Strategies and Initiatives for Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

This document discusses the strategies and initiatives that companies implement to build a diverse and inclusive workforce. It explores the concept of diversity and equality, identifies the issues that may arise due to the absence of a diverse culture at the workplace, and provides recommendations for building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The document also includes a project management plan, time-frames work, research methodology, and data analysis.

Managing a successful
business project (IC)
1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
It is very important to mange business and maintain equality and diversity at workplace
by following different strategies and initiatives so that goal and objectives can be attained. The
organisation chosen for research work is Marks and Spencer which has prepared aim and
objectives and work accordingly to achieve it. For proper project management plan, different
elements has analysed such as cost, scope, time, resources and so on. In order to complete work
in given time period, time framework has prepared. Research methodology has analysed for
proper collection of data and information by using tools and techniques. Moreover,
recommendation are provided to organisation to improve themselves and achieve positive
outcomes.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................2
TOPIC: “What types of strategies and initiatives do companies put in place to build a diverse and
inclusive workforce?”......................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
Project aims and objectives....................................................................................................4
Project management plan.......................................................................................................5
Time-frames work..................................................................................................................6
Research Methodology...........................................................................................................8
Data analysis and interpretation...........................................................................................11
Reflection.............................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
Appendix 1: Project Logbook Template.......................................................................................18
Appendix 2: Performance Review.................................................................................................20
3

TOPIC: “What types of strategies and initiatives do companies put in
place to build a diverse and inclusive workforce?”
INTRODUCTION
It is very important for each and every business to maintain and develop equality as well
as diversity for inclusive workforce (Barak, 2016). The equality and diversity is defined as way
of providing equal opportunity to all employees working in an organisation so that they can
attain business goal and objectives in effective manner. The given organisation is based upon
Marks and Spencer which was founded in 1884 at Leeds, United Kingdom. It deals in selling of
food, home, clothing and luxury products to consumers in an appropriate way to gain positive
outcomes. The main aim of report is to discuss about about aim and objectives of given work
along with project management plan that contain cost, scope, quality and so on. It also highlights
time framework, research methodology, data interpretation and their analysis. The
recommendation is provided along with their own self learning is discussed.
MAIN BODY
Project aims and objectives
Overview of the company
The organisation selected for given assignment is Marks and Spencer which was
established in Leeds, United Kingdom in 1884 (Bleich MacWilliams and Schmidt, 2015). It is
British multinational organisation dealing in different products such as home, luxury, food,
clothing. Brands of respective organisation are Per Una, Rosie, Autograph and many more. It is
operating in more than 1463 locations by employing more than 80,787 employees.
Research Aim
“To determine different types of strategies and initiatives taken by an organisation in
order to build diversity and inclusive workforce.”- A study on Marks and Spencer
Research objectives
 To identify the concept of diversity and equality.
 To ascertain the issues that may arise due to absence of diverse culture at workplace.
 To determine the strategies and initiatives that company can put to build diverse and
inclusive workforce.
Research questions
4

