Performance Review and Project Evaluation

The provided document is a performance review report for a research project. It outlines the project's objectives, success in achieving them, and the evaluation process undertaken. The report highlights the importance of digital technology on business growth, buying behavior, and market trends. It also discusses challenges faced during data collection, negotiation with people from different cultures, and language barriers. The learner reflects on their performance as a management consultant, identifying strengths such as friendly interactions and weaknesses like lack of knowledge in multiple languages. The report concludes by emphasizing the need for continuous professional development, particularly in modulating free flow of abstraction within organizations.

Managing successful business
project

INTRODUCTION
Digitalisation plays a crucial role in bringing an organisation ahead than their rivals and
help them in achieving competitive advantage in business world. Due to this, every organisation
existing in market especially small-sized companies are willing to invest money in adoption of
digital technology in their business operations. This will be helpful to expand small-scale
business to large scale and achieve huge customer base as well. Digital technology makes easy to
management to manage and monitor all business functions in an appropriate manner that will
bring profitable result to company. Continental Consulting Ltd., a research and business
consultancy firm in London is selected for the purpose of preparing this assignment report. The
project explaining the aim and objectives of an organisation regarding adoption of digital
technology. In addition with this, project management plan, breakdown structure, Gantt chart,
small-scale research, uses of appropriate tools and techniques, recommendation are discussed
under this report (Basu, 2014).
TASK 1
P1:
Digital technology is contributing maximum in the development of business operations
which drives business to achieve growth and success within shorter period of time. As an
organisation always tries to put efforts in achieving desired goals and objectives thus
digitalisation gives maximum support to company in achieving them within pre-determined time
period. Before this, it is important for every organisation to identify its aim and objectives which
help in providing proper guidance and direction to their workforce to perform in an optimum
manner so as to achieve maximum possible output. The present report is based on the impact of
digital technology in the business functions and operations. The main objective of report is to
adoption of digital technology in order to achieve expansion and growth of small business
organisation. At present times, almost every organisation tries to implement digital technology in
their business operations so as to bring efficiency and productivity (Brady and Davies, 2014).
Background of the project:
Continental Consulting Ltd. is an organisation facilitating other companies in
reconstructing their business operations methods in order to maximise their efficiency and
productivity level. The main aim of company is to update the infrastructure and other equipments
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used in execution of business activities so as to achieve better possible result. Continental
Consulting Ltd. encourages small as well as medium sized business to adopt digital technology
in order to bring easiness in their work procedure that will ensure company getting profitable
result. The CEO of such organisation felt that the business has lots its competitiveness among
their rivals and still the company are not giving much efforts in modifying or upgrading the
business process which in results losing stability in competitive market. There are other small
entities who are always trying to bring new ideas and methods which help them in capturing
large market share.
Therefore, to overcome such weaknesses and maintaining their strong presence in
competitive market, CEO of company decides to implement digital technology in their business
operations which facilitate them in achieving long term objectives. There are various types of
variation which they need to bring in enterprise regarding the establishment of useful channels of
distribution, application of online system of company in order to attract large number of
customers (Gambles, 2017).
Research Aim:
“Impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation: A case
study of Continental Consulting Limited”. Digital technology includes social media, e-
commerce, TV Advertisement etc. which attracts lots of customers towards company's products
and services across worldwide.
Research objectives:
 To evaluate the transformative potential of digital technology.
 To focus on adoption and usage of technology that has been disruptive or transformative
but also replicable for other enterprise with low barriers to uptake.
 To focusing on barriers and enablers to embedding, using and implementing technology
with an enterprise.
Research Questions:
 What are the changes that has been identified after implementation of digital technology
in business operation?
 Is there any requirements of any learning programs for workers of Continental consulting
Ltd.?
 What are the perception of workers on up-gradation of existing technology?
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 What are the difficulties faced by manages while implementation of Digitalisation in
business operation?
P2:
It is a formal kind of document which is essentially required to maintain by manager so
as to manage and monitor all business activities executed under specific project. It describes an
