HND Business, Module: Project Management - Softwire Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Softwire, a consulting firm, and its project management strategies. It explores the aims and objectives of Softwire, focusing on how digital technology supports its growth and innovation. The report details the performance management plan, including key aspects like time, cost, and risk, and includes a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart for project visualization. It also presents research findings, including primary data collected through questionnaires, to assess the impact of digital techniques on business operations. Furthermore, the report discusses recommendations derived from the research and reflects on the value of the undertaken research in meeting the project's objectives and assessing the learner's performance. The assignment covers various aspects of project management, digital marketing, and business strategy, providing insights into how Softwire leverages technology to achieve its goals.

MANAGEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROJECT BY
IMPLEMENTING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES
1

Table of Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................3
Task 1................................................................................................................3
Aim and objectives of the project (P1)...............................................................3
Performance management plan (P2).................................................................4
Work breakdown framework and Gantt chart (P3).............................................5
Task 2................................................................................................................7
Conduction of a small scale research and gathering of information to support
the project (P4)................................................................................................7
Task 3................................................................................................................9
Communication of suitable recommendation because of research and analysis
of data to get conclusion (P6)..........................................................................11
Task 4..............................................................................................................12
Reflection on the value of the research undertaken to meet the objectives and
own performance (P7).....................................................................................12
Conclusion.......................................................................................................14
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
.........................................................................................................................14
Template for Performance Review Template to be attached with the report by
the learner:.......................................................................................................19
Reference list...................................................................................................22
2

Introduction
Project management is the fundamental phenomenon of every business. A large area has gained
importance in the last five decades. Here, the learner has chosen the organization Softwire to
discuss the project management plan and objectives of the organization. This is a small growing
company that provides consultancy services and innovation ideas to different software and
digital companies. This study will help to know the learner that how digital technology has
support in the growth of the business. It will also give a brief overview of the business project
management and develop an environment in which the team members of the project will feel
motivated in achieving the success of the project.
Task 1
Aim and objectives of the project (P1)
Softwire is a consulting firm and their objective is to deliver appropriate solution and innovation
ideas to the software companies. Their focus is to encourage their clients to think differently
from the other competitors in the market. They provide software development service to other
branded digital companies such as BBC, Yudu and many more. They help to plan the project of
various software companies digitally. It has been found that they help the company to identify
their aim and then proceed accordingly. They help in accelerating the capacity for innovating the
business so that they can get success in the business quickly. Their aim is to deliver high quality
of engineering projects and they treat all the projects as if it is their own project.
They understand the needs of the business and then develop software as per the requirements of
the project. The employees of the Softwire Company focus on developing the plan, design and
management of the projects (Larson and Gray, 2013, p.37). They provide technological
implementation and formulation to the companies in order to enhance the training skills and
operational services. They also provide digital marketing service various retail companies by
giving specialized training in online marketing. They help to target the appropriate customers in
an efficient way to enhance the profit of the business. They use the previous business model of
the company to analyze the potential of the market and they develop a marketing strategy to
achieve the goals of the business.
3

