Successful Business Project: Lidl's Tech-Driven Workplace Post-COVID

This report investigates the significance of advanced technology in shaping employee roles during workplace transformation at Lidl, a major UK retailer, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the stages of the project life cycle, factors in compiling a project management plan (PMP), and various research methods. The report includes a PMP covering aims, objectives, deliverables, quality, risk, communication, and resources, along with a work breakdown structure and schedule. The research findings are presented with data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations, followed by a reflection on the project's value in meeting objectives and enhancing personal learning and performance. The study employs both primary and secondary research methods, utilizing a quantitative approach and survey strategy to gather data from Lidl employees, ultimately assessing the role of technology in the company's workplace evolution.

Unit 6 Managing a
Successful Business
Project
(To determine the importance of advanced technology in
executing roles of employees during workplace
transformation amid global pandemic COVID-19 within
retail industry of UK. A study on Lidl.)

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
TASK 1.............................................................................................................................................1
Explaining the stages of the project life-cycle (PLC) and their importance to the success of a
project...........................................................................................................................................1
Examining the factors that are required to be considered when compiling a project
management plan (PMP)..............................................................................................................2
Examining a range of research methods and strategies and their importance to project
management..................................................................................................................................3
TASK 2.............................................................................................................................................5
Producing a PMP that covers aim, objectives, deliverables, quality, risk, communication
resources as well as research methods..........................................................................................5
Producing a work breakdown structure and a schedule to provide time frames and stages for
completion....................................................................................................................................7
TASK 3.............................................................................................................................................8
Conducting a business project as stated within the PMP and communicate findings..................8
Presenting data to draw valid and meaningful conclusions and recommendations from data
analysis.......................................................................................................................................15
TASK 4 ..........................................................................................................................................16
Reflecting on the value of undertaking the business project to meet stated objectives and own
learning and performance...........................................................................................................16
REFERENCES...............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
In the current time businesses are associated with using of such technologies in the
organisation so that to develop working within the organisation. The advanced technology is
helpful in providing ease of functional execution so that task within the organisation can be
executed in desired manner. Workplace transformation is considered as the methods which are
used within the organisation so that flexible business solution in which business processes can be
executed in significant manner. The project manager within an organisation is associated with
executing the proposed project by understanding all the dimensions so that succession
opportunities can be acquired. Project manager requires higher plans and quality so that
operations can be overseen and project objectives can be acquired (Hicks, 2019). The following
research report is based on analysing importance of advanced technology in developing roles and
responsibilities within employees at the time of global pandemic COVID-19 and workplace
transformation. The current research is based on retail industry in which Lidl is taken as the
organisation which is one of the giant retailer in UK. The company has faced different issues due
to COVID-19 in respect of managing their business functions so that the company have
introduced workplace transformation in their workings so that to acquire prominence into the
business functions. The report covers different stages of project life cycle which is needed to be
considered at the time of managing differential projects. The report will also cover project
management plan so that to communicate outcomes of the research and to conclude all the
findings. The report will also cover reflection in which managerial process is being analysed in
terms of researcher's opinion.
MAIN BODY
TASK 1
Explaining the stages of the project life-cycle (PLC) and their importance to the success of a
project
The project management life-cycle is related with step-to-step guidance in which best
practices are being used and at the same time control can be acquired within project from its
starting to end. With the help of project life-cycle plan managers may get assistance to conduct
the project within the organisation in desired manner (Richardson and Jackson, 2018). There are
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four major steps within the project life cycle plan such as initiation, planning, executing and
closing. These stages on the context of workplace transformation are elaborated as under:
Initiating: This is defined as the initiation stage which is helpful in defining the project.
Under this stage project manage project goals, scope and resources so that optimal utilisation can
be made. This stage is considered as one of the most important stage within the project in which
succession opportunities to the project can be given. This provides clarity within the project so
that risk of non-accomplishment can be avoided and expectations of different stakeholders can
be settled. The researcher is needed to prepare research proposal so that all the key dates and
requirements can be outlined and at the same time goals of the organisation can be attained.
