Digital Technology Impact: Continental Consulting Limited Analysis

This report examines the impact of digital technology on Continental Consulting Limited. It begins with an introduction outlining the project's aim to assess how digital technology supports business growth, specifically focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT). The report includes a project management plan detailing scope, costs, quality, and timelines for implementing IoT. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are used to visualize the project's stages. Small-scale research is conducted using qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including questionnaires to assess employee awareness and the benefits of IoT. The research findings are analyzed to draw conclusions and provide recommendations for enhancing business activities. The report concludes by reflecting on the value of the research in meeting the stated objectives and supporting learning, emphasizing how digital technology can upgrade business activities. References are provided to support the research and analysis.

MANAGING SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
P1 Project Aim and Objectives...............................................................................................1
P2 Project Management Plan..................................................................................................2
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time-frame and stages for
completion..............................................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies..5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
P5 Examine of research information with right techniques and tools....................................8
Theme 1: Aware with the concept of Internet of Things?.....................................................8
P6 Recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw conclusions..........16
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................16
P7 Reflect value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning..16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Digital technology began to develop in the mid-twentieth century and techniques of
digital technology are based on the concept of mathematics. Digital technology while
transferring information use binary code i.e. digit 0 and 1 generally known as bits so, it can be
said that it is a two way process (Crane and Matten, 2016). This assignment is based on
Continental Consulting Limited, and through this report impact of digital technology for having
growth in business will be analysed. In order to know the effectiveness of the digital technology
project aims, objectives will be made and on the basis of this small-scale research will be
conducted. For this, data and information will be gathered which will further support the project.
Therefore, on the basis of this recommendations will be provided so that company can work on it
so as to gain better outcomes.
P1 Project Aim and Objectives
In recent time companies are improving their business activities with the help of digital
technology. Firms are doing modifications in their services and facilities according to the needs
and wants of customers for example: Continental Consulting Limited, is now able to connect
with its valuable customers through digital technology in quick time. Social media and mobile
technology is the biggest revolution in the field of digital technology and they are providing
benefits to their organisation whether the company is dealing in small, medium or large sector
(Evans, 2014).
Main objective of this research is to identify the ways through which company can
upgrade their business activities so as to sustain in the market for a longer period of time.
Therefore, in context with Continental Consulting Limited., first they are required to conduct
research which will enable them in knowing the issues in which they are lacking behind. As a
result, it will provide company with an idea about the ways through which all the problems can
be eliminated.
Topic: “The impact digital technology supporting small businesses growth and
innovation” A case study on “Continental Consulting Limited”
Background of the Research
According to the given scenario, “Continental Consulting Limited” is a consultancy firm
which provides solutions to different companies so that they can resolve issues and problems
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mainly related to Re-engineering. Company is currently, facing problems in getting benefits and
generating more and more revenues (Farman, 2013). Reason behind this is of using tools and
technologies which are outdates and adding no values in businesses. Thus, in order to resolve the
problem company is adopting Internet of Things which will assist firm in connecting and
integrating with different system within the organisation. Therefore, this research will assist
company in knowing benefits that can be gained by company after implementing the same. Other
than this, it will aid company in keeping their documents private.
Research Aim:
“To evaluate the importance of Internet of Things in upgrading business activities” A
Case study on Continental Consulting Limited.
Research Objectives:
 To evaluate the concept of Internet of Things.
 To determine importance of Internet of Things in upgrading business activities of
Continental Consulting Limited.
 To identify whether Internet of Things is assisting Continental Consulting Limited in
improving business growth.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of Internet of Things?
 Why Internet of Things is important in upgrading business activities of Continental
Consulting Limited?
 How Internet of Things is assisting Continental Consulting Limited in improving
business growth?
P2 Project Management Plan
A Project Management Plan (PMP) is determine as a formal document that provides a
baseline to management while making strategies and action plan so that targets can be achieved
in a speculated time frame. In addition to this, PMP helps in determining aims and objectives that
are easy to achieve (Gikas and Grant, 2013). Therefore, it can be said that Project Management
Plan can be used as a reference in order to make effective decision for business activities.
Generally, PMP includes different elements such as scope of the project, time period that will be
required, quality, cost etc.,
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Henceforth, in relation with Continental Consulting Company, manager of this
organisation are trying to implement Internet of Things and for this superiors will have to
developed Project Management Plan as it will provide with proper guidance about what activity
is to do first so as to accomplish the task in an effective manner. Project Management Plan
although it assist company in executing plan in a systematic manner but it includes risk as well
which can arise while accomplishing the task in a better way. Some of the major components of
Project Management Plan are stated below:
Project Scope: Each company look out for scope like where they can expand its business
in order to get maximum benefits. Thus, in relation with Continental Consulting Company as of
for now they have limited resources for storing and sharing information or carry out their
administrative work in an effective manner (Kaplan, 2012). But after implementing Internet of
Things they will be now able to keep connect with devices in a proper way. Along with this, it
will assist company in communicating and sharing data and information with their valuable
clients.
Cost: This can be determine on the basis of three components and these are hardware:
which will acquire 70 – 80% of the total cost of Internet of Things. This step will include
analysis like concept development, modelling which is majorly concern with designing ,
prototype, testing etc., apart form this hardware certification is also included in this.
Infrastructure: This will generally consist of components such as network, Middleware and
cloud based or data centre infrastructure and Applications: This is the last stage of
implementation Internet of Things in an appropriate manner and in this cost depends upon
number of employees using the application. For instance: custom EKG tracker will cost around
£10 – 15K.
Cost of Implementing Internet of Things
Particulars Amount
Initial investment (A) 140000
Expenses (B)
Research and developmental activities 27000
Operational expenses 28000
Cost to IT experts 20000
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Maintenance 20000
Licensing fee 16000
Closing value(A-B) 29000
Quality: While implementing Internet of Things, company will use best quality software
which are good and favourable. For example: Continental Consulting Limited is using software
which supports their system and company's executive is assisting all the proceedings so that
excellent quality of machineries and techniques can be implemented (Larivière and et. al., 2013).
Time: In order to incorporate entire procedure it will take around 7 – 8 months and extra
three months will be undertaken for providing better training programmes to its employees.
Resources: For incorporating Internet of Things there are different resources which are
required for example: internet server, infrastructure, proper space for installation etc., Apart form
this, fund is the major resources which is needed by an organisation the most so, in order to have
sufficient amount of money company can look for financial institutions who can aid them in
doing so.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time-frame and stages for completion
Work Breakdown Structure:
This is a process through which team basically makes section or break the task into
segments so that it can be managed in an effective manner. It is generally showed as a tree type
structure and it assist team members in having better knowledge about the work that is to be
performed first. In this, Top level deliverable is further classified into sub-deliverables according
to a hierarchical form. Therefore, a WBS helps a company in different ways like for preparing
budgets or to identify risk that can occur or hamper business activities (Larson and Chang,
2016).
Gantt Chart:
It is basically developed in order to have a project schedule like by what time task will be
completed. Work are stated in vertical and horizontal axis which have specific time intervals
which is needed for accomplishing the task. Therefore, with the help of Gantt chart, every aspect
of project are focussed so that critical path can be evaluated and delay can be avoided.
4

