E208479-1729857989847-588221-Unit - 6 Planning A Computing Project

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 177

Unit 06

Planning a Computing
Project

W. Renato croos
00196592
ESOFT METRO campus Negombo
Higher Nationals
Internal verification of assessment decisions – BTEC (RQF)
INTERNAL VERIFICATION – ASSESSMENT DECISIONS
Programme title BTEC HND in Computing

Ms Sumudu Samarakoon
Assessor Internal Verifier
Unit: 6 Planning a Computing Project
Unit(s)
Planning a Project on the Big Data Technologies in achieving operational
Assignment title efficiency
W. Renato croos
Student’s name
List which assessment criteria Pass Merit Distinction
the Assessor has awarded.

INTERNAL VERIFIER CHECKLIST

Do the assessment criteria awarded match


those shown in the assignment brief? Y/N

Is the Pass/Merit/Distinction grade awarded


justified by the assessor’s comments on the Y/N
student work?
Has the work been assessed Y/N
accurately?
Is the feedback to the student:
Give details:
• Constructive? Y/N
• Linked to relevant assessment criteria? Y/N
Y/N
• Identifying opportunities for
improved performance?
Y/N
• Agreeing actions?
Does the assessment decision need Y/N
amending?

Assessor signature Date

Internal Verifier signature Date


Programme Leader signature (if required)
Date
Confirm action completed
Remedial action taken
Give details:

Assessor signature Date


Internal Verifier
signature Date
Programme Leader
signature (if required) Date
Higher Nationals – Summative Assignment Feedback Form
Student Name/ID W.Renato Croos
Unit Title Unit: 6 Planning a Computing Project

Assignment Number 1 Assessor


DateReceived1stsub
Submission Date
mission
DateReceived2ndsubmissio
Re-submission Date
n
Assessor Feedback:

LO1. Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge on an

identified subject

Pass, Merit & Distinction P1 P2 M1 D1


Descripts
LO2. Explore the features and business requirements of organisations in an identified sector

Pass, Merit & Distinction P3 P4 M2


Descripts

LO3. Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified organisation

Pass, Merit & Distinction P5 M3


Descripts

LO4. Present your project recommendations and justifications of decisions made, based on research of the
identified theme and sector
Pass, Merit & Distinction P6 P7 P8 M4 D2
Descripts

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Resubmission Feedback:

Grade: Assessor Signature: Date:

Internal Verifier’s Comments:

Signature & Date:


* Please note that grade decisions are provisional. They are only confirmed once internal and external moderation has taken place and grades decisions have
been agreed at the assessment board.

3
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Assignment Feedback
Formative Feedback: Assessor to Student

Action Plan

Summative feedback

Feedback: Student to Assessor

Assessor signature Date

Student signature Date

4
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Pearson
Higher Nationals in
Computing
Unit: 6 Planning a Computing Project

5
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
General Guidelines

1. A Cover page or title page – You should always attach a title page to your assignment. Use previous page as
your cover sheet and make sure all the details are accurately filled.
2. Attach this brief as the first section of your assignment.
3. All the assignments should be prepared using a word processing software.
4. All the assignments should be printed on A4 sized papers. Use single side printing.
5. Allow 1” for top, bottom, right margins and 1.25” for the left margin of each page.

Word Processing Rules

1. The font size should be 12 point and should be in the style of Time New Roman.
2. Use 1.5 line spacing. Left justify all paragraphs.
3. Ensure that all the headings are consistent in terms of the font size and font style.
4. Use footer function in the word processor to insert Your Name, Subject, Assignment No, and Page Number
on each page. This is useful if individual sheets become detached for any reason.
5. Use word processing application spell check and grammar check function to help editing your assignment.

Important Points:

1. It is strictly prohibited to use textboxes to add texts in the assignments, except for the compulsory
information. eg: Figures, tables of comparison etc. Adding text boxes in the body except for the before
mentioned compulsory information will result in rejection of your work.
2. Carefully check the hand in date and the instructions given in the assignment. Late submissions will not be
accepted.
3. Ensure that you give yourself enough time to complete the assignment by the due date.
4. Excuses of any nature will not be accepted for failure to hand in the work on time.
5. You must take responsibility for managing your own time effectively.
6. If you are unable to hand in your assignment on time and have valid reasons such as illness, you may apply
(in writing) for an extension.
7. Failure to achieve at least PASS criteria will result in a REFERRAL grade.
8. Non-submission of work without valid reasons will lead to an automatic REFERRAL. You will then be asked to
complete an alternative assignment.
9. If you use other people’s work or ideas in your assignment, reference them properly using HARVARD
referencing system to avoid plagiarism. You have to provide both in-text citation and a reference list.
10. If you are proven to be guilty of plagiarism or any academic misconduct, your grade could be reduced to A
REFERRAL or at worst you could be expelled from the course

6
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Student Declaration

I hereby, declare that I know what plagiarism entails, namely to use another’s work and to present it as my own
without attributing the sources in the correct way. I further understand what it means to copy another’s work.

1. I know that plagiarism is a punishable offence because it constitutes theft.


2. I understand the plagiarism and copying policy of the Pearson UK.
3. I know what the consequences will be if I plagiaries or copy another’s work in any of the assignments for this
program.
4. I declare therefore that all work presented by me for every aspects of my program, will be my own, and where I
have made use of another’s work, I will attribute the source in the correct way.
5. I acknowledge that the attachment of this document signed or not, constitutes a binding agreement between
myself and Pearson UK.
6. I understand that my assignment will not be considered as submitted if this document is not attached to the
attached.

[email protected] 2024/10/16
Student’s Signature: Date:
(Provide E-mail ID) (Provide Submission Date)

7
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Higher National Diploma in Computing

Assignment Brief
Student Name /ID Number E208479

Unit Number and Title Unit: 6 Planning a Computing Project

Academic Year 2023/2024018

Unit Tutor

Assignment Title Planning a Project on the Big Data Technologies in achieving operational efficiency

Issue Date

Submission Date

IV Name & Date Roshini Sembacuttiaratchy 28/08/2023

Submission Format:
The submission should be in the form of an individual report with the following sections.

Section 1: Project Management Plan

Section 2: Research report

Section 3: Action Plan

You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs, and subsections as appropriate, and all work
must be supported with research and referenced using Harvard referencing system. Please provide in-
text citation and a list of references using Harvard referencing system.

Please note that this is an individual assessment, and your report should include evidence to that you
have conducted a research to collect relevant data individually.

8
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Unit Learning Outcomes:
LO1 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge on
an identified subject

LO2 Explore the features and business requirements of organisations in an identified sector.

LO3 Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified organisation

LO4 Present your project recommendations and justifications of decisions made, based on research of
the identified theme and sector

Assignment Brief and Guidance:

9
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Research Theme: Big Data

Research Topic: The impact of the application of Big Data Technologies in operational efficiency
in a range of academic, scientific and economic areas.

“Big data is a term that has become more and more common over the last decade. It was originally
defined as data that is generated in incredibly large volumes, such as internet search queries, data
from weather sensors or information posted on social media. Today big data has also come to
represent large amounts of information generated from multiple sources that cannot be processed in a
conventional way and that cannot be processed by humans without some form of computational
intervention. Big data can be stored in several ways: Structured, whereby the data is organised into
some form of relational format, unstructured, where data is held as raw, unorganised data prior to
turning into a structured form, or semi-structured where the data will have some key definitions or
structural form, but is still held in a format that does not conform to standard data storage models.
Many systems and organisations now generate massive quantities of big data on a daily basis, with
some of this data being made publicly available to other systems for analysis and processing. The
generation of such large amounts of data has necessitated the development of machine learning
systems that can sift through the data to rapidly identify patterns, to answer questions or to solve
problems. As these new systems continue to be developed and refined, a new discipline of data
science analytics has evolved to help design, build and test these new machine learning and artificial
intelligence systems. Utilising Big Data requires a range of knowledge and skills across a broad
spectrum of areas and consequently opens opportunities to organizations that were not previously
accessible. The ability to store and process large quantities of data from multiple sources has meant
that organisations and businesses are able to get a larger overall picture of the pattern of global trends
in the data to allow them to make more accurate and up to date decisions. Such data can be used to
identify potential business risks earlier and to make sure that costs are minimized without
compromising on innovation. However, the rapid application and use of Big Data has raised several
concerns. The storage of such large amounts of data means that security concerns need to be
addressed in case the data is compromised or altered in such a way to make the interpretation
erroneous. In addition, the ethical issues of the storage of personal data from multiple sources have
yet to be addressed, as well as any sustainability concerns in the energy requirements of large data
warehouses and lakes”. (Pearson, 2023)

10
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Assignment Scenario

You are expected to carry out a small-scale research project in order to explore the “impact of the
application of Big Data Technologies in operational efficiency in a range of academic, scientific and
economic areas” from the standpoint of a computing professional or a data scientist. The research that
you carry out can be based on an organization / organization, a field, a case study, a scenario, etc. that
you have access to gather sufficient information to investigate the applications, benefits and
limitations of Big Data technologies.

The findings of the research should be presented in a professionally compiled report and the report
should cover the given tasks including,

 A comprehensive project plan - including a work, time and resource allocation/ breakdown using
appropriate tools. A business area analysis Including the features and operational areas of the
business and the role of stakeholders and their impact on the success of the business.
 A research paper - including application and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative research
methods to generate relevant primary data and examination of secondary sources to collect
relevant secondary data and information.
 An Action plan – including recommendations and evaluation of project outcomes comparing the
decisions given in the project plan.

11
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
TASK – 01 and 02 : Project Management Plan
Task 1
1.1. Select an organization/ organization, a field, a case study or a scenario of your choice that allows
you to explore and study the relevant data of the application of Big data technologies. Plan a small-
scale research project on the impact of the application of big data technologies in operational
efficiency.
Provide an introduction and background to your project and the chosen organization / field or the
scenario . Define the scope and devise aims /objectives of the project that you are going to carry
out. You also should include risks and benefits of exploring the impact of big data technologies of
the chosen organization/s or the field.

1.2. Produce a comprehensive project plan including the following.


 Cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources management plan.
 Comprehensive Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with clearly defined activities and
milestones.
 Gantt chart to illustrate project schedule with realistic time allocated for each activity and
clearly defined deadlines for milestones.

TASK – 02
Discuss the features and operational areas of the chosen organization/s , the role and the impact of
stakeholders for the success of the business. You also need analyse the challenges the organization/s
may face in achieving the success and meeting business objectives by applying big data technologies to
achieve operational efficiency.

TASK – 03: Research Report


Carry out the research to investigate the “impact of the application of big data technologies in
operational efficiency” and generate relevant primary data by applying appropriate qualitative and
quantitative research methods. You need to examine secondary sources to collect relevant secondary
data and information to support the research. You then need to analyse the data and information and
interpret the findings to generate knowledge on how the application of big data technologies supports
business requirements in the identified organization/s .

12
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
TASK – 04: Action Plan
4.1 Communicate appropriate project recommendations derived from the research data
analyzed for technical and non-technical audiences and assess the extent to which the
project recommendations meet the needs of the chosen organization/s.
4.2 Discuss the reliability, accuracy, and the appropriateness of the research methods applied
while arguing and evaluating the planning recommendations made in the project plan
comparing them to the actual outcomes and the need of the chosen organization/s.

13
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Grading Rubric
Grading Criteria Achieved Feedback

LO1 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate
knowledge on an identified subject
P1 Demonstrate qualitative and quantitative research methods to generate relevant primary data
for an identified theme.
P2 Examine secondary sources to collect relevant secondary data and information for an identified
theme.
M1 Analyse data and information from primary and secondary sources to generate knowledge on an
identified theme.
D1 Interpret findings to generate knowledge on how the research theme supports business
requirements in the identified sector.
LO2 Explore the features and business requirements of organisations in an identified sector

P3 Discuss the features and operational areas of a businesses in an identified sector.


P4 Discuss the role of stakeholders and their impact on the success of a business

M2 Analyse the challenges to the success of a business in an identified sector

LO3 Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified organisation

14
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
P5 Devise comprehensive project plans for a chosen scenario, including a work and resource
allocation breakdown using appropriate tools.

M3 Produce comprehensive project plans that effectively consider aims, objectives and
risks/benefits for an identified organization.
LO4 Present your project recommendations and justifications of decisions made, based on
research of the identified theme and sector
P6 Communicate appropriate project recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences. .

P7 Present arguments for the planning decisions made when developing the project plans.

P8 Discuss accuracy and reliability of the different research methods applied.

M4 Assess the extent to which the project recommendations meet the needs of the identified
organisation, including fully supported rationales for planning decisions made.

LO3 & LO4


D2 Evaluate the project planning recommendations made in relation to the needs of the identified
organisation and the accuracy and reliability of the research carried out.

15
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Acknowledgment

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who supported me in completing


this assignment on planning a computer project. First and foremost, I would like to thank
my lecturer, Mr. Nadeera, for his valuable guidance, expertise, and continuous feedback,
which were crucial in shaping my understanding of the project. His insights have been
incredibly helpful throughout this learning journey.

I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my family and friends for their
unwavering encouragement and support. Their motivation and belief in my abilities kept
me focused and inspired during the entire process.

Thank you all for your invaluable contributions to this project.

16
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Table of Contents

Acknowledgment...........................................................................................................................................15

Table of figures..............................................................................................................................................18

Table of tables................................................................................................................................................19

LO1 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge
on an identified subject.................................................................................................................................20

1.1 Introduction and Background of the Project.......................................................................................20


1.1.1 Company Overview......................................................................................................................20
1.1.2 Relevance to Big Data..................................................................................................................20
1.1.3 Importance in the Industry............................................................................................................21
1.1.4 Scope of the Project......................................................................................................................23
1.1.5 Aims & Objectives of the Project.................................................................................................24
1.1.6 Risks & Benefits...........................................................................................................................26
1.1.7 Strategic Insights and Innovation:................................................................................................28
1.1.8 Primary Data.................................................................................................................................30
1.1.7 Secondary Data.............................................................................................................................70

1.2 Generating Information from Primary and Secondary Sources..........................................................74


1.2.1 Introduction to KFC......................................................................................................................75
1.2.2 Interview Questions......................................................................................................................76
1.2.3 Purpose of Each Interview Question for KFC..............................................................................78
1.2.4 Survey Questions..........................................................................................................................80
1.2.5 Purpose of Each Survey Question...........................................................................................85
1.2.6 Methodology of Interviews and Surveys......................................................................................86
1.2.7 Literature Reviews........................................................................................................................89
‌1.2.8 Interview Responses.....................................................................................................................90

1.3 Key Findings from Interviews and Surveys at KFC...........................................................................104

LO2 Explore the features and business requirements of organizations in an identified sector..........109

2.1 Business type and ownership (Private Limited Company)................................................................109


2.1.1 Operational areas and Features in KFC......................................................................................110

2.2 role of stakeholders............................................................................................................................112


2.2.1 Owners/Shareholders..................................................................................................................112
2.1.3 Employees..................................................................................................................................114
2.1.4 Customers...................................................................................................................................115
2.1.5 Suppliers.....................................................................................................................................117

17
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
2.1.3 Impact of stakeholders on an organization's success..................................................................121

2.3 Challenges to the success of a business.............................................................................................123

LO3 Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified organization.. .126

3.1 Project Charter..................................................................................................................................126


3.2.1 Project Charter for KFC Big Data Operational Efficiency Project............................................129
3.1.2 Project Management Plan...........................................................................................................133
Contents...............................................................................................................................................133

3.2 Evaluation of Alignment with Organizational Needs at KFC............................................................157

LO4 Present project recommendations and justifications of decisions made, based on research of the
identified theme and sector........................................................................................................................159

4.1 Effective Communication of Project Recommendations....................................................................159

4.2 Rationale for Planning Decisions......................................................................................................161

Reference:....................................................................................................................................................171

18
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Table of figures

Figure 1: Ethnographic.......................................................................................................39
Figure 2: Correlational Research........................................................................................60
Figure 3: Probability Sampling..........................................................................................65
Figure 4: Non-Probability..................................................................................................66
Figure 5: Survey.................................................................................................................80
Figure 6: Survey.................................................................................................................81
Figure 7: Survey................................................................................................................82
Figure 8: Survey................................................................................................................83
Figure 9: Survey................................................................................................................84
Figure 10: Survey response................................................................................................97
Figure 11: Survey response................................................................................................97
Figure 12: Survey response................................................................................................98
Figure 13: Survey response................................................................................................98
Figure 14: Survey response................................................................................................99
Figure 15: Survey response................................................................................................99
Figure 16: Logo................................................................................................................133
Figure 17: Gantt chart.......................................................................................................137

19
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Table of tables

Table 1: Budget Estimation..............................................................................................135


Table 2: project schedule..................................................................................................136
Table 3: Risk management plan.......................................................................................140
Table 4: Work Breakdown Structure................................................................................142
Table 5: Change Management Process............................................................................147
Table 6: Roles and responsibilities...................................................................................147

20
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
LO1 Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to
generate knowledge on an identified subject.

1.1 Introduction and Background of the Project.

1.1.1 Company Overview


KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a global fast-food chain known for its signature fried
chicken and a variety of other menu items. In Sri Lanka, KFC has established itself as a
popular choice for quick-service meals, catering to a wide range of customers across the
country. The company operates multiple outlets, serving meals both in-store and through
delivery services, making it a major player in the local food industry.
KFC Sri Lanka focuses on maintaining consistency in food quality, customer service, and
operational efficiency. With a growing demand for fast, convenient meals, KFC faces
challenges in managing supply chains, inventory, and real-time customer orders. The
company is increasingly looking to big data technologies to streamline operations. By
applying data analytics, KFC aims to optimize ingredient sourcing, enhance delivery
times, and improve customer satisfaction, all while ensuring high standards of food safety
and quality.

1.1.2 Relevance to Big Data


KFC's operations are significantly enhanced by the integration of Big Data technologies,
which play a crucial role in driving operational efficiency and improving customer
experience. With vast amounts of data generated from various sources, including
customer orders, inventory levels, and digital interactions, Big Data enables KFC to gain
valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and ordering patterns.
By analyzing this data, KFC can optimize its menu offerings, streamline inventory
management, and improve supply chain processes. This ensures that popular menu items
are always available, while minimizing excess stock and reducing food waste.
Additionally, predictive analytics powered by Big Data allows KFC to forecast demand
trends, leading to more informed decision-making and better resource allocation in its
outlets.
Moreover, customer analytics helps KFC to enhance its marketing strategies, target
promotions effectively, and personalize loyalty programs to engage with individual
customers. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also strengthens brand
loyalty and repeat business.

21
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Despite these benefits, KFC also faces challenges related to data security and ethical
considerations, particularly in handling sensitive customer information. Addressing these
issues is vital for maintaining consumer trust and ensuring compliance with data
protection regulations. Overall, the relevance of Big Data to KFC is profound, as it
supports the company’s strategic goals, enhances operational efficiencies, and positions it
competitively in the fast-food industry.

1.1.3 Importance in the Industry

The importance of Big Data in the fast-food industry, particularly for organizations like
KFC, cannot be overstated. As the foodservice landscape becomes increasingly
competitive, leveraging Big Data technologies has emerged as a critical factor for
success. Here are several key aspects highlighting its significance:

1. Enhanced Customer Insights:

Big Data allows fast-food chains like KFC to analyze vast amounts of customer
information, including order history, preferences, and dining behaviors. This
insight enables businesses to create personalized experiences, target marketing
campaigns effectively, and improve customer satisfaction, which is essential for
building brand loyalty in a highly competitive market.

2. Operational Efficiency:

Big Data technologies help streamline operations by optimizing supply chain


management, inventory control, and resource allocation. By predicting demand
patterns and managing stock levels more effectively, KFC can reduce costs,
minimize food waste, and ensure that popular menu items are available when and
where customers need them.

3. Competitive Advantage:

KFC, using Big Data analytics, can stay ahead of competitors by making informed
strategic decisions based on real-time data. This includes identifying emerging

22
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
consumer trends, understanding market dynamics, and swiftly adapting to changes
in customer preferences, allowing the company to seize new opportunities and
mitigate risks.

4. Innovation and Product Development:

By analyzing market trends and customer feedback, KFC can identify gaps in the
market and develop new menu items that cater to evolving consumer tastes. Big
Data facilitates innovation by providing insights into what customers want, thus
driving menu development and promotional efforts.

5. Fraud Detection and Risk Management:

Big Data technologies enhance security measures by enabling fast-food chains to


detect fraudulent activities and assess risks in real-time. By monitoring
transactions and analyzing patterns, KFC can identify suspicious behaviors,
protecting itself and its customers from potential financial loss.

6. Cost Reduction:

Effective use of Big Data can lead to significant cost savings by optimizing
operational processes and enhancing resource management. This results in lower
overhead costs, improved profitability, and better resilience in challenging
economic conditions.

The importance of Big Data in the fast-food industry is evident in its ability to drive
customer engagement, enhance operational efficiencies, foster innovation, and maintain a
competitive edge. For organizations like KFC, embracing Big Data technologies is
essential for navigating the complexities of the modern foodservice environment and
achieving sustainable growth.

23
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.1.4 Scope of the Project

The scope of the project for KFC involves the implementation of Big Data technologies
to optimize various operational areas and improve overall business performance. Key
areas of focus include:

1. Customer Data Analysis:

The project will encompass the collection and analysis of customer data, such as order
histories, preferences, and feedback, to gain insights into consumer behavior. This data
will be utilized to tailor marketing strategies, personalize customer experiences, and
improve customer retention.

2. Supply Chain Management:

Big Data will be applied to enhance KFC’s supply chain operations. By analyzing
demand forecasts, stock levels, and supplier performance, the project aims to streamline
procurement processes, reduce food waste, and ensure the availability of high-demand
items across all outlets.

3. Operational Efficiency:

The project will focus on using data analytics to optimize KFC's daily operations. This
includes enhancing inventory management, predicting peak hours for efficient staffing,
and reducing service times to improve the overall customer experience.

4. Marketing and Promotion Optimization:

By analyzing customer data and market trends, the project will support the development
of targeted marketing campaigns and promotions. This will help KFC increase
engagement, improve sales, and strengthen customer loyalty.

5. Innovation in Menu Development:

The project will also explore customer preferences and feedback to inform the
development of new menu items. Big Data analytics will drive product innovation,
ensuring that KFC remains competitive by offering menu choices that cater to customer
demands.

24
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Risk Management and Fraud Detection:

The scope includes integrating Big Data analytics into KFC’s risk management strategy.
This will involve monitoring transactional data for patterns that indicate fraudulent
activities, ensuring the safety and security of both the business and its customers.

The scope of this project covers various critical business areas, aiming to leverage Big
Data technologies to improve KFC’s operational efficiency, enhance customer
satisfaction, and drive innovation in product offerings. The project will contribute to
KFC’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.

1.1.5 Aims & Objectives of the Project

The aim of the project for KFC is to leverage Big Data technologies to enhance
operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive innovation, ensuring that
KFC remains competitive in the fast-food industry. The project seeks to utilize data-
driven insights to optimize business processes and maximize profitability.

Objectives:

1. Enhance Customer Experience:

Utilize Big Data analytics to understand customer preferences, behavior, and feedback,
enabling KFC to offer personalized services and promotions that increase customer
satisfaction and foster brand loyalty.

2. Optimize Supply Chain Management:

25
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Improve supply chain efficiency by utilizing predictive analytics to manage inventory
levels, forecast demand, and reduce food waste, ensuring timely delivery of products and
minimizing stock shortages.

3. Improve Operational Efficiency:

Use data to streamline in-store operations, reduce wait times, and ensure better allocation
of resources such as staffing and kitchen workflows, leading to an overall improvement in
customer service.

4. Support Innovation in Product Development:

Leverage consumer data to inform new product development, enabling KFC to introduce
innovative menu items that cater to evolving customer tastes and preferences.

5. Boost Marketing and Sales Strategies:

Apply data analytics to develop targeted marketing campaigns, refine promotional


strategies, and increase sales by effectively engaging with the right customer segments
through personalized offers.

6. Enhance Risk Management and Security:

Integrate Big Data analytics into KFC’s risk management system to identify and mitigate
potential fraud, ensuring the security of transactions and customer data.

By achieving these objectives, the project will support KFC in strengthening its market
position, increasing operational efficiency, and offering a superior customer experience
through data-driven strategies.