activities which is required to set up, coordinate, integrate and explaining the various activities of
planning. Such project management plan contains the information related with how the projects
is monitored, executed, controlled and modification according to the changing environment. It is
also known as communication wheel which assist stakeholders to know actual position of the
project on timely basis (Hwang and Ng, 2013). The project manager is held responsible to
prepare an effective project management plan which includes information related with
identification of cost, time, risk and many more which are useful in completion of project.
Following are some aspects which are included in project management plan:
Scope: The adoption of digital technology is necessary requirement of ever business as it
will be more helpful in enhancing efficiency and productivity level of an organization. It makes
easy for management to manage and monitor the business activities in such an effective manner
that will help in receiving maximum level of output. Digital technology includes online
marketing, modern systems such as MIS, updated and latest equipment and infrastructure etc.
which facilitate Continental Consulting Ltd. in achieving pre-decided goals and objectives within
given time frame. Therefore, the scope of implementation of digital technology is wider as it
help in assisting company in enhancing all aspects related with the operation, production,
dispersion, promotion and contraction through the application of digitization.
Cost: It is crucial aspect which decides that whether digital technology could be
implemented in successful manner or not. It is highly based on such aspect due to which the
project manager need to first prepare budget in which allocation of cost should be made
according to the effectiveness of different activities (Khan and Lund-Thomsen, 2011). At the
initial stage, huge amount of money shall required to be invested in enhancing the skills and
capabilities of workforce to work on using digital technology that will further help them in
increasing their efficiency and performance level. For this, a budget is required to be prepared
showing total cost that will be invested in completion of project. It is described under below:
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Total forecasted budget
Particular 2017-18($)
Implementing technology cost 18000
Advertisement cost 9000
Promotional cost 7500
Catalogues 2800
Training charges 9500
Total cost 46800
Time: It is another important aspect which determines the deadline or time frame to
complete specific project so as to grab competitive opportunities for achieving competitive
advantage. For this, Continental Consulting Ltd. should apply critical path approach which gives
relevant and accurate data to the company regarding completion of project activities within pre-
decided time frame. Such tool brings motivation among members of an organization to perform
assigned roles and responsibilities in desired way so as to complete project within given time
frame (Lambert and Enz, 2012).
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Quality: It is another crucial aspect which decide the existence of company in
competitive market. Offering quality always lead success thus the business manager must
required to focus on enhancing quality in order to achieve huge customer base for an
organization. It can be possible through appointing skilled and knowledgeable team member
which are more capable in utilizing advanced technology. Fro this, it is essential to conduct
research in order to identify the preferences of targeted customers, market trends, policies of
rivals etc.
Risk: As there is always chances of occurrence of risk which may disturb the project
activities that will cause loss to company as well. Thus, the manager of Continental Consulting
Limited to identify risk which may arises before and after adoption of digital technology. Such
risk may related with poor knowledge, lack of employee support, inadequate funds and others.
This requires management to formulate an effective plans and strategies related with conduction
of training and development programs, finding out the investors and other beneficial mode (Shen
and Benson, 2016).
Communication: It is the factor which help in bringing all employees together and
perform in unity with an expectation of getting profitable result to company. The manager is
required to communicate to their employees and assigning roles and responsibilities accordingly
which help in creating better relation with them. Communication with targeted clients is also
very necessary. It can be possible through using digital technology such as social media, internet
and many more.
Resources: It is more useful aspect which is required by managers to analyses in an
appropriate manner through checking whether the company has enough resources in order to
implement digital technology in successful manner. Such resources includes human capitals,
funds, knowledgeable employees and many other.
P3:
Work break down structure: It is a structure which divides work in hierarchical way so
that it become easy for management to manage and monitor all project activities in an effective
manner. It is more helpful for management team of Continental Consulting Ltd. to identify all
information related with particular section which assist members in achieving desired goals and
objectives within give time frame.
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Gantt chart: It is considered as an appropriate tool which specified each activity
performed against time period. It is also known as visual project presentation where all activities
