Research Project: Digital Technology's Impact on Business Activities

This research project investigates the impact of digital technology on business activities, focusing on the Flex Company. The project begins with an introduction outlining the background, purpose, and objectives, including an analysis of operations, marketing, accounting, and HR. It details a project management plan, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure phases, along with work breakdown structure, Gantt chart, and cost analysis. A literature review explores the effects of digital technology on business operations, communication, and social impact. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including data collection, analysis, and sampling techniques. The project aims to assess digital technology's influence, suggesting ways for successful implementation, and concluding with recommendations and reflections on the findings. The project also examines how digital technology impacts Flex’s business activities, including operations, marketing, accounting, and HR. The project provides a framework for understanding and implementing digital technology in the workplace effectively.

The Impact of Digital Technology on Business Activity:
Research Project
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
1. Background and Purpose of the research...........................................................................1
2. Project management plan...................................................................................................2
3. Work break down structure and Gantt chart.......................................................................5
4. Qualitative and Quantitative research methods................................................................10
5. Analysing research and data using appropriate techniques and tools..............................10
6. Recommendations and conclusion...................................................................................15
7. Reflection.........................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
The advancement of digital technology has not only impacted the lifestyle and way of
living for the people, but it has also hugely influenced the activities and operations related to a
business. The conventional method for working business has changed and individuals draw in
through computerized innovation when directing business movement. Portable innovation and
the web have rolls out business to improvement every day. The advances in software engineering
and correspondence have changed the face and the pace of business exercises whereby
associations have altered the business forms and thus, made business to work effectively. Things
like distributed computing, network, client division, downtime, and portable arrangements have
enabled business to be led in various ways and numerous organizations both little and extensive
proceed to adjust and direct exercises in advanced way. Innovation influences business exercises
both decidedly and contrarily making it critical for organizations to apply the exercises in ways
that put them at preference. Flex can be considered as the USA's one of the biggest organizations
related to the industry which fabricates electronic gadgets and supplies or provides technological
arrangements. The organization has given advanced innovation another importance whereby it
has planned, constructed, scaled, and conveyed development to the associated universe. The
company utilizes cloud innovation which has helped the association to manufacture a consistent
production network that has associated numerous providers on the planet. Subsequently, the
organization has possessed the capacity to expand the efficiency.
MAIN BODY
1. Background and Purpose of the research
Background of the research: The current paper will outline a project regarding the effect of
digital technology or computerized innovation on the business exercises of the Flex organization.
The research will be conducted independently and it will help in understanding how the digital
technology is increasingly impacting the various business activities with a specific focus on a
particular organization.
Aim:
To analyse the impact of digital technology on business activities, e.g. operations,
marketing, accounting and HR.
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Objectives:
 To evaluate requirement of digitalisation within operational activities of Flex.
 To analyse and determine impact of digital technology within growth and innovation of
Flex. To suggest ways in which company is able to successfully implement digital technology
at workplace
Research question:
 How digital technology is impacting the Flex organization's business activities?
 Has the influence been positive or negative?
 What are the potential measures that can be implemented by the company?
 Is the scenario same in other companies or industries?
 What are the general suggestions to improve the scenario?
2. Project management plan
It is a formal approved document that helps to define how a project is executed,
controlled and monitored. It is a summary of detailed document including baseline, cost of
project, subsidiary, management strategies, resources, quality and communication.
Project initiation: The goal of this stage is to describe research at a very broad level that it starts
with a case related to investigation when it is undertaken and feasible. However, the stage ends,
when testing of feasibility is done.
Project planning: Planning a key of successful management of developing map for firm to
follow procedure. Planning phase starts with setting goals using SMART and CLEAR method.
Determination of cost, quality, resources and realistic time-frame which are produced using
scope, schedule and cost of project.
Project execution: This is a phase, where deliverables are completed and reports, updates,
performances and meeting reports happens. Assigning resources, developing team, tracking
system, management plan, meeting status, project schedule and modified plans are involved in
this stage.
