Unit 6 - Managing Successful Business Project Assignment - (Doc)

UNIT 6 - MSB

TABLE OF CONTENTS
P1. Aims and objectives of project........................................................................................1
P2. Project management plan.................................................................................................1
P3. Work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart...................................................................3
P4. Research Methodology.....................................................................................................8
P5. Analysis of Data.............................................................................................................10
P6. Conclusion and Recommendations................................................................................17
P7. Reflection of performance on complete research...........................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

P1. Aims and objectives of project
Introduction
Continental Consulting Limited is a well-known research as well as business consultancy
whose CEO is Mario Bindas. They provide services related to Business process Re-engineering
and also, potential customers that includes small as well as medium manufacturing firms which
is located in or around London and also Greater London.
Background
With the commencement of commercialisation in business, every company focuses on
improving its commercial activities. Therefore, advanced technology has come with a necessity
for every organisation to survive. Research and development department has become more
technically advanced with the usage of digital technology. As every task is performed from
electronic devices; effectiveness and efficiency of outcomes increases, this creates a positive
impact on company that results in developing a good reputation of organisation in market
(Alvesson. and Sköldberg, 2017). With this, more customers are attracted for availing services
which result in maximised profitability. R & D is considered to be an important unit of a
company as it works on improving products or services of the firm. With the use of digital
technology, this department will be able to get much improved insight for procuring information.
This data is used for formulating several impactful strategies in business.
Research Aim: To determine the impact of digital technology supporting growth and innovation
in business - A study of Continental Consulting Limited
Research Objectives:
 To analyse the impact of digital technology in Research and Development unit of
Continental Consulting Limited
 To increase performance efficiency of R&D department within 3 months
 To suggest methods for effective implementation of digital technology of Continental
Consulting Limited
P2. Project management plan
Cost- It is defined as the financial amount involved for several activities which has to be
conducted in particular project. This cost is required to successfully complete the whole
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investigation. It is very important to decide budget of the project before commencing as it would
lead to allot financial amount to all task accordingly (Beard and Cook, 2017). There are several
types of cost which can be involved in this research project such as fixed, variable and total cost.
Scope- It is regarded to be detailed set of every deliverable or features of a given project.
All these deliverables are derived from requirement of the project. It is that part of project
planning that might include determining as well as documenting a particular list of goals, tasks,
cost and deadlines involved in project. The scope of respective research project focuses on
assessing all impacts on research and development department of consultancy firm.
Time- This component deals with effective scheduling of every activity which is
involved in this research project. It provides detailed information regarding all schedules as well
as logs which are planned by the investigator. There is a time limit for the whole project and
accordingly every task is allotted its maximum time period. This is proceeded through
formulation of timescale and Gantt charts for the whole research activities. It can be analysed
that project will be completed within 44 days of time period and outcome can be accomplished in
a better way. The delay in project will be reduced and as the scheduled activities, allocated tasks
will be accomplished.
Quality- While conducting any project it is very important to maintain its quality for
getting desired results. There are some quality standards which are already pre-defined and helps
the investigator to follow that guideline to maintain this aspect. Quality of a project is planned
through providing standards which are ASTM, IEE or ANSI. After that, inspection is done
accordingly.
Communication- It is considered to be very important aspect in every project. As it is
very important to maintain contact with different individuals who are involved in a particular
project. With effective communication, every activity can be coordinated with each other. Apart
from that, outputs of each stages are delivered on time without any resistance. The
communication will be made through face-to-face communication, emails and through
conducting meetings at regular intervals so as to attain issues if any. Thus, by resolving the same,
project will be completed within stipulated time without any delays.
Risk- Managing risk is crucial aspect of project management plan. It provides several
approaches as well as plan for managing every kind of risk which is involved in project. There
are certain steps which every investigator follow to overcome them (Choy, 2014). It includes
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identifying key risks, performing analysis and developing a plan for avoiding and tackling. They
can be related to cost, scheduling and even performance. Also, some external risk related to
governance, operational, strategies and legal aspects. Risk register is developed that includes
every types of problems that can create resistance and its solution for eradication. Also, time
span is also decided for correction. Risks faced in completing project were scheduling risk to
finish project on time, performance risk that project would fail to produce desired results.
However, they perfectly mitigated by focusing on aim and objectives of project.
Resources- These are the inventories which are required by an investigator for
conducting effective research project. All required resources must be assessed accordingly. So,
that one can procure appropriate amount on right time. As it would lead to facilitate timely
completion of projects without any delay. There are different types of resources which are
involved in projects can be men, various equipment as well as tools and materials required for
conducting successful research. The resources that were used in project were Literature, books
and journals and articles, project management tool such as MS-Project, technical and human
resources for accomplishing project on time.
