The Impact of Digital Technology in Supporting Small Business Growth and Innovation

This study examines the impact of digital technology on small business growth and innovation, focusing on the American organization Ontraport. It explores the advantages and limitations of digital technology in the organizational context and provides recommendations for mitigating challenges. The study includes a project management plan, work breakdown structure, and Gantt chart.

PROJECT GROWTH: THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS
GROWTH AND INNOVATION
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................2
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Task 1.........................................................................................................................................3
LO 1...........................................................................................................................................3
P1................................................................................................................................................3
Project aim and objective...........................................................................................................3
P2................................................................................................................................................4
Project management plan...........................................................................................................4
P3................................................................................................................................................6
Work Breakdown structure and Gantt chart...............................................................................6
Task 2.........................................................................................................................................7
LO 2...........................................................................................................................................7
P4................................................................................................................................................7
Research Methods......................................................................................................................7
Log Book....................................................................................................................................9
Task 3.......................................................................................................................................12
LO 3.........................................................................................................................................12
P5..............................................................................................................................................12
Data Analysis...........................................................................................................................12
P6..............................................................................................................................................13
Recommendation......................................................................................................................13
Performance Review................................................................................................................14
Task 4.......................................................................................................................................16
LO 4.........................................................................................................................................16
P7..............................................................................................................................................16
Reflection.................................................................................................................................16
Conclusion................................................................................................................................16
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Introduction
Application of modern technology has a major role in the context of organisational practices.
Organisations across the globe apply different technology regarding the organisational
performance as well as its development. This study is intending to present the impact of the
application of modern technologies in order to improve the organisational performance. This
study will revolve around an American organisation Ontraport. Ontraport has been
recognised as business automation software developer that assists different SMEs. Learner of
this study will evaluate the impact of digital technology in the context of Ontraport. This
study will present a project plan regarding the application of digital technology. There are
different methods to analyse a project and the learner will shades light on both primary and
secondary methods in order to evaluate the impact of such technologies in the context of
organisational development of Ontraport. It will present the analysis and evaluation of
modern technologies in organisational context and intending to provide a recommendation
study in order to mitigate certain challenges that stood on the way of applying digital
technology in small business organisation.
Task 1
LO 1
P1
Project aim and objective
Objectives
 To determine suitable technologies regarding the development of Ontraport
 To identify advantages in the organisational context of Ontraport because of the
application of digital technology
 To figure out the limitations regarding the application of digital technology
 To suggest recommendations in order to mitigate such limitations
Aims
Application of modern technology has a major impact on the performance of both an
individual and an organisation. This influence the performance as well as development.
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Regarding the development of the organisation as well as individual skills, modern people are
dependable on the application of modern technologies. Hence, this study is intending to
present the impact of the application of digital technologies regarding the development of an
organisation.
P2
Project management plan
Scope:
Application of digital technologies is useful in organisational context. This helps the
organisation to develop the work culture within the organisational workplace. It also assists
the organisation to manage its resources. Skill of the employees is an important factor
regarding the organisational performance. Application of digital technologies could help the
organisation to develop the skills of the employees. As stated by Gibson et al. (2014, p.49),
the organisation could achieve better services from their work force. In the context of
Ontraport Application of digital technologies are subjected to certain advantages it regarding
the organisational performance achievement of the objectives. It could assist the organisation
to analyse the market as well as requirements of the customers. This will allow Ontraport to
offer better service to their customers. Hence, application of modern technologies could help
the organisation in different perspectives.
Quality:
Application of technologies is also related with the development of the workforce. This could
help the organization to develop the skill of its employees. Ontraport could develop the
individual skills of the employees. Improvement in the skills of the employees is related with
the quality of the services. As suggested by Chaffey (2015, p.57), the application of digital
technologies could allow the organisation to improve the skill of its employees in order to
offer services with better quality.
Time:
Application of digital technologies could affect the organisational performance regarding the
time of production or services. In the context of Ontraport, application of digital technology
could help the organisation to reduce the time while providing services to its customers. It
could also help to communicate with the employees and management of different functions
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of the organisation. Hence, this provides benefits to the organisation regarding its productive
times.
