Influence of Digital Technology on Small Business: A 3Com Case Study

This report analyzes the impact of digitalization on the growth of small businesses, using 3Com as a case study. It explores the aims and objectives of 3Com, a networking company, focusing on its strategies to leverage technology for expansion and revenue generation. The report details a project management plan, including scope, cost, time, quality, risk management, communication, and resource allocation. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are included to illustrate project timelines and task organization. The research methodology involves qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, as well as primary and secondary sources. The data analysis section covers the application of appropriate tools to interpret findings, and the report concludes with recommendations for 3Com to enhance its digital transformation and achieve its business objectives.

MANAGING
SUCCESFUL
BUSINESS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aims and objectives...............................................................................................................1
P2 Project management plan.......................................................................................................3
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart...........................................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4 Small scale research with the use of various methods...........................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
P5 Data analysis with the use of appropriate tools.....................................................................6
P6 Recommendations................................................................................................................13
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................14
P7 Reflection.............................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
LOGBOOK....................................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Digitalization is a term signifies the usage of various advanced technology to reform the
business model and offering new techniques of generating revenue. However, it is an appropriate
process of transferring information into digital format in order to accomplished overall business
activities in an appropriate manner (Ajmal, Helo and Kekäle, 2010). 3Com is a small business
whose main objective is to make world more digitalized by introducing number of innovative
products or services which facilitate consumers at large extent. This assignment is mainly
segregated into four different parts for highlighting the influence of advanced technology on
growth of small business. Along with this it also shows an effective management plan consist of
all the necessary factors that have a greater impact on success of an organization. Classification
of business activities with the help of suitable chart is also outlined in this project as well as
methods of gathering data or information from overall society in order to alter current products
as per customer choice. At last, proper suggestion must be given so that an organization or
planner of management plan come to know about their mistakes or barriers and try to overcome
it by improving it as soon as possible.
TASK 1
P1 Aims and objectives
Small business is growing in a rapid sense due to introduction of various modern
technologies by satisfying needs or demand of various consumers. 3Com is networking company
whose main aim is to serve their consumer with high tech equipments by coming up with
numerous of products with best quality. Generally, company is focussing on their organizational
strategies and schemes by considering relevant facts or figure in order to fulfils the demand of
desired customers (Collis and Hussey, 2013). Along with this they want to generate maximum
revenue by reforming their current goods according to choice of overall society. According to
survey it has been analysed that digitalization plays a very vital role in enhancing the sales of
various small business because it helps in accomplishing business activities in more fastest way.
To hold a superior position in the commercial centre, 3Com needs to do some alteration
in their present methods for working together. They need to present computerized innovation in
their everything operations of business. Along with this they are trying to make something new
or inventive items that makes crafted by open simple. Thusly, they can look for consideration of
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huge number of nationals and can likewise make themselves a popular brand. This can be
influenced conceivable by using propelled innovation to like computerized reasoning and
enormous information examination. Along these lines, this can be expressed that digitalisation is
affecting emphatically on the development of small business. Thus, major aims and objectives of
this project is explained as follows:-
Aims:- “Influence of modern technology on development of small business: A case
study on 3Com”
Objectives:- 3Com wants to expand their business across international boundaries by
introducing vast network with best quality across international boundaries in order to facilitate
their employees as well as customers (Dahan and et. al., 2010). Thus, various objectives of
project is mentioned as follows:-
 Trying to create effective communication between various staff members and customers
also by introducing high tech equipments.
 Developing small business by gaining maximum benefits.
 Generate more and more revenue.
 Make the world more digitalized.
 Facilitate local as well as foreign customers by providing them qualitative networks.
 Wish to increase their productivity in a fastest rate.
However, they also trying to identify those sectors which requisite reformation and
alteration. Thus, by studying all these circumstances, some other motives are designed as
follows:-
 To identify the main reason behind need of modern equipments at workplace.
 Assessing or monitoring the implementation of advanced technology at workstation.
 To examine the influence of modern technology on various business operations for
example; accounting, promotion, personnel department and several other section.
 Maximization of profit.
