To acknowledge the initiatives and strategies that will benefits an organisation in building diversity and equality at workplace

This project report focuses on the initiatives and strategies that will benefit an organization in building diversity and equality at the workplace. It covers aims and objectives, project management plan, Gantt chart, data analysis, and recommendations.

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Create appropriate aims and objectives for the the project according to the selected topic. .1
P2 Develop a systematic project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost,
quality, scope, resources, communication and risk.....................................................................2
P3 Formulate a Gantt chart and work break down structure to acknowledge the stages and
time frame for project completion...............................................................................................2
M1 Prepare a comprehensive project management plan, project and milestone schedule to
accomplish aims and objective of project ..................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P4 Perform a small scale research by using quantitative and qualitative research methods to
fulfil project objectives and aims................................................................................................4
M2 Analyse reliability and accuracy of various research methods used in research .................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5 Carry out analysis of research and collected data by using proper techniques and tools......7
P6 Provide desired recommendations about data and research analysis to carry out meaningful
and valid conclusion..................................................................................................................12
M3 Analyse the selection of appropriate techniques and tools for authenticity. Also, justify
recommendations......................................................................................................................13
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................13
P7 Reflect upon values of research undertaking to achieve desired objectives and own
performance & learning............................................................................................................13
M4 Analyse the importance of project management process and quality research in meeting
stated objectives........................................................................................................................14
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

Title: To acknowledge the initiatives and strategies that will benefits an organisation in building
diversity and equality at workplace
INTRODUCTION
Equality at workplace is defined as offering equal benefits and opportunities to the people
so that they can perform their organisational work in a proper manner. Diversity is related with
inclusion of employees from different backgrounds, races, nationalities and culture. These
aspects will benefits a company in accommodating diverse talent due to which gaining of
competitive advantage will be easier (Ashe and Nazroo, 2017). This project report is based on
M&S, a UK based multinational firm which provide home products, food items and cloths to
their customers. This assignment will cover about aims and objectives of project and a project
management plan so that project activities can be carried out properly. Other than this, Gantt
chart and WBS will be created to identify timeline for project. Data analysis will be performed to
acknowledge the reliability and accuracy of collected data. At last, reflection on own learning
and performance will be carried out.
TASK 1
P1 Create appropriate aims and objectives for the the project according to the selected topic
Aim: Major aim for carrying out this research is to prepare strategies for maintaining
diversity and equality within firm to improvise the overall performance of company. A study on
M&S.
Objectives:
 To formulate an understanding of term diversity and equality in relation with a business
organisation.
 To understand the influence of equality and diversity on the working performance of
M&S.
 To acknowledge the strategies for M&S in maintaining aspects of diversity and equality
in working premises.
 To identify the measures that benefits a firm in reducing the problem linked with E&D in
an organisation.
Questions:
1

 What do you mean by the term diversity and equality in relation with a business
organisation?
 What is the influence of equality and diversity on the working performance of M&S?
 What can be potential strategies for M&S in maintaining aspects of diversity and equality
in working premises?
 What measures can be adopted by a firm in reducing the problem linked with E&D in an
organisation?
P2 Develop a systematic project management plan which includes aspects of time, cost, quality,
scope, resources, communication and risk
Project management plan is a formal document that involves information of different
phases concerned with a single project. A proper plan involves information associated with
resources, time, quality, cost etc. so that project of M&S can be accomplished properly.
 Cost: Cost can be anything that is evaluated in monetary terms. In case of M&S,
estimated cost of project is 5000 pounds. Under this amount, recruitment and training
of employees can be carried out. In case of research, estimated cost is 100 pounds.
Researcher is needed to perform all activities under this amount only.
 Quality: To enhance the quality of project, manager in M&S is needed to treat
employees from different background in equal manner. Quality of research can be
improvised by using tools like Questionnaire, interviews etc. By this, all the work of
research will be performed in standardised manner (Boekhorst, 2015).
 Scope: In case of project, scope for M&S is very broad as this project will help in
preparing strategies by which workforce can be retained for maximum time. For research,
scope is wide as leader will learn new ideas and concepts about maintaining D&E within
organisation.
 Time: In order to accomplish this project, estimated time period is 10 weeks. In case of
research, investigator needs a time of almost 5 weeks.
 Resources: Major resources which are required by project manager to work on this
project is capital, employees, technology, internet etc. In case of researcher, required
resources are internet, books, money, mobile phone etc.
2

