Managing Successful Business Project: River Island Digital Impact

This report examines the impact of digital technology on the business activities of River Island, a high street fashion brand. The report begins with an introduction to the topic, discussing the importance of digital technologies in modern business environments and the benefits of innovation. Task 1 focuses on defining the aims and objectives of the research, developing a project management plan, and designing a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart. The project management plan covers aspects like scope, cost, time, risk, and communication. Task 2 delves into the application of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including primary data collection through questionnaires. The report includes a sample questionnaire and analyzes the impact of digitalization on various aspects of River Island's operations, such as HR, accounting, and marketing, and concludes with recommendations for improvement. The report aims to understand how digital technology impacts business activities, using River Island as a case study, and provides a detailed analysis of the project's objectives, methodology, and findings.

Managing successful
business project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Aims an objectives of research...............................................................................................3
P2 Project management plan........................................................................................................4
P3 Designing of Work break down structure and Gantt chart.....................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
P4 Application of qualitative and quantitative method of research.............................................7
P5 Application of effective tools and techniques......................................................................10
....................................................................................................................................................15
P6 suitable Suggestions..............................................................................................................15
P7 Reflective..............................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
LOGBOOK....................................................................................................................................18
.........................................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Due to globalisation of business activities large numbers of digital technologies are emerged
on continuous basis. The development is takes place in the technologies of different areas which
are considered as the important part of organisation such as HR, production, Accounting,
Administrative etc. Implementation of innovative technologies within the organisation provides
extra edge to their regular activities which improves their internal strength. There is hue role is
played by the innovation in the expansion plan of organisation. It also provides the opportunity is
to build effective organisation structure which is flexible to adapt automatically as per the factors
which are present in business environment (Barak, 2016). River Island is high street fashion
brand organisation which was established in London UK.
In the present report explain about target behind implementation of digital technology,
formulation plan regarding management of the project and designing of work break down
structure and Gantt chart for the guidance of employees and timely completion of project. Also,
conduct research and collection of information through application of primary and secondary
methods and recommendations to improve processes better to attain effective results.
TASK 1
P1 Aims an objectives of research
In this modern era, taste and demands of consumers are changing continuously.
Regarding this, it is necessary for an organisation to use advanced technology as well as
machineries. With the help of this organisation can fulfil demands or needs of consumers in an
effective or better manner. In addition to this, development in machineries as well as
technologies give different opportunities through which organisation can develop strong
customer base. In this, cloud computing plays a necessary role in business for manage and also
share information for other plan in an efficient manner. With the help of digital technology,
River Island organisation can communicate with its staff members in an easy manner and share
with them all information. At market place, there are many digital tools available through which
firm can communicate with its consumers in an easy way.
Topic: “How digital technology impact on business activities”. A Case study on River
Island.
Background of project

In every business firm, digital technology plays a necessary role and helpful in increasing
effectiveness as well as efficiency of business sin better manner. In addition to this, it is
necessary for an organisation us to adopt and also implement new technologies which may be
lead in enhancing profit level at competitive market. Digitalisation assess in providing many
effective opportunities under which firm can easily increase its growth rate and productivity.
Change in obsolete technology develop positive affect on business. It is a primary responsibility
of an organisation to provide effective quality of goods which can satisfy requirements of
products in an effective or better manner. Advanced technology is helpful in removing the risks
and protect necessary information from any kind of hacking. In context to this, it is necessary for
to develop better objectives or aims before implementation of the final project which can helps in
make improvement in performance of River Island organisation (Wellin, 2016).
Aims: “How digital technology impact on business activities. ” A Case study on River Island.
Objectives:
 To determine advantages of digital technology in increasing business performance of
River Island.
 To identify effectiveness of digital technology on operations of business. To examine execution of digitalisation on whole business activities.
Questions:
 What are advantages of digital technology in increasing business performance of River
Island?
 What are effectiveness of digital technology on operations of business?
 How River Island can execute digitalisation on whole business activities?
P2 Project management plan
Project management plan refers to formal document which aid in identify to monitor as
well as execute project in a better or effective manner. Generally it explains over all summary
which consist information or data about the whole research as well as activities in context to
examine the positive results. Developing project management plan plays an essential role in
business for achieving set objectives or aims. It is helpful in proper right direction to manager
and implement all research activities in a systematic way. With the help of preparing an effective
project management plan, River Island firm can achieve its aims and objectives with in a
specifies period of time. Under management plan, there are many different activities included

