How Companies Respond to Equality and Diversity Issues in the Workplace

This report examines how companies, specifically Aston Martin, respond to current issues of equality and diversity in the workplace. It discusses the project aims, objectives, project management plan, work breakdown structure, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. The report also includes findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Managing a
Successful Business
Project

Project Title: ‘How have companies’ responded to current issues of equality and
diversity in the workplace'.
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity are considered as the two components of an entities that is
identified within the department of human resources. Both are distinguish from one another that
are equality is regarded as facilitating equal opportunities to person or group of person working
into an equality (Alreemy and et. al., 2016). On other side, diversity involves the distinguish
among individuals as well as group of person and regarding its values. These two activities move
in parallel manner as well as human resource manager develop plan of action and policies to
integrate these. Moreover, several challenges are related with equality as well as diversity that
have to be face through entities and overcome them efficaciously. As per scenario the undertaken
company is Aston Martin Lagonda which renowned British independent manufacturer of grand
tourers and luxury sports cars. Its headquarters is in Gaydon, UK. This report covers the
respective project aims, objectives, plan of project management, Gantt chart, work breakdown
structure, qualitative and qualitative research. Moreover, interpretation and recommendation is
also discussed in this report.
TASK 1
P1 Project aims and objectives
Project background
Aston Martin Lagonda is leading as well as only independent group that manufacture
luxury cars designs as well as excellence of auto-mobile all over 2 brands. It is established into
year 1913 through Lionel Martin as well as Robert Bamford. Moreover this operates in approx
53 countries having headquarters is in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom.
Within respective organisation the issues related to equality and diversity is enhancing such as
male dominating, gender pay gap, sexual harassment and others so they are very much
concentrated towards executing the policies related to respective problems so that they can able
to solve the current issues that are increasing at work areas. For instance, they examine the
effectualness of having diversity as well as diversity within workplace (Badewi, 2016). For it,
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their project manager develop an appropriate aim and objectives for resolving the present
problems.
Research aim: “How have companies responded to current issues of equality and
diversity in the workplace”. A study on Aston Martin.
Research Objectives:
 To analyse the concept of equality and diversity at work place.
 To examine the current issues of equality and diversity within Aston Martin.
 To evaluate the strategies to overcome issues which are raised due to lack of equality and
diversity.
Research Questions:
 What is understand by equality and diversity at work place?
 What are the current issues of equality and diversity within Aston Martin?
 What are the strategies to overcome from the issues which are raised due to lack of
equality and diversity?
P2 Project Management Plan
This is define as the written document that explains how the particular project is
implemented, observed as well as controlled. It is utilised through project manager for managing
the implementation of project. Also, it is known as the blue print which render the positive
assistances to firms project manager to perform the research appropriately (Binder, 2016). In
addition to this, it consists plan of action, policies and so on that mainly aids to conduct whole
business activities at given period. Some elements are described below:
 Cost: It is define as the overall amount that is used by entities for producing effective
quality products and satisfying the audiences needs. In relation to current research, it
have been described that researcher needs effectual amount of capital for performing
their investigation in optimistic manner as well as obtained needed outcomes in
appropriate way. In addition to this, mainly 3 costing techniques such as cash flow
statement, budgeting as well as cost breakdown are used. In relation to present
research, investigator required about £ 2000 in order to do the investigation
effectually.
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 Scope: It is define as another crucial elements which includes actual scope of
particular investigation in context of real life as well as firm (Cleden, 2017). In
respect to this particular investigation, the scope is quite wider for Aston Martin as
well as also to overall British entities which mainly perform their practices within
likewise sector. At the last of this research, investigation may become competent to
acquire many opportunities at market which is accomplished by Aston Martin.
 Time: It is define as elements that is essential for project management plan as this is
required for completing the whole research in appropriate manner (de Carvalho,
Patah and de Souza Bido, 2015). It has been analysed that, the time of investigation
is set by team members before begin the research so that total task will be completed
at assigned time. In relation to present investigation, in order to complete this total
time consumed by researcher is around 8 months. Moreover, this will aids in
acquiring profitable results at allotted time duration.
 Quality: It is defined as vital element as this is crucial for whole for maintaining the
overall gather information quality for getting positive outcomes. Whole these data is
collected from various appropriate sources. It is important for researcher to keep
overall information confidential so that no one may obtain it in simple manner and
anyone will not harmed by any kinds of outcomes.
 Communication: It is define as vital element as this is the methods of delivering
information and understanding among each other. Thus, at the time of conducting
investigation efficaciously it is essential to deliver data to its group members. In
relations to present research, it is required by researcher to applied effective
techniques so that vital data will be communicated in effectual way. For this,
continuous meetings, mails and others are used. Moreover, with the aids of all these,
research will become competent to deliver its strategies with their team members
effectually.
 Risk: The main risk regarding respective research is collection of overall information
by researcher is not appropriate and affects the whole research (Golini, Kalchschmidt
and Landoni, 2015). Moreover, this will effects the overall image, reputation as well
as performance into market location. Thus, it will required for researchers to do
whole investigation effectively.
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 Resources: The current investigation is conducted for entities Aston Martin on wider
topic that is equality as well as diversity which needs many resources for attainment
of research. It consists resources such as capital workers and others. Therefore,
availability of all these help in doing the work properly as well as effectually.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart
In order to facilitate the stages as well as time frames to accomplish of project the WBS
as well as Gantt chart is utilise. Both of them are described underneath:
WBS
It is regarded as techniques that are being utilised in order to divide the huge practices
within small portion so that task can be accomplished in easier manner as per the needs. It is
advantageous for organising the work of team in efficient manner (Jeston, 2014). As the
practices are sub categorised so it becomes easy for their team to implement its work as per the
set targets. Moreover, this particular tool is helpful in managing overall allotted work at
stipulated time duration so that explained data regarding the project may be attained in easier
way. The categorisation into task in smaller elements will outcomes in maximising whole entities
productivity and growth. It is advantageous tool as staff perform the task as per the given time
duration as well as they can simply attain its targets through accomplishing its assigned work.
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Cost
Scope Time
Quality
Communication
Risk
Resources
LO2
Conduct Small
Scale Research
Research
Methodology
Quantitative
Method
Qualitative Method
Data Collection
Method
Sampling Method
Data Analysis
Method
LO3
Findings and
Analysis
Conclusion
and
Recommenda
tions
LO4
Reflective
Statement
References
Books
Journal Articles
Professional and
Organisational
Report Appendix
Questionnaire
Template

