Managing Small Business Project INTRODUCTION 1 TASK 11 P1 Project management plan, work break down structure, Gantt chart with time frame and stages, small-scale research by using qualitative and quan

Managing requirement of Small Business Project INTRODUCTION 1 TASK 11 P1 Devise project aims and objectives1 P2 Project management plancoveringcost,scope,time,quality, communication, risk, and resources2 P3 Workbreak down structure and Gantt chart with time frame and stages5 TASK 28 P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods 8 TASK 310 P5Analysis of data with appropriate tools and techniques 10 P6 Recommendations on the basis of research and data

Managing Small
Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Devise project aims and objectives...................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan covering cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and
resources.................................................................................................................................2
P3 Work break down structure and Gantt chart with time frame and stages.........................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods............8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
P5Analysis of data with appropriate tools and techniques...................................................10
P6 Recommendations on the basis of research and data analysis to draw valid and meaningful
conclusion.............................................................................................................................20
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................21
P7 Own learning and outcomes from research objectives....................................................21
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................24

INTRODUCTION
Digital technology have played a crucial role in the organisation as it helps in achieving
higher growth and sustainability. Small business means enterprise which has 50 or less number
of employees. These business operates its business at small scale. Management of business can
be done with proper planning and actions are taken in order to get positive results (Ajmal, Helo
and Kekäle, 2010). There is requirement of various resources which helps in managing and
improving working style. This report is based on Continental Consulting Limited which deals in
business consulting services. The business is planning to upgrade their working style with
adoption of digital technology. They have view that with up-gradation of IT facilities, they will
be compete effectively in the market and avail higher sales revenue. Hence they are thinking to
use social media in order to market their services. In this report there is discussion about project
aims and objectives, small scale research, recommendations and conclusion from project and last
learning from the project and its usefulness.
TASK 1
P1 Devise project aims and objectives
Digitalisation means use of technology in working of an organisation. There are different
ways through which digitalisation can be adopted by Continental Consulting Limited such as
portable mobile application. This is one of the effect tool through which marketing of services is
possible. It is essential that managers that to plan properly and educate employees related to
digitalisation. Continental Consulting Limited must give emphasise on analyse need and
requirement of clients for organisation growth and development. This is effective for making
association growing. In order to implement social media technology such as Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, etc. market analyse is one of the essential factor. These days digitalisation is
taking place very frequently, so organisation must implement these techniques in order to
improve working style through ease in communication, proper market research. This also helps
in competing effectively with other organisations in industry. As in case of business consultancy,
there is difference in demand of clients, so with the help of social media, it is easy to interact and
provide prompt solution (Pinto, 2015).
Title of project
Impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation. A Case study of
Continental Consulting Limited.
1

Background of project
As per scenario, Continental Consulting Limited is an organisation provides business
consultancy services. They have clients from London and Greater London. This organisation has
team of 22 expert consultants and researchers in order to provide good services. As per change in
time, there is requirement of IT facilities in order to facilitate working and compete with
competitors in industry. Managers of Continental Consulting Limited that there technology is
obsolete and there is requirement of up-gradation, hence they are coming with concept of social
media (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
Aim of project
“To identify the impact of social media on improving business communication and growth. - A
case study on Continental Consulting Limited.”
Objectives
 To access role of social media in improving communication of Continental Consulting
Limited.
 To determine impact of social media on various departments of Continental Consulting
Limited. To analyse relationship between business growth of Continental Consulting Limited and
implementation of social media.
Questions
 How social media assist in improving communication of Continental Consulting
Limited?
 What impact does social media have on various departments of Continental Consulting
Limited?
 State the relationship which has been shared between business growth and social media ?
P2 Project management plan covering cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and
resources
Project management plan is a formal and legal document providing information related to
resources which are implementing of project work. This plan consist of three activities i.e.
execution, monitoring, controlling (Meskendahl, 2010). Project management plan is overview of
implementing digitalisation in operational practices of an organisation. There is requirement of
various resources which helps in managing operations of digitalisation. Hence managers has to
2

