Strategies to Build a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

This document discusses the aims and objectives of a research project conducted on Gilbert Rugby to evaluate strategies and initiatives for building a diverse and inclusive workforce. It includes a project management plan, work breakdown structure, and Gantt chart. The research analyzes the importance of equality and diversity, factors leading to discrimination, and the role of proper management. It also explores the benefits of a diverse workforce and provides recommendations for Gilbert Rugby.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
Topic: “ Strategies to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.” A case study on Gilbert Rugby. 1
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................1
PART 1 ...........................................................................................................................................1
P1) Project aims and objectives..............................................................................................1
P2) Project management plan.................................................................................................2
P3) WBS and Gantt chart.......................................................................................................3
PART 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4) Small scale research ........................................................................................................5
PART 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5) Analysis of research.........................................................................................................7
P6) Recommendations..........................................................................................................11
P7) Reflection.......................................................................................................................12
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................15
APPENDIX II................................................................................................................................18

Topic: “ Strategies to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.” A research
conducted on Gilbert Rugby.
INTRODUCTION
Management of a successful business project required various skills and decision making
to have efficient strategy formulation to achieve the desired goals and objectives. At present era,
a high level of diversity is seen in various organisation due to enhancement in integration among
various nation, economies and culture that has made it necessary for all organisation to emphasis
more on management of equality and diversity to maintain competencies and morale of its
employees (Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018). For this assignment the sleeted organisation is
Gilbert Rugby that is a well known sports equipment manufacturing brand situated at
Robertsbridge, UK and having its business operations across the world. This report consist of a
discussion about aims and objective of project together with a project management plan, WBS
and Gantt chart to achieve the objectives well on time. Beside this, a bantam scale research is
also their including its analysis to make relevant recommendation and reflection.
PART 1
P1) Project aims and objectives
The concept of equality is mainly associated with providing a atmosphere of fairness to
employees where equal growth opportunities and treatment is provided to all. Diversity is mainly
associated with removing and addressing various form of discrimination in order to lead a more
inclusive and motivated workforce (Cha, Newman and Winch, 2018). Gilbert rugby is a sports
equipment manufacture brand and organisation of UK having its specialisation in rugby union
and netball. This company is having its operation in various location of worlds thus, facing an
issues of racialism and discrimination at its workplace. Therefore, it become essential for this
organisation to take steps for better management of equality and diversity. Thus, the following
research project is conducted on this organisation which is having below stated aims and
objectives.
Aim
The main aim behind this research project is, “To evaluate various strategies and
initiatives that can be opt through a company to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.”
1

Objectives
The main objectives behind this research project conducted on Gilbert Rugby are as
follows:
 To evaluate the concept of equality and diversity.
 To develop better understanding about the importance of management of equality and
diversity at workplace. To study strategies and initiatives that can be opt by Gilbert Rugby to build a diverse and
inclusive workforce (Crane and et. al., 2019).
Question tag
 What perceptive are you having about the concept of equality and diversity?
 What important role is played by proper management of equality and diversity in a
multinational organisation ?
 What can be the strategies and initiatives that can be opt by Gilbert Rugby to build a
diverse and inclusive workforce?
P2) Project management plan
It is basically a in writing document that is prepared by a researcher or manger to have
better planning about various crucial aspects and elements of research. A description about
various vital aspects of current research project are provided below:
Costs- It represent the estimated amount of financial resources that are required for
procurement of various assets and meet expenses of various research activities (Johnson, 2019).
The estimated cost for this research project is £ 250.
Scope- The scope of this research project is very wide as it is based on concept of
equality and diversity, proper management of which has become crucial for all organisation.
Beside this, current research project also facilitates improvement in skills and knowledge of
researcher.
Time- The estimated or forecasted time duration needed to meet the desired objectives
and for completion of this research project is 2 months. Various activities like setting of aim and
objective, preparation of work breakdown structure, conduction of bantam scale research,
analysis of data, recommendation and reflection in research findings, etc. will be conducted
during this time period for meeting the objectives of research (Hillson, 2017).