P3. Work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart
Work breakdown structure in project management is define as document which depicts
breakdown of project in smaller modules for successful completion. A work break down
structure is regarded to be a key deliverable of project which provides effective organisation of
work performed by the team in to many sections which are manageable. It provides essential
framework of detailed amount of cost which is estimated as well as control through providing
appropriate guidance for scheduling, developing and also control. Total cost of the project will
be 10000 GBP. While Gantt chart is known to be a bar chart which illustrate every schedule of a
project (Fletcher, 2017). It is formulated with a horizontal axis that represents total time period
of project which are broken down into increments as well as vertical axis that represents all
activities which facilitates making project. This is regarded to be an easy way for scheduling as
well as tracking progress of the project according to their deadline which is given. Apart from
that it helps to set priorities according to time limit which is given.
Project Management Plan
Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecess Resource Risk WBS
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ors Names
Preparation of research
content 2 days
Mon
17-
09-18
Tue
18-09-
18
Low 1
Setting aim and objectives 5 days
Wed
19-
09-18
Tue
25-09-
18
1 Moderate 2
Background of
investigation 3 days
Wed
26-
09-18
Fri
28-09-
18
2,1 Literature High 3
Selection of research
methodologies 5 days
Mon
01-
10-18
Fri
05-10-
18
3 Low 4
Gathering of information 6 days
Mon
01-
10-18
Mon
08-10-
18
3,2
Books,
Journals and
articles
Low 5
Data analysis 8 days
Tue
09-
10-18
Thu
18-10-
18
5,4 Moderate 6
Presentation and
interpretation of
information
3 days
Fri
19-
10-18
Tue
23-10-
18
6 Project
management Moderate 7
Conclusion as well as
recommendations 4 days
Wed
24-
10-18
Mon
29-10-
18
6,7 Low 8
4

Submission of draft report 2 days
Tue
30-
10-18
Wed
31-10-
18
8 Moderate 9
Making amendment
according to
recommendations
4 days
Thu
01-
11-18
Tue
06-11-
18
9,8 Low 10
Final Submission of the
document 2 days
Wed
07-
11-18
Thu
08-11-
18
10
Technical and
human
resources
Low 11
WBS
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Illustration 1: Gantt chart
Illustration 2: Network Diagram
P4. Research Methodology
Research Design- Research design is considered as the collection of numerous methods
as well as procedures that can be used for collecting and also analysing several measures of
variables that are given in the research problem. There are many types of research design such as
descriptive, experimental, correlation etc. But, scholar will use descriptive design as he will be
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describing the scenario of issue which has been taken for investigation. There are many other
aspects which can be related to impact of digital technology on the firm (McConville, 2017).
Therefore, it is very important to take those variables in consideration and thus, describe whole
scenario.
Research Approach- It is considered to be a plan and also procedures which includes
framework of steps related to detailed methods of data collection, its analysis and also
interpretation. It is generally based on some assumptions (Research Methodology, 2018). There
are two types of researches which are deductive and inductive. But scholar will use inductive
approach in which he will frame some questions related to problem and associated aim as well as
objectives which are needed to be achieved through interpretation of data collected (O'Brien and
Saldanha, 2014). With his observation related to pattern of information obtained, he will obtain a
theory.
Research Philosophy- It is regarded as a belief related to the way through which data
should be collected, analysed as well as used accordingly. It provides a way through which
every activity should be conducted in an investigation. There are various kind of philosophies
which are involved in research related projects such as positivism and interpretivism. Here, the
scholar will use interpretivism approach in which he will interpret the data which will be
collected through several source sand formulate own conclusion which will be beneficial for
building up a theory related to scenario of investigation problem (McNely, Spinuzzi and Teston,
2015). It will be based on completely subjective procedures.
Data Collection- It is regarded to be collecting various kind of information from several
sources. These can be primary and secondary. Here, scholar will use both origins for collecting
data. He will be able to collect authentic information as well as related theories or principles for
his investigation (Quinlan and et.al., 2018). Primary sources will include surveys and secondary
will include all related books, journals and websites depicting useful information related to
impact of digital technology.
Sampling- It is defined as the process of selecting a subset of individuals within a certain
population from estimating characteristics of whole group. There are several advantages of
sampling which can be low cost as well as data can be collected easily within no time. There are
two types of sampling which can be opted by investigator such as probabilistic or non-
probabilistic sampling (Sinkovics, Jean and Kim, 2016). Probabilistic sampling will be
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implemented by scholar in investigation. It will include equal opportunity of every employee of
consultancy firm to get selected for research. For getting data, 20 respondents which are
employees of Continental Consulting Limited are taken for assessing their viewpoints.
