Effective Project Management and CSR Activities

The assignment focuses on the implementation of a research project that aims to gather accurate data and information about project management and CSR activities. Despite facing various barriers such as stakeholders' expectations, limited budget and time, and external factors like suppliers and customers, the researcher was able to overcome them by making effective strategies and gathering relevant content. The project's success depends on timely completion of tasks, accurate data collection, and consideration of legal authorities' consent for CSR activities.

Managing Successful Business

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Objectives and aims of project...............................................................................................1
P2 Plan for project management.................................................................................................2
P3 Gantt chart and work breakdown structure............................................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4 Small scale research by quantitative and qualitative methods...............................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P5 Research analysis by using techniques and tools...................................................................7
P6 Recommendations for data analysis and research ..............................................................12
P7 Own performance and learning on value of research..........................................................13
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................13
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................14
.......................................................................................................................................................14
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................15

INTRODUCTION
Administration is one of the key part of any business as it is very important for the
management of business operations so as to achieve goals and objectives. Management of
business also helps to maintain effective organisational culture which will assist in making good
image and reputation (Keller, Parameswaran and Jacob, 2011). The present report is based on the
topic of managing successful business in an organisation and will be based on the case study of
TESCO in regards with CSR activities. Company needs to carry out project of corporate social
responsibilities in order to maintain effective relationship with customers as well as employees.
Such activities will assist in maintaining ethical environment so that company can work
effectively. This project will determine the execution of CSR activities in a company which will
be supportive in meeting objectives and targets of a company. The aim of the study is to develop
understanding and knowledge so that a company can manage business effectively.
TASK 1
P1 Objectives and aims of project
Project is generally termed as contribution which is individual or in collaboration of an
organisation which makes involvement of research as well as design that is planned in advance
by the team of project in order to make achievement of goals. The mentioned company i.e.
TESCO is carrying out a project on a basis of CSR activities. These kind of activities can be
defined as the promise which is made by business so as to behave properly and make
contribution for the economic development by improving quality of workforce (Sosna and et. al.,
2010). There are various project aims and objectives which is made by company for the effective
implementation of a project.
Project Aim:
 The first and the main aim of TESCO is to fulfil the needs of customers and meet various
standards which are made by various regulations. They also wish to maintain ethical
activities level so that customers will not get harmed as they will take effect of social and
economic environment into consideration.
 The company also wants to make sure that the products which they are offering are
meeting consumer's standards.
 They wants to practice transparency as well as aims to respect consumer's right.
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 The another aim is to assimilate healthier and fresh grocery in their stores which will help
in attracting target customers.
Project Objectives:
 The major objective of TESCO in regards with CSR activities is to make improvement in
the product's nutritional profile with the support of fresh and healthy products.
 Their objective is to take responsibility of environment for which they are taking steps for
decreasing negative effects (Okpara and Idowu, 2013).
 Company wants to add label of nutrition on their products so that it will be supportive for
the customers in choosing products. They wants to work and make operations in society
and local communities which will assist in maintaining efficient and effective relations
with the representatives of community by conducting various activities which will help in
the achievement of vision and mission.
 The employees are termed as main asset of a company. Company takes effort regrading
their development and safety. Their objective is to maximize safety and health at work by
minimizing human errors, having check on natural hazards, improvements in technology
and quality of training.
P2 Plan for project management
In order to implement a effective project, proper plan is needed which will assist in
achievements of project objectives and aims. For the proper management of a project several
things are required which can be defined as time, scope, cost, quality etc. These things must be
considered so that the guidelines which are for a project must get achieved. TESCO has prepared
a plan for project in order to get aware about the different factors like time, scope, risk which are
in association with the project of CSR activities (Mathur, Mathur and Kenyon, 2012). Cost: To give good services regarding grocery, TESCO does market research regarding
different informations like types of customers, needs and competitive enterprises which is
required for the development and improvement of services. In such process, 2 members
and 2 weeks will be required so as to make proper market research. Expected cost in
regards with it may be £2000. There will also be a requirement of IT person for
maintaining and creating website which will support in promoting services and products
and it will incur cost of £4000. Production of bags and boxes will require cost of £1500.
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 Quality: Advanced technology as well as methods are used by manufacturing unit in
order to control raw material and product's quality. So as to offer high quality of grocery,
main focus is on hygiene, storage and packaging. While making planning of a project, it
is very necessary consider good quality of services and products which are given to
customers. Scope: The food industry is making rapid growth and consumers are very conscious
regarding their food and health. Goal of a company is to work so as to make new
offerings such as high quality products and grocery which will be fresh. They tends to
offer health and wellness at community as well as individual level. Company's website
provide important information which is related with services and products and also give
advice regarding health (Keller, Parameswaran and Jacob, 2011). Risk: Various risks are also there which are related with the project carried out by
company. Risks can be like fluctuation of prices, unavailability of raw materials and
