The Impact of Digital Tech on Small Business Growth & Innovation

This report analyzes the impact of digital technology on small business growth and innovation, focusing on a case study of the Small White Elephant cafe. The report begins with an introduction outlining the aims and objectives of the project, emphasizing the importance of digital technology in enhancing business profitability and innovation. It includes a project management plan with cost, risk, scope, and resource considerations. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are provided to illustrate the project timeline and activities. The report uses research methods, including questionnaires, to assess the impact of digital technology on the cafe's operations, employee training, profitability, and overall performance. The findings are presented thematically, with interpretations of the survey results. The report concludes with recommendations for enhancing digital technology implementation and its impact on innovation. The student assignment demonstrates the importance of digital tools and techniques in modern business, including social media, online platforms and implementing Wi-Fi facilities, to create a brand image and attract customers.

Managing Successful Business

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE: “THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TO THE SMALL
BUSINESS GROWTH AND INNOVATION.”.............................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1 Aims and objectives for the project...................................................................................1
P2 project management plan with different elements............................................................2
P3 Work break down structure and Gantt chart within a given time frame...........................4
P4 Appropriate using of research methods small scale research in order to meet aims and
objectives................................................................................................................................1
P5 Research methodology with the help of appropriate tools and technique.........................3
(P6) Evaluate appropriate recommendations and draw out the conclusion...........................4
(P7) Reflection of research to meet objectives.......................................................................4
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................5
Template..........................................................................................................................................7
P2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN.................................................................................8

TITLE: “THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT TO THE
SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH AND INNOVATION.”
TASK 1
LO 1
P1 Aims and objectives for the project
Background of the study
Digital technology play very important role in success of the business and enhance their
profitability. In this context, business need to implement different tools and techniques that
assists to devices several resources through they will easily accomplish their goals. It includes
social media, online games, etc. elements that support to encourages business and grow up their
performances to make large business (Jonas, Kock and Gemünden, 2013). In addition to this,
changes in the trends also consist important role to make creative results at workplace. It creates
advantages of competitive business that is important for increase efficiency, sales and many
other elements in the nation. Moreover, it plays very important role to create successful
environment at workplace. It makes growth of the country and increasing marketing activities
that are integrated for ascertain more effective functions. Digital technologies also helps to
organise several activities that make competitive business environment for ascertain high growth
at workplace to identify activities (Ahern, Leavy and Byrne, 2014). In order to innovate several
things at workplace there are differen t perspective also develop at workplace that assists to meet
with effective results at workplace. Hence, it is the best opportunities to work in significant
manner.
With this regard, Small White Elephant is the small sector enterprise of UK market which
is cafe and deals in different types of drinks. In order to create effective results, the organisation
wants to implement advance technology through they can accomplish their goals and objectives
in systematic manner. In order to serve advance technology, the organisation has advantages to
make positive aspects in the business. It is the creative aspect that assists to accomplish goals and
attract several people in the business unit (Verburg, Bosch-Sijtsema and Vartiainen, 2013). With
this aspect, the chosen organisation attract several customers at workplace through provide them
effective quality in products and services. With the help of implementing Wi Fi facilities, the
1

organisation able to create brand image which helps to accomplish goals and objectives in
systematic manner (Clough, Sears and Rounds, 2015).
Aims and objectives
Aim: “To assess the impact of digital technology that create support to small business growth
and innovations – A Case study on Small White Elephant”
Objectives
To determines understanding of digital technology in small business enterprise.
To analysis significance to implement growth and innovations.
To analysis interrelationship between digital technology and growth of Small White elephant
cafe.
To recommends ways for enhance digital technology that also increase innovations.
Research questions
 What do you understand by the digital technology in small business enterprise?
 What are the significance to implement growth and innovations?
 How digital technology and growth of Small White elephant cafe are interrelated with
each other?
 What are the ways which you recommend for enhance digital technology that also
increase innovations?
P2 project management plan with different elements
On the basis of above structure, it can be determines that there are several planned
activities included that assists to accomplish effective results in the business (Verburg, Bosch-
Sijtsema and Vartiainen, 2013). In this regard, following elements consist important participation
to accomplish project activities:
Cost: In respect to develop effective results, present study considered £650 budget.
Hence, researcher can set cost for each activity that assist to accomplish goals and objectives. It
is fixed cost activities that assists to accomplish aims and objectives in systematic manner
2