 Risk: In context with project, main risks are less interest of workers, inefficiency of
employers, mismanagement of time, lack of capital and technology. For research, major
risks are lack of money, internet and time (Cottrill, Denise Lopez and Hoffman, 2014).
 Communication: Project manager can interact with team members by using video call,
web services, voice call, e-mails, SMS etc. From researcher's perspective, main
communication tools are phone, internet, SMS, questionnaire etc.
P3 Formulate a Gantt chart and work break down structure to acknowledge the stages and time
frame for project completion
WBS: It is a systematic process which helps an organisation in performing business
projects in a timely and prioritised way. WBS is a project deliverable that helps a firm in
bifurcating the project into small section so that all the work can be accomplished into timely
manner.
Gantt chart: It is a graphic picture in which different tasks and activities associated with
a project are described in brief. This chart has two axis on which activities for a project and time
needed to complete that activity is mentioned. This chart will help M&S in acknowledging the
time period to accomplish their project objectives and aims (Durlak, 2015).
3

M1 Prepare a comprehensive project management plan, project and milestone schedule to
accomplish aims and objective of project
A project management plan benefits in developing researcher knowledge for a
specific topic or investigation. With the help of project management, evaluation and
monitoring of project activities can be carried out efficiently. A PMP involves scope, risk,
time, cost, size, communication, resources etc. All of these elements benefits a company in
achieving higher project productivity (Glatthorn and et. al., 2018). Also, PMP allows an
investigator to coordinate activities in reliable manner due to which high profits can be
earned easily.
TASK 2
P4 Perform a small scale research by using quantitative and qualitative research methods to fulfil
project objectives and aims
Research methodology is a systematic technique which is used to process, select, identify
or analyse an information about a specific project or topic. In case of research, main methods are
qualitative and quantitative research methods which are stated below:
 Qualitative research: This research procedure is based on inquiry. This kind of research
method helps in gaining deep knowledge about the problems in their natural form. This
method is non-statistical in nature. This research can be performed with the help of focus
groups, case study research, ethnographic research etc.
4

 Quantitative research: This is a structured procedure to collect data. This method uses
statistical and computational processes to conclude meaningful conclusions. This kind of
research involves close ended questions and can be performed by using questionnaire,
online surveys, interviews (Glukhov, Ilin and Levina, 2015).
 Primary research method: In this research, information and data is gathered for the first
time due to which it is very time consuming and costly research. To perform this
research, an investigator can collect data through interviews, observations, questionnaire,
surveys etc.
 Secondary research method: This research method is very common and include
collection of information which is already published on some book or internet. This type
of research requires less time and researcher can take the help of internet, magazines,
journals, books and government publications to collect data.
In order to perform this research, both qualitative and quantitative approach will be used
so that required information can be collected through different means. Also, both primary and
secondary methods are used to collect data. In order to collect primary data, a questionnaire will
be prepared. To collect secondary data, internet will be used by investigator (Healy and
Oikelome, 2017).
Sampling approach
Sampling is referred as selection of a particular group which will represent entire
population. In general, there exist two kinds of sampling approaches i.e. probabilistic sampling
and non-probabilistic sampling. In probabilistic sampling, each of the respondent have same
opportunity to share their opinions whereas in non-probabilistic sampling, there is not guarantee
that teach individual will be an equal part of sample (Hewins-Maroney and Williams, 2013). In
case of this research project, researcher is going to use probabilistic sampling. Under this
sampling approach, researcher is going to select the respondents on random basis.
Primary data sample size
To fill this questionnaire, 50 candidates will be selected on random basis out of entire
population. These 50 people will be of different regions so that perception of diverse individuals
will be collected.
5

Questionnaire designing factors
There are different factors which are needed to be kept in mind while designing a
questionnaire. By considering these factors, a researcher can prepare appropriate questionnaire
which will helps in gathering relevant information. Questionnaire for this project is mentioned
below:
Questionnaire
Quantitative questions :
Q1) Do you understand the meaning of terms “equality and diversity” at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Do you think maintaining diversity and equality at M&S will helps in improving
organisational productivity?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q3) What are the main drawbacks of maintaining diversity within a business firm?
a) Conflicts in workforce due to ideological difference
b) Reduced employee engagement
Q4) What is the major advantage of diversity and equality at workplace?
a) More tolerance among employees
b) Appropriate working environment
c) Variety of perspectives
Q5) How strategies of equality and diversity maintenance will impact workers in Marks
& Spencer?
a) Leads to enhanced motivation
b) High satisfaction among workers
c) Appropriate working culture
Q6) Do you think diversity and equality in M&S will lead towards high performance and
competitive advantage?
a) Yes
b) No
6