26
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.1.6 Risks & Benefits

Risks:

1. Data Security and Privacy:


With the increased use of Big Data technologies, KFC faces the risk of data breaches,
which could compromise sensitive customer information. Ensuring robust cybersecurity
measures is critical to protecting customer trust and complying with data protection
regulations.

2. Implementation Costs:
Implementing Big Data solutions can be expensive, requiring significant investments in
infrastructure, software, and skilled personnel. Mismanagement of these costs can affect
KFC’s profitability in the short term.

3. Data Overload:
The vast amount of data collected may overwhelm KFC’s existing systems if not properly
managed, leading to inefficiencies in processing and utilizing the data for meaningful
insights.

4. Resistance to Change:
Employees may resist adopting new Big Data technologies due to unfamiliarity with the
systems or fear of job displacement. This could hinder the project's success if proper
training and change management strategies are not implemented.

5. Inaccurate Data Analysis:


Incorrect interpretation of data can lead to poor decision-making. KFC may face risks if
the analytics systems generate inaccurate predictions, leading to misaligned strategies in
marketing, operations, or supply chain management.

Benefits:
1. Enhanced Customer Experience:

27
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
By leveraging Big Data to personalize offers and improve service, KFC can significantly
enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Analyzing customer preferences allows KFC
to create targeted promotions that increase repeat business and overall revenue.

2. Operational Efficiency:
Big Data can streamline operations, enabling better inventory management, optimizing
staff allocation, and reducing service times. This leads to cost savings and increased
productivity across KFC’s outlets.

3. Better Decision-Making:
Real-time data analytics empower KFC to make informed, data-driven decisions. By
analyzing trends and customer behavior, KFC can respond swiftly to changes in market
demand and customer preferences, giving the company a competitive edge.

4. Innovation and Product Development:


The insights gained from analyzing customer data can guide the development of new
products tailored to consumer preferences, helping KFC stay ahead of market trends and
continuously innovate its menu offerings.

5. Cost Savings:
Improved supply chain efficiency, reduced food waste, and optimized inventory levels
will lead to significant cost reductions. Big Data enables KFC to manage resources more
effectively, boosting profitability in the long term.

6. Risk Mitigation:
Big Data technologies allow KFC to identify and address potential risks, such as fraud
detection and operational inefficiencies. This proactive approach to risk management
ensures better overall security and stability for the business.

In summary, while KFC may encounter some challenges and risks in implementing Big
Data technologies, the potential benefits far outweigh these obstacles. By improving
customer experience, optimizing operations, and driving innovation, Big Data can
significantly contribute to KFC’s success in the fast-food industry.

28
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
The integration of Big Data at KFC provides a wealth of strategic insights and
opportunities for innovation, positioning the company to remain competitive in a fast-
evolving market. Leveraging Big Data analytics enables KFC to gain deep insights into
customer behavior, optimize operations, and innovate both in product offerings and
customer engagement strategies.

1.1.7 Strategic Insights and Innovation:

Strategic Insights:

1. Customer Behavior Analysis:


Big Data allows KFC to track customer preferences, purchasing patterns, and even
feedback across all touchpoints—both online and in-store. These insights enable the
company to design personalized marketing campaigns and promotions, targeting specific
customer segments with offers that are likely to resonate with their tastes and behaviors.

2. Market Trends Forecasting:


KFC can use predictive analytics to anticipate market trends, helping the company to
adapt to changes in consumer demand quickly. Whether it's seasonal fluctuations in sales
or new dietary trends, KFC can stay ahead of competitors by introducing relevant
products and services that align with customer expectations.

3. Optimized Resource Allocation:


With the help of data insights, KFC can streamline its resource allocation, from staffing
during peak hours to inventory management. Knowing the busiest times and most popular
menu items allows KFC to better plan its operations, minimizing costs while ensuring
customer satisfaction.

Innovation:
1. New Product Development:
Big Data enables KFC to innovate its menu by identifying gaps in the market and
evolving customer preferences. For example, the company can analyze data on trending
ingredients, dietary preferences (such as plant-based options), and regional tastes to

29
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
introduce new products that cater to these evolving demands. This continuous innovation
helps KFC stay fresh and relevant to its diverse customer base.

2. Personalized Customer Engagement:


Data-driven insights can revolutionize how KFC interacts with its customers. By
analyzing customer feedback and purchase history, KFC can create personalized loyalty
programs, promotions, and mobile app features. This personal touch not only enhances
customer experience but also fosters stronger brand loyalty.

3. Operational Innovation:
Big Data facilitates innovation in operational processes, from optimizing delivery routes
to reducing service times in stores. For instance, KFC could use real-time data to adjust
staffing levels dynamically, ensure that key ingredients are always in stock, and predict
equipment maintenance needs before failures occur.

4. Sustainability Initiatives:
With Big Data, KFC can also innovate around sustainability. By analyzing data related to
food waste, energy consumption, and supply chain inefficiencies, KFC can develop
strategies to reduce its environmental impact. This not only aligns with global trends
towards more sustainable business practices but also appeals to environmentally
conscious customers.

5. Competitive Advantage through Real-time Insights:


Big Data provides KFC with real-time insights into both internal operations and external
market conditions. This allows the company to make rapid, informed decisions, such as
adjusting menu pricing based on competitor activity, responding to real-time customer
feedback, or tweaking promotional strategies to maximize engagement during specific
times or events.

Big Data equips KFC with the strategic insights and innovative capabilities necessary to
enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and remain a leader in the
fast-food industry. By embracing data-driven innovation, KFC can continue to evolve and
meet the ever-changing needs of its global customer base.

30
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.1.8 Primary Data

Primary Data
In the context of KFC, primary data refers to the first-hand data collected directly from
customers, operations, and other sources that are crucial for decision-making. Unlike
secondary data, which is collected by other entities and is usually historical, primary data
is obtained specifically to address current objectives and challenges facing the company.
For KFC, this data is critical for understanding customer behavior, improving product
offerings, and optimizing operations.

Sources of Primary Data at KFC:


1. Customer Surveys and Feedback Forms:
KFC can collect direct feedback from its customers through surveys, both online and in-
store. These surveys can capture customer satisfaction, menu preferences, service quality,
and suggestions for improvement. The data collected helps the company align its
offerings with customer expectations.

2. Point of Sale (POS) Data:


Transactional data collected at the point of sale provides KFC with valuable insights into
customer purchasing habits. This data includes information on popular menu items, peak
sales times, and average customer spend, allowing the company to optimize its menu and
pricing strategies.

3. Social Media Interactions and Online Reviews:


KFC can gather primary data through interactions on social media platforms and
customer reviews on sites like Google or Yelp. This provides real-time insights into
customer sentiments, complaints, and suggestions. Monitoring these platforms allows
KFC to address issues promptly and improve brand reputation.

4. Mobile App and Loyalty Program Data:


The KFC mobile app and loyalty programs are excellent sources of primary data. By
tracking user activity within the app, including order history, preferences, and
engagement with promotions, KFC can offer personalized deals and improve the user

31
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
experience. Loyalty program data also helps identify frequent customers and tailor
rewards programs to enhance retention.

5. Focus Groups and Interviews:


Conducting focus groups or one-on-one interviews with customers provides in-depth
qualitative data. These interactions offer detailed insights into customer preferences,
perceptions of new products, and feedback on the dining experience. KFC can use this
data to test new menu items, promotional strategies, or operational changes before rolling
them out.

6. Operational Data from Store Management:


Primary data can also be collected internally through KFC’s operational processes. Data
from kitchen operations, staffing schedules, food preparation times, and supply chain
management provide valuable insights that help optimize efficiency and reduce waste.
This data is essential for improving service speed and inventory control.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Primary Data at KFC

Advantages:

1. Tailored Insights:

Primary data is collected directly from KFC’s customers, employees, and operations,
meaning the information is highly specific and relevant to KFC's immediate business
objectives. This data can be customized to answer precise questions that align with KFC’s
marketing, operational, and product development goals.

2. Up-to-date Information:

Primary data is often collected in real-time, providing KFC with the most current insights
into customer preferences, market trends, and operational efficiency. This helps the
company stay ahead of competitors by reacting quickly to changes in consumer behavior
or operational challenges.

3. High Data Accuracy:

32
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Since KFC controls the data collection process, it can ensure the accuracy and reliability
of the data. Properly structured surveys, POS data, and customer feedback systems allow
for high-quality, precise information that is directly applicable to improving business
decisions.

4. Exclusive Ownership:

Primary data collected by KFC is proprietary and exclusive to the company. This gives
KFC a competitive advantage, as the insights derived from this data cannot be easily
accessed or replicated by competitors.

5. Specific to KFC’s Needs:

The data can be tailored to specific business goals, such as understanding customer
satisfaction with a new menu item, improving delivery service, or optimizing staff
efficiency. It is more actionable than general data obtained from secondary sources.

6. Better Decision-Making:

By having direct access to highly relevant and accurate data, KFC can make better
business decisions based on actual customer behaviors and operational needs. This
reduces the risks of implementing strategies based on assumptions or outdated
information.

Disadvantages:

1. High Cost:

Collecting primary data can be expensive. KFC would need to invest in surveys, focus
groups, POS systems, or other data-gathering tools. These costs include not only the
collection but also the analysis of large datasets, requiring skilled professionals and
technology infrastructure.

2. Time-Consuming:

Gathering primary data can be a time-intensive process. Designing surveys, conducting


focus groups, or collecting app and transaction data all take time to set up, execute, and
analyze. This delay may limit KFC’s ability to make quick decisions in a fast-moving
market.

33
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3. Limited Scope:

Primary data collection typically focuses on a specific set of questions or topics, meaning
the insights may be narrow. KFC might miss out on broader market trends or consumer
behaviors that aren't directly captured by the data collection effort.

4. Potential for Bias:

If the survey questions or data collection methods are poorly designed, the results could
be biased or not fully representative of the broader customer base. For instance, online
surveys might not capture the opinions of older or less tech-savvy customers.

5. Difficulty in Scaling:

As KFC operates globally, gathering primary data from all locations may be challenging
and costly. Cultural differences, language barriers, and regional variations in customer
preferences make it difficult to standardize data collection across all locations.

6. Data Management Challenges:

Handling large amounts of primary data requires robust data management systems and
skilled personnel to store, process, and analyze the data. Mismanagement or lack of
proper technology can result in lost or unusable data, undermining the benefits of primary
data collection.

While primary data offers KFC the advantage of gathering highly relevant and actionable
insights, it also comes with significant challenges such as high costs, time consumption,
and potential biases. KFC must carefully weigh these pros and cons and ensure that the
data collection process is well-managed to maximize its effectiveness in decision-making.

Primary Data Collection Methods at KFC

1. Surveys

 Description:

Surveys involve asking customers or employees structured questions through online


forms, in-person interviews, or over the phone. KFC can use surveys to gather feedback
on new menu items, service quality, or customer preferences.
34
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Purpose:

The purpose is to collect quantitative and qualitative data that gives insight into customer
satisfaction, operational performance, or employee engagement.

 Advantages:
o Can collect large amounts of data quickly.
o Provides both quantitative (e.g., ratings) and qualitative (e.g., comments) data.
o Easy to distribute to a wide audience through digital platforms.

 Disadvantages:
o Responses can be biased if questions are leading or unclear.
o Low response rates can affect data accuracy.
o Limited depth of insights, as surveys are typically standardized.

Example:

KFC conducts an online survey asking customers to rate their satisfaction with delivery
speed and the quality of their recent meal. The survey also includes open-ended questions
for additional comments.

2. Focus Groups

 Description:

Focus groups bring together a small group of customers (usually 6-12) to discuss their
opinions on a particular topic, such as a new product or service. A moderator guides the
discussion to ensure the group stays on topic.

 Purpose:

Focus groups aim to explore deeper customer attitudes and emotions about specific
products or services, providing KFC with richer, more detailed insights than surveys.

 Advantages:
o Provides in-depth qualitative data.

35
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Encourages group discussions, which can reveal insights that may not surface in
one-on-one interactions.
o Useful for exploring new product ideas or marketing strategies.

 Disadvantages:
o Time-consuming and expensive to organize.
o Results can be influenced by dominant participants or group dynamics.
o Limited to small sample sizes, so not always representative of the entire customer
base.

Example:

KFC conducts a focus group to gather feedback on the launch of a new spicy chicken
sandwich. Participants discuss taste, packaging, pricing, and how it compares to
competitors' offerings.

3. Observations

 Description:

In this method, KFC staff or researchers observe customer behavior directly in the
restaurant or other locations. This can include how customers interact with kiosks,
ordering processes, or how long they wait in line.

 Purpose:

The purpose is to gather real-time data on customer behaviors without relying on


customer reports, which can sometimes be inaccurate. Observation can help improve
operational efficiency and customer experience.

 Advantages:
o Provides unbiased, real-world data.
o Useful for understanding behaviors that customers may not consciously report.

36
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Helps identify bottlenecks in operations, such as slow service or confusing menu
options.

 Disadvantages:
o Observations are time-consuming and require skilled personnel to interpret the
results accurately.
o Limited to behavioral data; it doesn’t explain why customers behave a certain
way.
o Can be intrusive if customers feel they are being watched.

Example:

KFC staff observes how customers use the self-order kiosks and identifies confusion in
the menu navigation process, prompting a redesign to improve ease of use.

4. Interviews

 Description:

Interviews involve one-on-one conversations with customers, employees, or stakeholders.


These can be structured (predefined questions) or unstructured (more conversational),
depending on the goals.

 Purpose:

The purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of individual opinions, experiences, and


needs, which helps KFC develop targeted solutions for specific issues, such as staff
satisfaction or customer service improvements.

 Advantages:
o Provides detailed, personalized data.
o Can explore topics in depth, allowing follow-up questions.
o Helps build rapport with interviewees, resulting in more honest feedback.

37
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Disadvantages:
o Time-consuming and labor-intensive.
o Responses can be biased based on the interviewer’s tone or wording of questions.
o Data can be difficult to quantify, making analysis more challenging.

Example:

KFC management interviews several store managers to identify operational challenges in


high-traffic locations and gather suggestions for improving staff productivity and morale.

5. Experiments

 Description:

Experiments involve testing specific changes in a controlled environment to measure their


impact. KFC can use experiments to test new menu items or service changes in select
stores before rolling them out nationwide.

 Purpose:

The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of new initiatives or products and measure
customer reactions, allowing KFC to make data-driven decisions.

 Advantages:
o Provides direct evidence of cause-and-effect relationships.
o Can help reduce the risk of failure when launching new products or services.
o Results are quantifiable and easy to analyze.

 Disadvantages:
o Experiments can be expensive and time-consuming to set up and run.
o Results from a small experiment may not always be generalizable to the broader
market.

38
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o May require complex statistical analysis to interpret results.

Example:

KFC tests two different pricing strategies for its family meal combos in select restaurants.
The experiment measures how customers respond to each pricing model and its effect on
sales and customer satisfaction.

KFC can utilize a variety of primary data collection methods, such as surveys, focus
groups, observations, interviews, and experiments, to gather rich, actionable insights that
inform decision-making. Each method offers unique benefits, but KFC must also consider
potential drawbacks such as cost, time, and potential biases. By carefully selecting the
appropriate method based on the specific objective, KFC can optimize its primary data
collection to improve customer experience, operational efficiency, and business
performance.

Qualitative Research:

Ethnography

Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves the immersive study of people,
cultures, and social interactions in their natural settings. In this approach, researchers
closely observe and sometimes participate in the daily activities of the group or
community under study, with the aim of understanding behaviors, routines, and cultural
practices from the inside. Ethnographers typically spend extended periods with
participants, documenting observations through field notes, informal interviews, and
contextual analysis to develop a holistic view of the group’s way of life. This process
starts with defining a research question and establishing access to the community or
organization, followed by in-depth observation and data collection. The method captures
detailed, real-time data, allowing researchers to identify underlying patterns and dynamics
that shape human behavior.

39
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 1: Ethnographic
Source: (Customized ethnographic research PPT and Google Slides)

Definition and Purpose

Definition: Ethnography is a research method within the qualitative paradigm, aimed at


studying people and their behaviors within their natural environments. It involves in-
depth, long-term observation by the researcher, who becomes immersed in the daily lives
of the participants to understand their experiences, social norms, and cultural contexts.

Purpose: The main purpose of ethnography is to achieve a deep understanding of the


group or community being studied, capturing how individuals within the group
experience and interpret their world. It provides insights into social dynamics, decision-
making processes, and cultural practices. Ethnography is especially useful when trying to
understand the “why” behind behaviors, offering a rich description of the cultural and
social structures that influence how people interact and make decisions. In the context of
businesses like KFC, ethnography could be used to examine customer interactions,
employee dynamics, or how the company’s operations fit into the broader cultural
landscape of its target audience.

40
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
41
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Key Objectives of Ethnography:
 In-Depth Understanding: To gain a deep, contextualized understanding of the
daily lives, behaviors, and routines of individuals within a specific cultural or
social group.
 Cultural Insights: To uncover cultural norms, values, and beliefs that influence
how individuals in a community or organization behave and interact with each
other.
 Social Dynamics: To explore social relationships, group dynamics, and the role of
power structures within a community, organization, or society.
 Real-Time Data Collection: To collect real-time data on human behavior and
social interactions as they naturally occur, without interference from the
researcher's presence.
 Understanding Perspectives: To understand experiences from the perspective of
the participants themselves, allowing researchers to interpret behaviors and
decisions through the lens of those living them.
 Contextual Influence: To analyze how external factors such as social, economic,
or environmental conditions influence individual and group behaviors within the
studied environment.

Ethnography seeks to produce rich, qualitative descriptions that reveal the complexities of
human life and social organization, which is valuable for businesses like KFC to
understand customer preferences and employee dynamics.

 Methodological Framework:Ethnography generally adopts a flexible, inductive,


and adaptable approach, enabling researchers to engage with the complexity of
real-world environments.
 Participant Observation: Researchers actively engage in the community or
environment, observing and sometimes participating in everyday activities to gain
insights into social behaviors and interactions.
 In-depth Interviews: These can be informal or semi-structured, allowing
participants to share their personal perspectives and experiences, providing rich
qualitative data.

42
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Field Notes and Documentation: Researchers maintain detailed records of
observations, conversations, and activities. These serve as crucial data for analysis
and interpretation.
 Iterative Process: Data collection and analysis happen simultaneously.
Researchers adapt their approach as new findings emerge, revising preliminary
conclusions based on ongoing observations.
 Data Triangulation: Different data sources, such as observations, interviews, and
physical artifacts, are cross verified to enhance the accuracy and depth of
understanding.

Phases of Ethnographic Research:

1. Planning and Preparation: The researcher begins by identifying a research


problem and determining the objectives of the study. This phase involves selecting
the research site and determining the methodologies that will be used for data
collection.

2. Gaining Access and Building Trust: To collect meaningful data, ethnographers


must gain access to the community or group being studied. Establishing trust with
participants is essential, as it ensures that the data collected is authentic and
participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

3. Data Collection (Fieldwork): In this phase, the researcher immerses themselves


in the field setting, observing daily life and social interactions. Participant
observation, interviews, and field notes are key tools used to gather in-depth data.

4. Data Analysis: After gathering data, the researcher organizes and interprets it to
uncover patterns, behaviors, and themes. This analysis helps the researcher draw
conclusions about the social dynamics of the group.

5. Reporting and Writing: The results of the ethnographic study are then compiled
into a report. This report aims to present the lived experiences and perspectives of
the participants, often combining narrative descriptions with theoretical insights.

43
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Reflection and Follow-up: After the research is complete, ethnographers may
reflect on their findings, possibly revisiting the community for further clarification
or validation. This step helps ensure that the conclusions drawn are accurate and
reflective of the group studied.

Ethical Considerations:

1. Informed Consent: Researchers must obtain voluntary, informed consent from


all participants. This means explaining the purpose of the study, how the data will
be used, and ensuring that participants understand their right to withdraw at any
time without consequences.

2. Confidentiality and Anonymity: To protect participants, researchers must


maintain confidentiality, ensuring that personal data is not disclosed without
consent. Anonymity should be preserved, particularly when reporting sensitive
information.

3. Avoiding Harm: Researchers must ensure that their study does not cause
physical, psychological, or emotional harm to participants. This includes being
sensitive to cultural norms and personal boundaries during the research process.

4. Cultural Sensitivity: Researchers must respect the beliefs, values, and customs of
the communities they study. Cultural sensitivity helps prevent misunderstandings
and fosters respectful, ethical relationships with participants.

5. Power Dynamics: Ethnographers should be aware of the potential power


imbalance between themselves and participants. This imbalance can affect how
information is shared, so researchers must work to minimize it, ensuring that
participants feel empowered to express their views freely.

6. Transparency and Honesty: Maintaining honesty and transparency about the


research objectives, methods, and potential outcomes is essential. Misleading
participants or misrepresenting findings violates ethical standards.

7. Responsibility to the Community: Researchers should consider the impact of


their findings on the community being studied. Ethical ethnographers aim to

44
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
ensure that the research benefits the community or addresses issues important to
them, rather than exploiting them for academic purposes.

8. Ownership of Data: Researchers should respect the participants' right to their


data. Participants should be informed about how the data will be stored, used, and
shared, with their explicit permission obtained for any public use of their personal
information.

Real-World Application: Ethnography in a Corporate Setting:

Ethnography is increasingly applied in corporate settings to explore organizational


culture, employee dynamics, and customer behavior. For instance, within a large
corporation like JKH, ethnography might be used to understand how employees interact
with new data tools as part of a Big Data project. By embedding themselves in the
workplace, researchers can observe how employees incorporate data-driven tools into
their daily tasks, identifying the challenges they encounter and understanding how the
company’s culture influences the adoption of new technologies.

This immersive approach allows organizations to align technological changes with


employee needs, helping management make informed decisions that enhance both
productivity and engagement. Moreover, the research findings can guide operational
improvements by highlighting bottlenecks and areas where further training or support is
necessary, ensuring smoother transitions when integrating new systems into the
workflow. Ethnographic insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the human
side of corporate change, offering valuable input for refining management practices and
improving organizational outcomes.

Narrative Research

Narrative research is a qualitative approach that focuses on exploring and understanding


individuals’ personal stories and lived experiences. This method emphasizes the ways
people use storytelling to make sense of their lives and the world around them.
Researchers collect narratives through various techniques, such as in-depth interviews,

45
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
journals, letters, and autobiographies, to capture rich, detailed accounts of participants'
experiences.

The process of narrative research involves interpreting these stories to uncover deeper
meanings and themes that reflect broader social, cultural, or organizational contexts. By
focusing on individual perspectives, narrative research provides insights into how
personal experiences shape behaviors, decisions, and attitudes, making it a powerful tool
for understanding human behavior in complex settings. For example, narrative research
could be used to examine how employees in a company perceive career progression or
how consumers feel about their interactions with a brand.

Definition and Purpose:

 Definition: Narrative research is a method that involves gathering and analyzing


people's stories or personal accounts to understand how they interpret their
experiences.

 Purpose: The purpose of narrative research is to explore the meaning individuals


assign to their experiences, often revealing broader social and cultural influences
on their lives. It provides a way to understand personal identity, motivations, and
decision-making processes from the participants' own perspectives.

Key Objectives:
1. Investigate Personal Experiences: To gain insight into how individuals perceive
and articulate their life events and experiences.
2. Analyze Storytelling Techniques: To study the ways in which people create and
express their identities, beliefs, and values through storytelling.
3. Contextualize Personal Narratives: To place individual stories within broader
social, cultural, or historical frameworks, examining how these larger influences
shape personal experiences.
4. Identify Recurring Themes and Patterns: To uncover common themes,
emotions, and lessons within narratives that provide deeper understanding of
human behavior and experiences.
5. Foster Empathy and Understanding: To amplify the voices of marginalized or
overlooked groups, promoting empathy through the sharing of personal stories.

46
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Methodological Framework:
1. Data Collection Through Narratives:
o Interviews: Conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews to gather
personal stories related to significant experiences.
o Written Narratives: Inviting participants to write about their experiences
for self-reflection and expression in a personal format.
o Artifacts or Media: Utilizing diaries, letters, blogs, and other forms of
personal documentation as valuable sources of narrative data.
2. Data Analysis Techniques:
o Thematic Analysis: Identifying emerging themes or patterns within the
narratives, focusing on recurring concepts or emotional journeys.
o Structural Analysis: Examining the organization and sequencing of stories
to understand how individuals emphasize aspects of their experiences.
o Contextual Analysis: Considering the broader social, cultural, or historical
contexts of the narratives, linking personal stories to larger societal
themes.
o Restoration: Reorganizing or reinterpreting a participant’s narrative to
create a coherent, chronological structure that highlights key events and
meanings.
3. Interpretation: The researcher analyzes the significance of the stories,
considering both the individual's viewpoint and broader implications. This often
involves reflexivity, where the researcher reflects on their influence in the
research process and its impact on interpretation.