and task are presented and broken into division on a chart which is not difficult to interpret and
understand. It is known technique in project management which drills down all activities in order
to complete all task within time allotted (Smith, Gonin and Besharov, 2013).
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All such tools are the essential for Continental Consulting Ltd. in order to enhance
performance and productivity level of an organization. It also more helpful in maximizing the
sales and revenue within predetermined time period. Under this, all tasks and project work are
allocated by managers among the employees which directly assist in achieving long term growth
and success within limited time period (Špundak, 2014).
TASK 2
P4:
Research is basic need of every organization which help them in identifying the essential
needs and prerequisites of targeted customers. Such data are connected with process, items,
services and alteration in digital technology which are more useful in accomplishing pre-
determined targets. Research is partitioned into various parts which are given beneath:
Qualitative research: It is such sort of research which is connected to gain superior
results of hidden inspirations, sentiments and reasons. There are different frameworks which is
must required to utilize techniques so as to assemble information, for example, interviews, study,
views and numerous more based on which additionally actions will be implemented. Essentially
the researcher may help in getting learning and experience associated with the specific topic of
research. This addresses the behavior of human and their mind look into activities related with
particular things (Turner and Zolin, 2012).
Quantitative research: It is likewise another helpful system embraced by researcher with
an objective to quality issues through method of building up numerical data which can be
additionally imparted into valuable information point. Such kind of research technique is
utilizing quantifiable information so as to execute facts and not cover designs in examination.
Such strategy incorporates distinctive methods for studies, for example, paper, on the web, stand
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and mobile and numerous others, for example, face-to-face interviews, longitudinal
investigations, precise perceptions and numerous other.
Both such type of research are more useful for Continental Consulting Ltd. To identify
the needs and requirements of targeted clients. Therefore, it help company in achieving huge
customer strength as well as able to achieve desired goals and objectives within give time frame.
In this, sample size is selected which is 60 respondents whose views and opinions are
considered. Such research help company in meeting with their research objectives and achieve
competitive advantages within an organization (Viaene and Van den Bunder, 2011).
Questionnaire
Name:
Gender:
Age:
Q1. Does adoption of digital technology impacts the business activities of Continental
Consulting Ltd.?
 Yes
 No
Q2. Which type of digital technology should prefer to adopt by Continental Consulting Ltd. to
achieve growth and bring innovation in company?
 E-commerce
 IT software's
 Wireless technologies
 Cloud techniques
Q3) What type of changes are identified after adoption of digital technology in business
operations?
 Improvement in performance
 Reduction in defects
 Optimise uses of resources
Q4) Whether there is any need of learning program for workforce of Continental Consulting
Ltd.?
 Yes
 No
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Q5) What are the reaction of members of company towards upgrading existing digital
technologies?
 Positive
 Negative
Q6) What are the difficulties that hinders management in changing digital technology?
 Cost
 Time
 Conflict
Q7). Does utilisation of Digitalisation helps Continental Consulting Ltd. to enhance
productivity and profitability of company?
 Yes
 No
Q8). Which area of Continental Consulting Ltd. needed to develop digital technology first?
 Distribution
 Promotional
 Communication
Q9. Does Digitalisation supports Continental Consulting Ltd. in expansion of business
organisation?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q10. Provide some recommendation to cope with challenges comes while adoption of digital
technology?
TASK 3
P5:
In such report, primary method is used by researcher in order to get accurate and reliable
information about customer's needs and requirements. To gather data, questionnaire is prepared
which contains relevant questions related with decision regarding adoption of digital technology
in business operations. There are different methods of research which are also used by the
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research. Such tools includes research design, data analysis, data collection, philosophy,
limitation etc. In this, 60 respondents are selected among total population.
Q1. Does adoption of digital technology
impacts the business activities of Continental
Consulting Ltd.?
Frequency
 Yes 45
 No 15
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
45
15
Interpretation: From the above graph, it has been identified that most of the
respondents are in favour to adopt digital technology. Among 60 respondents, there are 45
respondents who thinks that adoption of digital technology makes huge impact on business
operations of Continental Consulting Ltd. whereas remaining 15 respondents have different
perception.
Q2. Which type of digital technology should
prefer to adopt by Continental Consulting Ltd.
to achieve growth and bring innovation in
company?
Frequency
 E-commerce 25
10