Cost:
Cost is an important factor regarding the organisational performance. Application of
technology is also related with the application of modern technologies. It requires certain
features and factors to apply in proper function. These factors are related with certain cost of
the employees. Ontraport is required to bear a certain amount of cost regarding the
application of digital technologies. Introduction of digital technologies is also related with its
maintenance and application. According to Alshamaila et al (2013, p.25), there will be
certain cost expenses for the organisation regarding this issue. Purchase of certain hardware
and software related with those technologies are one of such factors. Maintenance and
application of such technologies required to develop the skills of the employees. Hence, the
organisation will be subjected with additional expenditure regarding the employee training
and development. Resource management and power supply are other factors related with the
application of digital technologies in the organisational context.
Communication:
Communication is also an important factor regarding this project as this helps the
organisation to convey the messages of the management as well as organisational objectives
to its employees. As opined by Lin and Atkin, (2014, p.87), in order to apply the digital
technologies in the organisational workplace, Ontraport is required to convey the
organisational message among the employees regarding the application and introduction of
digital technologies.
Risk:
Application digital technology is also related with certain limitations and risks. The most
important one in this context is that digital technology is hack-able. Hence, the application of
such technology could threaten the safety of organisational information of Ontraport. Along
with that employee, skills and maintenance are other factors that increase the risk level
regarding this project.
Resources:
As application of digital technologies suggests the introduction of new strategies in the
organisational context, hence Ontraport is required to manage certain resources while
introducing such technology. This may include certain hardware, software and systems.
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Ontraport will also require to manage the resources of employee training related with these
factors.
Figure1: Project Management Plan
(Source: Researcher)
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P3
Work Breakdown structure and Gantt chart
Figure2: Work Breakdown Structure
(Source: Researcher)
7

Figure 3: Gantt chart
(Source: Researcher)
As the Gantt, chart and work breakdown structure of this project suggests the project will
take 23 days to complete. The project will be done in few different steps. Initially it will
require selecting the project and completing a background research. Then the learner will
determine the procedure of the research. At next step, there will be an analysis of the data
collected throughout the research. Finally, there will be analysis of the risk regarding the
project.
Task 2
LO 2
P4
Research Methods
Qualitative research method:
Qualitative research method suggests the scientific process of research consists of several
objectives. This research method intends to find out the answer of the research question by
conducting research in a systematic way that includes the procedure of question-answer. As
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stated by Smith (2015, p.59), this method puts emphasis on the collection of evidences and
provides the findings of the research, which were not determined primarily. Along with these
characteristics, qualitative research put emphasis on the perspectives of people who are
retained with the research topic or problem statement. As opined by Taylor et al (2015,
p.67), this method of research is more effective regarding the accumulation of information
about the opinions, values, social contexts and behaviours of related populations. It put
importance on the gathering of textual information including detailed description of the
experience of the people about the research issue. The prime intention of this research
method is to provide human experience about the research issue. It also assists the learners to
determine the intangible factors related with the research along with certain information
based on those factors. As suggested by Silverman (2016, p.61), qualitative research follows
three general methods while conducting the research. This includes observation of the
participants, interviews that are conduct in depth and focus of the groups. This research
method generally includes three types of data such as notes based on field, recordings and
transcripts.
Quantitative research method:
Quantitative research method put emphasis on the objective measurements. It presents
analysis of statistical or numerical data gathered through surveys, questionnaires polls. As
stated by Creswell (2013, p.71), it also analyses pre-existing data in a computational
technique. In order to explain the data related with a particular phenomenon, this research
method put emphasis on the accumulation of numerical data, which can be generalise across
the group of research related people. Prime characteristics of quantitative research suggest
that the data will be collected through structured instruments during the research. It consists
of large size of sample in order to explain and analyse the result. According to Bernard (2017,
p.59), it provides outcomes, which are highly reliable. Features of quantitative research
include several factors. Explanation of collected data is one such factor. It is also required to
present those facts, which remain unanticipated during the research. As opined by Mertens
(2014, p. 73), another important characteristic of this research method is the explanation of
the techniques, which are applied in order to collect data during the research. Prime objective
of this research method is to develop a relationship among the several factors in the context
of wide population. Hence, the research applies either descriptive or experimental research
design.
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Application of these research methods could help Ontraport to comprehend the factors related
with the application of digital technologies. Qualitative research will help the organisation to
determine the facts and the viewpoints of the people related with this program. The
organisation could also comprehend their views regarding impact of digital technologies in
the organisational context. On the other hand, quantitative research method helps the
organisation to interpret the numerical factors related with the research. Application of these
research methods will help the organization to gather and interpret information from related
field as well as pre-existing data related with the application of digital technologies.
Log Book
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
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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
During the research, I have determined
the aims and objectives of the research.
Along with that, I have evaluated
different research methods and data
analysis tools and techniques and
evaluated them in organisational
context.
