The Impact of Digital Technology on Business Activities: A Project

This project, titled "The impact of digital technology on business activities," examines the influence of digital advancements on operations management, using Thomas Cook Group PLC as a case study. The project includes a comprehensive project management plan, outlining objectives, scope, time, quality, risk, and resources. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques, including questionnaires distributed to employees. The project details the research design, philosophy (interpretivism), and approach (inductive), along with data collection and analysis methods. The project provides detailed analysis of the collected data using appropriate tools and techniques, followed by a discussion of the findings and recommendations for improving the application of digital technologies in operations management. The project also includes a reflection on the research process, evaluating the effectiveness of the chosen methods and tools used throughout the project.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Producing aim and objectives of the project for company................................................1
BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................................1
P2 Preparing project management plan by taking into consideration various elements.......1
P3 Preparing Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart for the project............................5
................................................................................................................................................6
................................................................................................................................................6
M1 Producing comprehensive project management plan and monitoring aims and objectives
of project.................................................................................................................................6
PART 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Conducting small-scale research by deploying qualitative and quantitative techniques. 6
M2 Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of research methods applied in the project........8
PART 3............................................................................................................................................9
P5 Analysis of research and data using appropriate tools and techniques............................9
P6 Communicating appropriate recommendations and conclusions....................................20
P7 Reflecting about own performance undertaken in completing research.........................21
M3 Evaluating selection of appropriate tools and techniques..............................................22
M4 Evaluating the value of the project management process..............................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

PROJECT TITLE: The impact of digital technology on business activities
PART 1
P1 Producing aim and objectives of the project for company
BACKGROUND
Operations management is an integral part of the management which helps business to
achieve efficiency within stipulated time frame and also it is beneficial in resolving and carrying
our complex business problems (Worcman and Garde-Hansen, 2016). It is the responsibility of
operations department so as to enhance overall operational activities in that manner by which
maximum efficiency can be garnered by organisation. Digital technology is advancement in
today's scenario which has paved the way for better management operations and accomplishing
tasks quite effectually (Bollard. 2018). Combination of digitisation and operations management
have effectively boosted performance of company. Thomas Cook Group PLC which is engaged
Sin hospitality sector has efficient operations management actively engaged to simplify complex
issues by deploying digital technology. Machines are helping human to reduce their efforts and
complexity is resolved by developing mathematical algorithms. However, to handle the same,
human efforts are required so as to personalised with new features aided by digital technology.
Project Aim:
“To ascertain the influence of digital technology on operation management in hospitality
sector- A study on Thomas Cook Group PLC.”
Project Objectives:
 To understand the concept of operations management in context of hospitality sector.
 To identify relationship between digital technology and operations management.
 To ascertain the influence of digital technologies on operation management in Thomas
Cook Group PLC.
 To recommend strategies for improvement in application of digital technologies in
operations management at Thomas Cook Group PLC.
P2 Preparing project management plan by taking into consideration various elements
Project cost-
1

The project should be within costs which are budgeted for it so that no over expenditures
can take place. Cost stipulated for this project is £15000 required for meeting project. In relation
to this, budgeted Cost sheet is being prepared-
Particulars Amount
Materials to be purchased 1800
Attaining software license 2400
Database licensing 700
Machinery expenses 2100
Cost of labour 900
Server expenditures 1100
Networking expenses 1800
Cost of stationary 1500
Travelling expenditures 2500
Cost for receiving secondary sources 1200
Total 15000
Project scope-
The project scope is being achieved by assessing digital technology on operations
management of Thomas Cook Group PLC. In addition to this, employees' of firm are included
and questionnaire will be deployed to 50 employees'.
Project time-
Time is the main element in each and every project of organisation. All the listed tasks
and activities are to be completed within time frame. Gantt chart and Work breakdown structure
both are produced showing that 51 days will be needed for project completion.
Project quality-
2