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Quality- This aspect of research management plan is related with quality of collected
data. To hold back the reliability and authenticity of collected data use of various research
methodology is made to ensure collection of data from some authentic and viable source
(Kassen, 2018).
Communication- Use of both formal and informal channels of communication are made
to have better flow of information among team members and other associated parties to achieve
the desired objectives well on time.
Risk- The main obstacles and risk associated with current research project includes lack
of sufficient amount of finance and other resources together with insufficient time for research
project. These risk has hampered the efficiency of research project thus, various steps are taken
like preparation of Gantt chart and work breakdown structure to overcome these risks and
barriers.
Resources- The various resources and assets which are used for accomplishment of this
research includes monetary resources, human resources together with statistical techniques and
methods.
P3) WBS and Gantt chart
Gantt Chart- Use of this project management tools is made by researcher to bring clarity
and transparency in research work through systematic presentation all activities and task with
their time frames that lead completion of work on time (Porter and Kramer, 2019).
3

Work breakdown structure- It is a common management tool that is used by a researcher
to properly divide and allocate work into various teams and also brings clarity in work.
Following WBS are prepared by researcher in order to properly bifurcate or delegate work
among various task and activities for effective accomplishment of desired objectives (Schönherr
and Martinuzzi, 2019).
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PART 2
P4) Small scale research
Their are two main methods of doing research i.e. qualitative and quantitative research
method. Quantitative method is associated with accumulation of data in numerical terms while
qualitative research method provides an in-depth and detailed insight in perspective and views of
respondents (Wren, 2018). For current research work use of both quantitative and qualitative
research method is made as quantitative data facilitates collection of data in numeric terms that
can be easily presented in forms of charts and graphs thus, lead to more specific conclusion and
decision making. Further use of qualitative research method provides an in depth information
about behaviour and attitude of respondents to have better understanding about their view point
(Rowden, 2017). Use of interview is made to collect data through qualitative research method
while use of questionnaire is made to gather information for quantitative research method.
Their are two main sources of data collection I.e. primary and secondary to collect data
for a research. Use of both primary and secondary sources of data are made in order to gather
information for this research as primary sources provide asses to first hand and most authentic
data while secondary sources provides support to this through providing information about past
facts and records (Bell, Bryman and Harley, 2018). For collection of primary data with the help
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of quantitative research method use of Questionnaire is made while secondary data is collected
through various online articles, books and journal.
Sample is process that is used by a researcher or manager to select a pre determined
number of observations and units from a group of large population in order to complete a
research project in more efficient and effective way (Halibozek and Kovacich, 2017). For this
research project 25 respondents from workforces, employees and manager of Gilbert Rugby is
selected with the help of random sampling method. Use of this random sampling enhance the
viability and authenticity of research as it remove the chances of biasness and discrimination in
the research. For collection of quantitative data use of questionnaire is made a description of
which is provided below:
Questionnaire- It is most commonly used tool for collection of data under quantitative research
method. Questionnaire is a in writing document that includes or consists of a set of question
associated with some specific topic in order to gain perspective of of respondents (Basu, 2017).
Use of following questionnaire is made to collect view point and perspective of 25 selected
respondents from the workforces, employees and manager of Gilbert Rugby on the topic of
Equality and Diversity.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you having any knowledge about the importance of management of equality and
diversity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What are the factors that are leading increase in the situation of diversity and higher
level of discrimination in a multinational organisation?
a) Enhanced integration among nations
b) Male dominance
c) Policy of favouritism
Q3) What important role is played by proper management of equality and diversity in a
multinational organisation like Gilbert Rugby to have?
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a) Lead more productivity
b) Enhance creativity
c) Boost morale of employees
Q4) Do you agree with the fact that diversified and inclusive workforce lead to more
competitive strength for a multinational organisation?
a) Agreed
b) Disagreed
Q5) What are the various strategies and initiatives that can be opt by Gilbert Rugby to
build a diverse and inclusive workforce?
a) Participative management
b) Unbiased HR practises
c) Cultural training
d) Inclusive committee
Q6) Any further recommendations for Gilbert Rugby?