Performance management plan (P2)
Kerzner, (2013, p.14) has stated that the fundamental objectives of performance management
plan is to enhance the effectiveness of the business. It helps to set the smart objectives of the
business. Softwire consultancy helps their client to market their business via online mode. They
help to connect the gap between the online world and the business. They focus on delivering
cost-effective and high quality projects to their clients.
They evaluate the performance management of the consultants of the firm by giving them
reviews on their performance. The managers have started giving rewards to the best performer of
the month. They enhance their client to give facebook advertising to target the consumers by
demographics. This generates awareness and interest in buying the products and the services.
This also helps to find the potential consumers who are active in buying the products based on
their search items. It has been found most of the consumers spend time on internet. Softwire
consulting firm helps to connect the suitable audience at the right time by indulging the online
marketing services to their clients. Key phenomenon of the performance management is as
follows:
Time: this plan made by Softwire will not require much time in delivering the products and
services to the consumers. This online process of marketing for the clients will help to gain profit
in the business in a very short span of time (Hwang, 2013, p.272).
Cost: this is a cost effective plan and there is no labor cost in implementing this plan in the
business.
Scope: the business will get a better chance to get success in the market. Scope can be evaluated
when the clients will implement the management plan in their business.
Risk: The performance management includes the area of improvement in the work with
the human capital and provides satisfaction to the employees regarding their job
environment. However, there can be ample amount of risk while performing the technique
of performance management. Without positive feedback, the process of performance
management gets confusing and lacks the productivity of the organization through
performance of the workers.
Resources: Resources are important for the effectiveness of performance management.
This is because human resources department is effectively related to this technique.
Without proper resource as for example fund, software, employee efficiency and training,
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performance management technique can never be applied with full effectiveness. Without
proper resources it is impossible to apply performance management technique effectively
in any organization.
Quality: Performance management relates to the improvement of productivity in any
organization through the improvement of the working efficiency of the employees. This
helps to build the standard of performance of any particular organization and makes that
particular organization to be more performance based. Quality improvement is the basic
requirement of performance management; it helps to develop the productivity of the
organization withgin a fair work friendly environment.
Communication: Communication plays an important part in developing the performance
management in any organization. This is because performance management technique is
related to the effectiveness of human resource department. Therefore, if the manager is not
communicative enough with the subordinate employees regarding their performance, then
the technique of performance management can never be applied to that particular
organization effectively.
Work breakdown framework and Gantt chart (P3)
Kerzner, (2013, p.14) has stated that work breakdown structure helps to manage the teamwork in
the manageable section. The following Gantt chart and work breakdown structure has been
prepared for the project:
5

Figure 1: Gantt chart
(Source: self-created)
Figure 2: work breakdown framework
(Source: self-created)
M1
6

The project management plan for the Softwire consulting firm is to provide new opportunities to
the business to indulge the existing consumers and also grab the new customers. They enhance
the performance of the marketing of their clients by evaluating the social media, email
marketing, and use these to develop new marketing methods. Their motive is to improve the
name of the brand in order to attract new customers. Moreover, the manager of Softwire
Company focuses on the involvement of the new clients by implementing the campaigns of
social media. They plan and research the marketing issues that a client faced in their business
and advise them accordingly.
D1
The executive manager of Softwire consulting firm focuses on the business plan of the
organization to assure the vision of the consulting company. The goals and objectives of the firm
are set after reviewing the performance of the employees. They help their clients by managing
the marketing campaigns through emails, mobile marketing, social media and many more.
Task 2
Conduction of a small scale research and gathering of information to support the project
(P4)
Softwire consulting firm develops business strategies and helps to target the suitable audience to
implement new chance in the business organization. They work with their clients and give them
innovative ideas that are required for the business transformation in order to achieve success in
the business. They help in expanding the business globally. It has been found that the consultants
provide digital strategy in business that is related to business objectives by implementing the
latest technologies to develop competitive advantages in the market (Svejvig and Andersen,
2013, p.278).
Softwire consultancy provides suggestion on developing advantages by implementing IT to
renovate the operational business. It has been found that they provide critical analysis to the IT
companies that involve technology, process and operation of the business. They do a cost
effective analysis by developing the organizational function of the business. The role of the
consultant is to coordinate the platforms like blogs and the website's pages with the help of SEO
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to verify that all the ranks and the engine are highly cited in Google and other search engines.
Todorović et al. (2015, p.772) has mentioned that consultants help the business owners and
entrepreneurs to create the business objectives in order to gain the goals, success and profit of the
organization.
Research is the most effective tool in order to draw valid conclusions so that firms can
utilize all the tools in effective and planned manner thus achieving success for firms. There are
plans and time scale designed in order to perform business operations in planned ways. Data
collection is the most important tool as it results in achieving the most effective outcomes which
are useful or the overall research study.
Primary Data: This is the most important research method used by firms in order to get
effective results as the data is collected for the first time and this is collected on the basis of the
information gather. The data area collected and analyzed with the help of questionnaire in which
customers give their opinion. The questionnaire is filled randomly by 30 customers who are
using their products and services.
Questionnaire
Q1 The digital techniques are useful in order to expand the business
operations all around the globe?
Frequency
Yes 12
No 18
Q2) The concept of digitization are useful for Soft wire in order to
sustain their passion at market areas?
Frequency
Agree 28
Disagree 2
Q3 Does Digitization affect business activities in positive ways so
activities can be executed in effective manner?
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Q4 Which is the best and effective method used by firms for promoting
their goods and services at market areas?
Frequency
Online Websites 10
Social Media 15
Portals 5
Q5 What are the payment mode made available to customer who are
buying their goods?
Frequency
Bank Transfer 8
Debit/Credit Cards 12
Cash on delivery 10
8

