Strategies for Creating an Equal and Diversified Workplace - A Case Study on Vodafone

This report explores various strategies that can be implemented by Vodafone to create an equal and diversified workplace. It includes aims and objectives, project management plan, small scale research, data analysis, recommendations, and reflection.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
Topic: “ To identify various strategies which a business entity can utilise in to create a equal and
diversified workplace.” A case study on Vodafone ........................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
LO1..................................................................................................................................................1
P1. Determination of aims and objectives .............................................................................1
P2. Plan for managing research appropriately........................................................................3
P3. Techniques of project management .................................................................................5
LO2..................................................................................................................................................8
P4. Conducting a small scale research ..................................................................................8
LO3................................................................................................................................................11
P5. Data Analysation ...........................................................................................................11
P6. Recommendations..........................................................................................................21
LO4................................................................................................................................................22
P7. Reflection ......................................................................................................................22
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................23
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................25
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................27

Topic: “ To identify various strategies which a business entity can utilise in to
create a equal and diversified workplace.” A case study on Vodafone
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity are determined as a term which aims at providing equal
opportunities to all workers and giving each employee equal chance for achieving their potential
and free them from discrimination and prejudice. This aims at giving equal opportunities to
workers and treat them fairly and equally (Allaoui, Bourgault and Pellerin, 2019). Equality and
diversity is not only applied to employer but it also applies to employees also and both of them
are held responsible for their actions and it is important for them to treat each other equally
irrespective of their caste, creed, nationality, and so on.
This report is based upon UK based telecommunication organisation, named Vodafone
that provides telecommunication and internet services at multinational level. This report revolves
around the strategies which can be brought by Vodafone so that it can bring equal and diversified
working environment which will help this enterprise to develop job satisfaction among workers.
On this topic, a research has been conducted which covers aims and objectives which are
addressed in this assessment. For the same a project management plan is also developed in this
report in which cost, time, resources, etc. required for achieving its objectives are identified.
Further, a Gantt chart and WBS structure is prepared for conducting this research appropriately.
In addition to this, a tiny investigation took place in which a questionnaire is prepared and the
answers of respondents are recorded. Moreover, certain recommendations are given for the
purpose to bring equality and diversity in an organisation. At the end of the report, a reflection is
made.
LO1
P1. Determination of aims and objectives
Equality and diversity are two strong pillars of an organisation which helps it to create a
healthy working environment (Bagherzadeh, Markovic and Bogers, 2019). It helps in creating
job satisfaction among workers by which they can achieve their overall business objectives with
their improved performance. It is very significant for a business entity to treat each of its workers
fairly irrespective of their caste, creed, nationality, religion and so on. Lack of equality at
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workplace can demotivate workers and can create unhealthy working environment. This will also
result in low retention of workforce and can reduce the loyalty of workers towards the
organisation. There are certain aims and objectives of conducting this research which are
determined as follows (Ivaldi, Pais and Scaratti, 2018).
Overview
Vodafone is a British based multinational telecommunication organisation and its
headquarter is in London. It operates its services in places like Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe and
many other countries. This global organisation has been ranked at 4th largest telecom entity
which has around 313 million customers all over the world (Bell and Harrison, 2018). The
reason behind success of this enterprise are its workers who work hard to achieve its overall
business objectives. The working environment of this enterprise is happening and it always try to
bring diversified and equality based working environment. This enterprise is now thinking about
certain strategies which will create a diversified and equality working environment. For this
purpose, a research is conducted to identify such strategies.
Aim
The motive for initiating this investigation is,“ To identify various strategies a business
entity can utilise in to create a equal and diversified workplace.”
Objectives
There are certain objectives behind conducting this research which Vodafone aims to achieve.
These objectives are elaborated as follows-
 To understand the concept and framework behind equal and diversified working
environment.
 To identify specific strategies which Vodafone can use in order to create a diversified
workplace.
 To determine strategies which can be adopted by Vodafone for creating a workplace in
which equal opportunities are provided to workforce.
 To know the benefits of equality and diversity at workplace.
 To identify the impact of equality and diversity upon the overall performance of
employees of Vodafone.
 To determine the affect of absence of diversity and equality at the place of work.
2

