Continental Consulting Limited: Project Management Report - Unit 6

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of a business project focused on upgrading cloud technology for Continental Consulting Limited. The assignment begins with outlining the aims and objectives of the project, emphasizing the need for efficient project management to enhance business operations and achieve profitability. A detailed project management plan is presented, covering essential aspects such as cost, scope, time, quality, communication, resources, and risk management. The report also includes a Gantt chart and work breakdown structure to organize tasks and timelines effectively. The report further incorporates research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, to analyze data and provide recommendations for cloud technology implementation. The findings are presented with an emphasis on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and enhance learning and performance within the company. The report concludes by summarizing the benefits of cloud technology adoption for business growth and efficiency.

STUDENT NAME: FLORIN MICU
STUDENT ID: HE06188
UNIT: 6 – MANAGING A SUCCESFUL BUSINESS
PROJECT
Learners declaration: I certify that the work submitted for
this unit is my own and the research sources are fully
acknowledged.

Managing a successful
business project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Aims and objectives for the organisation.........................................................................1
P2. Project management plan including some aspects such as scope, cost, time, quality,
communication, resources and risk........................................................................................2
P3. Gantt chart and work breakdown structure with time frames and stage of completion...4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P4. Small scale research by using qualitative and quantitative 4research method.................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................11
P5. Analysing research and data by using suitable tools and techniques.............................11
P6. Appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis.......................15
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................16
P7. The value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning or
performance..........................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
It is important and essential for managing the business of a company and it provides
sustainability in the marketplace. In order to upgrade technology, there is a need to manage a
project in an efficient way. Continental Consulting Limited provides business process re-
engineering organization which upgraded its technology eight years ago. It is adapting cloud
technology that can assists in storing and accessing information in an appropriate manner. The
organization provides its services to small manufacturing companies to design their workflow.
That's why it needs to upgrade cloud technology that supports in productivity. Hence, this report
underpins goals and objectives of project with project management plan which is required to
align operations and activities (Awais, Ahmad and Manzoor Arain, 2011). In addition, it also
consists of Gantt chart and work break down structure that is proceeded by research techniques.
Further, this assignment also comprises of research tools and techniques with recommendations
to upgrade cloud technology.
TASK 1
P1. Aims and objectives for the organisation
Every business should have an aim and objectives that needs to be achieved in a specific
time. It supports a business to grow and gain profitability. Therefore, Continental Consulting
Limited is upgrading cloud technology but before it pursue, the firm needs to determine an aim
and objective. The organization should have knowledge about what they can attain through
upgrading technology. As digital technology brings a revolution in organizations through
boosting up operations and functions within a firm (Bakker and et. al., 2011). Cloud technology
is also a beneficial platform for the firm. The company should know which is the best suitable
cloud technique for them, with which they can expand its business activities and manage its work
in an efficient way.
Background
Continental Consulting Limited should understand the core purpose of cloud technology
as there are various techniques that can assist in achieving its goals. There are four kinds of cloud
technology that are known as Infrastructure as a service, Software as a service, Platform as a
service and Recovery as a service. Each of these cloud services has distinct advantages but RaaS
is more beneficial for company. It helps to take backup, archive, disaster recover and this is also
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a single integrated platform. The core focus of the organization is to prevent client's information
and its software from hackers who can misuse their personal information. In addition, RaaS is
also providing data back up so that they can keep information for a long time (Hwang and Ng,
2013). Its is also cost effective that can be easily manageable by the firm. Therefore, it can opt
private cloud along with RaaS so that it can manage its operations and maintenance in an
efficient way.
Through adopting a private cloud, company can easily access required information from
anywhere. Although, it is completely secured with the privacy algorithm and only authorized
members of the organization can access firm's information. Thus, RaaS is incorporated with
private cloud that assists in providing backups, archiving and disaster management to prevent
loss of data. If in case, data has been lost then it is easy to retrieve lost information with minimal
cost. So it is flexible, scalable and reliable to upgrade cloud technology that assists in
accomplishing the aims and objectives of Continental Consulting Limited. The major advantage
to adopt private cloud is, that it is owned by a single organisation and it runs the server within its
own data centre. Thus, it is less expensive than public and hybrid cloud. Cloud technology will
render growth opportunities to the business with aims and objectives that are mentioned below
Aim : “To analyse the impact of cloud technology on growth of business operations.
A case study on Continental Consulting Limited.”
Objectives :
To identify the concept of cloud technology.
To determine the importance of cloud technology to upgrade business operations in
Continental Consulting Limited.
To analyse the importance of cloud technology in achieving business growth.
P2. Project management plan including some aspects such as scope, cost, time, quality,
communication, resources and risk
In order to manage a project in an efficient way a project manager needs to emphasizes
on various aspects. These elements are plays a crucial role in achieving the aims and objective of
