Project Development and Implementation for Strategic Managers

Assignment Brief

This unit provides learners with an opportunity to develop their project management and research skills by developing a project where they plan and implement a new product, service or process.

Summary of Outcomes to be assessed:

• Develop a project specification
• Plan a project to ensure that it meets its objectives
• Implement a project and evaluate the outcomes
• Present the project outcomes using appropriate media

Sample Answer

Project Development and Implementation for Strategic Managers

Project Specification

This project focuses on the planning and implementation of a new mobile ordering application for BrewTime Café, a mid-sized coffee shop with a growing customer base. The aim of the project is to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction by allowing users to order and pay for their items remotely, reducing queue times and improving service flow, especially during peak hours.

The primary objectives are to:

• Launch a user-friendly mobile ordering app within 10 weeks.

• Decrease in-store queueing by at least 30% post-implementation.

• Improve order accuracy and reduce staff workload.

• Stay within a fixed budget of £15,000.

Stakeholders include internal café staff (baristas, shift managers), external customers (who will use the app), and the contracted development team responsible for building the application. Other indirect stakeholders include payment processing partners and the café’s existing IT support staff.

A feasibility study was conducted to assess operational challenges, market readiness, and technological requirements. The study supported the need for such an application, particularly due to the increase in mobile-centric consumer behaviour and the high potential for repeat business through convenience-based services.

Project Planning

The planning stage involved defining tasks, timelines, costs, and risk mitigation strategies. An Agile methodology was selected due to its iterative nature, allowing for continuous feedback and improvements during the development phase. A high-level work breakdown included:

• Week 1–2: Requirements gathering, stakeholder meetings, and finalising the development brief.

• Week 3–5: Prototype design and user interface testing.

• Week 6–7: Back-end development and integration with POS systems.

• Week 8: Internal testing with staff.

• Week 9: Limited customer testing and adjustments.

• Week 10: Full launch and initial marketing push.

A Gantt chart and task tracker were created to ensure transparency and monitor progress across all project milestones. Weekly check-ins were scheduled with the development team and café management to resolve any bottlenecks promptly.

Budget considerations included:

• App development: £9,000

• Testing and staff training: £2,000

• Marketing and promotions: £2,500

• Contingency fund: £1,500

Potential risks were addressed early. For example, to mitigate the risk of low user adoption, we planned a launch promotion offering a free coffee with the first mobile order. Technical downtime was mitigated by scheduling the app launch during off-peak hours and ensuring strong IT support availability.

Project Implementation and Evaluation

The project was implemented according to the planned schedule. Close coordination with the app development firm ensured the timely delivery of the prototype, which was refined after feedback from both customers and café staff. The final application included features such as:

• Customised drink orders

• Loyalty card integration

• Real-time order updates

• Secure payment gateway

Upon full implementation, the project was evaluated through a set of predefined success metrics. These included:

• Reduction in queue times (measured via in-store observation)

• App downloads and active users

• Customer satisfaction (gathered through surveys)

• Staff workload (measured via shift reports)

Key outcomes:

• Queue times reduced by 33% during peak hours.

• The app was downloaded over 500 times in the first month.

• 90% of users gave positive feedback about usability and convenience.

• Staff reported lower stress levels during morning rush hours.

Lessons learned included the importance of training frontline staff thoroughly in handling app-based orders and ensuring that digital systems integrate smoothly with existing in-house operations.

Continued...