Hence, selected firm requires to focus on their various aims and targets which is
described in above data (Houy, Fettke and Loos, 2010). Along with this required to create their
business environment more digitalized.
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P2 Project management plan
3Com is a small business which are focussing on their products or services and trying to
come up with more innovative and creative items with the use of digital technology. Therefore,
they are designing various high tech projects which requires number of things to achieve their
targets or goals. In fact, managerial department of an enterprise need to focus on necessary
components which is essential while designing plans or strategies. Thus, various elements which
must be considered while managing a successful project is described as follows:-
 Scope:- It includes all those activities which highlights major objectives of selected
project and shows entire business operations that must be accomplished by enterprise
while attaining their goals (Jeston and Nelis, 2014). Major scope of this assignment is to
encourage overall world towards usage of digital technology in order to make them more
advanced or modern. Along with this company is coming up with various creative ideas
by reforming their electronic items and making them more effective.
Generally, management team of selected firm is trying to focussing on effective network
in order to communicate in a proper manner. In this manner, it is essential to manage all issues
that ascents while delivering electronic merchandise and ventures. In this task, overall zones are
examined that should to be more modernized with the goal that organization can enhance their
execution and efficiency too.
 Cost:- Capital is seen as lifeblood for every business either small or large because all the
business activities are executed by the use of sufficient funds. Along with this money is
act as indispensable asset for every organization in order to accomplished their business
operations in an appropriate manner without facing any obstacles or barriers. Thus
according to this element of management plan, an organization need to control their extra
or unused cost by using digital technology (Keller Parameswaran and Jacob, 2011).
For example usage of computerized technology remove the paper works which resulted
in minimization of stationery cost. Managers of 3Com needs to focus on their expense whatever
is incurring at workplace while performing business activities in order to control extra wastage.
Such as; they need to reduce unusual manual work by encouraging employees towards usage of
modern software or tools to store their information or necessary data by preventing from any
fraudulent activities.
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 Time:- Management duration is one of the indispensable matter so that every work can be
accomplished on time and target of this project must be attained in a defined time period
without wasting it. Thus, managerial department of an organization requires to motivate
their employees towards achievement of their goals by completing assigned job role in
given time frame. However, small business are using various strategies for effective
management of their time with the usage of suitable tools or techniques (Kindström,
2010). Quality:- Due to creation of modern world most of the consumers are focus on quality
while buying products or services without worrying about money because they believe
that qualitative materials are more durable. Thus, project management team needs to
attentive towards product quality by using high tech raw materials and maintain their
standard at marketplace. Hence, computer facilities, networks and various other
electronic devices provided by 3com is of high quality in order to seek attention of
customers as well as to reduce their complaints. Risk management:- Business is uncertain where any situation is arises at anytime
without any alarm. Thus, managers was liable to train their employees towards handling
of various risk by motivating them to make their own decisions without taking help from
others. Along with this management who is responsible to regulate risk needs to adopt
digital technology for minimizing available risk as well as tries to reduce it by designing
various plans or strategies (Meskendahl, 2010). Communication:- Effective interaction between employees or employers is mandatory
for every organization either small or large as well as clear conversation with customers
is also required. Thus, 3com has implemented number of high tech equipments or
machineries in order to transfers proper or precise information from higher authority to
lower. It helps in performing overall business activities in a efficient manner without any
misunderstanding and maintains the environment of an organization.
 Resources:- According to this element it has been analysed that it is not easy to perform
any of business operations without the use of necessary resources such as; land or
building, labours, machinery, equipments, capital and various other assets. All the
resources are important at their place but employees are one of the major factor because
without nothing can be possible as other resources are handled or managed by them only.
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Consequently, it has been identified that above factors are very much crucial for success
of designed plan or supports in attaining set objectives or goals which is to promote digitalization
by developing small business entity.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart
Work breakdown structure is a term whose main objective is to classified entire work into
various department as per their qualification or talent in order to accomplished it in a defined
time period (Röglinger, Pöppelbuß and Becker, 2012). Whereas Gantt chart shows activities and
its duration that is in how many days business operations might be completed with the use of
necessary data or information. Basically, it helps in removing chances of confusion or mistakes
by assigned all the activities in hierarchical form.