the company. Therefore, Continental Consulting Limited is upgrading cloud technology that's
why it needs to appoint a project supervisor who will prepares project report that highlights
major phases of project (Kowalkowski, Kindström and Brehmer, 2011). This project
management plan helps them to manage all the task in an efficient way. So that there will no
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discrepancy in actual and estimate requirements of cloud technology project. There are several
essential factors that are going to be include in the project such as cost, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk, and resources these are mentioned below -
Cost – Funds are the most important asset of any project because all activities and
functions needs to be managed by money. Continental Consulting Limited needs to purchase
some hardware, software, legal rights to implement cloud technology. Therefore, it needs finance
that supports in its operations (Porwal and Hewage, 2013). Money is also required to manage
human resource that will support in its implementation and upgrade. Research is also conducted
to identify the needs and requirement of the employees/ customers so that it can be implemented
in an effective manner.
Cost budget on cloud computing:
Particulars Amount (in €)
Capital invested 100000
Expenses:
Activities of research & development 25500
Expenses of operational activities 15600
Funds to IT experts 21500
Maintenance 16400
Licensing fee 6000
Closing value 15000
Scope – Cloud technology has a wide scope in Continental Consulting Limited. It
provides flexibility as employees can access its information from any place and perform their
tasks. Employees can retrieve necessary information from anywhere and this will increase
organization's performance and they can complete their work efficiently and this will increase
the organization's performance. This will encourage business activities through focusing on
execution of operations without any technical issues.
Time – This is a complex technology that takes a long time for implementation. As it
have to conduct a research to analyse the needs of employees (Ryan and Campbell, 2012). It also
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takes time to embrace other resources like workers, funds, machinery and equipment. After
scaling all the factors it will take approximately 7 weeks and some days for completion of
project. This project should be accomplish within predetermine time so that its cost will not
exceed.
Quality – It is one of most crucial aspect of any project. The project should deliver with
quality. In order to scale quality of cloud technology, project manager should adopt Quality of
Standard (QoS). So that they can eliminate defects and errors while implementation process. As
quality service is essential for this project because the security of cloud matters for Continental
Consulting Limited. Thus, manager should focus on security and maintenance of the private
cloud that delivers a fruitful result to firm.
Communication – There are need to set up a communication medium by project manger
through which their subordinates can share their problems and perceptions regarding project. As
there are several issues can be resolve through a communication media (Sharon and Dori, 2015).
They can use email, telephone, forums, text messages, etc. Their entire team can communicate in
an easy way and they can also share their point of views and perceptions which can be beneficial
for cloud technology project.
Risk – There are several risks in cloud technology project one of them is to manage funds
in an effective way. If finance is not available to then upgrading process can be stop and it is
harmful for the project. Second major risk is estimated time that should be exceed because if it
takes a long time than estimation. There is requirement of more resources that will increase total
cost of the project. So it is essential for manager to reduce risk factor that can be slow down a
project.
Resources – The manager should analyse requirement of the resource in a project. There
will be need of finance, employees, machinery and equipment that can be accomplish the task in
an efficient manner. Thus, manager should focus on aligning the resources that can carry out the
task in an appropriate way (Smith, Gonin and Besharov, 2013).
These are the aspects that needed to be highlight in project management plan because
these are crucial in implementation of cloud technology.
P3. Gantt chart and work breakdown structure with time frames and stage of completion
There are two major tools which can be used to manage tasks in distinct manner.
Through utilising these tools tasks can be organized in an efficient way. It will also increase
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productivity of available resources. Therefore, Gantt chart and work break down structure are
some tools and strategies which are used to manage entire project in an effective way and these
are mentioned below:
Work breakdown structure – WBS is the key project deliverable which help
organisation in work into different manageable section. Main motive of implementing of the
work break down structure in company is to divide particular task into small chunks which
reduce workload on particular person. Through this, their will be no work pressure on particular
person. WBS start with the as top level department deliverable and then further it decomposed
into sub-deliverables using overall outline of project (Stoshikj, Kryvinska and Strauss, 2014).
Continental consultancy limited implement work breakdown structure in their working then it
will assist them in dividing particular projects into small parts.
For example, if a project manager wanted to estimate the cost of an entire project then
they can measure the cost of each section distinctly. As these sections require different
equipment, that's why their cost will be different. After analysing separate costs, he needs to
calculate different costs simultaneously. This will be helpful into determining total cost of the
project. Hence, WBS is beneficial to get accurate and readable projects that is also gives a
responsibilities to others to complete the task. It is used to setting up miles stone with control
points. It is beneficial to estimate cost, time and risk of the project in efficient way.
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Hence, this is coherent in the flow chart that research is a systematic procedure for which
there is a certain procedure to follow, in regard to coming up with a certain outcome. In order to
complete a research, investigator need to first select the topic, create aims and objectives, analyse
literature review, determine methodology, collect data, analyse data and then draw a conclusion
syntagmatically to carry out an authentic research.
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Gantt chart – It is widely use in project management through which managers can
