Project: Digital Transformation at IKEA - Research and Analysis

This project analyzes the impact of digitalization on IKEA's business operations. It begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of technology in modern business and its role in enhancing customer service and marketing. The project then delves into the research methods employed, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the use of primary and secondary research. A questionnaire was designed and administered to 70 respondents, focusing on the benefits and challenges of digitalization at IKEA. The project includes a project logbook detailing the progress, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the research process. Data analysis is performed using thematic analysis to interpret the survey results. The project concludes with recommendations for effective digitalization strategies and a self-reflection section on the project's outcomes. The project also includes a performance review template, evaluating project success, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for continuous professional development. The analysis reveals insights into how digital tools and techniques influence IKEA's operations, employee satisfaction, and HR functions.

Managing a
successful business
project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PART 2............................................................................................................................................1
P4 Research with help of various research methods..............................................................1
M2 Accuracy and reliability of various research methods.....................................................7
D1 Project management process and research methods.........................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5 Data Analysis....................................................................................................................7
P6 Recommendations...........................................................................................................17
P7 Self reflection .................................................................................................................18
M3 Selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy...........................................18
M4 Value of project management to meet stated objectives................................................19
D2 Reflection on project outcomes......................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20

INTRODUCTION
Today, every business enterprise utilise technology in to complete its business operations.
One of the main benefit of this is that it help in provide better services to customers and help in
retain them for a long time period (Awais Ahmad Tipu and Manzoor Arain, 2011). Use of digital
technology provide an opportunity ton firms to do marketing of its products and
PART 2
P4 Research with help of various research methods
Market research forms an integral part in the success of a company. It is because it helps
in gathering and analysing information related to customers needs , preferences, business
competitors, prevailing market conditions ,government policies etc. On the basis of which a
company make necessary alterations in its present strategies as well as take accurate decisions on
its future course of actions. Thus, by catering needs of its consumers it becomes able to maintain
and enhance its market share , growth and productivity. IKEA is a multinational retail brands
that deals in various types appliances, furnitures and home accessories. Mentioned below are the
two types of research modes that can be adopted by the firm for collecting requisite data and
information: -
 Qualitative research – This type of research is concerned with gathering historical data
and analysing it to evaluate behaviour, attitude, thinking, approaches of a firm. There are
various other types of data that are collected in various geographical boundaries on basis
on specific components comprising religion, name, community, culture, tradition etc.
 Quantitative research – The data collected in this type of research is in the form of
numerics (Basu, 2014). This is one of the most critical yet effective type of research as it
requires data to be gathered from various sources like surveys, research and mathematical
analysis and to efficiently examine that information in order to reveal performance of its
business structure. These researches are easy to understand and analyse as it includes
data representation through charts.
 Primary research – It comprises first hand information that is collected by the
researcher on a particular subject for the first time. Primary research requires lot of time
and expertise to understand and evaluate the findings. It is generally consists of data
collected for forecasting demand for new and potential market where the firm is not
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having any previous business experience and therefore there is uncertainty about firms
growth and efficiency of its product and services in that market.
 Secondary research – This research consists of data that has already been gathered and
studied by other researchers or by company itself. A company refers to such data in order
to further analyse this information in order to develop better understanding of firms
activities and to find out ways of further enhance its performance to generate more and
higher revenues in its future business prospects (Geraldi and Lechter, 2012).
In completion of this assignment, there has been choose 70 respondents who are the local
people of UK and regular customers of IKEA. All these people helps firm to make imperative
decisions while implementing digital technologies in business process. Following is defined
questionnaire method which has been chosen for completion of this research, such as -
QUESTIONNAIRE
Name
Age
Gender -
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business activities?
A. Agree
B. Disagree
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies
C. Enables continuous transformation
Q3. Can IKEA have chances of getting global by adopting digital technology sector and
innovation in it?
A. Yes
B. No
Q4. Which kind of digital tools and techniques are acquired by retailing companies to
promote their products and services over the market?
A. Social media
B. E-mail
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C. Search Engine Optimization
Q5. What are the benefits for employees in implementation of digitalisation?
A. Freely transformation of information
B. Increase growth opportunities
C. Improve performance criteria
Q6. What are the advantages for HR department of digitalisation?
A. Provide training and development
B. Recruitment and selection
C. Performance management
Q7. Is digitalisation also improves quality of existing products and services of the company?
A. Yes
B. No
Q8. What types of processes should acquire by IKEA for competition of its operations?
A. Traditional methods
B. Modern methods
Q9. Are you satisfied with products and services of the company?
A. Yes
B. No
Q10. Recommendation to ensure digitalisation effectively in an organisation_____________
Project Logbook for the chosen
organisation: IKEA
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?
Comments
All task that was given ton me
for identify transformation of