 What are the concept of diversity and equality?
 What are the issues that may arise due to absence of diverse culture at workplace?
 What are the strategies and initiatives that company can put to build diverse and inclusive
workforce?
Project management plan
Project management plan
It is defined as detailed document or summary which includes baselines, management
plans and other elements (Dastane and Eshegbe, 2015). This should be executed, controlled and
monitored by project manager. It involves cost, time, communication, quality, risk and others.
There are five steps of project management plan such as initiation, planning, execution,
monitoring and closure. Advantage of such plan is saving time and cost for manager. It is
important as it provide guideline to project manager to work in effective and efficient manner.
Each phase requires proper scope and planning that has to be delivered. This includes following
elements such as:
Cost- It is defined as money required to complete work through providing satisfaction to
consumers (Gajjar and Okumus, 2018). The cost may varies from one another due to nature and
structure of organisation and project work. For conducting research work by investigator cost
incurred is £3000 to gather authenticate information related with assigned project. Moreover,
Marks and Spencer requires 8000 pounds for collection of data and information in an effective
and efficient manner. Therefore, budget is prepared in advance regarding different types of cost
so that positive outcomes are achieved.
Scope- It is defined as essential part of plan which assist in identifying scope of research
work from researcher and organisation point of view. This element assist respective organisation
to make proper decisions regarding use of strategies and taking of initiatives for building diverse
workplace at marketplace or business. Similarly, on other hand, it assist researcher to know
about types of strategies which may apply by business for maintaining equality and diversity at
workplace.
Time- It is referred as element which helps in identifying about time required for
completion of project work. In order to finish given task, Gantt Chart and Work breakdown
Structure are prepared. From researcher view, time required to finish given project work is
approximately 5 months whereas Marks and Spencer takes 7 months to complete it in
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appropriate manner. It is very important for both researcher and organisation to divide their work
in advance so that they can end up project in stipulated time period.
Quality- It is also regarded as important aspect of project plan which assist to maintain
quality of work to attain positive outcomes (Gotsis and Grimani, 2016). The information should
be gathered from relevant and authenticate sources. Marks and Spencer is large organisation
which has to collect information and data from certify and online sources through maintaining
quality in their work. On other aspect, researcher need to keep those data confidential to avoid
misuse or fraudulent activities.
Communication- It is defined as procedure to transfer information as well as data from
one to another with use of channel in an understandable form. Communication channel such as
oral and written can be applied by organisation to gain results. The researcher uses written and
oral communication to deliver information with their people. In context of Marks and Spencer,
they are conducting meeting with their working force on frequent basis so that they can discuss
about their problems and get solution.
Risk- While conducting research work by researcher, different risk can be faced by them
like lack of time, limited resources, inaccurate response from participants, inappropriate budget
and so on (Guillaume and et. al., 2017). Similarly, respective organisation has to face risks such
as unskilled employees, inappropriate collected data, lack of utilisation and many more.
Resources- This is defined as significant elements which assist in identification of
resources required to perform research work. For researcher, resources can be proper sources,
pen, time, proper respond from respondents. From organisation point of view, resources can be
data, employees, sources and so on.
Time-frames work
For time-framework, different tools are used by respective organisation which are
described below:
Work break down structure
It is defined as tool that assist in solving complex work by dividing into simple or easy
ways. Here, project manager divide activities and work into manageable actions through
hierarchical decomposition. WBS works with an aim to make large project work into managing
section or parts. This assist in providing guidelines to business to perform activities and
operations in appropriate manner.
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Gantt chart
It is defined as bar diagram which assist in illustration of project work that determine
relationship among activities and scheduled status (Mundy, 2016). This is represented through
horizontal and vertical axis which indicates activities as well as work status. It possess different
types of parts like timeline, bars, dependencies, task list, progress, dateline and many more.
Gantt Chart leads to provide proper coordinating, planning and tracking work as well as
activities.
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Research Methodology
Research methodology is defined as particular technique that is used for identifying,
selecting, processing and analysing information about assigned topic (Nair and Vohra, 2015).
This part of research work assist to evaluate reliability as well as validity of information in an
effective and efficient manner. The different types of research methodology are as follows:
Primary method
This is the data which is originated for first time through researcher with help of direct
experience or efforts for addressing specific problem. It is also called raw or first hand data. This
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method is expensive as compared to other because data and information are collected for first
time and provide accurate data and information about research work. It includes methods such as
focus groups, telephonic interview, case studies, personal interview and so on.
Secondary method
This is defined as second hand information where data and information are already
gathered and collected by researcher or other person. It requires low cost and save time because
of collecting data and information from already renowned sources. This includes different
sources such as reports, websites, books, organisation, journal articles and many more. It provide
less reliability and accuracy of data and information.
Qualitative research
It is defined as research method which does not involve any numerical or numbers data
and statistics. This uses word, language, observations, photographs and so on (Ng and Rumens,
2017). The method is used to get benefits through understanding of opinions, motivations and
reasons. It is using both unstructured and semi-structured tools such as observations, focus
group, interviews and many more. Sample size taken is small and participants are chosen to fill
provided quota.
Quantitative research
It is used for quantifying problems through generating numerical data and information
which can be converted into statistics. This helps in quantifying opinions, attitudes, behaviours
and generalisation of results from huge sample population. Quantitative method includes face to
face interview, longitudinal studies, kiosk survey and others. This research is used by researcher
when data and information to be collect through statistics or numerical data.
Therefore, after analysis of above, it has concluded that researcher has to use primary and
qualitative research method for collection of data and information in an effective and efficient
manner. As these provide accurate information regarding assigned topic. Under primary,
questionnaire is prepared to get information about research work and qualitative provide in-depth
study of subject matter.
Sampling
This is referred as procedure which is used for analysing statistical data and information
where respondents are taken from huge populations (Pant and Vijaya, 2015). Here, sample size
taken for research work is 30.
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Questionnaire
It is referred as research instruments which comprise different series of questions with an
objectives to collect data and information from various respondents (Pleasant, 2017). The
questionnaire is described below:
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you have any knowledge about the concept of equality and diversity?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q2) What are the major issues which has been faced by Marks and Spencer due to
absence of diverse culture at workplace?
a) Conflict among each other
b) Low productivity
c) Decrease in market value
d) All of the above
Q3) What are the benefits of diverse culture in workplace?
a) Improved creativity
b) Increase profits
c) Reduce employee turnover
Q4) Which are the major strategies which can be adopt by Marks and Spencer to build
diverse and inclusive workforce?
a) Meeting on regular basis
b) Increasing system awareness
c) Long term commitment
d) All of the above
Q5) What are major initiatives made by Marks and Spencer for their inclusive
workforce?
a) Avoiding making assumptions
b) Creating new opportunities
c) Including employees in decision making
Q6) What are the legislation made for equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Equal Pay Act, 1970
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b) Sex Discrimination Act, 1975
c) Disability Discrimination Act, 1995
Q7) What are the effectiveness of implementing strategies to overcome challenges that
may arise due to absence of equality and diversity at workplace?
Q8) Any recommendation for further improvement...
Data analysis and interpretation
Theme 1
Q1) Do you have any knowledge about the concept of equality and diversity? Frequency
a) Agree 25
b) Disagree 5
Interpretation
The above diagram conclude that out of 30 respondents only 25 were aware about
concept of equality and diversity at workplace and remaining 5 were unaware about same. It is
important to provide them understanding about such aspect for better outcomes.
Theme 2
Q2) What are the major issues which has been faced by Marks and Spencer
due to absence of diverse culture at workplace?
Frequency
a) Conflict among each other 8
b) Low productivity 7
c) Decrease in market value 5
11
a) Agree b) Disagree
0
10
20
30 25
5 Column B