problem of prices regarding supply of products. These kind of risks can be decreased by
fixing price in advance at the time of contract.
 Time: It is the total span which is taken by a company in implementing projects. CSR
activities in a company will be implemented for one year, but if it will give positive
results than there can be an extension of project for long time.
P3 Gantt chart and work breakdown structure
Project can be managed properly if it will get divided in several different stages and small
tasks that will be helpful in making a project manageable and easy. These things can be done
with the assistance of work breakdown structure. It will help in making project managed in an
appropriate manner and eventually will help in planning of a project. Work breakdown structure
will assist in dividing work in different sections so that people can easily know about their
responsibilities and duties (Kaplan, Norton and Rugelsjoen, 2010). This type of structure will be
supportive when in a company, difficult and complex project is carried out than in such type of
situations work breakdown structure will help in project easy. TESCO use work breakdown
structure so as to make designing of project which is carried out on the basis of CSR activities.
The work is categorised into various segments segments in order to carry several activities
effectively. TESCO divided the work into four different parts which is required for making
survey and investigation of product and it will also assist in analysing product suitability. In the
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part of designing, project layout will be made with the help of which goals and objectives can be
achieved. In the next step which is of construction, material which will be needed for project will
be purchased and system will get build in which dimensions will be marked out and installation
will be done. In the testing part, product functionality will get tested.
Gantt chart is being used for the analysis of the time management which is taken by
project in order to get completed. It describes the ending and starting dates related with the
completion of the project which will assist in management of the project. The horizontal
alignment in the Gantt chart make representation of amount of work done and remaining which
needs to be done (Jeston and Nelis, 2014). With the support of the this chart, every task is visible
in different way through which planned and real time is being described by the given time
frames. TESCO make use of this chart in order to complete project of CSR activities as it helps
in defining completion time.
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TASK 2
P4 Small scale research by quantitative and qualitative methods
Small scale research is being done which supports in encouraging growth and
development of different skills and also assist in having understanding regarding various tools
and techniques which will be supportive for the analysis and investigation of the particular topic.
It works in systematic manner with the help of methods that are used for the purpose of inquiry
and also explains strengths as well as weakness of different approaches. The research done in
this report is in regards with CSR activities (Gremyr, Löfberg and Witell, 2010). Qualitative
research method is defined as the type of method which assist in finding project's quality for
which a company is making operations. By utilizing such methods, TESCO will make
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verifications whether such the CSR project will be useful or not. Project quality will also be
determined with these methods. On the other hand, quantitative methods explore different
questions by defining specified and clear objectives.
Research methodology is one of the important tool which is used for the doing research.
It makes involvement of several steps which involves data analysis, research philosophy etc.
Research Philosophy
In research philosophy, beliefs of scholars are being included which assist in collecting,
analysing and examining data. The major philosophy of research is being described as positivism
which assist in making evaluation of research objectives. Experimental observations are being
applied in positivism research (Goksoy, Ozsoy and Vayvay, 2012).
Research techniques
In regards with any kind of proposal, different types of approaches are there which are
being used by the researchers so as to collect and gather data. In regards with this, there are two
main techniques which are supportive in collecting data and interpreting it in appropriate
manner. Such types of methods are quantitative and qualitative. In this research qualitative data
is being used.
Sampling method
Another method which is used for the collection of data is called random method of
sampling. As per this methodology, a sample is being prepared by taking whole population into
consideration. For such kind of research, sample of 15 employees are being taken which are
different from each other and also have distinct interests.
Data analysis
In this section, different type of information is being analysed which is taken into
consideration through several number of respondents. Data analysis is very necessary as it helps
in developing appropriate outcome (Giesen and et.al., 2010).
Ethical consideration
It makes inclusion of norms and values which must be followed so as to make any kind
of research proposal. This leads in making a successful project because with the support of it
project can get completed in appropriate manner.
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TASK 3
P5 Research analysis by using techniques and tools
Research can be termed as the process which is used for doing systematic investigation
through which knowledgable information can be generated regarding a specific situation. The
gathered knowledge reflects several objectives of the research (Edmonds, 2011). First step which
is used in research planning is defining goals and objectives. It is carried out for analysing the
gap in knowledge in order to make implementation of programmes. For making proper analysis,
a questionnaire is being developed which is defined as a set of written or printed questions
having choice for answers and is being prepared for the purpose of statistical study or survey.
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Designation:
1. Is there is any interrelationship among CSR activities and competitive benefits ?
 Yes
 No
2. Do you agree that implementation of CSR activities is the main responsibility of an
organisation ?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
3. Which problems are faced by organisations ?
 Safety of employees and customers
 Exploitation of rights of women
 Social and health issues
 Exploitation by other organisation
4. What type of measure company adopt in reducing negative effect of environment ?
 Energy saving
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 Recycling of waste
 Sustainable packaging
 Management of system of environment
5. Company's CSR information is derived from ?
 Website
 Radio and TV
 Product packaging and labelling
 Other sources
6. TESCO' s main focus is on which type of CSR activities ?
 Health related measures
 Ethical considerations
 Safety of environment
Quantitative methods is being used for the research with the help of which several
differences can be described easily and effective interpretation is done by collecting information
from employees.
Theme 1: Relationship between CSR activities and competitive benefits
8
Yes No
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Column B

