Digital Technology Impact on Small Business Innovation

This assignment aims to investigate the impact of digital technology on bringing innovation and growth to small businesses. The project successfully identified benefits, addressed problems like limited finance and time, and evaluated strengths and weaknesses. Key learnings include the advantages of digital technologies and how to implement them effectively in small firms.

MANAGING SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PLAN

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Project Aim and Objectives....................................................................................................1
P2 Project management Plan.......................................................................................................2
P3 Work break down structure and Gantt Chart..........................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods..................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5 Research tools and techniques................................................................................................8
P6 Conclusion and recommendations........................................................................................11
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................12
P7 Own learning and performance............................................................................................12
References......................................................................................................................................14
Appendix........................................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Digital technology plays essential role in business units. Internet has become most
important part of integrated business marketing. It helps in enhancing communication with the
consumers and increasing availability of products and services (How digital technology could
benefit your business, 2017). Current assignment is based on Black Penny restaurant which is
operating in UK. It has limited number of employees and operate in limited area. Maim objective
of the firm is to enhance profitability of the firm and enhance sustainability as well. Current
study will give overview of impact of digital technology on small business in order to bring
innovation and creativity in the organization. Furthermore, it will produce work break down
structure and will prepare Gantt chart as well. Report will describe methods that would be
applied in this research project in order to answers research questions. In addition, Data analyses
will be done and proper recommendation will be given in order to improve performance of Black
Penny restaurant by using digital technology.
TASK 1
P1 Project Aim and Objectives
Overview of study
Technologies are changing the overall scenario of industries. It supports the business in
quick expansion and conducting operations smoothly. Social networking sites, virtual office
technologies remove boundaries and support in reaching to the mass audience. Digital
transformation is beneficial for small firms because by using this system companies can get
expansion opportunities (Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and Benbasat, 2010). In the modern era big
organizations are moving towards international market, they are implementing digital tactics
which help them in attracting mass audience. Small corporations can bring innovation by using
these technologies and can reduce their operational cost as well. Use of internet, laptop, mobile
phone etc. are included in digital technologies. Digital transformation gives ne experience to
organizations and help in creating vale for consumers (Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and Benbasat,
2010).
Small business has to face various challenges in adoption of these digital technologies.
Issues are such as poor strategy, other priorities, insufficient funds etc. By making clear and
focus strategy company can make positive changes in its operations and can gain success. It
1

improves efficiency, enhance customer value which assist in increasing sales volume of the
organization (Borghoff and Pareschi, 2013).
Aim
“To determine impact of digital technology in bringing innovation and growth of small business:
A study on Black Penny restaurant”
Objectives
 To understand concepts of digital technology and its importance
 To explore impact of digital technology in business growth and innovation.
 To identify relationship between digital technology and growth of small business.
 To suggest ways to effective implementation of digital technologies and brining
innovation in Black Penny restaurant.
Research questions
 Explain concepts of digital technology and its importance?
 Identify impact of digital technology in business growth and innovation?
 What is the relationship between digital technology and growth of small business?
 What are the ways to effective implementation of digital technologies and brining
innovation in Black Penny restaurant.
P2 Project management Plan
Project management plan can be defined as proper scheduling of activities and divide it
into sub parts so that project can be completed on time. In order to manage the project well,
researcher has to pay emphases on cost, quality, time, etc. factors so that overall objective of the
project can be accomplished (Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and Lanvin, 2013).
2

 Cost: It is significant aspect of research project, it is the responsibility of researcher that
to pay attention of funds and utilize its well. It can help in timely completion of the
project. Scholar has to invest amount for transportation, printing, searching etc. If
individual does not have adequate funds then it may create consequences because in the
absence of adequate financial resources overall goal of the project will not be
accomplished. Scholar has to utilize monitory resources well so that it can meet with the
research aim (Abdillah,2014).
 Scope: Project management plan need to focus on scope of the study. Digital technology
is the important technology which can bring positive changes in the organization. Small
firms generally have lack of financial resources. In such condition they fail to reach to the
mas audience. By using these technologies companies can make connection with large
number of customers at minimum cost (Saunders and Bezzina, 2015). It brings
innovation in the business which help in improving efficiency level and adding value for
consumers. It is the great tool through which operational cost can be minimized and
entity can run its operations in smooth manner. Thus, implementation of digital
technology is beneficial for small business. Study on this topic has wide scope and it can
be beneficial for small and big organizations both (Soni and Kodali, 2012).
3

