Workplace Transformation Due to Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Maliban PLC

This report focuses on the workplace transformation due to the Covid-19 pandemic at Maliban PLC. It discusses the changes in the workplace, challenges faced, and adaptive actions taken. The report also analyzes the impact of the transformation on employees and provides recommendations. The project is based on a mixed research approach, using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

Managing a successful business projects
Word count
Executive summary
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This report focuses on how a major external event can transform a workplace in order to
demonstrate that the researcher has undertaken a research project on "Workplace
Transformation Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Situation" with specific reference to Maliban
PLC.
The first chapter explains what workplace transformation is and how the researcher has
linked the topic to an applicable external event, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the company.
The author has developed a Project Management Plan and determined the appropriate
research methodology.
The researcher carried out a questionnaire survey and analysed the collected primary data
as well as secondary data on the subject to gain more insight.
The researcher discusses the conclusions and relevant recommendations derived from the
data analysis in the later part of the report. Finally the log book and performance review has
been finished.
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Table of contents
Introduction to Workplace Transformation Pg1
Introduction of Maliban Pg2
Project Management Plan Pg5-9
Research approach Pg10
Research type Pg10
Research design Pg10
Population and Samples Pg10
Sampling Techniques Pg11
Research design Pg11-12
Data types Pg12
Data Collection techniques Pg13
Data Analysis and data analysis tools Pg14
Ethical considerations in research Pg14-15
Data Analysis and chart presentation Pg15-22
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Introduction
Workplace Transformation refers to any changes that support or align with a workplace
strategy or any external event. This could occur both culturally and digitally. Workforce
transformation is a way to enhance workforce skills, tools, and abilities in order to keep up
with the constant changes in a company's business strategy. Workforce transformation
imperatives are broadly classified into four categories: innovation readiness, competitive
status improvement, environmental consequences, and employee self-fulfilment.
(Vmware,2020)
The three most important transformation drivers are
 Collaboration
 Engagement
 optimization (RedThread, 2021).
Collaboration refers to the provision of appropriate digital technologies to workers. The
variation and adaptively of spaces that endorse employees in developing an engaged culture
is termed to as engagement. Creating spaces that can adapt to company requirements and
enhances employee utilization is what optimization is all about.(RedThread, 2021).
The factual evidence that cause change seem to be people, space, and technology. When
integrating work transformation strategies, it is essential to consider how workers will be
endorsed, the appearance of the new workplace, for e.g., whether the workplace will change
physically or shift to a digital platform, new processes that will be implemented, and new
technologies that will be introduced (Jervis, 2016).
Many people in today's modern workforce consider flexible remote work options to be
prerequisites. There are also some obvious advantages to allowing employees to work from
home or other locations other than the centralized office space. (Vmware,2020)
Transforming a workplace would be difficult because it would affect both the employees and
the organization's objectives and goals. An company must have appropriate innovative
strategies in place to mitigate issues and adapt to workplace transformation. (Vmware,2020)
COVID-19 is a virus-borne illness. It is thought to spread primarily through person-to-person
contact. With the global spread of COVID-19, health officials are mandating social distancing
and self-isolation tactics, forcing businesses to alter workplace processes. COVID-19 is the
huge external event that has had an impact on the workplace's rapid transformation since
2020. (Kirby, 2020)
Work from home has emerged as the new reality, and companies have digitized the
company and its interactions. Organizations have been expected to adapt to the new normal
in order to retain and attract suited talent during the workplace transformation in order to
minimize financial and labour turnover risks while continuing regular processes (Kirby,
2020).
This report discusses "Workplace Transformation Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic Situation"
in detail, with special reference to Maliban PLC.
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Introduction of Maliban plc
Maliban is Sri Lanka's first biscuit manufacturer.Maliban Biscuit Manufactories (Private)
Limited, founded 60 years ago by futuristic founder Angulugaha Gamage Hinnyappuhamy, is
one of Sri Lanka's most trusted and respected brands. Maliban produces a wide range of
crackers, cookies, and wafers, which are sold in over 100,000 Sri Lankan stores. Their
international reach includes over 35 countries on five continents. They produce 25 million
packs of biscuits per month in their progressive manufacturing facility under strict hygienic
conditions.Maliban is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, and OHSAS
18001.Maliban Company has multiple times received Sri Lanka's prestigious National
Quality Award.(Maliban Biscuit,2021)
Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Limited is a well-known biscuit manufacturer with an exciting
new vision. Maliban biscuits have been a cultural staple for over three generations. Now, as
they begin to meet the increased demands of a brand new era, Maliban is confident in their
ability and vision to serve Sri Lanka in this and future eras. With several new products joining
the traditional line-up of Maliban classics, the range of goodies is now wider, stronger, and
more dynamic than ever. Maliban steps into this future group with the confidence obtained
from fifty years of providing Sri Lanka with the best in biscuits, remembering their roots and
looking to the future. (Maliban Biscuit,2021)
Aim and Objectives
The research project is carried out on the topic "Transformation of workplace due to the
Covid-19 pandemic situation in Maliban plc”.