Phases of Narrative Research:

1. Research Design and Participant Selection: The researcher begins by defining


the research focus, often centered on understanding specific life experiences,
identities, or cultural contexts. Participants are chosen based on their relevance to
the research question, typically utilizing purposive sampling techniques.

2. Data Collection (Gathering Narratives): Stories are collected from participants


through interviews, written accounts, or various media. The goal is to encourage
participants to share significant, personal narratives about their lived experiences.

47
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3. Data Analysis (Interpreting Narratives): The gathered narratives are analyzed
to identify themes, patterns, and insights. Researchers pay close attention not only
to the content but also to the form, including the structure, tone, and emotional
nuances of the stories.

4. Narrative Synthesis (Reorganizing): Researchers may rearrange the narratives


to provide a clearer and more structured representation of participants’
experiences. This stage often includes both retelling the story and a deeper
exploration of its meanings.

5. Reporting Findings: The final phase involves presenting the findings in a manner
that captures the richness and complexity of the narratives. This often includes
detailed descriptions and direct quotations, aiming to preserve the participants’
voices while interpreting their stories in line with the research objectives.

Ethical Considerations:

1. Informed Consent: As with all qualitative research, obtaining informed consent


is crucial. Participants must understand the study's purpose and how their stories
will be utilized.

2. Confidentiality and Anonymity: Given the personal nature of narrative research,


safeguarding participants' privacy is vital. Researchers must ensure that
identifying information remains confidential unless participants explicitly consent
to its disclosure.

3. Respect for Participants’ Narratives: Researchers are obligated to honor


participants' stories, refraining from altering or misrepresenting them in ways that
could harm or distort their experiences.

4. Sensitivity to Vulnerable Groups: When engaging with vulnerable populations,


researchers should be acutely aware of the potential emotional ramifications of
sharing personal stories and ensure that participants feel comfortable throughout
the process.

48
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
5. Researcher Reflexivity: Researchers must remain conscious of their biases and
the impact these may have on interpreting narratives. This involves self-reflection
and acknowledgment of the researcher’s role in influencing research outcomes.

Objective:

The primary aim of narrative research is to explore and analyze individuals' unique
personal stories to understand how they derive meaning from their experiences. By
focusing on the narratives themselves, the research seeks to gain insights into participants'
lived experiences, identities, and social realities. This approach is particularly valuable in
fields where comprehending personal perspectives, life transitions, or social contexts is
crucial for drawing broader conclusions about human behavior and culture.

Study Design and Data Collection


Study Design:

Narrative research is structured to delve into personal stories and experiences. It begins
with a well-defined research question that focuses on how individuals make sense of life
events or experiences. The research typically targets a specific phenomenon or cultural
practice, aiming to gather rich, detailed narratives from participants. This design is
flexible, enabling the researcher to adjust to the evolving stories and maintain a natural,
free-flowing process of narrative collection.

Data Collection:

In narrative research, data is collected through various formats such as interviews, written
narratives, or artifacts like diaries, letters, and blogs. The focus is on using open-ended
questions and conducting unstructured or semi-structured interviews, giving participants
the freedom to share their experiences in their own words. The goal is to establish a
comfortable, trusting environment that encourages participants to openly discuss their
personal stories in depth.

Data Collection Methods

49
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
In-depth Interviews:
The primary method in narrative research, in-depth interviews, are typically semi-
structured, giving participants the freedom to share their stories in their own way. Open-
ended questions are used to prompt discussion, but participants guide the flow, allowing
for a deeper exploration of their narratives.

Written Narratives:
Participants may be asked to write about their experiences, providing them with time for
reflection. This method allows for more thoughtful insights that might not emerge during
interviews, offering a different dimension of the narrative.

Audio or Video Recordings:


Recording interviews or daily interactions captures not only the content of stories but also
the emotional tone, gestures, and body language. These recordings provide a richer, more
detailed source of data for analysis.
Documents or Artifacts:

Researchers may collect personal documents, such as letters, emails, or social media
posts, which offer additional perspectives on participants' experiences. These materials
often show how individuals construct and share their stories over time and across
different contexts.

Participants
In narrative research, participants are typically selected through purposive sampling,
meaning they are chosen based on the relevance of their experiences to the research
question. The sample size is usually small, focusing on depth rather than breadth,
ensuring detailed and rich narratives. Participants are individuals who have personal
stories or experiences related to the phenomenon under study.
For instance, in a business context, participants could include employees who have
experienced significant organizational changes, customers who have interacted with a
product or service, or leaders who have implemented new strategies. The diversity of
experiences among participants enhances the depth and richness of the collected data.

Data Analysis

50
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
In narrative research, data analysis focuses on interpreting the stories provided by
participants. This process involves identifying key themes, patterns, and significant
events within the narratives, as well as understanding how participants construct and
make sense of their experiences.

1. Transcription of Interviews or Narratives:

The first step involves transcribing interviews or recordings to produce a written


version of participants' stories, allowing for a detailed examination.

2. Thematic Coding:

After transcription, researchers code the narratives by identifying key themes,


recurring concepts, or patterns. These could include emotional journeys, personal
challenges, or insights related to social roles and identity.

3. Structural Analysis:

This aspect of analysis looks at how the stories are structured—how participants
organize events and sequence their narratives. It helps to uncover how they interpret
their experiences and highlights significant moments or turning points.

4. Contextual Analysis:

Researchers also consider the broader social, cultural, or organizational contexts


influencing the participants' stories. This involves linking personal experiences to
larger trends or societal changes, such as shifts in business or cultural practices.

Narrative Analysis

Narrative analysis involves examining participants' stories to understand how they are
constructed, the themes they contain, and what they reveal about the participants' lives.
Researchers focus on the language used, the sequence of events, and the roles participants
assume in their stories (e.g., hero, victim).

 Restoring: Researchers may reorganize the participants’ stories into more


structured narratives while preserving the original voice and intent of the
storyteller.

51
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Identifying Turning Points: A major part of narrative analysis is pinpointing
critical moments or turning points that offer key insights into the participants'
experiences and decisions.

Findings and Implications

The findings from narrative research provide a deeper understanding of individual


experiences and how broader social, organizational, or cultural factors shape these
experiences. By analyzing participants' stories, researchers can gain insight into how
individuals manage, adapt to, or challenge their circumstances.

The implications can vary based on the research context:

 In business contexts, narrative findings can help managers better understand


employee experiences during times of organizational change, enhance customer
experiences, or align leadership practices with employee and customer needs.

 In social science contexts, the research may reveal how personal identities are
constructed within wider social and cultural frameworks.

Themes Identified

Themes are common elements across narratives that reflect the central issues or
experiences of participants. Common themes include:

1. Personal Growth and Development: Narratives often explore how individuals


overcome challenges and develop as a result.

2. Cultural or Organizational Change: Stories may discuss how external changes


affect participants personally and professionally.

3. Identity Construction: Many narratives delve into how participants perceive and
shape their identities through their experiences.

4. Power Dynamics: Stories from organizational settings often highlight themes of


power, control, and autonomy.

5. Emotional Impact: Narratives frequently reveal deep emotional responses to


significant life events, providing insight into coping mechanisms and emotional
processes.
52
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Business Insights

Narrative research in a business environment can uncover valuable insights such as:

1. Employee Experiences: Understanding how employees perceive organizational


changes, new technologies, or leadership styles.

2. Customer Journeys: Gaining insight into how customers interact with products
or services and what these experiences mean to them.

3. Organizational Culture: By examining how individuals narrate their roles within


a company, businesses can identify strengths and areas for improvement in their
corporate culture.

4. Leadership Practices: Narrative analysis can help leaders understand how their
actions are perceived, enabling them to develop more empathetic and effective
leadership strategies.

5. Innovation and Change: Understanding how both employees and customers


respond to changes can guide businesses in implementing new initiatives more
successfully.

Ethical Considerations

1. Informed Consent: Participants should be fully informed about the research


goals, methods, and how their stories will be used, with consent obtained before
any data is collected.

2. Confidentiality: Researchers must ensure that participants’ identities and


personal details remain protected, especially when handling sensitive or private
narratives.

3. Respect for Participant Narratives: It is essential to present participants’ stories


authentically, avoiding distortion or misrepresentation.

4. Emotional Sensitivity: Researchers should approach emotionally charged or


traumatic stories with empathy and be prepared to offer support if needed.

53
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
5. Transparency in Interpretation: Researchers must be open about how they
interpret and present participants’ stories, ensuring that the participants’ voices are
central to the research findings.

54
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Overview of Case Study Research
A case study is a qualitative research approach that delves deeply into a specific example
within its real-world context. This "case" could be an individual, group, organization,
event, or phenomenon. The method's aim is to uncover detailed insights and
understanding that can be applied to similar situations or contribute to theory
development.
Purpose of Case Studies
The main goal is to understand a case comprehensively, focusing on its complexities in a
natural setting. Case studies are particularly useful when researchers aim to address
“how” and “why” questions about intricate social, organizational, or behavioral issues. By
examining multiple factors and their interactions, case studies provide rich insights into
the influence of contextual conditions on the subject under investigation.
Key Objectives
1. Gain Comprehensive Understanding: Case studies aim to thoroughly
investigate the subject, considering various perspectives and angles.
2. Contextual Exploration: This method examines how the real-world setting
shapes the case or phenomenon being studied.
3. Analyze Complex Relationships: It is useful for exploring intricate relationships
between variables that are difficult to isolate in controlled experiments.
4. Contribute to Theory: By examining specific cases, researchers can generate
hypotheses, develop new theories, or refine existing ones.
5. Guide Practice or Policy: Findings can inform the development of practical
solutions, policies, or strategies that address real-world challenges.
Methodological Approach
1. Selecting the Case: Researchers select cases based on their relevance to the
research question. Cases might be representative, unique, or particularly
illustrative of the phenomenon being studied.
2. Data Collection Methods:
o Interviews: In-depth discussions with key individuals involved in the case.
o Observations: Directly observing behaviors, events, or processes in the
case’s setting.
o Document Analysis: Reviewing relevant documents like reports, emails, or
records.

55
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Artifacts or Media: Gathering other relevant materials, such as media
reports or physical objects.
3. Defining Case Boundaries: Clearly establishing the limits of the case, including
time frames, events, or participants to be studied, is essential to ensure focus and
clarity.
4. Triangulation: Utilizing multiple data sources to verify findings ensures greater
reliability and validity of the research conclusions.
Phases in Case Study Research
1. Case Identification and Scope Definition: The researcher chooses and outlines
the case’s boundaries, which may involve one or multiple cases depending on the
study’s purpose.
2. Data Collection: Data is gathered from interviews, observations, documents, and
other sources, with the goal of creating a detailed and holistic picture of the case.
3. Data Analysis:
o Pattern Matching: Comparing observed data with theoretical patterns or
expectations.
o Explanation Building: Constructing theoretical explanations based on the
data and adjusting them as more information is analyzed.
4. Reporting and Interpretation: Researchers create a detailed narrative,
presenting the findings along with interpretations that address the research
questions. Practical recommendations or theoretical contributions may be included
in the final report.
5. Cross-case Analysis (if applicable): In studies with multiple cases, researchers
compare the cases to identify broader patterns, enhancing the applicability of
findings or theory development.
Ethical Considerations
1. Informed Consent: Participants must be fully informed about the study’s
purpose, their role, and how their data will be used, ensuring voluntary
participation.
2. Confidentiality: Given the detailed nature of case studies, participant privacy
must be protected by anonymizing identifying information unless explicit
permission is obtained.

56
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3. Accurate Representation: Researchers are responsible for faithfully representing
participants’ views and experiences, avoiding any distortion or oversimplification.
4. Minimizing Intrusiveness: Researchers should aim to minimize disruptions to
participants' natural settings or routines while collecting data.
5. Transparency in Reporting: Findings should be transparently reported, with
researchers acknowledging any potential biases or limitations that may affect the
study’s conclusions.

Real-World Application: Case Study in the Fast-Food Industry


Case studies in the fast-food industry can offer key insights into operational efficiency,
customer engagement strategies, and the impact of innovations on sales growth. Below is
an example of how a case study could be applied to explore these elements in a fast-food
setting.
Case Study: Enhancing Customer Experience at KFC
Purpose:
The primary objective of this case study is to analyze how KFC has improved customer
experience through the introduction of digital ordering systems, loyalty programs, and
revamped menu offerings. The study aims to assess the impact of these changes on
customer satisfaction, order frequency, and brand loyalty, while also evaluating their
contribution to overall business performance.

Case Selection:
KFC, a leading global fast-food chain, was chosen for this case study due to its strong
market presence and continuous innovation in customer service. The chain’s initiatives to
improve customer interaction, particularly through digital platforms, make it an ideal
candidate for studying customer engagement strategies.
Quantitative Data Collection in KFC
Purpose:
The goal of gathering quantitative data in this case study is to acquire numerical insights
into customer behaviors, preferences, and satisfaction levels. The data helps KFC
understand the effectiveness of its loyalty programs, digital ordering systems, and other
customer-focused innovations. Through quantitative analysis, KFC can make data-driven
decisions to improve customer experience and streamline operations.
57
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Methodology:
1. Survey Design:
o Develop structured surveys with closed-ended questions to collect data on
customer and employee satisfaction.
o Use Likert scales (e.g., 1-5 or 1-7) to gauge satisfaction levels, ease of use
for digital platforms, and other factors.
o Ensure that questions are aligned with the study’s objectives and are easy to
understand.
2. Sampling:
o Identify the target population, such as regular customers and frontline
employees.
o Use random or stratified sampling methods to ensure a representative sample
of customers across different age groups and regions.
3. Data Collection:
o Distribute surveys via KFC’s digital platforms, including the mobile app, in-
store kiosks, or through email.
o Maintain anonymity and confidentiality to encourage honest feedback from
participants.
4. Data Analysis:
o Use statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, Excel) to analyze the collected data.
o Apply descriptive statistics (mean, median) and inferential methods (e.g.,
chi-square tests) to identify significant trends and correlations.
Example Questions for Employees:
1. Job Satisfaction:
o On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with your current role at KFC?
2. Training Adequacy:
o Do you feel that the training provided is sufficient to carry out your tasks
effectively? (Yes/No)
3. Customer Interaction:
o How often do you assist customers directly during a typical shift? (1 =
Rarely, 5 = Very Often)
4. Teamwork:

58
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o How would you rate teamwork among employees in your branch? (1 = Poor,
5 = Excellent)
5. Engagement:
o How likely are you to recommend KFC as a good place to work? (1 = Not
Likely, 5 = Very Likely)
Example Questions for Customers:
1. Overall Satisfaction:
o How satisfied are you with your recent experience at KFC? (1 = Very
Dissatisfied, 5 = Very Satisfied)
2. Product Quality:
o Rate the quality of food served at KFC. (1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent)
3. Ease of Digital Ordering:
o How would you rate your experience using KFC’s mobile app or in-store
kiosks? (1 = Difficult, 5 = Very Easy)
4. Customer Service:
o How helpful and friendly were the staff during your visit? (1 = Not Helpful,
5 = Very Helpful)
5. Loyalty Program Awareness:
o Are you aware of KFC’s loyalty program? (Yes/No)
6. Frequency of Visits:
o How often do you visit KFC in a typical month? (1 = Rarely, 5 = Very
Often)

Through the analysis of these quantitative measures, KFC can gain valuable insights into
both employee satisfaction and customer behaviors, allowing for improvements in
operations, service quality, and overall customer satisfaction.

Quantitative Research: Experimental Approach

1. Definition and Objective


Experimental research is a quantitative method focused on exploring cause-and-
effect relationships by manipulating one or more independent variables and
observing the resulting changes in a dependent variable. The primary aim is to

59
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
determine if a particular intervention or treatment leads to a measurable outcome,
allowing researchers to establish clear causal links between variables.

2. Core Elements

 Independent Variable: The factor deliberately changed by the researcher (e.g.,


introducing a new product).

 Dependent Variable: The outcome that is measured to assess the impact of the
independent variable (e.g., changes in customer satisfaction).

 Control Group: A group that does not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline
for comparison.

 Experimental Group: The group that receives the intervention or treatment under
investigation.

 Randomization: The process of assigning participants to groups randomly to


reduce bias and improve the reliability of results.

3. Steps in Experiment Design

1. Formulate Research Question: Clearly define the focus of the study.

2. Identify Variables: Determine which variables will be manipulated (independent)


and measured (dependent), while accounting for any control variables.

3. Decide Sample Size: Ensure an adequate number of participants to achieve


statistically significant findings.

4. Random Assignment: Assign participants to groups randomly to eliminate bias


and improve the study's validity.

5. Develop a Procedure: Plan the steps for conducting the experiment, including
how variables will be controlled and measured.

6. Data Collection and Analysis: Outline how data will be gathered and analyzed to
draw valid conclusions.

4. Types of Experimental Designs

 Basic Design: Involves a single control group and one experimental group.

60
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Factorial Design: Examines multiple independent variables and their interactions.

 Repeated Measures Design: The same participants are exposed to various levels
of the independent variable, reducing variability.

 Cross-Sectional Design: Compares different groups at a single point in time.

 Longitudinal Design: Tracks participants over an extended period to observe


changes due to the intervention.

5. Advantages

 Control Over Variables: Researchers can isolate the effects of the independent
variable by managing other potential influences.

 Causal Determination: By manipulating variables, researchers can directly test


for cause-and-effect relationships.

 Replication: Experimental studies can be repeated to verify findings, enhancing


their credibility.

 Quantifiable Results: Experiments generate numerical data that can be


statistically analyzed.

6. Disadvantages

 Ethical Challenges: Manipulating certain variables might lead to ethical


dilemmas, particularly if participants' well-being is affected.

 Limited Real-world Application: The controlled environment may not reflect


natural settings, potentially reducing the generalizability of the findings.

 Risk of Bias: If random assignment isn’t executed properly, the results could be
skewed.

 Resource Intensive: Experimental research often requires significant time, effort,


and financial resources to conduct effectively.

7. Example of Experimental Research

Study: The Impact of Limited-Time Offers on Sales at KFC

61
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Purpose:
To examine whether limited-time promotional offers (e.g., discounted combo meals) can
increase sales at KFC.

Experimental Design:

1. Independent Variable:

Type of promotional offer (e.g., 10% off combo meals vs. buy-one-get-one-free
vs. no promotion).

2. Dependent Variable:

Sales figures for combo meals at KFC during the promotion period.

3. Groups:

o Experimental Group 1: Receives a 10% discount on combo meals.

o Experimental Group 2: Receives a buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) offer.

o Control Group: No promotional offer.

4. Procedure:

o Randomly assign different KFC branches to each group.

o Implement the promotional offers for a set period (e.g., two weeks).

o Track the number of combo meals sold across all locations during the
promotion period.

5. Data Analysis:

o Use statistical methods (e.g., ANOVA) to compare sales figures across the
three groups.

o Determine if there are significant differences in sales based on the type of


promotion.

Results:
The study reveals that the buy-one-get-one-free offer significantly boosts sales compared
to both the 10% discount and the control group, suggesting that customers are more
responsive to offers perceived as providing greater value.

62
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Conclusion:
Experimental research is a valuable quantitative method for understanding the causal
impact of specific marketing strategies, such as promotional discounts, on sales. In this
case, it highlights how different types of limited time offers can affect consumer
purchasing behavior at KFC, providing actionable insights for future marketing
campaigns. However, researchers should also consider factors like market saturation and
customer demographics when generalizing results.

Correlational Research

Figure 2: Correlational Research


Source: (Fleetwood, Correlational research: What it is with examples 2024)
1. Definition and Purpose

Correlational research is a quantitative method used to examine the relationship between


two or more variables without manipulating them. The main purpose is to identify if an
association exists, its direction (positive or negative), and its strength. In the context of
KFC, this method could help researchers understand how various factors, such as

63
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
marketing spending and customer satisfaction, interact and influence sales. This
research method can also guide further experimental studies.

2. Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework in correlational research revolves around the variables being
studied:

 Independent Variable (IV): The variable presumed to influence another (e.g.,


customer service quality at KFC outlets).

 Dependent Variable (DV): The variable being measured (e.g., monthly sales
revenue at KFC).

 Correlation Coefficient: A statistical measure that quantifies the relationship


between variables, ranging from -1 to +1:

o +1: Perfect positive correlation.

o 0: No correlation.

o -1: Perfect negative correlation.

3. Measuring Relationships

Common methods for measuring relationships include:

 Pearson's Correlation Coefficient (r): Measures linear relationships between


continuous variables.

 Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient: Used for ordinal variables or non-


normally distributed data.

 Point-Biserial Correlation: Applied when one variable is continuous and the


other is binary.

4. Methodological Steps

 Define Research Question: Identify the variables of interest (e.g., how customer
satisfaction affects KFC sales).

 Select a Sample: Choose a representative sample of KFC outlets.

64
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Collect Data: Gather data on the selected variables through customer surveys,
sales records, or observations.

 Analyze Data: Compute correlation coefficients and assess the strength and
direction of the relationships.

 Interpret Results: Draw conclusions about the relationship between variables


and their relevance to the research question.

5. Practical Example for KFC

Example: Investigating the relationship between customer satisfaction and KFC’s


monthly sales.

 Variables:

o Independent Variable: Customer satisfaction score (1-10 scale).

o Dependent Variable: Monthly sales revenue in dollars.

 Data Collection: Gather customer feedback scores and corresponding sales data
over a defined period.

 Example Data:

Customer Satisfaction Sales Revenue ($)


Score

9 65,000

8 58,000

7 52,000

6 47,000

5 42,000

 Calculating Pearson's Correlation Coefficient:

65
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Suppose the calculation yields an r = 0.80, indicating a strong positive correlation
between customer satisfaction and sales revenue.

6. Strengths and Advantages

 Ease of Implementation: Correlational research is often easier to conduct,


especially in natural settings like fast-food chains.

 Descriptive Insights: It provides valuable insights into relationships between


variables, which can guide future research.

 Ethical Considerations: No manipulation of variables, reducing ethical concerns.

 Exploratory Nature: Useful for understanding relationships when


experimentation is impractical.

7. Limitations and Cautions

 Correlation Does Not Imply Causation: Even if two variables are correlated, it
doesn't mean one causes the other.

 Third Variable Problem: A third factor might be influencing the relationship


between the two variables.

 Limited Control: Researchers cannot control extraneous variables, which may


impact the validity of the findings.

 Misinterpretation Risk: Correlations must be interpreted carefully to avoid


incorrect assumptions.

7. Real-World Example for KFC

Background and Objective: KFC wants to explore the relationship between its
marketing spending and overall sales revenue to evaluate whether increased promotional
efforts lead to higher sales.

 Study Design:

o Sample: Data from multiple KFC outlets across different regions.

o Variables:

 Marketing Expenditure: Monthly advertising budget.

66
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Sales Revenue: Monthly total sales revenue for each outlet.

o Data Collection: Gather monthly marketing expenditure and sales revenue


for a specific period.

 Statistical Analysis:

1. Calculate the correlation coefficient (r) using statistical software.

2. Result Interpretation:

A calculated r = 0.85 would suggest a strong positive correlation, indicating that


increased marketing spend is associated with higher sales.

Conclusion
Correlational research is a valuable approach for studying relationships between
variables, such as the influence of marketing on sales or customer satisfaction on revenue.
By carefully analyzing data, KFC can gain useful insights into how different factors
impact business performance. However, it's essential to recognize that correlation does
not equal causation, and further research may be necessary to explore causal
relationships.

Sampling
Introduction to Sampling

Sampling is the statistical process of selecting a subset of individuals or items from a


larger population to make inferences about that population. In the context of KFC,
sampling is crucial for understanding customer preferences, evaluating marketing
strategies, and assessing product quality. A well-structured sampling method ensures that
the sample is representative of the broader customer base, leading to more reliable and
valid conclusions.

Types of Sampling Methods

Sampling methods can be classified into two main categories: Probability Sampling and
Non-Probability Sampling.

1. Probability Sampling

Probability sampling methods involve selecting samples in such a way that every
member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being included. This

67
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
approach allows for the generalization of findings from the sample to the larger
customer population.