Qualitative Questions
Q7) What are the benefits for M&S in maintaining diversity and equality at their
organisation?
Q8) How equality in an organisation improves performance of employees ?
Q9) Recommend different ways by which diversity at workplace can be implemented......
Qualitative questions
Q1) Do you understand the meaning of terms “equality and
diversity” at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 42
b) No 8
Q2) Do you think maintaining diversity and equality at M&S will
helps in improving organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 15
Q3) What are the main drawbacks of maintaining diversity within
a business firm?
Frequency
a) Conflicts in workforce due to ideological difference 30
b) Reduced employee engagement 20
Q4) What is the major advantage of diversity and equality at
workplace?
Frequency
a) More tolerance among employees 20
b) Appropriate working environment 15
c) Variety of perspectives 15
Q5) How strategies of equality and diversity maintenance will
impact workers in Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
7

a) Leads to enhanced motivation 10
b) High satisfaction among workers 25
c) Appropriate working culture 15
Q6) Do you think diversity and equality in M&S will lead towards
high competitive advantage?
Frequency
a) Yes 45
b) No 5
M2 Analyse reliability and accuracy of various research methods used in research
In accordance with the above carried out study, this has been comprehended that by using
different research methods like qualitative and quantitative research, a researcher can collect
required information in an appropriate manner. By these methods, only accurate information will
be collected as these methods follows a systematic procedures to perform work. In order to make
this research effective, good knowledge and understanding of questionnaire is used and its
practical application is implemented. By this, only right information is collected from
respondents (Klarsfeld and et. al., 2016).
TASK 3
P5 Carry out analysis of research and collected data by using proper techniques and tools
Data analysis is stated as a process to transform, shape and clean the gathered data so that
appropriate business policies can be formulated and right decisions can be taken. Data analysis
will helps in formulation of strategies to implement diversity and equality at workplace. In this
context, thematic data analysis approach is used below:
Theme 1: Understanding the meaning of terms “equality and diversity” at workplace
Q1) Do you understand the meaning of terms “equality and
diversity” at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 42
8

b) No 8
Interpretation: From the total of 50 people, 42 respondents agrees that they understand
the term diversity and equality in respect with workplace and organisation. Other 8 people do not
agrees with the fact and feels that they do not have any knowledge about it.
Theme 2: Maintenance of diversity and equality at M&S will helps in improving
organisational productivity
Q2) Do you think maintaining diversity and equality at M&S will
helps in improving organisational productivity?
Frequency
a) Agree 35
b) Disagree 15
9
42
8
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation: This picture depicts that form the total sum of 50 individuals, 35 people
feel that D&E in M&S will leads to high organisational productivity. Remaining 15 people
disagree with this fact and they believe D&E in company do not leads to high productivity.
Theme 3: Main disadvantage of maintaining diversity in a business firm
Q3) What are the main drawbacks of maintaining diversity within
a business firm?
Frequency
a) Conflicts in workforce due to ideological difference 30
b) Reduced employee engagement 20
10
35
15
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Interpretation: In accordance with the opinion of 50 people, 30 persons feels that main
disadvantage of diversity in a firm is ideological difference in employees which can results in
conflicts. Other 20 people think, main drawback is reduced employees engagement as diversified
employees are not comfortable in working with each other.
Theme 4: Major advantage of diversity and equality at workplace
Q4) What is the major advantage of diversity and equality at
workplace?
Frequency
a) More tolerance among employees 20
b) Appropriate working environment 15
c) Variety of perspectives 15
11
30
20
a) Conflicts in workforce
due to ideological
difference
b) Reduced employee
engagement