Qualitative factor is required to be ascertained in a better way. For accomplishing this,
data and related statistics are needed by which research can be achieved or in simple words,
outcome can be attained. Moreover, primary and secondary data are taken for aiding research
objective.
Project risk-
Risks are part of project and operational tasks of organisation are highly affected by the
same. Moreover, risk evolves because of lack of time and resources. It might occur in business as
it is not certain regarding its happening or non-happening.
Project resources-
Resources are needed so as to achieve research aim and objectives in timely manner. For
this, scholar has taken human, financial and technical resources for effectively attaining
conclusion and all this would be possible because of digitised advancement.
Project communication plan-
Sr. No Communicatio
n
Format Duration Personnels Presentation
1 Status update
about ongoing
project
Email Weekly Members and
stakeholders
Progress regarding
research would be
evaluated
2 Communicating
action plan and
follow-up
Conducting
meeting
Alternate days Entire team of
action plan
Steps for task
completion
3 Research
problem
Presentation Weekly Members and
stakeholders
Issues to be
assessed
4 Analysing use of
budget
Group
Discussion
(GD)
Once in a
month
Members and
stakeholders
Discussion on
expenses made
5 Analysing risk
and update of
Email and Weekly Project Manager Approval by
3

the same meeting Project Manager
Project scope statement-
The scope statement is helpful in allocating duties to employees which would lead to
completion of project with ease. Below is listed project management plan highlighting activities
to be conducted for overall completion.
Project Management Plan
Task Name Duratio
n
Star
t
Finis
h
Predecesso
rs
Resource
Names
WB
S
Actual
Cost Risk
Research topic selection 2 days Moder
ate
Initiating and
implementing problem
statement
4 days 1 2 £10.0
0 low
Review of the literature 6 days 2 literature 3 £200.
00 high
Devising and attaining
deadlines and schedules 5 days 3 4 £100.
00
Moder
ate
Selecting methods of
research 8 days 1,3
Books and
journals,
articles
from
internet
5 £0.00 Low
Analysing collected data 7 days 4 6 £300.
00 Low
4

Representing the data 4 days 5
Project
manageme
nt
7 £400.
00
Moder
ate
Evaluating outcomes and
findings 5 days 6,7 8 £200.
00 Low
Conclusion and
recommendations 2 days 8 9 £0.00 Low
Reflecting on chosen
methods' effectiveness 2 days 9 10 £0.00 Moder
ate
Documenting attained
outcomes 3 days 10
Technical
and human
resources
11 £200.
00 Low
Closure of project 2 days 11 12 £200.
00
Moder
ate
Final Submission of
report 1 day 11,12 13 £0.00 Low
5

P3 Preparing Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt Chart for the project
6

Illustration 1: Gantt chart
Illustration 2: Network diagram
M1 Producing comprehensive project management plan and monitoring aims and objectives of
project
Project management plan is being carried out in effective manner and all milestones
could be achieved as highlighted by activities listed in Gantt chart. Overall project will be
accomplished in 51 days by taking into account time constraints and other related aspects.
PART 2
P4 Conducting small-scale research by deploying qualitative and quantitative techniques
1. Research Design-
Design is an important part of research as it guides schema of entire project requiring to
be completed within stipulated time. In other words, it is called as blue-print before conducting
7

research and scholar is benefited regarding how to achieve to well-structured project sticking to
aim and objectives enlisted. It will help to attain and analyse various problems which needs to be
answered and carrying out research. There are several types of research design namely
exploratory descriptive and experimental design. In this scenario, exploratory design will be used
so as to ascertain characteristics of population and attaining useful insight about research and
conclude the same (Pagani and Pardo, 2017). Scholar will use descriptive research design where
he will depict the current sceanrio of the problem which has been chosen.
2. Research Philosophy-
It is the research which will be conducted in relation to the belief or attitude adopted by
researcher in carrying out research with listed objective. It will guide on how data will be
accumulated and analysed so as to use for research purpose in the best possible way. There are
various types of research philosophy such as pragmatism, positivism, realism and interpretivism
approach which can be used best suitable for the purpose. In present research, scholar has
adopted interpretivism philosophy. This will help in interpreting collected data and as a result,
particular theory would be accomplished, which will be outcome of research problem
formulated. Hence, it will be suitable for the company so as to attain research by effectively
interpreting data with ease. Interpretvism philosophy will be used by scholar in which he will
interpret the information derived from various sources.
3. Research Approach-
Research approach is technically referred to channelise or provide correct direction to the
research for completing the same and attain outcome. Basically, research approaches are
inductive and deductive. Both methods should be used in accordance to underlying purpose. In
this research, inductive approach will be used so as to interpret data in the best possible manner
and then reach at the outcome. Conclusion can be accomplished by formulating theory which
would be extracted from outcomes or findings of research. Deductive approach is out of the
purview because it does not consider statistical data analysis for reaching towards outcome. This
will help scholar to achieve aim of project in that manner which will be helpful in reaching out to
constructive conclusion regarding research (Heintzman, 2016). Scholar will use inductive
approach in which he will formualte theroes upno the informatuon which he will derive from
other sources.
8