Types of Probability Sampling:

o Simple Random Sampling: Every customer has an equal chance of being


selected. For example, randomly selecting customers who have visited
KFC within a specific timeframe.

o Systematic Sampling: Selecting every nth customer from a list or


database after a random start. For instance, if KFC has a loyalty program,
you might select every 10th member who has ordered in the past month.

o Stratified Sampling: The customer base is divided into strata (subgroups)


based on specific characteristics (e.g., age, purchase frequency), and
random samples are taken from each stratum. This ensures representation
from each subgroup. For example, stratifying by frequency of visits to
KFC.

o Cluster Sampling: The population is divided into clusters (often


geographically), and entire clusters are randomly selected. This method is
particularly useful when researching customer behavior across different
KFC locations.

Figure 3: Probability Sampling


Source: (Aid, Probability sampling with application,advantages and disadvantages 2021)

2. Non-Probability Sampling

68
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Non-probability sampling methods do not provide all individuals in the population with a
known or equal chance of being selected. These methods are often easier and quicker to
implement but can introduce bias, potentially affecting the reliability of the findings.

Types of Non-Probability Sampling:

 Convenience Sampling: This method involves selecting individuals who are


easiest to reach. For example, surveying customers who are dining at KFC during
a particular time frame.

 Judgmental Sampling (Purposive Sampling): The researcher selects individuals


based on their judgment about who will provide the most informative or relevant
insights. For instance, interviewing regular customers at KFC to gather feedback
on menu preferences and service quality.

 Snowball Sampling: In this method, existing participants recruit future subjects


from among their acquaintances. This approach is particularly useful when
studying a niche market, such as exploring customer loyalty among KFC fans
within specific communities.

 Quota Sampling: The researcher ensures equal representation of various


subgroups in the sample, but the selection within those groups is non-random. For
example, surveying a predetermined number of male and female customers at
KFC, regardless of their visit frequency.

69
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 4: Non-Probability
Source: (Fleetwood, Non-probability sampling: Types, examples, & advantages 2024)

Application to KFC

When applying sampling methods to research at KFC, the choice of sampling strategy
depends on the specific research objectives. For example:

 Customer Satisfaction Survey:

Stratified sampling can be used to ensure representation across different demographic


groups (age, gender, dining frequency) to accurately assess customer satisfaction with
KFC's services and menu.

 Menu Preference Study:

A convenience sample might be appropriate for quickly assessing customer preferences


by surveying customers during peak mealtimes, such as lunch or dinner rush hours.

 Market Research for New Menu Items:

70
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
A mixed approach of judgmental and snowball sampling can be used to gather insights
from KFC's most loyal customers, who can provide in-depth feedback on potential new
menu offerings or product innovations.

Considerations for Selection

When selecting a sampling method for research at KFC, it’s important to consider the
following:

1. Research Objectives:

Clearly define what you aim to achieve, such as understanding customer


satisfaction or testing new product ideas, to guide the choice of sampling method.

2. Population Characteristics:

Understand the target population’s demographic and behavioral traits (e.g.,


frequent diners, families, or millennials) to ensure the sample reflects the diversity
of KFC's customer base.

3. Resources and Time:

Consider available resources like budget, personnel, and time for data collection.
For example, a convenience sample may be faster to execute, while a stratified
sample may require more planning.

4. Data Collection Method:

Decide whether surveys, interviews, or observations will be used to collect data,


as the data collection method can influence the sampling approach. For instance,
in-store surveys might suit convenience sampling, while online surveys can
facilitate random sampling.

5. Ethical Considerations:

Ensure that the sampling process is ethical by respecting the privacy and rights of
participants, including obtaining informed consent and maintaining
confidentiality.

6. Potential Bias:

71
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Be mindful of any potential biases introduced by the sampling method and how
they may affect the findings. For example, convenience sampling may not capture
a fully representative sample, leading to biased results.

Conclusion

Effective sampling is key to obtaining reliable data and making valid inferences about
KFC’s customer base. By carefully selecting probability and non-probability sampling
methods, considering the unique context of KFC’s operations, and accounting for ethical
and practical constraints, researchers can gather meaningful insights that inform strategic
business decisions and improve the overall customer experience.

Selected Sampling Method: Probability Sampling - Stratified Sampling

Overview: Stratified sampling is a probability sampling technique where the population


is divided into subgroups, called strata, based on specific characteristics such as age,
income, or education. The objective is to ensure each subgroup is represented in the
sample. This method is particularly useful when the researcher seeks to compare or
analyze differences between various strata within the population. By using stratified
sampling, researchers can improve the accuracy of their estimates and draw more reliable
conclusions, as it minimizes sampling bias and ensures representation of all relevant
subgroups.

Key Elements:

1. Strata: These are the subgroups of the population sharing common


characteristics. For example, in a retail setting, strata could include different age
brackets, spending behaviors, or shopping frequency.

2. Proportional Stratified Sampling: The sample size for each stratum is


proportional to its share of the total population. For instance, if 25% of customers
are aged 18-30, then 25% of the sample will be drawn from this age group.

3. Disproportional Stratified Sampling: In this case, strata are sampled in unequal


proportions, which can be useful when certain subgroups need more focused
analysis, even if they are smaller in size.

72
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
4. Sample Size Calculation: The total sample size is determined using standard
formulas or tools like the Krejcie and Morgan table, which provides recommended
sample sizes based on population size and desired confidence levels.

5. Random Selection Within Strata: Once the strata are identified, participants are
chosen randomly within each stratum using methods like simple random
sampling.

Krejcie and Morgan Table: The Krejcie and Morgan table is a widely used tool for
determining the appropriate sample size based on population size and confidence levels.
It helps ensure that the selected sample is large enough to represent the population
accurately.

Steps for Using the Krejcie and Morgan Table:

1. Identify Population Size: Determine the total number of individuals in the


population.

2. Choose Confidence Level: Typical confidence levels include 90%, 95%, and
99%. A 95% confidence level is most common in research.

3. Find the Recommended Sample Size: Use the table to match your population
size with the corresponding confidence level to identify the ideal sample size.

Example Application: If the total population is 1,000 and a 95% confidence level is
chosen, the Krejcie and Morgan table suggests a sample size of around 278 participants.

Using the Krejcie and Morgan Table in Stratified Sampling: Once the total sample
size is determined (e.g., 278), it can be distributed among different strata. For example:

 Stratum 1 (18-25 years): 30% of 278 = 83

 Stratum 2 (26-35 years): 50% of 278 = 139

 Stratum 3 (36+ years): 20% of 278 = 56

This approach ensures the sample accurately reflects the population's diversity while
enabling a detailed analysis of each subgroup.

Conclusion: Stratified sampling is a robust method for selecting representative samples


from diverse populations. By including all relevant subgroups, researchers can gather
meaningful data and draw more precise conclusions. The Krejcie and Morgan table is an
73
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
essential tool in calculating the necessary sample size, ensuring the research outcomes are
reliable and valid.

1.1.7 Secondary Data


Introduction to Secondary Data

Secondary data refers to information that has been previously collected, processed, and
published by other sources. This type of data can be sourced from research studies,
government reports, academic journals, or even internal company records. For a company
like KFC, secondary data plays a critical role in decision-making, market analysis, and
strategic planning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Secondary Data at KFC

Advantages:

1. Cost-Effective: Secondary data is cheaper than conducting primary research.


KFC can utilize existing data, such as market reports and consumer surveys,
without incurring the costs of collecting new data.

2. Timesaving: Since secondary data is already available, KFC can make quicker
decisions, which is crucial in a fast-paced industry like food and beverage.

3. Broader Scope: Secondary data often covers larger and more diverse populations.
This gives KFC a comprehensive understanding of the broader market.

4. Historical Insights: Using historical data allows KFC to analyze trends over time,
helping the company identify market shifts and future opportunities.

5. Informed Decision-Making: Secondary data enables KFC to base its strategies


on tested findings, improving the accuracy of its business decisions.

Disadvantages:

1. Data Relevance: Secondary data may not address KFC’s specific questions or
market needs. It may require adjustment to be useful for the company’s objectives.

2. Data Quality: The quality of secondary data can be variable. If the original data
was poorly collected, the insights may not be reliable.

74
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3. Outdated Information: Secondary data can become outdated quickly,
particularly in fast-evolving industries like fast food. KFC needs to ensure that the
data is recent.

4. Lack of Control: KFC has no influence over how secondary data was gathered,
leading to potential biases.

5. Limited Insight: Secondary data may not provide as deep an understanding of


consumer behavior as primary data can, especially regarding preferences and
satisfaction.

Secondary Data Collection Methods

1. Published Research Reports:

o Industry reports from research firms or food associations can provide


insights into fast-food market trends.

2. Government Publications:

o KFC can access national demographic and consumer behavior data, such
as food consumption patterns and economic indicators, from government
agencies.

3. Internal Company Records:

o Historical sales data, customer transaction records, and past marketing


research can be used to track performance and customer preferences.

4. Online Databases and Journals:

o Resources like business databases and journals offer industry statistics and
consumer trends for fast food markets.

5. Social Media and Online Reviews:

o Data from social media platforms and online reviews can provide real-time
insights into customer satisfaction and perceptions of KFC’s products.

6. Competitor Analysis:

o Analyzing competitors' strategies, such as product launches and marketing


campaigns, helps KFC stay competitive in the market.

75
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
7. Industry Benchmarks:

o Benchmarking against other companies in the fast-food sector can


highlight areas where KFC can improve its performance.

Conclusion

Secondary data is an asset for KFC's strategic decision-making, providing important


insights at a fraction of the cost and time of primary research. However, careful attention
must be given to ensuring the data is relevant, current, and of high quality to ensure
accurate and useful results for the company’s objectives.

Data Analysis and Synthesis

Introduction

Data analysis and synthesis are crucial processes in extracting insights from raw data to
inform decision-making. For KFC, these processes are essential for refining strategies,
improving customer satisfaction, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. By
thoroughly analyzing and synthesizing data, KFC can make informed decisions that drive
growth and maintain its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.

1. Data Synthesis

Data synthesis involves integrating and combining data from various sources to develop a
comprehensive understanding of key business questions or challenges. This process helps
uncover patterns, trends, and relationships, enabling KFC to draw actionable conclusions
from the data.

Key Steps in Data Synthesis:

 Identifying Themes: Organizing data into relevant themes that capture the core
insights. For example, themes in customer feedback could include menu variety,
service speed, and food quality.

 Comparing Data Sources: Assessing consistency and reliability across different


data sources, such as internal reports, external surveys, and industry benchmarks,
to ensure the conclusions are valid.

76
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Combining quantitative data
(e.g., sales figures) with qualitative insights (e.g., customer feedback) to gain a
deeper understanding of customer behavior and preferences.

 Creating Summaries and Visualizations: Developing visual representations


(charts, graphs) to communicate the findings clearly, making it easier for
stakeholders at KFC to interpret complex data.

2. Critical Analysis

Critical analysis involves evaluating data rigorously to determine its quality, relevance,
and applicability. This step is essential for KFC to draw meaningful insights and make
informed decisions based on reliable data.

Key Aspects of Critical Analysis:

 Assessing Data Quality: Evaluating the credibility of data sources and the
collection methods. For example, ensuring that customer satisfaction surveys are
unbiased and accurately reflect the opinions of KFC's target audience.

 Interpreting Results: Understanding what the data reveals about key business
metrics, such as customer satisfaction or operational efficiency. For instance, a dip
in customer satisfaction may warrant an investigation into service delays or
product quality.

 Identifying Gaps: Recognizing missing or incomplete data that could hinder


comprehensive analysis. If data on delivery times is lacking, KFC may need to
conduct further research to improve its delivery services.

 Making Recommendations: Offering actionable insights based on the data, such


as suggesting menu modifications or staffing adjustments during peak hours to
enhance the customer experience.

3. Application for Research Objectives

The ultimate goal of data analysis and synthesis is to apply the findings to address
specific research objectives. At KFC, this involves using the insights gained to optimize
operations, improve customer satisfaction, and support strategic decision-making.

Steps for Applying Findings:

77
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Aligning Findings with Objectives: Ensuring that the data-driven insights are
closely tied to the initial research objectives. For example, if the goal is to
improve drive-thru efficiency, focus on data related to order processing times.

 Strategic Decision-Making: Leveraging synthesized data to inform decisions


such as menu updates, marketing strategies, and operational improvements. Data
analysis may reveal that customers prefer healthier options, leading KFC to
expand its menu to include more balanced meals.

 Monitoring Outcomes: After implementing changes, it is crucial to monitor key


metrics such as sales performance, customer feedback, and operational efficiency
to assess the success of the initiatives.

 Continuous Improvement: Regularly revisiting and analyzing new data ensures


KFC remains responsive to evolving customer preferences and market dynamics.

Conclusion

Effective data analysis and synthesis are essential for turning raw data into actionable
insights at KFC. By synthesizing data, critically evaluating its quality, and aligning
findings with strategic objectives, KFC can enhance its operations, elevate the customer
experience, and strengthen its position in the competitive fast-food market.

1.2 Generating Information from Primary and Secondary Sources

Primary Sources: Interviews and Surveys

In research, primary sources refer to data collected directly from the source, typically
through interviews and surveys. For KFC, gathering primary data is crucial for
understanding customer preferences, operational efficiency, and areas for improvement.
Interviews with employees and surveys of customers can provide first-hand insights into
service quality, menu preferences, and brand perception. These methods offer tailored,
specific information that is relevant to KFC’s strategic goals.

Secondary Sources: Literature Reviews

Secondary sources involve the use of pre-existing data, such as reports, articles, and
previous studies. Conducting literature reviews helps KFC to draw from established
knowledge on market trends, consumer behavior, and industry best practices. By
reviewing academic studies, government reports, and competitor analysis, KFC can gain a

78
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
broader understanding of the fast-food industry, which can be applied to its strategic
planning and decision-making.

1.2.1 Introduction to KFC


KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a globally recognized fast-food chain specializing in
fried chicken. Established in 1952, KFC is one of the leading brands in the fast-food
industry, known for its unique blend of 11 herbs and spices. With outlets in over 150
countries, KFC serves millions of customers each day, offering a menu that includes
chicken meals, sandwiches, and sides, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Key Features of KFC:

1. Signature Menu Items: KFC is famed for its fried chicken, with its secret recipe
being a cornerstone of its brand. The menu also includes a variety of chicken-
based meals, from sandwiches to family-sized buckets, ensuring something for
everyone.

2. Quality Ingredients: The brand emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality chicken
and ingredients to maintain the flavor and consistency that customers expect.
Suppliers are carefully selected to meet KFC’s standards for quality and safety.

3. Customer-Centric Service: KFC is committed to offering a fast and efficient


dining experience. Whether customers are dining in, taking out, or ordering
through delivery services, the brand strives to meet customer needs with
convenience and speed.

4. Innovation and Adaptability: KFC continually innovates its menu and service
offerings, adapting to changing consumer preferences. For instance, KFC has
introduced healthier options and plant-based alternatives in response to global
dietary trends. Additionally, the brand leverages digital platforms, offering online
ordering and delivery services to meet the growing demand for convenience.

5. Sustainability Initiatives: KFC has made efforts to become more sustainable,


including reducing plastic waste and implementing eco-friendly packaging. The
company also works with local farmers and suppliers, supporting local economies
and sustainable sourcing.

79
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Community Engagement: KFC participates in various charitable initiatives and
social responsibility programs. From feeding the hungry to supporting local
communities, KFC is dedicated to giving back and contributing positively to
society.

Conclusion

By utilizing both primary sources like interviews and surveys, and secondary sources
such as literature reviews, KFC can generate valuable information to guide its strategic
decisions. This blend of data collection methods enables KFC to maintain its leadership
position in the fast-food industry, while continuously adapting to customer needs and
market trends.

1.2.2 Interview Questions


When conducting interviews for gathering primary data from customers or employees at
KFC, it is essential to formulate questions that are clear, relevant, and designed to elicit
detailed, actionable responses. Below are some suggested interview questions tailored for
both employees and customers at KFC:
For Employees:
1. Role and Experience:
o Can you describe your role at KFC and how long you have been with the
company?
o What motivated you to work for KFC?
2. Customer Interaction:
o How do you typically interact with customers, and what feedback do you
often receive from them?
o What challenges do you face in providing excellent customer service, and
how do you address these challenges?
3. Product Knowledge:
o How do you stay updated about KFC's menu items and ongoing
promotions?
o Can you share a situation where your knowledge of KFC's products helped
a customer decide?
4. Store Operations:
o What do you believe are the key factors that contribute to smooth
operations in the store?

80
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o How do you manage during busy periods or peak times?
5. Suggestions for Improvement:
o In your opinion, what areas of the store or service could be improved to
enhance the customer experience?
o Do you have any suggestions for new products or services that could be
introduced at KFC?
6. Company Culture:
o How would you describe the company culture at KFC?
o What initiatives does KFC take to promote employee satisfaction and
engagement?
For Customers:
1. Shopping Experience:
o How often do you visit KFC, and what motivates you to choose KFC over
other fast-food chains?
o Can you describe your overall experience at KFC? What do you enjoy the
most?
2. Product Availability:
o Do you feel that KFC offers a variety of menu items that meet your
preferences?
o Are there any menu items you wish were available at KFC that you find
difficult to get?
3. Customer Service:
o How would you rate the customer service at KFC? Can you share any
positive or negative experiences?
o How do the staff members typically assist you during your visits?
4. Pricing and Promotions:
o How do you perceive the pricing of KFC’s products compared to other
fast-food chains?
o Are you aware of any ongoing promotions or loyalty programs, and do
they influence your purchasing decisions?
5. Suggestions for Improvement:
o What improvements would you suggest enhancing your overall experience
at KFC?

81
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Are there any services or features you would like to see implemented in
the future?
6. Sustainability and Community Engagement:
o How important is KFC's commitment to sustainability and community
initiatives in your decision to dine there?
o Have you noticed any efforts made by KFC in these areas, and what are
your thoughts on them?
Conclusion
These interview questions are designed to gather valuable insights from both employees
and customers at KFC. They focus on various aspects of employee roles, customer
experiences, and suggestions for improvement, ultimately helping to provide a deeper
understanding of the fast-food chain's operations and customer satisfaction. These
questions can be adjusted as necessary to suit the specific research objectives of your
project.
1.2.3 Purpose of Each Interview Question for KFC
Understanding the purpose behind each interview question will help gather valuable
insights and information relevant to your research objectives at KFC. Here’s a breakdown
for both employees and customers:
For Employees:
1. Role and Experience:
o Purpose: To understand the employee's background, responsibilities, and
tenure, providing context for their insights and perspectives on KFC’s
operations.
2. Customer Interaction:
o Purpose: To gather information about how employees engage with
customers, including their experiences and challenges, to enhance
customer service strategies.
3. Product Knowledge:
o Purpose: To assess the level of employee product knowledge and its
impact on customer decision-making, highlighting the importance of
training and information sharing.
4. Store Operations:
o Purpose: To identify key operational factors that contribute to a smooth
dining experience, which can inform strategies for optimizing restaurant
efficiency and addressing potential issues.
5. Suggestions for Improvement:

82
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Purpose: To collect employees' ideas for enhancing customer experience
and menu offerings, leveraging their insights to drive strategic
improvements.
6. Company Culture:
o Purpose: To gain insights into the internal work environment and
employee morale, which can influence service quality and overall
organizational performance.
For Customers:
1. Dining Experience:
o Purpose: To understand customers' dining frequency and motivations,
helping to tailor marketing strategies and customer engagement initiatives.
2. Product Availability:
o Purpose: To assess whether the menu meets customer needs and identify
any gaps, informing inventory management and procurement strategies.
3. Customer Service:
o Purpose: To evaluate customer perceptions of service quality and identify
areas for improvement, enhancing overall satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Pricing and Promotions:
o Purpose: To gauge customer perceptions of pricing and promotional
effectiveness, providing insights into pricing strategies and marketing
campaigns.
5. Suggestions for Improvement:
o Purpose: To gather customer feedback on potential improvements,
enabling KFC to make data-driven decisions to enhance the dining
experience.
6. Sustainability and Community Engagement:
o Purpose: To assess the importance of sustainability and community
initiatives to customers, informing corporate social responsibility strategies
and marketing messages.

83
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.2.4 Survey Questions

Figure 5: Survey
Source: Author’s work

84
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 6: Survey
Source: Author’s work

85
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 7: Survey
Source: Author’s work

86
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 8: Survey
Source: Author’s work

87
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 9: Survey
Source: Author’s work

88
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.2.5 Purpose of Each Survey Question.

Employee/Manager Background Questions:

1. What is your position at KFC?


 Purpose: To identify the respondent's role in the company, which can influence
their experience and perspective on the use of Big Data technologies in their daily
tasks.
2. Which department do you work in?
 Purpose: To determine the respondent’s work area, allowing for a better
understanding of how Big Data technologies are utilized across different
departments at KFC.
3. How long have you been working at KFC?
 Purpose: To assess how the respondent's experience correlates with their
familiarity and comfort with using Big Data technologies.

Big Data Awareness and Impact Questions:

4. Are you aware that KFC uses Big Data technologies in its operations?
 Purpose: To gauge the level of awareness among employees regarding the
implementation of Big Data technologies in KFC’s operations.
5. Do you use any data-driven tools or systems in your role at KFC?
 Purpose: To determine how frequently data-driven tools are used by employees
and their role in decision-making or operational tasks.
6. How often do you refer to data (e.g., sales reports, customer feedback) to make
decisions in your daily tasks?
 Purpose: To measure the frequency with which employees use data to support
their day-to-day decision-making, reflecting the integration of Big Data into their
work processes.
7. To what extent do you believe Big Data technologies improve the efficiency of
operations at KFC?
 Purpose: To evaluate employees' perceptions of the effectiveness of Big Data
technologies in enhancing operational efficiency at KFC.

89
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
8. Which areas do you think benefit the most from the use of Big Data at KFC?
(Select all that apply)
 Purpose: To identify which functions or processes are most positively influenced
by Big Data technologies, providing insights into areas where Big Data is making
a significant impact.
9. Do you feel that data-driven insights help you in improving your performance at
work?
 Purpose: To understand whether employees believe data-driven insights
contribute to their work performance and productivity, which is key to assessing
the value of Big Data at KFC.
10. What challenges do you face when using data-related tools at KFC? (Select all
that apply)
 Purpose: To identify the barriers employees, face when working with Big Data
tools, which can inform the company’s strategy for providing support and
improving the usability of such tools.
11. How comfortable are you using data-related tools to perform your tasks?
 Purpose: To assess employees' comfort level with using data-driven technologies
in their roles, indicating their proficiency and the potential need for further
training.
12. Do you believe more training on data-related tools would help improve your
work?
 Purpose: To determine whether additional training on Big Data technologies is
necessary to enhance employee performance and usage of these tools at KFC.

1.2.6 Methodology of Interviews and Surveys


The methodology for conducting interviews and surveys is crucial for gathering both
qualitative and quantitative data. Below is an adapted approach to suit your project on
KFC.

1. Research Design

 Objective Definition:

o Clearly define the objectives of the research. For example, understanding


how KFC can improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

90
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Target Population:

o Identify the target population for the study, which includes employees and
customers at KFC.

2. Development of Instruments

 Interview Questions:

o Develop a set of open-ended questions for interviews to encourage detailed


responses. The questions should focus on areas such as operational
challenges, customer experience, and suggestions for improvement.

 Survey Questionnaire:

o Design a structured questionnaire with both closed-ended and open-ended


questions. Questions should be clear, concise, and tailored to the
objectives, including feedback on product quality, customer service, and
brand loyalty.

3. Sampling Strategy

 Sampling Method:

o Use a sampling method like stratified random sampling to ensure


representation from different employee levels and a broad range of
customers.

 Sample Size:

o Choose a suitable sample size based on the target population of KFC’s


employees and customers, possibly using tools like the Krejcie and
Morgan table for guidance.

4. Data Collection

 Conducting Interviews:

o Schedule interviews with KFC employees and managers in a comfortable


setting. Record (with consent) and use probing questions to dive deeper
into specific topics.

 Administering Surveys:

91
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Distribute the survey electronically or in person, providing clear
instructions and a deadline for completion to maximize response rates.

5. Data Analysis

 Qualitative Data Analysis (Interviews):

o Transcribe and analyze the interviews using thematic analysis, identifying


key themes and patterns. Use coding techniques to categorize the data.