Interpretation: According to the opinion of 50 people, 20 people feels that D&E will
leads to more tolerance among the workers of the company. Other 15 people feel that variety of
perspectives will be available due to which right business decisions will be taken. Remaining
15people feel that main merit is appropriate working environment will be maintained in firm.
Theme 5: Strategies of equality and diversity maintenance impacts workers in M&S
Q5) How strategies of equality and diversity maintenance will
impact workers in Marks & Spencer?
Frequency
a) Leads to enhanced motivation 10
b) High satisfaction among workers 25
c) Appropriate working culture 15
12
20
15
15
a) More tolerance among
employees
b) Appropriate working
environment
c) Variety of perspectives

Interpretation: out of the total of 50 people, 10 people feel that the strategies of
diversity and equality will results in increased motivation of workforce. 25 people think that
strategies will leads to high satisfaction among employees and remaining 15 people feel, D&E
strategies will results in appropriate working culture.
Theme 6: Diversity and equality in M&S lead towards high competitive advantage
Q6) Do you think diversity and equality in M&S will lead towards
high competitive advantage?
Frequency
a) Yes 45
b) No 5
13
10
25
15
a) Leads to enhanced
motivation
b) High satisfaction
among workers
c) Appropriate working
culture

Interpretation: This graph states out of 50 people, 45 individuals feels that D&E will
help M&S in gaining high working advantage. Other 5 people do not agrees with the fact.
Quantitative question
Q7) What are the benefits for M&S in maintaining diversity and equality at their
organisation?
Answer: Equality in company will help the employees to perform their work in a comfortable
manner due to which all the work will be accomplished prior deadline. Diversity will help the
company in gaining multiple answers for a single problem. By this overall efficiency of firm
will increases.
Q8) How equality in an organisation improves performance of employees ?
Answer: Equality and diversity will assists the company in positive working culture due to
which high organisational performance can be maintained. Due to this, employees performance
can also be reduced.
14
45
5
a) Yes
b) No

P6 Provide desired recommendations about data and research analysis to carry out meaningful
and valid conclusion
There are different kind of recommendations that can be given to M&S so that they can
implement aspects or strategies of equality & diversity in efficient way. In this context, some
strategies are listed below:
 Manager in M&S can recruit their workforce from distinct background, religions,
ethnicities and culture. Due to this, company will have people from diversified origin and
proper diversity can be maintained at firm (Konrad, Yang and Maurer, 2016).
 To maintain equality, manager in M&S is recommended to provide same opportunities
and suitable working environment so that all the employees will feel valued. By this,
transparency can be prevailed at workplace so that high performance can be acquired.
M3 Analyse the selection of appropriate techniques and tools for authenticity. Also, justify
recommendations
To perform the current research in a proper manner, it is essential for the investigator to
use appropriate and reliable methods. By this, goals and objective of research will also attained
efficiently. In order to conduct research in authenticate and reliable way, researcher have used
both secondary and primary research. For carrying out primary research, questionnaire is used
and in case of secondary research, internet, magazines, newspaper, books etc. have been used.
Also, there are some recommendation which can be given to manager of M&S, these
recommendations are listed below:
 Manager is recommended to train their workforce on regular basis so that their working
capabilities can be improved and overall productivity of M&S will be enhanced. By
training, work performing capabilities of employee will improve and they will perform
their work more confidently (Kulkarni and Gopakumar, 2014).
 Other recommendation which can be given to the firm is to provide same salary to
employees which are performing same work irrespective of their nationality, background
or race. By this, diversity and equality at M&S can be prevailed in a proper manner.
15

TASK 4
P7 Reflect upon values of research undertaking to achieve desired objectives and own
performance & learning
After working on this specific project, I am feeling very delighted as this project is very
successful and the main aim behind this project is achieved in a proper manner. This research
benefits me in understanding the right manner through which D&E at a company can be
maintained in a proper way. These aspects will help me in future to perform the job of manager
in a transparent manner. I am feeling that the time which I have spent while working on this
project is used in a productive manner and this will help me in sustaining a positive working
environment at my workplace. To select this particular topic, I have taken the guidance of my
teacher. My teacher helps me in working on this project in a desired manner.
As I have logical and technical skills, I have taken right decisions while formulating
objectives and aims of business. Also, I have used multiple elements of project management to
prepare right project management plan. While working for this project, I had some issues in
managing my funds and time. To solve the issue related with time, I have formulated a time
schedule so that all of my activities can be performed within allotted time. To overcome the issue
of many, I have taken help from my friends and family. Due to this, I am able to complete my
research in a proper manner.
M4 Analyse the importance of project management process and quality research in meeting
stated objectives
While performing this research, I have identified that project management procedure is
important to complete a project in timely manner. By gathering of right information, I have
implemented and executed all project activities in systematic manner. Appropriate knowledge
about resource utilisation assists me in performing work productively.
CONCLUSION
As per this report, it is summarised that equality and diversity practices in a company
helps in formulating a right working culture. Due to this, retaining employees for maximum time
is possible and easier. Also, right objectives and aims helps in completing project in a proper
manner. There exist multiple kind of strategies and initiatives that can be suggested to the
manager of a firm so that equality and diversity will be maintained in office premises. In this
16