Q6 Are you satisfied with the products and services which are offered by
firms?
Frequency
Yes 27
No 3
Q7 Provide Recommendations in order to make changes in products and
services offered by firms?
Secondary Data: This data collection method is different from the primary data as the
data is used which are already available in books, magazines and journal articles. This is not cost
and time consuming method thus most of the firms are using this method in order to collect data
in most effectual manner.
M2
The consultants assist the business owners in implementing the plans in order to bring change in
the business. The IT department of the consulting firm is well organized to meet the required
objectives in the transformation of the business. They use numerous tools and accelerators to
meet the cost effective objectives by keeping in mind the present business performance of the
organization. Their digital business strategies help to engage customers in grabbing the business
clients. The change in technology has enhanced the business of Softwire to expand globally.
They have advertised about the consulting firm and their business in social media. This has
attracted clients from the entire world. They have started providing solution to the business in a
most effective method by using various technologies.
D2
Pemsel and Wiewiora (2013, p.31) has stated that project management process critically analyse
the work culture and increase the efficiency of the management team. Softwire provides the
information technology to supports the organization of their clients. Senior manager of the
consultant identifies and includes duration of the plan. They are responsible for evaluating the
time and cost required for completion of the project plan. Then, the coordinator project
management supervises the senior manager by giving reports about the stakeholders and other
issues that will be benefitted in the project. Based on the project, the consultancy will develop a
custom team who will look over the project.
Task 3
Analysis of data and research using suitable techniques and tools (P5)
9

The project management of the organization will help to implement the best practice and
encourage efficient use of the resource in order to achieve the competitive advantage in the
world of market. The enhancement of the project management will help the organization to
develop methodologies and structure of the project management. In the opinion of Hornstein,
(2015, p.291), there should be proper communication within the organization to enhance the
growth. There must be a connection between the process and the project in order to control the
service and the product that will create opportunities in the business. On the contrary, Braglia,
M. and Frosolini, (2014, p.18) has contradicted that if there is any lack in the process and the
project then the entire business will go in loss. It is very important to evaluate the start and end
time of the project. The portfolio management is another part of project management that is
required to be focus by the organization. From the viewpoint of Softwire consultancy, it is
important to display the factors of every project for controlling the overall portfolio effectively.
However, Lawther and Martin (2014, p.219) has commented that in the beginning of
performance management, the organization should not care about the management of the project.
The only focus of the organization should be to make the project up to the next level. The
organization should evaluate the amount of cost that is going to be required for making the
project successful.
10

Theme 1:- Digital techniques are useful in
order to expand the business operations all
around the globe.
Frequency
Yes 12
No 18
Interpretation- From the above graphical representation it has been assessed that digital
tools are highly beneficial for company expansion across the globe but it creates problems at
some extent. Out of 30 members around 18 people are believing that business is easily expand
with the use of digital technology whereas rest 12 are agree with this statement due to efficiency
of digital tools.
11
12
18
Yes
No

Theme 2:- Concept of digitization are useful
for Soft wire in order to sustain their
passion at market areas.
Frequency
Agree 28
Disagree 2
Interpretation:- According to given representation it has been analyses that modern
tools are beneficial concept in various ways due to which around 28 people are agree with this
statement whereas rest 2 are disagree.
12
28
2
Agree
Disagree

Theme 3:- Digitization affect business
activities in positive ways so activities can be
executed in effective manner.
Frequency
Yes 25
No 5
Interpretation:- Almost 25 members are saying that digital technologies are influencing
business activities in beneficial ways whereas 5 members are not happy with this statement.
13
25
5
Yes
No

Theme 4:- Best and effective method used
by firms for promoting their goods and
services at market areas.
Frequency
Online Websites 10
Social Media 15
Portals 5
Interpretation:- From 30 members almost 10 are saying that online websites are
appropriate for promoting specific goods or services across the distinct areas whereas 15
members are going with social media and rest 5 are going with portals.
14
10
15
5
Online Websites
Social Media
Portals

