Talent Management Strategies for SMEs: A Case Study on Walker Logistics

This report analyzes talent management strategies adopted by SMEs for retaining and attracting employees. It includes a case study on Walker Logistics and discusses the challenges faced in implementing these strategies. The report covers the concept of talent management, various strategies for talent management, and the benefits of effective talent management. It also includes findings from primary research conducted through a questionnaire. The report is relevant for courses related to human resource management, talent management, and business management.

Managing a successful
business project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Research aim: ..................................................................................................................................3
Research objectives:.........................................................................................................................3
Research question: .................................................................................................................3
Task 1 Part A. Project Planning.......................................................................................................4
Gantt chart:.......................................................................................................................................5
..........................................................................................................................................................7
..........................................................................................................................................................7
Literature review..............................................................................................................................7
Applying primary & secondary methods for meeting project aims & objectives..................9
Part B – Conducting research........................................................................................................10
Task 2 – Present findings...............................................................................................................16
Task 3 – Reflective practice...........................................................................................................16
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
Talent-management is continuous process that is related with attraction of employees in
order to enhance the skills and further encouraging individual employee performance. This
strategy is used by organisation to retain competent employees to manage the overall
profitability of the organisation. The main objective of talent management is to retain employees
that can contribute towards attainment of organisation mission and vision objectives. Walker
logistics is a family owned European and UK based outsourced logistics provider (Jooss,
Burbach and Ruël, 2019). They are offering tailored services across multitude of markets that
includes fulfilment, warehousing re work, distribution adding up to a complete supply chain
solution. Present report is based on analysing the way talent-management strategies that can help
organisations in the process of managing talent and dealing with challenges in the course of
organisation functioning.
Research aim:
“To analyse the talent management strategies adopted by SME organisations for the purpose of
retaining and attracting employees”. A study on walker Logistics
Research objectives:
 To develop understanding of the concept of talent-management
 To analyse various talent-management strategies that are to be used by Walker logistic to
retain and attract employees
 To understand various challenges that are to be faced by walker logistics in the process of
implementation
Research question:
 What is the basic concept of concept of talent-management? What are some of the various talent-management strategies that are to be used by Walker
logistic to retain and attract employees?
 Identify some of the issues that arise in the process of implementation of talent-
management strategies in Walker Logistics?
Task 1 Part A. Project Planning
Project planning is defined as the document that includes vital information that is related
with the way activities are to be performed, resources required, manpower that is needed in order

to conduct a project. It is useful for researcher to identify various factors that are required to
execute a project. For this purpose project management plan include various factors that quality,
cost scope, time, as mentioned below:
Scope: Implementation of suitable talent management strategies are very important for
organisation to retain talented employees for long term (Collings, Mellahi and Cascio 2019). It
helps in the process of enhancing performance and overall profitability. The scope of present
research report is wide and it will help organisation in attainment of higher success and growth.
Cost: it is important to assist research to implement various research activities without
discrepancies or issues. It is important for researcher to set up budget so that overall cost can be
allocated to all activities. The managers in walker logistics have set up $8000 to complete all the
tasks that are to be done in the course of research work.
Time: It is important to consider that in every research work there is specific time-frame in
which each activity has to be completed. It is necessary for investigator to set up a specific time
frame for each activity. In present research there is need of time period of 20 weeks (Nayak and
Singh, 2021).
Quality: It is a factor that reflects the effectiveness of information that is collected by the
researcher. In the present research it is important to maintain high quality of the study. In present
research there is requirement to maintain high quality in the study. For this purpose there is
application of both primary and secondary form of data (TETIK, 2017). The use of primary set
of data will help in the course of enhancing the quality of research work.
Communication: It is a element that determines the tools and resources that are to be used
for the purpose of making communication. There are different strategies that can be adopted by
researcher to make communication (Taylor, 2018). There is application of both verbal and non
verbal form of communication. In present situation researcher is willing to communicate the
findings in the course of study to associated team mates to ensure there is flowing up of required
communication in more effective way.
Resources: There is basic requirement of certain resources in order to ensure that there is
presence of sufficient resources to implement certain activities. Different resource that are
required in present situation includes stationer, computer, books, manpower and others. It is
necessary for the researcher to ensure that all the resources are properly available that can assist
the researcher in conducting the research and achievement of objectives in proper manner.

