To acknowledge the initiatives and strategies that will benefits an organisation in building diversity and equality at workplace
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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.
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MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROJECT
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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 scheduleto 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
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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, webservices,voicecall,e-mails,SMSetc.Fromresearcher'sperspective,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 scheduleto 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
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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 ofequality 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)Doyouunderstandthemeaningofterms“equalityand diversity” at workplace? Frequency a) Yes42 b) No8 Q2) Do you think maintaining diversity and equality at M&S will helps in improving organisational productivity? Frequency a) Agree35 b) Disagree15 Q3) What are the main drawbacks of maintaining diversity within a business firm? Frequency a) Conflicts in workforce due to ideological difference30 b) Reduced employee engagement20 Q4)What is the major advantage of diversity and equality at workplace? Frequency a) More tolerance among employees20 b) Appropriate working environment15 c) Variety of perspectives15 Q5) How strategies ofequality and diversity maintenance will impact workers in Marks & Spencer? Frequency 7
a) Leads to enhanced motivation10 b) High satisfaction among workers25 c) Appropriate working culture15 Q6) Do you think diversity and equality in M&S will lead towards high competitive advantage? Frequency a) Yes45 b) No5 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 practicalapplicationisimplemented.Bythis,onlyrightinformationiscollectedfrom 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)Doyouunderstandthemeaningofterms“equalityand diversity” at workplace? Frequency a) Yes42 8
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b) No8 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. Theme2:MaintenanceofdiversityandequalityatM&Swillhelpsinimproving organisational productivity Q2) Do you think maintaining diversity and equality at M&S will helps in improving organisational productivity? Frequency a) Agree35 b) Disagree15 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 difference30 b) Reduced employee engagement20 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 employees20 b) Appropriate working environment15 c) Variety of perspectives15 11 30 20 a) Conflicts in workforce due to ideological difference b) Reduced employee engagement
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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 ofequality and diversity maintenance will impact workers in Marks & Spencer? Frequency a) Leads to enhanced motivation10 b) High satisfaction among workers25 c) Appropriate working culture15 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) Yes45 b) No5 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 diversitywill 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
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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 outprimary research, questionnaire is used and in case of secondary research, internet, magazines, newspaper, books etc. have been used. Also,therearesomerecommendationwhichcanbegiventomanagerofM&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 P7Reflectuponvaluesofresearchundertakingtoachievedesiredobjectivesandown 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
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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. InInternet 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:DeterminationofKeyCharacteristicsandSkillsofSuccessfulProject Managers. 18
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: Updateofweeklyresearch/tasksachieved (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 skillsrequiredforundertakingresearch tasks? Yes, lack of money 19
Did you identify any additional risks/issues thathaveanimpactontheproject management plan? Yes, time management is another issue faced by me. Problems encounteredWhat 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
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How well have I performed? What did I contribute? What can I improve on next week? Howmightthislearningapplyinthe future? I have given by best efforts. I will improve my communication skills Thiswillbenefitsmeinperforming future research Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority? Haveyousetasidesufficienttimefor 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: 11What 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.ginitialinception,projectactivitiesandprojectoutcomes)fromarangeof 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