d) All of the above 10
Interpretation
From the above presented diagram it has summarised that there are issues which has
faced by respective organisation due to absence of diverse culture at workplace. Out of 30
respondents, it has found that 8 said conflict among each other, 7 favours for low productivity, 5
said there is decline in market share and remaining 10 favours for all of the above provided
issues.
Theme 3
Q3) What are the benefits of diverse culture in workplace? Frequency
a) Improved creativity 10
b) Increase profits 10
c) Reduce employee turnover 10
12
8
7 5
10 a) Conflict among
each other
b) Low productivity
c) Decrease in
market value
d) All of the above
a) Improved creativity
b) Increase profits
c) Reduce employee turnover
0
2
4
6
8
10
Column B

Interpretation
The above diagram said that diverse culture provide benefits to organisation. Out of 30
participants, equal of them favours for improved creativity, increased profits and reduce
employee turnover. All of them equally favours benefits to business.
Theme 4
Q4) Which are the major strategies which can be adopt by Marks and
Spencer to build diverse and inclusive workforce?
Frequency
a) Meeting on regular basis 8
b) Increasing system awareness 6
c) Long term commitment 7
d) All of the above 9
Interpretation
There are different strategies which has to be adopt by respective organisation for
building diverse and inclusive workforce. This contain 30 participants out of which 8 said
meeting on regular basis, 6 favours increasing system awareness, 7 long term commitment and
remaining 9 favours for all of above strategies.
Theme 5
Q5) What are major initiatives made by Marks and Spencer for their
inclusive workforce?
Frequency
13
8
6 7
9
a) Meeting on regular
basis
b) Increasing system
awareness
c) Long term
commitment
d) All of the above