which aids manager at the time of implementation of activities. It is essential for firm that at the
time of developing management plan, manager should use different factors like for an instance
Scope, cost, time frame, communication, risk and resources and some others. It will be helpful in
achieving long term advantages and through this organisation can make improvement in its
performance level. Some necessary factors are given below as above:
Scope of project: This component indicates areas under which project needs to be
implemented and also major activities to be involved in this. It is necessary to identify scope of
project in a better manner for evaluate affect of digital technology on business activities. It gives
basis for an interpretation of data and take beneficial decisions.
Quality control: Failure and success of project is based on the quality. In order to attain
decided goals, it is essential for an organisation to focus on producing better quality of goods in
an effective manner. If quality will be good then it will provide advantage to firm.
Cost: It is necessary component for every project. If cost of project will be high then in
this case there will be more funds arrange through River Island for equipments and technology.
In addition to this, fund is necessary for implementing project in better manner. It is analysed
that estimate cost of $ of 2500 should be borne by organisation (Bucero and Englund, 2015).
Time: Under this, it is necessary for manager to set proper time on the basis of activities
are involved in project. With the help of this staff members will able to finish activities in
decided period of time. In context to this, timely execution of activities are helpful in minimizing
unnecessary cost in better way. In completion of all the activities, project will be taken around 6
to 8 months.
Risk and resources management: IN order to complete project, there is a need of many
necessary resources. Funds as well as staff members are main resources which are necessary in
carried out an investigation in proper manner. If resources will be lack then they will develop
delays and reduce efficiency of project. Necessary resource which are necessary in project are
staff members, funds, technology, equipments and many others. On they other hand risk affects
on business in negative manner and it is not beneficial for business. In addition to this, it is a
responsibility of manager to determine risk and gain many advantages.
Communication: IT is a necessary elements which requires at every stage and in any
work. For finishing all activities or project in better manner, it is necessary that at workplace
there should be proper coordination as well as communication among employees and

supervisors. Effective and also correct communication tool should be used through River Island
to interact with the order parties and also give contribution towards achieving the set
organisational goals with in specific period of time (Burns, 2016).
P3 Designing of Work break down structure and Gantt chart

TASK 2
P4 Application of qualitative and quantitative method of research
Research is an important activity which has main purpose is to improve the knowledge of
the researcher about the topic regarding which information is gathered from different sources.
There are many methods are available which can provide their contribution in process of
research are called as qualitative, quantitative and analytical. It is the responsibility upon the
researcher is to identify the best option after analysing the nature of their research. As the
different options of research have different features and importance. So, to grab the accurate and
reliable results need to analyse most appropriate method as per requirement. Also two different
methods are available which are used for collection of data which are known as primary and
secondary. River Island wants to assess the impact of digitisation upon their business activity and
its contribution in the improvement of the performance of different important areas such HR,
Accounting, Administration and production. Their main is to collect the sufficient information
bring changes to attain optimum results. Qualitative method of research is important to grab the
information through the behaviour, gestures, emotions and attitudes. On the other hand,
quantitative method provides the opportunity is to grab the information in quantitative from
through which reliable results are derived (Chih and Zwikael, 2015).
Primary research method: It is data collection method which is used by the researcher in
the case of collection of more authentic information which is directly related to research aspects.
The information is gathered from the respondents directly through asking their views and
feedbacks. The results and conclusion are true because no bias is involved in whole process.
There are many techniques which can be used to carry the process of data collection under this
method includes interview, questionnaire and online. These techniques are defined along with
their roles and advantages below:
Interview: This includes face to face conversation with respondents. Here, researcher
asked different questions to the respondents and in return answer are recorded which are
provided by them. The main advantage which is associated with the use of this method that
provides deep information about the questions.
Questionnaire: Another important technique which includes formulation of document
including different research based questions. The questionnaires also are of two types such as
open-ended and close-ended. Open ended questionnaire is such which provides the option

regarding framing of their own answers and on the other hand, close-ended questionnaires are
having different options.
Online: This method includes collection of information through application of the
provisions of digital platform such as websites and social media. Here, the information is
collected on the basis of the ratings and poll provided by users as per their choice.
In the present report, management of the River Island decided to use primary method for
collection of data through formulation of questionnaire. Here, 10 different questions are prepared
to analyse the impact of digitisation on business activities and the different advantages which are
grab by the organisation (Coombs, 2015). There is huge role is played by the collected
information in the improvement of the decision making of management of organisation. Also,
through application of Random sampling method 40 respondents are selected to carry research
activities.
Questionnaire
Name
Age
Gender
Q1. Do you think digitisation is important to attain sustainability in future period of time?
 Yes
 No
Q2. Does profitability of River Island is increased after digitisation?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q3. What is the best mode for growth of the business activities of River Island?
 Online platform
 Cloud technology
 Wireless networks
Q4. Does implementation of innovative technology helps to improve HR, Accounting and
Administrative aspect of River Island?
 Yes
 No
Q5. What is the overall impact of digitisation upon working of River Island?