 Time: It is another most essential aspect of research project. Scholar has to schedule
activities in such manner so that project can get completed on time. If scholar does not
have adequate time then individual may get failed to complete study on time and meet
with the objectives. Researcher schedules the activity and prepare Gantt chart that assist
in analysing time required to complete each task (Smith and Lewis, 2011). By this way
researcher can monitor the entire work and can complete it with stipulated period of time.
 Communication: It is another essential aspect of research project. Scholar has to collect
data and for that individual has to make communication with respondents. If individual
fail to coordinate with them well then it may create issue in gathering adequate
information (Zumitzavan and Michie, 2015). For the current project researcher has
applied questionnaire primary data collection technique. It is the best tool because by this
way realistic information can be gathered by the scholar.
 Resources: In order to complete this project scholar is required financial, human, physical
resources. These can support in effective completion of project and meeting with the
project aim.
 Quality control: It is another most important aspect of research project, scholar has to
ensure that quality remain maintain and individual can prepare the project with high
quality (Smith and Lewis, 2011).
 Risk management: There are many risk associated with the project such as human
resource risk, time issues, financial risk etc. But by proper monitoring and controlling
researcher can make effective strategies to overcome these risks (How digital technology
could benefit your business, 2017).
P3 Work break down structure and Gantt Chart
Work break down structure
It is the tool in which scholar break activities into sub divisions, it supports in identifying
the time required to complete particular task. By this way individual can monitor progress of the
project,
4

Gantt Chart
5

TASK 2
P4 Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
Research methodology is considered as tools and techniques which are used to complete
the project in effective manner and get findings. With the help of appropriate tool and technique
researcher can give answer to the research problems. It is the planed procedure in order to gather
data (Zumitzavan and Michie, 2015). Analyses it and interpret ate the information in order to get
desired results. There is various method in research methodology, these are as following:
 Research philosophy: It is one of the tool of research methodology which supports the
scholar in identifying pattern of the study. It helps in developing understanding about the
topic and colleting information accordingly. There are two main types of philosophies:
interpretivism and positivism (Soni and Kodali, 2012). Both these are applied in different
types of research projects. Positivism tool generally used in quantitative type of
investigations whereas interpretisim used in qualitative type of investigations. As current
study is based on impact of digital technology in bring innovation and growth in small
business. It is qualitative study thus, use of interpretivism philosophy is appropriate for
the current project (Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and Lanvin, 2013).
6

 Research design: It is another method that helps in designing the entire project so that it
can be conducted in effective manner. Descriptive, exploratory are various types of
designs. In the present study on impact of digital technology on small business researcher
has applied descriptive research design (Smith and Lewis, 2011). With the assistance of
this method individual became able to include theories and models in the study which has
helped the scholar in developing understanding level of scholar and answering to the
research questions.
 Research approach: It is the tool which defines the way of conducting investigation.
Inductive and deductive are two research approaches. In inductive approach research
takes support of theory and model and individual carry out the study from general to
specific manner (Bulgurcu, Cavusoglu and Benbasat, 2010). On other hand in deductive
approach scholar formulate hypotheses and test these hypotheses in order to get results.
In the current study on impact of digital technologies on small business in brining
innovation and growth researcher has used inductive approach. Scholar has applied
theories and models in order to develop understanding about effectiveness of digital
technology. That has supported in conducting project in effective manner (Borghoff and
Pareschi, 2013).
 Data collection: It is another most important part of research project, if researcher does
not have adequate information then individual will not be able to complete study in
effective manner. There are two types of data collection techniques: primary and
secondary. Both these support in completing the investigation in accurate manner. In the
primary data collection sources researcher collect data by own. These are such details
which have not been used earlier to this investigation (Bilbao-Osorio, Dutta and Lanvin,
2013). These are fresh details. On other hand secondary data collection is another tool in
which scholar takes support of already available data. In the current project of digital
technology and its impact on small business researcher has applied primary data
collection sources. Individual has prepared questionnaire ad has asked questions with the
respondents. They have given fresh detail about the firm and impact of digital technology
on business unit (Abdillah,2014).
 Data analyses: It is most important method without which individual can not complete
the study. Researcher has to analyses the data so that research problem can be resolved
7