(Qadri, Khalid Hussain and Rahman, 2015). In the related function and operation, primary and
secondary data also collected that assists to make effective function at workplace.
Risk: In the research study, risk occurs due to limited time and cost. Hence, researcher
face many difficulties and accomplish aims in the subjective manner. In addition to this,
participants also face problems to fill questionnaire so that researcher has duty to provide them
proper functions and operations in it (Kwon, Lee and Shin, 2014).
Scope: In respect to make effective results, there are wide scope exists for
implementation of digital technologies at workplace. It helps to enhance growth and profitable
outcomes that ascertain more revenue and profits. In the selected business unit, innovations also
carry for develop target market and profits in the systematic manner.
Resources: In respect to considered extensive research program, it has been assessed that
with the help of current research program, aims and objectives will be accomplish in systematic
manner (Jonas, Kock and Gemünden, 2013). However, primary and secondary information,
findings also made that assists to develop results in Small While Elephant.
Quality: Quality is the another important perspective that make creative functions and
operations to check relevancy of the data that are taken by business unit. In respect to considered
primary information, fresh and effective material required to accomplish aims and objectives
(Clough, Sears and Rounds, 2015).
3

P3 Work break down structure and Gantt chart within a given time frame
Illustrat
ion 1: Work break down structure
In respect to determines effective results, following are certain elements determines that
performed in the Small White Elephant. In this regard, different activities performed by the
manager that assists to promote effective results at workplace. In addition to this, Gantt chart has
been prepared as per the activities and time frame (Ahern, Leavy and Byrne, 2014). All activities
ascertain with effective time period so that the chosen organisation has opportunities to identify
relevant results at workplace.
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Manually
Scheduled Research Project Wed
11/17/17
Manually
Scheduled Planning Wed
11/17/17
Manually
Scheduled Finding of the topic 3 days Wed
11/17/17 Fri 11/19/17
4

Manually
Scheduled Statements of problems 1 day Thu 11/18/17 Thu 11/18/17 1
Manually
Scheduled
Time frame and
allocation of resources 2 days Thu 11/18/17 Fri 11/19/17 2
Manually
Scheduled Implementation Wed
11/17/17
Manually
Scheduled Literature review 5 days Thu 11/18/17 Wed
11/24/17 3
Manually
Scheduled
Selection of correct
research methodologies 1 day Fri 11/19/17 Fri 11/19/17 4
Manually
Scheduled
Data analysis and
interpretation 2 days Fri 11/19/17 Mon
11/22/17 5
Manually
Scheduled
Evaluation of results and
outcomes 2 days Fri 11/19/17 Mon
11/22/17 5
Manually
Scheduled Project closer
Manually
Scheduled
Giving conclusion and
recommendation 1 day Thu 11/18/17 Thu 11/18/17 6
Manually
Scheduled Results of documentation 1 day Fri 11/19/17 Fri 11/19/17 7
Manually
Scheduled Submission of report 1 day Mon
11/22/17
Mon
11/22/17 8
5

In the present Gantt chart and network planning, different activities ascertain that are
started from 17th November and finish on 22nd November. There are total 6 days has been taken
for accomplish organisational goals and objectives. These assists to work in significant manner
and ascertain effective outcomes at workplace. In addition to this, there are different elements
consist that make creative results at workplace. Further, in Small White Elephant, researcher can
easily concentrate on performances for ascertain different activities in it. It is the systematic
process in which all activities must be develops in systematic manner.
6

