To Determine the impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity

This research project aims to determine the impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity, with a case study on Marks and Spencer. It explores the different types of workplace discrimination, investigates their impact on equality and diversity, and recommends strategies to minimize discrimination.

Research Project
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Contents
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LITERARCTURE REVIEW...........................................................................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................6
DATA INTERPRETATION...........................................................................................................9
RESULT AND OUTCOME..........................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................17
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................18
RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................20
Appendix........................................................................................................................................21
Ghantt chart...............................................................................................................................22
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Title: To Determine the impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity. A case
study on Marks and Spencer.
TASK 2
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity can be referred as “promoting” the equality of opportunity through
diversity which provide an equal right to individual for achieving potential goals and objectives.
The equality must ensure that individuals and group of peoples are not treated differently, on the
basis of their characteristics such as disability, race, religion, age, belief and gender. The
workplace equality is promoting the organization for eliminating discrimination in different
aforementioned areas (Daniels and Thornton, 2019). The purpose of project is to recognise, value
people and respect the individuals, realise their full potential by promoting an inclusive culture
for employees. In context of Marks and Spencer, it should be adopted the diversity at their
workplace to become important for improving workplace discrimination. Since, it still managing
overall workplace discrimination that remain challenges within organization. In this report, it
will examine the different ways to deals with workplace discrimination and also implement the
important guidelines that support for equality as well as diversity. In order to represent that how
to build an effective workplace culture or environment by evaluating various strategies.
Aim:
To Determine the impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity. A case study on
Marks and Spencer.
Objective:
 To identify the types of workplace discrimination.
 To investigate impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity.
 To recommend strategies to minimize workplace discrimination.
Research Questions:
 What are the different types of workplace discrimination?
 What are impacts of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity?
 What are different strategies to minimize workplace discrimination?
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LITERARCTURE REVIEW
Theme:1 Determine the different types of workplace discrimination.
According to Leslie and et.al. (2019) The workplace discrimination is based on the
prejudicial treatment which may affecting on the individuals in terms of promotions, training,
salary, terminating and benefits. These types of situation occur on the basis of religion, age,
gender and race. The discrimination legislation has protected the current employees those who
feel they have discriminated against in workplace. The age-based discrimination makes so much
violence among employee when people is unfairly treated because of their age. Many
organizations are followed the Age discrimination employ act, which may prohibit against the
staff members who are belonging the age of 40. In most of cases, under age of 40 are not
protected in properly. At workplace, Harassing the employee because of their age prohibited by
rules and regulations.
As per Brown and et.al. (2019) said that there are several kinds of discrimination occurs
based on the racial in which considered as most common that and people are familiar. It mainly
involves the treating staff member unfavourable due to race. It should be identified the certain
characteristics that associated with race. On the other hand, it also formed the discrimination
where illegal way to treat employee, applicant because of their country origin, ethnicity,
appearances and accent. The legislation forbid discrimination in various perspectives of
employment. Rumrill and et.al (2019) argue that women and men in the workplace shall be
given the equal pay scale, treatment because both are performing the substantial equal jobs that
should receive same payment. In this way, it covered under rules and regulation which may
include profit, salary, life insurance and many more.
Theme:2 Investigate impact of workplace discrimination on equality and diversity.
As per Daniels and Thornton (2019) opinion, The workplace discrimination impact on
the equality and diversity within organization. There are various types of issues that can be
determined, undoubtedly it may affect on the overall performance of organization. The major
challenge is communication which will develop unhealthy work environment and directly affects
on performance of employee. Many employers must be ensured that communication barriers
occur due to discrimination so as require to fixed at once. It once happens when employees are
unable to share their experience with their colleagues or managers within organization. manager
or leader will not give equal treatment for each employee so that it automatically develops
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workplace discrimination. In this way, it affects on the overall business productivity and
profitability in global marketplace. unfortunately, many enterprises establishments show
favouritism among their staff members. some manager favour one group of people. In this way,
it will generate an unhealthy environment in the organization. Without an effective team, it is not
possible for business to maintain their position in global marketplace.
According to Carnes, Fine and Sheridan (2019) A high profile discrimination have
becomes cost large corporation which is unlikely to be forced and pay an amount that extreme
level. In this way, discrimination practices directly affects on the job satisfaction level of staff
members. It should be provided the benefits, promotions, bonus and award on the basis of
employee qualification as well as their performance. If staff members are consistently seeing
promotions that will be given on the basis of age, race and other type of discrimination factors.
Theme:3 Recommend strategies to minimize workplace discrimination.