and scholar can give answer to the research questions. In the quantitative studies scholar
applies SPSS tool in which researcher uses T-test etc in order to get results and
understand relationship between two variables (Smith and Lewis, 2011). On other hand in
qualitative studies scholar takes support of thematic analyses tool in which involvement
of carts and graphs support in interpretation data in effective manner. In the current
investigation researcher has applied thematic data analyses method. With the help of this
tool scholar has become able to present data in accurate manner and interpreting it in
effective manner.
 Sampling: It is the most important part, scholar has to take correct decision related to
selection of sample and their size. In the current research project scholar has chosen 10
managers of Black Penny restaurant from UK as sample for this study (Zumitzavan and
Michie, 2015).
TASK 3
P5 Research tools and techniques
Name
Age
Gender
Since how long you are working in Black Penny restaurant UK?
 0-5 years
 5-10 years
 More than 10 years
Do you think that digital technology can bring changes in the organization?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
What is the best digital technology for small business?
 Mobile applications
 Social media
 Laptops
 WiFi
8

Do you really think that implementation of digital technology can bring innovation in Black
Penny restaurant?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
Is there any drawback of implementing digital technology in the organization?
 Increase cost
 Require proper maintain ace and monitoring
 Inadequate knowledge of employees
 Others
How implementation of digital technology can be beneficial for the small business?
 Increase customer data base
 Bring innovation
 Growth
 Others
Theme 1: Time length of working in Black Penny restaurant.
0-5 years 5
5-10 years 3
More than 10 years 2
Interpretation: From the above discussion it is analysed that 5 out of 10 answers have replied
that they are working in the organization from 0-5 years. On other hand 3 respondents have said
that they are in the workplace for 5-10 years. Whereas 2 out of 10 participants have said that they
are working in the Black Penny restaurant from more than 10 years. From the discussion it can
be interpreted that most of the people are working in the entity for 0-5 years.
Theme 2: digital technology can bring changes in the organization
Strongly agree 2
Agree 4
Disagree 3
Strongly disagree 1
Interpretation: From the above discussion it is analysed that use of digital technology can bring
changes in the organization. 2 out of 10 respondents are strongly agree that yes it can definitely
9

bring changes in the workplace. On other hand 4 answers have replied that they are agreed that it
can bring innovation in entity. Whereas 3 out of 10 participants have said that no it can not
change the organization because it increases cost. From the discussion it can be interpreted that
by implementing digital technologies in the workplace small business can attract new consumers
and can improve operational efficiency level. That helps in brining innovation in the corporation
and can support in its positive growth.
Theme 3: the best digital technology for small business
Mobile application 5
Social media 3
WiFi 1
Laptop 1
Interpretation: From the discussion it is analysed that 5 out of 10 answers have viewed that use
of mobile application is the most effective tool for small business and it can attract new
consumers towards the brand. On other hand 3 out of 10 answers have said that use of social
media is beneficial in brining changes in the organization and making communication with mass
audience. Whereas 1 answers have said that use of WIFI is better option for entity. From the
above discussion it can be interpreted that use of mobile application is the best way through
which small business can meet with their objective. It can help in making connection with large
number of consumers and providing them goods and services timely.
Theme 4: that implementation of digital technology can bring innovation in Black Penny
restaurant
Yes 8
No 2
Interpretation: From the above discussion it is found that 8 out of 10 participants have viewed
hat use of digital technologies can definitely bring innovation in the black penny restaurant. On
other hand 2 answers have replied that it can not be better option for small business. From the
discussion it can be interpreted that by implementing digital technologies in the workplace, firms
can enhance customer data base and can make effective communication with its guests. This will
help in fulfilling their needs. By this way entity can be able to identify its loop falls and
consumers requirements. It will support in brining necessary changes in its operations which will
10