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TASK 2
P4 Small scale research with the use of various methods
There are various number of methods are available at marketplace for collecting
necessary information or data in order to take effective decision. Managerial team of small
business firm are using various useful methods for accumulating necessary evidences for
understanding the choice or preferences of different consumers. Thus, it is used by company
while reforming their products or services for gaining maximum benefits. Therefore, various
tools or techniques are shown as follows:- Quantitative:- According to this tool an organization may collect data in statistical or
numerical form by conducting surveys which supports an association while making
budgetary plans or strategies. Main objective of this technique is to shows annual
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turnover of an enterprise that aids them in controlling their expense and maximizing
profits. Qualitative:- As per this method, managers of an enterprise need to evaluate the feelings,
emotions and opinions of common man as well as enforce them to fill the questionnaire
to express their views. Maximum number of researchers are adopting this mode of
investigation due to its effectiveness and simplex way of acquiring necessary information
or data (Rosemann and vom Brocke, 2015). Generally, qualitative data highlight the
behaviour of an individual and shows their state of mind which supports an enterprise
while designing their products or services. Primary:- It is also known as a first hand which is collected by a person first and use by
none of other individual. It means firstly utilized by accumulated one because it is based
on their personal views , opinions and techniques. Thus primary sources are ;
questionnaire, feedbacks from consumers, personal interviews and so on.
 Secondary:- Whereas, this techniques is denoted as second hand information because
data which is gathered through this mode is already used by some other person. Hence, it
is not that much appropriate or secure as compare to primary techniques due to its biasses
(Schaltegger and Wagner, 2017). Thus, various sources of secondary are; books, journals,
internet (websites), libraries, census and so on.
TASK 3
P5 Data analysis with the use of appropriate tools
Data sampling is one of the useful or appropriate method which is used by 3com
organization for understanding the views or opinions of various consumers. According to this
tool an enterprise is going to select various individual in a random way without following any
factors. Then they have to acquire information by them with the use of questionnaire method in
which different questions are framed that is answers by several of individuals (Sosna,Trevinyo-
Rodríguez and Velamuri, 2010). Hence, sample size 20 has been taken for understanding the
opinion of society towards influence of digital technology on growth or upliftment of small
business enterprise. Thus, an effective questionnaire is designed as follows:-
Questionnaire
Name : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Age : ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gender : ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q1. Is there any benefits of modern technology to manufacturing department? Yes No
Q2. Have you noticed the affects of high tech equipments in growth of business activities of
3Com ? Yes No
Q3. Which department of 3com needs to be more advanced? Human resource department Operational department Finance Marketing Research and development
Q4. Which type of equipment is adopted by managerial team of 3com for preserving their
records in the firm? Hard disks Cloud technology Internet things
Q5. What kind of communication technologies are requisite in 3Com ? Social media Mobile technology
Q6. Is there any improvement in product quality of 3com? Yes
 No
Theme:1 Benefits of modern technology to Frequency
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manufacturing department. Yes 15 No 5
Interpretation:- According to above graphical representation it has been analysed that
modern technologies are expanding across international due to its unique features and qualities
which attract millions of consumers. Thus it is identified that 15 out of 20 individuals are agree
with this statement that modern machineries is highly advantageous for manufacturing
department of an enterprise (Storbacka, 2011). Whereas rest 5 are not satisfied with this term
because they believe that introduction digital equipments creates lots of problems such as;
chances of injury and so on.
10
15
5
Yes
No

Theme:2 Affects of high tech equipments in
growth of business activities of 3Com.
Frequency
 Yes 17 No 3
Interpretation:- In this above digram it is shown that modern technologies plays a very
vital role in developing business activities of selected firm because it supports in accomplishing
entire activities of an enterprise in an appropriate manner. Thus, almost 17 members are raising
their voice in favour of this statement and they believe that introduction various advanced
technologies is very useful in performing several business task in an appropriate manner. On the
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17
3
Yes
No

other hand rest 3 are not happy with this because according to them implementation of
technologies are useless which consume maximum funds.