Gantt chart
This regarded as the tools that is mainly utilised for graphical representation of various
practices that had to be accomplished at assigned duration, it is also known as visual
representation. The practices are categorised as per the task for limited duration. In relation with
research project the investigator utilises particular tool for delegating its whole work to team
member based on its expected ability (Joslin and Müller, 2015). The project may be planned as
well as implemented so that the each task may be accomplished at stipulated period. Moreover,
Gantt chart aids project manager in finding the initiating as well as ending date of assigned
project. The another name of this is called bar graph in which activities relations with its status of
plan is seen.
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TASK 2
P4 Small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Research methods were utilised into investigation in order to extract the data from
various source that are relevant as well as accurate for producing the expected results. The
efficacious outcomes can be obtained form extended investigation as well as analysis of
available information (Kaiser, El Arbi and Ahlemann, 2015). This may be performed with
assistance of research methods that has been characterised into two that are quantitative and
qualitative. Both have been described below:
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Quantitative Research :
Quantitative research is a type of research whose results are expressed in the form of
numbers or data that can be easily converted into statistics. The research involves the usage of
numbers, graphs and various statistical and mathematical tools in order to get results. Different
kinds of surveys, polls are examples of quantitative research in which data is collected, analysed
and the results are presented in the form of numbers, statistics and graphs. Quantitative research
can be categorized into primary and secondary quantitative researches respectively.
Qualitative Research:
This may be regarded as procedure of collection of non-statistical information. It is the
kinds of investigation explains the meanings, concepts, characteristics etc. and is not linked with
any kind of numerical data (Muller, 2017). Qualitative research primarily focuses on solving
more difficult and complex problems or situations by breaking down them into simpler and
understandable forms that can be interpreted easily. The results of qualitative research are
descriptive in nature. In depth and face to face interviews form examples of qualitative research.
Also, the techniques are not structured or partially structured.
In relation to this research, researcher will utilised the both qualitative research and for
this they prepared the questionnaires. This is so with the help of this they may become competent
to gather more efficient information related to respective investigation.
Primary research:
Primary research refers to the process of collecting first hand information by the
researchers from the correspondents instead on being dependent upon results that were collected
and presented earlier by another researcher. This type of research is basically carried out to
address a certain issue or problem. Primary research can be carried out by conducting face-to-
face interviews, surveys, polls, observation etc. One of the major advantages of primary research
is that the information collected is accurate and reliable and the amount of data to be collected
can be controlled.
Secondary Research:
Secondary research involves the application of previously presented results for a situation
to one's own problem or situation. This is a relatively easy study as the researcher does not need
to collect information, the results are readily available for their use (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017).
The research is time and cost effective as the process of collecting data does not require any time
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or money. The results of secondary data cover a broad area of issues and the researcher can use
only that part of the research that he thinks is useful. But since the data is not first hand there are
chances that it might be inaccurate.
From the above two methods that are primary and secondary the investigation will adopt
the primary research for gathering the reliable data related to respective project aim. As this help
them to collect fresh data from respondents.
Sampling:
Sampling refers to the process of collection of data from a specific group of people that
are selected from a large population. Sampling is broadly used by researchers globally in order to