Li and et.al. (2020) as increasingly the diversity and equality at workplace, the possibility
of discrimination as well as harassment. There are lot of people suffering from discrimination in
global world. it is major issue which is greatly affects on the performance and profitability of
business. To avoid that getting these types of things at their worst situation. In this way, it would
be required for eliminating the negative things out of working system. There are different several
possible ways on how to reduce the discrimination in workplace. It has been implemented the
strategies for protecting the discrimination such as anti-discrimination law. It is one of most
common legislation that help for controlling and managing in the workplace. It should put the
suitable policies which provide equal rights to their employee. As much as possible that each
employee is indicating that must provide the copy of policy and compile the forms in properly.
Holman and et. al. (2019) Said that it will establish the filling complaints process and
applicable within organization to minimize harassment or discrimination at workplace. In this
way, it easily outlines any type of employee complain and take legal action towards illegal
activities. Most of employees are aware about the policies and followed the procedures in step by
step manner. Another way, it can be reduced the unwanted incident in workplace for providing
training or diversity. Training is important process that will help for creating a healthy working
environment and also change the behaviour of employee.
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research is basically type of process that help for investigating to acquire idea, knowledge and
belief on existing understanding. It is considered as an activity that contributes to produce a new
idea. Through research process, it has involved the combination of research, analysis and
synthesis while predicting the entire project on behalf of primary as well as secondary sources
(Ledford and Gast, 2019).
Research Method
It is a type of systematic plan for conducting research project which mainly draw a
different type of methods. The research is covered the process of research as per understanding
on behalf of theory and also underpinning the choice of methods. Research methods are divided
into two type: qualitative and quantitative research method.
The researcher has chosen qualitative research method, which based on the theory and
recognise the previous study for future expansion. Through qualitative, it become easier for
researcher to identify important conceptual terms that useful for gaining more knowledge. The
investigator has considered an appropriate theme that should be included as a relationship to
original findings.
Research Design
It refers as strategy in the research project where providing the answer of particular
questions related case study. It is better way to collect and analyse the data for future expansion.
There are two type of research design such as exploratory and conclusive design (Quinlan and
et.al., 2019).
The Scholar has chosen exploratory research design which is not provide the final
conclusion of project. It may be given the right direction of investigator to gather new evidence
regarding project analyses. The researcher has used the qualitative method so that exploratory is
the suitable design for determining the nature of problem in case study.
Research Philosophy
It is a kind of procedure that mainly deals with nature, behaviour and knowledge of
research project. It should give an idea, assumptions and belief on the data or information that
gathered by qualitative method. The research philosophy has divided into different groups:
Interpretivism, Positivism, pragmatism and realism.
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The researcher has chosen Interpretivism Philosophy in project and integrated with the
human interest on particular case study. This type of philosophy is based on the reality to
empathizes with qualitative analysis. It is useful for researcher that associated with high level of
validity because data or information to be trustworthy.
Research Approach
It is a type of procedure that mainly consists of several assumptions for collecting large
number of data related to research project (Wiek and Lang, 2016). There are different types of
research approach such as Inductive, Deductive and Abductive approach
The scholar has chosen inductive research approach and start with observations as well as
theories which proposed towards findings. It is based on different theories which may involves
the search pattern from knowledge. This type of research approach is helping for investigator to
identify the different patterns and relationship with theory.
Data collection Method
It is basically process of gathering and collecting the data from authenticate source to
identify solution of particular problem in research study. In this way, it easily tests the hypothesis
and always evaluating accurate result or outcome. There are two type of data collection methods
such as primary and secondary.
The researcher has chosen primary data collection method for storing suitable
information related case study. The investigator has selected the data qualitative method so as
apply the primary method through questionnaires. As Qualitative study, it must ensure that
understanding the depth knowledge about the research project.
Sampling
It is a process that mainly used in the statistical analysis, which may pre-determine the
number of observations untaken from larger population (Attia and Edge, 2017). The
methodology is used to sample from large number of population and also depend on the analysis.
Large number of participants are interested towards the technique for analysing. In this way,
researcher has to do study and identifying different elements. Sometimes, it useful for generating
the correct solution. The sample size is 30 (Managers).
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Ethical consideration
In research project. It should be identified the ethical issues in the case study. If it has been
increased ethical issue when participant with dementia where they have no longer able to provide
fully informed consent. In this way, it can be considered the ethical principles that supports for
maintaining an effective coordination between participants during research study.
 It must ensure that research participant should not harm the subjected in any ways.