Interpretation: From the first question which is related with relationship of CSR and
competitive benefits, 10 out of 15 employees answered 'Agree'.
Theme 2: Implementation of CSR activities is major responsibility
Interpretation: From the second question it has been analysed that 6 out of 15 employees
answered in favour of 'Strongly agree' and another 6 said 'Agree'.
Theme 3: Problems faced by company
9
Strongly agree Agree Neutral Strongly disagree Disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Column B
Column C
Safety of employees and customers
Exploitation of rights of women
Social and health issues
Exploitation by other organisation
0
2
4
6
Column B
Column C

Interpretation: From the next question which is in relation with problems which are
faced by company, it has been interpreted that 6 out of 15 employees answered for health and
social issues and another 5 answered for safety of customers and employees option.
Theme 4: Measures adopted for reducing negative environmental effects
Interpretation: From the fourth question, it has been interpreted that 5 out of 15
employees company adopt management of environment system option in order to minimize
negative effect on environment. 4 employees answered for energy saving.
Theme 5: Gathering of company's CSR information
10
Energy saving
Recycling of waste
Sustainable packaging
Management of system of environment
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Column B

Interpretation: From this question, it has been interpreted that 6 out of 15 employees
answered that they gather information from website and 4 answered that labelling and packaging
of product is the main source for gathering information.
Theme 6: Main focus of company
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Website
Radio and TV
Product packaging and labeling
Other sources
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Column B
Column C
Health related measures Ethical considerations Safety of environment
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Column B
Column C