improve efficiency level of operations. It is the best way through which small firms can meet
with their objectives and can raise their revenues as well.
Theme 5: drawback of implementing digital technology in the organization
Increase cost 5
Require proper monitoring and maintenance 3
Inadequate knowledge of employees 2
Interpretation: From the above discussion it can be interpreted that 5 out of 10 answers have
viewed that implementation of digital technology can be issue for small business. 5 out of 10
answers have said that it can increase cost of the firm. For implementation of this technique
company will have to invest a lot which may enhance financial burden of the organization. On
other hand 3 out of 10 answers have said that for implementation of digital technologies cited
firm will require proper monitoring and maintenance. In the absence of it, entity can get failed to
meet with its objectives. Whereas 2 out of 10 answers have said that inadequate knowledge of
employees is another issue. Due to improper knowledge employees fail to operate these
technologies well. From the discussion it can be interpreted that implantation of digital
technology can be negative for small firm if managers do not handle these techniques well.
Theme 6: Benefits of digital technology.
Increase customer data base 3
Bring innovation 4
Growth 2
Others 1
Interpretation: From the above discussion it is analysed that 3 out of 10 answers have replied
that by using digital technology Black penny restaurant can increase customer data base. By this
way its sales revenues will be increased and it will be able to sustain in the market for longer
duration. On other hand 4 out of 10 answers have said that it can bring innovation in the
organization. By this way entity can improve its efficiency level. Whereas 2 out of 10 answers
have said that it can be beneficial for the growth of business unit. It can support in increasing
sustainability of business unit.
P6 Conclusion and recommendations
Conclusion
11

From the above report it can be concluded that digital technologies have changed the
market condition, it has brought creativity in the organizations. It is the best way through which
entities can increase their sales volume and can develop the organizations. Small business has
inadequate funds due to which they have to face complications in implementation of digital
technologies. Apart from this they have to train their staff members so that they can deal with
these tools well. In the absence of it company can not be able to meet with its objectives. From
the research project it can be concluded that by implementing digital technologies company can
save unnecessary expenditures and can increase its profit.
Use of mobile application and social media is beneficial digital technologies. By using
mobile application company can make connection with mass audience. This application can
support consumers in booking of table and rooms in restaurant. By this way more people will
take interest in the organization because they will get quality services at affordable rates. It is
convenient for them as well. By this way cited firm can grow well and can bring innovation in its
business unit.
Recommendations
 Black Penny restaurant should give training to its employees for handling digital
technologies. That will support the firm in managing its operations well and meeting with
the objective. By giving training company will be able to raise technical skills of workers.
By this way individual will contribute well in improving efficiency level and sales
volumes of the business unit.
 Black Penny restaurant should utilize social networking sites well. By this way it will be
able to make connection with mass audience. Effective communication will support the
firm in attracting new customers and raising sales of the firm. It will be beneficial for the
organization in increasing sustainability and its growth as well.
TASK 4
P7 Own learning and performance
While undertaking the study I have developed understanding about digital technology and
its advantage for small business. Scholar has got in-depth overview of the digital technologies,
types of digital technologies that can be used by entities for their expansion and growth.
Individual has realised impact on this techniques on brining innovation and growth in business
units. My technical skills have been improved to great extent. Earlier to that I was not having any
12