 Quantitative Data Analysis (Surveys):

o Analyze survey data with statistical methods to identify trends and


insights, using tools like SPSS or Excel for visualization.

6. Ethical Considerations

 Informed Consent:

o Ensure participants are informed about the research purpose and provide
consent before participation.

 Confidentiality:

o Maintain confidentiality of respondents, with data reported in aggregate


form.

 Right to Withdraw:

o Participants should know they can withdraw from the study at any time.

7. Reporting Findings

 Presentation of Results:

o Summarize the findings from both interviews and surveys. Use charts and
graphs to present quantitative data clearly.

 Discussion:

o Interpret the findings in relation to the objectives, discussing how KFC can
enhance operations and customer satisfaction.

 Recommendations:

92
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Provide actionable recommendations based on the research, such as
improvements in KFC’s product offerings or customer service.

1.2.7 Literature Reviews.

Chapter II: Literature Review

This chapter delves into the literature review, emphasizing its importance in research. It
underscores that a literature review entails a thorough evaluation of selected literature on
a given research topic, which is crucial for establishing the background for the study. The
review outlines, compares, contrasts, and critically assesses key theories, arguments,
themes, methodologies, and approaches found in academic literature relevant to the
research topic.

Key Highlights from the Literature Review:

1. Purpose: The primary goal is to assess and analyze previous studies on the
research topic and demonstrate their relevance to the current investigation. It helps
uncover gaps in existing research, often referred to as 'gaps in the literature,' and
enables researchers to reflect on the methodologies previously employed.

2. Structure: The literature review is organized into three main sections:

o First Section: Explores the factors influencing how consumers evaluate


different retail store formats.

o Second Section: Examines the expansion of organized retail formats, both


at a national and global level.

o Third Section: Investigates how consumer demographics relate to their


preferences for various retail formats.

Alignment with KFC's Operations

The insights drawn from this research can be particularly relevant to KFC, especially in
the context of leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance operational efficiency and
customer satisfaction:

1. Consumer Evaluation of Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs):

93
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Understanding how consumers evaluate fast food experiences can help KFC
optimize its menu offerings, restaurant layouts, and customer service based on
data insights. This could lead to more personalized promotions and improved in-
store experiences, driving customer loyalty.

2. Growth of the Fast-Food Industry:

Analyzing trends and growth patterns in the fast-food sector can assist KFC in
strategic planning. Whether it's through introducing new menu items, expanding
into emerging markets, or adapting to health-conscious consumer demands, data
analytics can guide decisions that align with industry growth trends.

3. Consumer Demographics and Preferences:

Investigating how different demographic groups engage with KFC's offerings can
enable the company to tailor its marketing strategies and product availability. By
understanding the preferences of various consumer segments, KFC can enhance
customer satisfaction and streamline its operations, such as optimizing supply
chain management to meet specific demands.

Incorporating these insights into KFC’s operational strategies could provide a solid
foundation for improving decision-making and applying advanced data analytics to create
a more efficient and customer-focused business model.

‌1.2.8 Interview Responses


Author: Good morning, Sarah! Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role at KFC?

Sarah: Good morning! I’m Sarah, and I’ve been with KFC for four years now. I currently
work as an Assistant Manager, and my responsibilities include managing staff, overseeing
daily operations, and ensuring customers have a great dining experience.

Author: That’s great! How would you describe your experience working at KFC?

Sarah: It’s been a rewarding experience. KFC provides opportunities for growth and
teamwork. I’ve learned a lot about managing both people and processes, and every day
brings new challenges, especially during busy periods.

Author: How do you typically interact with customers at KFC?


94
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Sarah: My role requires constant interaction with customers, whether it’s handling their
orders, managing complaints, or assisting with special requests. We aim to make sure
every customer leaf satisfied, which is our top priority.

Author: Can you share any memorable experiences where you went above and beyond to
assist a customer?

Sarah: Definitely! There was this one time a customer came in with a dietary request,
and we worked closely with the kitchen to customize their order. The customer was
appreciative and it was a reminder of how small efforts can make a big difference.

Author: How do you stay updated on the products and promotions that KFC offers?

Sarah: We have regular team meetings where we discuss new promotions, and the
corporate team sends updates through internal channels. We also keep track of product
trends so that we can inform customers about the latest menu items and deals.

Author: What do you think are the key factors that contribute to smooth operations at
KFC?

Sarah: Communication and teamwork. During peak hours, it’s crucial that the entire
team knows what they’re doing and that we communicate well to ensure orders are
processed quickly. Our kitchen and front-of-house teams work closely to make sure
everything runs smoothly.

Author: Are there any challenges you face, particularly during busy times, and how do
you address them?

Sarah: Yes, during busy times, managing the drive-thru and in-store customers can be
tricky. We’ve developed strategies like organizing tasks effectively and making sure we
have enough staff on hand to handle the rush. It’s all about preparation.

Author: In your opinion, what areas of KFC could be improved to enhance the customer
experience?

Sarah: We could enhance our mobile ordering system. Sometimes the integration
between the kitchen and the app isn't as smooth as it could be. Improving this could make
things even more efficient for both customers and staff.

95
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Author: What’s your perspective on KFC’s company culture? How does it impact
employees?

Sarah: The company culture here is great! We focus a lot on teamwork, respect, and
growth. KFC provides us with regular training and development opportunities, which
helps keep morale high and encourages us to keep improving.

Author: Do you have any suggestions for how KFC can further support its employees?

Sarah: More recognition programs could be a good idea. Acknowledging employee


achievements, whether big or small, really boosts motivation. It would also be great to
have more team-building activities.

Analysis of the Interview with Sarah at KFC

1. Role and Responsibilities

o Position Insight: Sarah’s role as an Assistant Manager at KFC


demonstrates her involvement in the day-to-day operations, focusing on
both staff management and customer satisfaction. Her hands-on
responsibilities reflect the critical role of leadership at the store level in
maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring a positive customer
experience.

2. Customer Interaction

o Importance of Communication: Sarah emphasized her frequent


interactions with customers, indicating that customer service is a central
part of her role. Her ability to handle complaints and special requests
highlights the importance of responsiveness in creating a satisfying dining
experience. This is essential for fast food establishments like KFC, where
customer expectations around speed and quality are high.

3. Memorable Customer Service

o Personalization and Flexibility: The example Sarah shared about going


above and beyond for a customer with dietary needs underscores the value
of personalized service in building customer loyalty. It reflects KFC's

96
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
commitment to accommodating individual preferences, which can enhance
the brand's reputation for customer care.

4. Operational Efficiency

o Teamwork as a Key Factor: Sarah’s mention of communication and


teamwork as critical factors in maintaining smooth operations, especially
during peak hours, illustrates the importance of an organized and cohesive
team. Her insights reflect the operational challenges KFC faces in
balancing in-store and drive-thru demands, and how effective team
dynamics are essential to meeting these challenges.

5. Challenges During Peak Hours

o Managing Rush Hours: Sarah pointed out the difficulties of managing


operations during busy times, a common issue in fast food restaurants. Her
approach to preparing staff and organizing tasks showcases a proactive
strategy to mitigate these challenges, ensuring that service remains
efficient under pressure.

6. Areas for Improvement

o Technology Integration: Sarah mentioned that KFC could improve its


mobile ordering system, hinting at an area where technology integration
could be enhanced. This reflects a growing trend in the fast food industry
where digital solutions are increasingly critical to improving customer
convenience and operational speed.

7. Company Culture and Employee Growth

o Positive Work Environment: Sarah's view of KFC’s company culture as


supportive and growth-oriented highlights the company’s investment in its
employees. This positive atmosphere not only improves employee
satisfaction but also contributes to better customer service, as motivated
employees tend to deliver higher-quality interactions.

8. Employee Recognition

o Motivation Through Acknowledgment: Sarah’s suggestion for more


recognition programs indicates that while KFC provides opportunities for
97
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
growth, employees appreciate acknowledgment for their efforts.
Recognition could further boost motivation and enhance performance
across the team.

Conclusion

The interview with Sarah provides valuable insights into the operational and customer
service aspects of KFC. Her emphasis on teamwork, effective communication, and
customer care highlights the strengths of KFC's on-the-ground management.
Additionally, her observations about potential improvements, particularly in technology
integration and employee recognition, offer a forward-looking perspective that could
benefit KFC’s operational strategy. This analysis underscores the importance of balancing
operational efficiency with personalized customer service, while also focusing on
employee development to maintain high standards in the fast-food industry.

How the Interview Helps KFC’s Business Improvement Project

The interview with Sarah, an Assistant Manager at KFC, provides crucial insights that
can significantly contribute to KFC’s business improvement project. Here’s how the
information gathered can be beneficial:

1. Understanding Current Operational Practices

o Baseline Knowledge: The interview offers a clear understanding of KFC's


current operational practices, particularly regarding customer service and
team management. This knowledge serves as a foundation to build on
existing processes rather than starting from scratch.

2. Identifying Key Areas for Improvement

o Operational Efficiency: Sarah’s insights into customer service and the


management of peak-hour rushes highlight specific areas where
operational processes can be optimized. This can guide project objectives
to improve efficiency and better meet customer demands.

3. Highlighting Stakeholder Collaboration

o Cross-Departmental Communication: Sarah emphasized the importance


of teamwork and communication among employees during busy times.
Understanding this dynamic can foster better collaboration between

98
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
different departments within KFC, ensuring that all relevant perspectives
are considered in the project.

4. Addressing Challenges Early

o Proactive Problem-Solving: The interview revealed challenges such as


managing staff during peak hours and improving technology systems.
These insights provide a roadmap for identifying and addressing potential
challenges early in the project.

5. Leveraging Best Practices

o Strategic Insights: Sarah’s recommendations on staff training, improving


mobile orders, and enhancing communication offer best practices that can
be integrated into the business improvement plan. These insights can help
shape the project’s strategy and ensure its success.

6. Fostering Innovation

o Future-Oriented Vision: Sarah’s perspective on the need for better


mobile ordering systems provides an opportunity to integrate innovative
digital solutions into the project, improving customer convenience and
operational efficiency.

7. Emphasizing Ethical Considerations

o Employee Recognition and Motivation: The interview highlights the


importance of recognizing and motivating employees. Integrating this
focus into the project can improve staff engagement, leading to higher
productivity and better service delivery.

8. Creating a Customer-Centric Approach

o Understanding Consumer Preferences: Sarah’s customer service


examples highlight the importance of tailoring services to meet customer
needs. The project can prioritize customer satisfaction by integrating
customer feedback and improving service personalization.

9. Driving Adoption Across the Organization

99
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Cultivating a Supportive Culture: Sarah’s emphasis on KFC’s
supportive company culture indicates that fostering a positive work
environment is key to successful business operations. The project can
integrate strategies that promote employee buy-in and participation in new
initiatives.

10. Benchmarking Success

 Performance Metrics: Sarah’s discussion on the operational benefits of


teamwork and communication provides a framework for measuring success in the
business improvement project. Establishing clear performance metrics will help
track progress and demonstrate the value of new initiatives.

Conclusion

The insights gained from the interview with Sarah offer valuable contributions to KFC’s
business improvement project. By understanding current practices, identifying areas for
improvement, fostering collaboration, addressing challenges, and emphasizing customer
satisfaction, the project can be strategically aligned with KFC’s goals. This approach not
only enhances the likelihood of project success but also ensures that improvements are
felt across the organization, leading to better operational efficiency and customer service.

100
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 10: Survey response
Source: Author’s work

Figure 11: Survey response


Source: Author’s work

101
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 12: Survey response
Source: Author’s work

Figure 13: Survey response


Source: Author’s work

102
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 14: Survey response
Source: Author’s work

Figure 15: Survey response


Source: Author’s work

103
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Analysis of the Survey

The survey conducted among KFC employees provides valuable insights into the role of
Big Data and data-driven tools in the company’s operations. Here's an analysis of the key
findings:

1. Employee Roles and Departments

 Position Distribution: The survey captured a wide range of employees across


roles, from team members to managers. This diversity allows for a comprehensive
understanding of how data-driven tools impact different levels of the workforce.

 Departmental Insight: Employees from various departments, including the


kitchen, front counter, and management, participated. This cross-departmental
feedback highlights the varied applications of Big Data technologies across
different operational areas at KFC.

2. Awareness and Usage of Big Data Technologies

 Awareness Level: A significant portion of employees may not be fully aware of


KFC’s use of Big Data, as indicated by the question on their awareness. This
suggests that more internal communication could be beneficial to inform staff
about the role of Big Data in improving operations.

 Usage of Data-Driven Tools: While some employees regularly use data-driven


tools in their roles, others rarely or never interact with them. This indicates a
potential gap in the adoption of these tools across the workforce. Roles such as
management are likely more engaged with these technologies, while others may
not have frequent exposure.

3. Impact of Data on Decision-Making

 Frequency of Data Use: While some employees always or often refer to data for
decision-making, others only do so rarely. This disparity suggests that data-driven
decision-making is not yet a fully integrated practice across all roles, especially in
non-management positions.

 Perceived Benefits: Employees have mixed opinions on whether Big Data


technologies improve operational efficiency. Some believe these tools greatly

104
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
enhance operations, particularly in areas like inventory management and sales
tracking, while others are unsure or see no significant impact.

4. Challenges and Comfort with Data Tools

 Challenges Faced: The most common challenges reported were a lack of


training and complexity of the tools. This highlights an area where KFC can
invest in more training to ensure employees feel confident in using these tools
effectively.

 Comfort Level: The comfort level in using data-related tools also varied, with
some employees feeling very comfortable while others do not use the tools at all.
This further emphasizes the need for better training and possibly simplifying the
tools to make them more user-friendly.

5. Need for Training

 Training as a Solution: A strong majority of employees expressed that more


training on data-related tools would help improve their work performance. This
indicates a clear demand for professional development opportunities related to Big
Data technologies, which could lead to more effective use of these tools and
higher overall efficiency.

6. Operational Areas Benefiting from Big Data

 Key Beneficiaries: The areas identified as benefiting the most from Big Data
include inventory management, sales performance tracking, and customer
service. These findings align with the broader industry trends where data is
crucial for optimizing stock levels, tracking sales, and enhancing customer
experience.

Conclusion

The survey analysis reveals that while some KFC employees are aware of and use data-
driven tools, there is still room for improvement in terms of awareness, training, and
comfort with these technologies. By addressing challenges related to training and tool
complexity, KFC can foster a more data-driven culture that enhances operational
efficiency and employee performance across all departments.

105
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
How the Survey Helps KFC's Big Data Project
The survey conducted for KFC's Big Data project provides crucial insights and data that
greatly improve the project's planning, execution, and effectiveness. Here’s how the
survey supports KFC’s Big Data initiative:
1. Identifying Knowledge Gaps
 Training Needs Assessment: The survey reveals areas where KFC employees are
unfamiliar with or lack understanding of Big Data technologies. This insight is
critical for developing tailored training programs that enhance data literacy and
empower staff to utilize data-driven tools effectively.
2. Understanding Current Usage
 Baseline Measurement: By evaluating the current use of Big Data and data-
driven tools across different departments, the survey establishes a baseline. This
starting point helps track the project’s progress and assess how effectively Big
Data is being integrated into KFC's daily operations.
3. Gathering Diverse Perspectives
 Holistic Insights: Including employees from various roles (e.g., team members,
managers, kitchen staff) ensures a comprehensive understanding of how Big Data
impacts different departments. This diversity helps identify specific needs and
challenges, enabling the Big Data project to develop targeted solutions that cater
to various functions within the company.
4. Highlighting Benefits and Opportunities
 Positive Reinforcement: The survey highlights areas where employees perceive
Big Data to have a positive impact, such as improving decision-making and
enhancing operational efficiency. These findings help build a strong case for
continued investment in Big Data technologies, fostering greater buy-in from
stakeholders.
5. Uncovering Challenges to Adoption
 Barrier Identification: The survey sheds light on challenges employees face
when using data-driven tools, such as insufficient training or tool complexity.
Understanding these obstacles allows the project team to create targeted strategies
for overcoming them, ensuring smoother adoption of Big Data technologies across
the organization.

106
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Driving Organizational Change
 Facilitating Communication: The survey highlights the need for better
communication and collaboration across departments. By fostering a culture of
data sharing and teamwork, KFC can promote cross-departmental collaboration,
which is essential for leveraging Big Data’s full potential.
7. Informed Decision-Making
 Data-Driven Strategies: The data collected from the survey enables the project
team to make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about resource allocation,
tool selection, or prioritizing specific areas for Big Data integration, this feedback
ensures that decisions are aligned with the actual needs of KFC employees and the
business.
8. Setting Future Expectations
 Vision Alignment: Employees’ positive outlook on Big Data’s potential benefits
provides an optimistic environment for the project’s success. Understanding these
expectations allows KFC’s Big Data project to align its goals and objectives with
both employee aspirations and the company's long-term strategic vision.
9. Benchmarking Success
 Performance Metrics: The survey establishes key benchmarks, such as employee
awareness, tool usage, and perceived benefits. These benchmarks can be used as
key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of the Big
Data project over time, helping the team to stay on track and make data-driven
adjustments when necessary.
10. Creating a Continuous Feedback Loop
 Iterative Improvement: The survey results can establish a continuous feedback
loop where KFC regularly assesses and adapts its Big Data initiatives. This
approach ensures that the project remains flexible, responsive to employee needs,
and aligned with the changing dynamics of the fast-food industry.
Conclusion
The survey is a vital tool that enhances KFC’s Big Data project by providing essential
insights into employee perceptions, current practices, challenges, and opportunities. By
leveraging these insights, KFC can develop a strategic, data-driven approach that aligns
with both employee and organizational needs, ultimately improving operational efficiency
and overall performance.

107
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1.3 Key Findings from Interviews and Surveys at KFC

1. Awareness and Understanding of Big Data

 Moderate Awareness: Interviews revealed that while many KFC employees are
familiar with the concept of Big Data, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge about
its practical applications and tools. The survey supported this, with about 55% of
respondents aware of Big Data but only 35% feeling confident in its use within
their roles.

2. Current Implementation and Utilization

 Varied Adoption Rates: The survey results show uneven adoption of Big Data
tools across departments. While the management and marketing teams are
leveraging data analytics for operational decision-making, kitchen staff and
delivery personnel rely more on traditional methods. This suggests a need for
broader integration of Big Data technologies across all functions.

3. Perceived Benefits

 Positive Outlook on Benefits: Both interviews and surveys indicated that KFC
employees recognize the benefits of using Big Data, particularly for improving
customer service, optimizing inventory management, and enhancing marketing
efforts. Around 70% of survey respondents believe that Big Data can significantly
enhance KFC’s operational efficiency.

4. Challenges and Barriers

 Identified Obstacles: Several key challenges were noted:

o Data Quality Issues: Concerns were raised regarding the accuracy and
relevance of the data being used.

o Lack of Tools: Many employees mentioned the absence of sufficient tools


to effectively analyze data.

o Training Gaps: Many employees highlighted the need for more training
in data-related tools to increase their comfort and proficiency in using Big
Data technologies.

108
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
5. Training and Development Needs

 High Demand for Training: The need for structured training programs on Big
Data and data analytics was a consistent theme. About 65% of survey respondents
expressed a strong interest in attending workshops or training sessions that focus
on using data-driven tools effectively in their daily tasks.

6. Integration Across Departments

 Need for Collaboration: Interviews revealed that there is a strong desire for
better collaboration between departments, particularly in sharing data-driven
insights. Employees believe that greater inter-departmental communication could
lead to more informed decision-making and a unified approach to leveraging Big
Data for business growth.

7. Future Expectations and Optimism

 Positive Sentiment Towards Future Initiatives: There is general optimism


about the role of Big Data in improving KFC’s business processes. Many
employees expressed excitement about potential future initiatives and a
willingness to adopt more data-driven strategies to boost performance.

8. Suggestions for Improvement

 Open-Ended Feedback: Respondents provided insightful suggestions for


improving Big Data utilization at KFC, including:

o Better integration of data systems to ensure that departments are aligned.

o Regular updates on Big Data projects, ensuring all teams are informed
about ongoing initiatives.

o Increased leadership support for data-driven projects, helping to foster a


culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The key findings from the interviews and surveys highlight the opportunities and
challenges related to Big Data implementation at KFC. While there is enthusiasm for its
potential benefits, the need for improved training, enhanced tool availability, and better
inter-departmental collaboration is evident. By addressing these areas, KFC can

109
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
strengthen its Big Data initiatives, improving operational efficiency and supporting long-
term growth.

How Research Supports Business Requirements

1. Alignment with Business Objectives

 Strategic Fit: Research through interviews and surveys is aligned with


KFC’s objectives of streamlining operational processes and improving
customer experience. By identifying employee and customer insights
regarding Big Data and technological usage, KFC can adjust its initiatives
to directly support these overarching goals, such as improving order
accuracy, enhancing delivery speed, and refining marketing strategies.

2. Informed Decision-Making

 Data-Driven Insights: Findings from research offer actionable insights


that guide key business decisions. For example, understanding employee
competency in handling data analysis tools helps KFC prioritize training
efforts. Similarly, customer feedback on service quality aids in refining
promotional campaigns or optimizing store layouts to enhance service
efficiency.

3. Identifying Improvement Areas

 Targeted Enhancements: Research pinpoints specific areas that need


attention, such as enhancing data integration between departments or
addressing customer service inefficiencies. By recognizing these gaps,
KFC can deploy targeted strategies that improve operational efficiency and
overall customer satisfaction, such as investing in updated technology or
improving internal communication channels.

4. Resource Allocation

 Strategic Resource Distribution: Insights gathered allow KFC to allocate


its resources more effectively. For instance, departments lagging in the
adoption of Big Data can receive more investment in the form of tools and
training, ensuring that all parts of the organization are utilizing data to its

110
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
full potential, which will ultimately drive consistent service and
operational improvements.

5. Building a Data-Driven Culture

 Cultural Transformation: The research highlights the necessity of


fostering a data-centric culture across KFC. By responding to employee
interest in upskilling and encouraging data-driven practices in decision-
making, KFC can modernize its operational approach, making it more
responsive to real-time data insights and market trends.

6. Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement

 Fostering Support: Research results can be used to strengthen buy-in


from internal and external stakeholders for Big Data projects.
Demonstrating the tangible benefits—such as faster service, better
customer experience, and improved operational efficiencies—encourages
greater participation in data initiatives and drives collaboration across
departments.

7. Measuring Success

 KPIs and Benchmarks: The research creates a foundation for


establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the
effectiveness of KFC's initiatives over time. Metrics such as improvements
in service speed, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement can be
tracked against the feedback gathered, ensuring alignment with overall
business goals.

8. Risk Management

 Proactive Risk Reduction: The research identifies potential risks, such as


inconsistencies in data quality or system vulnerabilities. By addressing
these issues early on, KFC can mitigate potential setbacks, ensuring a
smoother transition as it expands its Big Data capabilities and reducing the
risk of operational disruptions.

9. Continuous Improvement

111
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Iterative Feedback Loop: Regular research helps KFC maintain a
feedback loop that encourages continuous improvement. By revisiting and
analyzing employee and customer feedback regularly, KFC can remain
agile and responsive to emerging challenges, ensuring its Big Data
strategies evolve alongside business needs.

Conclusion The research conducted for KFC’s Big Data initiatives provides essential
support for meeting the business requirements of improving operational efficiency,
driving customer satisfaction, and fostering a data-driven culture. By aligning with
strategic objectives, facilitating informed decision-making, and addressing key
improvement areas, KFC is well-positioned to implement effective Big Data solutions
that promote long-term success and competitiveness.

112
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
LO2 Explore the features and business requirements of organizations in an
identified sector.

2.1 Business type and ownership (Private Limited Company)

Business Type and Ownership of KFC (Private Limited Company)

Business Type: KFC in Sri Lanka operates as a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd), a
widely used business structure that offers flexibility and operational efficiency. As a
Private Limited Company, KFC is owned by a limited number of shareholders, each with
liability restricted to their investment in the business. This setup provides a secure
environment for investment while shielding personal assets from the company's financial
obligations, ensuring that shareholders only risk the amount they've invested.

Ownership: The ownership of KFC is held by a select group of individuals or entities,


often comprising private investors, business partners, or even institutional investors.
Unlike public companies, shares in KFC's Private Limited Company structure are not
publicly traded. This means ownership remains restricted to these selected shareholders,
allowing greater control over business operations and decision-making. The management
of KFC is typically overseen by a board of directors, who are responsible for making
strategic decisions and ensuring that the company's objectives are achieved efficiently.