7

P4 Appropriate using of research methods small scale research in order to meet aims and objectives.
In order to manage business in appropriate manner it is essential to conduct the research in effective manner. In relation to this it is
essential to prepare questionnaire so that proper analysis can be taken. This all process can be done with the help of brief, chart and thematic
presentation. With the help of this the negative and positive effect on digital technology in relation to small business enterprise can be known.
Theme 1 : Small white elephant should use the updated digital technology.
Do you think digital technology and innovation
is important for small business enterprise.
Frequency
Yes 12
No 5
Not sure 3
Interpretation-
According to the pie chart, it can be observed that majority of people believes that digital technology is essential enterprise. It provides
organization to exploit the opportunities that are used in digital technology. It consists of social media platforms like face book, twitter and
Instagram. Company should effectively utilise digital technology so that it may lead ahead of its competitors in the market. 12 people thinks that
digital technology is useful for small enterprise. While, 5 of them reacts that it is not appropriate for small white elephant as it operates on small
scale. It should not waste their funds in modern technologies. While 3 out of 20 people believes that they are not sure whether it will be
beneficial for enterprise or not.
Theme 2: The Employees of small white elephant need to provide training and development for the using of digital technology.
Are employees of small White elephant should provided training
facilities in relation to use of digital technology?
Frequency
Yes 13
No 4
Not Sure 3
Interpretation-
Digital technology needs training to be effectively used in enterprise. The employees are required to be trained so that they may be able
to operate it and utilise it in effective manner. As, 13 people thinks that training is essential to workers as they are required to get adapted to the
digital use and they need to be trained and developed so that they may be able to conquer objectives of enterprise in effectual manner. While, 4
says no training is required to be imparted to them and 3 are not sure whether it is required or not to be given to them.
Theme 3: Digital technologies is helpful in relation to earn profitability and productivity in business enterprise.
1
12
5
3
Yes
No
Not sure
13
4
3
Yes
No
Not Sure

Is digital technologies helpful in having innovation in small white
elephant in order to enlarging profits?
Frequency
Yes 14
No 4
Not Sure 2
Interpretation-
The use of digital technology is successful in gaining good market share and which leads to more profit to firm. It also maximises
productivity of employees as they are able to accomplish their tasks in effectual and timely manner. As from the chart, 14 people conveys
positive approach towards it, while, 4 people believes that it does not maximise productivity and profitability and 2 are not sure about it.
Theme 4 : The effect of innovation and impact of the Digital technology on performance of the small white elephant?
What is the effect of innovation and impact of the Digital technology
on performance of the company?
Frequency
Yes 13
No 4
Not Sure 3
Interpretation-
It can be interpreted that digital technology has a positive effect on small white elephant company as it functions on small basis, it is
really helpful top it in accomplishing its goals and objectives in effectual manner. From the above chart, 13 people convey that it is beneficial to
the enterprise as it operates on low cost and its easy to use by the employees in completing their assigned tasks in effective manner. While, 4 out
of 20 believes that it is not useful and imparts negative effect on performance of company as it leads to additional cost to firm and 3 people are
not sure about the effect of it in firm's performance.
Theme 5: The current technology is not that effective in order to use of updated technology.
Is the outdated technology what have been using is beneficial? Frequency
Yes 8
No 9
Not Sure 3
2
Yes No Not Sure
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
14
4
2
Column B
13
4
3
Yes
No
Not Sure