 Negative
 Positive
 Can’t say
Q6. Does digitisation helps to improve marketing activities of River Island?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q7. What aspect resists more in the process of implementation of digital technology in River
Island?
 Employees
 Lack of management
 Availability of funds
Q8. Does adoption of innovative technologies within River Island helps to reduce Red Tapism?
 Yes
 No
Q9. Does Digitisation contribute to River Island to capture large market share?
 Agree
 Disagree
Q10. Provide own suggestion for effective use of digital technology within River Island to attain
maximum results?
Secondary data: This method is used to ascertain the information about current
performance and positioning of River Island in market. This will provide the manager is to gain
knowledge about the effectiveness of their products and services. Such information is collected
with the help of different sources like articles, magazines and newspapers. Information which is
gathered is known s second because it is already published there and collected to grab their
position in market (Verzuh, 2015).

 At first, management of River Island is decided to bring innovation in their business
conducting techniques and processes to cope with current market trends and
improvement of their profitability.
 Secondly, aim of River Island is to provide diversified fashion items to satisfy the
different preferences of customers. For this purpose, social media is used to grab their
preferences and views about quality of their products. It helps to create effective
communication with them.
Therefore, in this regard they stared to conduct business operations through use of online plat
form where their different fashion products are available for customers. This will help to
expand their operations in vast area and building positive market image (Duffield and
Whitty, 2015).
P5 Application of effective tools and techniques
It includes the process of presentation of the information which is collected by researcher
so, effective interpretation is made to draw valid conclusions which helps in improvement of
decision making.
Theme 1 Digitisation contributes to attain sustainability
Q1. Do you think digitisation is important to
attain sustainability in future period of time?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 15
Interpretation: It is observed from the above graph that 25 respondents agree that to attain long
term sustainability need to adopt digital technology while 15 are against of the statement.

Theme 2 Digitisation helps to profits of River Island
Q2. Does profitability of River Island is
increased after digitisation?
Frequency
Agree 30
Disagree 10
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above graph that Profitability of River Island in
increased after digitisation as per view of 30 respondents out of 40. But 10 are not satisfied and
said it increases their cost.
Theme 3 Best mode to expand business operations of River Island
Q3. What is the best mode for growth of the
business activities of River Island?
Frequency
Online platform 22
Cloud technology 10
Wireless network 8

Interpretation: It is analysed from the above graph that Online platform is best to grow in
future. 22 respondents are in favour of this option.
Theme 4 Contribution of innovative technology in the development of important aspects
Q4. Does implementation of innovative
technology helps to improve HR, Accounting
and Administrative aspect of River Island?
Frequency
Yes 24
No 16
Interpretation: It is observed from the above graph that digitisation improves HR, Accounting
and administrative activities of organisation and with that fact 24 respondents are satisfied.
Theme 5 Contribution of digital technology upon whole organisation
Q5. What is the overall impact of digitisation
upon working of River Island?
Frequency
Negative 10

Positive 25
Can’t say 5
Interpretation: It is attained from the above graph that implementation of digital technology has
positive impact upon River Island which is assess according to the views of 25 respondents out
of 40.
Theme 6 Impact of digitisation upon marketing activities
Q6. Does digitisation helps to improve
marketing activities of River Island?
Frequency
Agree 28
Disagree 12
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that 28 respondents said marketing activities of
River Island is improved after digitisation. But 12 are not satisfied with this statement.
Theme 7 Factors which resist to implement digitisation

Q7. What aspect resists more in the process of
implementation of digital technology in River
Island?
Frequency
Employees 15
Lack of management 10
Availability of funds 15
Interpretation: It is gathered from above graph that Employees and funds are such factors
which resist change to adopt effectively within the organisation.
Theme 8 Contribution of digitisation in reduction of Red Tapism
Q8. Does adoption of innovative technologies
within River Island helps to reduce Red
Tapism?
Frequency
Yes 22
No 18

Interpretation: From above graph attained that as per views of 22 respondents Red Tapism
reduces after adoption of digital technology but 18 respondents have different opinion.
Theme 9 Contribution of digitisation about capturing of market share
Q9. Does Digitisation contribute to River
Island to capture large market share?
Frequency
Agree 26
Disagree 14
Interpretation: From above graph interpreted that large market share is attained with the help of
digital technology according to the views of 26 respondents.
P6 suitable Suggestions
River Island has already established business and good brand image in market according to
those not big changes are requited make in organisation structure. To attain their aim about
providence of their products and services through online mode, need to use effective tools and

