Project Management Success Factors

This assignment delves into the crucial factors contributing to successful project management. It requires an in-depth analysis of concepts like risk management, benefits realization management, and stakeholder engagement. The assignment emphasizes understanding how these elements interplay to achieve project objectives effectively.

MANAGING
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS
PROJECT

TASK 1
P1. Project aim and objectives
Topic : “Implementation of CSR activities within an organization for meeting sustainable
objectives.”
Background of study :
Corporate social responsibility accounts to be of very much importance for every
organization. Every organization in order for the aim of gaining maximum profits by enhanced
sales inculcates the principles of CSR (Hombert and et.al., 2014). Henceforth, in order for
achieving the desired goals the management of a company needs to understand the needs and
requirements of its customers by delivering them quality services and products. There exists
many other organizations in the market that in order to compete with each other deliver similar
quality services & products to their customers (Okoye, 2015). So to lead in this complex
competition, one needs to differentiate themselves in terms of effective quality by making use of
strategies that will help further in attaining sustainable development by proper implementation of
CSR. Keeping this mind, every firm needs to analyse, evaluate and understand the importance of
CSR which accounts to be helpful in increasing and improving the profitability rate (Cha, Yi and
Bagozzi, 2016). For carrying out research work in an appropriate manner, Starwoods Hotels and
Resorts has been taken into consideration. This will be covering the importance hold by the CSR
activities being implemented in firm thereby associating its link towards attaining sustainable
development.
Aim:-
“To have an understanding about the CSR's activities role in achieving sustainable
development : A study of Starwoods Hotels and Resorts”
Objectives:-
 To determine the importance on account of CSR implementation in modern-era.
 To find out & evaluate the existing relationship among CSR activities and sustainable
development. To bring out different methods for attainment of sustainable development by aid provided
from activities associated to CSR.
Research question:-
 What importance is held in the modern-era by CSR ?
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 Briefly give an explanation about the link that exists between CSR activities &
sustainable development.
P2. Covering the different aspects of cost, time and communication by aid of project
management plan
Cost : The estimated cost for developing sustainable development activities in Starwoods Hotels
and Resorts” is approx 9987 pound.
Time: The sustainable development activities in Starwoods Hotels and Resorts” will take
approx. time of 32 days.
Quality: In order to maintain CSR activities quality, quality assurance system can be developed.
Along with this training and learning also considered.
Communication: In order to maintain effective communication system proper monitoring of the
process is requires. Along with this process both formal and informal process should be
implemented for communicating with different levels of the company.
Risk: There are various risk can be identified by Starwoods Hotels and Resorts, such as
financial, data breach, communication, technical, etc. In order to overcome various risk
management strategies can be applied. For overcoming financial risks procedures can be shifted
according to demands and preferences of customers. Along with this in order to overcome
communication and security risks, technical changes can be implemented in order to overcome
them.
Resources: In order to implement CRS activities effectively into Starwoods Hotels and Resorts,
various resources are required such as employees, techniques, material, etc. Along with this
effective implementation is also necessary.
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P3. Work Breakdown Structure And Gantt Chart
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TASK 2
P4. Carrying out small-scale research by application of qualitative research methodology
The scholar needs to utilize appropriate tools & techniques systematically in order for
gaining accurately reliable results. Keeping in mind, the nature of study to be conducted, proper
methodologies need to applied for attaining the set aims & objectives of associated research
work. The validity and feasibility associated to the study are justified by the effective utilization
of tools & techniques. And at the same time, this has also proved to be highly beneficial for
successful achievement of objectives associated to the research. So, with the main motto of
implementing CSR activities in an organization for attaining sustainable objectives in association
with Starwoods Hotels and Resorts, researcher will be utilizing the following methods : Research design : The overall framework under which the carrying out of whole study is
being done is referred as research design (Kerzner, 2013). It could also be regarded as
the blueprint which incorporates all the performed activities in order to come towards the
final conclusion. Also, in addition to this, satisfying aim of research along with
objectives within stipulated time-span is also linked. Namely, four research-design
methodologies are available. They include : descriptive, diagnostic, experimental &
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explanatory. Well keeping in mind the nature of present study, descriptive research-
design methodology has been taken into consideration since the study is theoretical. And
also the reason for choosing this is the non-involvement of any sort of mathematical
calculation (.Schwalbe, 2015). Information will be provided in deep, detailing the topic,
to the researcher via aid of this research-design. And accordingly results associated to
the same will be obtained. Research approach : The researcher in association to the study topic, makes various sets