Interpretation-
The traditional technology is outdated as it requires more time to operate and figure out the results while digital technology is just
opposite to it. It requires less time to operate and provides fast and effective results to company instantly. As per the pie graph, 8 people thinks
that traditional technology is better because it is operated easily by the existing employees, while 9 out of 20 believes that traditional technology
provides nothing but utilises lot of time and is not adequate. And 3 are not sure which is one is better among them.
Theme 6: The customer of the small white elephant should provide efficient and improved services with the help of digital technology.
Do you think better quality services are delivered to customers with
innovative and updated digital technology?
Frequency
Yes 13
No 5
Not Sure 2
Interpretation-
Digital technology provides effective delivery of services to the customers. Organization uses it in effectual manner so that customers are
delighted with the services. It imparts better services as it was not in traditional services and as a result, customers are satisfied with it. As per the
above table, 13 out of 20 people convey that customers are provided with effective services by using digital technology while, 5 people believes
it does not provide delivery of services in effectual manner, And remaining people are not sure about it in producing better results to customers.
P5 Research methodology with the help of appropriate tools and technique.
There are various kinds of approaches are to be take in order to conduct the proper research and to make this all process in the effective
manner (Miller, Birch and Jessop, 2012). In this manner the research methodology are prepare in this manner are as-
Research design- This is very helpful in manner to conduct the proper analysis on the given whole process with the help of this research
design cab be presented in the theme. In this current research the whole study is based on the tool (Okpara and Idowu, 2013). There are differed
methods has been used in relation to understand the impact of digital technology on the small business enterprise.
Research philosophy- there are two kind of approach are to be taken as inductive and deductive. In this researcher can make the use of
different kind of hypothesis and practices. Tis is very helpful in order to provide proper justification (.Vujaklija, Hren and Marušić, 2010). There
are many types of research philosophies such are positivism, realism, and interpretative. In order to conduct the present research the
interpretative has been taken. In this proper value and justification can be conducted in the effective manner.
Research approach- this is helpful in order to understand each perspective in the systematic manner. There are two kinds of deductive and
inductive. In deductive the test and theories are existing. In the inductive approach enable to detailed analysis and observation is to be taken. It is
depending on the nature of the research (Okpara and Idowu, 2013). In this there is use of inductive approach. The qualitative research is
conducted in manner to find out the use of digital technology in the small white enterprise.
Data collection- this is the kind of technique which is helpful enough to gather the information about each content. There are two ways in
this manner the data is to be collected are as primary and secondary (Green, Camilli and Elmore, 2012). This is the most effective tool in order to
determine the whole study. In this present research the research has to make use of both collection methods. There are many kinds of tool such
are as observation, questionnaire and interview etc. With the help of this proper data is to conducted in the effective manner. There are some
tools which are as articles, journals, online website etc.
Data analysis- when the whole data is analysed than there is need to be conducted. It can be done where there availability of the possible
tools. This is the kind of effective tool which work in manner to enable the present data is to be collected from the table, graphs pie etc. IN order
3
Yes No Not Sure
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 8
9
3 Column B