business activities with help of
digital technology.
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Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
Did you need to make any changes
to your project management
plan?
Yes
Yes, I have completed all my
tasks as per the time allocate.
Yes, so many changes take
place during formulation of
project management plan.
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 have faced issues such
as lack of ineffective
communication, lack of time
and financial resources.
Most of the respondents are
customer.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome
them?
Lack of financial resources and
time.
I have attended several
seminars and group activities.
New Ideas and change of project
direction
From require to offer proper
training and development
programmes
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What Have I learnt about myself
this week?
 How did I feel when I had to
deal with tasks/problems?
 How well have I performed?
What did I contribute?
 What can I improve on next
week?
So , I was not afraid of the
problems that were coming in
my way during completion of
project.
I tried to give my best.
I need to improve my
communication and
interpersonal skills.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient
time for completion?
I require to develop and follow
a time management plan.
Yes, I have kept few days so I
can deal with any kind of
change and contingency.
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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Template for Performance Review
Template to be attached with the
report by the learner:
 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
The present assignment is relies upon determining the impact of
digitalisation upon business organisations, i.e. IKEA and how it
influence working activities and processes of the firm.
 Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment
undertaken.
Yes, the project has achieved its aim which states that how digital
technologies can helps in gaining growth and development for
the company.
 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.
While completion of this project I assigned all working activities with a
proper time framework; it provides right way to do things in better
manner.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
Yes, several problems are being occurred while collecting and
information from customers. Another problem is lack of money.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I got to know regarding their several software which utilized by IKEA
to do all tasks in the best possible manner.
 How would you rate your performance as a management
consultant leading the project?
8.5 out of 10.
 What strengths and weakness of your performance did you
identify?
My main strength is to have strong communication skills whereas
lack of research knowledge and low confidence is my major
weakness.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
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For this, I have to do proper communication with all employees
and subordinates Those individuals who are dealing and working
with me as well in favour and support me so they can also
carrying out along with the entire project functions in their
correct way and direction for getting decrease their hesitation so
they can talk with the fresh individual by considering with the
more confident.
M2 Accuracy and reliability of various research methods
Various research methods are there that can be utilise by a researcher to carry out
research or to complete the whole study (Harish and Kumar, 2014). Every research method has
its own benefit, cost and advantage so it is very essential for researcher to analyse all these
elements before choose a final method to complete the research. When researcher choose a right
method to complete the research then in only help in draw valid conclusion but at the same time
support in find an effective solution of research problem and also serve as a evidence for future
research. Right research method help in collect and analyse more accurate information related
with main topic of research.
D1 Project management process and research methods
If enterprise wants to execute or complete a specific project then various activities are
perform by its employees. As per the point views of Hwang and Ng, 2013, it is very important
that every activity require to be complete in time and firm should have all the resources to
complete the project. Manager can prepare a project management consists time and resources
require to complete the research. This also help in utilise all resources at an optimum level and
bring efficiency in business process. In addition to this, to increase effectiveness of whole
project, it is very important for researcher to select an effective research method.
TASK 3
P5 Data Analysis
Thematic analysis:
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business
activities?
A. Agree 60
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B. Disagree 10
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency 45
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies 15
C. Enables continuous transformation 10
Q3. Can IKEA have chances of getting global by adopting
digital technology sector and innovation in it?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
Q4. Which kind of digital tools and techniques are acquired
by retailing companies to promote their products and services
over the market?
A. Social media 40
B. E-mail 20
C. Search Engine Optimization 10
Q5. What are the benefits for employees in implementation of
digitalisation?
A. Freely transformation of information 50
B. Increase growth opportunities 5
C. Improve performance criteria 15
Q6. What are the advantages for HR department of
digitalisation?
A. Provide training and development 20
B. Recruitment and selection 35
C. Performance management 15
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Q7. Is digitalisation also improves quality of existing products
and services of the company?
A. Yes 50
B. No 20
Q8. What types of processes should acquire by IKEA for
competition of its operations?
A. Traditional methods 30
B. Modern methods 40
Q9. Are you satisfied with products and services of the
company?
A. Yes 60
B. No 10
Q10. Recommendation to ensure digitalisation effectively in
an organisation_____________
Data analysis: -
Theme 1: Impact of digitalisation on business activities and processes.
Q1. Do you think that digitalisation highly affect all business
activities?
A. Agree 60
B. Disagree 10
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Interpretation: - According to the above market research, it get concluded that
digitalisation plays a vital role in growth and success of every business association. It supports
firms to attain their goals and objectives in the best possible manner. In addition to this, digital
processes helps in boost efficiency of working activities or tasks. Thus, there are over 60
participants agreed with this statement whereas 10 are totally disagree with this.
Theme 2: Benefits of digitalisation for business entities.
Q2. What are the main benefits of digitalisation for IKEA?
A. Increase team efficiency 45
B. Expand effectiveness of process automation technologies 15
C. Enables continuous transformation 10
10
A. Yes B. No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
60
10
Column B