 It always respects for dignity of participants and give equal treatment at the time of
research analyses.
 It must ensure that protect and secure data in the research project.
 It should be ensured that maintain the confidentiality of research information.
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DATA INTERPRETATION
It is a concept for implementation of procedures through which information can be reviewed
for purpose of analysing. In order to identify the solution of research problem through
questionnaires. It is useful for addressed the positive as well as negative opinion of Managers
within organization.
Theme:1 Workplace discrimination is biggest problem in the organization.
Q1. Do you think that workplace discrimination is biggest problem in the organization?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
14
10
2
1
1
Total 30
Table: 1
Figure 1
Data Interpretation:
In above table, it mainly focused on the workplace discrimination issues so as per
analysis, it has investigated the data or information through managers within Marks and Spencer,
the discrimination can be increased the problem among employee related poor communication
and interaction. Furthermore, it can be identified that many respondents are agreed on the
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statement workplace discrimination. It has summarized that 14 respondents are agreed, 10
respondents agree, 2 strongly disagree, 1 respondent disagree and 1 respondent is neutral.
Mangers are sharing their personal experience so it become useful for collecting or gathering
correct information or data.
Theme:2 Male employee at workplace progress their career quickly than women.
Q2. Do you think that male employee at workplace progress their career quickly than women?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
10
4
10
4
2
Total 30
Table: 2
Figure 2
Data Interpretation:
In above chart, it can be discussed about the comparison between women and men, on the
basis of pay scale. In many places, it has given more priorities to the male candidates for specific
task completion so that they have a high pay income as compare to women. Sometimes, it can be
considered as gender-based discrimination. It can be analysed that 10 respondents are agreed, 4
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respondents agree, 10 strongly disagree and 4 respondents are disagreed, 2 respondents are
neutral. Mangers are shared their opinion and view point about the workplace career
enhancement of male employees. It is useful for collecting or gathering correct information or
data.
Theme:3 inequality exists in terms of pay scale within organization.
Q3 Do you think that inequality exists in terms of pay scale within organization?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
9
4
8
4
5
Total 30
Table: 3
Figure 3
Data Interpretation:
From above discussion, it has been evaluated the concept of inequality in terms of pay
scale which directly affects on the overall business performance of Marks and Spencer. Many
respondents are strongly agreed with the statement. As per analysis, it has found that 9
respondents are agreed, 4 respondents agree, 8 strongly disagree and 4 respondents are disagreed,
5 respondents are neutral. Mangers has shared their opinion and view point about the workplace
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inequalities that already exists within organization. It is useful for collecting or gathering correct
information or data.
Theme:4 Equality act law reduce the discrimination among employees at workplace.
Q4. Do you feel that Equality act law reduce the discrimination among employees at workplace?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
15
6
7
1
1
Total 30
Table: 4
Figure 4
Data Interpretation:
In above chart, it has been summarized the equality law that mainly used within
organization for improving overall business environment. In this way, it can be reduced the
discrimination at workplace. In Marks and Spencer, it can be used the equality law for providing
the equal rights to their employee. As per discussion with managers, it has analyzed that equality
law support for reducing discrimination in the workplace. Furthermore, in above table, it can be
determined that 15 respondents are agreed, 6 respondents agree, 7 strongly disagree and 1
respondent disagree, 1 respondent are neutral.
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Theme:5 gender-based discrimination affects on the business performance.
Q5. Do you think that gender-based discrimination affects on the business performance?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
7
4
7
5
6
Total 30
Table: 5
Figure 5
Data Interpretation:
In above chart, it has been discussed about the gender-based discrimination within
organization that directly affects on the overall profitability and productivity of business. In this
way, it can be reduced the discrimination at workplace. In Marks and Spencer, it has identified
that Gender-based discrimination is the major issue that discouraging employee towards business
goals and objectives. In above analysis, it has examined that maximum respondents agreed on
statement where gender based discrimination has minimized performance of business.
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Furthermore, in above table, it can be determined that 7 respondents are agreed, 4 respondents
agree, 7 strongly disagree and 5 respondents disagree, 6 respondents are neutral.
Theme:6 Effective policies and procedures useful in organizational culture.
Q6. Do you think that effective policies and procedures useful in organizational culture?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
15
5
8
1
1
Total 30
Table:6
Figure 6
Data Interpretation:
From above discussion, it has summarized that effective policies and procedures helpful
in the organization that easily maintained the overall business environment or culture. In this
way, Employees are coordinating with their colleagues to share their own idea related business
growth and development. So as it automatically developing an effective environment that
supports to achieve organizational goals and objectives. In above analysis, Managers can be
shared their personal experience through questionnaires. Furthermore, in above table, it can be
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determined that 15 respondents are agreed, 5 respondents agree, 8 strongly disagree and 1
respondent disagree, 1 respondent are neutral.