Furthermore, questionnaires is issued to them for getting required data for business project.
Data Analysis- It is regarded to be a process of inspecting, transforming, cleansing as
well as modelling given data. The major goal is to procure useful information and related
conclusion that would support decision making for particular research problem. Scholar will use
thematic approach for interpreting information form the data provided. Several themes will be
developed which would lead to depict different issues of complete research.
Questionnaire
1. What positive impact has been observed after the implementation of digital technology in
the department of research and development
 Increased Performance Efficiency
 Getting Desired Outcomes
 Fewer errors
 Cost effective
2. Which digital technology has been implemented in this unit of firm?
 Artificial Intelligence
 Cloud Computing
 Big Data Analytics
 All of the above
3. How R&D department benefited Continental Consulting Limited after implication of Digital
Technology?
 Instant solution for problems
 Enhanced quality of services
 Highly satisfied customers
 All of the above
4. What problems were faced by Research and development team while implementing Digital
Technology?
 Reluctance of team members
 Lack of advance Electronic Devices
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 Less technical Knowledge
5. What are the requirements were faced while implementing Digital Technology in
department?
 Advanced Devices
 More technical Staff
 Expert Guidance
6. What disadvantages were discovered while implementing advanced technology?
 More complicated tasks
 Need for technical staff
 Issues in change management
7. How employees were prepared for using such advanced technology?
 Through Training Sessions
 Expert Guidance
 All of the above
8. Do you think any change is observed after implementation of digital technology in
Continental Consulting Limited?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
9. Do you believe that costs incurred is more while implementing digital technology?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
10. Do Research and Development helps to explore unidentified parameters in Continental
Consulting Limited?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
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P5. Analysis of Data
Theme 1- Efficiency of task performance has been increased as well as desired
outcomes are acquired by Research and Development Department after implementation of
Digital Technology
1. What impacts has been observed after the implementation of digital
technology in the department of research and development
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Increased Performance Efficiency 7 35.00%
Getting Desired Outcomes 8 40.00%
Less errors 5 25.00%
Total 20 100.00%
Interpretation- It has been analysed that majority of the respondents have agreed that
efficiency in task performance and getting desired results are two major advantage. These two
aspects are very beneficial for Continental Consulting Limited because it leads to optimum
utilisation of resources and effective outcome (Hollway, 2018). Apart from this, many
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Increased Performance Efficiency
Getting Desired Outcomes
Less errors
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

individuals have agreed that less errors are there in performing task as manual work has been
replaced by automation. Every business activity is completed on time without any delay.
Theme 2- Several latest advanced technologies in R&D unit has been implemented
such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and data analytics.
2. Which digital technology has been implemented in this unit of firm?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Artificial Intelligence 2 10.00%
Cloud Computing 3 15.00%
Big Data Analytics 6 30.00%
All of the above 9 45.00%
Total 20 100.00%
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Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that many respondents have informed that
several advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Big Data
Analytics have been implemented. These new software has made research department to be more
effective and efficient in providing confirmation to company regarding numerous aspects
(Humphries, 2017). As these provide a closer insight to huge data available from different
sources and automated working procedure.
Theme 3- Research and development department has acquired many benefits such as
instant solutions, quality services and highly satisfied customers.
3. How R&D department benefited Continental Consulting Limited
after implication of Digital Technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Instant solution for problems 3 15.00%
Enhanced quality of services 2 10.00%
Highly satisfied customers 4 20.00%
All of the above 11 55.00%
Total 20 100.00%
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Artificial Intelligence
Cloud Computing
Big Data Analytics
All of the above
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been analysed that after the implementation of Digital technology
in Research and development department of consultancy firm; there are several benefits which
has been provided by this unit to the organisation. Solutions to every problems are instantly
provided by the team. This leads to increase effectiveness of every operations performed at firm
without any delay. Also, quality of services delivered by company is more enhanced and has less
errors. This has resulted in highly satisfied customers. With this their revenue has been generated
with a huge amount .
Theme 4- Lack of advanced electronic devices is one of the major problems faced by
R&D unit of firm during implementation of digital technology.