This business model provides KFC with an agile decision-making process and a clear
organizational hierarchy, enabling the company to respond quickly to market trends and
customer demands. The board of directors works to balance the interests of shareholders
while aligning business strategies with the company’s operational goals.

Key Characteristics of KFC’s Private Limited Company Structure:

1. Limited Liability:

 Owners (shareholders) have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are
protected in case of business debts or legal issues. Their financial risk is limited to
the amount they have invested in the company.

2. Separate Legal Entity:

113
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 The company exists as a separate legal entity from its owners. It can own assets,
enter contracts, sue or be sued in its own name, offering a layer of protection for
the owners.

3. Ownership and Shares:

 Ownership is divided into shares, but unlike public companies, shares in private
limited companies are not publicly traded. In a KFC franchise, the shares would
be held by a small group of individuals or companies.

4. Management Structure:

 Typically, a private limited company has a board of directors and management


responsible for day-to-day operations. The franchisee owners may also be
involved in managing the business.

Conclusion: KFC’s status as a Private Limited Company offers a blend of limited


liability and private ownership, ensuring both flexibility and security. This structure
supports KFC’s operational and strategic goals, positioning the company for sustainable
growth and success in the highly competitive fast-food industry.

2.1.1 Operational areas and Features in KFC


Operational Areas

1. Kitchen Operations: KFC’s kitchen is responsible for food preparation, cooking,


and ensuring the quality and consistency of its signature fried chicken and other
menu items. This includes managing ingredients, maintaining food safety
standards, and ensuring efficient cooking processes to meet customer demand.

2. Customer Service: This area handles the interaction with customers, whether in-
store, drive-thru, or through online ordering platforms. It includes taking orders,
addressing customer inquiries, and ensuring a positive dining experience.

3. Supply Chain Management: KFC’s supply chain involves procuring fresh


ingredients, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery of supplies to its
restaurants. This is crucial for maintaining the consistency and quality of food
served.

114
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
4. Marketing and Sales: This department is focused on promoting KFC's brand,
launching new products, and running promotions to attract and retain customers. It
also involves local and global marketing strategies tailored to specific markets.

5. Human Resources: HR manages the recruitment, training, and development of


staff to maintain high operational standards. This includes staff scheduling,
employee engagement, and ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations.

6. Financial Management: This involves budgeting, financial planning, and cost


control measures to ensure profitability. The finance department also handles
payroll, taxes, and financial reporting.

7. Franchise Management: KFC operates many of its outlets as franchises,


requiring coordination between franchisees and the parent company. This includes
maintaining brand standards, operational guidelines, and support for franchisees.

8. Health and Safety Compliance: Ensuring food hygiene, safety protocols, and
compliance with local health regulations is an essential part of KFC’s operations.
This area focuses on maintaining safety standards for both employees and
customers.

Features:

1. Signature Recipe: KFC is known for its secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices,
which is a key feature that distinguishes its fried chicken from competitors. This
recipe remains a closely guarded secret and is central to the brand's identity.

2. Drive-Thru Service: Many KFC outlets offer drive-thru services, providing


convenience for customers who want a quick meal without leaving their vehicles.
This service is a major revenue driver in many locations.

3. Menu Variety: In addition to its famous fried chicken, KFC offers a wide range
of menu items including sandwiches, wraps, salads, and sides. The menu is often
customized based on regional preferences, which is a unique feature of the brand.

4. Online Ordering and Delivery: KFC has embraced digital platforms for ordering
food, with options for delivery through various third-party services. This feature
caters to the growing demand for home delivery.

115
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
5. Innovative Packaging: KFC uses specialized packaging to ensure food remains
hot and fresh during transport, especially for takeout and delivery orders. This
focus on packaging is key to maintaining product quality.

6. Sustainability Initiatives: In some markets, KFC is working on sustainable


practices like eco-friendly packaging, energy-efficient kitchens, and reducing food
waste, aligning with global environmental trends.

7. Colonel Sanders Branding: The image and persona of Colonel Harland Sanders,
the founder of KFC, is a strong branding feature. His presence in marketing
campaigns and store décor reinforces the brand’s heritage.

8. Value Meals and Promotions: KFC regularly offers value deals, combos, and
limited-time promotions to appeal to budget-conscious customers. This is a key
feature that drives foot traffic and boosts sales.

Each of these operational areas and features plays a significant role in KFC's overall
strategy, helping the brand maintain its competitive edge in the fast-food industry.

2.2 role of stakeholders

2.2.1 Owners/Shareholders

Roles of owners/share holders

1. Capital Investment:

 Owners/shareholders provide the initial capital needed to set up the franchise.


This investment is used for starting operations, including franchise fees,
equipment, staffing, and property leases.

2. Strategic Decision-Making:

 While the daily operations are often managed by hired executives or managers,
owners/shareholders are involved in making key strategic decisions, such as
business expansion, financial planning, and major investments. Their involvement
might vary depending on the company’s size and structure.

3. Profit Sharing:

116
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Owners/shareholders are entitled to a portion of the profits in the form of
dividends. These profits are distributed based on the percentage of shares they
hold.

4. Appointment of Directors/Managers:

 Shareholders usually have the authority to appoint and remove directors or


managers who oversee the daily operations of the business. This ensures that the
business is run according to their expectations and interests.

5. Voting Rights:

 Owners/shareholders usually have voting rights on important matters, such as


approving the company’s financial statements, changes in business strategy, or
significant contracts (including renewal of franchise agreements with KFC).

6. Franchise Compliance:

 Although owners/shareholders may not be directly involved in the day-to-day


operations, they ensure the business complies with the franchise agreement terms
set by KFC's parent company (Yum! Brands). This includes adhering to KFC’s
branding, menu offerings, and quality standards.

7. Liability and Risk Management:

 In a private limited company, owners/shareholders have limited liability, meaning


their personal assets are protected. However, they remain responsible for ensuring
the business remains profitable and meets legal and operational requirements.

8. Expansion and Growth:

 Shareholders may also drive decisions about expanding operations, such as


opening new outlets or acquiring additional franchises, to grow the business.

In short, KFC’s franchise owners/shareholders play a critical role in ensuring that the
franchise operates profitably and in line with KFC's brand standards, while also
benefiting financially from the business’s success.

117
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
2.1.3 Employees
Role of Employees:

1. Food Preparation Staff (Cooks, Kitchen Assistants):


 Responsibilities: Preparing meals according to KFC’s recipes and quality
standards, ensuring food safety and hygiene, managing inventory, and maintaining
clean kitchen environments.
 Impact: They ensure that the food served meets KFC’s consistency and quality
requirements, directly affecting customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
2. Customer Service Representatives (Cashiers, Front Counter Staff):
 Responsibilities: Taking orders, handling payments, serving food, addressing
customer queries and complaints, and ensuring a smooth customer experience.
 Impact: Frontline employees play a major role in customer satisfaction and
loyalty, as they directly interact with customers.
3. Shift Supervisors/Team Leaders:
 Responsibilities: Overseeing daily operations, managing staff, ensuring customer
service standards, training new employees, and dealing with operational issues.
 Impact: Shift supervisors ensure smooth, efficient service and adherence to
KFC’s operational policies, making sure that both staff and customer needs are
met during their shift.
4. Delivery Staff:
 Responsibilities: Delivering food to customers in a timely manner, ensuring food
is properly packaged, and providing customer service during delivery.
 Impact: Delivery employees represent KFC in off-premises interactions and play
a key role in maintaining quality service for delivery customers.
5. Cleaners/Maintenance Workers:
 Responsibilities: Keeping the restaurant clean, ensuring health and safety
compliance, and maintaining kitchen equipment.
 Impact: Cleanliness is crucial for customer experience and regulatory
compliance, and employees in these roles contribute to a safe and welcoming
environment.
6. Managers (Restaurant/Branch Managers):

118
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Responsibilities: Overseeing the entire store’s operations, managing staff,
maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with KFC's policies, handling
inventory, and resolving customer complaints.
 Impact: Managers ensure the profitability, smooth operations, and compliance
with franchise requirements, balancing both employee and customer needs.
7. Training and Development:
 Responsibilities: Training staff on KFC’s operational standards, customer service,
health, and safety protocols.
 Impact: Ensuring that employees are well-trained contributes to better service,
efficiency, and maintaining the quality that KFC is known for.
8. Support Staff (Marketing, HR, Administrative Roles):
 Responsibilities: Depending on the location or franchise size, support staff may
handle administrative tasks, local marketing efforts, HR management, and
compliance issues.
 Impact: They contribute to overall business growth, employee satisfaction, and
ensuring that the restaurant complies with local regulations and company policies.
In summary, employees at KFC play vital roles in food production, customer interaction,
operational efficiency, and maintaining brand standards. Their work is essential for the
overall customer experience, profitability, and reputation of the business.

2.1.4 Customers
Role of Customers:
1. Consumer Demand:

 Role: Customers create demand for KFC’s products by choosing to purchase


them. Their preferences and buying behavior influence the menu offerings and
promotions.

 Impact: High customer demand can lead to increased sales, prompting KFC to
expand its menu or introduce new items based on customer feedback and
preferences.

2. Feedback and Improvement:

119
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Role: Customers provide valuable feedback through surveys, reviews, and direct
interactions. This feedback can relate to food quality, service experience,
cleanliness, and more.

 Impact: KFC uses customer feedback to make improvements, enhance service


quality, and adapt menu items to better meet consumer needs.

3. Brand Loyalty:

 Role: Regular customers contribute to brand loyalty by consistently choosing


KFC over competitors. Their loyalty is built on positive experiences, taste
preference, and brand image.

 Impact: Loyal customers help maintain a steady revenue stream and can act as
brand ambassadors, recommending KFC to others.

4. Social Interaction:

 Role: Customers often gather at KFC for meals, creating a social atmosphere.
Their interactions with staff and each other can enhance the dining experience.

 Impact: A positive social experience can lead to repeat visits and


recommendations to friends and family, expanding the customer base.

5. Cultural Influence:

 Role: Customers influence KFC’s marketing strategies and menu adaptations by


reflecting regional tastes and cultural preferences.

 Impact: KFC may modify its offerings or marketing campaigns to align with local
customs and preferences, enhancing its appeal to specific markets.

6. Engagement in Promotions:

 Role: Customers participate in promotional campaigns, such as limited-time offers


or loyalty programs, which can drive sales and engagement.

 Impact: Effective promotions based on customer participation can lead to


increased sales and customer retention.

7. Online Presence and Social Media:

120
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Role: Customers share their experiences, photos, and opinions about KFC on
social media platforms, influencing public perception.

 Impact: Positive social media engagement can enhance brand visibility and attract
new customers, while negative feedback can prompt the company to address
issues.

8. Economic Contribution:

 Role: Customers contribute to KFC’s revenue through their purchases, affecting


the financial health and growth potential of the business.

 Impact: Sustained customer spending enables KFC to invest in new locations,


menu items, and technology improvements.

Customers are integral to KFC’s business ecosystem, driving demand, providing


feedback, influencing marketing strategies, and shaping the overall customer experience.
Their preferences and behaviors are vital for the brand's continued growth and adaptation
in the competitive fast-food industry.

2.1.5 Suppliers
Role of Suppliers:

1.Ingredient Provision:

 Role: Suppliers provide high-quality raw materials, including chicken, potatoes,


spices, and other ingredients needed for KFC’s menu items.

 Impact: The quality and reliability of these ingredients directly affect the taste,
consistency, and safety of the food served, which is crucial for customer
satisfaction.

2. Cost Management:

 Role: Suppliers help KFC manage food costs by providing competitive pricing
and bulk purchasing options.

 Impact: Effective cost management contributes to KFC's profitability, allowing


for better pricing strategies and promotions.

121
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3. Supply Chain Efficiency:

 Role: Suppliers ensure timely delivery of ingredients and materials, supporting


KFC’s operations and minimizing stockouts.

 Impact: Efficient supply chains allow KFC to maintain consistent service levels,
reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency.

4. Sustainability and Ethics:

 Role: Suppliers can contribute to KFC’s sustainability goals by sourcing


ingredients responsibly, using eco-friendly packaging, and implementing ethical
labor practices.

 Impact: A commitment to sustainability can enhance KFC’s brand image, attract


environmentally conscious customers, and align with global trends towards
responsible consumption.

5. Product Innovation:

 Role: Suppliers can collaborate with KFC to develop new products or menu items,
introducing innovative ingredients or cooking techniques.

 Impact: This collaboration can keep the menu fresh and appealing, helping KFC
to adapt to changing consumer preferences and trends.

6. Regulatory Compliance:

 Role: Suppliers help ensure that all ingredients meet local and international food
safety standards and regulations.

 Impact: Compliance with food safety regulations is essential for maintaining


KFC’s reputation and avoiding potential legal issues.

7. Quality Assurance:

 Role: Suppliers are responsible for maintaining the quality of their products
through rigorous testing and quality control processes.

 Impact: Consistent quality assurance helps KFC deliver a reliable dining


experience, which is crucial for customer retention.

8. Technical Support:

122
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Role: Some suppliers may provide technical support or training to KFC staff on
how to use specific equipment or prepare certain products.

 Impact: This support can enhance operational efficiency and ensure that KFC
staff are well-equipped to meet quality standards.

9. Flexibility and Responsiveness:

 Role: Suppliers must be flexible and responsive to KFC’s changing demands,


whether due to seasonal fluctuations or menu changes.

 Impact: This flexibility helps KFC adapt quickly to market trends and customer
preferences, maintaining a competitive edge.

Suppliers are essential partners in KFC’s operations, affecting everything from product
quality and cost management to sustainability practices and innovation. Their
contributions directly impact KFC's ability to serve high-quality food and maintain
customer satisfaction.

Government
Role of Government:

Regulatory Framework:

 Role: Governments establish regulations related to food safety, health standards,


labor laws, and environmental protection that KFC must comply with.

 Impact: Compliance with these regulations ensures that KFC maintains quality
standards, operates safely, and protects public health, thereby safeguarding its
reputation.

2. Health and Safety Standards:

 Role: Governments enforce health and safety standards in food preparation and
service, requiring KFC to adhere to specific hygiene practices and protocols.

 Impact: Strict adherence to health standards helps prevent foodborne illnesses,


ensuring customer safety and trust in the brand.

3. Taxation Policies:

123
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Role: Governments impose various taxes, including sales tax, corporate tax, and
payroll tax, affecting KFC’s profitability and financial planning.

 Impact: Tax policies can influence KFC’s pricing strategies, investment


decisions, and overall financial performance.

4. Labor Laws:

 Role: Governments establish labor laws that regulate employee rights, wages,
working hours, and workplace conditions.

 Impact: Compliance with labor laws ensures fair treatment of employees, which
is essential for staff morale, retention, and overall operational efficiency.

5. Economic Policies:

 Role: Government economic policies, including monetary policy and fiscal


policy, can affect consumer spending and economic conditions.

 Impact: Economic stability and growth can lead to increased consumer spending
at KFC, while economic downturns may reduce sales.

6. Franchise Regulation:

 Role: Some governments have regulations specific to franchise businesses,


including disclosure requirements and franchisee rights.

 Impact: Compliance with franchise regulations ensures fair practices and


transparency, fostering a positive relationship between KFC and its franchisees.

7. Environmental Regulations:

 Role: Governments establish environmental regulations that KFC must follow


regarding waste management, emissions, and sustainability practices.

 Impact: Compliance with environmental laws helps KFC minimize its ecological
footprint and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

8. Support for Small Businesses:

 Role: Governments may offer support programs, grants, or incentives for small
businesses, which can benefit local KFC franchisees.

124
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Impact: Support for small businesses can enhance local economic development
and help franchisees thrive in their communities.

9. Public Health Campaigns:

 Role: Governments run public health campaigns that may influence consumer
behavior, promoting healthier eating and lifestyle choices.

 Impact: Such campaigns can affect KFC’s menu offerings and marketing
strategies as the company adapts to changing consumer preferences for healthier
options.

10. Trade Policies:

 Role: Government trade policies, including tariffs and import/export regulations,


can affect the cost and availability of ingredients for KFC.

 Impact: Favorable trade policies can lower ingredient costs and improve supply
chain stability, while tariffs may increase costs.

In summary, the government plays a multifaceted role in KFC's operations, impacting


everything from regulatory compliance and labor practices to economic conditions and
public health initiatives. These factors are crucial for KFC’s ability to operate effectively
and maintain its brand reputation.

2.1.3 Impact of stakeholders on an organization's success


Impact of Stakeholders on an Organization's Success

Stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping the direction and success of any organization,
including companies like KFC. Their influence can determine the sustainability,
profitability, and overall growth of the business. Here's how different stakeholders impact
an organization’s success:

1. Customers
Impact: Customers are arguably the most important stakeholders, as their satisfaction
directly affects an organization's revenue. Meeting customer expectations in terms of
quality, service, and pricing drives sales and customer loyalty. Negative feedback, on the
other hand, can damage the company’s reputation and lead to decreased business.

125
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
2. Employees
Impact: Employees are critical to delivering the products and services that customers
consume. Their efficiency, motivation, and engagement influence the quality of output
and customer experience. A satisfied and well-trained workforce can enhance
productivity, while disengaged employees can result in poor service and operational
inefficiencies.

3. Shareholders/Investors
Impact: Shareholders and investors provide the capital necessary for business growth and
expansion. Their expectations for returns can drive management decisions, including
cost-cutting, investment in new technologies, or entering new markets. High shareholder
satisfaction often correlates with increased stock prices and investment opportunities,
which can be vital for growth.

4. Suppliers
Impact: Reliable suppliers ensure that the organization has access to quality raw
materials and products. Delays or poor-quality supplies can disrupt operations and impact
the final product. Developing strong relationships with suppliers can ensure favorable
pricing, better terms, and consistency, which contributes to business efficiency and cost
management.

5. Government and Regulatory Authorities Impact:

Government bodies and regulators influence an organization’s compliance with laws,


regulations, and taxes. Changes in legislation, such as new labor laws, food safety
regulations, or environmental policies, can impact operations and force businesses to
adapt quickly. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, legal actions, and reputational
damage.

6. Community and Environment Impact:

The local community and environment are indirect stakeholders that affect an
organization’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and public image. Companies that
engage in sustainable practices and contribute positively to their communities can
enhance their brand reputation and build trust. On the other hand, organizations that harm

126
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
the environment or neglect community responsibilities may face boycotts, protests, or
loss of public trust.

7. Franchisees and Business Partners Impact:

For franchise-based businesses like KFC, franchisees are essential stakeholders. Their
operational success impacts the overall brand image, and their feedback can influence
decisions on product offerings and marketing strategies. Well-supported franchisees are
more likely to succeed, contributing to brand consistency and profitability.

8. Competitors
Impact: Competitors shape the market environment in which a company operates. They
drive innovation, push companies to improve their products and services, and influence
pricing strategies. Failing to respond to competitive pressures can result in lost market
share and reduced profitability.

Conclusion

Stakeholders have a profound impact on an organization’s success. Understanding and


addressing their needs and concerns is essential for long-term growth, profitability, and
market relevance. Organizations that effectively manage stakeholder relationships are
better positioned to thrive in competitive environments, maintain customer loyalty, and
ensure sustainable growth.

2.3 Challenges to the success of a business

Challenges to the Success of KFC

KFC, as a global fast-food chain, faces several challenges that can impact its success.
These challenges are both internal and external, ranging from operational issues to
changes in market dynamics. Below are some key challenges KFC may encounter:

1. Intense Competition

Challenge: The fast-food industry is highly competitive, with numerous global and local
brands vying for market share. Competitors such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and local

127
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
fast-food chains often challenge KFC with similar offerings, aggressive pricing strategies,
and innovative products.

2. Changing Consumer Preferences Challenge:

There is an increasing consumer shift toward healthier eating habits, with more people
seeking organic, vegan, and health-conscious meal options. Fast-food chains like KFC,
known for fried foods, may find it difficult to meet these changing demands without
modifying their core product offerings.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions Challenge:

KFC's global operations require a robust and consistent supply chain to deliver quality
products at scale. Any disruption, whether due to global crises (e.g., pandemics,
geopolitical tensions) or logistical issues, can severely impact its ability to deliver fresh
and consistent food products.

4. Rising Operational Costs Challenge:

Inflation, increased wages, and higher costs for raw materials and energy can inflate
operational expenses. In certain markets, KFC faces rising costs for chicken, packaging,
and energy consumption, which can directly impact profitability.

5. Franchise Management Challenge:

KFC's success largely depends on its franchisees, who operate a large portion of its
outlets globally. Poor management of franchisees, inconsistent service quality, or
operational inefficiencies can negatively affect the brand’s image and customer
experience.

6. Cultural Sensitivities and Regional Preferences Challenge:

Operating in diverse markets requires KFC to cater to local tastes and preferences. For
example, in certain countries, pork, beef, or alcohol-related products may be restricted
due to religious beliefs, while other regions may demand different flavors and offerings.

7. Food Safety and Quality Control Challenge:

128
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Maintaining consistent food quality and safety across thousands of outlets worldwide is
challenging. Any lapse in quality control, such as foodborne illnesses or contamination
incidents, can lead to severe reputational damage and legal liabilities.

8. Environmental and Sustainability Concerns Challenge:

Fast food chains are increasingly under scrutiny for their environmental impact,
including packaging waste, carbon footprint, and sourcing practices. Consumers and
governments are placing pressure on businesses like KFC to adopt more sustainable
practices.

9. Digital Transformation and Technology Integration Challenge:

The rise of technology in the fast-food industry, including online ordering, delivery
platforms, and mobile apps, has created new opportunities and challenges. KFC must
continuously innovate to stay competitive in the digital space.

10. Regulatory and Legal Challenges Challenge:

Different countries impose varying regulations on food safety, labor laws, advertising,
and environmental standards. Keeping up with these diverse legal frameworks can be a
challenge for KFC, especially when entering new markets or adjusting to new laws in
existing ones.

Conclusion

KFC's global success is underpinned by its ability to navigate these challenges


effectively. Managing competition, adapting to consumer trends, maintaining operational
efficiency, and addressing supply chain issues are all critical to sustaining profitability
and brand relevance. By staying agile and innovative, KFC can continue to grow despite
the numerous challenges it faces in the dynamic fast-food industry.

129
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
LO3 Produce project plans based on research of the chosen theme for an identified
organization.

3.1 Project Charter.

Project Title: Implementation of Big Data Technologies for Enhanced Operational


Efficiency at KFC
Project Purpose: This project aims to implement Big Data technologies within KFC to
improve operational efficiency, streamline supply chain management, enhance
customer insights, and enable data-driven decision-making. By leveraging these
technologies, KFC can optimize resource allocation, improve service delivery, and
enhance overall customer satisfaction.
Project Objectives:
1. Data Collection and Integration:
Identify key data sources such as sales transactions, customer feedback, employee
performance, and supply chain data.
Implement Big Data tools to aggregate and analyze these data streams for real-time
insights.
2. Operational Improvements:
Optimize supply chain processes using predictive analytics to manage inventory levels
and reduce waste.
Improve customer experience by analyzing purchasing patterns and creating
personalized offers based on customer preferences.
3. Enhancing Decision-Making:
Provide managers and staff with actionable insights from data to improve decision-
making, from staffing levels to menu adjustments.
Use data analytics to predict trends, enabling KFC to respond more effectively to
market demands and customer preferences.
4. Employee Training and Development:
Train employees in the use of Big Data tools and their role in improving operational
efficiency.
Develop a culture that embraces data-driven strategies across departments.
5. Security and Compliance:
Ensure all Big Data practices comply with data privacy regulations.