Theme:7 leadership style recognises and acknowledge good performance in the equality as well
as diversity.
Q7. Do you feel that leadership style recognises and acknowledge good performance in the
equality as well as diversity?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
10
3
2
7
8
Total 30
Table: 7
Figure 7
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Data Interpretation:
In above chart, it has concluded that leadership style performs significant role within
organization that easily recognize the knowledge and good performance in context of diversity or
equality. in above table, it can be determined that 10 respondents are agreed, 3 respondents
agree, 2 strongly disagree and 7 respondents disagree, 8 respondents are neutral. Leadership style
can be used in Marks and Spencer to improving overall performance of diversity or equality.
As per discussion, Each respondent provide idea about the leadership style which help for
identifying their benefits, advantages in business growth as well as development.
Theme: 8 Training and guidance help to deals with diversity and equality issues.
Q8. Do you think that training and guidance help to deals with diversity and equality issues?
Frequency Respondent
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
 Neutral
20
1
4
1
5
Total 30
Table: 8
Figure 8
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Data Interpretation:
As per discussion, it has summarized that training and guidance is important factors, which
always support for resolving issues related diversity and equality in the organization. The
discussion has made on this, which acquired all information related diversity. Maximum
respondents are agreed on the training where it is beneficial for enhancing business performance
and resolve issues related equality at workplace. Furthermore, it can be determined that 20
respondents are agreed, 1 respondent agree, 4 strongly disagree and 1 respondent disagree, 5
respondents are neutral.
.
RESULT AND OUTCOME
From above data interpretation, the research study has reveals that increased the
workplace discrimination in the Marks and Spencer. In this way, it directly affects on the overall
business efficiency and performance. Diversity and equality have been increased to advantages
for employees and employers in the organization. it composed this study with sample and
consistently identifying the existing theories within previous research. The qualitative research
method has been collected and gathered the information related diversity and equality, which
help for analysing overall policies that has reduced the workplace discrimination on the basis of
gender, race and religions. Many respondents have agreed that workplace discrimination affects
diversity and equality but it can be reduced by using different approaches and strategies.
Furthermore, as per data interpretation, Maximum respondents are sharing their personal
experience where they were totally agreed on that workplace discrimination is biggest problem
in the organization. it has increased so much issues among employees and employers.
CONCLUSION
From above analysis, the research project set out to examine the area of diversity and
equality with particular to workplace discrimination. The primary aim is to address the certain
area which help for developing the conceptualise idea about diversity and equality, how it can be
affected through discrimination. it has demonstrated the workplace discrimination that directly
associated with the diversity and equality in the organization. It can be determined the various
type of issues and problem that directly decease the overall performance of employee due to
workplace discrimination. The organization that manage these types of issues by implementing
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an effective policies and procedures, which may help to build a strong relationship between
employers and employees. Especially, when M&S analysed the suitable need and requirement
for business enhancement. Furthermore, A further study, it has identified the different factors or
types which always increase discrimination, on the basis of gender, race and religions. As a
result, it has carried out the certain trends, policies, procedures and strategies for resolving issues
in workplace diversity.
As per analysis, it has analysed that workplace diversity become important concept which
require for organization to maintain and control. Otherwise, it automatically develops the conflict
among employees. Therefore, Overall performance of organization also affected through
mismanagement at workplace.
REFLECTION
The present study enabled me to gather information and data. for that I selected specific
research methods. It supported me to proceed in systematic way. I realised that the methods I
have chosen for study helped to gain knowledge and information about topic. Also, I was able to
analyse in depth about types of discrimination and how it impacts on equality and diversity.
Besides that, I used exploratory research design which was useful for me to explore area of
subject. Here, I find out more about types of discrimination practices. Also, I gained info in
many other areas as well related to topic. moreover, I used inductive approach to observe impact
of discrimination on diversity. It was easy for me to answer research question. In addition to it,
qualitative research type was used by me so that I analyse things in more depth. I gathered data
and knowledge from previous articles. I got to know the views and opinions of other authors.
However, for sampling I used random method so that it is easy for me to select sample in
less time and do study on them. I find it easy to gather data through questionnaire.
Alongside, I used thematic data analysis and interpreted table and charts in effective way. the
method was helpful in evaluating data and generating precise and relevant outcomes. so, I was
able to do research with various methods and obtaining more precise and accurate results. I will
also get knowledge about use of different methods in research and how it brings changes in
outcomes. hence, I will be able to do study by changing methods and on various topics or
subjects.