of assumptions. So, in order to complete the research work, a crucial role is played by
research-approach for testing the validity of these assumptions (Serra and Kunc, 2015).
Broadly, two categories are popular in context to research-approach, namely, deductive
& inductive. And as for the present study, inductive research-approach will be utilized.
As per this approach, specific information regarding the implementation of CSR
activities within the Starwoods Hotels & Resorts, will be collected. After this,
determination of a general conclusion will be done that, in future will be applied to
different sectors of other firms. Research philosophy : The researcher can conduct the research in best possible and
feasible way through this. Positivism, Interpritivism, Realism and Pragmatism are the
four available strategies being utilized by researchers in order to determine the research
nature (Verzuh, 2015). However, in particular reference to present-research aim,
Interpretivism philosophy will be utilized focussing upon study regarding the integration
of human interests has been taken into account. Also, various aspects in association to
the issues related to research , will be determined that will aid scholar in attaining
accurate outcomes regarding the study. Collection of data : The sources involved in collecting of information regarding the
present study comes under this most important section (Polonsky and Waller, 2014).
Namely, primary & secondary are the two categories of information sources through
which researcher will be obtaining data for coming towards final outcome. Considering
present research-work, primary as well as secondary, both methodologies have been
utilised for implementation of CSR activities in order to meet the sustainable objectives
at Starwoods Hotels & Resorts. Referring to the primary methods, survey methodology
will be utilized by getting help from questionnaires, involving both close and open ended
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questions. However, referring secondary sources, various, journals, books, articles,
published materials will be further utilized for encapsulating plenty of information
regarding present study by the scholar. Sampling : Keeping in mind the aim of present research, random sampling techniques
will be used for achieving sustainable development at Starwoods Hotels & Resorts.
Under this approach, the selection of respondents for sample obtaining will be done on a
random basis (Kendrick, 2015). Each of the participants from the universe of research,
referring to customers of Starwoods Hotels & Resorts, will be sharing equal probability
of being selected. The formulated sample-size in present study will be 10 customers of
Starwoods Hotels & Hotels. Data analysis : Analysation of data is usually done according to the qualitative &
quantitative methodologies keeping in mind the nature of study. Since, the present study
topic is completely theoretical, qualitative methodology will be utilized under which
researcher will be applying the thematic analysis (Mir and Pinnington, 2014). Under this
framing of various themes regarding current research-topic will be done. Upon the basis
of their justifications, final conclusions will be formulated and proper recommendations
should be given.
 Considering ethical-manner : During the conduction of research, a criticality is
involved in methodology followed by researcher to perform the associated activities in
an ethical way. Corresponding this the research purpose, when interview of respondents
is being taken, beforehand information should be given to them prior asking. Also, in
addition to this, their provided information shall not be utilized for any other purposes.
Confidentiality shall be maintained regarding the details provided by respondents
selected in sample. No third party should be disclosed the information gathered and its
effective utilization should be done only the purposes of research.
TASK 3
P5. Utilizing proper tools and techniques for data and research
Name : _______________
Age : ______
Gender : ________
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1. According to your opinion, is there any importance hold by CSR in modern-era?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
2. Do any sort of link exists in between CSR and sustainable development?
 Yes
 No
 Not sure
3. According to your opinion, does implementation of CSR at Starwoods Hotels & Hotels holds
any importance?
 Yes
 No
4. What among the following set of issues is currently being faced by Starwoods Hotels &
Resorts?
 Not globally recognized
 Mismanagement of budget
 Less employee participation in activities
5. What CSR initiatives could Starwoods Hotels and Resorts undertake ?
 Extensively advertising through digital media
 Digital management of budget plan
 Empowering employees
6. What ways could be used for implementing CSR initiative?
 Giving financial support
 Voluntary organizations
 Charity events organizing
7. Which department shall be given away the responsibility for CSR implementation?
 HR Department
 Administrative Department
 Managers at top-level
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Theme 1 : CSR's importance in modern-era
Criteria Frequency
Yes 6
No 1
Not sure 3
Description : From the above conducted survey that is the findings of questionnaire, it
could be stated that majority of customers claimed, CSR implementation is definitely important
atera of modern world. This was as per the opinion of majority of 6 respondents. However,
among the remaining ones, 1 stated that implementation of CSR is not necessary or holds any
importance in modern-era. And as per the opinions of 3 of the respondents, no surety was there
regarding the importance of CSR at modern era. Coming upon the final conclusion, it could be
stated that, definitely implementing CSR in modern era is of utter importance and the associated
authorities need to realise this as soon as possible for achieving of set organizational goals.
Theme 2 : Existence of link between sustainable development and CSR activities
Criteria Frequency
9
6
1
3
Yes
No
Not sure

