Managing Business and Marketing

The assignment is focused on managing business and marketing, with a emphasis on developing effective marketing strategies for small businesses. It draws from various sources such as books, journals, and online resources, providing insights into how to create brand identity, consumer relationships, and higher revenue collection through digital promotional activities. The assignment also explores the importance of transparency in managing business-to-business relationships under conditions of employee attrition.

MANAGING SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1. Aim and Objectives of the project.........................................................................................1
P2. Producing a Project Management Plan..................................................................................2
P3. Gantt chart and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).............................................................4
P4. Qualitative and quantitative research methods for achieving project aims and objectives...7
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................9
P5. Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques.......................................9
P6. Appropriate recommendations on the basis of research and data analysis........................16
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................17
P7. Reflective on the value of undertaking this research...........................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
It is important to manage business projects successfully for any company as it can have a
huge impact with reference to business functions. It is essential to follow important steps that is
required for the project to make it effective. This report will focus on topic- “The impact of
social media marketing supporting small business growth and innovation”. It will focus on
Continental Consulting Limited for understanding the influences of social media marketing.
Study will be going to reflect the goals and objectives of this report and will also produce a
project management plan based on scope, time, cost, quality, communication along with risk, and
resources. On the basis of this, a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time
frames and stages for completion will be created. There will be development of various
recommendation which were based on qualitative and quantitative research methods and
communication as per analysing the impact of digital technology. This report will reflect on the
understanding in meeting the aim and objectives effectively.
LO 1
P1. Aim and Objectives of the project
Internet has a huge impact on the business. One of the main platforms which is mostly
used on internet is use of social media for promotional activities of products or services in
market. Social media marketing has a huge impact on the business as it can help in improving
business performance and can increase their sales and productivity as well. This technology has
been drastically changed in terms of traditional business models and transformed activities from
past years. Using digital technology by mobiles, laptops, etc. has provided company with various
opportunities that is available for them in that industry (Baumann and et.al., 2015). This will also
help Continental Consulting Limited to bring some innovative changes in their products and
services by introducing some good quality products.
Social media marketing has a huge impact on various departments of organization, such
as on production, where digital technology such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics etc.
has a huge impact on the products to make some new merchandise, which driving with
innovation and commodity growth (Ward, 2016). By using social media platform and mobile
technology, effective communication can be made with their customers to enhance their business
as well. In administration, technologies like, cloud technology benefits in enabling effective
filing, storage and sharing of information in an organization.
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Main aim and objectives of the project through which Continental Consulting Limited
can achieve their targets are explained below:
Aim: To analyse impacts of Social media marketing in operational efficiencies- Case
study on “Continental Consulting Limited”
Objectives: These are as follows:
 To analyse the impact of digital technology on the business environment of organization.
 To implement some new technologies for improvement.
 To study the effects of social media marketing in an organization in promoting their
services in market.
P2. Producing a Project Management Plan
For any business, project management plan plays an important role in managing the
whole project assertively to understand each aspect correctly. These management plans are
critical to make any project successful. It includes various plans and strategies that will be
implemented to achieve their aim and objectives effectively (Brillo and et.al., 2015). These
techniques are used to focus on areas of project such as cost, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk, and human resources. When creating a plan, the project manager must
think ahead of time on all the activities to carry this task step by step.
Various aspects of this project management plan is explained below:
 Cost: This will help to control their cost which is being invested in this project. Cost is an
estimation of the amount of money that will be required to complete the plan. This has to
be managed carefully by Continental Consulting Limited in spending their money on
factors such as resources needed for the project, labour rates for contractors, risk
estimation of plan, bills of materials etc. to complete the project (Kumar and Yakhlef,
2016).