collect the required data and not going overboard with it (Ofori, 2013). Sampling is broadly
divided into two categories, namely- probability and non-probability sampling. Random, cluster,
systematic and stratified random sampling are examples of probability sampling whereas
convenience, judgemental, snowball and quota sampling are types of non-probability sampling.
Sample size:
Its is regarded as the number of participants which are included within investigation.
Usually this number is represented by the term n. Moreover, the sample size influences two
statistical properties like investigation of power as well as precision of their approximation in
order to draw conclusion. Therefore, chosen sample size for this research is 30.
Questionnaire -
A questionnaire is a research tool which consists of a number of questions relating to the
specific problem or issue that the researcher is trying to address. Questionnaires economical and
help in covering a large number of respondents (Rosemann and vom Brocke, 2015). The
consequence may be collected at shorter duration of period and the results are uniform.
Questionnaire
Name:
Gender:
E- mail:
Q1. Do you have any knowledge about the topic equality and diversity at work area?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2. What can be the major issues that may arise due to lack of equality and diversity at
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workplace?
a) Gender inequality
b) People with disabilities
c) Generation gap
Q3. What are the most effective strategy to maintain equality and diversity that may be
adopted by Aston Martin at workplace?
a) Adequate training to existing personnel to take diversity in a positive manner
b) Equal opportunities
c) Reviewing organisational policies related to fairness and equality
Q4. What are the major policies required to promote equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Empower and train staff
b) Provide flexible work place.
Q5. Does the practices of equality and diversity influences the staff performance?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6. What are the different methods through which an organisation can implement
equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Communication
b) influence of good leaders and managers
c) Train and educate
Q 7. What strategies that Aston Martin opt for implementing the equality and diversity at
workplace.
Q 8.. Any suggestion for further improvement..........................................................................
….....................................................................................................................................................
TASK 3
P5 Examine research and data by using appropriate tools
Theme 1: Knowledge about the topic equality and diversity at work area
Q1. Do you have any knowledge about the topic equality and diversity at work Frequency
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area?
a) Yes 26
b) No 4
Interpretation: According to the graph, this have been analysed that Equality as well as
diversity are considered as the two components of an entities but both are distinguish from one
another most of the people have knowledge about the equality as well as diversity at job
(Svejvig and Andersen, 2015). As out of 30 respondents 26 are in favour of this as well as rest
do not has any knowledge about it.
Theme 2: Major issues that may arise due to lack of equality and diversity at workplace.
Q2. What can be the major issues that may arise due to lack of equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a)Gender inequality 22
b) People with disabilities 6
c) Generation gap 2
10
26
4
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation: There are various issues such as gender inequality, generation gap and
others. So, out of 30 respondents 22 are responding towards gender equality, 6 of them saying
people with disabilities and rest of them are in favour of generation gap.
Theme 3: Effective strategy to maintain equality and diversity that may be adopted by
Aston Martin at workplace.
Q3. What are the most effective strategy to maintain equality and diversity
that may be adopted by Aston Martin at workplace?
Frequency
a) Adequate training to existing personnel to take diversity in a positive manner 5
b) Equal opportunities 20
c) Reviewing organisational policies related to fairness and equality 5
11
22
62
a)Gender inequality
b) People with
disabilities
c) Generation gap
5
20
5
a) Adequate training to
existing personnel to
take diversity in a
positive manner
b) Equal opportunities
c) Reviewing
organisational policies
related to fairness and
equality

