Digital Techniques in Business Operations

The assignment examines the influence of digital techniques on Marks & Spencer (M&S). It delves into the company's current business performance, identifies digital technologies used in their operations, and evaluates their impact. The analysis includes a Work Breakdown Structure, Gantt chart, and Network diagram illustrating project management aspects. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between knowledge absorptive capacity and project success, highlighting the role of human resource management practices. Finally, the assignment forecasts M&S's future business performance leveraging digital technologies.

MANAGING SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1) Project aim and objectives....................................................................................................1
P2) Project management plan......................................................................................................2
P3) Time frame for project..........................................................................................................3
M1) Comprehensive project management plan..........................................................................8
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................8
P4) Small scale research to meet project's aim...........................................................................8
M2) Accuracy and reliability of project management process.................................................19
D1) Critical evaluation on project management process..........................................................20
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................20
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................20
P5) Data interpretation using tools and techniques...................................................................20
P6) Recommendations for project.............................................................................................20
P7) Reflection on the value of research to meet objectives......................................................20
M3) Accuracy of collected tools for research and project........................................................20
M4) Evaluation on value of project management process........................................................20
D2) Critical evaluation on research outcomes and decision-making process...........................20
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22

INDEX OF TABLES
Table 1: Project plan........................................................................................................................4

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Work Breakdown Structure.......................................................................................6
Illustration 2: Gantt chart.................................................................................................................7
Illustration 3: Network diagram.......................................................................................................7
Illustration 4: Time schedule...........................................................................................................8
Illustration 5: Current business performance of M&S...................................................................12
Illustration 6: Digital technologies used in business operations of the entity................................13
Illustration 7: Agreed respondents on the statement......................................................................14
Illustration 8: Department accountable for the project..................................................................15
Illustration 9: Agreed respondents with researcher's statement.....................................................16
Illustration 10: Convenient business operations using digital technologies for M&S...................17
Illustration 11: Critical evaluation on adopting digital technologies ............................................18
Illustration 12: Forecasting on business performance of M&S using digital technologies...........19

