Business Research Methods & Applications

This assignment delves into the field of research methodology within business and management. It examines a variety of methods, drawing on academic sources like journals and books. Specific areas covered include service innovation management, intellectual capital disclosure, clinical trial management, and strategic paradoxes in complex business models. The assignment also touches upon content analysis, single-case research, and the impact of industry convergence on business models. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how diverse research approaches are applied in real-world business scenarios.

UNIT 6. MANAGING
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1) Aims and objectives..............................................................................................................3
P2) Project management plan......................................................................................................4
P3) Time frame and stages for project accomplishment..............................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
P4) Different research methods to reach out project's aims.........................................................7
P5 Sampling method and sample size.......................................................................................10
Data Interpretation.....................................................................................................................11
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................18
P6) Recommendation.................................................................................................................18
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................19
P7) Reflection............................................................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCE.................................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
In this report, mainly the whole discussion is based on the project management of a
business. Harrods has taken as the organization on which the whole management plan has made.
Harrods is basically a departmental store which is located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge,
London. It has around 330 stores in UK and other countries. Basically, the aims which is decided
by the project manager is framed in this report and the relative objectives are also had a brief in
this report.
Project management plan is basically done to manage a successful business. In this
report, several aspects including cost, risk, quality, time and resources can be described for
succession of project effectively (Leary, 2016). The various types of research are described on
this framework that can be helpful to achieve the aims and objectives of the organization. The
tools and techniques which are used data collection as research methods are outlined. However,
data analysis of gathered information and best methods for CSR implementation for Harrods Ltd
can be understood through this assignment. Similarly, reflection of the complete scenario for
self-learning and performance for effective projection is to be introduced.
TASK 1
P1) Aims and objectives
Background:- The report is related to present CSR activities implementation to increase
profitability of firm including sustaining its good position in market. In this process, Harrod's Ltd
belonged to retail sector organization of UK works at small level that provides groceries and
plans to utilize CSR activities for society's awareness and providing them satisfactory products.
However, it is best tool for improving service qualities and financial development of entity at
high level.
Aim- To implement CSR activities within Harrod's Ltd to promote profitability and financial
sustainability.
Objectives- Different objectives for improving economic position of Harrods Ltd
through CSR implementation can be understood as:
 To express different phases/steps of project management for financial development of
Hattods Ltd through CSR approach covered all the aspects.

 To understand the several CSR activities and significance which can improve
profitability and economic stability of the small scale enterprise.
 To identify the plan remains helpful to execute the project successfully including
management and controlling over it systematically.
 To recommend suggestions for project accomplishment and implementing CSR
approaches for financial development of Harrods Ltd.
P2) Project management plan
Project management plan is process for accomplishing any task systematically includes
decision making and forecasting on succession (Kowalkowski, Kindström and Brehmer, 2011).
It involves different steps can be understood as below:
 Project initiation: It is initial stage for project management in which goal setting is
presented as strategies are prepared to be implemented for effective projection. However,
entire project plan is expressed in this stage involving cost estimation to be incurred, risk
assessment, time scheduling, team work and segmentation of work among members etc.
Therefore, proper structure to be followed in projection are identified in this process
(Farrell, Kenyon and Shakur, 2010).
 Project definition and planning: After setting goals and all, project planning is created
including decision making, forecasting efficiently. In addition to this, all activities and
workers' divisional tasks are presented for project succession.
 Implementation of action plan: In this process, all set activities are converted into
implementation as per prepared strategies (Hacklin, Klang and Baschera, 2013). Thus, for
analyzing respondents' views on CSR implementation for Harrods Ltd economic growth
and effectiveness through is proceeded in this step.
 Performance evaluation and controlling: It is considered as last stage for projection
that involves critical evaluation on project activities and performance of all team
members. In which, comparison between actual and expected position is created for
bridge the gap and succession of project efficiently.
Project manager of organization analyzes current business performance on the basis of
which project planning is created. It is composition of cost estimation, time to be spent and its
scope etc. Including this, risk assessment is also done through this process for which different

tools and techniques are applied for project accomplishment. In proposed project for CSR
activities implementation in profitability of Harrod's Ltd, it is needed to focusing on overall
business operations. Including this, segmenting work according to workers' ability is also done
by recognizing their working efficiencies.
P3) Time frame and stages for project accomplishment
Work Breakdown structure
This structure is effective for understanding all project activities systematically by which
different proper strategies can be identified. However, time scheduling and team work as well
performance different stages for completion of project can be understood.
project activities:-
Plan Activities Cost Time scale