 Scope: There is a huge scope of this project as nowadays social media marketing is
widely used for promoting services and products in market. This helps an organization to
increase their branding effectively. Due to the impact of social media, the relationship
between brands and consumers have changed a lot (Kasuma and et.al., 2017). There are
various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. This has huge
advantages, as it will help in improving customer insights through which it becomes easy
to perform their functions effectively. The main advantage of this technology is that it
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assists in enhancing overall sales and productivity. This project will also aid in making a
connectivity with their customers.
 Time: This is the factor which refers to actual time which is required to complete this
project successfully. It is important to manage their work so that they can complete it in
the given time frame. Time frame for this projection on which professionals of
Continental Consulting Limited has to be attentive and serious regarding resource
allocation and costs management that will bring them effective outcomes in a required
period of time (Chandler, 2015). In analysing the operational requirements of business
with regards to setting up the social media marketing process there will be requirement of
28 days.
 Quality: To maintain the standard and quality of project, it is important for this
organization to make it effective and productive. All the measures that have been taken
by them should be of the best quality, as it assists in improving their overall performance.
Continental Consulting Limited has to be assistive in executing quality of operations
(Polonsky and Waller, 2014). In context with the operational frame of this organisation is
that they facilitate cable television managements consulting services in Boston which
determines that there will be effective control over quality services facilitated by them.
 Communication: To make any project management plan successful, communication is
essential for Continental Consulting Limited. With proper communication and
interaction, it is impossible to manage all their tasks effectively (Nazari, 2017). This will
also help in sharing ideas which can benefit this project.
 Risk Management: There can be a huge risk in implementing this project in company.
Sometimes, it is difficult to identify their customers’ requirements precisely (Dale,
Bamford and van der Wiele, eds., 2016). To manage all these risks, it is essential for
Continental Consulting Limited to plan some effective strategies for minimizing all
project activities.
 Resource: This will include resources to complete project with effectiveness. For the
implementation of social media marketing, it is important to have good human resources
to manage work properly and to recruit effective team which can give their best in
completing this project. There can be use of various resources such as human resource,
financial tools which will aid in completion of the projected plan in the required time.
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The research made by professionals on market will bring them positive outcomes as per
proper governance and operational variations.
P3. Gantt chart and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
To detect the tasks and activities which are being performed by the researchers in terms of
completing such tasks were being mentioned in a break down structure (Work breakdown
structure, 2018). It brings the appropriate information based on number of activities which are to
be performed in a framed manner. Moreover, in below listed WBS there will be requirement of
28 days for the completion of project.
Thus, developing social media marketing campaign will help in collecting all reliable and
accurate information from external environment. In addition, there will be analysis over
behaviour, preferences and thinking of individuals on the basis of their opinions toward social
media marketing. Moreover, as per considering the requirements of organisation, there has been
development of tasks according to the below listed work break down structure. It will bring
accuracy in determining qualitative planning as well as formulating decisions that will bring
favourable outcomes through such survey. Similarly, it will be more adequate to the
professionals in determining operations and accuracy in plans such as:
Task Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
4
Social media
marketing
plan
Generating
Ideas
Analysing
Resources
Preparing
Questionnaire
s
Formulating
strategies
Communicatin
g Plan
Developing
Aim and
Objectives
Identifying
cost
Conducting
survey
Analysing
outcomes
Executing
plan
Final
Outcomes

Mode
Auto
Scheduled Generating ideas 7 days Mon 01-10-
18 Tue 09-10-18
Auto
Scheduled Communicating plan 3 days Mon 01-10-
18
Wed 03-10-
18
Auto
Scheduled
Developing Aim and
Objectives 4 days Thu 04-10-18 Tue 09-10-18 2
Auto
Scheduled Analysing resources 5 days Wed 10-10-
18 Tue 16-10-18 3,2,1
Auto
Scheduled Identifying cost 5 days Wed 10-10-
18 Tue 16-10-18 1,3
Auto
Scheduled preparing questionnaire 10 days Wed 17-10-
18 Tue 30-10-18 4,5
Auto
Scheduled Conducting survey 7 days Wed 17-10-
18 Thu 25-10-18 2,3,5
Auto
Scheduled Analysing outcomes 3 days Fri 26-10-18 Tue 30-10-18 7,5
Auto
Scheduled Formulating strategies 6 days Wed 31-10-
18
Wed 07-11-
18 8,2,6
Auto
Scheduled Executing plan 6 days Wed 31-10-
18
Wed 07-11-
18 4,7
Auto
Scheduled Final outcomes 1 day Thu 08-11-18 Thu 08-11-18 10,8
5

Gantt Chart
Critical Path
Interpretation: On the basis of above WBS, Gantt chart and critical path analysis it can be
said that, the tasks have been planned by the researchers in manner that they can meet the targets
and there will be proper collection of data. It requires the duration of 28 days with effect to
address the major activities which are to be enrolled in the business operations.