Theme:3 Department of 3com needs to be
more advanced.
Frequency
 Human resource department 5 Operational department 5 Finance 3 Marketing 4 Research and development 3
Interpretation:- From the above representation it has been analysed that all the
department of an enterprise is essential for success of a company and needs to be more
digitalized or advanced in order to perform their business operation in a perfect manner. Along
with this able to resolve issues of overall staff members. 5 out of 20 are believing that HR
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5
5 3
4
3
Human resource department
Operational department
Finance
Marketing
Research and development

department of an organization need to be more advanced because they are responsible for hiring
new or skilled employees as all the business operations are accomplished by them only. Whereas
another 5 are selecting operational department because profit of an enterprise is depend upon
impressive quality of products which may seek the attention of consumers (Trkman, 2010).
On the other hand, another 3 individuals are preferring financial department as funds
are offered by accounting team whereas rest 4 are going with marketing section in order to
promote products or services across international boundaries for gaining maximum benefit at
marketplace. At last, rest 3 members are believing that investigation team of an association need
to be more advanced as necessary data or information is required to make corrective decision
making process.
Theme:4 Equipments used by managerial
team of 3com for preserving their records in
the firm.
Frequency
 Hard disks 5 Cloud technology 5 Internet things 10
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5
5
10 Hard disks
Cloud technology
Internet things

Interpretation:- From the above representation it has been analysed that in today's
generation internet materials plays a major role in protecting information of a business entity
due to its creative features. Thus, 10 out of 20 are selecting this technology for preserving
previous or current records of an enterprise in proper manner because most of the young
generation are using this tool and get addicted towards it (Wheelen and Hunger, 2011). Whereas
rest 5 members are selecting hard disks and another 5 are cloud technology for protecting
confidential information from fraudulent activities. Hence, it has been concluded that internet is
suitable for securing private data.
Theme:5 Communication technologies in
3Com.
Frequency
 Social media 10 Mobile technology 10
Interpretation:- From the above data it has been assessed that 3com is coming up with
number of technologies at marketplace due to world advancement as well as trying to gain
maximum advantages by capturing attention of millions of clients (How Cloud Storage Works.
2017). Therefore out of 20 around 10 are selecting social media technologies whereas rest 10
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10 10 Social media
Mobile technology

are preferring mobile technologies for transferring information or to interact. It means both are
suitable at their place.
Theme:6 Improvement in product quality of
3com.
Frequency
 Yes 18 No 2
15
18
2
Yes
No

Interpretation:- According to above presentation it has been analysed that usage of
advanced technologies plays a major role in enhancing quality of products because it helps in
gathering qualitative raw materials which resulted in manufacturing impressive devices with
unique features. Along with this aids in developing small business at marketplace as a result it
may enhance the economy of a nation. Thus, due to this 18 out of 20 are believing that above
described statement is totally true and graph also whereas rest 2 are not agree with this
statement because they believe that there is not much change in product quality of 3com.
P6 Recommendations
According to above data it has been analysed that modern technologies plays a very vital
role in enhancing the performance of an enterprise as well as employees because it supports in
improving the knowledge or various skills. Along with this, it can be stated that 3com is coming
with number of advanced devices in order to facilitate their trustable customers as well as entire
world (Zott, Amit and Massa, 2011). Additionally they also want to expand their business across
international borders for generating maximum revenue at marketplace. Thus, after analysing all
these data necessary improvement or ideas is required to follow which is described as follows:-
 Required to hired skilled or knowledgable employees in order to handle advanced
equipments.
 Need to enhance learning of currently working members so that they can gain maximum
skills.
 All the facts or figures must be accumulated before designing company plans, policies,
norms, rules and regulation.
 Consider the opinion or views of staff members.
 Use various advance technologies for protecting confidential information from frauds.
 Make sure that devices which is offered by organization is useful or appropriate and
suitable for specific situation.
 Motivate towards usage of digital technologies in order to create a modern environment
for encouraging customers towards success.
 Tries to make a digital world.