TOPIC
“To identify impact of using digital technologies on business performance of entity: A
case study on Marks and Spencer”.
INTRODUCTION
Digital technologies are crucial to improve business performance and managing
organisation's operations conveniently. It impacts on enhancing efficiencies and appropriate
decision making for the company's effectiveness. Present report is based on understanding
usefulness of adopting digital technologies to achieve implementations of Marks and Spencer
(M&S). It is retail sector of UK which provides groceries, food items and home products to a
million people of the world. In accordance to this, project management tools are to be discussed
as cost, scope, risks, communication etc. Along with this, several approaches for conducting
research and project management will be introduced in this assignment. However, significance of
using digital technologies for improving performance of M&S.
TASK 1
LO 1
P1) Project aim and objectives
Project is considered as work system within organisations for accomplishing any
particular task and managing their business operations efficiently. It influences entity's business
performance and quality services positively (Adhikari and et.al., 2014). However, the present
project report is on the basis of identifying significance of using digital technologies for business
operations of M&S. In this regard, its aim and objectives are discussed below:
Aim of the project:
“To identify influence of using digital technologies on business performance of Marks
and Spencer”.
Objectives of the study:
Following objectives are set for this project are as:
 To understand the concept of digital technologies in business operations
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 To assess usefulness/requirements of adopting the digital technologies regarding business
operations of Marks and Spencer.
 To evaluate impact of using digital technologies on business performance of the entity.
 To recommend suggestion for using digital technologies for M&S.
P2) Project management plan
Project is a systematic work system which includes several tools for meeting goals like
considering cost on incurring business operations, time consumed in each task, analysing and
managing risks and resources as well (Ahlemann and et.al., 2013). Therefore, project
management can be done appropriately impacted on further implementations of the entity.
However, management of project in terms of systematic planning can be created effectively for
M&S. In order to this, several tools of management plan for project are to be discussed as below: Cost: Project plan related to incur cost on operations of project like research, data
interpretation, resources involved in planning are identified. In accordance to this,
appropriate planning is created for expenses incurred on purchasing digital technologies,
workers' salary and additional expenditures (Baldi, 2014). However, expenses incurred in
project related plan are to be decided regarding accomplishing each task and meeting its
goals. Scope: With the help of this project, we are able to understand usefulness of adopting
digital technologies in improving business performance of M&S. In accordance to this,
its influence on business operations and in achieving entity's effectiveness can be
identified (El-Hajjar and Hanzo, 2013). However, relation of adopting digital
technologies with profitability and marketability of the company is to understood in this
project. Time: Systematic management of project includes planning in context to accomplishing a
specific task in determined time. It is considered as key tool to meet project's aim and
implementing business operations efficiently. In accordance to this, for each task of the
project fixed time is decided for project on analysing significance of using digital
technologies for business operations of M&S (Iwamoto, 2013). Therefore, all tasks can
be accomplished appropriately in right time to meet its goals efficiently.
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 Quality: In this project, quality required in resources and costs are analysed for its
management and meeting goals effectively. However, decisions are made regarding used
quality in resources and digital technologies. It impacts on monetary position and
business performance of M&S (Kerzner, 2013). In this regard, several aspects are
recognised for quality improvement and decision making regarding project as well
further implementations. Communication: It is a process of sharing views, opinions and information from one
place to another influences decision making and business' operations effectively. In
accordance to this, several ideas are generated for effective planning procedure and
success of project (Mir and Pinnington, 2014). However, workers involved in project
communicate project's aim and strategies to analyse impact of using digital technologies
on business performance of M&S. Risks: It is considered that several risks are obtained during project such as; resources,
finance, people and uncertain changes related. It is essential to analyse all these factors
which impacted on project planning and its success (Popaitoon and Siengthai, 2014).
Besides this, lack of resources and fund, lack of coordination among workers involved in
project and occurrence of uncertain changes etc. All these factors affect project and M&S'
performance negatively. Thus, it is required to prepare planning considering these issues
for managing project's activities and accomplishing tasks efficiently.
 Resources: Project planning involves different resources as people, finance, technologies
for implementing business operations etc. In accordance to this, all these resources are
analysed for appropriate decision making and project planning effectively (Schwalbe,
2015). Hence, on analysing all these factors, resources related to project plan can be
managed efficiently.
P3) Time frame for project
Time frame is considered as preparing schedule for accomplishing any task in particular
timing. It is essential for appropriate project planning and meeting its goals effectively impacted
on its success (Smith and et.al., 2015). However, time frame for project on identifying impact of
using digital technologies on business performance of M&S, time frame is created as:
Table 1: Project plan
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S. No. Plan Activity Time frame Cost
incurred
A Identifying title Firstly, project's title is to be prepared
regarding M&S' operations.
1-2 weeks 100
B Goal setting and
project plan
 Afterwards project's aim is set
on which project is to be worked
on.
 It also includes management
planning including cots,
resources, time, risks and so on.
2-3 weeks 200
C Work segmentation  Project's objectives and planning
are to be discussed with workers
involved in it.
 Including this, work is
segmented among them