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P4. Qualitative and quantitative research methods for achieving project aims and objectives
In accordance with completion of this project and promoting social media marketing
functions, there will be requirement of appropriate techniques to be implicated and analysed for
effective determination and analysis of outcomes (Research Methodology, 2017). Thus, with
respect to this, there are several methodologies needed to be considered by professionals in
competition of the project thus, it assures that all data had been considered are reliable and valid
as well as will bring accurate details among professionals for further planning and administration
of operations.
Research approach
It is based on techniques implicated in the study. It mainly consists of two approaches such
as inductive and deductive. (Research Approach in a research, 2018). Moreover, study will help
in identifying the primary sources as well as developing analysis with respect to concepts and
models be used in operational performance.
Research Philosophy
It includes several techniques which are to be considered in developing philosophies for
generating the adequate information and tests on outcomes. Thus, influences of the adequate y of
philosophies which includes concepts such as positivism and interpretivism. This qualitative
research is consisting of implicating the use of interpretivism philosophy for study. In this
method, researcher will analyse set data gathered from market in respect with social media
marketing concept as well as effectiveness in developing brand image.
Research Design
Techniques which will be implicated in this study is mainly based on the design of research.
It includes qualitative and quantitative research techniques that will be used for effective analysis
and determination of operational needs. In this aspect, researchers have selected qualitative
techniques (Baumann and et.al., 2015). In context with this, they will prepare a set of questions
which will be based on influences of social media marketing on rising brand value as well as
enhancing efficiencies in given context.
Data collection
To collect reliable information from external market, which requires to implicate adequate
techniques. Thus, in this context, there are two methods which will be considered in collecting
the information. It includes primary and secondary sources (Ward, 2016). In primary, there will
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be questionnaire, interviews, focus group analysis etc. in secondary analysis, researchers will
consider secondary sources such as internet, articles, news, books which bring observatory
analysis on the issues.
Thus, as per considering such techniques which will be helpful and adequate in meeting
reliable information (Data Collection, 2018). In the present research, professionals have
considered primary techniques of data collection in bringing them accurate information. In
consideration of this method which will bring organisation an adequate information regarding
social media.
Data analysis
In this stage, data will be analysed as per outcomes were received by such survey. Thus,
there have been various questions which were asked in market that will be effective in making
appropriate analysis and determination of operations (Brillo and et.al., 2015). Thus, such analysis
will be helpful in bringing adequate suggestion and recommendations to Continental Consulting
Limited in relation with implication of social media marketing techniques.
Before implementing any project in action, it is imperative for Continental Consulting
Limited to do mini research through qualitative as well as quantitative research methods for
achieving project aim and objectives effectively. Qualitative research method of inquiry develops
understanding on human and social sciences to analyse human behaviour. Whereas, quantitative
research is the method used to generate numerical data and hard facts, by employing statistical,
logical and mathematical techniques.
For this, Continental Consulting Limited has asked several questions to people regarding
impact and importance of social media in marketing process on their business activities.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Question 1: Does social media marketing help your business?
(A) Yes
(B) No
Question 2: Is social media marketing fulfilling your requirements effectively?