TASK 2
P4. Small scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
Continental Consulting Limited, for knowing its strengths and weaknesses or the other
benefits of market area is conducting a research. This will provide company with information
whether employees are ready to accept “Internet of Things” within their business environment.
'Internet of Things' is a hub or a network of physical devices which are connected through
internet. Therefore, in relation with “Continental Consulting Limited” they will be able to
provide a smart working environment to its employees which will ultimately improves
company's performance (Malthouse and et. al., 2013). Thus, in order to conduct the research in
an effective manner some of the factors which are required to be consider are stated below:
Qualitative Research: It is an exploratory research which is undertaken in order to have
in-depth knowledge about a social cause or phenomenon. Thus, qualitative research assist
researcher in having better understanding of underlying reasons and opinions. While using this
approach investigator adopts unstructured techniques and most of the information are collected
with the help of interviews, observation, questionnaire etc.,
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Quantitative Research: This is in a structured form and assist researcher in collecting
data from various sources. Mostly quantitative research is based on statistical and mathematical
form so as to derive better results and outcomes. Thus, it can be said that investigator use this
approach for quantifying the problem.
Primary Research: This is basically adopted by a research to have information which
are collected for the first time and are authentic in nature. Hence, data are collected from
respondents directly. In order to collect information from the same investigator make use of
methods such as interview, focus groups, questionnaire and many more. This method is generally
time and cost consuming (Mao, 2014).
Secondary Research: In this information are gained form research that are conducted by
someone else. Most of the investigator use this method of data collection because it less time
consuming and information can be obtained from different sources like book, journals,magazines
etc., in quick time.
Therefore, Continental Consulting Limited has used both the methods of data collection
and information that are gathered were true and will assist investigator in evaluating better
outcomes and results of a specific topics. Sample size which is taken for accomplishing this
research is of 30 and it is sufficient.
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Questionnaire
Q1) Are you aware with the concept of Internet of Things?
a) Yes
b) No
Does Internet of Things is assisting Continental Consulting Limited in accomplishing
targets?
a) Agree
b) Disagree.
Q3) What kind of issues or challenges Continental Consulting Limited can face while
introducing Internet of Thing within the organisation?
a) Complication in understanding
b) Costly
Q4) As per your concern is Internet of Things is providing any kind of benefits to the
company?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q5) How Internet of Things is helpful for Continental Consulting Limited is providing
advantage?
a) Making work more easier
b) Increasing productivity
Q6) Does internet of Things is assisting Continental Consulting Limited in performing all
the task of administration in an effective manner?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q7) As per your concern, is Internet of Things is useful in expanding business operations
in different countries as well?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8) After implementing Internet of Things does Continental Consulting Limited helped in
connecting with customers in an better manner?
a) Agree
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b) Disagree
Q9) Any suggestions you want to give for improving company's performance?
TASK 3
P5 Examine of research information with right techniques and tools
Theme 1: Aware with the concept of Internet of Things?
Q1) Are you aware with the concept of Internet of Things? Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 8
Interpretation: Basic concept of Internet of Things is to connect with different devices
at a time through internet. Thus, from the above mentioned graph it has been evaluated that
according to 22 respondents as they are saying 'Yes', which means they are aware of the concept
of IoT whereas 8 out of 30 respondents are saying 'No', which means they don't have much
information about Internet of Things.
8
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
Column B

Theme 2: Internet of Things is accomplishing targets
Q2) Does Internet of Things is assisting Continental
Consulting Limited in accomplishing targets?
Frequency
a) Agree 18
b) Disagree 12
Interpretation: In order to get success it is crucial that company set targets that are
achievable. Hence, with the help of above mentioned graph it can be evaluated that as per 18 out
of 30 respondents, they are agreeing with the fact that IoT is assisting company accomplishing its
targets in speculated time frame. On the other hand 12 of the respondents are disagreeing with
the fact and saying company's performance is same as it was there previously.
9
a) Agree b) Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
Column B

Theme 3: Issues or challenges that can be faced by company
Q3) What kind of issues or challenges Continental Consulting
Limited can face while introducing Internet of Thing within
the organisation?
Frequency
a) Complication in understanding 20
b) Costly 10
Interpretation: Implementing things can have many issues and challenges what
important to to find out ways through which things can be done in an effective manner. From the
above mentioned graph it has been concluded that according to 20 respondents as they have
chosen option first which means company can face problem in understanding the concept of IoT
where other 10 respondents believes cost is the biggest factor which can create issues in doing
the same.
10
a) Complication in understanding b) Costly
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Column B