Beside this, to collect information under qualitative research method use of interview
method is made.
Interview: It is a well structured conversation between two or more individuals where one person
ask questions and other provides an answer (Archibald and Archibald, 2016). Use of following
interview question are made by researcher to get perspective and view pint of chosen 25
respondents from workforces, employees and manager of Gilbert Rugby on the topic of Equality
and Diversity.
Interview questions
Q1) How management of equality and diversity is beneficial for a multinational organisation like
Gilbert Rugby?
Q2) What are the most common form of discrimination that are founded at the workplace of a
multinational company?
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Q3) What changes can be made by Gilbert Rugby in its management and leadership style to
build a more diversified and inclusive workforce?
PART 3
P5) Analysis of research
Use of thematic approach is made for analysis of collected data a description of which is
provided below:
Analysis of quantitative data collected through questionnaire
Theme 1: Importance of management of equality and diversity
Q1) Are you having any knowledge about the importance of
management of equality and diversity?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 3
22
3
a) Yes
b) No
Interpretation
It has been observed from above pie chart that 22 individuals are having knowledge about
the importance of management of equality and diversity while 3 respondents are unaware of this
fact related with equality and diversity.
Theme 2: Factors that are leading increase in the situation of diversity and higher level of
discrimination in a multinational organisation
Q2) What are the factors that are leading increase in the
situation of diversity and higher level of discrimination in a
multinational organisation?
Frequency
a) Enhanced integration among nations 5
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b) Male dominance 15
c) Policy of favouritism 5
5
15
5
a) Enhanced integration among
nations
b) Male dominance
c) Policy of favouritism
Interpretation
The above graph is depicting that 5 respondents support Enhanced integration among
nations, 15 individuals are in favour of male dominance and 5 respondents are having opinion
that Policy of favouritism are the factors that are leading increase in the situation of diversity and
higher level of discrimination in a multinational organisation.
Theme 3: Important role played by proper management of equality and diversity
Q3) What important role is played by proper management of
equality and diversity in a multinational organisation like
Gilbert Rugby to have?
Frequency
a) Lead more productivity 7
b) Enhance creativity 10
c) Boost morale of employees 8
9

7
10
8
a) Lead more productivity
b) Enhance creativity
c) Boost morale of employees
Interpretation
7 communicator are having an opinion that management of equality and diversity is
important as it lead to more productivity while 10 respondents are in support of enhancement in
creativity. Furtherer 8 respondents are also in favour of boost in morale of employees as import
mace of Equality and diversity.
Theme 4: Diversified and inclusive workforce lead to more competitive strength
Q4) Do you agree with the fact that diversified and inclusive
workforce lead to more competitive strength for a
multinational organisation?
Frequency
a) Agreed 20
b) Disagreed 5
20
5
a) Agreed
b) Disagreed
Interpretation
It can be analysed from above chart that 20 respondents agreed with the fact that
diversified and inclusive workforce lead to more competitive strength for a multinational
organisation while 5 individuals disagreed with this advantage of diversified and inclusive
workforce.
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Theme 5: Various strategies and initiatives that can be opt by Gilbert Rugby to build a
diverse and inclusive workforce
Q5) What are the various strategies and initiatives that can be
opt by Gilbert Rugby to build a diverse and inclusive
workforce?