4. What problems were faced by Research and development team while
implementing Digital Technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentag
e Share
Reluctance of team members 6 30.00%
Lack of advance Electronic Devices 9 45.00%
Less technical Knowledge 5 25.00%
Total 20 100.00%
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Instant solution for problems
Enhanced quality of services
Highly satisfied customers
All of the above
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that were several problems which were faced by the
firm while implementing digital technology. Lack of electronic devices was major problem
asserted by respondents. As latest software requires advanced devices for operating. Also,
several members resisted for adopting new technology in business. As these are complex and had
less knowledge regarding it. These issues introduced difficulties for management team to
implement new technology in the department.
Theme 5- Expert guidance was the major requirement while implementing digital
technology in department.
5. What are the requirements were faced while implementing
Digital Technology in department?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Advanced Devices 4 20.00%
More technical Staff 6 30.00%
Expert Guidance 10 50.00%
Total 20 100.00%
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Reluctance of team members
Lack of advance Electronic Devices
Less technical Knowledge
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been analysed that there are certain requirements which are
required for implementing digital technophiles in a firm. Many respondents agreed that guidance
from expert was one of the major need of employees for understanding several functions of these
technologies. More technical staff was required to be hired to handle all such software
implemented in organisation. Apart from that advanced devices were essential aspect which were
needed to be installed for providing better task performance.
Theme 6- Complication in task was the major disadvantage which was discovered while
implementing digital technology in organisation.
6. What disadvantages were discovered while implementing advanced
technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentag
e Share
More complicated tasks 10 50.00%
Need for technical staff 5 25.00%
Issues in change management 5 25.00%
Total 20 100.00%
15
Advanced Devices More technical Staff Expert Guidance
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that there are several advantages which are associated
with installing digital technology. Several respondents asserted that more complication in task is
observed which might not be able to handle by employees. Also, technical staff are required for
handling all issues. But these candidates demands more salary, therefore, it becomes a costly
offense for the organisation. Also, many problems have been generated while managing changes
in company that has occurred due to introduction of new technologies.
Theme 7- Employees were provided with regular training sessions as well as guidance
by the expert for using all these technologies which were implemented.
7. How employees were prepared for using such advanced
technology?
Number of
Respondents
Percentage
Share
Through Training Sessions 6 30.00%
Expert Guidance 5 25.00%
All of the above 9 45.00%
Total 20 100.00%
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More complicated tasks
Need for technical staff
Issues in change management
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

Interpretation- It has been acknowledged that according to several respondents regular
training sessions were organised for them. They were trained regarding several aspects of digital
technologies such as their functions, uses and practical implementation. Apart from that, various
experts were hired for providing guidance to workers regarding successful operations of new
software which were installed for task performance.
P6. Conclusion and Recommendations
It has been concluded that digital technology has a positive impact on Continental
Consulting Limited. A qualitative research was conducted through inductive approach in which a
theory was asserted related to the given scenario. There are many benefits of applying this
specific research as scholar is able to understand pattern of observation very accurately. Many
new theories can be formulated for further research purpose. This type of investigation is
regarded to be very flexible. Apart from this, data of the research was collected from various
primary as well as secondary sources. As major benefits of using secondary data can be easy
availability as well as less wastage of time. Also, survey was conducted in which questionnaire
were filled by respondents who were employee of the firm. This facilitated in providing original
data which can be used for formulating appropriate theories. Interpretation of data was done
through thematic analysis. Several kind of data derived was used for making different themes
from which pattern of information was collected for formulating theories on the impact of digital
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Through Training Sessions
Expert Guidance
All of the above
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Number of Respondents
Percentage Share

technology on the research and development department of consultancy firm. It was concluded
that research and development department witnessed many benefits which occurred due to use of
digital technology in task performance. They provided effective data to the company as
department got deeper insight through the use of big data analytics that facilitated in collecting
important information present among huge data. Also, there were several problems which were
faced by the organisation in implementing new technology.
The outcome that can be generated from research is that Continental Consultancy Limited
will be able to attain efficiency in maximising its performance standard by implementation of
digital technology. The cost-effective factor of digital technology is quite beneficial for firm as
through Research and Development, it will be able to advice quite effectively to its firms leading
to client satisfaction.
While assessing conclusion that has been drive from all the data provided through several
resources, following recommendation can be provided to company for easy implementation of
digital technology in Continental Consultancy Limited.
 Before introducing change it is very important to organise an induction session in which
all employees are informed regarding reasons as well as benefits of installing advanced
technologies in firm.
 Regular training session can provided to workers as well practical test can be taken for
analysing their knowledge regarding operations of these advanced technologies.
 Feedback from employees can be taken in order to get effective suggestions for
improvement and handling every issue caused due to these changes.