I have full filled all the task
requirements during the project by
developing a project management plan
and evaluating research methods and
tools.
I have remained on the track of the
project and met the deadline of the
project.
I have maintained the schedule and
completed all the task remained within
the determined space.
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project
management plan?
During the project, I have determined
the risks, which are subjected to this
project. Application of proper methods
and tools will allow mitigating such
issues. I have also presented detailed
evaluation of those methods and tools
that could help in this context.
Time is a certain challenge regarding
the project management plan on this
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issue.
Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
I have faced certain challenges
regarding time, reliability of those tools
and limitations of the methods.
In order to manage the limited time
issue, I have performed several tasks at
a time. On the other hand, I have also
evaluated different tools and methods to
reach at the conclusion.
New Ideas and change of project direction Regarding the project, I have found that
application of quantitative and
qualitative method both is required to
gather enough knowledge about the
project. This allows gathering both on-
field data as well as existing data about
the research topic.
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 it was scaring for me. Then
gradually I start to realise the factors
and enjoyed solving them.
This was helpful as this help me to
increase my knowledge about the
project topic.
I have research in depth on the topic and
then evaluate the related factors.
On next week, I can improve my
knowledge regarding this research issue.
During this research, I have earned
several skills and knowledge. This will
help me in future regarding my projects.
Tasks planned for next week
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 Which tasks are priorities?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Evaluation of different research
methods is the prime task regarding the
priorities.
While determine the schedule of the
project, I have determined the required
time for the project.
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind) This project is going on track.
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Task 3
LO 3
P5
Data Analysis
There are various data collection tools and techniques, which can be applied in order to
interpret the data accumulated during the research. Every tools and techniques has certain
features that influence the interpretation of the research data.
Questionnaire:
It suggests the list of questions about the research issue asked to the respondents who are
related with the research. This tool is a systematic compilation of certain questions among the
sample people. It is very common tool to gather data during a research. Researchers often use
this tool, as this is easy to develop and regulate. As stated by Frontczak et al. (2012, p.61),
through the questionnaire, a researcher could comprehend different viewpoints of people
related with the issue of research. There are several advantages regarding the application of
this tool. This includes economical attribute, time saving procedure, wide area of coverage
and high reliability. On the other hand, there are certain limitations including limitation of
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respondents, manipulated or wrong answer, illegible answers and others. Application of this
tool is even limited for certain cases.
Interview:
Interview is an interesting tool regarding the data collecting as this suggests the exchange of
ideas between two or more persons. This tool allows exchanging ideas neglecting any barriers
between the interviewee and interviewer. Interview could help to reach at the origin of the
research statement. Even illiterate people can contribute in the research process this tool has
an open flow. As opined by Brinkmann (2014, p.1009), there are certain flexibilities in the
application of this tool. This tool can be applied even to present confidential opinions and in
case of intimate cases. Advantages of this tool consist of direct and deep research, knowledge
about the past and future on the research topic and deep observation of the topic. On the other
hand, there certain limitations regarding the application of this tool. Such limitations include
misleading information and limitations in the intelligence of the interviewee.
Schedule:
Application of a set of questions for an interview is suggested as schedule. The interviewer
note downs the answers of the questions determined earlier in the process of a schedule. It
presents those question answers as a formal document regarding the research. As this allows
interviewer to note down the responses, hence, there is no chance of wrongly interpreted the
information because of strength of memory.
Observation:
In order to evaluate the non-cognitive and cognitive aspects, researcher applies this tool. It
helps to evaluate the performance, values, attitudes along with problems and situations. It
also helps to interpret the behaviour of people. Observation follows a systematic procedure in
order to gather information about the research topic. As stated by Frels, and Onwuegbuzie,
(2013, p.191), it is valid and reliable technique to accumulate data. It is a simple and effective
tool to provide first hand information. On the other hand, this tool has limited scope to apply
and it is very time consuming. In addition, it causes additional expenses to the researcher to
gather data.
Rating Scale:
This tool helps the researcher to present opinions related with the situation, character or
object in the context of the research topic. Rating scale measure the values of such opinions.
There are certain advantages related with the application of this tool. This allows expressing
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an opinion regarding the research issue. Hence, it is possible to figure out the requirements
based on the job. This tool is also helpful regarding the development of recommendations.
Difference regarding the capabilities of reading is the major limitation of this tool. Along
with that there is also certain limitations regarding reliability, justification, emotional impact
and self-rating.