according to working abilities.
1 week 400
D Data collection  Research is conducted with 5
managers of M&S.
 Respondents are to be selected
randomly for survey and
analysing their views on 'impact
of digital technologies on
business performance of the
entity.
2-3 weeks 600
E Data interpretation Collected data are evaluated critically as
managers' views on the project title.
1-2 weeks 500-600
F Working for In case of occurrence of any default, 3-4 weeks 1000-
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improvement further work is created for improvement
in business operations for M&S.
1200
G Cost calculation Comparison between actual and
expected expenditures on project
accomplishments.
1 week 100
H Taking feedback
from workers
involved in project
In this process, feedback is to be taken
from workers involved in project.
2-3 weeks 300
I Reporting In the end, report is prepared on
project's activities and gained outcomes
as well.
1 week 200
Work Breakdown Structure: This structural framework demonstrates activities involved
in project plan from its commencement to closure (Tekalp, 2015). However, Work Breakdown
Structure for current project on 'identifying influence of using digital technologies on business
performance of M&S' is to identified as follows:
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Illustration 1: Work Breakdown Structure
Gantt chart: This is time line structure of project shows starting to accomplishment of
project in specific schedule. In this regard, timing for all tasks accomplished for project are
identified impacted on further operations and its implementations (Adhikari and et.al., 2014).
Hence, Gantt Chart for the project is to recognised as:
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Illustration 2: Gantt chart
Network diagram: This project's structural framework is linked with presenting
connection of all activities with each other to meet determined tasks (Baldi, 2014). In accordance
to this, tasks which are on priority and can be postponed during project are obtained. However,
network diagram is for the project is to presented as:
Illustration 3: Network diagram
Time schedule for project:
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Illustration 4: Time schedule
M1) Comprehensive project management plan
Comprehensive refers as entire of the project in terms of planning and scheduling. In
addition to this, project management plan involves considering all tools regarding planning and
decision making. For accomplishing project on 'analysing usefulness of adopting digital
technologies on business operations of M&S' comprehensive plan is created (El-Hajjasr and
Hanzo, 2013). It includes planning on cost, timing, workers' involvement in achieving tasks etc.
Therefore, effective plans are created for management of project and meeting its goals
effectively.
TASK 2
LO 2
P4) Small scale research to meet project's aim
Research is process of data collection by which business and financial performance of the
entity identified. In accordance to this, several ideas are generated for improving business
operations and appropriate decision making regarding business' operations (Iwamoto, 2013). It is
done through conducting primary and secondary data collection, using sampling framework can
be understood as below:
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 Primary data collection: Conducting research under primary data collection involves
survey, face to face interview, door to door asking questions and so on. Therefore, actual
business operations and its position in market can be evaluated. Likewise, it is of two
kinds as qualitative and quantitative methods (Kerzner, 2013). Under qualitative method,
researcher gains respondents' views, opinions and attitude on goods and services of
entity. Similarly, quantitative method includes data collection quantitatively and in
measuring. In this research, investigator is to conduct survey with 5 managers of M&S
regarding analysing their views on 'impact of using digital technologies on business
performance of the company'. Secondary data collection: In this research method, researcher uses ready and prepared
materials for data collection (Schwalbe, 2015). It includes techniques as reading articles
of newspaper, magazines, using social networking sites etc. Therefore, different ideas are
created for further implementations and decision making regarding business operations. Sampling: During conducting survey, sampling of respondents is done through selecting
them and analysing their views. However, respondents are selected through systematic,
random, cluster and different other sampling method. In this research for identifying
managers' views on 'influence of using digital technologies for business operations of
M&S,' researcher is to select 5 managers randomly (Mir and Pinnington, 2014). Thus,
various views can be identified on project and improving business performance of the
entity.
 Questionnaire: It consists of questions' list in relation to ask with respondents and further
decision making to implement business operations of M&S (Popaitoon and Siengthai,
2014). However, questionnaire for asking questions with managers of the entity is to be
identified as follows:
QUESTIONNAIRE
(MARKS AND SPENCER)
Name:
Department belonged to:
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Q.1 What is your opinion on current business performance of M&S?
 Good
 Developing
 Neutral
 Decreasing
Q.2 Are digital technologies used in business operations of the entity?
 Yes
 No
Q.3 In your opinion, 'is adopting digital technologies in business operations key tool to enhance
M&S' business performance?'
 Yes
 No
Q.4 Which of the following department is accountable for implementing digital technologies for
business operations of the organisation?
 HR department
 Marketing
 Production-operation
Q.5 Do you agree with the statement that, “using digital technologies impacted on profitability
and marketability of M&S increasingly”?
 Agreed
 Strongly agreed
 Disagreed
 Strongly disagreed
Q.6 According to you, is adopting digital technologies make business operations more easy and
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convenient?
 Yes
 No
Q.7 Critical evaluation on using digital technologies for implementing business operations of
the entity?
 Costly
 Changes in technologies
 Occurrence of uncertain changes
Q.8 Forecast on business performance of M&S as using digital technologies for its operations.
 Developing
 Neutral
 Decreasing
Any suggest for improving business performance of M&S..........
Data interpretation:
Managers' views on the project title are collected in differently as generate different ideas
for further implementations. However, research outcomes can be identified as follows
thematically:
Theme 1: Current business performance of M&S
Good 1
Developing 3
Neutral 1
Decreasing 0
Total number of
respondents
5
11