Yes 7
No 1
Not sure 2
Description : From the findings of the questionnaire conducted among the 10 respondents
that is customers of Starwoods, it could be formulated that there definitely exists a link between
implementing of CSR initiatives & sustainable development. However, according to 1, no link is
there between the two claiming that CSR could not be single handedly hold responsible for
attaining sustainable development. On the other hand, 2 of the respondents could not possibly
determine about the existence of the link. Overall, the assigned authorities need to analyse the
CSR implementation, and made understood the fact that for attaining of sustainable development
CSR initiatives have to be implemented.
Theme 3 : Importance of implementing CSR activities at Starwoods Hotels and Resorts
Criteria Frequency
Yes 9
No 1
10
7
1
2
Yes
No
Not sure

Description :From the findings of the research, it could be formulated that Starwoods
Hotels and Resorts definitely requires the implementing of CSR initiatives. This was according
to the opinions of majority of 9 of the respondents. However, according to 1 remaining, no need
of implementing CSR initiatives at Starwoods is there. Well, in order for attaining sustainable
development, CSR initiatives need to be undertaken. So, the authorities of Starwoods need to
understand the importance of CSR initiatives, so that they will be able to attain sustainable
development in order for enhancement of their sales & profits.
Theme 4 : Issues faced by Starwoods Hotels and Resorts
Criteria Frequency
Not globally recognized 4
Mismanagement of budget 4
Less employee participation in activities 2
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9
1
Yes
No

Description : From the findings of the questionnaire, it can be stated that according to 4
of the respondents, major issue was less global recognition of Starwoods at global level. In
addition, budget was also not properly managed which led to inaccurate results. Also, as per the
opinion of remaining 2 respondents, less involvement shown by employees of Starwoods in its
associated activities was main issue since because of it, company was not able to establish itself
at a global level and budget was also not managed properly. So, authorities needs to analyse the
importance of CSR and accordingly address all the issues for attaining sustainable development.
Theme 5 : CSR initiatives by Starwoods Hotels and Resorts
Criteria Frequency
Extensively advertising through digital media 4
Digital management of budget plan 3
Empowering employees 3
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Not globally recognized
Mismanagement of budget
Less employee participation in activities
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4 4
2
Frequency

Description : From the findings of the above questionnaire, it can further be formulated
that in order for making the Starwoods more acceptable & popular at global level, advertising
about the hotel needs to be done at an extensive level by use of digital media. This was the
opinion of majority of 4 of the respondents. Among the remaining 6, 3 claimed that managing
the budget plan by digital means will ease the handling of budget and aid in effective
management of budget. And the remaining three stated that the employees shall be empowered
and thereby motivated to indulge in the activities of Starwoods. So, overall the management
needs to think about the effectiveness of these techniques and further plan out their
implementation for attaining sustainable development. Furthermore, employees should be
encouraged for enhancing their involvement in the activities of Starwoods.
Theme 6 : CSR initiatives implementation through different ways
Criteria Frequency
Giving financial support 4
Voluntary organizations 4
Charity events organizing 2
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Extensively advertising through digital media
Digital management of budget plan
Empowering employees
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4
3 3
Frequency

Description : From the findings of the questionnaire, it can be stated that according to the
opinions given by 4 of the respondents, providing financial supports provides the organization
the ability to attain sustainable objectives. However, according to the opinion given by 4
respondents, voluntary organizations could be hired for implementing the CSR initiatives. Also,
according to the remaining 2 respondents organizations should carry out charity events each year
in order for creating a positive perspective about itself in the minds of customers. So, overall, a
conclusion could be formulated that authorities need to realize the importance of these various
methodologies and effectively focus on providing financial support as well as hire voluntary
organization to evaluate the implemented CSR initiatives.
Theme 7 : Department responsible for implementation of CSR
Criteria Frequency
HR Department 2
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4
4
2
Giving financial support
Voluntary organizations
Charity events organizing

Administrative Department 3
Managers at top-level 5
Description : From the findings of the questionnaire, it can be stated that, majority of 5
respondents claimed that top-level managers are accountable for implementing CSR initiatives at
Starwoods. According to the remaining 3 respondents, Administrative Department needs to be
given the responsibility of implementing CSR initiatives. On the other hand, as per the opinion
of 2 respondents, the HR department needs to be given the responsibility regarding the
responsibility of implementation of CSR initiatives at Starwoods. Overall, according to the
outcomes, the top level managers need to be given away the responsibility of implementing CSR
initiatives at Starwoods in order to attain sustainable development. The remaining two
departments that is the Administrative & HR Departments could additionally give away their
views regarding implementation of initiatives associated to CSR.
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2
3
5 HR Department
Administrative Department
Managers at top-level