prepare a plan and execute all the tasks in defined sequences. The char has two bars that
horizontal and verticals. In horizontal bars defines project timeline which consists of sequences,
duration, and the start and end dates for each task. In addition, it also displays an estimated time
that needed to be finish a task. On vertical bars, the tasks are arranged in an sequence that are
going to be executed (Thomas, 2011). For an instance, research will be completed in seven days
and that is shown by the horizontal lines that depicts the start and end date of investigation.
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Hence, WBS and Gantt chart are useful tools to manage entire project with different techniques.
This will also raise productivity and working efficiency of project management team.
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TASK 2
P4. Small scale research by using qualitative and quantitative 4research method
Research is an essential part and play an important role in an any project. It is used to
identify needs and requirements of the employees/customers. Research methodology can be
define as the specific technique and procedure i.e. utilised to encounter, select, process and
evaluate distinct information about a certain topic. The core purpose of investigation is to
recognise the perception and point of views of targeted people so that a project can be
accomplish with new innovative ideas.
Research Types: There are four types of researches and that are described below -
Qualitative Data - Qualitative data refers to those data which are non-numeric in form.
Some common examples are:
Audio recordings
Documents like reports, e-mails
Notes taken in the field
Transcript of interview
Images
Video
In simple words , it can be said that Qualitative data means the collection of such
information which cannot be expressed in numbers, in such types of data information are
presented in the form of nominal scales such as , social economic status, gender, caste , religion
etc. These are to be considered in qualitative data , such types of data are based on attributes and
phenomenon (Verzuh, 2015). For example, in case of market research such type of qualitative
data are very much helpful , to answer the question like who all are there regular customers, in
which area they need to focus more ,what all are their strength and weakness etc.
Quantitative Data – The data which provides answers to the question like “how much”
How many” can be define as quantitative data. Simply, it can be said that, quantitative data are
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those data which can be easily measurable, and can be mathematically calculated, as well as used
for statistical analysis. There are mainly two types of quantitative data:
Data that can be counted: Data which can be counted in form of numeric value refers to
discrete data. For example, there are 50 employees in a firm and this refers to the quantitative
data because people can be counted.
Data that can be measured: Quantitative data can also be measured, in a mathematical
language it is also known as continuous data. The personal information of employees is
continuous such as their name, age and designation, etc. All of these are data in a continuous
form which can be numerically expressed and measured.
SOURCES OF DATA COLLECTION
There are basically two types of data collection sources that can be opted by a researcher
in order to achieve business objectives i.e. described below:
Primary research – This is used to gather information directly from the people. This
kind of information is used to record the original information because it focuses on the target
population within a specific geographical area. This information is also known as fresh data
because it is used to gather the straightforward approach of data collection such as interview,
survey, observation, etc. The core advantage of primary research is that it caters the accurate
information about the project (Viaene and Van den Bunder, 2011).
Secondary research – This is based on the primary research and therefore, it is collects
information from books, journals, newspapers, journals, blogs, etc. It is used to gather previous
information that can support project.
Sample: Sampling is the method of selection groups or bunch of individuals from the
entire population of research as a sample of research. Population in research is gradually a large
collection of objects or individual i.e. core focus of a scientific query which investigator aims to
study. There are basically two types of sampling i.e. probabilistic and non- probabilistic
sampling under which stratified, cluster, purposive, simple, multi-stage sampling etc. are
classified under these. In this report, research will opt simple random sampling methods as this is
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more adequate method of selection population in authentic way. The sample is 30 and population
is employee of organisation.
Therefore, in cloud technology Continental Consulting Limited is using a primary
research method that will provide accurate information about the perception of
employees/customers.
Questionnaire
1. Do you have knowledge about the fundamental concept of cloud technology?
a. Yes
b. No
2. Does implementing cloud technology support or help in developemnt of Continental
Consulting Limited?
a. Yes
b. No
3. According to your opinion, Cloud technology will raise business revenue and profitability?
a. Yes
b. No
4. What are the major challenges of implementing Cloud technology by Continental Consulting
Limited?
a. Data loss and privacy
b. Integration with existing architecture
c. Cost
5. According to you, which is the best suitable cloud technology for Continental Consulting
Limited?
a. Private
b. Public
c. Hybrid
6. What is the advantage of using cloud technology?
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a. Accessibility
b. Data recovery
c. Back up
TASK 3
P5. Analysing research and data by using suitable tools and techniques
Theme 1: Concept of cloud technology
1. Do you have knowledge about the
fundamental concept of cloud technology?
Frequency
a. Yes 24
b. No 6
Table 1. Cloud technology awareness
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Interpretation – From the above graph, ( Table 1 ) it can be analysed that there are 24 people
who are aware about the concept of cloud technology. On the other hand, among 30 respondent
remaining 6 people are not aware about the cloud technology. The 24 people are aware about
cloud technology due to their observation and open mentality that observes various things in the
outside world.
Theme 2 : Cloud technology support in growth
2. Does implementing cloud technology
support and help in the development of
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
a. Yes 18
b. No 12
13
a. Yes b. No
0
5
10
15
20
25
24
6
Frequency
Source: Survey data