Project performance and monitoring: This is the stage, where project performance and
progression is determined. Key performance indicator is used to identify whether project is on
right track or not.
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Project closure: This is the last stage, represent complete project. In this, valuable members,
contractors and work events are identified for people participating in study.
Table 1: Scope and time duration
Table 2: Resource and cost budget
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Table 3: Quality control plan
Table 4: Communication plan
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Table 5: Risk management plan
In this manner, the project will cover a lot of specific aspects and concepts. It will take
help of a literature review to develop a proper understanding of the topic according to the
existing evidence. Thereafter, a comprehensive research will be conducted and the gathered
information will be analyzed to generate viable outcomes.
Project Costs
The costs of this project will be nominal. As the majority of the research will be done in
secondary manner, the costs will be mainly associated with accessing text-books, research
papers, journal articles, and website sources to gather data. However, primary data collection is
also included for making research more effective.
3. Work break down structure and Gantt chart
Work break down structure: WBS is a key deliverable oriented break down of a plan or strategy
into smaller components. It helps to organise team work into manageable sections effectively. In
addition to this, it is important for the simplification of execution of project (Work Breakdown
Structure, 2018).
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Illustration 1: Work Break down structure
(Source: Work Breakdown Structure, 2018)
Table 6: Project management plan
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Gantt chart
Figure 1: Gantt chart
LITERATURE REVIEW
Advanced innovation is reshaping the business world and has changed all parts of
business tasks. Flex utilizes distributed computing that enables the organization to move a
portion of the exercises to servers that have a place with the outsider whereby they can be got to
through the web availability. Therefore, factor information bundles are made accessible in an
extended and a versatile way without the dread of lasting misfortune, downtime, and slamming.
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Distributed computing enables Flex to get to assets that are restrictive in taken a toll while the
playing field is made even as far as rivalry with the organizations that have proficient
subsidizing. Therefore, the organization lessens cost since secure situations are made and kept up
through advanced innovation (Ganguly 2015, p.3). Notwithstanding the lessening of business
costs, distributed computing enhances correspondence and makes a capability of expanding
business. Consequently, advanced innovation enhances business tasks through distributed
computing. With advanced innovation, Flex can expand the simplicity of keeping in contact with
laborers. Network is improved by advanced innovation whereby specialists and workers are
made accessible through writings, video visits, and other computerized stages. The computerized
availability permits focused on messages to be sent to the clients in different ways like making a
hyper-genuine web that gives constant data (Grishikashvili, Dibb, and Meadows 2014, p.147).
Through messaging, messaging, computerized items applications, and sites individuals can
enhance correspondence with both the shoppers and the kindred laborers. Flex can soak the
monetary market with the data that they need their clients to know and thus, enhance business
activities. Notwithstanding conveying to the clients, the organization gets criticism from the
purchasers through the computerized innovation specialized techniques. The organization
contacts its clients through electronic cell phones continuously with the assistance of advanced
innovation. In this manner, advanced innovation enhances correspondence in business exercises.
Computerized innovation has a negative effect as in the aspect diminishes downtime.
Individuals have constrained time to recover in light of the fact that individuals are continually
getting to advanced materials like messages and instant messages. Notwithstanding getting to
computerized materials, individuals keep on working notwithstanding when the entities are a
long way from the working environments through advanced gadgets like workstations and tablets
(Westerman, Bonnet, and McAfee 2014, p.15). In view of the enticements of checking in,
individuals have a tendency to invest the majority of the energy getting to individual materials,
which lessens the time that is implied for work. Henceforth, creation is diminished through
advanced gadgets and locales. Advanced innovation socially affects business whereby Flex
Company works through long range interpersonal communication. The workers and the clients
associate without geological hindrances and societal position confinements and budgetary
foundations. For example, poor administrations influence clients to give organizations poor
appraisals and terrible surveys, which is a burden to an organization. Individuals either destroy or
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improve the notoriety of an organization by posting their remarks on the online networking.