Planning: Under this stage of product life-cycle project manager will identify such steps
which are needed to manage the project and to complete the project as well. Under this project
manager will develop timelines, budget, milestones and all the needed material and documents
(Brewer and Dittman, 2018). In the context of above research project, Gantt chart will be used so
that risk of delays can be avoided and at the same time project expectations can be met.
Execution and completion tasks: This stage is related with developing project planner
so that actions can be taken and at the same time tracking can be made. This stage is associated
with defining tracking and measuring of performance so that risks can be mitigated and at the
same time quality can also be maintained throughout the project. In the current project, the
researcher will break down each and every activities in such manner that time can be allotted to
each activity.
Close projects: This stage is the last stage within project life-cycle in which project
manager is needed to conclude all the activities which are taken so that aspects can be assessed
and at the same time prominent results can be taken out (Heldman, 2018). In the current
research, close out report is used by the researcher so that summary related with project results
can be noted down.
Examining the factors that are required to be considered when compiling a project management
plan (PMP)
A project management plan is related with a formal and approved document which is
helpful in managing execution and monitoring of the project. There are various aspects which are
needed to be considered by project manager at the time of compiling a project and these aspects
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are scope, budget, timeline and different deliverables within the project. In the current research
such factors are elaborated as under:
Deliverables: This will assist the researcher that how the research will be broken down
into smaller activities and this can be measured in terms of acquiring success. For the current
research 19 weeks will be taken so that overall research can be executed. With the help of Gantt
chart different activities are included such as introduction, aims and objectives, literature review,
research methodology, data collection, data analysis and different others.
Quality: This is associated with types of information in which data is collected and in
order to maintain higher quality within the project (Aubry and Lavoie-Tremblay, 2018). In the
context of the current project quantitative information is collected so that accurate and valuable
information can be acquired.
Risk: This defines the factors which are helpful in identifying, addressing issues within
controlling the research. In the current research the major risks are related with time and resource
barrier in which using budget and Gantt chart risk is being mitigated (Nicholas and Steyn, 2020).
Communication: This is associated with defining the team and communicating the
outcomes of the project to the requisite party so that appropriate outcomes can be determined. In
the current research using survey strategy and emails stakeholders are being communicated and
in the same manner information related with the topic can be identified.
Resources: This is related with the resources which are needed to be used within the
project. In the current research, different resources are being used so that project can be executed
in appropriate manner. The are different resources within the project such as books, journals,
articles, stationary and different others.
Examining a range of research methods and strategies and their importance to project
management
Research methodology is defined as the specific techniques or procedures used by the
researcher for identifying, selecting, processing and analysing information about the selected
research topic (Dźwigoł and Dźwigoł-Barosz, 2018). This particular section helps the researcher
in knowing of what type of data used by the researcher and which philosophy, strategy,
approach, data collection method is used for collecting and interpreting information. The
researcher has used this section to analyse the validity and reliability of the overall information
so that they can perform the whole research in an effective manner.
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Research philosophies
Research philosophies can be defined set of principle that are used for collecting accurate
information about the given topic. Positivism and interpretevism are the two different types of
philosophies (Zangirolami-Raimundo, Echeimberg and Leone, 2018). Positivism philosophy is
the most suitable type of method that is used by the researcher in the present carried on research.
The main idea of selecting this type of approach is that it helps in gathering quantitative
information in an efficient manner.
Research approach
Research approach is considered as the important method of research as it helps in testing
the theories and hypothesis in a proper manner. Deductive and inductive approach are the two
different kinds of approaches (Ngozwana, 2018). Deductive approach is used by the investigator
in the current investigation as it helps in getting accurate information about the topic. The benefit
of using this approach helps in gathering quantitative data so that predetermined aims and
objectives of the research.