Interpretation: At first, managers' views on current performance of M&S are identified.
As it is recognised that 3 out of 5 are favoured for developing and improving in its operations.
Including this, they also express their opinions that using digital technologies for business
operations of the entity impacted on its development at maximum level. However, it can be
forecast that business performance of the organisation can be improved at higher level in the
future time.
Theme 2: Digital technologies used in business operations of the entity
Yes 4
No 1
Total number of
respondents 5
12
Good Developing Neutral Decreasing
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Column C
Illustration 5: Current business performance of M&S

Interpretation: In this research, investigator asks about essential of using digital
technologies for the business operations of M&S. However, interpretation is presented in bie
graph where blue colour represents number of respondents who favoured while orange
demonstrate who are disagreed with the statement. According to this, it is evaluated that 80%
respondents are agreed with the statement and express their view for the further implementations
as well.
Theme 3: Agreed respondents on the statement
Yes 3
No 2
Total number of
respondents 5
13
4
1
Yes
No
Illustration 6: Digital technologies used in business operations of the entity

Interpretation: According to this research, investigator collects number of respondents
who agreed with the statement that using digital technologies are as key tool for improving
business performance of M&S. However, 3 out of 5 respondents are agreed with the statement
also favoured for business operations implementations in the future time as well.
Theme 4: Department accountable for the project
HR department 1
Marketing 3
Production-operation 1
Total number of
respondents 5
14
Yes No
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Column C
Illustration 7: Agreed respondents on the statement

Interpretation: It is interpreted that 3 out of 5 respondents choose that marketing
department is responsible for adopting digital technologies and improving business operations of
M&S at maximum level. It is because of this department emphasis on getting aware with new
trends in business and market. However, preparing and implementing planning for the business
operations can be done effectively in the future time as well.
Theme 5: Agreed respondents with researcher's statement
Agreed 3
Strongly agreed 1
Disagreed 1
Strongly disagreed 0
Total number of
respondents 5
15
HR department
Marketing
Production-operation
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Column C
Illustration 8: Department accountable for the project

Interpretation: Under this research, respondents who are agreed with the statement that
using digital technologies are for increasing profitability and marketability of M&S. It is
evaluated in bie graph as blue colour shows number of respondents who are agreed, yellow for
disagreed and orange as respondents who are strongly agreed with it. However, 3 out of them are
agreed with the statement as express their views that it remains easy to contact with people and
providing its details. Including this, it is linked with market position and competitiveness of the
company which get improved at higher level.
Theme 6: Convenient business operations using digital technologies for M&S
Yes 4
No 1
Total number of
respondents 5
16
3 1
1
Agreed
Strongly agreed
Disagreed
Strongly disagreed
Illustration 9: Agreed respondents with researcher's statement

Interpretation: It is evaluated that 80% managers are favoured for using digital
technologies to make business operations more easy and convenient. On the basis of this
evaluation, it can be forecast that decision making regarding business operations can be
appropriate effectively.
Theme 7: Critical evaluation on adopting digital technologies
Costly 1
Changes in technologies 2
Occurrence of uncertain
changes 2
Total number of
respondents 5
17
Yes No
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Column C
Illustration 10: Convenient business operations using digital technologies for M&S