 Promote small business in order to develop economy of a nation.
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TASK 4
P7 Reflection
In spite of the fact that with the report, I came to realize that innovation is especially
required idea in firms as this supports enterprise in achieving their point and targets in successful
way and this makes a little firm to form themselves and come into the position of substantial
firm. Accordingly innovation not just expand the viability and effectiveness in work it
additionally raise the profitability of firm and augmentation in procuring benefits also. Along
these lines through this report I come to realize that innovation is exceptionally compelling for
business and adapted such a significant number of new things which has improved expertise and
information about the business wander.
For such I have learned things like making of Gantt graph and comprehension of orderly
approach and data develop in right way. I took a stab at utilizing all the data in correct place and
Gantt graph also and different things which bolstered me to acquire a productive report this day
and age. For such I have likewise experienced making an administration arrangement which
made me to comprehend the estimation of cost, quality and extent of firm and so forth indeed,
even the separate structure learned by me with the goal that isolating the assignment as per
divisions which will get viability working and finishing it on time too in association.
Subsequently, some place this report has helped me to meet with consistent research in
organizations and which has helped me to learn new things with my associates.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been summarised that digitalisation plays a very crucial role
in developing small business entity at marketplace because it helps in accomplishing business
activities in more efficient manner. Main objective of this assignment is to shows the method of
managing a successful organizational assignment that is how to promote a small entity towards
development by encouraging them towards usage of high tech equipments. For example 3com is
small firm which is seen as major example for digitalisation because they are coming up with
various number of advanced technology which helps them in gaining maximum benefits.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ajmal, M., Helo, P. and Kekäle, T., 2010. Critical factors for knowledge management in project
business. Journal of knowledge management. 14(1). pp.156-168.
Collis, J. and Hussey, R., 2013. Business research: A practical guide for undergraduate and
postgraduate students. Palgrave macmillan.
Dahan, N.M and et. al., 2010. Corporate-NGO collaboration: Co-creating new business models
for developing markets. Long range planning. 43(2). pp.326-342.
Houy, C., Fettke, P. and Loos, P., 2010. Empirical research in business process management–
analysis of an emerging field of research. Business Process Management Journal.
16(4). pp.619-661.
Jeston, J. and Nelis, J., 2014. Business process management. Routledge.
Keller, K.L., Parameswaran, M.G. and Jacob, I., 2011. Strategic brand management: Building,
measuring, and managing brand equity. Pearson Education India.
Kindström, D., 2010. Towards a service-based business model–Key aspects for future
competitive advantage. European Management Journal. 28(6). pp.479-490.
Meskendahl, S., 2010. The influence of business strategy on project portfolio management and
its success—a conceptual framework. International Journal of Project Management.
28(8). pp.807-817.
Röglinger, M., Pöppelbuß, J. and Becker, J., 2012. Maturity models in business process
management. Business Process Management Journal. 18(2). pp.328-346.
Rosemann, M. and vom Brocke, J., 2015. The six core elements of business process
management. In Handbook on business process management 1 (pp. 105-122). Springer
Berlin Heidelberg.
Schaltegger, S. and Wagner, M. eds., 2017. Managing the business case for sustainability: The
integration of social, environmental and economic performance. Routledge.
Sosna, M., Trevinyo-Rodríguez, R.N. and Velamuri, S.R., 2010. Business model innovation
through trial-and-error learning: The Naturhouse case. Long range planning. 43(2).
pp.383-407.
Storbacka, K., 2011. A solution business model: Capabilities and management practices for
integrated solutions. Industrial Marketing Management. 40(5). pp.699-711.
Trkman, P., 2010. The critical success factors of business process management. International
journal of information management. 30(2). pp.125-134.
Wheelen, T.L. and Hunger, J.D., 2011. Concepts in strategic management and business policy.
Pearson Education India.
Zott, C., Amit, R. and Massa, L., 2011. The business model: recent developments and future
research. Journal of management. 37(4). pp.1019-1042.
Online
How Cloud Storage Works. 2017. [Online]. Available through :
<https://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-storage.htm>.
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LOGBOOK
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