4. Data collection-
It is required that data should be collected in that manner which could serve for the
purpose in the best possible way. It is needed that research aim should be in relation to data
collection as without adherence to the same, outcome cannot be accomplished quite effectually.
In this process, secondary source and primary source both are collected so as to come to
conclusion within timely manner. However, primary data is used to explore impact of digital
technology on the operations management of Thomas Cook Group PLC. The questionnaires is
circulated to 50 employees' of organisation which are sample of entire employees of company.
This aids in taking responses from the selected sample and carrying out results of research. It
will be collected through various sources such as primary and secondary. In primary he will
derive data through surveys by forming questionairre.
5. Data Analysis-
Mere collection of data does not serve for the purpose as it is required to analyse the
same and then meeting out of conclusion in effective manner (Davcik and Sharma, 2015). This is
essentially needed so that valid outcomes may be achieved and project can be finish-off in time.
Basically, techniques for analysing data are quantitative and qualitative. Both can be used to
analyse results of research in effective way. Particularly, qualitative technique is being utilized
and thematic analysis has been conducted to carry out research. Themes are used to assess the
responses of employees' and are supported through pictorial representation, tables for evaluating
with ease. Thematic analysis will be used for depicting several information provided through
varios sources.
M2 Evaluating the accuracy and reliability of research methods applied in the project
Project Log book
Task achieved
I have achieved through the project as per allocated tasks and objectives are met
Problems encountered
I have encountered problems related to data collection especially primary data.
9

What have I learnt about myself this week?
I have learnt communication skills for achieving tasks quite effectively.
Tasks planned for future
I will enhance projects in the future by deploying skills and abilities
Project Logbook
PART 3
P5 Analysis of research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
Data analysis is accomplished by scholar for transformation of data in to a specific
information in order to draw valid conclusion and outcomes of research. In this study scholar,
Questionnaire has been made by scholar for collection of data from selected 50 employees of
Thomas Cook PLC. This aids in analysing the influence of digital technology in management of
operations.
Name:
Company:
Q1. Does your organisation have implemented digital technologies in operations departments.
 Agree
 Strongly Agree
 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
Q2. Extent to which operations management activities are influenced by utilization digital
technology?
 High
 Limited
 Low
10

 No
Q3. Which important digital technology is mainly used by company to manage its operations?
 Digital software
 Cloud computing
 Mobile
 Online portal
Q4. Does the productivity of Thomas Cook is increased after implementation of digital
technology?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
Q5. Are your satisfied with implementation of digital technologies in managing operations?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
Q6. Which is important facility has influenced and increased customers of Thomas Cook group
PLC?
 E Booking
 Mobile Applications
 Online Payment
 Information portal
Q7. Is your organisation provide focus on increasing employees competencies to improve
operations?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
11

 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
Q8. Which provide you have faced in utilization of digital technologies ?
 Lack of knowledge
 Complexity
 Time constraints
 Training
Q9. Do you think that digital technologies have increased competencies of organisation to
manage and expand its operations across countries?
 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly Disagree
Provide your suggestion towards improvement in application of digital technologies at Thomas
Cook Group PLC.
__________________________________
Theme 1: Thomas Cook has implemented digital technologies in operations departments.
Does your organisation have implemented digital technologies for operations
management. Responses
Agree 20
Strongly Agree 10
Disagree 15
Strongly Disagree 5
12

Total 50
Interpretation: Survey is conducted by scholar for analysing whether company has implemented
digital technologies in operations department or not. From the sample size of 50 respondents, 20
respondents are “Agree” and 10 are strongly “Agree” as they feel that Thomas Cook has
implemented digital technologies for operations management. Further, 15 employees are
“Disagree” and 5 are “strongly disagree” with the statement. Hence, it can be said that Thomas
Cook Group PLC has implemented digital technologies for operations management.
Theme 2: operations management activities are “Highly” influenced by utilization digital
technology
Extent to which operations management activities are influenced by utilization
digital technology? Responses
High 25
Limited 10
Low 10
13
Agree StronglyAgree Disagree Strongly Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
20
10
15
5
Responses

