LO1: Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme.

Qualification

BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Business(Pearson)

Unit Number and Title

Unit 6:  Managing a Successful Business Project

Unit Tutor

Internal Verifier

Date Verified

Assignment Title

The impact of Technology on Business Activities

Issue Date

Submission Date

Learning Outcomes

Vocational Scenario (Context/Background)

Essential Content

LO1: Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme.

Project management:

• What is project management and what does it involve?
• The key stages of project management.
• The advantages of using project management and why it is important.

Initiation of the project and project planning phase:

• Scoping a project − defining objectives, scope, purpose and deliverables to be produced.
• Steps and documentation required in the initiation phase.
• Developing the project plan, including planning for timescales and time management, cost, quality, change, risk and issues.
• The work breakdown structure.
• Use of Bar and Gantt Charts for effective planning.

LO2: Conducting a Research Project.

Project execution phase:

• Selecting appropriate methods of information gathering, data collection and material resourcing.
• The distinct phases which support a coherent and logical argument.
• Use of secondary research to inform a primary empirical study.
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Field work:

• Selecting a sample of the consumer market, businesses or individuals (those who meet certain characteristics relevant to the research theme) is used to gather data (qualitative or quantitative).
• Sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and nonprobability sampling.

Ethics, reliability and validity:

• All research should be conducted ethically − how is this achieved and reported?
• Research should also be reliable (similar results achieved from a similar sample) and valid (the research should measure what it aimed to measure).

Analysing information and data:

• Using data collection tools such as interviews and questionnaires.
• Using analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding or typologies.

LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis.

Communicating outcomes:

• Consider the method (e.g. written, verbal) and the medium (e.g. report, online, presentation).
• Both method and medium will be influenced by the project research and its intended audience.

Convincing arguments:

• All findings/outcomes should be convincing and presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no knowledge of the project process.
• Developing evaluative conclusions.

Critical and objective analysis and evaluation:

• Secondary and primary data should be critiqued and considered with an objective mind-set.
• Objectivity results in more robust evaluations where an analysis justifies a judgement.

LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance.

Reflection for learning and practice:

The difference between reflecting on performance and evaluating a project − the former considers the research process, information gathering and data collection, the latter the quality of the research argument and use of evidence.

The cycle of reflection:

To include reflection in action and reflection on action.

How to use reflection to inform future behaviour, particularly directed towards sustainable performance.

Reflective writing:

Avoiding generalisation and focusing on personal development and the research journey in a critical and objective way.

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 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

This assessment 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.

The assignment scenario is:How digital technology has transformed business activities e.g. operations, marketing, accounting, HR.

Please note that students need to submit the log book along with assignment.

This task offers you an opportunity to achieve LO1: – P1, P2, P3, M1 and D1.

Submission Format

Project Proposal 

Criteria Covered

P1 P2 P3  M1 D1

Task Two: LO2 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project.

This task offers you an opportunity to achieve LO2: – P4 M2 and D1.

Scenario: After establishing project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme. Carry out  small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project

The following must be included in your Research:

P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.

Task Guidance:  Your Research should include the following points:

Project execution phase: Selecting appropriate methods of information gathering, data collection and material resourcing. The distinct phases which support a coherent and logical argument. Use of secondary research to inform a primary empirical study. Qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Field work: Selecting a sample of the consumer market, businesses or individuals (those who meet certain characteristics relevant to the research theme) is used to gather data (qualitative or quantitative).

Sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and nonprobability sampling.

Ethics, reliability and validity: All research should be conducted ethically − how is this achieved and reported? Research should also be reliable (similar results achieved from a similar sample) and valid (the research should measure what it aimed to measure)

Merits and Distinctions Criteria

To Achieve M2 you need toevaluate the accuracy and reliability of different research methods applied.

To Achieve D1 you need to critically evaluate the project management process and appropriate research methodologies applied.

Submission Format

Small scale academic research

Criteria Covered

P4 M2 D1

Task Three: LO3 Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis

This task offers you an opportunity to achieve LO3: – P5, P6, M3 and D2.

Scenario: You have been asked to pitch your idea to a made up of external and internal specialists. Using a PowerPoint presentation, You are required to prepare power point [12 slides; with an integrated speaker notes]

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.

Task Guidance:  Your presentation should include the following points:

Consider the method (e.g. written, verbal) and the medium (e.g. report, online, presentation). Both method and medium will be influenced by the project research and its intended audience.

Convincing arguments: All findings/outcomes should be convincing and presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no knowledge of the project process. Developing evaluative conclusions. Critical and objective analysis and evaluation:Secondary and primary data should be critiqued and considered with an objective mind-set. Objectivity results in more robust evaluations where an analysis justifies a judgement.

Merits and Distinctions Criteria

To AchieveM3Evaluate the selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support and justify recommendations

To Achieve 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.

Submission Format

Power Point Presentation with Speaker Notes

Criteria Covered

P5 P6 M3 &D2.

Grading Criteria

Learning Outcome

Pass

Merit

Distinction

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 and a Gantt Chart to provide timeframes and stages for completion.

M1Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule and project schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project.

LO1 & 2

D1Critically evaluate the project management process and appropriate research methodologies applied.

LO2Conducting a Research Project.

P4 Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.

M2 Evaluate the accuracyand reliability of different research methods applied.

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.

M3 Evaluate the selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support and justify recommendations.

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 recommendations and learning during the project.

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.

M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process and use of quality research to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance.