Managing a Successful Business Project

This document discusses the key elements of managing a successful business project, including the project management plan, work breakdown structure, and Gantt chart. It also explores research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation. The document does not mention a specific subject, course code, course name, or college/university.

MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
LO 1......................................................................................................................................................3
Research background.......................................................................................................................3
Rationale..........................................................................................................................................3
Aims.................................................................................................................................................3
Objectives........................................................................................................................................3
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN....................................................................................................4
WORK BREAK DOWN STRUCTURE..............................................................................................5
GANTT CHART..................................................................................................................................6
LO 2......................................................................................................................................................8
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.........................................................................................................8
Research type...................................................................................................................................8
Research philosophies......................................................................................................................8
Research approaches........................................................................................................................8
Data collection.................................................................................................................................8
Data analysis....................................................................................................................................9
Sampling..........................................................................................................................................9
Ethical considerations......................................................................................................................9
LO 3......................................................................................................................................................9
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION....................................................................................9
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION..................................................................................18
LO 4....................................................................................................................................................20
REFLECTION....................................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................22

INTRODUCTION
LO 1
TOPIC-
“To investigate the affects of gender pay gap in context of Equality and Diversity at
workplace.
Research background
Equality and diversity are the key elements of long term success of a company or business
(De Crescenzo, Ribeiro-Soriano and Covin, 2019). But in recent time, it is quite difficult for an
organization to retain their workers for long which direct impact on productivity and progress of
businesses. Gender pay gap in simple term refer to difference in earnings between men and women.
It is one of the biggest factors that affects negatively and creative negative environment around
work areas where number of applicants are performing their roles.
The overall research is based on Aldi which falls under category of the best retailer in UK.
Organization also face same problem in company that impact on its operations management. This
study will also explain why researcher took this research topic and what will be the benefit from it.
Furthermore, it will also describe project management plan, research methodologies, data analysis
& interpretation as well as valid conclusion with suitable recommendation based on further
examining.
Rationale
The reason behind selecting above topic is to make in depth analysis of forces which utilized
to promote specific problem and that is gender pay gap at work area. It considered as one of the
biggest problem which has been faced by Aldi in United Kingdom. By conducting this research
investigator will effectively find out most suitable and appropriate solution in context of issue.
Aims
“The aim of this study is to identify gender pay gap impact in regard to equality and
diversity at work place. A case study on ALDI.
Objectives
 To articulate comprehending relating to concept of Equality and diversity at work area.
 To determine the impact of gender pay gap over abilities and performance of staff as well as

Aldi.
 To identify different challenges faced by firm while eliminating gender pay gap.
 To suggest possible recommendations and effective solutions to reduce issue at workplace
within Aldi.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
Project management plan is a formal, approved important document that defines how project
will be executed, controlled and monitored (Kerzner, 2019). It is utilized to define method used by
project team to deliver intended project administration scope of work. The purpose of this document
is to identify specific project results, how a successful outcome will be gained, who will be included
in work and how it will be communicated as well as measured. It covers following primary key
elements that are:
Cost-
It is one of the most important components of project management plan. In order to
accomplish given work project manager must prepare well-defined budget plan or structure that
help to actively manage each and everything accordingly. The current project will require £3,640 to
get everything done on timely manner with better results.
Scope-
It is one of the main key elements of project management plan. Scope of project is work
which is needed to deliver a assignment. It defines boundaries of study and is foundational to
project. The scope of this project is to identify gender pay gap impact on Aldi and its overall
business performance. It should be clearly delineates what is in this element. Scope statement of
project permit manager to schedule activities related to work in order to make them more effective
and productive and can be defined by specific operation in time.
Time-
Along with above components, it is also very essential thing in project management plan
which makes project manager able to deliver work on time without taking too much time. Before
starting any activity individual will need to set appropriate deadlines to accomplish work with
desired outcomes. In context of current project it requires 365 days to do.
Quality-
When work produces a good defined deliverable there are always quality standards which
leads to success. Project manager must assure quality of their work, develop strategy to meet

standards or quality assurance as well as control. Each of these things must be considered within
quality component of project management plan.
Communication-
Without effective communication project manager cannot be able to complete their tasks in
systematic manner. In order to communicate with others who are included in project individual can
use varied sources like telephone, woki toki, and they can send email also which is one of the most
cost effective method.
Risk-
Project manager by creating risk register can identify barriers occur between success of
work. With this element it is easy to handle and manage any risk by applying appropriate methods.
Financial, operations and other types of risks can be mention in this register which makes it easy for
accountable person to take better preventions. Lack of resources is one of the main risk faces by
project manager in some cases that affect overall activities.
Resources-
It refers to people, place, equipment, money or anything else that project handler need in
order to do all tasks and activities that they planned for. Project manager had to build strong team
by hiring new applicants who are able to complete their roles.
WORK BREAK DOWN STRUCTURE

GANTT CHART
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Auto
Scheduled Selection of specific topic 1 day Wed 6/10/20 Wed 6/10/20
Auto
Scheduled
Formulation aim and
objectives for research study 2 days Thu 6/11/20 Fri 6/12/20 1
Auto
Scheduled developing a brief plan 2 days Mon 6/15/20 Tue 6/16/20 2
Auto
Scheduled Research methods selection 2 days Wed 6/17/20 Thu 6/18/20 3
Auto
Scheduled Preparing questionnaire 2 days Fri 6/19/20 Mon 6/22/20 4
Auto
Scheduled
Sending questionnaire for
collection of data 2 days Tue 6/23/20 Wed 6/24/20 5
Auto
Scheduled
Recording specific data set
in a structured format 5 days Thu 6/25/20 Wed 7/1/20 5,6
Auto
Scheduled
Interpreting the data
collected 4 days Thu 6/25/20 Tue 6/30/20 6
Auto
Scheduled
Concluding findings and
recommending solutions 2 days Thu 7/2/20 Fri 7/3/20 7,8
Auto Formatting 3 days Mon 7/6/20 Wed 7/8/20 8,9

Scheduled
Auto
Scheduled Taking feedback 2 days Mon 7/6/20 Tue 7/7/20 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Auto
Scheduled
Doing changes as per the
feedback provided 3 days Wed 7/8/20 Fri 7/10/20 11
Auto
Scheduled Final submission 2 days Mon 7/13/20 Tue 7/14/20 11,12

LO 2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research type
There are two different forms to research available that can be used by researcher according
to activities and tasks which they need to accomplish. Qualitative and quantitative are the two types
of research, both are quite useful and beneficial. In regard to current study, researcher can chose
qualitative research type because it makes data analysis and other things easy for them which
related to above topic (Tracy, 2019). With the form investigator find out the impact of gender pay
gap covers under equality & diversity.
Research philosophies
Just like the other methods, research philosophies are use play vital role as it help to
investigate gender pay gap affect over Aldi business. Interpretivism and positivism are two different
forms, one of which researcher can chose in context of finding information about above topic. Both
are effective and useful approaches, but in respect of current research investigator utilize
interpretivism instead of another one (Zhang, 2018). They use this method because it helps to
effectively determine impact of gender pay gap on firm.
Research approaches
It is a procedure or essential plan that consists of certain of wide assumptions to detailed
approaches of data analysis, interpretation and data collection. Research approaches is divided into
two different categories deductive and inductive method, both are usually utilized in this form. Here
in respect of present investigation researcher can use deductive research approach as it help to
interpretate gathered data in effective manner and cater appropriate findings which makes
researcher able to draw conclusion (Nainaar and Masson, 2018). It can be said that for qualitative
research deductive method is suitable.
Data collection
It is the procedure of collecting qualitative information based on topic that is to identify
gender pay gap impact upon Aldi company. With this process researcher can gather require data in
systematic manner and use it to draw right conclusion with overall findings or outcomes of
research. Primary and secondary data collection are two different types of data gathering methods
that can be used by researcher in order to collect appropriate information related to above subject
(Conroy and et.al., 2019). Investigator in context of this study use both approaches through which