Interpretation: It is critical evaluation on adopting digital technologies for business
operations of M&S. However, 4 out of 5 express that due to occurrence of uncertain changes and
changes in technologies from time to time impacted on quality services of M&S' products. It is to
suggested that these issues occurred in business operations during implementing digital
technologies for implementations.
Theme 8: Forecasting on business performance of M&S using digital technologies
Developing 4
Neutral 1
Decreasing 0
Total number of
respondents 5
18
Costly
Changes in technologies
Occurrence of uncertain changes
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Column C
Illustration 11: Critical evaluation on adopting digital technologies

Interpretation: In the end, forecasting on business performance of M&S is created in
terms of using digital technologies for its operations. In accordance to this, 80% respondents are
favoured for its development and improving quality services of the entity's products. Likewise,
good relations can be maintained with people and increasing customer loyalty will be gained
towards its goods and services in wide range.
M2) Accuracy and reliability of project management process
It is recognised that all processes and information collected during research are accurate
and reliable. In this regard, project management process as analysing its actual performance and
further decision making regarding business operations are conducted (Schwalbe, 2015).
Moreover, all collected data as impact of using digital technologies on business performance of
M&S are true. However, ethical considerations required to be considered during research and
project are followed on. Likewise, strategies prepared for project are implemented systematically
to meet aim and objectives for the data collection. Hence, project management processes are
implemented effectively for accomplishing tasks and decision making for further
implementations.
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Developing Neutral Decreasing
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Column C
Illustration 12: Forecasting on business performance of M&S using digital technologies

D1) Critical evaluation on project management process
On analysing management and project activities, it is analysed that all strategies are
implemented effectively in terms of identifying usefulness of digital technologies for business
operations of M&S. However, managers' positive responds are collected on the project title also
suggested that company should adopt digital technologies for improving its business
performance. On critical evaluation, it is evaluated that lack of coordination among workers
involved in accomplishing project (Digital techniques influence in business activities, 2016).
Likewise, occurrence of uncertain changes affected business performance and its operations
adversely. Therefore, management of planning prepared plans get affected negatively which is
required to considered during further project plan and its implementation.
TASK 3
LO 3
P5) Data interpretation using tools and techniques
Enclosed in attached ppt.
P6) Recommendations for project
Enclosed in attached ppt.
P7) Reflection on the value of research to meet objectives
Enclosed in attached ppt.
M3) Accuracy of collected tools for research and project
Enclosed in attached ppt.
M4) Evaluation on value of project management process
Enclosed in attached ppt.
D2) Critical evaluation on research outcomes and decision-making process
Enclosed in attached ppt.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded that using digital technologies impacted on business performance of
Marks and Spencer positively. In this regard, research tools and techniques as well project
management plans are discussed. Moreover, current business performance as adopting digital
technologies during business operations has been identified. Including this, reflection on own
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learning and performance as participating in project is recognised. However, significance of
using digital technologies for improving the business performance of the entity is identified in
this report.
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REFERENCES
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research in the project management field. International Journal of Project Management.
56(1). pp.43-56.
Baldi, A., 2014. Residual stress measurement using hole drilling and integrated digital image
correlation techniques. Experimental Mechanics. 78(3). pp.379-391.
El-Hajjar, M. and Hanzo, L., 2013. A survey of digital television broadcast transmission
techniques. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials. 67(4). pp.1924-1949.
Iwamoto, L., 2013. Digital fabrications: architectural and material techniques. Princeton
Architectural Press.
Kerzner, H., 2013. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Mir, F.A. and Pinnington, A.H., 2014. Exploring the value of project management: linking
project management performance and project success. International journal of project
management. 568(2). pp.202-217.
Popaitoon, S. and Siengthai, S., 2014. The moderating effect of human resource management
practices on the relationship between knowledge absorptive capacity and project
performance in project-oriented companies. International Journal of Project
Management. 45(6). pp.908-920.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Smith, J.A. and et.al., 2015. Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods.
Sage.
Tekalp, A.M., 2015. Digital video processing. Prentice Hall Press.
Online
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Digital techniques influence in business activities. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
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