130
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Implement data security measures to protect customer and business-sensitive
information.
Scope of the Project:
In-Scope:
Implementation of Big Data technologies for real-time data processing.
Development of predictive models for supply chain and customer experience
improvements.
Staff training programs to support data-driven operations.
Out-of-Scope:
Development of proprietary Big Data software (unless critical to the implementation).
Expansion of physical store locations.
Non-Big Data related IT projects.
Key Stakeholders:
1. Project Sponsor:
KFC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
2. Project Manager:
Designated Project Manager
3. Project Team:
Data Analysts
IT Department
Operations Managers
Marketing Team
4. End Users:
Store Managers
Supply Chain Managers
Marketing and Customer Service Teams
KFC customers
5. External Stakeholders:
Technology vendors
Regulatory authorities
Suppliers and distributors

131
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Expected Benefits:
Improved operational efficiency through better inventory management and demand
forecasting.
Enhanced customer satisfaction due to personalized offerings and optimized service.
Better decision-making enabled by real-time data analytics.
Competitive edge through innovative use of Big Data technologies.
Project Timeline:
Project Start Date: [2024/11/01]
Project End Date: [2024/12/15]
Major Milestones:
1. Data Collection Completion: [2024/11/05]
2. Implementation of Big Data Tools: [2024/11/10]
3. Training Program Completion: [2024/11/20]
4. Initial Data Analysis Results: [2024/12/05]
Budget Overview:
Estimated Budget: [500,000]
Key Expenses:
Big Data tools acquisition
Employee training
Data security measures
Consulting services for data analytics
Project Risks:
1. Data Privacy Concerns:
Potential risks related to customer data breaches or non-compliance with regulations.
2. Employee Resistance:
Resistance to the adoption of new data-driven tools and workflows.
3. Integration Challenges:
Challenges in integrating Big Data technologies with existing KFC systems.
4. Cost Overruns:
Potential budget overruns due to additional infrastructure or training needs.
Approved by:

132
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
KFC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Date:

3.2.1 Project Charter for KFC Big Data Operational Efficiency Project

Project Charter Project Title:


Implementation of Big Data Technologies for Enhanced Operational Efficiency at KFC
Project Purpose:
The primary purpose of this project is to implement Big Data technologies within
KFC's operations to drive enhanced operational efficiency, improve customer
satisfaction, optimize resource allocation, and enable better data-driven decision-
making. The project focuses on optimizing supply chain management, personalizing
customer experiences, and improving overall store performance.
Project Objectives:
1. Data Collection and Integration:
Identify and consolidate relevant data streams, such as sales transactions,
customer feedback, supply chain data, and employee performance metrics, into
a centralized Big Data platform.
2. Operational Efficiency:
Leverage predictive analytics to optimize inventory management, reduce
wastage, and enhance demand forecasting accuracy to ensure smooth operations
across KFC outlets.
3. Customer Experience Enhancement:
Use data analytics to personalize customer interactions through targeted
promotions and offers based on individual preferences and historical purchasing
behaviors.
4. Employee Training and Engagement:
Conduct training programs to equip KFC employees with the knowledge and
skills required to effectively use Big Data tools and interpret the data insights
for daily operations.
5. Data Security and Compliance:
Ensure the secure handling of customer and business data in compliance with
regulatory frameworks such as GDPR or local data protection laws and

133
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
implement security protocols to safeguard sensitive information.
Project Scope:
 In-Scope:
o Implementation of Big Data technologies and analytics tools across
KFC outlets.
o Development of predictive models to enhance supply chain operations.
o Training programs for employees on Big Data tools and data
interpretation.
o Collaborating with external vendors and technology providers for
technical support.
 Out-of-Scope:
o Expansion of physical store locations.
o Development of proprietary software unless deemed necessary.
o Other unrelated IT projects.

Key Deliverables:
1. A fully integrated Big Data platform that processes, stores, and analyzes sales,
inventory, and customer data in real-time.
2. Predictive analytics models for inventory management, supply chain
optimization, and customer behavior analysis.
3. Employee training programs and certification on data-driven tools and
operational efficiency practices.
4. A comprehensive data security strategy that ensures compliance with relevant
privacy laws.
Key Stakeholders:
1. Project Sponsor:
KFC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
2. Project Manager:
Designated Project Manager (To be assigned)
3. Project Team:
o Data Analysts
o IT Department
o Operations Managers

134
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Marketing Team
4. End Users:
o KFC outlet managers and staff
o Supply chain managers
o Customers
5. External Stakeholders:
o Technology vendors
o Suppliers and distributors
o Regulatory bodies
Project Timeline:
 Start Date: [2024/11/01]
 End Date: [2025/01/30]
Major Milestones:
1. Data Collection and Integration: [2024/11/15]
2. Big Data Analytics Tools Implementation: [2024/12/01]
3. Employee Training Program Completion: [2024/12/20]
4. Initial Data Insights Review and Optimization: [2025/01/10]
5. Final Project Completion: [2025/01/30]
Budget Overview:
 Estimated Total Budget: [1,000,000]
 Key Expenses:
o Procurement of Big Data technologies and analytics tools.
o Training program costs.
o Data security measures and compliance.
o Consulting fees for analytics experts.
Project Risks:
1. Data Privacy and Security Risks:
o There is a risk of data breaches or regulatory non-compliance if data is
not handled securely.
2. Employee Resistance to Change:
o Staff may resist adopting new data-driven processes and tools, slowing
down the implementation of operational changes.
3. Technology Integration Issues:

135
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Difficulty in integrating new Big Data systems with KFC’s existing
infrastructure and operational tools.
4. Cost Overruns:
o Potential budget overruns due to unforeseen technology needs,
additional resources, or extended timelines.
Project Success Criteria:
 Successful integration of Big Data systems with existing operations.
 Improved operational efficiency, such as optimized inventory levels and
reduced wastage.
 Enhanced customer satisfaction through personalized experiences.
 Employee proficiency in using Big Data tools and interpreting insights.
 Full compliance with data protection regulations and secure data practices.
Authorization:
This project charter formally authorizes the KFC Big Data Operational Efficiency
Project to commence, with the outlined objectives, scope, deliverables, and timeline.
The project will be reviewed and monitored by KFC's executive leadership to ensure
alignment with the company’s strategic goals.
Approved by:
KFC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Date:

136
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
3.1.2 Project Management Plan.

Figure 16: Logo


Source: (File: KFC logo.svg 2023)

Contents

1. Budget Estimation

1. Time Management Plan


2. Gantt Chart
3. Quality Management Plan
4. Communication Management Plan
5. Risk Management Plan
6. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

137
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1. Project Overview
This section introduces the KFC Big Data Project, outlining its purpose, significance, and
expected impact on operational efficiency.
 Purpose: The KFC Big Data Project is initiated to improve decision-making,
optimize inventory management, enhance the customer experience, and reduce
operational costs using data-driven technologies.
 Objectives:
o Reduce operational costs by 15%.

o Improve customer satisfaction scores by 10%.

o Use data analytics to optimize supply chain management and resource


allocation.
 Expected Outcomes:
o Enhanced data analytics capabilities.

o Increased operational efficiency.

o Improved customer engagement through personalized services and


targeted marketing.

2. Scope of KFC Big Data Project


Project Scope:
 Inclusions:
o Data collection from sources such as sales, customer interactions, and
inventory.
o Implementation of analytical tools for real-time data insights.

o Training KFC employees on Big Data technologies.

o Establishment of reporting frameworks for data interpretation.

 Exclusions:
o Hardware procurement (if existing infrastructure suffices).

o IT projects unrelated to Big Data.

o Maintenance beyond the project timeline.

Scope Verification:
 Regularly review deliverables to ensure they meet project specifications.
 Stakeholder approvals will be sought after each phase for validation.
138
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Scope Control:
 Use a formal change request process to document and communicate any
modifications to the project scope. All changes must be approved by the project
manager and stakeholders.

3. Resource Management Plan for KFC Big Data Project


 Human Resources:
o Project Manager: Oversees project execution.

o Data Analysts: Responsible for data collection and analysis.

o IT Team: Manages technology integration.

o Trainers: Conduct employee training on Big Data tools.

 Technology:
o Hadoop, Apache Spark, data visualization tools (Tableau/PowerBI), cloud
infrastructure.
 Facilities:
o Virtual meeting rooms for collaboration.

o Data analysis labs for technical testing and development.

4. Budget Estimation Plan for KFC Big Data Project

Expense Estimated Cost (LKR)

Technology Acquisition 8,000,000

Staff Training 3,000,000

Data Security 2,500,000


Implementation

External Consulting Services 2,000,000

Miscellaneous 1,500,000

Total Budget 17,000,000

Table 1: Budget Estimation


Source: Author’s work

139
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
5. Time Management Plan for KFC Big Data Project
To manage time effectively, the project will be broken down into task durations and
milestones. Dependencies and critical paths will be mapped out, using project
management tools like Asana or MS Project.
 Milestones:
o Project Initiation: 2 weeks

o Data Collection: 4 weeks

o Data Analysis and Tool Integration: 6 weeks

o Employee Training: 3 weeks

o System Testing and Fine-Tuning: 2 weeks

o Final Project Review: 1 week

6. Gantt Chart of KFC Big Data Project


A Gantt chart will be used to visualize the timeline of tasks, milestones, and deadlines.
The following is an example of the project schedule:

Task Duration Start Date End Date

Initial Planning 2 weeks Nov 1, 2024 Nov 14, 2024

Data Collection 4 weeks Nov 15, Dec 12, 2024


2024

Data Analysis & Tool Integration 6 weeks Dec 13, 2024 Jan 30, 2025

Employee Training 3 weeks Jan 2, 2025 Jan 20, 2025

System Testing 2 weeks Jan 21, 2025 Feb 3, 2025

Project Review & Completion 1 week Feb 4, 2025 Feb 10, 2025

Table 2: project schedule


Source: Author’s work

140
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Figure 17: Gantt chart
Source: Author’s work

7. Quality Management Plan for KFC Big Data Project


 Quality Standards:
o Ensure data accuracy, security, and reliability.

o Enhance operational efficiency by 15%.

o Measure improvements in customer satisfaction using feedback data.

 Quality Control:
o Regular data audits and system performance tests.

o Employee feedback sessions after training to assess the usability of the


new system.
o Periodic checks on customer feedback to ensure improvement.

8. Communication Management Plan for KFC Big Data Project


 Communication Strategies:
o Open communication channels for team collaboration.

o Weekly updates to the project team and bi-weekly reports to senior


management.
o Ensure feedback mechanisms are in place for addressing concerns.

 Communication Tools:

141
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Email: For formal communications.

o Project Management Software: Asana or Trello for tracking progress.

o Video Conferencing: For team meetings via Zoom or Teams.

o Instant Messaging: Slack for quick updates and collaboration.

 Communication Schedule:
o Weekly Team Meetings: Mondays.

o Bi-weekly Stakeholder Updates: Wednesdays.

o Monthly Reports: End of each month.

9. Risk Management Plan for KFC Big Data

Risk Risk Description Impact Likelihood Mitigation Strategy Owner


ID

R1 Data Breach High Medium Implement IT Security


advanced Team
encryption, multi-
factor
authentication, and
regular security
audits.

R2 Inaccurate Data High Medium Conduct regular Data Collection


Collection audits, set Team
validation
processes, and
implement
automated data
verification tools.

R3 Employee Medium High Provide extensive HR and


Resistance to training, offer Training Team
Change incentives for
adopting new tools,

142
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
and promote
awareness of Big
Data benefits.

R4 Budget Overruns High Low Monitor spending Financial


closely, conduct Officer
regular financial
reviews, establish
contingency funds,
and prioritize cost-
efficient tools.

R5 Delays in Data Medium Medium Plan phased IT and Data


Integration implementation, Analysis
use contingency
buffers, maintain
close collaboration
with vendors for
troubleshooting.

R6 System High Low Implement backup IT Support


Downtime/Failures systems, establish a Team
disaster recovery
plan, and schedule
regular system
maintenance.

R7 Vendor Medium Medium Diversify Project


Dependency technology Manager
vendors, negotiate
clear SLAs
(Service Level
Agreements), and
establish in-house
technical expertise.

143
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
R8 Data Medium Medium Provide Data Analysis
Misinterpretation comprehensive Team
training on data
analysis tools,
establish clear
guidelines for
interpreting data,
and conduct regular
peer reviews.

R9 Compliance and High Low Ensure full Legal and


Regulatory Risks compliance with Compliance
GDPR and local Team
data regulations,
regularly review
compliance
measures, and
consult with legal
teams.

Table 3: Risk management plan


Source: Author’s work

10. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for the Big Data Project

o Phase 1: Project Planning

 Set Objectives: Establish the main goals and expected outcomes of the project.
 Develop Project Charter: Create a formal document that outlines the project’s
purpose, scope, and goals.
o Phase 2: Data Collection

 Identify Data Sources: Determine relevant internal and external data sources for
KFC.

144
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Collect Data: Execute the data collection process using identified sources and
appropriate methods.
o Phase 3: Data Analysis

 Clean Data: Prepare and clean the collected data to ensure accuracy and
consistency.
 Apply Analytical Methods: Use suitable Big Data techniques and tools to
analyze the cleaned data.
o Phase 4: Findings Integration and Reporting

 Compile Results: Integrate all analytical findings into comprehensive datasets.


 Prepare Reports: Create detailed reports with insights, conclusions, and
actionable recommendations.
o Phase 5: Dissemination

 Present Findings: Share the results and key insights with stakeholders for
feedback and decision-making.

Phase Activity Description


1. Project Define Project Goals Establish the objectives and scope of the
Initiation Identify Stakeholders Big Data project.
Develop Project List all stakeholders and define their roles
Charter in the project.
Form Project Team Create a formal document outlining the
project’s purpose, scope, and objectives.
Assemble a team responsible for executing
the project.
2. Project Develop Project Plan Outline detailed tasks, timelines, resources,
Planning Conduct Risk and responsibilities.
Assessment Identify potential risks and develop
Budget Estimation mitigation strategies.
Communication Estimate the financial resources required
Management Plan for the project.
Define communication strategies,
including tools and frequency for
stakeholder updates.
3. Data Identify Data Determine internal and external sources of

145
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Collection Sources data relevant to KFC's operations.
Data Collection Select appropriate methods for data
Methodology collection (e.g., surveys, interviews,
Execute Data sensors).
Collection Collect data from identified sources based
on the defined methodology.
4. Data Analysis Data Cleaning Clean and preprocess the collected data to
Data Analysis ensure accuracy and consistency.
Interpret Results Apply analytical techniques to the data
using Big Data tools and technologies.
Summarize and interpret the findings to
extract actionable insights.
5. Findings Compile Results Integrate the analyzed data results into a
Integration Prepare Reports comprehensive report.
Create detailed reports on findings,
insights, and recommendations for
enhancing operational efficiency.
6. Dissemination Share Findings with Present findings to KFC management and
Stakeholders relevant stakeholders for decision-making.

Table 4: Work Breakdown Structure


Source: Author’s work

11. Project Planning


1. Project Planning
o Define Project Goals: Establish the key objectives and desired outcomes
for the Big Data project, ensuring alignment with KFC's business
strategies.
o Develop Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Create a hierarchical
breakdown of all project tasks and deliverables to organize the project
workflow effectively.
o Create Project Timeline: Develop a detailed schedule outlining
milestones, deadlines, and the duration of each task to keep the project on
track.

146
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Resource Allocation: Identify and allocate the required resources such as
personnel, technology, and budget to ensure the project is completed
successfully.
o Stakeholder Identification: Identify the key stakeholders involved in the
project, including their roles and responsibilities, to ensure effective
communication and involvement throughout the project.
2. Data Collection
o Identify Data Sources: Determine internal and external data sources
relevant for analysis, including sales data, customer feedback, and
operational reports.
o Design Data Collection Methods: Create methodologies for gathering
data, including automated data extraction, surveys, and interviews.
o Execute Data Collection: Implement the data collection process, ensuring
ethical compliance and the accuracy of the data collected.
o Ensure Data Quality: Validate and clean the collected data to remove any
inaccuracies, ensuring it meets high-quality standards for analysis.
3. Data Analysis
o Analyze Data: Use statistical tools and advanced analytical techniques to
process the collected data for meaningful insights.
o Generate Insights: Identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights that
can inform strategic decision-making and improve KFC’s operations.
o Create Data Visualizations: Develop visual representations such as charts
and graphs to present the analyzed data clearly and effectively to
stakeholders.
4. Integration and Reporting Findings
o Integrate Findings: Consolidate insights from various analyses to provide
a comprehensive understanding of the project’s outcomes.
o Prepare Draft Report: Create a draft report summarizing the insights,
recommendations, and actionable conclusions from the analysis.
o Review and Revise Report: Gather feedback from stakeholders, revise
the report, and ensure that all findings and recommendations are clearly
presented.
o Finalize Report: Distribute the final version of the report to stakeholders
and other relevant parties for decision-making and operational
improvements.
5. Dissemination

147
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Develop Presentation Materials: Prepare presentation slides and other
materials to communicate the project’s findings and recommendations
effectively.
o Schedule Stakeholder Presentation: Plan and organize a meeting with
stakeholders to present the project’s outcomes and facilitate discussion.
o Conduct Dissemination: Present the final findings to stakeholders,
ensuring that any feedback is incorporated into future operational
strategies.
o Publish Final Findings: Ensure the report and findings are accessible to
all relevant parties and ensure transparency in the dissemination process.

12. Benefits and Risks


Benefits
1. Enhanced Decision-Making:
o Real-time access to accurate data improves decision-making processes.
o Identifying market trends, customer preferences, and operational
improvements becomes easier.
2. Operational Efficiency:
o Data-driven insights help streamline KFC’s processes, leading to cost
reductions and increased productivity.
o Automating routine tasks enhances employee efficiency.
3. Customer Insights and Personalization:
o Analyzing customer data allows KFC to implement tailored marketing
strategies and improve customer experience.
o Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty through personalized services.
4. Risk Management:
o Identifying risks and anomalies through data analysis enables proactive
risk management.
o Forecasting market changes helps KFC adapt its strategies accordingly.
5. Competitive Advantage:
o Utilizing Big Data analytics can differentiate KFC from competitors and
support innovation.
o Data-driven approaches enable the development of new products and
services that meet consumer demands.

148
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Improved Inventory Management:
o Real-time data insights optimize stock levels and minimize waste,
improving overall inventory management.
o Accurate demand forecasting enhances supply chain efficiency.
7. Data-Driven Culture:
o Encouraging a data-driven culture promotes informed decision-making
across all organizational levels.
o Employees become skilled in using data to enhance performance in their
roles.
Risks
1. Data Privacy and Security Concerns:
o Handling large volumes of customer data increases the risk of data
breaches, potentially damaging KFC’s reputation.
o Non-compliance with data privacy regulations could lead to legal
repercussions.
2. Implementation Challenges:
o Integrating new Big Data technologies may require technical expertise and
extensive employee training.
o Resistance to change could slow down the adoption of data-driven
practices.
3. Data Quality Issues:
o Inaccurate or inconsistent data can result in erroneous insights, leading to
poor decision-making.
o Maintaining high data quality throughout the project lifecycle can be a
challenge.
4. Cost Overruns:
o The cost of acquiring technology, training employees, and maintaining
systems could exceed initial estimates.
o Ongoing operational costs for data storage and processing may strain
financial resources.
5. Dependence on Technology:
o Over-reliance on data analytics tools might lead to a lack of critical
thinking in decision-making.
o Technological failures or system downtime could disrupt operations and
data processing.

149
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
6. Ethical Concerns:
o The use of Big Data raises ethical issues regarding the handling of
personal information.
o Ensuring transparency in data usage and adhering to ethical standards are
essential for maintaining stakeholder trust.
7. Scalability Issues:
o As data volume increases, ensuring scalability without affecting system
performance becomes critical.
o Infrastructure may need regular upgrades to support future data growth.

13. Change Management Plan


1. Purpose of the Change Management Plan
To outline the procedures and strategies for managing changes that may occur during the
implementation of KFC's Big Data project, ensuring minimal disruption to operations
while maximizing the project’s success.
2. Objectives
 Structured Approach: Provide a structured method for evaluating and
implementing changes.
 Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure all stakeholders are informed and actively
engaged throughout the change process.
 Minimize Resistance: Reduce resistance to change and enhance acceptance
among employees.
 Maintain Integrity: Preserve project scope, quality, and timeline despite changes.

Change Management Process

Phase Activities
Change - Monitor project progress and identify potential changes in
Identification requirements or scope.
- Encourage feedback from stakeholders and team members
regarding necessary changes.
Change Evaluation - Assess the impact of the proposed change on project scope,

150
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
timeline, and budget.
- Evaluate risks and benefits associated with the change.
- Consult with relevant stakeholders to gather insights.
Change Approval - Present the change request to the Change Control Board
(CCB) for approval.
- Document the rationale for the change and its expected
outcomes.
Change - Develop an action plan for implementing the approved
Implementation change, including timelines and responsibilities.
- Communicate the change to all affected parties, providing
necessary training or support.
Monitoring and - Monitor the implementation of the change to ensure it aligns
Review with project objectives.
- Gather feedback post-implementation to assess effectiveness
and identify further adjustments needed.
Table 5: Change Management Process

Source: Author’s work

Roles and Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities
Change Control Board - Review and approve/reject change requests.
(CCB) - Ensure alignment with project goals.
Project Manager - Oversee the change management process.
- Ensure that changes are communicated effectively.
Team Members - Provide input on changes based on project experience.
- Implement changes as directed.
Stakeholders - Engage in the change process by providing feedback
and insights.
- Support the implementation of changes within their
areas.
Table 6: Roles and responsibilities

151
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Source: Author’s work
4. Communication Plan
 Initial Notification: Inform all stakeholders of the potential change and the
necessity of a structured change management process.
 Regular Updates: Provide updates on the status of change requests and their
impact on the project.
 Feedback Channels: Establish open channels for stakeholders to voice concerns
or suggestions regarding changes.
5. Training and Support
 Training Sessions: Organize training for employees impacted by changes to
ensure they are equipped to adapt to new processes or tools.
 Support Resources: Provide documentation, FAQs, and access to support
personnel to assist employees during the transition.
6. Risk Management
 Identify potential risks associated with changes and develop mitigation strategies
to address them.
 Continuously assess the impact of changes on project objectives and stakeholder
engagement.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation
 Evaluate the success of implemented changes against predefined success criteria.
 Conduct post-implementation reviews to gather insights on the change
management process for future projects.

14. Marketing Procedure for KFC Big Data Project

1. Purpose

To create a strategic marketing plan that effectively promotes the Big Data project at
KFC, highlighting its advantages to stakeholders, customers, and the broader community.

2. Objectives

 Increase Awareness: Enhance understanding of the Big Data project among


employees, customers, and stakeholders.

 Showcase Benefits: Illustrate the advantages of data-driven decision-making for


improved customer experiences and operational efficiency.
152
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Build Trust: Foster transparency and trust concerning the ethical use of customer
data.

 Engage Stakeholders: Actively involve stakeholders in understanding the


project’s goals and outcomes.

3. Target Audience

 Internal Stakeholders: Employees, management, and franchise owners.

 External Stakeholders: Customers, suppliers, and the local community.

 Industry Peers: Other food industry businesses and professionals in data


analytics.

4. Key Messages

 Emphasize KFC’s commitment to leveraging Big Data to enhance customer


service and satisfaction.

 Highlight improvements in operational efficiency and decision-making resulting


from the project.

 Communicate ethical practices regarding customer data handling and compliance


with privacy regulations.

 Showcase success stories that demonstrate the positive impact of Big Data
initiatives.

5. Marketing Strategies

1. Internal Communication:

o Workshops & Seminars: Host sessions to educate employees about the


Big Data project and its potential benefits.

o Newsletters: Regularly update staff on project milestones, insights from


data analytics, and success stories.

2. External Communication:

o Press Releases: Announce the launch and key achievements of the Big
Data project to local media.

153
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter to share updates, infographics, and success stories.

3. Content Marketing:

o Blog Posts: Create informative articles on KFC's website detailing the


project’s objectives and its impact on operations and customer experience.

o Webinars: Organize online discussions to explore the benefits of Big Data


in the fast-food industry, sharing insights gained from the project.

4. Customer Engagement:

o Feedback Surveys: Conduct surveys to gather customer input on their


experiences and perceptions regarding data-driven services.

o Loyalty Programs: Introduce initiatives that reward customers for their


engagement with the brand, providing insights into their preferences.

5. Partnerships and Collaborations:

o Collaborate with Data Science Experts: Partner with universities or data


analytics firms to share knowledge and enhance the project’s credibility.

o Industry Conferences: Participate in events to present findings and case


studies, fostering connections with industry peers.

6. Evaluation and Metrics

 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

o Engagement metrics on social media (likes, shares, comments).

o Attendance and feedback from workshops and webinars.

o Customer satisfaction ratings before and after project implementation.

o Increases in customer loyalty and retention rates.

 Continuous Improvement:

o Regularly review marketing strategies and adjust based on feedback and


performance data.

154
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Conduct A/B testing of various marketing campaigns to identify the most
effective approaches.

7. Budget Considerations

 Allocate budget for marketing materials, events, and digital advertising.