the can gather data by preparing questionnaire under primary method and journals, magazines and
book under secondary.
Data analysis
It is simple procedure of examining, cleansing, modelling and transforming data with aim of
discovering useful and beneficial information, supporting decision-making and informing
conclusions. With this approach researcher after collecting data organized info so that they can
derive helpful findings from it. To analyse data effectively and appropriately researcher can use
thematic data analysis approach in which different data is presented with clear tables and graphs.
Its is quite beneficial for current study as it help cater a wide amount of flexibility.
Sampling
In research terms sample is group of individual that are taken from wider population for
measurement of gather data. It is a process utilized in data analysis in which predetermined number
of observations are taken from selected sample. Probabilistic and non-probabilistic are two ways of
sampling by which data can be gathered from specific group of people. Researcher to collect
information above chosen topic can use simple random sampling and select 40 workers of Aldi
for completing investigation.
Ethical considerations
Confidentiality is the main point which need more attention from researcher side to keep
overall data safe for long. Researcher must maintain high degree of objectivity in analyses and
discussions during research. Investigator do not force anyone to gather data as it affects negatively.
Researcher provide fair change to respondents to take participate in each activity which in return
increase their motivation level, and they can provide all information about inside of Aldi.
LO 3
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Theme 1- “Familiar with concept of gender pay gap”
Yes 38
No 2

Interpretation – After going through gathered data with aid of primary research source, it
can be interpretate that out of 40 respondents 38 individuals are in favour of above statement. They
have good sort of understanding and knowledge regarding gender pay gap in company. Only two
participants are not having any knowledge and idea about same things. It shows that majority of
respondents have better idea of specific term which falls under category of equality and diversity.
Theme 2- “Affect which gender pay gap put in company”
Impact workplace environment 20
Reduce workers morale 10
Increase modifications of conflict 10

Interpretation- Gender pay gap affects in various ways that is not beneficial for company
growth and success. It can be interpretate that out of 40 people 20 respondents are agrees on above
statement, they analyse that gender pay gap impact negatively on environment of workplace and
make it worst for everyone. 10 respondents think that above stated issue reduce morale of existing
workers on the other hand, 10 individuals assume that it increase major chances of conflict.
Theme 3- “Major reason behind gender pay gap problem in Aldi”
Salary differences between men and women 12
Cultural differences 8
Aspect that female workers are less
competent as male
10
All of the above 10

Interpretation- After collecting data from varied respondents it can be interpretate that out
of 40, 12 individuals think that main reason behind gender pay gap is salary differences that affect
negatively. It also identified that 8 participants think that cultural differences is reason for above
stated problem, 10 people feel that senior does not consider all workers equally they recognize
female less than male employees. On the other hand, 10 out of 40 think that all above reasons are
increasing gender pay gap at workplace.
Theme 4- “Gender pay has impact on mental health of applicants”
Yes 39
No 1

Interpretation- After taking information from selected sample it can be analysed that
majority of respondents are in favour of above statement, they think that gender pay gap highly
impact on mental as well as physical health of workers (Zhang, 2018). This issue on the basis of any
reason affect negatively which is not appropriate for applicants who are working within Aldi. Out of
40, 39 respondents agree in context of data. Only 1 individual is not in favour of same thing.
Theme 5- “Gender pay differences within Aldi business”.
Yes 19
No 21

Interpretation- After going through above study it has been analysed that there is less of
gender pay gap in Aldi company, as out of 40 respondents 21 has chosen option of no because they
feel that organization does not act much negatively. Remaining 19 individuals has select option of
yes. Firm has to make assure that management and top authority take effective measures to reduce
gender pay gap at workplace.

Theme 6- “The biggest problem or challenge faced by Aldi at period of encouraging reduction
of gender pay gap”
Difficulty in communication 15
Uncertainty among varied gender workers 15
All of above 10
Interpretation- While reducing gender pay gap Aldi face several challenges that may be
affect final outcomes. 15 out of 40 respondents select the first option and that is inability to
communicate, as it can be said that difficulty to communicate with people is one of the biggest
challenge. 15 more respondents are in favour of second option they think company face challenge
due to uncertainty among different gender employees. Remaining 10 respondents chose last option
as they are in favour of all.
Theme 7- “Best method or strategy used by Aldi to reduce gender pay gap issue”
Motivating workers in decision-making 20
Utilize of mentoring & training system 8
Salary transparency 12

Interpretation- After going through above research it can be interpretate that motivation is
one of the best way according to 20 respondents that can be use by Aldi to reduce gender pay gap
which is quite essential to do. Furthermore, it also determines that 12 respondent select second
option accordant to the when firm use training and mentoring system they can reduce gender pay
gap. Remaining 8 participants think that salary transparency is the most applicable strategy by
which above problem can be solved.
Theme 8- Reduction of gender pay gap help organization in building inclusive team at
workplace?
Yes 39
No 1