a) Avoid making assumptions 9
b) Creating new opportunities 11
c) Including employees in decision making 10
Interpretation
The organisation has to be take initiatives for inclusive workforce. Here, out of total
candidates 9 said avoid making assumptions, 11 favours for creating new opportunities and
remaining 10 said including employees in decision making.
Theme 6
Q6) What are the legislation made for equality and diversity at workplace? Frequency
a) Equal Pay Act, 1970 15
b) Sex Discrimination Act, 1975 8
c) Disability Discrimination Act, 1995 7
14
a) Avoid making assumptions
b) Creating new opportunities
c) Including employees in decision making
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
9
11
10
Column B
15
8
7
a) Equal Pay Act, 1970
b) Sex Discrimination Act,
1975
c) Disability Discrimination
Act, 1995

Interpretation
From the above, it has concluded that out of 30 respondents 15 favours for following of
equal pay act, 1970, 8 said for sex discrimination act, 1975 and remaining 7 favours for disability
discrimination act, 1995 for equality and diversity at workplace.
Theme 7
Q7) What are the effectiveness of implementing strategies to overcome challenges that may
arise due to absence of equality and diversity at workplace?
Interpretation
The effectiveness of implementing strategies are providing equal opportunity, including
employees in decision making and taking feedback on regular basis in order to overcome
challenges that may arise due to absence of equality and diversity at workplace.
Theme 8
Q8) Any recommendation for further improvement...
Interpretation
The recommendation for further for improvement are providing equal opportunities to
each and every working force and including them in decision making so that they feel motivated
and encouraged and perform work in effective as well as efficient manner.
Reflection
While carrying this research work, I had faced many problems and issues to attain goal
and objectives. This was my first research project, I came to know about different aspects which
is actually required in particular field for positive results. The research work helped me to
identify my strong and weak points. I am good at managing time, allocating work, making
decisions where as I lack in communication skill, leadership. I should focus on improving myself
in an effective and efficient manner so that I would face same problem again in future time
period. Therefore, it was good experience where I learned many things and enhance my skills,
knowledge, capability for my personal and professional growth and success.
CONCLUSION
The assignment summarised that organisation has to follow equality as well as diversity
at workplace for positive outcomes. It is very important for organisation to have such concept at
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their business for survival and success at marketplace. Project management plan has prepared for
knowing about requirement of cost, time taken, risk faced, communication channel and so on. In
order to complete work, time-frame work are used such as Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt
Chart. Research methodology assist in collection of data and information for given topic.
Recommendation are provided to business for improvement along with self-reflection is also
performed for knowing one self. It is important to conduct research ethical and legal manner.
RECOMMENDATION
There are some recommendation provided to respective organisation for further
improvement are as follows:
 It is recommended to Marks and Spencer to maintain equality at their workplace so that
employees feel motivated and courage to perform in better manner.
 It is also recommended to follow all legislations related to equality and diversity at
workplace so that employees work according to requirement of business.
Therefore, all these recommendation should be followed effectively by respective
organisation for attainment of positive outcomes.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Barak, M. E. M., 2016. Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage
Publications.
Bleich, M. R., MacWilliams, B. R. and Schmidt, B. J., 2015. Advancing diversity through
inclusive excellence in nursing education. Journal of Professional Nursing. 31(2).
pp.89-94.
Dastane, O. and Eshegbe, J. W., 2015. Effect of diversity elements at workplace: An empirical
study. International Journal of Accounting and Business Management. 3(1). pp.62-69.
Gajjar, T. and Okumus, F., 2018. Diversity management: What are the leading hospitality and
tourism companies reporting?. Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management. 27(8).
pp.905-925.
Gotsis, G. and Grimani, K., 2016. Diversity as an aspect of effective leadership: Integrating and
moving forward. Leadership & Organization Development Journal.
Guillaume, Y. R. and et. al., 2017. Harnessing demographic differences in organizations: What
moderates the effects of workplace diversity?. Journal of Organizational Behavior.
38(2). pp.276-303.
Mundy, D. E., 2016. Bridging the divide: A multidisciplinary analysis of diversity research and
the implications for public relations. Research journal of the institute for public
relations. 3(1). pp.1-28.
Nair, N. and Vohra, N., 2015. Diversity and inclusion at the workplace: a review of research and
perspectives.
Ng, E. and Rumens, N., 2017. Diversity and inclusion for LGBT workers: current issues and new
horizons for research. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences. 34(2). pp.109-120.
Pant, J. J. and Vijaya, V., 2015. Challenges in diversity management: A case study of
MediHealth systems. South Asian Journal of Management. 22(1). p.159.
Pleasant, S., 2017. Crossing the boundaries of employee engagement and workplace diversity
and inclusion: Moving HRD forward in a complicated sociopolitical climate. New
Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. 29(3). pp.38-44.
Webster, J. R. and et. Al., 2018. Workplace contextual supports for LGBT employees: A review,
meta‐analysis, and agenda for future research. Human Resource Management. 57(1).
pp.193-210.
Wilson, J. L., 2015. Maximizing impact: Purposefully incorporating diversity efforts within
postsecondary systemwide and institutional strategic plans. Planning for Higher
Education. 43(2). p.15.
Wondrak, M. and Segert, A., 2015. Using the Diversity Impact Navigator to move from
interventions towards diversity management strategies. Journal of Intellectual Capital.
Wrench, J., 2015. Diversity management. Routledge International Handbook of Diversity
Studies. New York. 254. p.262.
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Appendix 1: Project Logbook Template
Week 2 Week4 Week 6 Week 8 Week 10
Update on weekly
research/tasks
1. What have you
completed?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. Did you fulfil task
requirements?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3. Are you on track and
within deadlines set?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Any risks and/or issues
identified?
1. Did you identify
risks/issues with a lack
of skills required for
undertaking
research/tasks?
Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Problems encountered?
1. What barriers did you
face?
Communication Resources Time Cost Decision
Making
2. How did you overcome
them?
Reading Books,
participation.
Allocation resources
for each and every
Dividing time for all
work which need to
Allocation of cost
for conducting
Reading books
and including