 IT software's 10
 Wireless technologies 5
 Cloud techniques 20
E-commerce
IT software's
Wireless technologies
Cloud techniques
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
10
5
20
Interpretation: It is clearly seen from the above graph that most of the respondents are
in favour of adoption of E-commerce and after that Cloud techniques is the second preferable
technology. Among 60 respondents, there are 25 respondents who are in favour of E-commerce
whereas 20 respondents are in favour of Cloud technology. The remaining 10 and 5 respondents
are in favour of IT software and wireless technologies respectively.
Q3) What are the changes identified after
adoption of digital technology in business
operations?
Frequency
 Improvement in performance 25
 Reduction in defects 15
 Optimise uses of resources 20
11

Improvement in performance
Reduction in defects
Optimise uses of resources
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
15
20
Interpretation: For the above data, it has been observed that adoption of digitalisation
brings positive outcome to Continental Consulting Ltd. Among 60 respondents, there are 25
respondents who thinks that digitalisation makes positive impact on performance of company
whereas 15 and 20 respondents thinks that digitalisation help in reduction in defects and optimise
uses of resources respectively.
Q4) Whether there is any need of learning
program for workforce of Continental
Consulting Ltd.?
Frequency
 Yes 45
 No 15
12

Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
45
15
Interpretation: From the above graph, it has been identified that there is requirement to
adopt learning programs to workforce of Continental Consulting Ltd. Among 60 respondents, 45
respondents wants to adopt such type of training whereas remaining 15 respondent doesn't want.
Q5) What are the reaction of members of
company towards upgrading existing digital
technology?
Frequency
 Negative 20
 Positive 40
13

Negative Positive
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
20
40
Interpretation: It has been clearly observed from the above graph that most of the
respondents prefer to upgrade existing technology used in execution of business activities.
Among 60 respondents, there are 40 respondents who are in favour of up-gradation whereas
remaining doesn't show their interest in such up gradation.
Q6) What are the difficulties that hinders
management in changing digital technology?
Frequency
 Cost 15
 Time 15
 Conflict 30
14

Cost Time Conflict
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
15 15
30
Interpretation: From the above graph, it is clearly seen that conflicts among employees
brings difficulties in changing digital technology. Among 60 respondents, there are 30
respondents who thins the same whereas remaining 30 respondents thinks that cost and time
brings lots of challenges in adoption of digital technology.
Q7). Does utilisation of Digitalisation helps
Continental Consulting Ltd. to enhance
productivity and profitability of company?
Frequency
 Yes 48
 No 12
15

Yes No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
48
12
Interpretation: From above stated graph, it has been clearly identified that bringing
digitalisation in business operations enhances the profitability and productivity level of
Continental Consulting Ltd. Out of 60 respondents, 48 respondents are there who thinks the same
whereas remaining 12 respondents thinks different.
Q8). Which area of Continental Consulting
Ltd. needed to develop digital technology first?
Frequency
 Distribution 25
 Promotions 10
 Communication 25
16

Distribution Promotions Communication
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
10
25
Interpretation: It is clearly seen from the above graph that the area of distribution and
communication requires to develop digital technology first and after that promotion will be the
most preferable area where digital technology need to develop.
Q9. Does Digitalisation supports Continental
Consulting Ltd. In expansion of business
organisation?
Frequency
 Agree 42
 Disagree 18
17

Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45 42
18
Interpretation: It has been identified from the above figures that according to the
majority of respondents, digital technology help Continental Consulting Ltd. in expansion its
business operations. Out of 60 respondents, there are 42 respondents who has same perception
whereas remaining 18 respondents thinks different.
P6:
As it has been clearly seen from the above interpretation of data that digital technology
brings more profitable outcome to Continental Consulting Ltd. in near future. As every
organization wants to achieve huge customer base as well as maintaining brand image in market
world and it can be possible with the help of implementing digital technology in successful
manner. It is more essential to select the accurate approach in order to provide beneficial
outcome to the society. Such approaches are determined under the below:
 One of the most usable approach is social media which facilitate Continental Consulting
Ltd. to provide accurate and useful information about their products and services to their
targeted clients. It help company in increasing sales figures and turnover which strong
their presence in market world (How digital technology could benefit your business,
2017).
 The other one is E-commerce which is also more useful for Continental Consulting Ltd.
in expanding its business to worldwide. It facilitate their targeted clients to choose the
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products at their own will after reading all description and advantages of buying products.
Thus, it attracts new customers as well due to which the turnover of company increases
on continuous basis.
TASK 4
P7:
From the above research, I observed that implementation of digital technology is not only
helpful for the business in achieving competitive advantage but also maximizes the performance
level of employees as well. In the research program, I put my whole efforts in identifying the
needs and perception of customers regarding the products and services offered by company
along with the impact of Digitalisation on company's performance. According to the
respondents, digital technology play an important role in maximizing productivity and overall
performance of business organization. During research, I utilized diverse research strategies, for
example, research design, philosophy and numerous other which help me a great deal in
completion of research programs inside given time span. I additionally picked up information
about the role of research in setting an effective plans and policies for the improvement of an
firms. Because of this, I depicted data with the assistance of utilizing Gantt graph and in addition
numerous other advantageous software to make a valid conclusion (Introducing Research
Methods, 2017).
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that digital technology contributes maximum
support to company in achieving competitive advantage and attain strong presence in market
world. Research aims and objectives plays a significant role in creating the research questions, it
is important for researcher to determine the basic needs and demands of targeted clients in an
appropriate manner. To increase performance and productivity level, work down structure and
Gantt chart both are more helpful technique to use by researcher.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Online:
Introducing Research Methods. 2017. [Online]. Available through
:<https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/research-methods.html>.
How digital technology could benefit your business. 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/digital-management/business-strategy/>.
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APPENDIX
Template for evidence collection to
be attached with the report by the
learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation: Continental
Consulting Ltd.
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Managing successful
business
Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks
achieved
 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 have studied about the impact
on social media on the growth
and innovation of SMEs.
Yes
Yes, all the pre-determined
project activities are performed
in suitable direction and
executed within given time
frame.
There is no requirement of
making any changes unless any
laws and legislations has been
changed by the government.
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking research
Lack of interpersonal as well as
negotiation skills occur
problems as the investigator
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tasks?
 Did you identify any
additional risks/issues that
have an impact on the project
management plan?
faces difficulties while
communicating with
respondents having different
cultures and backgrounds.
Lack of interest of respondents
towards filling questionnaire is
major issues faced by
researcher. It also causes time
management related problems
which causes delay in
executing pre-determined plans
and actions as well.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Collection of data brings more
difficulties as the respondents
are not willing to fill the
questionnaire form due to
having fear of leaking their
personal information.
To eliminate such issues, I
ensure respondents about their
confidential information and
bring them into confidence to
show their views and opinions
more freely.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
Regular updating the plans
according to the nature and
trends of market assist
research to complete research
activities in more effective
manner.
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?
I feel little bit nervous while
communicating with people
having different languages as
their main language.
Yes
The project activities are done
by me through following
guidance and advices of my
superiors. I have gained so
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 What can I improve on next
week?
 How might this learning
apply in the future?
many things while carrying out
research such as importance of
digital technology on growth of
business, buying behaviour of
customers etc.
I ma focusing on working on
my negotiation skills due to
facing difficulties to deal with
different types of people.
This will help me in conducting
further research through better
communication with
respondents.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Literature review, data
collection and analysis etc. are
some major priorities.
Yes, I have enough time to
complete project activities
more effectively.
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
Up to date
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?
Identifying the impact of social media on growth and innovation of
continental consulting limited are the main objective which are
supposed to be accomplish.
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2. Did the project succeed in its objectives/ how do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
The project get success through determining the views and
perceptions of respondents related with the topic of research.
3. What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects
of the project from a range of perspectives.
While carrying out research work, I am able to utilise time and cost
present we me for research by using secondary sources of data
collection other than primary sources.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution during
the project process?
Yes, it was little bit tough to negotiate with people while collecting
topic related data which will brings difficulties for me to bring
confidence among them to share their views and suggestions related
with topic of research. into confidence by proper communication.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I have gained so may things while carrying out an effective
research. It includes understanding of perception of people towards the
company's products and services, market trends, importance of
employees efforts etc.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant
leading the project?
I would rated myself 9 out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
My main strength is interacting with people more friendly due to
which they show their willingness to respond my questions while
negotiating with people having different culture and languages are more
difficult for me due to having lack of knowledge of multiple languages.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
It is important for organisations to modulate free flow of
abstraction in company as they can get with together.
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