No 5
Total 50
Interpretation: Above table provides understanding that 25 respondents stated that operation
management activities as “highly” influenced by use of digital technology. 10 respondents stated
that it provide “limited” impact on activities. However, 10 respondents have stated “Low” and 5
viewed that there is “No” influence of digital technology on activities. Hence, It is classified that
operation management activities are “Highly” influenced by utilization digital technology
Theme 3: Online portal is mainly used by Thomas Cook to manage its operations
Which important digital technology is mainly used by company to manage its
operations? Responses
Digital software 10
Cloud computing 15
Mobile 5
14
High Limited Low No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
25
10 10
5
Responses

Online portal 20
Total 50
Interpretation: From the survey on 50 employees, it is analysed that 10 respondents stated Digital
Software, 15 stated “ cloud computing”, 5 stated Mobile application and 20 employees are
agreed with “Online Portal”. From the above analysis, It is clear that online portal is mainly
used by organisation to manage its business operations.
Theme 4: Productivity of Thomas Cook is increased after implementation of digital technology
Does the productivity of Thomas Cook is increased after implementation of
digital technology? Responses
Agree 20
Strongly agree 15
Disagree 10
Strongly Disagree 5
Total 50
15
Digital softwares Cloud computing Mobile Online portal
0
5
10
15
20
25
10
15
5
20
Responses

Interpretation: Above analysis provides clear understanding that productivity of Thomas Cook
have been increased after implementation of digital. As 20 out 50 respondents are Agree, 15 are
“strongly Agree”, 10 are “Disagree” whereas 5 are “Strongly Disagree”
Theme 5: Employees in Thomas Cook are Satisfied with use of digital technologies in
operations management
Are your satisfied with implementation of digital technologies in managing
operations? Responses
Agree 30
Strongly agree 5
Disagree 10
Strongly Disagree 5
Total 50
16
30
5
10
5
Agree
Strongly Disaree
Disgaree
Strongly Disagree

Interpretation: Above questionnaire Survey provide information that Employees are Satisfied
with the implementation of digital technologies in managing operations. As 30 employees are
“Agree”, 5 are Strongly Agree, 10 respondents are “ Disagree” and 5 are “Strongly disgaree”.
Hence, it can be sated employees in Thomas Cook are Satisfied with use of digital technologies
in operations management.
Theme 6: Booking facility has influenced and increased customers of Thomas Cook group
PLC
Which is important facility has influenced and increased customers of Thomas
Cook group PLC? Responses
E Booking 25
Mobile Applications 10
Online Payment 5
Information portal 10
17
E Booking
Mobile Applications
Online Payment
Information portal
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
25
10
5
10
Responses

Analysis: In this researcher, Scholar has used questionnaire to conduct survey of 50 employees at
Thomas Cook. 25 respondents viewed that E Booking facility influence customers. 10 stated this
for Mobile Application, 5 stated this for online Payment whereas 10 stated this for information
portal. Therefore, it can be stated that E Booking facility influence and increased customer of
organisation.
Theme 7 Thomas Cook provide focus on increasing employees competencies to improve
operations.
Is your organisation provide focus on increasing employees competencies to
improve operations? Responses
Agree 15
Strongly agree 5
Disagree 20
Strongly Disagree 10
Total 50
18

Interpretation: It can be interpreted from the above chart that organisation do not focus on
providing or improving upon employees so as to make them efficient and increase their
competencies as 20 out of 50 workers disagree with the fact. While, 15 of them agree and rest
disagree.
Theme 8: Complexity was the problem which employees have faced in utilization of digital
technologies
Which problem you have faced in utilization of digital technologies ? Responses
Lack of knowledge 15
Complexity 20
Time constraints 10
Training 5
Total 50
19
Agree Strongly Agree Disgaree Strongly Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
15
5
20
10 Responses