The project's objective is to assess workplace transformation changes and their impact
on employees and the goals of Maliban PLC.
Project objectives: Maliban to align their goals in order to reclaim their former market
position. Due to the extremely volatile environment, they tend to limit their future planning
horizon to 3 or 4 years. The following are the strategic objectives set by Maliban to ensure
their market growth and sustainability. Each year, increase market share by one Chronicle;
once a year, introduce two new products to the market. Because of the rapidly changing
consumer preferences, it is more important to come up with two new products every year
that best match with customer insights to capture new market. Coming up with new
promoting ideas and increasing sales 25% in the next two years. (Maliban Biscuit,2021)
Scope of the Project: Increasing Maliban Biscuits Company's Product Exports through
Multinational Promotion of New Ideas and Overseas People's Expectations/Satisfaction on
Single Biscuits. (Maliban Biscuit,2021)
The survey polled 18 Maliban organization employees to understand the project's
objectives;
 The evolves that occurred in the workplace as a result of covid-19
 Problems encountered while adjusting to the new normal
 Adaptive actions taken in response to workplace transformation
 The effects of workplace transformation on workers
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Time frame
The project is planned for 5-6 weeks
Start Date – 3th August
3th August – 6th August Gather information about the organization
7th August Prepare the questionnaire
13th August – 23rd August Data Collection
24th August– 30th August Data Analysis
31th August – 1rd August Reflection Report
2th August- 3st September Performance evaluation
5th September Submission
Final Date – 5th September
Project quality
A project's quality is the standard that it must meet in order to remain effective (Global
Knowledge,2020).
Three major processes can be used to manage project quality:
 Identifying the project's quality standards and requirements
 Auditing performance requirements and quality control results to ensure that
appropriate quality standards are followed
 Monitoring the outcomes of quality activities in order to measure performance,
identify the issues, and make necessary changes.(Bonnal.P, 2012, vol.30, no.3, pp.
248-250)
The following are the steps taken to ensure the quality of this project:
 Development of a Project Management Plan
 Determining the project's objectives
 Gathering information from reliable sources
 Providing project citations and references.( Bonnal.P, 2012, vol.30, no.3, pp. 248-
250)
Work Breakdown Structure
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A work breakdown structure is a method for breaking down a project into a hierarchy of tasks
and subtasks that will get the researcher to the finish line (Harned, 2019).
Research Methodology
Research Model
A research model is a series of diagrams that portray the research process and the aim
relation to the research questions.
The following are the project research questions:
 What changes have occurred in the workplace as a result of Covid-19?
 What impact did the workplace transformation have on employees?
 What challenges does the company face as it transitions to a digital platform?
Research Approach
A research approach is a step-by-step procedure that involves detailed data collection
methods, analyzation, and interpretation. The research strategies are chosen based on the
method of the research problem at hand (BRM, 2020).
Inductive Research Method - In this method, the researchers examine a problem or a
situation and collects data and develop and test theories (IET, 2021).
Deductive Research Approach - This method is used to test a hypothesis. Data is collected
in order to observe and test an existing hypothesis. (BRM, 2021)
The researcher collects data to understand the changes that have occurred in the company
Maliban and develop a hypothesis, so this project is based on an inductive research
approach.
Research Type
The type of research is determined by the study's purpose. Research methods can be
classified into two types.
Basic research is conducted to determine the function of a new problem or situation. The
primary goal of this type of research is to learn more about a situation.(Mir.F.A,2014, vol.32,
no.2, pp. 202-217)
Applied research is conducted to find a solution to a specific problem.(Mir.F.A,2014, vol.32,
no.2, pp. 202-217)
The research type use in this project is Basic research type since the aim of this project is to
understand the workplace changes occurred in Maliban plc due to covid-19.
Study Population and Sample
A research population is a large group of people who are the primary focus of the study
(Scribbr, 2019).
A sample is a subsection of the whole. A sample chosen because the researcher was
unable to simulate the entire population. The sample must contain members of the study
population to which it was drawn (Scribbr, 2019).
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This project's study population includes all Maliban companies worldwide, with Maliban PLC
in Sri Lanka serving as the sample population.
Non probability sampling is used in this project to gather data about Maliban since the
population is very large.