Questions
 What is the concept and framework behind equal and varied working situation?
 What are the specific schemes which Vodafone can use in order to create a diversified
workplace?
 What are the benefits of equality and diversity at workplace?
 What is the impact of equality and diversity upon the overall performance of employees
of Vodafone?
 What is the affect of absence of diversity and equality at workplace?
P2. Plan for managing research appropriately
In order to manage research in an appropriate manner so that the overall objectives of
research are achieved, a project management plan can be developed. This will help in conducting
this research in more effective and appropriate manner. It will also help identifying the cost time,
resources and budget which id going to be required by researcher to conduct research in that
manner in order to meet the overall motives (Janjić and Rađenović, 2019). A project
management plan is a representation giving direction to a project so that it is capable to meet its
overall objectives and aims. It helps in monitoring and controlling each phase of a project so that
it would be successful in its way. For managing this research in an prescribed manner, a project
management is prepared as follows-
Cost- This is the amount which is required for conducting a research in an appropriate manner.
The amount which is needed in order to conduct this enquiry is £650 which is distributed in
promotional expenditures, cost required for technology, other expenditure, and so on. This will
help the research in manage the cost in an appropriate manner.
Total Forecasted Budget
Particulars Amount
Cost of application of diversity and equality £100
Training and development cost £250
Cost of research £300
Total Cost £650
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Time- This is period which a researcher requires for conducting a research effectively and
appropriately. This is determined as one of the important factor which must be considered by
researcher as it will help in doing it within time limits. The time which is required for conducting
it is 12 weeks and it is the obligation of project manager to conduct this research and achieve its
objectives within given time.
Quality- Now, comes this other factor, although the research done have to be completed within
time but at the same time it is important for researcher to have quality results. The research must
be of high quality and should fulfil all of its objectives (Jansen, Cusumano and Popp, 2019).
This research is of good quality as for conducting this research, primary data is utilised which is
more relevant. Numerous quality control techniques which are utilized to maintain the quality of
research like quality control chart, flow chart etc. The researcher can use quality control chart as
it helps in graphically depicting the level of sample products or processes meet the requirements
of the actual products and processes needed. This technique will help in building good quality of
overall project.
Risk- These are the barriers which which can act as a stoppage for conducting research
effectively and can result in reducing the quality of enquiry. In this research, the risk which are
associated is lack of time but it was resolved by indulging in overtime. During carrying out this
project a researcher can face various risks like technical, external, project-related etc. These risks
can be mitigated by the researcher by identifying them on time so that appropriate steps can be
taken to reduce the negative effect of these risks. Technical risk can be dealt by taking help of
technician on time, external risks can be dealt with by formulation of appropriate strategies while
the project related risks can be dealt by proper use of research methods and techniques like Gantt
Chart, WBS etc.
Communication- This is one of the most important factor which have to be considered by
researcher to exchange ideas and opinions of all the members of the team. Without appropriate
communication, research can fail in achieving its overall objectives and goals. In this research,
tow way communication is used in which all the team members are given platform to exchange
their ideas and opinions which helped in making this research even more effective.
Communication matrix can be used by the researcher so that the complete process of sending and
receiving information can be well structured which will help in smooth flow of information
among the members of the project so that the desired results can be achieved in time. The
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information can be sent by the researcher to the project manager during the various stages of
project so that research updates can be given to the manager by the use of communication
channels like mobile phones, video calling through laptops, through fax etc.
Scope- This research has wide scope as it will help in enhancing overall skills and knowledge of
researcher and team members. It will help in enhancing analytical, research, communication,
team management, coordination, data analysation, and various other skills of all the people
indulge in this research. Due to its time limit, it will help in making them capable to work under
pressure and deliver quality results. This will result in opening up various opportunities for
future for both project manager and team members.
Resource- The resources which are used in conducting a specific research is a key element
which will decide the success or failure of research. It is very important for a researcher to select
appropriate resources and use them in an effective manner so that the research goals are met in
an effective manner (Johnson, 2019). The resources that are used in this research are technical,
human, financial, physical and so on. All these resources are used effectively and there is proper
utilisation of these resources. For carrying out the research in the manner desired at least of 5
laptops are necessary (1 for the researcher and 4 for other team members), 2 mobile phones, 1
office nearby the company premises, 1 printer and fax machine, internet connection and a team
of 4 members which will be arranged by the researcher from outside the company. The office
and other instruments required will have to be provided by the company.
P3. Techniques of project management
For effectively formulating and developing a project, there are various techniques and
tools which are available. It is significant for project manager to use these tools in an appropriate
manner so that the research objectives are met. Selection of these techniques is another important
task of a research as it will help in meeting the objectives of research. For conducting this
research, there are two tools which are used, Gantt Chart and WBS structure, and these are
described in detail below:
Gantt Chart- It is a project management tool which helps in illustrating the schedule of a project
and it is invented and developed by Henry Gantt. This chart determined the relationship of
dependency which is between current status of schedule and the activities. It is determined as a
kind of bar chart which helps to conduct a project more appropriately (Kasemsap, 2018). It helps
in listing out the tasks which are about to performed, the task are mentioned on vertical axis and
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the time frame on its horizontal axis. Its horizontal bar's width in graph demonstrates each
activity's duration and the finish and start data of summary and terminal elements of a specific
project. This chart is generally created at initial stage by utilising early starting time approach, in
which, all the tasks are scheduled for starting immediately when the prerequisition are finished.
This method helps in maximising the time of float which is available for a given task.
6