(A) To satisfactory level
(B) To dis satisfactory level
(C) Somehow
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Question 3: Is it good that promoting your products or services in market on social media
as compared to traditional methods?
(A) Yes
(B) No
Question 4: Is it easy to maintain social media promotional activities efficiently by your
employees?
(A) Yes
(B) No
Question 5: Do you find this method good for Continental Consulting Limited in increasing
their sales and productivity?
(A) Yes
(B) No
Question 6: Is this process easy for employees to learn and understand?
(A) Yes
(B) No
Question 7: Promoting your goods and services in market using social media platforms,
such as, Facebook, etc. Does it have an impact on your sales?
(A) Is it increased
(B) Is it decreased
(C) Neutral
Question 8: After implementing this strategy for promoting your services, does it impact
your brand value?
(A) Yes
(B) No
LO 3
P5. Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
Question 1: Does social media marketing helps your business?
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Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 6 60%
(B) No 4 40%
Total 10 100%
Interpretation: On the basis of above listed graph, which present promotional techniques
in developing business in an appropriate method. Therefore, there are majority of the outcomes
that has been derived in favour of this statement such as 60% presents that application of this
technique will help business in the most favourable manner.
Question 2: Is social media marketing fulfilling your requirements effectively?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) To satisfactory level 5 50%
(B) To dis satisfactory level 3 30%
(C) Somehow 2 20%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: By considering the above listed pictorial presentation of the data set
which determines that social media promotions will be helpful in organisational requirements in
the right time. Therefore, there are majority of reviews which are in favour of this statement.
Therefore, there are 50% of respondents who pretends that, it brought them satisfactory reviews,
30% are not satisfied with this, while 20% believe that somehow it affects business.
Question 3: Is it good in promoting your products or services in market as compared to
traditional methods?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 3 30%
(B) No 7 70%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: On the basis of above graph which presents that, implication of traditional
method for promoting business will be more influential than social media techniques. With
respect to this analysis, majority of responses are in against of this statement. Thus, it can be said
that there are 70% of individuals who believe that traditional methods are not effective as
compared with revolutionary methods such as internet marketing, surveys as well as social media
marketing.
Question 4: Is it easy to maintain social media promotional activities efficiently by your
employees?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 7 70%
(B) No 3 30%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: It has been asked to the professionals that, implication of social media
techniques will be easy for their employees to perform. Thus, on which 70% believe that it is
adequate and they can easily understand this technique.
Question 5: Do you find this method good for Continental Consulting Limited in increasing
their sales and productivity?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 8 80%
(B) No 2 20%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: On the basis of above graphical presentation, it had been asked to the
professionals that impact of social media promotion has reflected favourable outcomes in their
revenue generation. Thus, there are 80% individuals who believe that it brings rise to the sales
volume of Continental Consulting Limited.
Question 6: Is this process easy for employees to learn and understand?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 5 50%
(B) No 5 50%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: The understandability regarding performing this promotional technique
had been asked to the professionals of Continental Consulting Limited and there were mixed
reviews that had been gathered which presents that chances are neutral. Thus, it is based on the
learning capacity and grasping power of professionals.
Question 7: Promoting your goods and services in market using social media platforms,
such as, Facebook, etc. Does it have an impact on your sales?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Is it increased 6 60%
(B) Is it decreased 3 30%
(C) Neutral 3 30%
Total 10 100%
Interpretation: On the basis of above graph, it can be said that various platforms on
social media have an impact on rising of sales. Thus, in context with this, there were 60% of
employees who believed that it had been increased since implication of this promotional
technique in practice.
Question 8: After implementing this strategy for promoting your services, does it impact
your brand value?
Answers Respondents Percentage
(A) Yes 6 60%
(B) No 4 40%
Total 10 100%
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Interpretation: On the basis of above asked question and generated information on which
business has positive variations in rising the brand value due to social media was asked
from respondents. There were 60% of people who are in favour of this statement. Therefore,
implicating social media techniques in operations will positively reflect rise in brand value.