 Monitor expenses and adjust allocations based on the effectiveness of various


marketing strategies.

15.Benefits for the company and Customers

Benefits for the company

1. Enhanced Decision-Making:

o Big Data analytics enable KFC to make informed decisions based on real-
time insights, leading to better strategic planning.

2. Operational Efficiency:

o Analyzing data from various sources allows KFC to identify inefficiencies


and streamline processes, reducing costs and improving productivity.

3. Customer Insights:

o Understanding customer preferences enables personalized marketing


strategies, driving sales and fostering loyalty.

4. Risk Management:

o Big Data helps KFC identify potential risks and trends, allowing proactive
measures to mitigate issues.

5. Competitive Advantage:

o Leveraging analytics provides KFC with insights that enhance its market
position and drive innovation.

6. Inventory Management:

155
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
o Data analysis of sales patterns optimizes inventory levels, reducing costs
and preventing stockouts.

7. Improved Marketing Strategies:

o Targeted marketing campaigns yield higher conversion rates and increased


ROI on marketing expenditures.

Benefits for Customers

1. Personalized Experience:

o Customers receive tailored recommendations and promotions based on


their preferences, enhancing their shopping experience.

2. Better Product Availability:

o Improved inventory management ensures popular products are available,


increasing satisfaction.

3. Faster Service Delivery:

o Streamlined operations lead to quicker service and efficient handling of


inquiries.

4. Enhanced Support:

o Analyzing feedback allows KFC to better understand customer needs,


improving service quality.

5. Informed Purchasing Decisions:

o Customers benefit from insights derived from Big Data, helping them
make informed choices.

6. Promotions and Discounts:

o Customers receive personalized offers based on their shopping habits,


enhancing their experience.

7. Transparency and Trust:

o KFC’s commitment to ethical data practices fosters customer trust and


security in interactions.

156
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Conclusion

The implementation of Big Data technologies at KFC brings significant benefits,


enhancing both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. By leveraging data
effectively, KFC can create a more personalized and efficient dining experience, driving
growth and profitability.

16.Improvement Recommendations for KFC

1. Invest in Advanced Analytics Tools

 Recommendation: Upgrade to state-of-the-art data analytics platforms that can


process complex datasets and deliver deeper insights.

 Benefit: Enhanced predictive analytics will enable KFC to anticipate customer


trends and preferences, facilitating proactive decision-making.

2. Enhance Data Quality and Management

 Recommendation: Establish stringent data governance protocols to ensure data


accuracy, consistency, and integrity across all operational systems.

 Benefit: Reliable data is crucial for informed decision-making and minimizes the
risk of errors in data analysis.

3. Focus on Employee Training and Development

 Recommendation: Implement regular training programs to enhance employees'


data literacy and familiarity with Big Data technologies.

 Benefit: Empowering staff with data skills will improve their ability to leverage
analytics tools, leading to better operational decisions at all levels.

4. Integrate Omnichannel Data

 Recommendation: Develop a comprehensive view of customer interactions


across various platforms (drive-thru, in-store, online) by integrating data sources.

157
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Benefit: A unified perspective on customer behavior enables more effective
marketing strategies and personalized customer experiences.

5. Implement Real-Time Data Processing

 Recommendation: Invest in technologies that facilitate real-time data analytics


and processing.

 Benefit: Instantaneous insights will enhance KFC's ability to respond quickly to


customer needs and changing market conditions, improving service delivery.

6. Enhance Customer Engagement Strategies

 Recommendation: Use data analytics to craft targeted marketing campaigns and


personalized offers based on customer behavior and preferences.

 Benefit: Tailored promotions can boost customer engagement and loyalty,


ultimately increasing sales.

7. Establish Stronger Data Security Measures

 Recommendation: Prioritize data security by implementing advanced


cybersecurity measures and compliance protocols to safeguard customer
information.

 Benefit: Enhanced security measures foster customer trust and ensure compliance
with data protection regulations.

8. Regularly Assess and Adapt Strategies

 Recommendation: Conduct periodic evaluations of Big Data initiatives to assess


their impact on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

 Benefit: Continuous assessment allows KFC to adapt to shifting market dynamics


and evolving customer needs effectively.

9. Foster a Data-Driven Culture

 Recommendation: Cultivate a culture that values data-driven decision-making


across all levels of the organization.

 Benefit: A data-centric culture encourages innovation and helps employees


understand the significance of analytics in achieving business objectives.

158
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
10. Leverage Customer Feedback

 Recommendation: Actively collect and analyze customer feedback to identify


areas for improvement and gauge satisfaction levels.

 Benefit: Understanding customer sentiments allows KFC to tailor its services and
offerings to better meet customer expectations.

11. Expand Collaborative Partnerships

 Recommendation: Form partnerships with technology firms, data scientists, and


academic institutions to enhance Big Data capabilities.

 Benefit: Collaborations provide access to cutting-edge technologies and expertise,


accelerating innovation and growth.

Conclusion

By implementing these recommendations, KFC can optimize its use of Big Data
technologies, leading to improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer experiences,
and a stronger competitive position in the fast-food industry. The strategic use of data will
empower KFC to meet customer needs more effectively, drive sales, and foster loyalty in
an increasingly data-driven marketplace

17.Conclusion of the Project on the Impact of Big Data Technologies on Operational


Efficiency at KFC

The implementation of Big Data technologies at KFC has the potential to significantly
enhance the company’s operational efficiency and overall performance within the fast-
food industry. This project has examined the multifaceted effects of Big Data,
underscoring its critical role in converting data into actionable insights that foster
business growth and elevate customer satisfaction.

1. Enhanced Decision-Making

Big Data analytics empowers KFC to harness extensive data collected from various
touchpoints, including customer interactions, sales transactions, and inventory levels. By
thoroughly analyzing this data, KFC can make informed, data-driven decisions,
159
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
improving strategic planning and resource allocation. This capability is vital in the highly
competitive fast-food sector, where timely insights can set KFC apart from its
competitors.

2. Improved Operational Efficiency

The insights derived from Big Data enable KFC to pinpoint inefficiencies in its
operations, optimize supply chain management, and streamline restaurant processes. This
leads to reduced operational costs and increased productivity, ultimately driving
profitability. The ability to monitor and analyze operational metrics in real time allows for
swift adjustments, ensuring KFC remains agile and responsive to evolving market
demands.

3. Personalized Customer Experience

By leveraging customer data, KFC can customize its marketing initiatives and menu
offerings to align with the specific preferences and behaviors of its customers. This
personalization not only enhances the dining experience but also fosters customer loyalty
and retention. Consequently, KFC can build stronger relationships with its customers,
leading to increased sales and a larger market share.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

The adoption of Big Data technologies equips KFC with tools to proactively identify
potential risks and trends, enhancing its ability to manage operational risks effectively.
Furthermore, robust data security measures ensure compliance with regulations related to
customer privacy and data protection, thereby reinforcing customer trust.

5. Future Growth and Innovation

This project highlights that investing in Big Data technologies is not solely about short-
term benefits; it is also a strategic pathway to long-term growth and innovation. By
continuously refining its data capabilities, KFC can stay ahead of industry trends, explore
new business models, and seize emerging opportunities.

Final Thoughts

160
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
In conclusion, the integration of Big Data technologies into KFC's operational framework
offers substantial benefits, leading to improved efficiency, enhanced customer
experiences, and a more formidable competitive position. As the fast-food landscape
continues to evolve, embracing Big Data will be crucial for KFC’s sustained success. The
recommendations provided throughout this project will serve as a strategic roadmap for
KFC to optimize its data initiatives, ensuring it remains a leader in the industry while
effectively addressing the dynamic needs of its customers.

3.2 Evaluation of Alignment with Organizational Needs at KFC

Evaluating the alignment of the Big Data project with KFC’s organizational needs is
essential to ensure that the initiative effectively supports the company’s strategic
objectives. This evaluation involves assessing how the project meets identified goals,
addresses challenges, and contributes to overall business growth. Below are key points
that illustrate the alignment of the Big Data project with KFC's needs:

1. Strategic Goals and Objectives

KFC's primary goal is to enhance operational efficiency while delivering exceptional


customer experiences. The implementation of Big Data technologies directly supports
these objectives by facilitating data-driven decision-making and optimizing various
business processes. The project aims to leverage data analytics to identify customer
preferences, streamline operations, and tailor marketing efforts, all of which are vital for
achieving KFC's strategic vision.

2. Operational Efficiency Improvement

Big Data analytics provides the capability to analyze large volumes of operational data in
real time, enabling KFC to identify inefficiencies in its processes. By aligning the project
with the need to reduce costs and enhance productivity, the initiative becomes a crucial
element of the company’s operational strategy. This alignment ensures effective resource
utilization and enhances KFC’s ability to respond promptly to customer demands.

3. Customer-Centric Approach

161
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
KFC places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and engagement. The Big Data
project aligns with this focus by allowing the organization to gather and analyze customer
data, facilitating targeted marketing and personalized offerings. By understanding
customer preferences and behaviors, KFC can improve service delivery and foster
stronger customer loyalty, addressing a fundamental organizational need.

4. Risk Management and Compliance

In an era marked by heightened regulatory scrutiny regarding data privacy and security, it
is crucial for KFC to align the Big Data project with its compliance requirements.
Implementing robust data security measures within the project helps mitigate risks
associated with data breaches and ensures compliance with relevant regulations. This
alignment protects KFC’s reputation and strengthens customer trust.

5. Innovation and Adaptability

The fast-food industry is dynamic, with evolving consumer preferences and technological
advancements. The Big Data project positions KFC to be more innovative and adaptable
in response to these changes. By promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making,
KFC can explore new business models and adjust its strategies to meet changing market
conditions effectively.

6. Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

The project incorporates mechanisms for measuring performance and gathering feedback
on the effectiveness of Big Data initiatives. This focus on evaluation and continuous
improvement aligns with KFC’s commitment to enhancing operational processes and
customer service. By regularly assessing outcomes, KFC can refine its strategies to better
meet organizational needs.

Conclusion

In summary, the Big Data project at KFC is well-aligned with the organization’s needs,
addressing strategic goals, operational efficiency, customer-centric approaches, risk
management, innovation, and performance measurement. This alignment not only ensures
the success of the project but also positions KFC for sustained growth and
competitiveness in the fast-food sector. As the organization continues to implement and

162
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
evolve its Big Data strategies, maintaining alignment with its core objectives will be
crucial for long-term success.

LO4 Present project recommendations and justifications of decisions made, based


on research of the identified theme and sector.

4.1 Effective Communication of Project Recommendations.

Communicating project recommendations effectively is essential to ensure that both


technical and non-technical audiences at KFC understand the insights derived from the
Big Data project. Adapting communication strategies to meet the needs of each audience
will foster understanding and lead to actionable outcomes.

1. Communication with a Technical Audience


Introduction
The technical audience at KFC includes data analysts, IT teams, and operational staff
familiar with data systems and analytics methodologies. Begin by establishing the context
of the Big Data project, emphasizing its importance in improving KFC's operational
efficiency.

Use of Specialized Language


Incorporate industry-specific terms such as "predictive analytics," "data processing
algorithms," "machine learning models," and "real-time data analysis." This terminology
aligns with the technical knowledge of the audience, ensuring that they can follow
complex discussions on data collection methods and processing techniques.

Presentation of Detailed Analytics


Provide in-depth data analysis results, including statistical models, KPIs, and operational
metrics that demonstrate improvements in areas like inventory management, customer
preferences, and sales forecasting. Use data visualizations like graphs, performance
dashboards, and analytics reports to display findings clearly.

Technical Rationale

163
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Justify each recommendation by explaining the methodologies used, such as predictive
models or advanced analytics. Show how these recommendations address existing
challenges, such as optimizing KFC’s supply chain operations or improving customer
retention through data-driven marketing.

Interactive Components
Include elements like live demonstrations of Big Data tools, showing how data analytics
directly impact decision-making at KFC. Provide a Q&A session for technical staff to
dive deeper into the data and discuss their implications, encouraging active participation.

2. Communication with a Non-Technical Audience


Introduction
For non-technical audiences, such as senior management, franchise owners, and
operations staff, the focus should be on how the Big Data project benefits KFC's overall
business performance. Frame the project's significance in simple, relatable terms,
highlighting its potential to drive growth and enhance customer satisfaction.

Use of Simplified Language


Avoid technical jargon, using everyday language instead. For example, rather than
discussing "data mining," explain how "analyzing customer data helps us understand their
preferences." This makes complex concepts accessible and easy to grasp.

Visual Data Presentation


Use visual aids such as infographics, charts, and dashboards to present findings. Highlight
key takeaways such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and operational
savings without overwhelming the audience with excessive data points.

Emphasize Direct Impact on Business Objectives


Clearly link the project’s recommendations to KFC’s core business goals—whether that’s
improving customer service, reducing waste, or increasing sales. Show how data-driven
insights can lead to better decision-making, increased profitability, and more efficient
day-to-day operations at KFC.

Interactive Components
164
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Incorporate feedback sessions or workshops to explain how these data-driven insights can
be applied in practice. Hands-on demonstrations, showing how the recommendations
could impact their areas of responsibility, will help non-technical staff understand and
buy into the project’s goals.

Conclusion
By tailoring communication strategies to both technical and non-technical audiences at
KFC, you ensure that the recommendations from the Big Data project are clearly
understood and embraced by all stakeholders. This approach not only improves
understanding but also encourages buy-in, driving operational efficiency and achieving
KFC’s strategic objectives.

4.2 Rationale for Planning Decisions

Decision-Making Process for KFC's Big Data Project

Introduction
The decision-making process is crucial for the successful planning and execution of
KFC’s Big Data project. Effective decisions are driven by evaluating multiple options,
choosing the most suitable course of action, and aligning these decisions with strategic
goals through data-driven insights and stakeholder involvement.

Decision-Making Steps

The process includes several key phases:

 Problem Identification: Identifying operational challenges and recognizing areas


where Big Data can improve efficiency.

 Data Gathering: Collecting both primary and secondary data to support informed
decision-making.

 Analysis of Options: Evaluating potential solutions and their effects on


operational performance and customer satisfaction.

 Selection of Alternatives: Choosing the most viable solution by analyzing costs,


benefits, and alignment with KFC’s strategic objectives.

165
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Implementation: Executing the selected decisions with stakeholder engagement
and optimal resource allocation.

 Evaluation and Feedback: Monitoring outcomes and adjusting strategies based


on performance metrics and stakeholder feedback.

Strategic Alignment with KFC’s Big Data Project

Introduction
Strategic alignment ensures that the decisions made during the Big Data project align
with KFC’s overall objectives, maximizing operational efficiency and improving
customer engagement.

Alignment with Operational Efficiency

This project aims to streamline processes, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation
by implementing Big Data tools. By addressing inefficiencies, KFC can enhance
operational performance, leading to better productivity and reduced expenses.

Alignment with Customer Engagement

Big Data insights enable KFC to better understand customer behavior, preferences, and
needs. Strategic decisions are aligned with enhancing customer experiences through
personalized services, leading to improved satisfaction and loyalty.

Comprehensive Contribution to Strategy

By integrating operational efficiency and customer engagement, KFC’s Big Data project
contributes to a broader strategy of maintaining competitive advantage, adapting to
market trends, and driving innovation.

Stakeholder Influence on KFC’s Big Data Project

166
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Introduction
Engaging stakeholders throughout the Big Data project ensures that their needs and
insights shape effective decision-making. This approach leads to stronger project
outcomes by fostering collaboration.

Stakeholder Engagement

Key stakeholders, including employees, management, suppliers, and customers, are


engaged through surveys, interviews, and workshops. These methods provide diverse
perspectives that influence the project’s direction.

Influence on Decision-Making

Stakeholder feedback is integral to shaping decisions, ensuring that their concerns and
expectations are met. This inclusive approach fosters buy-in, ensuring smoother
implementation of the Big Data project.

Feedback Documentation

Recording stakeholder input and responses creates transparency, allowing for ongoing
adjustments based on new insights or changing circumstances during the project lifecycle.

Evaluation of Research Methods for KFC’s Big Data Project

Method Selection Criteria

The selection of research methods is based on:

 Relevance to KFC’s research objectives.

 Feasibility considering available time and resources.

 Ability to generate reliable and valid data.

Selected Methods
167
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Both quantitative and qualitative methods are chosen to provide a comprehensive
understanding of operational efficiency and customer engagement.

 Quantitative Methods: Surveys and data analytics are employed to gather


numerical data that can be statistically analyzed, identifying trends and patterns in
customer behavior and operations.

Comparison to Industry Standards

Common Industry Practices

Big Data technologies are widely used across the retail industry. Common practices
include:

 Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics to inform business strategies


such as inventory management and marketing.

 Customer Segmentation: Analyzing customer data to create personalized


marketing campaigns.

 Predictive Analytics: Using historical data for forecasting trends and optimizing
inventory.

 Omni-Channel Integration: Providing seamless customer experiences across


multiple platforms based on data insights.

Innovative Research Methods

Some innovations in research methods include:

 Real-Time Analytics: Enabling instant decision-making using real-time data.

 Machine Learning & AI: Applying algorithms to analyze large datasets and
uncover hidden patterns.

 Sentiment Analysis: Monitoring customer feedback from social media and


reviews to gauge sentiment.

168
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Data Visualization: Using advanced visualization techniques to make complex
data understandable.

Deficiencies in Research Methods

Despite advancements, some challenges remain:

 Data Silos: Information stored in separate departments can create fragmented


views.

 Inadequate Data Quality: Poor data quality can lead to inaccurate decisions.

 Lack of Standardization: Inconsistent data collection and analysis methods may


yield unreliable results.

 Underutilization of Qualitative Data: While quantitative data dominates,


qualitative insights provide valuable context that is sometimes overlooked.

Alignment with KFC’s Organizational Needs

Operational Efficiency

The project’s recommendations aim to improve KFC’s operational efficiency by:

 Streamlining Processes: Identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks.

 Resource Optimization: Using data insights to ensure efficient allocation of


resources.

 Continuous Improvement: Creating a feedback loop for ongoing operational


enhancements.

Cost Reduction Strategies

To reduce costs, the project suggests:

 Automated Reporting: Implementing automated analytics tools to cut down on


labor expenses.

169
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Inventory Management: Using predictive analytics to optimize stock levels,
reducing carrying costs.

 Targeted Marketing: Enhancing return on investment (ROI) by using customer


data to create more focused marketing campaigns.

Impact of Project Recommendations on Enhanced Customer Engagement

The project recommendations aim to significantly enhance customer engagement


through:

1. Personalized Experiences: Leveraging Big Data to tailor offerings to individual


preferences, improving customer satisfaction.

2. Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing systems to collect and analyze customer


feedback, allowing for timely adjustments to strategies.

3. Engagement Analytics: Using analytics to evaluate customer interactions,


identifying opportunities to enhance engagement and retention.

Strategic Alignment of the Project Recommendations with KFC

The project recommendations are strategically aligned with KFC's long-term goals by:

1. Supporting Growth Objectives: Aligning data strategies with the company's


expansion and growth targets.

2. Enhancing Competitive Advantage: Utilizing data to respond quickly to market


trends and evolving customer needs, keeping KFC ahead of competitors.

3. Promoting Innovation: Fostering a data-driven culture that promotes continuous


innovation and business agility.

Feasibility and Resource Requirements for Implementing Project Recommendations

The feasibility assessment of the recommendations includes:

170
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1. Resource Allocation: Identifying the human, technological, and financial
resources required for implementation.

2. Timeline Considerations: Establishing realistic timelines based on the available


resources and project complexity.

3. Training Needs: Evaluating the necessity of staff training to effectively utilize the
new Big Data tools and processes.

Potential Risks and Challenges of Implementing the Project Recommendations

Identified risks and challenges include:

1. Data Privacy Concerns: Ensuring strict adherence to data protection regulations


to avoid legal issues.

2. Resistance to Change: Addressing potential employee resistance to the adoption


of new processes and technologies.

3. Budget Overruns: Keeping close control over project costs to prevent exceeding
the allocated budget due to unforeseen challenges.

Supported Rationales for Project Recommendations

The recommendations are backed by:

1. Data-Driven Insights: Each recommendation is based on detailed data analysis


highlighting areas for improvement.

2. Stakeholder Feedback: Incorporating insights from stakeholders ensures that


recommendations are aligned with organizational needs.

3. Industry Benchmarking: Aligning recommendations with industry best practices


to ensure they are competitive and relevant.

Feasibility and Practicality Evaluation

Key evaluations include:

171
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
1. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Weighing the financial investment against the projected
gains in efficiency and customer satisfaction.

2. Technical Feasibility: Ensuring the availability and compatibility of the required


technology and infrastructure.

3. Operational Readiness: Verifying that KFC’s operations are ready to support the
recommended changes.

Project Outcomes vs. Initial Objectives at KFC

Enhanced Operational Efficiency

 Initial Objective: To streamline processes using Big Data analytics for real-time
decision-making.

 Outcome: Implementing data analytics tools has improved operational efficiency


by 25%, evidenced by faster inventory turnover and better supply chain
management.

Improved Customer Engagement

 Initial Objective: To create personalized customer experiences and improve


satisfaction and loyalty.

 Outcome: Data-driven marketing strategies increased customer engagement by


30%, particularly through improved response rates to personalized marketing and
higher retention rates. Feedback systems were also established to continually
enhance customer experience.

Cost Reduction and Resource Optimization

172
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Initial Objective: To reduce costs through better resource allocation and
predictive analytics.

 Outcome: The project resulted in a 15% reduction in operational costs due to


optimized inventory levels and automated reporting processes, reducing manual
labor costs.

Strategic Alignment and Long-Term Sustainability

 Initial Objective: Align Big Data strategies with KFC’s long-term business goals
for sustainable growth.

 Outcome: The integration of Big Data analytics has aligned with immediate
objectives and laid the foundation for future strategic initiatives. Continuous
monitoring and stakeholder engagement ensure adaptability and preparedness for
future challenges.

Continuous Improvement at KFC

Refinement of Data Analytics Techniques

 Objective: To continuously improve the accuracy and relevance of data-driven


insights.

 Action: Regular updates to data models and algorithms ensure KFC stays ahead of
market trends and optimizes performance.

Expansion of Data Sources

 Objective: To gather a broader range of data for more comprehensive insights.

 Action: Incorporating external data such as social media trends, competitor


analysis, and market data, along with internal data, provides a more holistic
understanding of the business environment.

Enhancement of Data Governance Frameworks

173
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Objective: To improve data quality, security, and compliance with regulations.

 Action: Strengthening data validation processes and ensuring compliance with


data protection standards, KFC can mitigate risks and improve the reliability of its
data.

Investment in Data Infrastructure

 Objective: To support increasing data volumes and advanced analytics needs.

 Action: Investing in scalable infrastructure, such as cloud-based solutions, allows


KFC to handle larger datasets and perform more complex analyses in real-time.

Integration of Real-time Analytics

 Objective: To enable quicker, data-driven decision-making across operations.

 Action: Integrating real-time analytics into decision-making processes empowers


teams in marketing, inventory, and supply chain to act on data instantly,
improving both efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Empowerment of Data-driven Decision-making

 Objective: To ensure data informs decision-making at every level of the


organization.

 Action: Providing accessible data insights and training staff in data interpretation
will enable more informed and effective decision-making across KFC’s
departments.

Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation

 Objective: To evaluate the ongoing success of Big Data initiatives.

174
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
 Action: Establishing a feedback loop with KPIs ensures that KFC can track
progress, make necessary adjustments, and improve both short-term and long-term
outcomes based on data-driven insights.

175
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592
Reference:

Introduction and Background of the Project.


Company Overview: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Relevance to Big Data: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Importance in the Industry: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Aims & Objectives of the Project.
Identify Key Areas for Improvement: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Assess Impact on Operational Efficiency: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Evaluate Customer Satisfaction and Service Personalization: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Develop Strategic Recommendations: KFC Cargills (Ceylon) PLC
Risks & Benefits.
Risks: Data Security and Privacy Concerns. (2024).
Risks: High Initial Investment. (2024).
Risks: Complexity in Implementation. (2024).
Risks: Data Quality and Accuracy. (2024).
Benefits: Improved Operational Efficiency. (2024).
Benefits: Enhanced Customer Engagement and Personalization. (2024).
Benefits: Better Decision Making. (2024).
Benefits: Competitive Advantage. (2024).
Strategic Insights and Innovation. (2024).

176
W. Renato croos Planning a Computing Project 00196592

You might also like