WBS Structure- Work breakdown structure is determined as structure which is of hierarchical
tree structure that helps in outlining the project and in breaking it into smaller portions that are
manageable. It helps in defining the scope into certain manageable chunks which have to be
understood by project team as each level of this structure gives the well defined tasks. The
project management team helps in creating the work of a project by using this structure and in
identifying major deliverables functions and than subdividing such deliverables unto sub
deliverables and smaller sections (Polonsky and Waller, 2018). These sub sections further
decomposed unless an individual person can assigned. The WBS structure has several benefits
and perks and it helps in organising and defining the work of a project. A project budget is
allocated towards the top levels of this structure and by this department budgets can be
calculated which is based upon each work of WBS structure. By allocation of cost and time, it
has been estimated that there are some specific subsections of this structure which helps in
allocating the schedule of a project and budget which can developed quickly. As the project
executes, there are some specific sections which can tracked in identifying the cost performance
of a project and in identifying certain problem and issue areas.
7

LO2
P4. Conducting a small scale research
When a research is conducted, it becomes significant for an enterprise to indulge itself in
investigation appropriately and effectively applying several techniques in order to have the
research effective and valid. Also, by utilising these methods for conducting this research, an
appropriate and relevant information can be interpreted. Basically, these methods helps in
interpretation of relevant information and data which can be utilised by an enterprise. There are
two modes of conducting this research effectively and appropriately which are described below:
Qualitative Research Mode: This mode of conducting research helps the researcher in
carrying on the research effectively and appropriately. It is also defined as an way under
which specific tools, models and data are utilised (Shaw, 2019). By utilising this method, a
data analysation can be conducted in more effective, adequate and deeper manner. In this
method, the numerical facts, figures and data is not used.
Quantitative Research Method: This way of investigation is determined as a procedure which
is used for demonstrating information by using specific statistical data, facts and figures. In this
data collection mode, researcher do not pay any attention towards theoretical data. The initial
aim of this method is to identify certain statistical data and figures which will make the research
more accurate.
For conduct this research, qualitative method to collect data is used as it is more relevant
and helps in achieving goals of a research.
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Primary Data- Primary data is defined a method in which data is collected from first hand
resources in which certain particular data and information is collected from the very first
resources. For instance, utilising surveys, interviews and questions.
Secondary Data- In this mode of data collection, the information is generated from secondary
resources and not from primary resources ( Tidd and Bessant, 2018). This mode of collection of
data is less relevant and it consumes less time as compared to primary data.
For formulating this enquiry, the data collection that is used is primary data collection
technique as it is more relevant and informative.
Data collection- It is a process or method for gathering and measuring necessary and relevant
information which is utilised for conducting research. In this, sampling is applied and used for
gathering knowledge.
Sampling- Its a process which is utilised for collecting statistical information pertain
predetermined observation takes place from the large population. This mode depends upon the
analysation that is going to be performed and it view systematic or random sampling.
For this research, random sampling is utilised from respondents for making inferences
regarding large population.
Questionnaire- It is a series of questions which is used for gathering information and collecting
it from respondents ( Tonchia, Tonchia and Mahagaonkar, 2018). In this procedure,
respondents are required to answer the questions and on this basis there are certain decisions and
assumptions can be drawn. For conducting it, there are 30 respondents which are selected among
the stakeholders of Vodafone.
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have understanding about the concept of equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) According to you, there is a need for bringing equality and diversity at working
environment?
a) Yes
b) No
9

Q3) Do you agree that equality and diversity will benefit the organisation?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q4) What are the strategies which can be adopted by Vodafone to build up an inclusive
workforce?
a) Employee engagement programmes
b) Team development activities
c) Training and development
d) All of the above
Q5) What is the most suitable strategy which can be adopted by Vodafone in order to
bring equality at workplace?
a) Flexible Working Hours
b) Reduction is gender pay gap
c) Indulge workers in decision making process
Q6) What is the best strategy which Vodafone can adopt to bring diversified workplace?
a) Educate managers
b) Make workers aware about organisational culture
c) Programmes based on diversity
Q7) What are the benefits of equality and diversity for employees of Vodafone?
a) Job satisfaction
b) Improved performance
c) Both
Q8) What are the advantages of diversity and equality for Vodafone as a whole?
a) Increased productivity
b) Employee retention
10

c) Both
Q9) What will be the impact of unavailability of diversified and equal working
environment?
a) Job dissatisfaction
b) Low performance
c) Low productivity
d) lack of employee retention
e) All of them
Q10) According to you, what is the basic reason for bringing equal and diversified
workforce?
a) To treat each worker fairly
b) To create job satisfaction among workers
Q11) Any recommendations
Interview questions asked to 3 managers of Vodafone:
Q1) How can the impact of diversity be dealt with in Vodafone?
Q2) The challenges that are faced by Vodafone while implementing diversity in company
premises?
LO3
P5. Data Analysation
Theme 1: The concept of equality and diversity at workplace.
Q1) Do you have understanding about the
concept of equality and diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
11

Interpretation: From the above graph, it can been concluded, 20 out of 30 answering
individuals thinks that they are aware of the concept of equality and diversity at workplace while
the other 10 are unaware about its concept and its benefits.
Theme 2: Need for bringing equality and diversity at working environment.
Q2) According to you, there is a need for
bringing equality and diversity at working
environment?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
12
a) Yes b) No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Frequency

Interpretation: From the above data, it can been interpreted that 25 out of 30 respondents thinks
that Vodafone needs to treat their employees equally and in diversified manner as it enables them
to increase performance of personnels which will result in high productivity. The remaining 5
respondents thinks that there is no need to bring equality and diversity at Vodafone.
Theme 3: Equality and diversity will benefit the organisation or not.
Q3) Do you agree that equality and diversity
will benefit the organisation?
Frequency
a) Agree 27
b) Disagree 3
13
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
Frequency

Interpretation: From the diagram, it can been summarised that 27 out of 30 answerer agree with
the statement that by bringing balanced and diversified working environment, Vodafone can be
benefited as it will help the firm in its growth and development due to high performance. The
remaining 3 respondents disagree with the fact that it will not benefit the organisation instead it
will raise the cost of production of an organisation.
Theme 4: The strategies which can be adopted by Vodafone to build up an inclusive
workforce.
Q4) What are the strategies which can be
adopted by Vodafone to build up an
inclusive workforce?
Frequency
a) Employee engagement programmes 5
b) Team development activities 4
c) Training and development 4
d) All of the above 17
14
a) Agree b) Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Frequency

Interpretation: From the above graph, it can been interpreted that 5 out of 30 responsive party
thinks that for building inclusive workforce, Vodafone can indulge itself in employee
engagement programmes as it will help workers to know each other in a better way. 4 of them
thinks that by certain training and development programmes, this enterprise can create an
inclusive workforce . 4 Of them thinks that by developing certain team building activities, this
enterprise can build an inclusive workforce as it will help them to work as a team towards
achieving organisational objectives.
Theme 5: The most suitable strategy which can be adopted by Vodafone in order to bring
equality at workplace.
Q5) What is the most suitable strategy
which can be adopted by Vodafone in order
to bring equality at workplace?
Frequency
a) Flexible Working Hours 5
b) Reduction is gender pay gap 15
15
a) Employee engagement programmes
b) Team development activities
c) Training and development
d) All of the above
0
4
8
12
16
Frequency

c) Indulge workers in decision making process 10
Interpretation: From the plot, it can been interpreted that 5 out of 30 respondents thinks that by
providing flexible working hours to workers will help in bringing equality at workplace as it will
create job satisfaction among them. The other 15 says that by reduction in gender pay gap will
result as an initial step towards equality and diversity at in organisation as it will motivate female
employees towards achieving business goals. The remaining 10 respondents thinks that by
indulging in decision making procedure will be a fair practice towards development of equal
working environment as it will make workers to feel blessed to be an important part of an
organisation.
Theme 6: The best strategy which Vodafone can adopt to bring diversified workplace.
Q6) What is the best strategy which
Vodafone can adopt to bring diversified
workplace?
Frequency
a) Educate managers 15
16
a) Flexible Working Hours
b) Reduction is gender pay gap
c) Indulge workers in decision making process
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

b) Make workers aware about organisational
culture
10
c) Programmes based on diversity 5
Interpretation: From the above graph, it can been interpreted that 15 out of 30 respondents
thinks that for bringing diversified working environment in Vodafone, the important plan of
action that is being used is educating and empowering managers. The other 10 thinks that by
making workers aware about the culture of this organisation will enable company to have
diversified working conditions for employees. The remaining 5 thinks that by conducting various
programmes on diversity will help this enterprise towards a diversified working culture.
Theme 7: The benefits of equality and diversity for employees of Vodafone.
Q7) What are the benefits of equality and
diversity for employees of Vodafone?
Frequency
a) Job satisfaction 5
b) Improved performance 5
c) Both 20
17
a) Educate managers
b) Make workers aware about organisational culture
c) Programmes based on diversity
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

Interpretation: From the above chart, it can been interpreted that 5 out of 30 respondents says
that the basic benefit for employees by bringing diversified and equal working situation is job
satisfaction among themselves as it will help in developing a healthy work conditions. The other
5 thinks that it will improve the overall performance of workers as they will be motivated
towards achieving business goals which swill result in improved and enhanced performance. The
other 20 thinks that diversified and equal working culture will help in creating job satisfaction as
well as improved execution which will motivate them towards accomplishing business motives
and goals.
Theme 8: The advantages of diversity and equality for Vodafone as a whole.
Q8) What are the advantages of diversity
and equality for Vodafone as a whole?
Frequency
a) Increased productivity 5
b) Employee retention 10
18
a) Job satisfaction b) Improved performance c) Both
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Frequency

c) Both 15
Interpretation: From the above graph, it can been interpreted that 5 out of 30 respondents thinks
that equal and diversified workplace will help Vodafone in increasing its productivity as happy
employees is the key towards success of a business. The other 10 thinks that it will result in
employee retention due to enhancement of their job satisfaction. As per the opinions of 15
remaining respondents, it will result in both enhanced productivity and helps in long term
retention of workers.
Theme 9: The impact of unavailability of diversified and equal working environment.
Q9) What will be the impact of
unavailability of diversified and equal
working environment?
Frequency
a) Job dissatisfaction 5
b) Low performance 2
19
a) Increased productivity
b) Employee retention
c) Both
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

c) Low productivity 3
d) lack of employee retention 5
e) All of them 15
Interpretation: From the above graph, it can been taken that 2 out of 30 responder thinks that
when there is unavailability of equal and diversified working culture than it will impact on
actions of individuals and in lower performance of workers. 5 of them thinks that it will result in
creation of job dissatisfaction among workers. The other 3 thinks that it will result in low
productivity of overall organisation. 5 out of them thinks that it will result in lack of employee
retention due to dissatisfaction among them. As per the opinions and views of 15 respondents it
will result in all of them.
Theme 10: The basic reason for bringing equal and diversified workforce.
Q10) According to you, what is the basic Frequency
20
a) Job dissatisfaction
b) Low performance
c) Low productivity
d) lack of employee retention
e) All of them
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

reason for bringing equal and diversified
workforce?
a) To treat each worker fairly 15
b) To create job satisfaction among workers 15
Interpretation: From the above graphical record, it can been concluded that 15 out of 30
answering party thinks that the basic reason behind bringing up diversified and equal working
environment is to treat each worker fairly and equally. As per the views of 15 remaining
respondents, it will help in creating job satisfaction among workers due to healthy working
environment.
Q1) How can the impact of diversity be dealt with in Vodafone?
Factors Explanation
Increase importance of Out of the 3 managers 2 managers said that the company needs to
21
a) To treat each worker fairly
b) To create job satisfaction among workers
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency

diverse culture inculcate the importance of diverse culture by the way of training
and development so that diversity can be accepted by the employees
and they start respecting all the other company employees
irrespective of their age, sex, caste, religion etc.
Equal opportunities must
be offered
All the 3 managers agreed to giving equal opportunities to all the
employees so that they can fully use their potential to achieve the
goals of the company. Also it enhances their confidence in their
capabilities and will increase their productivity.
Q2) The challenges that are faced by Vodafone while implementing diversity in company
premises?
Factors Explanation
Difference in language Out of the 3 managers 2 managers felt that due to increase in
diversity, language will create a barrier in coordination and
cooperation among the workers as they will belong to different
communities and societies. This might increase the chances of
misinterpretation of information given to them.
Resistance from workers All the 3 managers feared that the workers are not always ready
to implement changes in their traditional way of working and so
there will be resistance from worker due to equality and
diversity among workers.
P6. Recommendations
Through analysation of above data, which has been identified by questionnaire, it has
been determined that it is significant for a business entity to develop a workplace that is
diversified, inclusive and which aims at treating each worker equally. This will help in
improving the worker's performance that will result in enhanced profitability and productivity of
overall organisation. In context of this, there are some recommendations that it enables Vodafone
in building an inclusive and diversified workforce-
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 For the purpose of developing a diversified and equal workplace, Vodafone can conduct
certain programmes that will focus upon employee engagement. It will help in building
up inclusive and engaged workforce that will help this business entity in increasing its
sales and profitability. For conducting this research, the researcher can utilise two
communication ways that will provide a platform to workers in exchanging their views
and opinions which will help in appropriate conduction of this research.
 For developing a diversified working environment, this business entity can conduct a
training program to educate and empower its managers for understanding the diversified
environment concept. It can also conduct some specific training programmes for
employees for the purpose of understanding the culture of organisation. In order to treat
its workers fairly, this enterprise can take certain steps or actions for reducing gender pay
gap which will help female workers in enhancing their job satisfaction which will result
in long term retention of female employees in Vodafone.
 In addition to this, Vodafone can also indulge in various team building activities that will
help its people of various departments to understand each other traditions and customs. It
will also help employees in exchanging certain opinions and views for the purpose of
arriving at a common decision. It will also help in reduction of conflicts among
employees who assist entity in enriching performance and in increasing organisational
productivity.
 Based on the research of the company it can improve the issues related to race, sexuality
and gender related diversification by including programmes in the company which
empowers women. This can be done by giving them the equal opportunities to participate
in company projects and other activities where they can use their skills to do the task in
an efficient manner. Also the practice of mentioning surnames must be abolished from
company which will bring everyone on the same platform and race based discrimination
can be reduced.
 The diversity due to age, pregnancy and nationality can be dealt by allowing people from
all these dimensions to freely work in the company and also by giving pregnant ladies
leave during their pregnancy period so that they can be honoured for their work.
23

 The company needs to give equal opportunities to the people irrespective of their
disability, marriage and religion so that the unethical discrimination can be reduced
which will help in increasing the productivity of workers.
LO4
P7. Reflection
I am feeling proud and happy at the same time in order to carry out an investigation upon
the topic of equality and diversity at workplace. The topic upon which I had conducted this
research is “ To identify various strategies which a business entity can utilise in to create a equal
and diversified workplace.” A case study on Vodafone. This project aid me to enhance my
knowledge and skills upon numerous topics. It has developed my knowledge and information in
context of the idea of equality and diversity along with its importance at workplace. It has also
clear my understanding upon the strategies that can be brought by an enterprise to bring
diversified and equal workforce. It also developed my skills set in research, analytical,
communication, coordination, team management, and some other skills also. These skills
enabled me to investigate and enquire all the data in more effective manner.
I have completed this investigation in an potential and adequate way but there are certain
issues and problems which I have faced while gathering information for this research, which
acted as an obstacles between objectives and quality of research. The first issue which was faced
by me was lack of time which was resolved soon by doing overtime by me and my team
members. Also, due to communication gap, there was lack of coordination between me and my
team members and it was resolved soon by conducting team building activities. Overall, my
experience was good and I am glad to have this opportunity.
My research was done considering the wide context of application of equal and diverse
environment in the company along with identifying the challenges faced during the process and
also finding the ways in which such challenges can be efficiently dealt with. My research can
help the company in achieving the objectives of the project as the company now know about the
importance of inclusiveness and diverseness of the workers in the company and how this can
help in increasing their productivity which will in turn help the company to accomplish its
desired goals. The company can also achieve a competitive advantage in the market by
developing a friendly environment for workers. The research was worthwhile both in terms of
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time and expenses as employees are the main resources of company who need to be encouraged
to work in an efficient manner. The research not only can help the company but it has also
helped me in expanding my learning horizons and utilizing my research skills so that the
research can be conducted in an efficient manner. I learnt many new things like how to collect
appropriate information, use analytical tools, conduct interview etc. The research helped me in
enhancing my knowledge related to effects of diversity and equality in workplace and also I can
suggest better ways to incorporate it in the company by avoiding conflicts and increasing the
profits of company.
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CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been concluded that diversity and equality are determined
as two significant components of an enterprise that helps it in achieving its overall objectives.
When employees are treated with fair means than it will motivate them towards achieving
business objectives. This report concludes the objectives and aims of bringing up equal and
diversified workplace and its benefits. It also includes a project management plan that helps in
appropriate determination of each project phase. Further, it has been concluded that WBS
structure plays a major role in distributing each and every phase of a project into certain
manageable activities. It also covers that primary data is more appropriate form of data collection
as it is collected from primary resources which increases its relevancy. At the end, this report
concludes a questionnaire and on that basis proper recommendations are developed.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Allaoui, S., Bourgault, M. and Pellerin, R., 2019. Dimensions and requirements of collaborative
planning in business transformation projects. The Journal of Modern Project
Management. 7(1).
Bagherzadeh, M., Markovic, S. and Bogers, M., 2019. Managing Open Innovation: A Project-
Level Perspective. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management.
Bell, J. and Harrison, B. T., 2018. Vision and values in managing education: Successful
leadership principles and practice. Routledge.
Ivaldi, S., Pais, I. and Scaratti, G., 2018. Coworking (s) in the plural: Coworking spaces and new
ways of managing. In The New Normal of Working Lives (pp. 219-241). Palgrave
Macmillan, Cham.
Janjić, I. and Rađenović, T., 2019. The importance of managing innovation in modern
enterprises. Ekonomika. 65(3). pp.45-54.
Jansen, S., Cusumano, M. and Popp, K. M., 2019. Managing Software Platforms and
Ecosystems. IEEE Software. 36(3).pp.17-21.
Johnson, A. B., 2019. Project of IT system for Business accelerator for managing cooperation
between startups and corporates (Doctoral dissertation, Instytut Organizacji Systemów
Produkcyjnych).
Kasemsap, K., 2018. The roles of information technology and knowledge management in project
management metrics. In Global Business Expansion: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools,
and Applications (pp. 1191-1221). IGI Global.
Kaufmann, L., Esslinger, J. and Carter, C. R., 2018. Toward Relationship Resilience: Managing
Buyer‐Induced Breaches of Psychological Contracts During Joint Buyer–Supplier
Projects. Journal of Supply Chain Management. 54(4). pp.62-85.
Kerzner, H., 2018. Project management best practices: Achieving global excellence. John Wiley
& Sons.
Kordova, S., Katz, E. and Frank, M., 2019. Managing development projects—The partnership
between project managers and systems engineers. Systems Engineering. 22(3). pp.227-
242.
Kurmann, P. and Arpe, B., 2019. Managing Digital Transformation-How organizations turn
digital transformation into business practices.
Lin, C., Jalleh, G. and Huang, Y. A., 2019. Evaluating and managing electronic commerce and
outsourcing projects in hospitals. In Healthcare Policy and Reform: Concepts,
Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 1044-1075). IGI Global.
Peters, E. R., Stanko, E. A. and Merrett, R., 2019. Reflections on Project Managing a Home
Office Funded Collaborative Multi-Stakeholder Research Project. Policing: A Journal
of Policy and Practice.
Polonsky, M. J. and Waller, D. S., 2018. Designing and managing a research project: A
business student's guide. Sage publications.
Shaw, D., 2019. Partners and plagiarisers: Dualities in consultants’ influence on organisational
change projects. Journal of Organizational Change Management. 32(1). pp.51-66.
Tidd, J. and Bessant, J. R., 2018. Managing innovation: integrating technological, market and
organizational change. John Wiley & Sons.
Tonchia, S., Tonchia and Mahagaonkar, 2018. Industrial project management. Springer.
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Valente, A., 2018. Leading the implementation of a successful community college e-learning
program. In Leading and Managing e-Learning (pp. 351-367). Springer, Cham.
van Bommel, K., 2018. Managing tensions in sustainable business models: Exploring
instrumental and integrative strategies. Journal of cleaner production. 196. pp.829-841.
Wren, A., 2018. Project Management AZ: A Compendium of Project Management Techniques
and How to Use Them: A Compendium of Project Management Techniques and How to
Use Them. Routledge.
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APPENDIX I
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved (Account
for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes to your
project management plan?
Comments
I have completed project on “ To identify various
strategies which a business entity can utilise in to
create a equal and diversified workplace.” A case
study on Vodafone . ”
Yes
yes
no
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
Yes, the issue I faced was regarding limited time
and lack of coordination among my team
members.
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that have an impact on the project
management plan? Yes, I identified it by indulging myself in team
building activities and overtime.
no
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Lack of communication among our team.
By formulating two way communication.
New Ideas and change of project direction I require at least one more week for formulating this
research.
What Have I learnt about myself this week? How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems? Did I find it useful to complete the tasks? How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 What can I improve on next week?

 How might this learning apply in the future?
I had developed the feeling of dissatisfaction.
Yes
In my point of view, my performance is good
and I had properly indulge myself in overtime
for the purpose of completing this study.
I can improve the quality of my research.
I can grab many opportunities in future by using
my analytical and research skills.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority? Relevancy of data is most important thing.
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 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
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