plan properly so that it helps to perform operations in effective and possibilities of positive
outcome are bright. This planning document is effective for communicating with experts at
Continental Consulting Limited. There is requirement of various resources such as money,
employees, time, etc. so with the help of project management plan it is easy to allocate resources.
There is ease in communicating with employees and delivering information related to execution
of project.
Cost- Cost is the financial data which is incurred in implementing social media. This is
essential element which has to be considered by managers of Continental Consulting Limited
(Nicholas and Steyn, 2017). Social media includes Facebook, You tube, Instagram, Twitter,
LinkedIn, etc. which includes cost for promotion. When managers are thinking to implement
social media. Then there is requirement of training of workers, so positive results can be
achieved.
Basis Amount (£)
Operational activities 2000
Research and development 1500
IT Cost 1500
Marketing cost 1000
Maintenance cost 700
Total 6700
Scope- It is important to analyse scope of digital technology i.e. social media. It is
important that technique which Continental Consulting Limited are implementing must give
some value addition in their growth. It can be said that scope of using social media in business
communication is high as it helps in facilitation ideal interaction with prospective clients of the
company and identify their feedbacks and service requirements. This helps in satisfaction of
consumers and this promotes good and long term relations with them.
Time- Time to implement social media is short, but training program of employees may
take time which might prove to be time consuming (Rosenau and Githens, 2011). If update of
technology is not done appropriately, then this affects working style of Continental Consulting
3

Limited in a negative manner. Time required in order to complete this project is approximately
15 weeks.
4

Quality- These days quality is one prime factor which consumer want. In case of business
consultancy client want good solutions. There are different techniques such as flow chart,
benchmarking, scatter diagram, Pareto diagram, etc. which must be used in order to ensure that
positive results can be achieved. Managers must keep eyes on each activity through which they
can reduce possibilities of negative results and in case of flaws corrective action can be taken
frequently.
Communication- Communication means to share ideas, thoughts, views, etc. with one
another. There are many ways through which team mates performing project can take corrective
actions. They might use conference call, video calling in order to communicate. While for
sharing data email must be use which might be safe and authentic, so possibilities of
miscommunication gets reduced (Müller and Turner, 2010). So this helps to communicate with
internal as well as external parties of Continental Consulting Limited. So social media is one of
the effective way which helps in interaction among parties.
Risk- While implementing this project, there are possibilities of getting failure because of
lack of leadership and direction. There are possibilities that operations of team mates may exceed
the budget, in this case project may get delayed. In order to overcome these risk, there is
requirement of proper leadership and planning.
Resources- There is requirement of some resources such as employees, legal advisors,
etc. in order to perform work in effective and efficient manner. These are the parties which assist
in growth and development of business. Managers of Continental Consulting Limited has to plan
requirement and accordingly actions has to be taken.
5

P3 Work break down structure and Gantt chart with time frame and stages
Work breakdown structure- Work break down structure is a tool used in project
management. This structure distributes whole project activities in different parts. This helps to
perform project in more effective and efficient manner. As in project there are different activities
such data collection, data philosophy, data analysis, etc. So with the help of work break down
structure, these activities are performed in better manner (Shen and et. al., 2010). This structure
provides distributes activities among different departments and project can be done with positive
results. In case of Continental Consulting Limited, it is easy to allocate roles and responsibilities
and in case of negative results cause can be known effectively. If work break down structure of
organisation is not clear then there is risk of duplication of project activities and this may lead to
wastage of resources which is costly approach to Continental Consulting Limited.
6

Illustration 1: Work Breakdown structure
(Source: Work Breakdown structure, 2017)
Gantt Chart- Gantt Chart is a horizontal chart launched in 1917 by Henry L. Gantt, an
American engineer and social scientist. This is the chart which provides knowledge about start
and finish date of project. This helps managers to perform project activities in effective and
efficient way. This chart helps to perform activities at appropriate time and hence project will
complete at specific date. There is ease in coordination and monitoring of project activities.
7

8

Time scale is part of Gantt Chart which provides specific time for every activities. In
short, time scale divides whole project activities on the basis of specific time. This assist in
completion of project on time. In case of delay in project, then managers of Continental
Consulting Limited can take appropriate actions as they are aware of are of flaws. Time period
for completion of Continental Consulting Limited project is approximately 15 weeks.
TASK 2
P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods
Research means collecting data in systematic way so it can provide some information
about the subject. In case of Continental Consulting Limited, they are planning to apply social
media in working, so with the help of research they can analyse whether implementation of
social media is effective or not. Research data can be collected with the help of qualitative an
quantitative method.
Qualitative research- This is the research which is conducted to know about opinion,
views, reasons, etc. of people. Qualitative research helps to know about ideas, thoughts related to
some subject and helps to give overview on it (Meredith and Mantelm, 2011). Information
collected from qualitative research is in unstructured form which might differs as per perception
of researcher. Qualitative research can done through exploratory research. Data from this
research can be collected with the help of focus group, individual interview, etc. In this research
population is small and recommendations are given on this basis.
Quantitative research- This is the data which contains numerical, statistical data which is
relevant and related to the subject matter. In this research data is organised in systematic manner.
As per this research, problem quantifies and then actions are taken in order to resolve issue.
Quantitative research can be descriptive or experimental. In case of Continental Consulting
9