Hence, Ontraport is required to consider the impact and efficiency of these tools in order to
determine the suitable for the organisation regarding the application of digital technology in
the organisation. While advantages of these tools and techniques could assist the
organisation, its limitations will restrict the project in certain perspectives.
P6
Recommendation
This study has presented certain factors related with the application of digital technologies.
Application of different research methods has certain impact on the project. Based on the
research, it can be point out that the organisation is required to consider those factors
regarding the application of research methods, data analysis tools and techniques. Application
of quantitative methods could allow the organisation to analyse the numerical and statistical
factors related with the application of digital technologies in the organisational context. This
method put emphasis on the statistical and numerical data along with the existing one related
with the research issue, hence this could successfully presented those data about the impact of
such technologies in the context of Ontraport. While quantitative method put emphasis on
such data, qualitative research method could present the data related with the field of the
research. Hence, the organisation could realise the factors and the viewpoints of the people
related with the research. This research method could present the view of the employees of
the organisation regarding the application of such technologies. Hence, application of these
methods could help the organisation to identify the data related with the topic from different
perspectives. This could help the authorities to figure out the factors and limitations of this
project. Thus, the organisation should consider both these methods in order to determine the
organisational strategies regarding the impact of digital technology in the organisational
context Ontraport. This study has evaluated different techniques as well as tools regarding
the interpretation and accumulation of data. This evaluation suggests that there are certain
regulations in the application of these tools along with their advantages. Hence, the
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organisation is required to consider those factors while determining organisational strategies
to determine the tools and techniques regarding this project. Suitable tools could help the
organisation to comprehend different viewpoint regarding the application of digital
technologies in the context of the workplace of Ontraport.
Performance Review
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
This project was about the impact of digital technologies in the
organisational context.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically,
please outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
In order to comprehend the impact of digital technologies in the
organisational context, I have applied different research methods.
This allows gathering information about the project and helps to
evaluate. Thus, the project reaches at proper conclusion based on
those analyses.
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.
Evaluation of methods and tools have played vital regarding the
project as this helps to figure out the findings and analyse them in
a rational way.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
Time management has been appeared as major challenge during
the project. There was little late to identify the challenge. Later
development of proper schedule helps to meet the objectives of the
project.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
This project allows me to learn about different research methods,
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tools, and their implication during a project.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant
leading the project?
I have successfully leaded the project inspite of certain challenges.
Hence, I could rate my performance as 7 out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you
identify?
I have identified that there was a weakness in my attributes
regarding the determination of challenges during the project. I
have successfully managed that challenges even identified in the
middle of the project. That stands as my strength.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
This allows me learn about the skill of time management and it will
me to lead a project successfully in future.
Task 4
LO 4
P7
Reflection
Application of digital technologies could offer certain advantages to the organisation. Yet
these are related with certain limitations and challenges. Hence, the organisation is required
to consider certain factors regarding this project. In this study, I have presented certain factors
and functions related with this project. There are several research methods and I have
described them in detail. I have presented a detail analysis about qualitative and quantitative
research method. Through this analysis, I have presented the features of those methods along
with their advantages and disadvantages. I have presented an evaluation of these methods in
the context of Ontraport regarding the influence of digital technology. During the study, I
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have also presented an analysis of different data analysis tools and techniques. Here I have
presented concepts of those tools along with the advantages and limitation of them. In this
study, I have presented the evaluation of various tools and techniques in the organisational
context of Ontraport. I have also developed a project management plan during the study
regarding the application digital technology in the workplace of Ontraport. Based on those
analyses I have presented a recommendation for the organization regarding the selection of
methods and tools during the project. Hence, this study will help the organisation regarding
the selection of research methods and tools. Based on this analysis, the organisation could
consider certain methods and tools to introduce digital technologies.
Conclusion
Application of digital technologies is an important factor in the context of organisational
performance. This study has presented a detailed analysis regarding the implication of digital
technology in the workplace of Ontraport. It has presented a project management plan for the
organisation regarding this project. There are several research methods; the study has
presented their impacts on the project. Based on the study, the learner has also presented
recommendations regarding the application of research methods and tools. It also presented
the value of the project in a reflective study. This study has put emphasis on the impact of the
application of digital technologies in the context of Ontraport. In order to present the impact,
the learner also presents the application of various data collection tools and techniques in this
context. This study also presents different tools and technologies regarding the analysis of
gathered data. Based on that analysis, a evaluation of those tools have been drawn regarding
the application digital technologies in the context of Ontraport.
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