of small business.
In this regard, I conducted research for Continental consulting limited which was having
the aim about application of social media and mobile technology to attain success. I conducted
research for this aspect to check the viability of this technology on the growth of business
operations. There are many difficulties are faced by me in this process related to time and cost
which impacts the result of my research. Due to lack of time and cost I adopt the questionnaire
method to ascertain the views of respondents. Through support of my team I am able to conclude
effective results from the work of research which provides that this will helps the cited
organisation to improve their communication and administration aspects.
It is necessary that the process of research should be follow in a systematic manner to
conduct an investigation. Without finishing pre- step, we can not go to next. Each step of process
hold some learning, understanding and also development. The main focus of Continental
consulting limited is to attain the goal by managing or completing project in a better manner. In
order to analyse or research information, firm use several tools and also set a specific period of
time.
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CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above given report that technology plays necessary role in
business. It is necessary for business to adopt the advance technology in business to increase
productivity and growth of company. In this given report studied about the scope, time, cost,
quality, quality, risk and resources. Small scale investigation through applying the quantitative as
well as qualitative methods has been discussed under this report.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Ahmed Dine Rabeh, H., Jimenez-Jimenez, D. and Martínez-Costa, M., 2013. Managing
knowledge for a successful competence exploration. Journal of Knowledge
Management. 7(2). pp.195-207.
Bruhn, M., Schoenmueller, V. and Schäfer, D.B., 2012. Are social media replacing traditional
media in terms of brand equity creation?. Management Research Review. 35(9). pp.770-
790.
Eckerson, W. W., 2010. Performance dashboards: measuring, monitoring, and managing your
business. John Wiley & Sons.
Goodrich, K. and De Mooij, M., 2014. How ‘social’are social media? A cross-cultural
comparison of online and offline purchase decision influences. Journal of Marketing
Communications, 20(1-2), pp.103-116.pp.156-160.
Hutter, K., Hautz, J., Dennhardt, S. and Füller, J., 2013. The impact of user interactions in social
media on brand awareness and purchase intention: the case of MINI on Facebook.
Journal of Product & Brand Management. 22(5/6), pp.342-351.
Pookulangara, S. and Koesler, K., 2011. Cultural influence on consumers' usage of social
networks and its' impact on online purchase intentions. Journal of Retailing and
Consumer Services. 18(4). pp.348-354.
Smith, A.D., 2011. Successfully managing manufacturing supplier integration and procurement
issues: case studies in recessionary environments. International Journal of Procurement
Management. 4(2). pp.121-138.
Wang, X., Yu, C. and Wei, Y., 2012. Social media peer communication and impacts on purchase
intentions: A consumer socialization framework. Journal of interactive marketing.
26(4). pp.198-208.
Online
What Is Social Media Marketing?, 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://searchengineland.com/guide/what-is-social-media-marketing>.
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Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: 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
I completed project concerned to impact of
social media and mobile technology supporting
small business growth and innovation.
Yes
Yes, I done all my activities or tasks according
to provided deadlines.
No, I do not require to make any alterations in
plan related to project management.
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?
Yes, there was a risk related to gather data from
different respondents.
Yes, Additional risk is identified related to
budget of project that was not sufficient.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face? Barriers or issues which I faced concerned with
cost and time.
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 How did you overcome them?
To overcome from problems I give particular
reason behind research and make solution.
New Ideas and change of project direction Use of mobile technology and social media
tools in addition to conduct business operations
with different social media tools.
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?
It aids in creating new capabilities and
knowledge to remove all issues.
Yes
I performed this project in well manner by
contributing my competencies.
I require to make improvement in my
communication skill.
In future, learning will be helpful for me to
interpret important data so that there will be no
problem arise in taking decisions.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Priority tasks are gather reliable data, objectives
identification and many others.
No, I do not have proper time to complete my
project.
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, Up to date
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behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
Project was related to impact of social media and mobile technology supporting small business
growth and innovation
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please
outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes, There is necessity to conduct post execution review for project assessment.
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.
The things which workers well are survey and observation. Work break down structures along with
project management plan both are operate properly.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled?
Was there timely identification of issues and resolution during the project
process?
Issues which are arisen during conducting project is concerned with cost and time.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
Through doing project, I learned many things which will more useful for me for applying me proper
way.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading
the project?
I would like to give 7 out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
My strength is decision making and skills and on the other hand my weakness main is communication
skill.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
In professional development, maximising knowledge and core competencies are helpful in future
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