Interpretation- After going through data collection it has been interpretate that when
company reduce gender pay gap they can gain many benefits it also helps in different terms such as
increase sales. Out of 40, 39 respondents select option no 1 they think that by reducing above
problem firm effectively build inclusive team. Only 1 respondent is not in favour of above content.
Theme 9- “Importance for Aldi to reduce gender pay gap problem”
Build strong workforce 7
Motivate workers 7
Increase productivity of staff as well as firm 20
All of above 6

Interpretation- It has been interpretate that it is important for Aldi to reduce gender pay gap
because it makes them able to develop strong workforce. Out of 40, 20 respondents chose option no
1 and 7 select second one as they think that above act is essential for company because management
wants to motivate their staff. 7 respondents believe that to increase workers and business
productivity organization reduce gender pay gap. Remaining 6 are in side of all above options.
Theme 10- “Recommendation to reduce gender pay gap and build inclusive group of people”
Interpretation- After going with different recommendation which has been taken by
researcher from respondents, it has been find that most participants has recommended that
elimination of negotiation is one of the best way Aldi must apply to reduce gender pay gap which
makes management able to build effective workforce. They should keep clarity of different of
aspects such as accountabilities and roles of new as well as existing applicants and pay that will
help firm in context of same.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
From above analysis it has been concluded that gender pay gap bring may issues at
workplace of Aldi which affects productivity, performance and morale of staff negatively for short
term period. Above research suggest that company may not have had much of gender pay gap
which means it does not impact for long. But still to reduce this problem management take effective

action and apply suitable recommendations which is very important for organization to increase
morale among workers who are able to perform their roles in systematic manner. By using the best
research methods researcher gather a lot of data that is quite useful to draw final conclusion which
makes reader able to understand overall information in context of above chosen topic. It has been
identified that Aldi get advantage by reducing gender pay gap as it help firm to increase sales and
profitability of business rather than before.
Furthermore, it has been summarized that by taking appropriate actions and using strategies
organization effectively eliminate gender pay gap problem which create positive working
environment around workplace. Management face challenge to reduce above issue which affects
negatively. But by conducting meeting or finding more solutions' administration can overcome
barriers which in return increase performance and motivation level of staff. By reducing gender pay
gap management of Aldi company build inclusive workforce or team who are capable to work in
competitive environment and cater high commitment. They motivate applicants to take part in
decision-making procedure and also encourage them to share their opinions as well. It helps to
boost up employee's morale more than past few months and allow them to achieve a common
business aims & objectives. Organization remove all the reasons that promote gender pay gap and
take consider appropriate suggestions as discussed above.
Recommendation
 After going through investigation it has been suggested to Aldi that company has to take
right thing and select the best methods to reduce the negative impact on gender pay gap at
workplace. Company must promote female entrepreneurship within overall business
structure because it helps to create inclusive working environment around area where
workers are performing.
 Organization must promote training and skill development sessions to their existing as well
as new candidates which makes each worker able to perform with right skills and knowledge
as well (McKittrick and et.al., 2018). Skills development programmes is one of the most
effective recommendation that would improve performance of female and make employee
equally.
 Another suggestion to Aldi is that management has to make assure that they must build a
better sort of working atmosphere at workplace which does not utilize to boost conservative
thing as well as cultural differences in firm. It helps in reducing the overall impact of gender
pay gap in business and enhance productivity of applicants who are capable to increase
profitability of company by working with them.