Table 2. Cloud technology and its results upon the company
Interpretation – It can be clearly stated that among 30 participants there are 18 employees who
favours the cloud technology. They believe that it will support the growth of Continental
Consulting Limited. Rather than, 12 employees do not favour this opinion because they are still
working on their traditional pattern. (Table 2 )
Theme 3 : Cloud technology will raise business revenue and profitability
3. According to your opinion, Cloud
technology will raise business revenue and
profitability?
Frequency
a. Yes 20
b. No 10
14
a. Yes b. No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
18
12
Survey data: Survey data

Table 3. Revenue and profitability increase due to cloud technology
Interpretation – It can be displayed in the above graph ( Table 3 ) that among 30 employees 20
have voted in favour. But 10 employees do not think that cloud technology can increase in
revenue and profitability of the company. It can be due to lack of their knowledge about digital
technology.
Theme 4 : Challenges of Cloud technology
4. What are the major challenges of
implementing Cloud technology by
Continental Consulting Limited?
Frequency
a. Data loss and privacy 15
b. Integration with existing architecture 8
c. Cost 7
15
a. Yes b. No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
10
Source: Survey data

Table 4. Challenges of implementing cloud technology
Interpretation – From the above graph,( Table 4 ), it can be seen that among 30 respondents 15
are concerned about data loss and privacy. They have seen that hacking can cause the loss of
confidential information. Whereas 8 people are worried about the integration of existing
architecture because new techniques replaces existing architecture and it may be costly for the
firm. The remaining 7 people have voted towards the cost of the cloud technology because of the
complexity of the technology. But the major focus of the people is on data loss and how that can
be harmful for the organization.
Theme 5: Best suitable cloud technology
5. According to you, which is the best
suitable cloud technology for Continental
Consulting Limited?
Frequency
a. Private 14
b. Public 10
c. Hybrid 6
16
a. Data loss and privacy
b. Integration with existing architecture
c. Cost
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15
8
7
Frequency
Survey: Survey data