P6. Appropriate recommendations on the basis of research and data analysis
Recommendations
As per analysing outcomes and survey, which was conducted to fetch relevant information.
Thus, it presents that digitalization and reforms in promotional activities will bring favourable
rise in brand value, revenue and operations.
To improve efficiencies in business, there will be need for performing various activities as
below:
 Improving internal operational governance to assist in uplifting efficiencies such as team
structure, employee engagement etc.
 Application of social media marketing techniques such as creating website, presenting
public offers on such platform will draw maximum attention.
 Reducing use of traditional methods which are costly and time consuming. Similarly,
implicating modern evolution in promotional activities will reduce such operational costs.
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LO 4
P7. Reflective on the value of undertaking this research
I have learnt various concepts and theories regarding promotional activities. During my
research, I have understood that managing time will help in reaching targets promptly. I think
applying social media marketing techniques will have positive changes in uplifting gains to the
business. There will be rise in revenue generation as well as earning motives of entity.
In governing such activities and overall performance by an organisation, I think regular
administration is quite mandatory. Moreover, data gathered from analysing individual’s opinion
and preferences has put an insight that it can there is a need of such promotional activities for
any firm. The level of transparency and accuracy in terms of completing the project will have
accurate outcomes.
I believe that, influences of technical activities will be more effective in bringing industrial
growth and improving cost efficiencies. In accordance with the data analysis based on respected
questionnaires, which stated that this technique will benefit the firm by increasing unique
identity in market as well as in generating higher number of consumers.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of above report, it can be said that implication of digital technology has
affected the business on various terms such as effective growth, creating brand value as well as
developing identity in market. Along with this, it has reflected on various promotional methods
which were applied with the motive of collecting effective data and details about current issues
relevant with marketing. Further, implication of revolutionary techniques in bringing digital
promotional activities in action, has affected positively in creating brand identity, consumer’s
relationship as well as higher revenue collection.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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environment: Merging industry best practices with an education system to address critical
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Ward, J., 2016. Perpetuating the family business: 50 lessons learned from long lasting,
successful families in business. Springer.
Brillo, J. and et.al., 2015. Managing by Sustainable Innovational Values (MSIV): An
Asymmetrical Culture Reeingineering Model of Values Embedding User Innovators and
User Entrepreneurs. J. Mgmt. & Sustainability. 5. p.61.
Kumar, N. and Yakhlef, A., 2016. Managing business-to-business relationships under conditions
of employee attrition: A transparency approach. Industrial Marketing Management. 56.
pp.143-155.
Kasuma, J. and et.al., 2017. Managing Risk, Networking and Managing Finance and the
Successful of Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneur. Advanced Science Letters. 23(8).
pp.7557-7561.
Chandler, G. N., 2015. Effectual Decision Making: Applications for Small Business. Small
business in a global economy: Creating and managing successful organizations, Praeger,
Santa Barbara, pp.71-101.
Polonsky, M. J. and Waller, D. S., 2014. Designing and managing a research project: A business
student's guide. Sage publications.
Nazari, S., 2017. Small to Medium Enterprise Business Leaders Managing Change.
Dale, B.G., Bamford, D. and van der Wiele, T. eds., 2016. Managing Quality: An essential guide
and resource gateway. John Wiley & Sons.
Online
Data Collection. 2018. [Online]. Available through :<
https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/n_illinois_u/datamanagement/dctopic.html>.
Research Approach in a research. 2018. [Online]. Available through :<
https://www.projectguru.in/publications/selecting-research-approach-business-studies/ >.
Research Methodology. 2017. [Online]. Available through :<
http://www.is.cityu.edu.hk/staff/isrobert/phd/ch3.pdf >.
Work breakdown structure. 2018. [Online]. Available through :<
https://www.wrike.com/project-management-guide/faq/what-is-work-breakdown-
structure-in-project-management/>.
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