Interpretation: From sixth question, it has been analysed that 8 out of 15 employees said
that company's main focus regarding CSR activities is on safety of environment. 4 employees
answered that company focus on health related measures.
P6 Recommendations for data analysis and research
In order to implement the activities of corporate social responsibilities in business
environment will include role of social and ethical environment on major basis. With the help of
CSR activities, companies are responsible for environment, society, customers, local
communities and stakeholders (Eckerson, 2010). It is many a time there in relationship with
corporate citizenship which describes that company must have strong relationship with
customers and local communities that receive positive as well as negative effect from the
presence. Such type of project is considered by various organisations and then with the support
of it they move on ethical part in regards with business success. In this purpose, distinct
recommendations are being made which can be described as follows:
 Focus of company should be on environmental activities which will support in production
process. Companies who practice CSR activities must expend for the conservation of
environment and natural resources. It has been determined that, organisation focus on
sustainable packaging and waste recycling.
 Local communities and societies are the main factors who are affected by activities of
organisation. For the customer's benefit, focus of company should be on healthy and fresh
products which are offered by them to their customers.
 TESCO should also involve employees in the process of decision making. It is
recommended to that hiring and remuneration of effective workforce should be there so
that company will not have any problem in taking mutual decisions (Du, Bhattacharya
and Sen, 2010).
 Customers are considered as the main part of any organisation as they make contribution
in the process of revenue and profit generation. Customers purchase products and
services of company and contribute in maximizing wealth. It is recommended that good
quality of services and products must be provided and company should also practice fair
trade.
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P7 Own performance and learning on value of research
Research is being carried out which helps in analysing several things in regards with
particular project, it is termed as a systematic investigation process of specific thing which
makes involvement of study of resources and material used for the process of making conclusion
and facts. This research helps me to understand different things which increases my knowledge. I
also understand different figures and facts analysis which is an important element of report. I get
aware in regards with different approaches like applied and basic. In order to carry out a project,
various methods must be understood (Crawford and Nahmias, 2010).
Corporate social responsibility is termed as standard practice which is carried out by
business. With the support of such kind of proposal, I gain knowledge regarding CSR which is
the important thing in an organisation. By implementing CSR activities, organisation can achieve
reputation and growth which will assist them in standing strong. I have also learned that how
companies can gain competitive advantage with the support of such activities. I have understood
that it is very necessary to generate several guidelines, policies and rules for company's
stakeholders with the help of which they will be able to manage work in society's favour. Main
responsibility of an organisation is to give high quality of products and services to its customer
and to maintain safety of environment.
Researcher also face various limitations at the time of preparing Gantt chart, because it is
very difficult to gather data for different tasks in relation with project, but on the other side it
helps in differentiating tasks as per the time frames (Crane and Matten, 2016).
CONCLUSION
As per the mentioned report, it is analysed that in TESCO, proper management of
business is necessary in order to be successful so that company can achieve growth and
development. It can also be concluded that implementation regarding CSR activities in company
will support in maintaining good relationship with society, local communities, environment,
customers and employees and will also help in making good reputation. Company must also
focus on providing fresh and healthy food items so that health of customers must not get affected
and there will be decrease in target customers of an organisation.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Crane, A and Matten, D., 2016. Business ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and
sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Crawford, L and Nahmias, A.H., 2010. Competencies for managing change. International
journal of project management, 28.(4). pp.405-412.
Du, S., Bhattacharya, C.B. and Sen, S., 2010. Maximizing business returns to corporate social
responsibility (CSR): The role of CSR communication. International Journal of
Management Reviews. 12(1). pp.8-19.
Eckerson, W.W., 2010. Performance dashboards: measuring, monitoring, and managing your
business. John Wiley & Sons.
Edmonds, J., 2011. Managing successful change. Industrial and commercial training. 43(6).
pp.349-353.
Giesen, E. and et.al., 2010. When and how to innovate your business model. Strategy &
Leadership. 38(4). pp.17-26.
Goksoy, A., Ozsoy, B and Vayvay, O., 2012. Business process reengineering: strategic tool for
managing organizational change an application in a multinational company.
International Journal of Business and Management. 7(2). p.89.
Gremyr, I., Löfberg, N and Witell, L., 2010. Service innovations in manufacturing firms.
Managing Service Quality: An International Journal. 20(2). pp.161-175.
Jeston, J and Nelis, J., 2014. Business process management. Routledge.
Kaplan, R.S., Norton, D.P and Rugelsjoen, B., 2010. Managing alliances with the balanced
scorecard. Harvard Business Review. 88(1). pp.114-120.
Keller, K.L., Parameswaran, M.G and Jacob, I., 2011. Strategic brand management: Building,
measuring, and managing brand equity. Pearson Education India.
Mathur, S.S., Mathur, S. and Kenyon, A., 2012. Creating value: successful business strategies.
Routledge.
Okpara, J.O. and Idowu, S.O., 2013. Corporate Social Responsibility. Springer Berlin
Heidelberg.
Sosna, M., and et. al., 2010. Business model innovation through trial-and-error learning: The
Naturhouse case. Long range planning. 43(2). pp.383-407.
Online
What is corporate social responsibility? 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.ed.ac.uk/careers/your-future/options/occupations/csr/what-is-csr>.
[Accessed on 5th July 2017].
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APPENDIX
Project log book:
Name of the learner:
Project Title:
Name of the Supervisor:
Date:
Weekly research update/tasks achieved
(Minimum six weeks)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines
Comments
Target and aims of a specific project planned
in a first week for management of an
assignment in effective manner.
Research program may be conducted by an
organisation so as to present Gantt chart for
management of activities by giving specific
time to each task completed in 2 weeks.
Yes, given task needs are fulfilled.
In 3rd week, questionnaire was designed to
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set?
 Did you need to make any changes to
your project management plan?
gather accurate data and information about
project management plan.
Evaluation of gathered data was done in 4th
week.
I try to collect appropriate content without
which it will be difficult for me to finish given
tasks.
Any issues or risks 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?
While achieving objectives and aims of
project, organisation face macro and micro
environmental challenges and risks.
Task of CSR activity cannot be implemented
easily as it needs legal authority's consent.
Various laws have been enacted by governing
bodies that should be considered while
completing project as it have impact on
assignment.
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
There were many obstacles during the
implementation of CSR like external and
internal factors are the main barriers. These
factors include stakeholders, customers,
political factors, suppliers etc. Limited budget
and time shortage is also a problem.
It was removed by gathering accurate data and
information and also by making effective
strategy.
Changes and new ideas of project direction Survey programmes helps in developing
changes and new ideas which are beneficial for
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project as it shows appropriate path.
Own learning
 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?
I was curious and excited to learn various new
things from obstacles and problems as it
supports in polishing my skills.
It is supportive in filling tasks requirements as
it is helpful in increasing knowledge.
I should improve time in completing task and
should finish it in minimum time.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priorities?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
Data and information assessment is main
priority because project is dependent on
appropriate and accurate content.
Yes, I have set time duration.
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