context, different strategies are gender pay equality, active working participation of workforce.
By this, overall reputation of an organisation can be sustained for longer time-frame.
17

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ashe, S. and Nazroo, J., 2017. Equality, diversity and racism in the workplace: A qualitative
analysis of the 2015 race at work survey.
Boekhorst, J. A., 2015. The role of authentic leadership in fostering workplace inclusion: A
social information processing perspective. Human Resource Management. 54(2). pp.241-
264.
Cottrill, K., Denise Lopez, P. and C. Hoffman, C., 2014. How authentic leadership and inclusion
benefit organizations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal.33(3).
pp.275-292.
Durlak, J. A. ed., 2015. Handbook of social and emotional learning: Research and practice.
Guilford Publications.
Glatthorn, A. A., and et. al., 2018. Curriculum leadership: Strategies for development and
implementation. SAGE publications.
Glukhov, V. V., Ilin, I. V. and Levina, A. I., 2015. Project management team structure for
internet providing companies. In Internet of Things, Smart Spaces, and Next Generation
Networks and Systems (pp. 543-553). Springer, Cham.
Healy, G. and Oikelome, F., 2017. Racial Inequality and Managing Diversity in the United
Kingdom and United States', Management and Diversity (International Perspectives on
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Volume 3).
Hewins-Maroney, B. and Williams, E., 2013. The role of public administrators in responding to
changing workforce demographics: Global challenges to preparing a diverse workforce.
Public Administration Quarterly. pp.456-490.
Klarsfeld, A. and et. al., 2016. Comparative equality and diversity: main findings and research
gaps. Cross cultural & Strategic Management. 23(3). pp.394-412.
Konrad, A. M., Yang, Y. and Maurer, C. C., 2016. Antecedents and outcomes of diversity and
equality management systems: An integrated institutional agency and strategic human
resource management approach. Human Resource Management.55(1). pp.83-107.
Kulkarni, M. and Gopakumar, K. V., 2014. Career management strategies of people with
disabilities. Human Resource Management. 53(3). pp.445-466.
Mukhopadhyay, S. and Gupta, R. K., 2014. Survey of qualitative research methodology in
strategy research and implication for Indian researchers. Vision.18(2). pp.109-123.
Phillips, B. N. And et. al., 2016. Disability diversity training in the workplace: Systematic review
and future directions. Journal of occupational rehabilitation. 26(3). pp.264-275.
Troutman, D. I., 2019. Managing Projects for More Efficiency in the Healthcare and Payment
Industry: Determination of Key Characteristics and Skills of Successful Project
Managers.
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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 carried out research on the topic
“To identify the strategies that will help
in sustaining diversity and equality at
workplace.”
yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research
tasks?
Yes, lack of money
19

 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project
management plan?
Yes, time management is another issue
faced by me.
Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Lack of time and capital
By taking help of my family, tutor and
friends
New Ideas and change of project direction
No
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?
I felt nervous
Yes
20

 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 have given by best efforts.
I will improve my communication skills
This will benefits me in performing
future research
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Data collecting
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
21

APPENDIX II
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
11 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
“To determine the strategies/initiatives which will help in building diversity and equality at
workplace.”. A study on M&S
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline
any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes. Evaluation is carried out on the basis of questionnaire.
3. What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the project
(e.g initial inception, project activities and project outcomes) from a range of
perspectives.
Data collection worked well due to formation of questionnaire.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there
timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
Problem of time management and lack of capital. To overcome time issue, time table is prepared
and money issue is resolved by taking help from parents.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
Now I have understood about the diversity and equality in a business organisation
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the
project?
I will give myself 9 out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
22

Strength is logical skill, weakness is time management
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
This research helps me in acknowledging new concepts about diversity and equality
which will leads to CPD.
23