Research strategy
Research strategy can be defined as a step by step process which helps in gathering data as per
the idea and thought possess by the researcher (Säfsten and Gustavsson, 2020). There are
different kinds of research strategies such as survey, action research, case study, experimental
research, interview and many more. Survey method is used by the investigator in the current
ongoing investigation. The reason for choosing this type of method is that it helps the
investigator in collecting accurate data from the large sample.
Research choice
Quantitative and qualitative method are the two different types of research choice
methods. For conducting the current investigation, the investigator has selected quantitative
method for collecting and analysing information in a proper manner (Dodds and Hess, 2020).
The advantage of selecting this type of method is that it helps the investigator in deriving more
valid and reliable information from the collected numerical data.
Data collection
Data collection is defined as a set technique which helps the researcher in gathering and
evaluating information about the selected topic. There are two types of methods that is primary
and secondary (Abutabenjeh and Jaradat, 2018). The researcher has used both primary and
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secondary methods in the present conducted research. The advantage of selecting this type of
method is that it helps the researcher in gathering and interpreting data from different types of
sources like books, magazines, articles and so on.
Time horizon
Time horizon can be defined as a framework of time which is used by the researcher in
knowing about the invested time in the whole research. It can be divided into two different parts
such as longitudinal and cross-sectional methods. In the present investigation, the investigator
has selected cross-sectional method (Babii, 2020). The reason for selecting this type of approach
is that it helps the investigator in gathering data according to the present situation and in less
time period.
Sampling
Sampling is defined as the method that helps in collecting sample from the population
(Al-Ababneh, 2020). There are mainly two types of sampling methods and they are defined as
probability and non-probability sampling. In the present conducted research, the researcher has
chosen probability sampling method. The reason for selecting this type of sampling method is
that it helps in getting equal chance to get selected from the large set of population. 20
employees of Lidl are selected as a sample by the researcher.
TASK 2
Producing a PMP that covers aim, objectives, deliverables, quality, risk, communication
resources as well as research methods
To determine the importance of advanced technology in executing roles of employees
during workplace transformation amid global pandemic COVID-19 within retail industry of UK.
A study on Lidl.
Research objectives
 To understand the basic concept and terminology of digital workplace transformation
proposed by retail industry amid COVID-19
 To analyse the importance of advanced technology in executing roles of employees of
Lidl during workplace transformation amid global pandemic COVID-19
 To investigate the challenges faced by Lidl in the absence of digital workplace
transformation during global pandemic COVID-19
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Research questions
 What is the basic concept and terminology of digital workplace transformation proposed
by retail industry amid COVID-19?
 What is the importance of advanced technology in executing roles of employees of Lidl
during workplace transformation amid global pandemic COVID-19?
 What are the challenges faced by Lidl in the absence of digital workplace transformation
during global pandemic COVID-19?
Deliverables
This is helpful in dividing the whole project into different tasks so that measurable
variables can be added. In the current research, there are different activities such as aim and
objectives, literature review, research methodology and different activities and these are
allocated in 19 weeks so that to complete the same (Soltan and Ashrafi, 2020). These deliverable
will be helpful in executing the research in systematic manner.
Quality
The quality within research is considered as one of the major constraint which is
associated with the research so that accuracy can be maintained within the research. The current
project is based on quantitative research methods so that using such methods accurate
information can be acquired and at the same time better results can be attained.
Risk
There are different factors which may develop risk within the research so that these risks
are needed to be mitigated so that negative elements within the project can be avoided. The
researcher has limited time and resources within the current project which may create issues in
the project and this manner risks can be identified and at the same time they can be mitigated
(Madsen, 2020).
Communication
In the above research, researcher have used used different communication strategies so
that different outcomes can be communicated to the stakeholders. Using email,survey
information will be communicated.
Resources
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In the current research secondary data is also gathered so that using books, journals. On
the other hand, in terms of quantitative analysis questionnaire is used which is considered as the
major resources within the research.
Research Methods
In the current research, quantitative research methods are used so that numerical
information can be acquired within the research and at the same time research topic can be
understood in better way (Rustamova, 2021).