Theme 5:- Payment mode made available to
customer who are buying their goods.
Frequency
Bank Transfer 8
Debit/Credit Cards 12
Cash on delivery 10
Interpretation:- Digital tools are useful for long distance consumers as it aids in
transaction process. Thus, around 8 members are using bank transfer for money transferal
whereas 12 members are saying that debit or credit card is very much appropriate. At last rest 10
are preferring cash on delivery.
15
8
12
10
Bank Transfer
Debit/Credit Cards
Cash on delivery

Theme 6:- Are you satisfied with the
products and services which are offered by
firms.
Frequency
Yes 27
No 3
Interpretation:- From the above graph it is identified that around 27 people are fully
satisfied with the product offered by an organization whereas rest 3 are not satisfied because
their personal reason.
M3
The project coordinator of Softwire is capable of developing a good schedule and is able to
manage the employees of the organization. The project manager should be able to manage the
project and assign role to the employees accordingly. The major factor that is needed for
implementing the performance management is to develop PMO in order to optimize the project
globally. PMO is responsible for controlling the project costs and other important resources that
16
27
3
Yes
No

are needed in the project. Softwire consultancy helps the company of the clients to set the
computer networks in order to expand the business.
Figure 1: Role of a project manager
(Source: Zhao, 2013, p.322)
D3
Project manager are responsible for carrying the project successfully. They ensure that the
project is strategically related to the profit of the organization. They should demonstrate the
projects to their business partners so that they get an interest to work with them. Moreover,
technology plays an important role in implementing the performance management of the project.
The study has identified various advantages of using technology in the performance of the
organization. According to Patikirikorala et al. (2015, p.101), technology should be developed to
satisfy the business needs and requirements.
Communication of suitable recommendation because of research and analysis of data to get
conclusion (P6)
Good communication skills are very important for the effective performance management of the
organization. Bento et al. (2014, p.29) has mentioned that to communicate effective the workers
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must set a strong and effective work relationship with the co-workers. This will enhance to get
smooth feedback and information about the project. It has been found that the manager of
Softwire has built a strong bond with the employees. The entire process of performance
management involves effective communication in the workplace. This ensures the growth and
success of the organization.
Task 4
Reflection on the value of the research undertaken to meet the objectives and own
performance (P7)
The manager of Softwire consultancy implements different techniques to execute better business
strategies in order to give better results. It is important to evaluate the performance of every
employees working in the organization. Softwire determines the performance of the employees
by evaluating the performance at an interval of one year. A midyear information meeting is
conducted by the organization and a yearend meeting takes place on the performance evaluation
of the employees. At some point of the year the manager, heal a discussion with the employees
to note the individual activities of the employees in order to enhance the goals and objectives of
the employees. The supervisor is smartly involve in the assessment of the employees by
providing them suitable training and coaching. The employees also get a chance to give feedback
to the trainer and the supervisor on the training that has been held for them. At the end of the
year, the review is given against the performance of each individual to develop the objectives for
the next year (Richards et al. 2014, p.1).
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Figure 2: performance management
(Source: Fullerton et al. 2014, p.414)
M4
Richards et al. (2014, p.1) has mentioned that performance management system helps to analysis
the performance of the organization. The planning of the project must be done to manage the
performance evaluation of the employees. Softwire consulting firm has indulge a linked the
performance management with the salaries of the employees. The executive managers of
Softwire consultancy serve as an efficient role model on the evaluation process of the
performance. The supervisor provides the additional training to the employees on how the
performance reviews will be organized at the end of the year.
D4
Softwire consulting firm operates using different organizational structure. The project manager
ensures that the project is appropriately implemented by the organization. They manage the
entire organization and understand the impact on various departments due to the new project.
They are responsible for checking whether all the employees are giving equal effort in
accomplishment of the project or not. This process is used in order to set the objectives and
assess the progress of the workers to ensure that the employees are accomplishing the objectives
and goals of their careers.
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Conclusion
Therefore, from the entire study it has been found that performance management plays a vital
role in the accomplishment of the project in Softwire consulting firm. Performance management
has enhanced the team performance of the organization. The development of the employees
depends on the performance management of the organization. . In this study, it has been
observed how performance management influences the expansion of the business. It has been
found that to achieve success every organization should focus on the performance management
of the organization. Hence, it can be concluding, from this study that performance management
system of the company has ensured the growth, productivity and performance of the employees.
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Softwire Consultancy
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved
(Account for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
Ø What have you completed?
I have completed the study on the topic of
importance of implementing digital
technology for small-medium scale
organization in order to enhance and boost
the growth of the business.
Ø Did you fulfill Task requirements?
Yes, I have fulfilled the task requirement for
completing the study.
Ø Are you on track and within deadlines
set?
Ø Yes, I am able to complete the project
within the deadline as I have dealt with
Comments
20