Analyzing actual
performance
By using financial and
non-economic tools,
identifying current
position of
organization.
100 2-3 weeks
Objectives and
strategic plans
After analyzing
performance, aims are
targeted as well
strategies are prepared
for implementation
100 1 week
Implementing
activities
Determined action
plans get implemented
step by step
4-5 weeks 500
Evaluation of present
business performance
Comparing between
actual and standard
performance that
affects organization's
effectiveness.
1-2 weeks 200
Gannt Chart:-
It represents time schedule and shows which activity of the project plan is on priority and
which can be ignored. However, it is time consuming and effective for controlling over
projection as well systematic management of all project activities. For analyzing critical path for
CSR implementation for financial development of Harrods Ltd can be presented as below:

TASK 2
P4) Different research methods to reach out project's aims
Research approach: -Different kinds of approaches used for data collection such as;
inductive, deductive etc. In inductive approach, all aspects as theory, summary and all activities
to be implemented in projection are involved. However, guidelines for all action plans and
systematic forms for project succession are mentioned that remains suitable for data collection
and project on CSR implementation for financial development of Harrods Ltd (Dumay and Cai,
2015). Therefore, for data collection, inductive approach is to be used that will be suitable for
effective projection and effectiveness of organisation efficiently.
Research philosophy: - For accomplishment of the project, researcher is to use
positivism theory that is related with determining a specific goal and working upon it effectively.
Similarly, it is considered that by using this approach, project management as well effective
scope and vision can be set for its succession (Flick, 2015). In addition to this, this philosophy is
linked with proper implementation and following on systematic planning procedure for data
collection and identifying actual position of Harrods Ltd regarding CSR implementation and
further improvements.
Research design: - Regarding project accomplishment for CSR implementation on
economic growth of Harrods Ltd, researcher is to use descriptive approach. It includes both

positive and negative aspects are expressed as well issues occurred in projection and risks being
faced are introduced. In accordance to this, all techniques and theories to be applied in projection
are expressed. Besides brief summary of all aspects for project succession and implementation of
CSR activities for Harrods Ltd is to be described (Gast and Ledford, 2014). Moreover, various
tools for project management and issues occurred in data collection and interpretation are to be
involved in adding this approach. However, for identifying CSR implementation regarding
competitiveness for Harrods Ltd is possible by using this approach for data collection efficiently.
Hence, researcher is to use descriptive design approach for gathering information for to succeed
the project systematically.
Data collection: - Different methods are used for data collection as primary and
secondary data collection.
 In primary data collection, information are collected at first time which has no link with
last year's performances as well future intention. Therefore, actual market position of
entity can be analyzed through this method. However, for applying this method, various
tools are used such as; conducting survey, face to face interview, door to door asking
questions etc. For analysing employees' views on CSR implementation in economic
growth of Harrods Ltd, researcher selects 50 employees of the organisation. Therefore,
current information can be gathered regarding responsibility implementation impact on
competitive advantages for the entity. However, it comes under primary data collection
that affects further operations as well variety of ideas can be generated for effective
project management and identifying significance of CSR approach for financial
development of the entity.
 While, on the other side, under secondary data collection, information can be collected by
using used and prepared materials such as; analyzing annual report of the organisation as
past performance, newspaper, online sites etc. Therefore, it is time consuming and
economic tool of data collection that is useful for further implementation and generating
ideas for improving quality services on large scale efficiently (Gast and Ledford, 2014).
Thus, for recognizing employees' views on CSR implementation essential for financial
development of Harrods Ltd, researcher is to select 50 employees randomly from different
department of the entity (Bryman and Bell, 2014). Therefore, actual position of entity can be

analyzed as well suggestions for project management more effectively. In addition to this, it will
be effective for succession of project and competitive advantages on large scale.
Data analysis: - Data collection process leads to their interpretations and preparing
strategies for CSR implementation for economic growth of small scale enterprise. In this regard,
bot positive and negative aspects of organisation can be identified that can be balanced
effectively. However, variety of recommendations are recognized for project succession and
CSR implementation for Harrods Ltd (Leary, 2016). Moreover, it is considered that data analysis
is a process of project management which remains helpful for improving efficiencies of entity as
well management of an organisation's operations properly. Therefore, through data analysis,
small entities' performance can be analyzed that impact on further operations and effectiveness
of entity efficiently.
Researcher prepares questionnaire consists of questions regarding services of
organisation for analyzing respondents views on the research topic. However, questionnaire for
collecting data can be designed as follows: -
Name:
Age:
Q.1 Is implementation of CSR activities crucial to achieve effectiveness of Harrod's Ltd?
 Yes
 No
Q. 2 In your opinion, is implementation of CSR activities suitable to encourage people for
purchasing goods provided by Harrods Ltd?
 Yes
 No
Q.3 Regarding you, is CSR implementation is appropriate for economic stability and financial
development of small scale enterprise?
 Yes
 No
Q. 4 Do you agree with the statement that Harrod's Ltd can increase its competitiveness through
CSR implementation?

 Agree
 Strongly agree
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q.5 From which of the following department is the most responsible for implementation of
CSR activities?
 Finance department
 HR department
 Administration
Q.6 In your opinion, is implementation of CSR activities linked with competitive advantages of
Harrods Ltd?
 Yes
 No
Q. 7 In which of the following method, CSR can be helpful for increasing profitability of firm?
 Social awareness with product services of enterprise.
 Providing more effective and quality goods
 Cost adequacy
Q. 8 In which manner, CSR activities can be implemented more effectively?
 Setting up voluntary organization
 Supporting community based entities
 Conducting charity events once in a year.
P5 Sampling method and sample size
Research of the organization conducts survey method for which he chooses 50 employees
for asking questions regarding performance of Harrod's Ltd. Thereby, different views and
opinions are obtained for making decisions related to further business operations. Therefore,
interpretation of collected data can be expressed as follows:-

Data Interpretation
After collecting data and gaining 50 employees views over CSR activities impact on
financial growth of Harrod's Ltd. Therefore, through this process, gathered information is
analyzed in thematic presentation can be expressed as follows: -
Theme 1: Importance of CSR activities to achieve effectiveness of Harrod's Ltd.
Yes 40
No 10
Interpretation: - Researcher asks about respondents' views on CSR implementation
influence on organisation's effectiveness that how much of them agreed with this statement. It is
interpreted that 80% respondents express their positive views on this social responsibility impact
on effectiveness of Harrods Ltd. Including this, it is recognized that efficiency of any enterprise
can be improved through this process that impact on social development. Overall, respondents
express their opinion that monetary position and other sociology of enterprise can be enhanced
efficiently. Moreover, it is helpful for building up people's trust with services provided by small
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45

scale enterprise also able to enhance its profitability and competitiveness effectively. Thus, it is
recognized that CSR implementation is useful to increase effectiveness and efficiencies of the
entity efficiently.
Theme 2: Impact on social awareness through CSR implementation
Yes 35
No 15
Interpretation: - Respondents' positive view on social awareness regarding CSR
implementation are identified. As, it is interpreted that 35 out of 50 employees belonged to
different departments are agreed with positive aspect of corporate social responsibility influence
on social awareness also it is able to build up society's trust towards services of Harrods Ltd.
Including this, they express their view that it is helpful for competitiveness and improving
quality services of enterprise efficiently. However, profitability and demand for goods that
affected that impacts on organisation's effectiveness and long term sustainability in competitive
market. Therefore, it is recognized that social awareness and public trust with effective services
can be improved efficiently. Similarly, it is able to create balance between production and
distribution system of goods and services provided by enterprise. It is helpful for public welfare
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40

on large scale by which customers' satisfaction can be achieved at high level increases their
loyalty with product services of the organisation efficiently.
Theme 3: CSR implementation influence on financial position of Harrods Ltd
Yes 45
No 5
Interpretation: - As per the project's aim, there is positive perception towards financial
position of small size organisation is identified regarding CSR implementation. It is recognized
that social responsibility implementation is quite effective in entity's financial development that
affects profitability and sustainability for longer time period. In addition to this, it is also
evaluated that corporate social responsibility is the best approach for economic growth of entity
and proper effectiveness in its operations. Moreover, increasing in demand for its services can be
enhanced that impacts on productivity and profit earning capacity of the organisation. Besides
this, it is evaluated that 90% respondents are agreed that CSR implementation is linked with
monetary growth of organisation also suitable for competitiveness and longer term sustainability
in market. Along with this, respondents express their view that company's financial and non-
economic performance can be enhanced by using this tool and maintaining all resources and fund
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50

efficiently. Thus, through this interpretation, it is understood that CSR implementation is
essential for financial development of Harrods Ltd at higher level.
Theme 4: Statement on CSR implementation's influence on competitive strength of
Harrods Ltd
Agree 30
Strongly agree 12
Disagree 5
Strongly disagree 3
Interpretation: It is interpreted that 30 out of 50 respondents are agreed with the
statement that CSR implementation is significant in enhancing competitiveness of Harrods Ltd.
In this regard, they express their opinion that it also increases customer loyalty and an
individual's trust towards services provided by the small scale enterprise. However, it is
recognized that management of entire business operations is possible through this method that
impacts on resources and fund allocation adequately. In addition to this, 12 respondents are
strongly agreed with this statement that affects competition strategies and long term
sustainability. Thus, it has been understood that CSR implementation plays vital role in
enhancing competitive strategies of entity at higher level.
Agree Strongly agree Disagree Strongly disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35

Theme 5: Responsible department for implementation of CSR activities
Finance department 30
HR department 10
Administration 10
Interpretation: - Researcher asks to respondents about responsible department for CSR
implementation of Harrods Ltd. It is identified that 30 out of 50 as highlighted in blue color in
the pie chart that finance department is suitable for this responsibility at most. Similarly,
remaining 20 view that HR and administration department of Harrods Ltd is able for CSR
implementation and better quality services of the organisation. It will be effective for financial
development of the small scale enterprise and competitiveness for longer term period.
Theme 6: CSR implementation link with competitive advantages for Harrods Ltd
Yes 45
No 5
30 10
10
Finance department
HR department
Administration

Interpretation: - It is one of the great research factor for identifying CSR
implementation relation with competitive advantages for Harrods Ltd. It is interpreted that 45 out
of 50 employees are agreed with this statement for competitiveness and long term sustainability
of organisation through CSR approach. Besides this, they also express their view point that it is
helpful for increasing productivity and profitability of entity. However, demand for its services
can be enhanced as well facing cut throat competition for long time period. Moreover, it is
recognized that financial position of small scale enterprise can be enhanced that is related with
sales revenue and market sustainability. Thus, it is forecast that through CSR implementation,
customers' trust can be maintained that affects competitive advantages for the enterprise on large
scale.
Theme 7: The best method for implementing CSR and competitive advantages for Harrods
Ltd
To aware society with organization's products. 20
To produce more effective and qualitative goods. 10
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50

To set adequate price of goods according to economic
condition of customers 20
Interpretation: Through this analysis, respondents' views on increasing competitiveness
of Harrods Ltd can be identified. However, it is presented in graphical presentation where blue
color represents society's awareness, orange fr producing more qualitative goods and yellow
shows cost adequacy. In this regard, most of them express that social awareness towards services
produced by enterprise would be most effective method for increasing competitiveness and
effective sustainability in market for longer time periodicity. In addition to this, 80% of them
agreed with the method of social awareness and setting adequate price of product would be the
best alternative for competitive advantages and increasing in demand for product services of the
enterprise on large scale.
Theme 8: The Most appropriate technique to be used for implementation
Through voluntary organization 20
To support community based organization 20
By organizing charity event annually. 10
20
10
20 To aware society with
organization's products.
To produce more effective and
qualitative goods.
To set adequate price of goods
according to economic
condition of customers

Interpretation: - In this research, researcher asks to 50 selected respondents regarding
suitable technique for implementation and economic growth of Harrods Ltd. However, 40
express their views that it is possible through supporting community organisation and voluntary
sector entities. In addition to this, they also express that it will be effective for social welfare and
building up society's trust towards services provided by organisation. It can be forecast that
social responsibility's implementation can be succeed for increasing in demand for services and
improving competitiveness efficiently.
TASK 3
P6) Recommendation
Through this project on CSR implementation significance for organisation's financial
development and improving its efficiencies. For succession of this project, following
recommendations are required to be considered to follow on mentioned below as:
 All ethical considerations should be followed on data collection process and accessing
data from online sites.
Through voluntary organization
To support community based organization
By organizing charity event annually.
0 5 10 15 20 25
Column C

 Data analysis must be critical therefore actual performance of Harrods Ltd can be
identified that affects further business operations.
 Project plan should be implemented in proper time schedule for analysing CSR
implementation on small scale enterprise (Project management, 2016).
 There should be proper management of all project activities including performance of
team members involved for data collection and interpretation.
Thus, above mentioned suggestions should be considered for succession of project and task
accomplishment effectively. It will be effective for economic growth of organisation and
competitiveness in market for longer time periodicity. Hence, CSR implementation in Harrods
Ltd would be positively resulted in improving profitability and long term sustainability in market
efficiently.
TASK 4
P7) Reflection
With the help of this projection and participating in project activities for CSR
implementation for the organisation. As I improved my communication and problem solving
skills that is effective for personal and professional development. However, I learned to solving
out issues and conflicts among workers at workplace. In addition to this, I enhance my learning
abilities and creating friendly environment of organisation by encouraging employees for better
work performance. Moreover, by reading articles, newspaper, online sites etc., I learned a lot
about increasing working efficiency and implementing strategies in proper time. It is able to
make me punctual and creating understanding among all team members. Thus, this projection
considers as successful for my personal and professional development that is helpful for
encouraging me towards enhancing working efficiencies at higher level.
I choose Harrod's Ltd beacuase it is small scale organization that uses CSR activities for
implementation and enhancing profitability at large scale. In this regard, I analyzed collected
data as views and opinions of employees of the firm that generated different ideas are better
working performance as well improving their skills. However, varieties of ideas are learned for
better quality services of organization as well employees' role model for effectiveness of
organisation.

CONCLUSION
It is concluded that CSR implementation is essential for economic growth and
profitability of Harrods Ltd. However, methods to expand small scale enterprise and improving
efficiency are described. In addition to this, various tools and techniques for task
accomplishment and improving quality services for the organisation through this assignment.
Moreover, time scheduling for projection and cost estimation to incurring expenses are
expressed. Along with this, data collection methods and interpretation of gathered information in
thematic form is presented. Apart from this, reflection on personal skills and abilities through
projection and contribution in team work is introduced effectively. Overall, significance of CSR
implementation for small enterprise is understood through this report.

REFERENCE
Books and Journals
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Leary, M. R., 2016. Introduction to behavioral research methods. Pearson.
Matos, S. and Silvestre, B.S., 2013. Managing stakeholder relations when developing
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Online
Project management. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<http://home.hit.no/~hansha/documents/theses/projectmanagement.pdf>. [Accessed on
26th August 2017].