Limited descriptive research is used. Online portfolios, questionnaire, etc. are sources to collect
quantitative data.
There are two types of data which is collected in order to pursue research in effective
way. They are primary and secondary data.
Primary data- This is the data which is collected from individuals themself. This data s
current and relevant as per problem.
Secondary data- Secondary data is collect from different sources such as online source,
newspaper, journals, etc. which might be old and published for some other author (Schwalbe,
2015).
In case of Continental Consulting Limited, quantitative research is done and data is
collected through primary data. Questionnaire is used in this report as collecting source of
primary data. In this report research is done to know relevance of social media at work place so
sample size is 50 respondents. Customers and employees are target respondents for Continental
Consultancy Limited.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware about concept of social media?
Yes
No
Q2) Do you use social media?
Yes
No
Q3) Do you think social media implementation is beneficial for purpose of business
communication ?
Yes
No
Can't say
Q4) Which departments of Continental Consulting Limited gets affected with implementation
of social media?
HR
Finance
Research and development
10

Marketing
Q5) What impact does social media have on various departments of Continental Consulting
Limited?
Positive
Negative
Q6) Which type of relationship does business growth and social media have?
Positive
Negative
Q7) What problems may occur in working with social media at Continental Consulting
Limited?
Lack of funds
Lack of training
Lack of employees participation
Q8) Do you think training is requirement for workers of Continental Consulting Limited?
Yes
No
Can't say
Q9) Do you think there is any misuse of social media at workplace?
Yes
No
Q10) Any recommendation and suggestion for successful implementation of social media at
Continental Consulting Limited?
TASK 3
P5Analysis of data with appropriate tools and techniques
Research data has to be collected with different techniques. There are some tools and
techniques which helps to maintain research relevant and effective. Some of the tools are as
under-
Research design- Research design is systematic way in order to collect and store data.
This helps to keep data in synchronized way which give appropriate information as per need.
There are three types of design i.e. exploratory, experimental and descriptive research in this
11

investigation research descriptive is used which provide knowledge about subject with
justification (Polonsky and Waller, 2014).
Data analysis- Data analysis means after collecting research information it is shown in
systematic and logically way. This can be done with thematic approach which provides brief
analysis of question. Data analysis helps to present research in appropriate way through which
information can be gathered and quick decision can made. In this report, theme are prepared
which provides summary of question asked.
Theme 1: Concept of social media
Q1) Are you aware about concept of social media? Frequency
Yes 45
No 5
12

Interpretation: As per above graph, this is clear that majority of population is aware
about concept of digital technology. 50 out of 45 candidates have knowledge about concept of
social media. While remaining 5 are not aware about it.
Theme 2: Use of social media
Q2) Do you use social media? Frequency
Yes 40
No 10
13
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
45
5
Frequency

14
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
40
10
Frequency

Interpretation: These days social media is much common aspect which is used by
maximum number of respondents as per above information. According to above data 40 out of
50 respondents are using social media via Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, etc. While 10
candidates are not using social media by none of the way.
Theme 3: Implementation of social media
Q3) Do you think social media implementation is beneficial for
communication purpose?
Frequency
Yes 30
No 15
Can't say 5
15
Yes No Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
15
5
Frequency

Interpretation- Above mentioned graph show that out of total population, 30
respondents says social media is beneficial for business growth and development. While 15 says
it is not beneficial, remaining 5 respondents does not have idea about it.
Theme 4: Departments affecting due to social media
Q4) Which departments of Continental Consulting Limited gets
affected with implementation of social media?
Frequency
HR 10
Finance 5
Research and development 15
Marketing 20
16

HR
Finance
Research and development
Marketing
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
10
5
15
20
Frequency
Interpretation- In Continental Consulting Limited, there are various departments such as HR,
Finance, research and development, etc. which get affected with implementation of social media.
As per graph, 10 respondents says it affects, HR department, 5 says it hinders Finance sector, 15
says it affects Research and development department, while 20 says it affects marketing
department.
Theme 5: Impact on various departments
Q5) How social media affects various departments of Continental
Consulting Limited?
Frequency
Positive 38
Negative 12
17

Interpretation- As per above discussion it is clear that implementation of social media
application is positive for business growth and development. Above graph show that this
statement is said by 38 respondents out of 50. while remaining 12 says it has negative impact on
business operations.
Theme 6: Relationship between business growth and social media
Q6) Which type of relationship does business growth and social media
have?
Frequency
Positive 40
Negative 10
18
In Positive way In Negative manner
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
38
12
Frequency

