BTEC Higher National Diploma: Managing a Successful Project at Tesco

This report analyzes Tesco's digital transformation project, focusing on the impact of digital technology on its business activities. It begins by outlining the project's aims and objectives, including exploring opportunities in digital technology and managing its potential negative impacts. The report then presents a project management plan covering costs, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are included to illustrate project timeframes and stages. The research methodology involves qualitative and quantitative research methods to meet project aims. Data analysis and recommendations are communicated based on the research findings, and the report concludes with a reflection on the value of the research and its contribution to organizational performance and learning. This document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a range of study tools and solved assignments for students.

Submission Front Sheet
Assignment Code: NSAB537B6
Programme: BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)RQF
Unit Title and Number: Managing a Successful Business Project (Unit 6)
Level: 5 Unit Code: D/508/0491; Credit value: 15 credits; Level 4
Module Tutor: Esther Aivinhenyi
Email: [e-mail]
Date Set: 12th January 2018
Name: ………………………………………….
Registration Number:..…………………………
Date: ……………………………………………
1
Learner’s statement of authenticity
I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. Where the work of others has been
used to support my work then credit has been acknowledged. I have identified and acknowledged all
sources used in this assignment and have referenced according to the Harvard referencing system. I
have read and understood the Plagiarism and Collusion section provided with the assignment brief
and understood the consequences of plagiarising.
Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___/___/_____

Is this a First Submission or Second Submission ?
Word Count (max.5000)
Turnitin Score
2
words
%

Unit 6 Managing a Successful Business Project
3

Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................................................5
About the company..................................................................................................................................................6
LO1..........................................................................................................................................................................7
P1. Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.................................................................................7
P2 Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of costs, scope, time, quality, communication, risk
and resources............................................................................................................................................................9
P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and stages for completion.....11
M1 Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestones and project schedule for monitoring and
completing the aims and objectives of the project.................................................................................................15
LO2........................................................................................................................................................................16
P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives......................................................................................................................16
M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the different research methods applied............................................23
D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and the research methodologies applied........................24
LO3........................................................................................................................................................................25
P5 Analyse your research and data using appropriate tools and techniques..........................................................25
P6. Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw valid and
meaningful conclusions..........................................................................................................................................30
M3 Evaluate your selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support and
justify recommendations........................................................................................................................................31
LO4........................................................................................................................................................................32
P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance
................................................................................................................................................................................32
M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process and use of qualitative research to meet stated
objectives and support own learning and performance..........................................................................................34
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 recommendations and learning
during the project...................................................................................................................................................35
Conclusion..............................................................................................................................................................36
References..............................................................................................................................................................37
4

5

Introduction
This reported study talks about the role of digital technology in transferring the operational
commercial activities of Tesco. It is necessary to adopt the latest digital technology within
the firm. It helps in managing the changing market culture of operation and another
department in an effective and efficient manner. Market research is one of the methods
which help in identifying the demand and desire of target and potential customers in an
effective manner. The discussion will be a focus on the role of digital technology in
transforming the business activities. This reported study is divided into four segments. The
first part will focus on the establishment of project purposes, aims and timeframes as per the
stated theme. The small research and information will be gathered in the second task. In the
third task, recommendation and appropriate conclusion will be explored in an effective
manner. The last part of this study will reflect on the value gained and its utility to upkeep
sustainable organisational performance.
6

About the company
Tesco is UK based supermarket which provides a wide range of goods and services to its
customer. The brand was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen. Tesco is also known as the third
largest retailer in the world as per its profit rate. Tesco has a market capitalisation of approx.
£18.1 billion as of 22 April 2015.
7

LO1
P1. Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.
Research topic- “How digital technology has transformed business activities of Tesco”.
Background of study:
Technology is a factor which is growing rapidly day by day. In simple words, technology can
be defined as a combination of processes, skills, and methods used for the production of
goods and services in an operational way. It helps in the communication of information and
data from one place to another. Technology is divided in many ways such as cloud
technology, consumer segmentation, connectivity, artificial intelligence and many more.
Development within an organisation is closely related with technology. Technology has
brought efficiency and quality in the operational sector of many firms like Tesco, Sainsbury,
and others. There has been a tremendous improvement in the field of operation. While
adopting the new technology, the profit and production rate of the firm will increase.
Advances in technology can also bring online transactions, online shopping to the customers
of Tesco. Business includes communication, transport, and others, making it a compound
web of procedures. The skills relating to other fields only promote business. Globalisation
has been apprehended because of the skills of technology. The development of radio
frequency identification has extensively changed the field of business logistics. This will be
helpful in tagging and tracking goods and services of the firm. This will be helpful in the
delivery of products on time. It is important to keep in mind that the technology has pros and
cons as well (Oklahoma SBDC, 2015).
Basically, technology has positive as the well negative impact on the business activities. It
totally depends on the operational management of Tesco that how they use while
manufacturing of goods. The implementation of technology required huge amount which can
affect the financial rate of the firm in an undesirable way. The manual working will also get
hampered. For knowing the basic concepts of technology, employees are required to be
getting trained by professional experts. The training session and upgrade of technology can
be luxurious. Sometimes, these expenses may be more expensive than manual working
(Gartenstein, 2018).
8