the project before.
Ø Did you need to make any changes to
your project management plan?
Yes, I have made changes in time of planning the
project as I have completed the market research
procedure in the effective and efficient way. I have
given a plan to indulge the digital technology in the
consulting business.
Any risks and / or issues identified?
Ø Did you identify risks/issues with a lack
of skills required for undertaking
research tasks?
It has been noticed that, many employees
are not able to use digital technology. It
takes time in time of implementation.
However, at the time of collecting data, the
managers of other business did not want to
give time. This has considered a risk for
completing the task.
Ø Did you identify any additional
risks/issues that have an impact on the
project management plan?
The workers have faced problem related to
execution in time of developing software.
They were able to solve the above stated
problem.
Problems encountered
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Ø What barriers did you face?
As not all employees were able to use
technology, it developed problems.
However, at the time of collecting data, few
participants do not answer the survey form
completely. Suitable answer is not
collected.
Ø How did you overcome them?
Ø I tried to provide training related to
digital technology to the employees for
achieving the aim of the venture.
However, at the time of data collection, I
made conclusion from the replies and
feedbacks of the users.
New Ideas and change of project direction
As the venture wants to provide online services to
the users using digital technology, they
continuously update their software.
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
Ø How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems?
Ø In time of dealing with the problems, I
try to keep my mind cool for solving the
problem.
Ø Did I find it useful to complete the tasks?
Ø Yes, the task provides huge knowledge
about the importance of using digital
22

technology in the business
Ø How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
Ø As a executive manager of Softwire, I
have tried to manage the operation and
observe the performance of employees
for achieving the aim.
Ø What can I improve on next week?
Ø Next week, I try to improve my
communication skill and managing skill
in order to accomplish success.
Ø How might this learning apply in the
future?
It will help to manage the project of business in the
effective way.
Tasks planned for next week
Ø Which tasks is priority?
Ø In next week, the team needs to observe
the procedure of execution of the plan.
Proper implementation is also needed.
Ø Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Ø Yes, I have set 6 months time for
introducing new online service to the
clients. It would help in the expansion of
the business.
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
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Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Template for Performance Review Template to be attached with the report by the learner:
1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
The project was supposed to accomplish the impacts and effects of using digital
technology in the small-medium size organization.
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline
any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes, the project is able to accomplish the success in its business as digital technology
has helped to enhance the business in a more efficient way. This has made the
business to run in a quick process.
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.
Proper planning will help to execute the project in a efficient way so that the project runs
in a systematic order.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there
timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
It has been observed the introduction of the new technologies has created confusion in
many employees. Therefore, effective training is needed to make them understand the use
of those technologies in the workplace. This was identified when they when to use the
technology in their task.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I have learnt to use the digital technology in the business. It has helped me to attract many
customers through social media. This has enhanced the marketing process of the
organization.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the
project?
I will rate the employees by reviewing their performance in the organization. It must be
checked whether they are able to target the suitable customers or not. The review will be
given according to their task accomplishment.
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7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
· Strengths
· Knowledge
· Hard working
· Team player
· Managing capacity
· Weaknesses
· Nervousness
· Lack of patience
· Sensitive person
· Too friendly
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
To develop the performance, I try to improve my drawbacks in the suitable way.
However, I feel nervous in different situation, therefore I try to spend free time so that I
can reduce my nervousness. I try to keep myself cool to handle the situation in a
systematic order. My strengths help to implement new strategies in work culture. It helps
to increase growth of the business. Development in the professionalism helps to develop
balance in the work venture.
25

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