Interpretation: There are various strategy such as equal opportunities, adequate training
to existing personnel and others that Aston Martin can adopt for maintaining equality and
diversity (Too and Weaver, 2014). As from the above, it has been interpreted that out of 30
participants 20 are in favour of equal opportunities, 5 are saying reviewing organisational
policies related to fairness and equality and rest are responding towards providing adequate
training.
Theme 4: Policies required to promote equality and diversity at workplace.
Q4. What are the major policies required to promote equality and diversity
at workplace?
Frequency
a) Empower and train staff 21
b) Provide flexible work place. 9
Interpretation: There are some policies such as provide flexible work place, empower
and train staff and many more. From the above, it has been interpreted that out of 30 participants
21 are responding towards empower and train staff as it is effective policy that aids them to
promote equality as well as diversity at job and rest of them are in favour of providing flexible
work area.
Theme 5: Practices of equality and diversity influences the staff performance.
Q5. Does the practices of equality and diversity influences the staff
performance?
Frequency
12
21
9
a) Empower and
train staff
b) Provide flexible
work place.

a) Yes 27
b) No 3
Interpretation: Yes, there are many equality and diversity practices that influence the
performance of employees. As from the above, it has been interpreted that out of 30 respondents
27 are in favour of yes and rest of them are saying no.
Theme 6: Different methods through which an organisation can implement equality and
diversity at workplace.
Q6. What are the different methods through which an organisation can
implement equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Communication 8
b) influence of good leaders and managers 7
c) Train and educate 15
13
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30 27
3
Column D

Interpretation: As the several methods such as communication, training and many
others by which organisation may capable to implement equality as well as diversity practices at
workplace. From the above, it have been interpreted that out of 30 respondents 15 are in favour
of training and educating staff as this help them to understand the effectiveness of equality and
diversity. Moreover, 8 are responding towards communication as well as rest are saying
influencing managers and leaders.
Theme 7: What strategies that Aston Martin opt for implementing the equality as well as
diversity at workplace.
The several plan of action which have to be opt through Aston Martin for implementing
the equality and diversity. Fir it, they has to facilitate effective training to staff so that it may able
to perform the task effectively and effectually.
Theme 8: Any suggestion for further improvement...
It have been suggested to entities that they have to treat their staff fairly as well as also
implement effective policies related to equality and diversity in order to remove discrimination
and accomplish the work efficaciously (Verburg, Bosch-Sijtsema and Vartiainen, 2013).
P6 Communicate appropriate recommendations
After examining all the things, this has been analysed that equality and diversity may
impact the entities positively if policies are in favour of staff. Some recommendation for Aston
Martin are discussed below:
 Whole staff have to provide equal opportunities as well as treated fairly in order to
encouraged them.
 Also, the training have to be facilitated for enhancing their staff performance and
productivity.
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8
7
15
a) Communication
b) influence of good
leaders and
managers
c) Train and educate

TASK 4
P7 Reflection
While doing this overall investigation, this have been analysed by me that there are
various problems as well as issues. Whole these problems mat impact the overall outcomes
in pessimistic way as it directly related with my skills and abilities. This have been said that
into current respect equality as well as diversity in entities facilitates me range of poor and
good experiences. Moreover, while performing my activities this have been find through me
is that my team management and communication skills is not vary much effective that
required to be developed through me at desired time duration. Also, one of huge risk of this
particular investigation is to accumulate data from respondents. As my communication is
bad so I can not able to deliver the effective things with respondents efficaciously. But at
last of this research, I has seen that my communication skill have been developed by
regularly contacting with people.
CONCLUSION
As per accomplished assignment, this have been summarised that diversity as well as
equality both are vital aspect of entities. Moreover they are two key to attain the success for
whole entities. This can be also summarised that equality is an aspect that drives towards
formulation of optimistic atmosphere within firm. The diversity is is the key aspects that
aids in attainment of success as innovative ideas assists into creation to creative section of
each organisation. For implementing the effective equality and diversity policy at
workplace, project management plan has been made. Also, researcher has used some
methodologies in order to perform the task effectively. In addition to this, for knowing the
views related to equality and diversity within workplace, questionnaire has been developed
and filled it from many participants on order to attain objectives.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
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practices on project success: Towards developing a project benefits governance
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effects on project success: Cross-country and cross-industry comparisons. International
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Golini, R., Kalchschmidt, M. and Landoni, P., 2015. Adoption of project management practices:
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Svejvig, P. and Andersen, P., 2015. Rethinking project management: A structured literature
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Appendix I
Logbook
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APPENDIX II
Performance Review
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