to conduct the proper data it is essential to collect the useful information. This all are essential in or to make the whole research valuable
(MacDonald, 2012). IN the current research project the sample size is to be taken which are as 20. The whole information is conducted on the
employees of the firm. With the help of true and relevant data the whole research can be conducted in the effective manner.
Research limitation- IN order to conducts the research in the effective manner it is essential to put the effects and to be used the strategies with
the help of which the whole research can be conducted in the specific manner (Miller, Birch and Jessop, 2012). In this manner there are various
kinds of limitation are given which is to be considered. In this manner it is inclusive of the enough time in order to conduct the whole
information in the specific manner. The set of resources which are has take is aslo not sufficient. There are 20 employees who are considered in
order to conduct the research in effective manner.
(P6) Evaluate appropriate recommendations and draw out the conclusion
Digital technology is the effective part of business as it provides them with great efficiency to accomplish the set targets in effectual
manner. Hereby, it can be recommended that organisation should place this technology to each department of it so that it may synchronised its
functions and can make out its objectives in effectual manner. Further, the communication between departments and members should be sound
enough as through communication, it can have clarity of work among the employees as what they have to achieve with regards of organisational
goals. There is required training to new employees so that they may successful in achieving their assigned tasks in the best possible way.
The training evolves capabilities and skills in the employees which needs to be discover by management so that these abilities can be
channelised to increase in productivity of them. It is required that they come in contact with the digital technology so that they may be able to
complete their work in less time and quite easily with minimal errors. Through training, employees are well equipped with the technology and
they carry out their work in effectual manner to accomplish enterprise's goals and objectives.
Hereby it can be concluded that digital technology is modern day technology to firm which makes it productive and effective in
accomplishing its goals. By using it, enterprise saves much time in effective functioning which was not possible in traditional techniques. The
digital technology enhances employee's morale as they are imparted training efficiently. Training is necessary because if employees do not know
how to operate it then it will be wasted. Firm needs to impart training to workers so that they may produce efficient results. This eventually
accomplishes organisation's objectives in effectual way. Customers may be provided effective services by using digital technology.
Customers can be delighted by delivering services with the help of this technology. When customers are satisfied with the services, firm
gains more revenue which is the essence of this technology. Firm's profitability increases too much extent as customers are satisfied with the
quality of services provided by it. Also, employees are productive by utilising digital technology which ultimately provides firm effective results
in the form of profits and customer satisfaction. This leads to achievement of firm's goals in effective way.
(P7) Reflection of research to meet objectives
The research about the impact of digital technology has given me lot of useful information. It has improved my communication skills and
as a result I'm able to communicate effectively with people. It has improved my level of confidence to conduct further research on related topics.
I'm able to grasp more knowledge of digital technology as it is the primary tool which is used by organisation to meet its objectives in effectual
manner. I have achieved my objectives related to analytical skills as my skills are enhanced and I'm able to make good analysis of research topic.
It has also granted me efficiency to mange my work with various finding and facts about digital technology which has imparted me great
strength to accomplish my tasks in effective way. It has also provided me with handling of project management software in effective way and
I'm able to handle it with quite efficiency. I have learned lot of mistakes and I have rectified that in effective way.
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REFERENCES
Ahern, T., Leavy, B. and Byrne, P. J., 2014. Complex project management as complex problem solving: A distributed knowledge management
perspective. International Journal of Project Management. 32(8). pp.1371-1381.
Clough, R. H., Sears, G. A. and Rounds, J. L., 2015. Construction contracting: A practical guide to company management. John Wiley & Sons.
Jonas, D., Kock, A. and Gemünden, H. G., 2013. Predicting project portfolio success by measuring management quality—a longitudinal study.
IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 60(2). pp.215-226.
Kwon, O., Lee, N. and Shin, B., 2014. Data quality management, data usage experience and acquisition intention of big data analytics.
International Journal of Information Management. 34(3). pp.387-394.
Qadri, M., Khalid Hussain, M. and Rahman, A., 2015. Role of change management in the successful roll-out of IT projects: a case study of
higher learning institutes in Malaysia. International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations. 3(2). pp.275-281.
Verburg, R. M., Bosch-Sijtsema, P. and Vartiainen, M., 2013. Getting it done: Critical success factors for project managers in virtual work
settings. International journal of project management. 31(1). pp.68-79.
Green, J. L., Camilli, G. and Elmore, P. B., 2012. Handbook of complementary methods in education research. Routledge.
MacDonald, C., 2012. Understanding participatory action research: A qualitative research methodology option. The Canadian Journal of Action
Research. 13(2). pp.34-50.
Miller, T., Birch, M. and Jessop, J. eds., 2012. Ethics in qualitative research. Sage.
Okpara, J. O. and Idowu, S. O., 2013. Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
Vujaklija, A., Hren, D. and Marušić, M., 2010. Can teaching research methodology influence students' attitude toward science? Cohort study
and nonrandomized trial in a single medical school. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 58(2). pp.282-286.
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: To implement CSR in the
company Unicorn in order to meet its
sustainable objectives”
Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved
(Account for a minimum of six weeks with
dates)
➢ What have you completed?
➢ Did you fulfil the requirements of tasks?
➢ Are you on track and within deadlines set?
➢ Did you need to make any changes in your
project management plan?
I conduct research on company and identify
issues.
Further I prepared different aims and
objectives
After preparing aim and objectives I made
a prepared Gantt chart so that all activities
can be framed with time in 2nd week.
At the 2rd week for collecting the primary
information questionnaire was
constructed.
In the fourth week all the information
which is collected was analysed with
the use of qualitative techniques.
To prepare questionnaire and collection of
information is not an easy task but I
tried by best in order to complete all
the activities
Any risks and / or issues identified?
➢ Did you identify risks/issues with lack of  Risk is faced at the time of preparing
5