Whatever is posted on the web can never leave which can either be a burden or favorable
position to the organization. Henceforth, advanced innovation has both positive and negative
effects relying upon what the purchasers say with regard to an organization (Fitzgerald, et al.
2014, p.1). The perspective implies that an organization must be worried about computerized
impression and the social character since it assumes an incredible part in the notoriety of the
organization. Accordingly, the company has a group directors and spectators that attention on
ensuring that terrible press isn't made and furthermore guarantees that the organization is
proactive.
The social effect of computerized innovation diminishes geological and money related
obstructions yet in the meantime makes an open door for terrible notoriety through awful press.
Portability can be considered as a critical part of the computerized world whereby all business
exercises are held in any sort of situations including the remote spots. Shrewd gadgets and tablets
are stacked with the right programming to enable the labourers to lead business exercises
notwithstanding when they are far from work. These exercises incorporate client relations, deals
enablement, and substance advertising through procedures like invoicing and dispatching
(Grishikashvili, Dibb, and Meadows 2014, p.146). On the planet today, a large portion of the
purchasers can get to advanced gadgets like cell phones particularly on account of the ascent of
the Generation Y and their impact in computerized innovation. Consequently, the majority of the
purchasers depend on their advanced gadgets to shop, offer, and purchase things and in addition
to discover organizations locally and universally. They additionally depend on advanced
innovation to impart to companions, prospect buyers, and colleagues about their retail encounters
with an organization. Consequently, shoppers market to their prospects through different
purchasers with the assistance of computerized innovation (Peppard, and Ward 2016, p.4).
Accordingly, the capability of expanding business is expanded in light of the fact that innovation
new financial markets are come to through advanced innovation. Rather than simply pitching to
the nearby buyers, the organization can pitch to worldwide purchasers through computerized
stages. The organization utilizes retail sites to offer the items in different monetary markets and
the audits and remarks of the buyers help to make a greater number of clients.
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4. Qualitative and Quantitative research methods
Research philosophy: There are four types of research philosophy available for researcher such
as positivism, interpretivism, realism and pragmatism. For the present case study, positivism
philosophy is used to determine key findings of the research.
Research approach: Inductive, deductive and abductive are three approaches available for
researcher. For the present case study of analysing impact of digital technology on business
activities, researcher used inductive approach as it is used to achieve aim and objectives of
research.
Data collection: Primary and secondary are two methods of collecting data. Primary includes
quantitative and qualitative research in which the information is gathered and based on
mathematical calculation. Secondary data is collected through blogs, articles, newspapers,
journals, books and magazines. Both methods are used for the present case study.
Data analysis: In order to generate key findings, it is important for researcher to analyse data
and information collected through various sources effectively. Qualitative and quantitative are
two methods and both are used by researcher including interpretation of figures and critical
analysis of information to determine rational behind findings.
Sampling: Probability and non-probability are two types of sampling. For the present case study
simple random sampling is used for the primary data collection method. In this, 10 respondents
are selected from Flex for the process of questionnaire.
5. Analysing research and data using appropriate techniques and tools
Primary data analysis:
Theme 1- Yes, flex organisation is using digital technology.
Q1. What do you think, is Flex using digitalisation within all
operations?
Frequency
Yes 6
No 2
Not sure 2
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Description: It is concluded from the above questionnaire process that the firm is making
effective use of digital technology within all operations stated by 6 employees. Moreover, 2
workers are not in favour of this and rest 2 are not sure about this.
Theme 2- For improving relationship with customer, flex organisation is using digital
technology.
Q2. What do you think that why your business is using digital
technology?