Table 5. Which is the best suitable cloud technology
Interpretation – From the above the above graph ( Table 5 ), it can be summarised that among
30 employees/customers, 14 have voted to adopt private cloud whereas 10 are in the favour of
public cloud. Private cloud is beneficial for them firm because it will hosted by the company
only and their employees can handle its maintenance in an efficient way. On the other hand, 6
people have voted for hybrid cloud because it is much more complicated and costly than the
other two.
Theme 6: Advantage of cloud technology
6. What is the advantage of using cloud
technology?
Frequency
a. Accessibility 15
b. Data recovery 15
Table 6. Main advantages of using cloud technology
17
a. Private b. Public c. Hybrid
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
14
10
6 Frequency
Source: Survey data

Interpretation – As it is shown in the above graph ( Table 6 ), accessibility and data recovery
are both equally supported by the employees/customers. Among 30 respondents both opinions
are voted by 15 – 15 people. They can access the data from anywhere and in case they lose
information, then they can retrieve it with RaaS.
P6. Appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis
Cloud technology is helpful for the Continental Consulting Limited because it supports in
its growth in various ways. This is more beneficial methods that not only improve the
management and operational system of organisation but also improve overall efficiency and
revenues of entire company. This has been analysed by collecting primary data that cloud
technology reduce the cost, assist in better storage of data etc. which is basically used by public
and private sector. Here are discussed some of the outcomes:
Cloud technology supports in storing confidential data with secured algorithms
that provides a private key. Therefore, it has less chances of hacking of the cloud.
The provided space for storage can be exceed when needed and it is cost effective
than a traditional storage devices like pen drives, CD, DVD, etc.
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a. Accessibility b. Data recovery
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16 15 15
Frequency
Source: Survey data

Due to RaaS it takes back up and archive so that firm can use their least
utilise data when they needed. The data which is less used by the firm will be
archived with this so that organization can use it whenever they need.
TASK 4
P7. The value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning or
performance
From the discussed report, I have analysed that digital technology is increasing the
revenues of organisation and are rapidly employed by organisation in order to improve their
efficiency and operation functioning. Cloud technology is also one of the most effective digital
technology that aids a company in reducing operation costs, managing and storing data and
better management functioning in a significant manner. Also, I have learned several things while
working on this project such as the utilization of RaaS. Project management plan supports me to
manage cost, time resource and quality of the project, which are most essential while developing
a project. Further, research, WBS and Gantt chart are the most useful for me because I was able
to manage all the tasks in an organized manner. My research quality and proper alignment of the
work was the best part of the report that has assisted me preparing the final project by the
deadline aligned to me. There were lots of issues in the management of the entire project but
these tools supported me a lot because I can align the tasks in according to the sequence. After
analysis, I have realised that in order to improve my management skills and better
communication skills, I will prepare a proper PDP plan so that the same mistakes won't be
repeated while conducting my next project.
CONCLUSION
In this assignment, from the above information, it has been concluded that there are many
things that should be focused while managing a project in an efficient way. Project management
plan is useful to manage the entire aspects of project. Researching is also beneficial because it
provides different perceptions and point of views of different people. Work break down structure
and Gantt chart are also helpful in managing the task in an efficient way.
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REFERENCES
Books & journals
20

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Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: FLORIN MICU Name of the Supervisor: WALTER
GUNETILLEKE
Project Title: 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
I have completed project management
plan and research.
Yes
Yes
No, there was no need for that
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?
Yes , I had a few issues in finding the
proper material for undertaking the
required tasks
No
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Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Managing funds
I have loaned money from banks
New ideas and change of project direction It was not necessary to change
anything
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems? Did I find it useful to complete the tasks? How well have I performed? What did I
contribute? What can I improve on next week? How might this learning apply in the
future?
I was positive in all circumstances
Yes
I have performed well.
Time management
It will come easier for me to do
another project after I did this one
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority? Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
All the tasks have the same priority
I intended to do so but with different
occasions I did not succeed
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind) Up to date
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
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