skills required for undertaking research tasks?
➢ Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project management
plan?
questionnaire because at starting I have
no idea of preparing the questionnaire.
There is no additional risks/issues that have an
impact on the project management plan
Problems encountered
➢ What barriers did you face?
➢ How did you overcome them?
Lack of time
with the use of time management strategy is
can overcome from this problem.
New ideas and change of project direction Different ideas I get while preparing research
questions
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 learned that now I can organise and manage
my all work on time.
It is useful in completing the task.
Problem solving skill I can improved.
This learning can be applied in future if any
difficulty I face in solving problem.
Tasks planned for next week
➢ Which tasks are the priority?
Have you set aside sufficient time for➢
completion?
Priority task is conducting survey, collection
and analysis of data.
There is enough time for completing of task.
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the supervisor and date:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
It accomplish to implement digital technology in small business.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline any evaluation and
assessment undertaken.
Yes, project aims and objectives completed in evaluation and assessment
3. 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.
I done very well in collection of data and promote effective results in the business environment.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there timely identification
of issues and resolution during the project process?
Lack of time
Lack of money
Unable to get proper responses
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I learned many things such as collection of data, communication with respondents and other perspective in a project.
6

6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the project?
I rate my own performances through considered feedback from the management consultant in the
project
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
Strength
 Good communication level
 Knowledge towards the topic
Weakness
 Lack of proper time management
 Respondents views and ideas
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
Through taking data and develop effective results in the Small White Elephant
UNIT 6 MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROJECT
P2 PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Project topic:The impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and innovation
Project aims and objectives:
Aim: “To assess the impact of digital technology that create support to small business growth and innovations – A Case study on Small White
Elephant”
Objectives
To determines understanding of digital technology in small business enterprise.
To analysis significance to implement growth and innovations.
To analysis interrelationship between digital technology and growth of Small White elephant cafe.
To recommends ways for enhance digital technology that also increase innovations.
Scope:
: In respect to make effective results, there are wide scope exists for implementation of digital technologies at workplace. It helps to enhance
growth and profitable outcomes that ascertain more revenue and profits. In the selected business unit, innovations also carry for develop target
market and profits in the systematic manner
Communication:
On the basis of above structure, it can be determines that there are several planned activities included that assists to accomplish effective
results in the business (Verburg, Bosch-Sijtsema and Vartiainen, 2013).
Resources:
In respect to considered extensive research program, it has been assessed that with the help of current research program, aims and objectives
will be accomplish in systematic manner (Jonas, Kock and Gemünden, 2013). However, primary and secondary information, findings also
7

made that assists to develop results in Small While Elephant.
Quality:
Quality is the another important perspective that make creative functions and operations to check relevancy of the data that are taken by
business unit. In respect to considered primary information, fresh and effective material required to accomplish aims and objectives (Clough,
Sears and Rounds, 2015).
Cost:
In respect to develop effective results, present study considered £650 budget. Hence, researcher can set cost for each activity that assist to
accomplish goals and objectives. It is fixed cost activities that assists to accomplish aims and objectives in systematic manner (Qadri, Khalid
Hussain and Rahman, 2015). In the related function and operation, primary and secondary data also collected that assists to make effective
function at workplace.
Time:
Total time taken for this project is around 12 weeks.
Risk:
In the research study, risk occurs due to limited time and cost. Hence, researcher face many difficulties and accomplish aims in the subjective
manner. In addition to this, participants also face problems to fill questionnaire so that researcher has duty to provide them proper functions
and operations in it (Kwon, Lee and Shin, 2014).
8