Producing a work breakdown structure and a schedule to provide time frames and stages for
completion
Gantt chart: Gantt chart is the project management tool which is used for the purpose of
examining starting and ending point for each activity (Gramatiuk and Hartl, 2022). This is the
bar chart which helps the researcher that to schedule planning activities within the project.
Work breakdown structure: This is the chart in which project is being divided into deliverable
activities so that efficiency can be attained within project.
For the current project WBS and Gantt chart is elaborated as under:
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TASK 3
Conducting a business project as stated within the PMP and communicate findings
Project management plan is related with including different aspects within research. For
the current project deliverables and results are communicated to stakeholders so that they can
make their decisions (Kumar, 2019). The current project encounters primary and secondary
information and using these methods data is being collected.
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Secondary data analysis
What is the basic concept and terminology of digital workplace transformation proposed by
retail industry amid COVID-19?
As per the view of Popkova, DeLo and Sergi (2021), workplace transformation plays an
important role in attaining high growth and profitability in the retail industry during COVID-19.
Bringing transformation in the workplace helps in deriving new ideas and innovativeness in the
business operations and helps in changing the workplace condition. Workplace transformation is
considered as a strategy related to business which helps the retail industry in changing the culture
of the workplace. It is defined as a process of rethinking about the environment in order to make
the place more comfortable and flexible that involves various digital network and technology in
the organisation. There is a major need of workplace transformation in the situation of COVID-
19 for improving the operations of the business and in bringing high success in the business
market (Thapa, Voola and Yesseleva-Pionka, 2022). There are different types of dimensions that
are included in the workplace transformation that are communication, employee resources,
collaboration and many more which helps in making the workplace more innovative and flexible.
It also helps the retail industry to work in a productive and efficient manner and for improving
overall performance of employees.
What is the importance of advanced technology in executing roles of employees of Lidl
during workplace transformation amid global pandemic COVID-19?
As per the view of (Donovan, 2022), implementation of advanced technology within Lidl
helps in improving the performance of employees within the workplace in order to gain high
share in the market and more customer base in the business market. The importance of advanced
technology in improving roles of employees in the pandemic times is defined below:
 Improved efficiency and productivity – Innovative and creative workplace
transformation at the workplace helps Lidl in improving their level of productivity and
performance of employees (Vahdat, 2021). With the help of various technologies and
networks the work of employees becomes more easier which results in increasing the
efficiency.
 Enhanced performance – New technology help Lidl in enhancing the working
performance of employees and this will result in gaining high growth and success in the
time of COVID-19 pandemic. This gives leverage to the employees of the company to
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work more effectively and efficiently in achieving high profitability and growth in the
competitive market (Narayanamurthy and Tortorella, 2021).
 Improved operational cost – By having creative and innovative digital transformation at
he workplace of Lidl helps in reducing the operational cost and extra expenses of the
company.
What are the challenges faced by Lidl in the absence of digital workplace transformation
during global pandemic COVID-19?
As per the view of Tasmilah, Pratomo and Syafitri (2022), digital transformation helps
the company in increasing the working capability and efficiency to work in the company more as
they will work with more confidence and will complete the work in the give time period. without
digital technology no organisation can survive especially in the time global pandemic and Lidl
faces many challenges which are defined below:
 Lack of IT skills – Lack of IT skills is considered as a challenge that Lidl face in the
absence of digital technology and this results in decreasing the working efficiency and
capability of employees. It is important for the company to train their employees in a
better manner do that they deal with the pandemic situation effectively (Ampah, 2021)
(Prapha and Ivanhoe, 2022).
 Evolving the needs of customers – Evolving the needs of the customers is a major
challenge that Lidl faces without having sustained digital technology within the company.
Customers are the main source of getting profits and this is they it is important for the
company to focus on delivering products in the time of COVID-19 from online sources
(Mihoreanu and Vlăducă, 2022).
Primary data analysis
Questionnaire
Q.1. What are the elements considered by the organisation while developing digital workplace
transformation in business practices?
a) Communication channels
b) Process management
c) Analytics
d) People
e) Flexible workplace policies
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