Frequency
To improve company to consumer relations 4
For recruitment and selection 1
Improve communication in departments 3
Improve relationship between employer and employee 2
11
Yes No Not sure
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
2 2 Frequency
4
1
3
2 To improve company to
consumer relations
For recruitment and
selection
Improve
communication in
departments
Improve relationship
between employer and
employee

Description: From the above questionnaire process, it is conducted by researcher that there are 4
workers who thinks that business is using digitalisation to improve company to consumer
relations, 1 in favour of recruitment and selection. Further, 3 of them thinks that it helps to
improve communication in departments and rest 2 stated that it improves relationship between
employer and employee.
Theme 3- Limitations of digital technology
Q3. As per your views, are there any limitations of digital technology? Frequency
Yes 5
No 3
Not sure 2
Description: It is conducted by researcher that there are some limitations of digital technology as
per views of 5 workers. In addition to this, 3 employees are not in favour of this and rest 2 are
not sure about limitations of digitalisations.
Theme 4: To share procedure information related to routine work for this purpose company is
using the different knowledge database which utilize information system.
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Yes No Not sure
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
5
3
2 Frequency

In what way your company is using the different knowledge database
which utilise information system?
Frequency
 To share procedure information related to routine work 5
 To share information about meetings. 3
 To share Hr related information. 2
Interpretation: It has been analysed from the above table that flex organisation is using different
knowledge database for sharing information about the work. This information has been provided
by 5 respondents out of 10. Among 10 participants have stated that company is using the
different knowledge database for sharing information about meetings. 2 respondents have
answered that an organization uses for sharing of information by HR department.
Theme 5 : There has been increase in flow of information.
How has the flow of information has been effected by the use of
digital technology at workplace?
Frequency
 Increase 5
 Increase some what 3
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 No change 2
Interpretation: It has been analysed from the above information that among 10 respondents 5 has
stated that there has been increase in the flow of information. 3 participants have stated that
there has been somewhat increase in flow of information. While only two have said that there is
no change in flow of information.
Secondary data analysis:
Organizations can comprehend the sort of shoppers that they are searching for with the
assistance of stream of information. The outrageous client division that is given by advanced
innovation, logical administrations is utilized to extend the section of the purchasers whereby
they are assembled in numerous gatherings that assistance to focus on each gathering particularly
(Ganguly 2015, p.9). Accordingly, the organization can get a bigger value for the promoting
money. For example, Google accounts are utilized to find the objective clients and the sort of
programs that they are utilizing and additionally the place that they found the site.
Notwithstanding the fundamental data, an organization can get to the data about clients in the
sites like the exercises that they lead while on the destinations and the time that they spend on the
locales and also the things that influenced them to leave the site. Accordingly, the organization
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can shape the site and refine it in a way that is appropriate for the customers (Westerman,
Bonnet, and McAfee 2014, p.14). Sites are an alternative that clients can access requiring little to
no effort at whatever point they require particularly when they require data with respect to
administrations or items offered by an organization. Henceforth, web publicizing can be utilized
to achieve new markets by putting flags and adverts deliberately on a site. Advanced innovation
expands usefulness and in the meantime diminishes cost. As far as programming answers for the
Flex organization is considered, a purchaser's markets base is made. The product and the
equipment required for utilize is both simple and reasonable to utilize and the entrepreneurial
personalities and innovation insightful that adventure these administrations have duplicated
(Fitzgerald, et al. 2014, p.1). The arrangements offered are reasonable and easy to utilize which
influences organizations to enlist a wide range of workers. The aspect exists on the grounds that
devoted laborers are not important to be profitable and neither do they require the workers to
sign gets that through a lengthy haul.