techniques which help to accomplish targets. It is also suggested to the management of
organisation is to become more active and use effective method of communication for effective
transfer of information from one department to another. This helps to attain coordination and
support of each other. Through this they can easily achieve large market share as communication
improves performance and online platform improves their reach towards market. Also,
recommended that to implement cloud technology which assists the administration department to
record different information at one place which is easily retrieved whenever necessary. It saves
lots of time and energy which should be used on other productive activity (Eriksson and
Kovalainen, 2015). Through adoption of such recommendations many benefits are attained such
as high market share, more profits, large customer base etc.
P7 Reflective
Research is conduct be me to ascertain the impact of digital technology upon the overall
business of River Island. But there are many difficulties are faced regarding time and cost. Due
to having the less amount of time only 40 respondents are selected by me from total population
to draw the conclusion about the research topic. In this regard, I use random sampling method
and close ended questionnaire is made with 10 different questions which saves the time. On the
hand, there is difficulty of budget which shows less amount funds are available to carry research
activities. So, I also use secondary methods to collect the information about current position of
organisation and their current product and services in market. It also assist to draw important
result through which they can effectively accomplish their target (Lientz and Rea, 2016).
CONCLUSION
It has been concluded from the above report that for effectively grab the results through
implementation of digital technology need to made their aims and objectives which provides
direction while performing functions. Project management plans is outline of project which
improves overall process of implementation of digital technology with effectiveness. Research
plays an important role in improvement of decision making of River Island about the benefits
which they gathered after adoption of digitisation in organisation like continuous growth and
high profits.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Barak, M. E. M., 2016. Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage
Publications.
Bucero, A. and Englund, R. L., 2015, October. Project sponsorship: Achieving management
commitment for project success. Project Management Institute.
Burns, P., 2016. Entrepreneurship and small business. Palgrave Macmillan Limited.
Chih, Y. Y. and Zwikael, O., 2015. Project benefit management: A conceptual framework of
target benefit formulation. International Journal of Project Management. 33(2). pp.352-
362.
Coombs, C. R., 2015. When planned IS/IT project benefits are not realized: a study of inhibitors
and facilitators to benefits realization. International Journal of Project Management.
33(2). pp.363-379.
Duffield, S. and Whitty, S. J., 2015. Developing a systemic lessons learned knowledge model for
organisational learning through projects. International journal of project management.
33(2). pp.311-324.
Eriksson, P. and Kovalainen, A., 2015. Qualitative methods in business research: A practical
guide to social research. Sage.
Lientz, B. and Rea, K., 2016. Breakthrough technology project management. Routledge.
Maylor, H., Blackmon, K. and Huemann, M., 2016. Researching business and management.
Palgrave.
Pollock, R. V., Jefferson, A. and Wick, C. W., 2015. The six disciplines of breakthrough
learning: How to turn training and development into business results. John Wiley &
Sons.
Poppo, L. and Zhou, K. Z., 2014. Managing contracts for fairness in buyer–supplier
exchanges. Strategic Management Journal. 35(10). pp.1508-1527.
Verzuh, E., 2015. The fast forward MBA in project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Wellin, M., 2016. Managing the psychological contract: Using the personal deal to increase
business performance. CRC Press.
Online
Introducing Research Methods. 2017. [Online]. Available
through :<https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/research-methods.html>.

LOGBOOK
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation: Taj Stores
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Managing Business
Successful
Date:
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
Implementation of digital
technology for continuous
growth of small business
activities
Yes
Yes
Yes
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?
No
No

Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
There are many issues are
identified related to timing
and many other resources
I overcome all these
barriers with the support of
collegues
New Ideas and change of project
direction
There are many new ideas
are identified to ascertain
particular growth in
stipulated period of time
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?
Some stress is felt at the
time of research
Yes
I performed through the
support of seniors as they
guide me on various
important aspects
Required to improve many
new skills which helps to
conduct research
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
Gathered Information
Yes, sufficient time is held
by me
Project plan status to date (on,
ahead, behind)
Up to date

Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and
date:
Template for Performance Review
Template to be attached with the
report by the learner:
 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
This project is completed on the basis of the guidelines
 Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment
undertaken.
Yes, the project is able to achieve their objectives. As,
implementation of digital technology helps in successful growth of
organisation in future period of time
 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.
Following guidelines helps to complete the whole project is
effective manner
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
There are many difficulties are ascertained in the process of
interpreting results but effectively perform the work and desired
results are achieved.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?

I have learnt about different communication methods which are
used within the organisation.
 How would you rate your performance as a management
consultant leading the project?
I will provide 9 rating out of 10.
 What strengths and weakness of your performance did you
identify?
The major strengths which are present in my personality is
related to hard work but weakness is present in communication
skills.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
This will provides me support in future period of time to
effectively accomplish work. There are large number of
advantages are attained in completion of future assignments.

1