Frequency
a) Participative management 5
b) Unbiased HR practises 7
c) Cultural training 8
d) Inclusive committee 5
5
7 8
5
a) Participative management
b) Unbiased HR practises
c) Cultural training
d) Inclusive committee
Interpretation
As per above diagram 5 respondents are in support of participative management as the
best strategy to build a diverse and inclusive workforce while 7 individuals are in favour of
unbiased HR practises. Further, 8 individuals are in support of cultural training where as 5 are in
favour of inclusive committee as the best strategy to build a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Analysis of qualitative data collected through interview
Theme 1: Management of equality and diversity is beneficial for a multinational
organisation like Gilbert Rugby
Interpretation: It can be understood that maximum number are having a view point that
management of equality and diversity is beneficial for a multinational organisation like Gilbert
Rugby as it facilitates more creativity and innovation at workplace that enhance the overall
capability and strengths of an multinational organisation and facilitates better growth and
success at global level.
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Theme 2: Most common form of discrimination that are founded at the workplace of a
multinational company
Interpretation: It has analysed that according the larger section of respondents the most
common form of discrimination that are found in a multinational organisation are related with
the age, gender and culture. The main reason behind gender discrimination in organisation is
dominance of male in the society that has facilitated high level of gender gap in multinational
organisation.
Theme 3: Changes can be made by Gilbert Rugby in its management and leadership style to
build a more diversified and inclusive workforce.
Interpretation: It has been evaluated that as per the opinion of lager number of communicator
the change that can be made by Gilbert Rugby in its management and leadership style to build a
more diversified and inclusive workforce includes adoption of more participative management
together with democratic leadership style as it yield more transparent and clarity in decision
making and proper participation and involvement is allowed in organisation that lead to
reduction in discrimination and facilitates a mote diversified and inclusive workforce.
P6) Recommendations
On the basis of above research findings following recommendation can be made for
Gilbert Rugby to build a diverse and inclusive workforce:
 Unbiased HR practices are recommended for Gilbert Rugby as it remove the chances of
discrimination and favouritism from the organisation. Adoption of unbiased HR practises
lead to fairness in recruitment and selection process thus, enhance diversity in
organisation through provide equal chance of employment to all individuals. Beside this,
it also facilitates a more healthy and positive environment to build a diversified and
inclusive workforce.
 Timely cultural training should also proved by Gilbert Rugby as it lead to better
motivation in employees to respect all cultures and individuals from diversified
background. Culture training facilitate better understanding about basic norms and
behaviour of various culture thus, makes employees more inclusive and positive towards
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respecting various culture and people thus, lead to creation of an inclusive and diversified
workforce.
 Further, adoption of democratic leadership style is also recommended for Gilbert Rugby
as it facilitates better participation and involvement of all employees in decision making
and other operations that brings more transparency and clarity in functions. Therefore,
lead to reduction in chances of discrimination and favouritism to build a more diversified
and inclusive workforce.
P7) Reflection
This research project is very knowledgable and beneficial for me as enhanced my various
skills and competencies. This research has increased my psychological feature about various
aspects of equality and diversity together with improvement in my overall skills and
competencies. While collection of data my communication skills are got enhanced and through
preparation of various project management tool like WBS and Gantt chart my analytical and time
management skills are got improved. Beside this use of primary sources of data collection
facilitates more authentic data while secondary sources makes me aware about the articles and
facts of some past researcher. Use of qualitative as well as quantitative research methods are
made by me to ensure most effective research through collection of in-depth data and effective
presentation through use of pic charts for communication of numeric data collected for
quantitative research method.
Beside this, various issues related with lack of resources and insufficient time are also
encountered which were timely identified and solved through me. To solve the issue of lack of
resources use of project management plan is made as it provide better preparation about various
aspects of research. Further use of work breakdown structure is also made for proper bifurcation
of work and resources among various activities and individuals to ensure optimum utilisation of
resources. To cope up with the issues of insufficient time, use of Gantt chart is made by me as it
facilitates better bifurcation of time among various activities to ensure timely achievement of
objectives and completion of research work. Therefore, this research has facilitated
improvements in my overall skills and competencies and makes me a better researcher through
facilitating improvement in my communication, time management and organisational skills.
Thus, this research project has lead to my overall personality development and has opened
various growth opportunity for future.