The youthful age has given another customer base which is keen on computerized
innovation. In the contemporary world, the youthful age is driving business exercises and the
economy, which makes computerized innovation a vital viewpoint. Computerized innovation has
changed the purchaser base in light of the fact that the customers that utilization most items
particularly of Flex association can be considered as the millenial people. Due to the fact that the
new age keeps on expanding, it implies that the workforce and the purchasers that are occupied
with utilizing computerized innovation keep on increasing (Grishikashvili, Dibb, and Meadows
2014, p.148). The new age is unique in relation to whatever is left of the ages in light of the fact
that dissimilar to them, they live at the time, which profits on the things that they want to have
throughout everyday life. The age has been brought up in computerized innovation, which makes
them the most wired individuals and subsequently can be the main ones that can constrain
business to get mechanical clever. Subsequently, the accessibility of computerized innovation
has changed the shopper base whereby the clients who utilize advanced gadgets to lead
organizations keep on increasing with time (Peppard, and Ward 2016, p.10). The consistent
availability makes the public to experience a radical makeover making a requirement for the
computerized innovation to be produced by the necessities of the public. In this way,
computerized innovation has changed the framework needs of the buyers and the organizations
and in addition expanded the speed of business. The aspect makes it essential for the Flex
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organization to remain in front of the opposition, which requires an adjustment in the customary
ways that organizations are worked. The shopper base has been changed by computerized
innovation, which transforms the way business exercises are led through the world.
Business organizations can outsource the capacity to different organizations with the
assistance of computerized innovation. Subsequently, organizations can bring down expenses
since they can outsource administrations like specialized help and client benefit. Subsequently,
the organization can center around finishing business works that they are best at which enhances
business exercises (Fitzgerald, et al. 2014, p.1). Regarding the situation that the accessible labor
isn't sufficient, or the offices accessible are not legitimate for a specific business activity,
outsourcing capacity is the best alternative. With the assistance of innovation, an organization
can outsource work in the territories that offer modest administrations regardless of the area.
Subsequently, the capacity can be outsourced either locally or in remote nations. Innovation
moves at an exponential pace that rolls out individuals to improvement their direct state of mind
while leading business exercises. The business condition has been changed from the straightway
and this is trailed by the computerized laws that don't require a well ordered progress
(Grishikashvili, Dibb, and Meadows 2014, p.149). The educational substance of items and
administrations has expanded and it drives the adjustment in the computerized world. Previously,
organizations used to work in a world that concentrated on changing issue vitality. Nonetheless,
on the planet today, innovations that are driven by data are the ones that are utilized to make
esteem, for example, 3-D and genomics. It is conceivable that every one of the innovations later
on will be utilized for data and the rates of advance will be exponential. Subsequently, advanced
innovation has changed the way esteem is made and also the pace that things move at.
Subsequently, they can alter and enhance the ways that business exercises are directed
and thus the productivity of the organization. Being refreshed on the improvements of advanced
exercises guarantees that the organization thinks of the techniques required for change since they
know about the transformational stage (Fitzgerald, et al. 2014, p.1). The innovative condition is
affected by the business conditions and accordingly, affects the manner in which business is
directed. The way that the elements of the organization are led has been transformed after the
presentation of advanced innovation in which information technology has assumed control over
every one of the offices in the Flex association. The organization stores all the data in servers,
not at all like the past whereby data was put away in printed copies. Through advanced
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innovation, the organization can utilize computerized showcasing to offer its items (Peppard, and
Ward 2016, p.7). Every one of the offices in the organization including the outline and the
examination areas experience advanced improvements consistently. Along these lines,
computerized innovation has transformed the business conditions.
Promoting is being changed by innovation whereby numerous individuals are investing
more energy in computerized gadgets like PCs, portable devices, and tablets (Ganguly 2015,
p.5). The organization has a test of guaranteeing that they associate with the clients through
computerized gadgets continuously. Subsequently, the organization is compelled to make battles
crosswise over computerized stages like web based business, online networking, and the media.
The idea of promoting has been changed by the ongoing discussions that individuals lead on the
web. Consequently, the advertising today has been affected by computerized innovation whereby
an inventive and taught side must be made (Ganguly 2015, p.11). Subsequently, capable
accounts should be utilized to guarantee that the desire and the desires of the objective market
are taped.