activities. be carried out. research work. myself to make
better decisions.
What have I learnt
about myself?
1. Did I find it useful to
complete the tasks?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. How well have I
performed?
Poor Improved Good Better Superb
3. What did I contribute? Efforts Skills knowledge Capability Experience
4. What can I improve on
next week?
Communication Leadership Decision making Listening to each
and every team
members
Time
management
5. How might this learning
apply in the future?
Completion of
project work
Participations in
different activities
Fulfilment of
business goal and
objectives
Performing work
for organisation
Doing same
work again
6. Tasks planned for next
week?
Project initiation Project management
plan
Research
methodology
Questionnaire Data
interpretation
and analysis
Project status to date: On, Ahead, or
Behind
On, Ahead or
Behind
On, Ahead, or
Behind
On, Ahead,
or Behind
On, Ahead,
or Behind
Comments and
signature of the Tutor

Appendix 2: Performance Review
Performance Review
 What was the project supposed to accomplish?
Yes, the project was accomplished in given time. I tried my best to finish as per work
assigned to me in an effective and efficient manner.
 Did the project succeed in its aims? How do you know? Specifically, please outline
any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
The main aim of given project work is to determine different types of strategies and
initiatives taken by an organisation in order to build diversity and inclusive workforce.”-
A study on Marks and Spencer. Yes the given work succeed its aim as I took feedback
and regular checking from my senior person.
 What things do you think worked well and why?
Each of the work assigned to me worked well as time framework was made for
performing each and every activities which is required in research work.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there
timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
The main problem was related with time as less time was provided to collect huge
information. In order to tackle them I have used time framework to complete it in given
time period. All the issues were identified timely and resolution was provided for project
process.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I learned to enhance my existing skills, knowledge, improved weak areas while
undertaking project work.
 How would you rate your performance as Project Manager?
I would rate 7 as project manager to my performance because I lack in some areas.
 What strengths and weaknesses of your performance did you identify?
I have identified my strengths and weaknesses for my performance. My strengths are
time management, allocation of work, decision making and weaknesses includes lack of
leadership and communication skills.

 How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
This will assist me for my continuous professional development as I know about my weak
areas and will keep on improving them in an effective and efficient manner.