HND Business Project: Digital Technology and Small Business Growth

This project report, prepared for a Level 4 HND Business unit, investigates the impact of digital technology on the growth and innovation of small businesses. The project, acting as a consultant for a chosen organization (Charlotte hotel), involves developing project aims and objectives, a comprehensive project management plan covering cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources, along with a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart. The research incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods. The report includes analysis of research data, communication of recommendations, and reflection on the project's value for sustainable organizational performance. The project also requires a project logbook and performance review as supporting evidence. The report addresses specific learning outcomes and assessment criteria, including establishing project aims, conducting small-scale research, presenting findings, and reflecting on the project's value, all within a word limit of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 words. The Turnitin report is also included.

In this assessment, you will use the scenarios and also have opportunities to provide evidence against the assessment criteria.
Assessmen
t
Criteria
In this assessment you will have the
opportunity to present evidence
that shows you are able to:
Task
Number
Evidence
Page
number
LO1 Establish project aims,
objectives and timeframes based on
the chosen theme
P1 Devise project aims and objectives for a
chosen scenario.
P2 Produce a project management plan
that covers aspects of cost, scope, time,
quality, communication, risk and
resources
P3 Produce a work breakdown structure
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The impact of digital technology in supporting small business growth and
innovation.
Topic:
TITLE: MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROJECT

and Gantt chart to provide timeframes
and stages for completion.
LO 2: Conduct small-scale research,
information gathering and data
collection, generating knowledge to
support the project
P4 Carry out small-scale research by
applying quantitative and qualitative
research methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives
LO3: Present the project and
communicate appropriate
recommendations based on
meaningful conclusions drawn from
the evidence findings and/or analysis
P5 Analyse research and data using
appropriate tools and techniques
P6 Communicate appropriate
recommendations as a result of
research and data analysis to draw
valid and meaningful conclusions.
LO4: Reflect on the value gained
from conducting the project and its
usefulness to support sustainable
organisational performance
P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the
research to meet stated objectives and
own learning and performance.
Please see that you include the
Turn-it-in report. This work will not
be accepted without the Turn it in
report .
Report attached: Yes
No
If no Reason: % of the turn it in
report.
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Unit Planning:
The aim of this unit is to offer students an opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for managing and
implementing a project. Learners will undertake independent research and investigation for carrying out and
executing a business project which meets appropriate business aims and objectives. The Pearson-set theme for use
with Level 4 Unit 6: Managing a Successful Business Project is “The impact of digital technology
supporting small business growth and innovation”.
Introduction to the theme: The Pearson set theme for use with Unit 6: Managing a successful Business
Project.
Digital technology has revolutionised the way we conduct business. Over the last decade it has dramatically
changed traditional business models and transformed business activities. The use of digital mobile technology has
provided businesses with a wealth of choice and opportunity. This has enabled existing products to become more
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profitable and innovative new products to be developed, leading to increasingly diverse product portfolios. Its
impact is evident at the core of all key business systems:
● Administration - cloud technology enables effective filing, storage and sharing of information.
● Communication- social media and mobile technology allows businesses to connect, communicate,
collaborate and build relationships on a global scale.
● Storage and Distribution - `The Internet of Things’ is connecting and integrating systems throughout
business structures.
● Production - Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are driving Innovation and product growth.
However, changes in the way we work are not without their challenges as businesses have to adopt and deal with
change management, recruit and sustain creative talent, invest in new technologies and respond to an ever
increasing competitive environment.
This unit will enable students to examine the impact of digital technology on how we conduct business through
the context of a given project. This will provide the opportunity for students to contextualise the implications of
digital technology in the workplace and how it is shaping the future workforce. It will also enable them to explore
both the challenges and opportunities that rapid technological advances represents for businesses.
Topic: “The impact of digital technology supporting small business growth and
innovation”.
Type of project: Managing a successful business, research project which includes research
report, evidence of some investigation/fieldwork, feasibility study.
Scenario towards addressing LO1 to LO4:
You are the management consultant for a medium to small sized organisation not exceeding 150 employees and
an annual business turnover of not exceeding to more than 5 million per annum. This chosen organisation
wants you to prepare a project report on the Impact of digital technology supporting small business
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growth and innovation. Using the above specified topic, you are supposed to submit a Project report acting as
a consultant for the chosen organisation of your choice and not exceeding 3,500 to 4,000 words Approx. The type
of project chosen for the selected topic should allow for sufficient degree of research through the existence of
adequate background material and allow for the depth and breadth of study suitable for a level 4 qualification. It
is thus important to recognise that project work is reliant on gathering information/data that can be analysed. It
should include primary and secondary research. Along with the Project report students should also submit
evidence for the project findings in the form of a project plan, a completed log book and performance review. The
project management plan is designed to define how the project is to be planned, executed and monitored. The
Project management plan should give details of the actions required for the integration and coordination of
various planning activities to carry out the project. The Project log book is designed to provide evidence of the
project development process and ongoing reflection. It should provide evidence that there is a thought process
towards the direction of the project in particular, what problems were encountered and steps taken to address
them. The performance review should provide evidence of reflection and evaluation of the project management
process and individual performance.
Evidence required towards the Project Report that need to be supported along the report for the
chosen topic as specified above:
1. Project management Plan ( addressed in P 2(assessment criteria) good to say this within the word criteria
in the report )
2. Project logbook (Please use the template as specified below)
3. Performance review (Please use the template as specified below)
4. Project Report (approx. 3,500 to 4,000 word report as specified below addressing all the LO and AC)
(Please ensure to see that the report is submitted on TurnitIn along with the evidence of the project
log and performance review, using the template as specified below)
For the Project Report using the scenario as specified above, address the LO1 to LO4 as specified
below.
Task 1
LO 1 Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme.
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P1- Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario addressing the chosen tile as specified above.
P2 – Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk
and resources for the chosen project.
P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and stages for completion with
reference to the chosen project.
Note: For merit and distinction please refer to the Grading descriptor as specified below.
Task 2
LO2 Conduct small- scale research, information gathering and data collection, generating knowledge
to support the project as specified above:
P4- Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives for the chosen scenario.
Note: For merit and distinction please refer to the Grading descriptor as specified below.
Task 3
LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful
conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and /or analysis
P5 – Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques for the chosen project.
P6 – Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw valid and
meaningful conclusions for the chosen project.
Note: For merit and distinction please refer to the Grading descriptor as specified below.
Task 4
LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable
organisational performance for the chosen project.
P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and
performance. Note: For merit and distinction please refer to the Grading descriptor as
specified below.
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Assessment Criteria:
For the Merit and Distinction criteria, please refer to the marking scheme as specified below.
The module will be assessed and graded against all the Pass, Merit and Distinction criteria as specified
by the awarding body, Pearson Edexcel.
Please read the instructions carefully while addressing the tasks specified.
Contribution: 100% of the module
Unit 6: Managing a Successful business project
Pass Merit Distinction
LO1 Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the
chosen theme
LO1 & 2
D1 Critically evaluate the
project management process
and appropriate research
methodologies applied.
P1. Devise project aims and
objectives for the chosen topic as
specified above in the assignment
brief
M1 Produce a comprehensive project
management plan, milestone
schedule and project schedule for
monitoring and completing the aims
and objectives of the project.
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P2 Produce a project management
plan that covers aspects of cost,
scope, time, quality, communication,
risk, and resources.
P3 Produce a work breakdown
structure and a Gantt chart to
provide timeframes and stages for
completion.
LO2 Conduct small-scale research, informa tion gathering and data
collection, generating knowledge to support the proje ct.
P4 Carry out small-scale research by
applying qualitative and quantitative
research methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives.
M2 Evaluate the accuracy and
reliability of different research
methods applied.
LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate
recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the e
vidence findings and or analysis.
LO3 & 4
D2 Critically evaluate and
reflect on the project
outcomes, the decision
making process and changes
or developments of the
initial project management
plan
to support justification of
P5 Analyse research and data using
appropriate tools and techniques.
P6 Communicate appropriate
recommendations as a result of
research and data analysis to draw
valid and meaningful conclusions.
M3 Evaluate the selection of
appropriate tools and techniques for
accuracy and authenticity to support
and justify recommendations.
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recommendations and
learning during the
project.
LO4 Reflect on the value from conducting the project and its
usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance.
P7 Reflect on the value of
undertaking the research to meet
stated objectives and own learning
and performance.
M4 Evaluate the value of the project
management process and use of
quality research to meet stated
objectives and support own learning
and performance.
Template for evidence collection to be attached with
the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation: Charlotte hotel
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Managing successful business Date:
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Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved (Account
for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
➢ What have you completed?
➢ Did you fulfil Task requirements?
➢ Are you on track and within deadlines set?
➢ Did you need to make any changes to your
project management plan?
Comments
 I have conducted a study on role of digital technology in
boosting up the growth and performance of small business
enterprise: Charlotte hotel
 I have considered basic requirements in order to meet the
task standards.
 I have meet the project deadlines as per provided structure.
 No
Any risks and / or issues identified?
➢ Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of skills
required for undertaking research tasks?
 Improper knowledge about technical norms has created a
risk factor.
➢ Did you identify any additional risks/issues that
have an impact on the project management plan?
 Issues and risk in terms of planning and application of
strategies has also been identified in order to ensure about
standards.
Problems encountered
➢ What barriers did you face?
 Coordination and arrangements which has impacted the
overall process in diverse manner.
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➢ How did you overcome them?  Discussion with team members and other experts has
helped to resolve issue
New Ideas and change of project direction
 To determine the relationship between the digital platform
and growth of the organization
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?
 Improvement in skills
 It has helps to meet task needs
 I have used innovative ideas to meet requirements.
 I can improve knowledge in technical norm.
 I can attend events to have better information about
developments.
Tasks planned for next week
➢ Which tasks are priority?
➢ Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
 Project implementation and work
breakdown structure
 Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
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