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RECOMMENDATION
There are certain recommendations that can be followed in future related to use of research
methods. They are mentioned below: -
 Here, interpretivism philosophy can be used in future which will help in gathering data in
depth and through observation. It will be easy to evaluate which type of discrimination is
been done and how it is impacting on diversity.
 Moreover, deductive approach should be used in doing this type of study. it will be easy
to relate data and info with theories and concepts of discrimination. Through that,
conclusion can be reached out.
 Furthermore, secondary data collection method should be used which will help in
gathering previous data in depth. Also, with help of that knowledge can be gained and by
selecting one particular area study can be conducted. Thus, it will focus on one particular
concept.
 In selecting sample, cluster sampling can be used. It will be easy in developing clusters
and then selecting random samples from it. Also, particular area can be specified in it.
This would help in including employees who are discriminated and those who are not.
 SPSS should be used so that statistical data is obtained. This will be easy to do various
test such as regression, correlation, etc. then, significant value is identified of dependent
and independent variables.
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REFERENCES
Book and Journals
Attia, M. and Edge, J., 2017. Be (com)ing a reflexive researcher: a developmental approach to
research methodology. Open Review of Educational Research. 4(1). pp.33-45.
Brown, J. and et.al., 2019. Workplace harassment and discrimination in gynecology: results of
the AAGL Member Survey. Journal of minimally invasive gynecology, 26(5), pp.838-
846.
Carnes, M., Fine, E. and Sheridan, J., 2019. Promises and pitfalls of diversity statements:
proceed with caution. Academic Medicine. 94(1). pp.20-24.
Daniels, S. and Thornton, L.M., 2019. Race and workplace discrimination. Equality, Diversity
and Inclusion: An International Journal.
Holman, E.G and et.al., 2019. Reconsidering the LGBT climate inventory: Understanding
support and hostility for LGBTQ employees in the workplace. Journal of Career
Assessment. 27(3). pp.544-559.
Ledford, J.R. and Gast, D.L., 2018. Single case research methodology: Applications in special
education and behavioral sciences. Routledge.
Leslie, M. and et.al., 2019. Workplace Discrimination Involving Charging Parties With
Substance Use Disorders Under Title I of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Journal of
Applied Rehabilitation Counseling. 50(1). pp.7-23.
Li, W. and et.al., 2020. Impact of Workforce Diversity Management on Employees’ Outcomes:
Testing the Mediating Role of a person’s Job Match. SAGE Open. 10(1).
p.2158244020903402.
Quinlan, C. and et.al., 2019. Business research methods. South Western Cengage.
Rumrill Jr and et.al., 2019. Workplace discrimination allegations and outcomes involving
charging parties with multiple sclerosis and other disabilities under Title i of the
Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act: A causal comparative
analysis. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. 51(1). pp.41-53.
Wiek, A. and Lang, D.J., 2016. Transformational sustainability research methodology.
In Sustainability science (pp. 31-41). Springer, Dordrecht.
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Appendix
Questionnaires
Q1. Do you think that workplace discrimination is biggest problem in the organization?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q2. Do you think that male employee at workplace progress their career quickly than women?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q3 Do you think that inequality exists in terms of pay scale within organization?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q4. Do you feel that Equality act law reduce the discrimination among employees at workplace?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q5. Do you think that gender-based discrimination affects on the business performance?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q6. Do you think that effective policies and procedures useful in organizational culture?
 Strongly Agree
21

 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q7. Do you feel that leadership style recognises and acknowledge good performance in the
equality as well as diversity?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Q8. Do you think that training and guidance help to deals with diversity and equality issues?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly disagree
 Disagree
Ghantt chart
Task Name Duration Start Finish
Identify research topic 3 days Tue 2/18/20 Thu 2/20/20
Review of Literature 7 days Fri 2/21/20 Mon 3/2/20
Drafting Methodologies 5 days Tue 3/3/20 Mon 3/9/20
Complete Proposal 3 days Tue 3/10/20 Thu 3/12/20
Designing questionnaire 6 days Fri 3/13/20 Fri 3/20/20
Collection of data 10 days Mon 3/23/20 Fri 4/3/20
Analyzing data and
interpretation 10 days Mon 4/6/20 Fri 4/17/20
Discussion and
Conclusion 8 days Mon 4/20/20 Wed 4/29/20
Submission 4 days Thu 4/30/20 Tue 5/5/20
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