Scenario
Tesco is a multinational grocery retailer headquartered in Welwyn Garden City,
Hertfordshire, England, and United Kingdom. The management of Tesco is planning for
investing a huge amount in the implementation of digital technology for improving the
business activities. They are also planning on improving the production of goods and services
for fulfilling the needs and desire of customers.
The aim of the project:
 The main aim of this project is to develop and choose appropriate technology for the
development of the firm.
 To explore opportunities in digital technology while using the business activities.
 Manage the negative impact of technology on the operational activities of Tesco.
 Develop new goods and services by the use of digital technology.
Objectives of the project:
 The main objective of this report is to explore the business activities by using digital
technology.
 To analyse the role and importance of technology in the context of business activities.
 To estimate the influence of digital technology on the working environment of Tesco.

9

P2 Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of costs, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk, and resources.
The project management plan helps in defining how the project can be performed and
monitored in a systematic way. Basically, the project management plan covers the following
aspects:
Costs- For an effective completion of the project, it is important to manage its budget rate.
Cost is one of the important factors which help in the completion of the project. The
management of Tesco needs to manage the raw materials and another cost of managing the
investment and financial rate. The project development manager is required to analyse the
materials which are essential for the development of the project. It is important to manage the
cost factor of the project because it helps in handling the other factors and steps of the
project. The overall cost required for the closure of the research project is £ 500 million. The
additional cost of the project will also be analysed while making the overall budget.
Scope- The scope of the project needs to be defined before the execution of the project. It is
important to manage each and every step of scope whiles the implementation of research
project. Good scope of a project consists of its planning, breakdown structure and many
more. The project manager of Tesco needs to define the scope of the project in a systematic
manner. The scope of this project is that the transformation in business activities can also be
done in future of the firm. It is important that the project needs to be made in a systematic
way so that it can easily get an upgrade.
Time- It is important to manage the time planning of the research project. The role of project
development manager is to manage the time by estimating the appropriate duration to each
and every step of the project. For the completion of the project, one month will be required.
Time management can be defined as a process of organising and planning the time which will
be spent on each and every activity of the project. Proper time management will be helpful in
improving the productivity and efficiency of services and products. The opportunities will
also be increased for the advancement of the firm (MindTools, 2018).
Quality- It is important that the research project includes suitable quality of material for the
completion of the project. It will be helpful in achieving the goals and objective of the firm
before the deadline. The quality of the project can only be accomplished by proper
10

monitoring session. It is essential that the project manager needs to be able to predict the
quality of project before the implementation. Good quality of materials and resources can be
applied to the success of the project. The quality management in a project simply defines the
acceptable level of quality which can only define the target and potential customers.
Communication- While the planning phases of the research project, it is important to create
a high level of communication with the researcher. Effective communication will be helpful
in sharing new and innovative ideas from one person to another. This will be helpful in
completing the research project easily. Proper conversation assists in achieving an effective
result of the project. The goals and objectives can also be communicated to the employees.
They will work as per the stated aims and objective of the firm. It also creates a dialog among
employees and key stakeholders to gain the acceptance of project (Quick Base, 2015).
Risk- In a project management plan, the project manager is required to prepare the predict
risk and issues within the project. This will be helpful in analysing the problems within the
project while implementation. Risk can be defined as an uncertain event that can either have a
positive or negative impact on the project objectives. The project development manager of
Tesco is required to manage the issues and challenges for a suitable outcome.
Resources-For the completion of the project, it is important to manage the resources. It helps
in achieving the goals and objectives in an effective and efficient manner. As a minimum, the
project needs to have a project sponsor and project manager. They help in evaluating the
resources to each and every step the research project. The resource planning of project
includes authority and delegation schedule, role description, organisational breakdown
structure and many more. The project sponsor is responsible for providing funds for the
completion of the project (Gray, 2009).
11

P3 Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and
stages for completion.
Action plan- Action plan is a detailed plan which outlines the suitable actions required for
the completion of the project. The first step of the action plan includes the feasibility study
which means an assessment of the practicality of the proposed plan. It helps in determining
the viability of the idea and information such as ensuring whether the project is technically
and legally feasible. The second step is related to the planning of the research project. In this,
the budget, resources and other factors are analysed in an effective manner. The planning of
the project needs to be done under the supervision of stakeholders and project development
manager. The collection of information and data are to be done by primary and secondary
sources. The data can be collected from journals, books Website, and others. In the next step,
timeframes and resource will be allocated to each and every step of the research. The project
will be developed by combining the information and ideas of the customers. Monitoring and
testing will be done while the completion of the previous step. This will be helpful in
managing the issues and challenges before sending it to the consumer (MindTools, 2018).
Activities Starting date Ending date Duration(In
days)
Description
Feasibility
study
01 March 2018 05 March 2018 5 days Feasibility study
helps in
identifying the
potential
problem within
the project. This
step will be
helpful in
managing the
issues while the
implementation
of the project.
12