Research Design
A research design is a technique for analysing research questions based on data collected.
A research design aids in ensuring that the methods used are appropriate for the research
objectives and that the researcher conducts appropriate analysis (scribbr,2021). This is
accomplished through the use of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Qualitative research is a systematic method for understanding a social or cultural
phenomenon that focuses on non-measurable aspects such as individual behavior.
(scribbr,2021)
Quantitative Research - The goal of this research is to collect and process numerical data in
order to obtain quantifiable information (Benny, 2016).
Mixed Methods Research combines qualitative and quantitative research elements to
answer research questions. Because it considers both qualitative and quantitative aspects,
mixed methods can provide a more complete picture (George, 2021).
To understand the objectives, both qualitative and quantitative data should be analysed,
according to the project. As a result, mixed method research is used in this project.
Data Collection methods
Data collection is a methodical procedure of getting raw materials using various techniques
to suit the purpose of the research (Bhandari, 2021). Among the numerous data collection
techniques, a few are listed below;
Interviews
An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two individuals the interviewer and the
interviewee, to gather relevant information for a research project. There are three types of
interviews: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured. The type of interview is determined
by the purpose of the study.(Rob Jones,2017,pg 275-282)
Using interviews Through information can be gathered and the situation can be controlled
based on the purpose, but this takes more time, is more expensive, and the interviewer may
be biased. (Rob Jones,2017,pg 275-282)
Questionnaires
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This is a method of collecting data through a document or a form that consists of a series of
questions designed to elicit a response from the individuals to whom it is administered.
Questionnaires are used to collect information from a specific group of people (Formplus,
2021). This technique has numerous advantages. Respondents have enough time to
respond, they are not influenced by the researcher, and this method is inexpensive and can
reach a large number of people. The process of receiving responses may be slow; questions
cannot be changed once they have been sent; and answers may be inaccurate. These are
some of the disadvantages of questionnaires. (Rob Jones,2017,pg 275-282)
Observations
Observation is used to collect data and information about a phenomenon. This could be
done as a comprehensive observer, an observer as a participant, a participant as an
observer, or a participant as a participant. This method is ideal for developing a hypothesis
(Formplus, 2021).
The data gathered through observations is objective and unaffected by previous or future
events. The disadvantages of this method are that the amount of data that can be obtained
is limited, and the overall process is time consuming and costly. (Rob Jones,2017,pg 275-
282)
Questionnaires are being used as the data collection method for this research to collect
data directly from Maliban employees in order to gain more insights into the workplace
transformation caused by Covid-19.
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Data Analysis and Data Analysis Tools
Data analysis is the process of gathering, coordinating, and analysing data in order to extract
insights that can be used to make decisions (Calzon, 2021). The data analysis process aids
in the reduction of large amounts of data into smaller, meaningful fragments, allowing the
researcher to understand the situation and make appropriate decisions.
For data analysis, various data analytical tools are available. Two tools which the researcher
can use while conducting the research are listed below;
Visual representation
This is the graphical representation of information and data. Visual elements such as charts,
tables and charts, and maps are used to provide a quick and easy way to see and
understand patterns in data.(Tableau Software LLC,2021).
Figure 4- charts and graphs
Descriptive Analysis
Performing descriptive analysis will assist in organizing and summarizing data in preparation
for further analysis (Calzon, 2021). This method employs the following formulas:
 Mode - The value which appears the most frequently in a set of data.
 Range - The difference between the highest and lowest possible value.
 Mean - The average of a collection of data.
 Median - The middle value of a data set that has been ordered. (Calzon, 2021)
Both visual representation and descriptive analysis are used to analyse the data
collected from Maliban for this project. Descriptive analysis is used to summarize and
organize this research's data, and visual representative methods such as bar charts, pie
charts, and line charts are used to graphically depict the collected data. The researcher
would gain more insight and accurately depict the hypothesis using these methods.
Ethical consideration in Research
Research ethics are moral principles that guide researchers in conducting honest research.
Following ethical guidelines will improve the study's validity (Lee, 2020).
 Carefulness: Avoid careless mistakes and recklessness of data of Maliban. Analyse
your own and your peers' work with care and critical thinking. Keep detailed records
of your research activities.
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 Objectivity - The research questions and conclusions must be free of bias.
 Confidentiality - Participants' and data's privacy and anonymity must be protected.
(Lee, 2020).
The above- mentioned ethics will be followed through this whole research in order to obtain
proper and impartial accurate data and provide an ethical research as a result.
Maliban PLC was chosen as the research company, and the research primarily focuses on
the company's changes, difficulties, and the impact on employees. To comprehend the
scenario, both primary and secondary data are analysed.
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