P6. Appropriate recommendations and conclusions
From the research conducted above, a overall conclusion could be formulated that in
order for attaining sustainable development, an organization definitely needs to implement the
CSR activities within their firm. Also, evaluation of those implemented methodologies need to
be done so that if any sort of problem gets encountered, necessary modifications could be done.
In order for staying in market for longer time span, corporate social responsibilities play a
significant role. So, with the main motto of enhancing global recognition, the Starwoods Hotels
and Resorts needs to realize the importance of CSR initiatives and focus upon its further
implementation. Also, in order to implement those initiatives, the situation of the Hotel needs to
be evaluated so that accordingly measures could be undertaken. The main issues faced by
Starwoods were the mismanagement of budget & less global recognition. To address these two
issues, they need to imply the digital modern technology for effective handling of them.
Furthermore, the employees at Starwoods do not showcase much interest in participating in
activities associated to CSR and also other methods being currently followed. This leads to the
conclusion that employees need to be empowered and further motivated to carry on their duties
in an effective manner so that organizational goals could be achieved with the enhanced
participation of each and every member. In order for staying in market for longer time period, a
company needs to have larger customer base who are loyal towards it. So, in order to attract
customers from all over the world, they need to modify their facilities as per the requirements of
majority of customers. Furthermore, to attract their attention, extensive advertising needs to be
done which will add up towards building up of interests in minds of customers. Henceforth, for
fulfilling the sustainable objectives, it would thus be appropriate that Starwoods should give due
consideration to the implementation of CSR initiatives.
Keeping in mind the main motto of attaining sustainable development, following
recommendations could be necessarily given regarding CSR implementation :
 Programs shall be organized frequently in which determination of issues that the firm
currently faces should be done. Once the problems have been identified, focus should be
given upon the ways in which these issues could be solved. If all this is effectively
determined, a great help will be further provided for implementation of the CSR
initiatives at the cited firm.
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 Ample of opportunities should be allotted to the employees so that effective participation
is shown from their side towards CSR activities being implemented. This will in addition
boost up their morale, thereby giving them the necessary motivation. When employees
perform the same task repeatedly, their performance gets negatively affected. Henceforth,
keeping this thing in mind, enhancing their involvement in the activities of CSR will give
them the necessary motivation and encouragement for working with full efficiency.
 Most importantly, organization needs to take in consideration the modern technologies
and apply the various digital techniques for easing out their working methodology. The
application of digital methods will aid the employees in carrying out their work in a more
efficient manner. This way the overall organizational performance will be enhanced
thereby sustaining in market for long time period.
 Also, for making the employees work in an efficient manner, they need to be given
necessary and effective training so that they will get to know about the effective
utilization of tools & techniques for proper management of their work. Presence of a lack
of clear-understanding, makes the employees work in an inappropriate manner. So
adopting digital methods will enable the employees to perform in an enhanced way
thereby contributing g towards the aim of sustainable development.
 All types of media need to be effectively utilized for promoting the brand at an global
level. Extensive promotion should be done upon television media, ads should be given in
newspapers, customers should be attracted through attractive posters highlighting the
attractive offers to grab the attention of customers.
TASK 4
P7. Reflection of research for meeting the objectives
According to the presently conducted research, I got an ample of knowledge regarding
the existing diversity in the methodologies involved for carrying out the research-work. Despite
the methodologies available, I faced different set of issues. So, before starting the research work,
an aim needs to be formulated based upon which the associated objectives will be further build
up. This will in future prove to be an aid for achievement of the organization objectives as well
as goals. Adding more towards it, planning of activity will be further done, after which Gantt
chart will be formulated. This Gantt chart will be responsible for determining the total time
period involved in completion of those activities. In order for reaching out the set goals and
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objectives, appropriate and necessary information needs to be collected in order for its accuracy.
Regarding this, two different methodologies are in very much popular. These are primary and
secondary sources of information. In order for obtaining the primary information, questionnaire
was being utilized. On the other hand, as in secondary sources, journals, articles, newspapers,
etc. were utilized. This enabled me in collecting a detailed set of facts and information regarding
the topic of research work. Once, the accurate information was collected, it had to be presented
in an presentable format so as to make the collected information more clear. Henceforth, staying
abide by this motto, effective utilization of thematics was done. Under it, the relevant and
necessary information collected were helped to be presented in tabular & graphical methods. The
depth involve in the analysis conducted led to the enhancement of the understanding capability.
The more clear the information is to be understood, the learner is able to understand the study
carried out in a more accurate and enhanced way possible. Furthermore, in order for proper and
effective analysation of the formulated plan that is further investigating the research work,
qualitative & quantitative methodologies were utilized. Besides these, there are ample of
available techniques and methodologies that will further aid in making a proper and accurate
analysis of the information that has been collected through the various available primary and
secondary resources. I had to face difficulty while the formulation of questions was done
regarding the questionnaire survey method. The reason for this thing was mainly due to the
involvement of the fact that questions had to be set keeping in mind the set objectives & aim of
the study being carried out. Also, the information that was collected from the filling up of
questionnaire needs to be proper communicated to them beforehand. Also, this information
collected shall not be given or accessed by any other third party thereby maintaining the privacy
of the collected data. Also, if the respondents are able to clearly understand the information and
as well understand its importance which is main motto of research, the research will be
successful.
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REFERENCES
BOOKS AND JOURNALS
Kerzner, H., 2013. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and
controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Serra, C.E. and Kunc, M., 2015. Benefits Realisation Management and its influence on project
success and on the execution of business strategies. International Journal of Project
Management, 33(1). pp.53-66.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning.
Verzuh, E., 2015. The fast forward MBA in project management. John Wiley & Sons.
Polonsky, M. J. and Waller, D. S., 2014. Designing and managing a research project: A business
student's guide. Sage Publications.
Kendrick, T., 2015. Identifying and managing project risk: essential tools for failure-proofing
your project. AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn.
Mir, F. A. and Pinnington, A. H., 2014. Exploring the value of project management: linking
project management performance and project success. International Journal of Project
Management, 32(2). pp.202-217.
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Hombert, J., and et.al., 2014. Using the firm-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings
of Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini, we find that firms score higher on CSR when they have
Democratic rather than Republican founders, CEOs, and directors, and when they are
headquartered in Democratic rather than Republican-leaning states. Democratic-leaning firms
spend $20 million more on CSR than Republican-leaning firms ($80 million more... Journal of
Financial Economics, 111(1). pp.158-180.
Okoye, A., 2015. The UK Social Action, Responsibility and Heroism (SARAH) Act 2015 and
corporate social responsibility (CSR): potential connections. International Company and
Commercial Law Review, 26(12). pp.373-376.
Cha, M. K., Yi, Y. and Bagozzi, R. P., 2016. Effects of Customer Participation in Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs on the CSR-Brand Fit and Brand Loyalty. Cornell
Hospitality Quarterly, 57(3). pp.235-249.
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