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CONCLUSION
From the above research project it can be concluded that equality and diversity is an
important concept for an organisation which lead to enhancement in productivity and creativity
together with more competitive advantages. Beside this, it can be summarised that use of
strategies like unbiased HR practices and cultural training can be made by a company to build a
inclusive workforce. Use of democratic leadership style and participative management approach
is also made by organisation to have keep a better balance between equality and diversity at
workplace.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B., 2018. Business research methods. Oxford university press.
Cha, J., Newman, M. and Winch, G., 2018. Revisiting the project management knowledge
framework: Rebalancing the framework to include transformation
projects. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. 11(4). pp.1026-1043.
Crane, A. and et. al., 2019. Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in
the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Johnson, A. B., 2019. Project of IT system for Business accelerator for managing cooperation
between startups and corporates (Doctoral dissertation, Instytut Organizacji Systemów
Produkcyjnych).
Kassen, M., 2018. Adopting and managing open data: Stakeholder perspectives, challenges and
policy recommendations. Aslib Journal of Information Management. 70(5). pp.518-537.
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Porter, M. E. and Kramer, M. R., 2019. Creating shared value. In Managing sustainable
business (pp. 323-346). Springer, Dordrecht.
Schönherr, N. and Martinuzzi, A. eds., 2019. Business and the Sustainable Development Goals:
Measuring and Managing Corporate Impacts. Springer.
Wren, A., 2018. Project Management AZ: A Compendium of Project Management Techniques
and How to Use Them: A Compendium of Project Management Techniques and How to
Use Them. Routledge.
Hillson, D., 2017. Managing risk in projects. Routledge.
Rowden, M., 2017. The Art of Identity: Creating and Managing a Successful Corporate Identity:
Creating and Managing a Successful Corporate Identity. Routledge.
Halibozek, E. and Kovacich, G. L., 2017. The manager's handbook for corporate security:
establishing and managing a successful assets protection program. Butterworth-
Heinemann.
Basu, R., 2017. Managing quality in projects. Routledge.
Archibald, R. D. and Archibald, S., 2016. Leading and Managing Innovation: What Every
Executive Team Must Know about Project, Program, and Portfolio Management.
Auerbach Publications.
Hass, K. B., 2017. Living on the edge: Managing project complexity. In Handbook of Research
on Leveraging Risk and Uncertainties for Effective Project Management (pp. 177-201).
IGI Global.
Zein, O., 2016. Culture and project management: managing diversity in multicultural projects.
Routledge.
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:
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Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved
(Account for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within
deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes
to your project management plan?
Comments
I have completed a project on whose aim is “To
evaluate various strategies and initiatives that
can be opt by a company to build a diverse and
inclusive workforce”.
Yes
Yes
no
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a
lack of skills required for
undertaking research tasks?
Did you identify any additional risks/issues that
have an impact on the project management plan?
Insufficient time and Lack of resources
No
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Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Ineffective communication
Try to facilitate team spirit and team bonding
through interactive activity.
New Ideas and change of project direction 1 more weeks for completing investigation.
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete the tasks?
 How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 What can I improve on next week?
 How might this learning apply in the
future?
I felt quenched.
Yes
Try to contribute 100 % of my skills and
experience.
Can improve my skills.
Lead to overall development in skills and
competencies that enhance my performance.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Collect authentic data
Yes
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Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
APPENDIX II
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
The project accomplished “To evaluate various strategies and initiatives that can be
opt by a company to build a diverse and inclusive workforce”.
 Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment
undertaken.
Yes
 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.
My communication skills worked well and preparation of WBS and Gantt chart
lead to positive result.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?
Problem related with time management are faced which was solved through
preparing Gantt chart.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
Learned about various strategies for management of equality and diversity
together with improvement in my communication and analytical skills.
 How would you rate your performance as a management
consultant leading the project?
9.5 out of 10.
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 What strengths and weakness of your performance did you
identify?
Communication skills are my strengths while time management is my
weakness.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
It support my continuous professional development through leading
improvement in my communication and other inter-personnel skills.
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