 Organization also make assure that management build strong and effective relationship with
workers came from different background in company to make their career better (Mosher
and et.al., 2017). It will help to increase motivation, trust and confidence level of staff rather
than before. It can be said that healthy workplace bond inspire applicants to give their best
and act harder. By maintaining good bond with workers management gain benefits of
effective communication and also recognize efforts of their staff members within work area
to do to achieve business goals.
 In regard to Aldi, management must create plan to show salary transparency because it
makes workers more comfortable and assure that they are getting same benefits after doing
hard work. They should bring good sort of transparency in context of pay in company that
also reduce gender pay gap.
LO 4
REFLECTION
By following Gibb’s reflective cycle it has been reflected that the current research project
quite beneficial as it me to learn how to conduct research with appropriate methods. This
investigation was quite good learning experience for me as it helped in understanding latest things
related to reduce gender pay gap and manage inclusive culture within company. It was also good
experience of comprehending data relate to varied forms of other traits and research. I was learnt
that formulation of research aims & objectives is very essential phase as when both will not be
appropriate then overall work will not outcome in effective manner. It is very important for
researcher of this study to formulate both elements in appropriate and systematic manner that will
help to conduct research and gather right data. I also learnt that another main stage for success of
investigation is selection of ways researcher will be utilized for conducting research in effective
manner and gathering data.
I also learnt that data analysis is very important to draw final conclusion as when it will not
be made them overall work will not outcome in intended way. Thus, for this I learnt that thematic
and other data analysis tool was better as it help me in developing charts, bars, graphs and tables for
presenting of gathered data. With this research I learnt varied types of skills and understand
different concepts like time management, collaboration, communication and other skills that I can
use in my further work.
Along with above things, I also learnt how to make themes and interpretate data collected by
researcher form selected respondents who are able to provide appropriate information regarding
above selected topic.

I also learnt how to changes in initial project plan according to the needs or situation that is
important for completing research. To achieve aims and objectives of research I take effective
decision and work according to prepared activities. When I started working to get the information
related to the topic, it took me more time due to which the work was not done according to the time
created earlier. At that movement I would make changes in initial project plan. I guide my team to
work appropriately which makes them able to provide effective outcomes.

REFERENCES
Book and Journals
Conroy, M and et.al., 2019. The advantages of UK Biobank's open‐access strategy for health
research. Journal of internal medicine. 286(4). pp.389-397.
De Crescenzo, V., Ribeiro-Soriano, D.E. and Covin, J.G., 2019. Exploring the viability of equity
crowdfunding as a fundraising instrument: A configurational analysis of contingency
factors that lead to crowdfunding success and failure. Journal of Business Research.
Kerzner, H., 2019. Using the project management maturity model: strategic planning for project
management. John Wiley & Sons.
McKittrick, J.T and et.al., 2018. The first 3 minutes: Optimising a short realistic paediatric team
resuscitation training session. Nurse education in practice. 28. pp.115-120.
Nainaar, D. and Masson, J., 2018. AN INVESTIGATION INTO TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
TO CREATE SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WITHIN THE FAST
MOVING CONSUMER GOODS (FMCG) BEVERAGE INDUSTRY. European Journal
of Engineering and Technology Vol. 6(2).
Tracy, S.J., 2019. Qualitative research methods: Collecting evidence, crafting analysis,
communicating impact. John Wiley & Sons.
Zhang, D., 2018, June. Corporate Strategy of First Automobile Work shop--A Case Study from
China. In 2018 2nd International Conference on Education, Economics and Management
Research (ICEEMR 2018). Atlantis Press.
Zhang, X., 2018. An International Review of Gender Gap on Executive Compensation. Proceedings
Of the New York State Economics Association, p.35.
Mosher, D.K and et.al., 2017. Cultural humility: A therapeutic framework for engaging diverse
clients. Practice Innovations. 2(4). p.221.

Appendix-

QUESTIONNAIRE
1. How familiar are you with gender pay gap concept?
 Agree
 Disagree
 Neutral
2. What affect does gender pay gap bring in Aldi?
 Impact workplace environment
 Reduce workers morale
 Increase modifications of conflict
3. What is the main reason for intense gender pay gap?
 Salary differences between men and women
 Cultural differences
 Aspect that female workers are less competent as male
 All of the above
4. Is gender pay gap in context of equality and diversity use to has a high impact on mental
health of workers?
 Yes
 No
5. Is there is gender pay gap in Aldi business?
 Yes
 No
6. Which is the huge challenge which is faced by Aldi during reducing gender pay gap?
 Difficulty in communication
 Uncertainty among varied gender workers
 All of above
7. From following which is the best and most appropriate method or strategy used by Aldi by
which they can reduce gender pay gap issue?

 Motivating workers in decision-making
 Utilize of mentoring & training system
 Salary transparency
8. Will gender pay gap reducing aid Aldi in building inclusive team at workplace?
 Yes
 No
9. Why it is significant for organization to reduce gender pay gap problem?
 Build strong workforce
 Motivate workers
 Increase productivity of staff as well as firm
 All of above
10. Some possible suggestions for decreasing or reducing gender pay gap and developing
effective workforce?