6. Recommendations and conclusion
It is concluded that computerized innovation affects the manner in which the business
exercises are led within an organization. The progress in software engineering has changed the
manner in which the business is led in the contemporary world. The aspect has transformed the
buyer base and in addition, the socially identified effect whereas the vast majority of the clients
are the general population in the advanced age. Computerized innovation has permitted
extraordinary client division, portable arrangements, and distributed computing. It has expanded
availability, expanded usefulness, and in the meantime lessened costs, that enhances profitability.
It has been concluded from the report that digitalisation has transform the way an
organisation communicates with its clients. The other thing which has been concluded from the
investigation is that technology has become an important medium of communication. It has
enabled fast sharing of messages or information’s. It has been concluded from the study that use
of technology for sharing of information by company might include high risk., there might threat
of hacking or misuse of data by third person. Positive side of utilising technology is that it allows
an enterprise to build relationship with customers. It has also been concluded from the report that
use of digital technology helps in reducing or minimising communication costs.
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Budget should be managing by Flex management in order to implement digital
technology. Advanced innovation has changed the showcasing division whereas utilizing
computerized stages is a prerequisite for effective business tasks. Nonetheless, computerized
innovation has a negatively identified aspect, which incorporates lessening the downtime and
demolishing the notoriety of the organization through the surveys and remarks of the shoppers.
Along these lines, digitally empowered technology or computerized innovation has both
positively and negatively oriented effects regarding the tasks of business exercises.
It has been suggested that company can use digital technology for sharing the information
about product or service with customers. Company has been recommended to organise their
communication strategies as well as tactics round these available communication resources,
things will move faster.
7. Reflection
In my opinion, advanced innovation has made new experts in the administration divisions
whereas consistent strategies for arranging are utilized and new courses keep on being sought to
ensure that the organization is lined up with the progressions that are happening in the market.
As per my views, the advertisers in the organization must be innovative and also mechanically
learned to guarantee that they address the issues of the shoppers. Subsequently, advanced
innovation has changed the way that showcasing exercises are directed. I observed that,
innovation is a critical part of the business condition as far as enhancing the activities and the
elements of the Flex organization is concerned. Subsequently, computerized innovation assumes
a vital part in the presence of the organization, which makes it imperative for the leaders of the
organization to be watchful for improvements and updates in the advanced world.
I have learned many things about the impact of digital technology on business operations.
In addition to this, I gained knowledge about digitalisation. I have successfully developed
analytical skills which I believed will help me in the future. During the investigation, I have tried
to use my communication skills during interview for influencing people or respondent to provide
relevant and true information. I have also developed technical skills which I believe is very
important in present world. By participating in investigation procedure, I have learned about the
various research methods as well as data collection techniques. Before starting of the research, I
have been asked to select the topic related to the present issues, this task I have successfully
completed using social media sites. I have been appreciatiated by my teacher for select the matter
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which is very much important and is currently the topic of debate. I have also developed research
skills which will assist me in conducting the investigation on different topics.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Fitzgerald, M., Kruschwitz, N., Bonnet, D. and Welch, M. (2014) "Embracing digital
technology: A new strategic imperative", MIT sloan management review, vol.55, no.2,
p.1.
Ganguly, A. (2015) "Optimization of IT and Digital Transformation: Strategic Imperative for
Creating a New Value Delivery Mechanism and Sustainable Future in Organization,"
European Journal of Business and Innovation Research, vol.3, no.2, pp.1-13.
Grishikashvili, K., Dibb, S. and Meadows, M. (2014) "Investigation into big data impact on
digital marketing", In International Conference on Communication, Media, Technology
and Design (pp. 146-150).
Peppard, J. and Ward, J. (2016) The strategic management of information systems: Building a
digital strategy. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Westerman, G., Bonnet, D. and McAfee, A. (2014) Leading digital: Turning technology into
business transformation. Harvard: Harvard Business Press.
Online:
Work Breakdown Structure, 2018. [Online]. Accessed through: <https://www.wrike.com/project-
management-guide/faq/what-is-work-breakdown-structure-in-project-management/>.
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APPENDIX
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