Interpretation- As per above discussion it is clear that there is positive relationship
between business growth and social media according to 40 respondents. While as per 10, there is
negative relationship among them.
Theme 7: Problem arise in implementing social media
Q7) What problems may occur in working with social media at
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
Lack of funds 15
Lack of training 20
Lack of employees participation 15
19
Positive Negative
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
40
10
Frequency

Lack of funds
Lack of training
Lack of employees participation
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
15
20
15
Frequency
Interpretation- There are some issues such as lack of funds, lack of training, lack of
employees participation which arise due to implementation of social media. Out of 50
respondents, 15 says there are possibilities of lack of funds, 20 says lack of training, 15 says lack
of employees participation may face.
Theme 8: Requirement of training
Q8) Do you think training is requirement for workers of Continental
Consulting Limited?
Frequency
Yes 35
No 5
Can't say 10
20

Interpretation- Managers of Continental Consulting Limited, social media is new
concept for workers, so there is requirement of training as per 35 respondents, 5 says there is no
requirement of training. While remaining 10 have no idea about it.
Theme 9: Misuse of social media
21
Yes No Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
35
5
10
Frequency

Q9) Do you think there is any misuse of social media at workplace? Frequency
Yes 30
No 20
22

Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
20
Frequency
Interpretation- When social media is used at work place, there are possibilities of misuse
according to 30 respondents out of 50. while remaining 20 says no there is no misuse.
P6 Recommendations on the basis of research and data analysis to draw valid and meaningful
conclusion
From the above research it is clear that social media is effective growth and development
of Continental Consultancy Limited. This also ease in communicating with internal as well
external parties of organisation. As above discussed fact show that social media is effective when
there is proper employees engagement and financial resources. Also in order to resolve this
manager of Continental Consulting Limited must use various motivational tools such as
performance appraisal, monetary benefits, etc. Through this employees take interest in working
under digital technology. Managers must enhance educate employees regarding use of social
media.
In order to implement social media in effective way, arrangement for finance must be
done by managers so project does not get delayed. They must keep balance between internal and
external sources of finance such as bank loan, crowd funding, etc. Apart from this there are
possibilities of misuse of social media sites, in order to deal with this problem manager must use
online filters through which unusable sites, personal blogs, etc. gets blocked. With the help of
social media, marketing department gets benefited.
23

Managers must create their personal blog on social sites through which they are able to
take feedback from customers, HR department can play requirement of candidates, marketing
activities can also performed in appropriate manner. This helps in interacting in clients and
waiting time of clients can be reduced. As further recommendation to managers of Continental
Consulting Limited is employees training, employees participation in decision making, seminars,
conferences must be held for enhancing employees knowledge related to social media platform.
TASK 4
P7 Own learning and outcomes from research objectives
I am able to learn about pros and cons of working with social media. It is clear that social
media is effective for business growth and development. With this report I am able to know
importance of social media in current market scenario. Digitalisation eases operations of
organisation through taking feedback. I analyse that it is easy to take feedback from client.
Marketing of services gets easy with social media through different platform. I feel that growth
prospects of organisation increase with use of social media as digitalisation. With the help of
social media, quality of services gets improved and there are less possibilities of
miscommunication among workers. As per my opinion, social media reduces cost of operations
for research and development department because they can analyse market by merely sitting at
one place.
I am able to achieve aims and objectives with the help of this report. There are some
issues which arise while performing this research such as lack of financial resources, some
respondents does not feel questionnaire properly, while some does not submit back
questionnaire. This creates hurdle in completing project on time. My team was very cooperative,
they work very hard and deliberately through which I am able to gain learning from this report.
These learning for beneficial for me in my future prospective. I feel there is lack of motivational
approaches which sometimes affects activities of team and this results in late completion of
project.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it is clear that project can be done in effective and significant
manner with proper planning and monitoring operations. Here are many aspects which has to be
considered by researcher while research such as cost, time, resources, quality, etc. These must be
considered in order to get positive result. Gantt chart and work breakdown structure are two
24

components which helps to complete project on time. In this research data is collected through
quantitative research via questionnaire. As per discussion it is clear that social media is effective
for business growth and development and it ease in communication also. Apart from this at last,
there are some conclusion and recommendation on the basis of research and learning which get
from aims and objectives of project.
25

REFERENCES
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Types of Research: Primary vs Secondary. 2018. [Online]. Available
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second-research >.
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