 Strategies must be formulated in order to overcome every possible consequences related
to implementation of digital technology in office premises
P7. Reflection of performance on complete research
I'm able to understand significance of digital technology in the business context in
effective manner. I know that I can take this knowledge and apply to further doing of research
studies in the future. I thoroughly enjoyed whole research and writing and was much manageable
than I thought it would be. I enjoyed research by circulating questionnaire to respondents and I
feel that with the help of this research, I was able to contribute towards business. I can look back
and realise that this experience has provided me to gain useful insights about digital technology.
The research writing has helped me in enhancing academic skills and will help in professional
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life as well. I have formulated research questions and realise that research questions are crucial
for exploring study in the best way possible. Hence, research has helped me in enhancing my
overall development of personal and professional life.
The entire research has provided me to carry out my own performance in proper way so
that outcome can be attained in a better manner. The aim and objectives of research is to improve
my communication skills in accordance to research project in hand. Continental Consultancy Ltd
will be able to attain share in effective manner. Present research was to assess impact of digital
technology supporting small business growth and innovation. I'm able to analyse that small
business has greater impact because of digitisation which can be highlighted that it plays vital
role in making towards goal accomplishment i.e. business operational activities are attained in a
better way. The project has been completed by having possessing skills, capabilities, and
competencies for extracting outcome of research in effectual way. Moreover, I have learnt skills
and abilities in order to perform future projects with ease.
It is required that cause and effect relationship should be established in accordance to
project in hand. In addition to this, I've been able to assess digital technology is quite useful for
Continental Consultancy Limited in taking out research for smaller manufacturing firms quite
effectually. Current objectives of research is to analyse how digital technology has been
beneficial for firm and how obsolescence of IT products have impacted growth in the market
share and competition from rivals have affected it. In present research, interpretivism philosophy
has been implemented so as to achieve conclusion in the best possible manner. This has helped
to effectively formulate theory and thus, research outcome has been accomplished.
Exploratory design has been deployed by me in order extract research which has helped
me to make proper analysis of data gathered and facts are assessed. On the other hand, I'm able
to collect primary data from questionnaires circulated which have provided with constructive
conclusion regarding impact of digital-technology supporting small business growth and
innovation. Quantitative method has been applied induced me to finish entire project in time.
Thus, current research project has given me certain skills and experience which I will apply the
same in future projects so as to generate better outcome.
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Performance Review Template
1. What was the project supposed to accomplish?
The project was supposed to accomplish and determine the impact of digital technology
supporting growth and innovation in business.
2. Did project succeed in its aims, outline evaluation undertaken?
Yes, the project succeeded in assessing aims. The evaluation was undertaken by
carrying out research and simple random sampling was used for circulating questionnaire to
respondents.
3. What things do you think worked well and why and evaluate from range of perspectives?
The project was completed as respondents had provided their views within stipulated
time. Furthermore, study was conducted in effective manner as themes were prepared on the
basis of respondents' views.
4. What problems were emerged during project and were issues identified and resolved?
The problem emerged was that respondents were not ready to answer questions.
However, it was resolved by clarifying the purpose of this research.
5. What did you learn from undertaking project?
I learnt importance of digital technology in business from this project.
6. How would you rate your performance as management consultant?
I rate may performance 8 out of 10 as I have put all my efforts for conducting research.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
Strength was that time management was kept in mind for carrying out research. While,
weakness was that lack of communication skills during research.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
I will enhance by communication skills in accomplishing further research which will
shape by continuous professional development.
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Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: To determine the impact of digital
technology supporting growth and innovation in
business- A study of Continental Consulting Limited
Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved (Account
for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
I have completed the project on time.
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
I have fulfilled all task requirements
 Are you on track and within deadlines set?
Yes, I'm on track and within deadlines set
 Did you need to make any changes to your
project management plan?
No, changes are not required to be made in project
management plan.
Comments
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research tasks?
The risks was scheduling activities in
accordance to time. Furthermore, performing
risk as per the constraints within time set.
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project
management plan?
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No, issues were found that have an impact on
the project management plan
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
Communication barrier, deadline barrier etc.
 How did you overcome them?
By scheduling and managing my time
New Ideas and change of project direction
The project direction should be changed to fulfilment
of impact of social media marketing on company.
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems?
 I felt good after resolving them.
 Did I find it useful to complete the tasks?
 Yes, it was useful.
 How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 I have performed well and contributed
outcome desired out of project.
 What can I improve on next week?
 I can improve upon analytical skills
 How might this learning apply in the future?
 By learning through reliable articles.
Tasks planned for next week
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