knowledge about restaurant and its working. I developed understanding that how small restaurant
works and why its is required to implement digital technologies. Earlier to that I was not able to
operate latest software but while conducting investigation I gone through many techniques which
has improved my knowledge and technical skills.
Furthermore, my communication skill was good and I was able to coordinate well but
undertaking this investigation I have developed my communication skill to great extent. I got to
know about professional communication. I had to coordinate with managers of the company for
that I have improved my language so that I can interact with them properly. This has helped me
in gaining trust of respondents and they have shared their views with me significantly. I learned
about various tools and techniques of research methodology. Earlier to that I was just known
with this terminology but I was unaware with practical applications of these techniques. But this
study has improved my understanding about use of various research methods. I have also
improved my analytical skills which has supported in analysing the impact of digital technology
on small business. While conducting this study I have analysed my strength and weakness which
have supported in making contingency plan for my professional development.
13

References
Books and Journals
Abdillah, L.A., 2014. Managing information and knowledge sharing cultures in higher
educations institutions. arXiv preprint arXiv:1402.4748.
Borghoff, U.M. and Pareschi, R. eds., 2013. Information technology for knowledge
management. Springer Science & Business Media.
Bulgurcu, B., Cavusoglu, H. and Benbasat, I., 2010. Information security policy compliance: an
empirical study of rationality-based beliefs and information security awareness. MIS quarterly.
34(3). pp.523-548.
Bulgurcu, B., Cavusoglu, H. and Benbasat, I., 2010.. Process innovation: reengineering work
through information technology. Harvard Business Press
Saunders, M.N. and Bezzina, F., 2015. Reflections on conceptions of research methodology
among management academics. European Management Journal. 33(5). pp.297-304.
Smith, W. K. and Lewis, M. W., 2011. Toward a theory of paradox: A dynamic equilibrium
model of organizing. Academy of Management Review. 36(2). pp.381-403.
Soni, G. and Kodali, R., 2012. A critical review of empirical research methodology in supply
chain management. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management. 23(6). pp.753-779.
Zumitzavan, V. and Michie, J., 2015. Research Methodology. In Personal Knowledge
Management, Leadership Styles, and Organisational Performance (pp. 27-34). Springer
Singapore.
Bilbao-Osorio, B., Dutta, S. and Lanvin, B., 2013, April. The global information technology
report 2013. In World Economic Forum (pp. 1-383).
Online
How digital technology could benefit your business, 2017. [Online]. Available through
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/digital-management/business-strategy/>
14

Appendix
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: 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
Impact of digital technology in brining
innovation in small business.
Yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified?
➢ Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
tasks?
Human resource risk and financial risk
are associated with this project.
➢ Did you identify any additional Time risk and monitoring risk can also
15

risks/issues that have an
impact on the project
management plan?
impact on project management planning.
Problems encountered
➢ What barriers did you face?
➢ How did you overcome them?
Limited time, insufficient financial
resources were major barriers for me.
I utilized resources well and have
scheduling task to overcome barriers.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
I need to improve
monitoring progress.
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?
Initially I feel confused but later on I
managed it well.
Yes
I performed well and contributed well in
completion of project successfully.
I need to improve my research skills
more.
I would be able to conduct study in
future effectively It would be better for
my career as researcher.
Tasks planned for next week
➢ Which tasks are priority?
➢ Have you set aside sufficient time
for completion?
Scheduling is on priority
Yes
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
16

Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and
date:
Template for Performance Review
Template to be attached with the
report by the learner:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
To identify impact of digital technology in brining innovation and growth
in small business.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically,
please outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes, it was succeed, I become able to get desired results and I have
completed project on time.
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.
Project activities and outcome were as per the expectations.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
Lack of finance and limited time was major issues but it was managed
well. I identified issues in initial level and have prepare plan accordingly.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I learned benefits of digital technologies and way to effective
implementation of these techniques in small firms.
17

6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant
leading the project?
I will rate it good.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
Strength: communication skill, critical thinking
Weakness: poor technical skill
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
This will help me in making contingency plan so that my professional
development can take place. I will take action to improve my weakness.
This will support me in becoming a good researcher.
18