Interpretation: It can be analysed from the chart that mostly employees face difficulties in using
digital technologies is complexity related to it. 15 of respondents believe they have lack of
knowledge and 10 believe due to time constraint and 5 face issues due to lack of training.
Theme 9: digital technologies have increased competencies of organisation to manage and
expand its operations across countries
Do you think that digital technologies have increased competencies of
organisation to manage and expand its operations across countries? Responses
Agree 10
Strongly agree 25
Disagree 10
Strongly Disagree 5
Total 50
20
Lack of knowledge Complexity Time contraints Training
0
5
10
15
20
25
15
20
10
5
Column B

Interpretation: It can be interpreted from the chart that 25 employees' strongly agree with the fact
that digital technologies have increased competencies of organisation to manage and expand its
operations globally. On the other hand, 10 respondents agrees and rest disagrees with the fact.
Analysis- It can be analysed that digital-technologies are pretty much helpful in attaining
operational efficiency as it is highlighted by above thematic analysis carried out in the best
possible manner. It has channelised efficiency in operations management and thus, it has been
fruitful for Thomas Cook Group PLC.
P6 Communicating appropriate recommendations and conclusions
Hereby it can be concluded from the above research that impact of digital technology on
the business activity prevails in attaining particularly efficiency in operations management. It can
be assessed that it is equally applicable in hospitality sector to effectively garner efficiency as
Thomas Cook Group PLC has deployed digital technologies for achieving quality and providing
speedy services to customers with much ease. This organisation has been satisfying customers
since its inception and it is also clarified by primary data collected from employees which
highlights that they are equally satisfied by company. It has been surveyed by making themes
that employees feel complexity is main issue which they face while using digital technologies. It
21
10
25
10
5
Agree
Strongly Agree
Disgaree
Strongly Disagree

is required that proper training must be provided to the employees so that operations managed in
a better way.
In addition to this, it can be recommended that adequate training may be provided to the
workers so as to enhance their efficiency and particularly, issues faced by them due to
complexity could be resolved up to a high extent. Furthermore, it can be identified that
productivity of workers needs to be enhanced so that daily operational activities may be injected
in effectual manner. This will have positive effect on the company as productivity would be
increased and firm may be able to multiply profits in shortest possible way. Moreover, it is
recommended that official website should be loaded with additional features so that firm can
effectively attain booking on online basis and as such, sales of Thomas Cook Group PLC would
be effectively maximised to great heights.
Furthermore, it has been analysed that global reach has to be increased and which could
be possible with the help of digital technologies and as a result, it is required that firm could be
able to meet out sales and eventually income may be increased quite effectually. Moreover, it
would be beneficial for the organisation as profitability position can be increased in a better way.
Hence, it can be said that digital technologies are important and has impact on business
activities.
P7 Reflecting about own performance undertaken in completing research
Above research has been successfully carried out with listed aim and objectives in
effective manner. I have been able to grab knowledge regarding the purview of research project
which was to analyse impact of digital technology on the business activities and as such, it is
being analysed that digitisation plays crucial role in the company in carrying out operational
activities. The project strictly describes that scholar should posses skills, abilities and
competencies to effectively extract research in the best possible manner. Furthermore, I have
learnt all the relevant skills which are needed to perform and is required that performance should
be enhanced in carrying out research quite effectually. Moreover, it is essentially needed that
cause and effect relationship should be evaluated. In relation to this, I have been able to assess
that digital technology is helpful for Thomas Cook Group PLC so as to attain efficiency in
managing operations with ease.
22

Objective of current topic is used to analyse whether digitisation is beneficial for the firm
or not and assessing its impact on business activities. Interpretivism philosophy is being used in
the research by me which facts and all related data has been evaluated and outcome of research is
achieved as well. Exploratory design is being used by me and as such, to carry out research
outcome in the best possible way. Quantitative method is also used and I'm able to finish-off
entire project in stipulated time. Moreover, I'm able to focus on research more effectively and
will be able to carry out future research projects in effectual way.
M3 Evaluating selection of appropriate tools and techniques
Performance Review
Rank to own performance
 Exceptional performance
 More than expected
 Meeting expectation Partially expected
Rank to quality of work
 1= Impressive
 2= Good
 3=Average 4=poor
Communication skills enhancement
 Yes No
Learnt about research methodologies
 Yes
 No
M4 Evaluating the value of the project management process
Performance Review
Project management process is met with conclusion
23