Risk: It can be said that in every study there is some kind of risk that may include lack of
financial resources, lack of funds. It is important for the researcher to posses a proper backup
plan that can help in dealing with the issues and anticipated risks in order to avoid any type of
discrepancies.
Work break down structure & Gantt chart:
work break down structure:
It is defined as the tool that is used for the purpose of managing project. It is used for the purpose
of breaking down of activities in small manageable activities so that there can be completion of
activities in the time frame. It is used for deciding the way in which activities are divided for the
purpose of completion of project in effective manner (Morshedi Tonekaboni, , 2019).
Gantt chart:
It is the bar chart that is used for illustrating the project schedule in effective manner. It is used
for the purpose of graphical representation (Abdullah and Abubakar, 2017). It helps in
representation of project activities as per t he specific time that is required to depict the activities
on vertical axis. It can be said that Gantt chart is used for the purpose of development of
relationship among activities and taking progress on the right path. Gantt chart is mentioned
below:

Part B – Conducting research
Literature review
The concept of talent-management
As per view points of Michael Hocking (2019),Talent-management is a basic process in
which there is attraction and retention of high performing employees in the organisation for the
purpose of development of their skills and enhancing their level of motivation in order to
improve the level of performance. The main purpose of talent-management is to create a
motivated workforce that can have longer duration of stay in the organisation (Maben and Uchil,
2019). Talent-management encompasses the responsibilities of human resource to gain optimal
results. Talent-management gels in the process of improving performance, helping organisations
to stay competitive, it drives innovation, it helps in formation of productive teams and managing

the overall employee turnover. It helps in creation of strong employee branding and motivating
the whole workforce towards growth (How to develop your talent management strategy, 2019).
various talent-management strategies that are to be used by Walker logistic to retain and
attract employees
As per view points Elizabeth (2019), In organisations there is use of a standardised model
so that organization can have a smooth process of attracting employees. There is requirement of
right strategy for the purpose of seeking a skilled and driven workforce in the organisation so
that there can be enhancement of visibility. The main consideration is the way business can be
more approachable. Another strategy that is used by organisations is development of employees
that can help in the growth of talent in the organisation. There is alignment of employee
development plan where there is identification of roles so that employees can move in future by
consideration of the ways to expand with knowledge and skills to deal with new challenges. For
the purpose of retaining employees in SME organisation are working towards enhancing the
employees enhancement by creation of better career prospects for employees by creation of
career. Employee transition is related with development of skills for employees this is regarded
as knowledge management where there is need to focus on hiring of talented employees (7 Ways
to Improve Talent Management, 2019).
challenges that are to be faced by walker logistics in the process of implementation of talent
management strategies
As per Echelon there are some of the challenges that are faced by organisations in the
process of implementing talent management strategies it includes poor hiring strategies.
Inexperience in technology usage that may be related to no proper automation of business
process (Mey, Poisat and Stindt, 2021). There can be instances of ineffective leadership in the
organisation where employees have to take role in the process of development and retaining of
employees. In SME like walker logistics there can be issues that may arise with respect of
ineffective leadership that is required for training and keeping of employees. There is high
employee turnover when employees are satisfied with their job roles (How Recruiters Can Help
Solve Talent Management Challenges, 2020).

Applying primary & secondary methods for meeting project aims & objectives
Qualitative research method- It is regarded as the method where data is collected in a
theoretical form. In course of qualitative research work there is involvement of non numerical
form if data that is based on concepts and theories.
Quantitative research method: In this method data is collected in numerical form which is
based on figures and facts. It is very helpful for the researcher to get in depth information related
with issues that are associated with the research aim and objectives.
Primary method: It is the first hand collected information where researcher is willing to
gather original form of data. It is helpful for the researcher to get in depth knowledge to reach
towards reliable and valid conclusions (Hoddy, 2019). There are different methods of collecting
primary data that includes observation, questionnaire, interview and such other methods.
Secondary method: In this method researcher has to gather information and data that is
already in existing form that is available in form of journals, magazines, nooks, internet, articles
it can help researcher in collection of data that is previously collected by the professionals and
experts to reach meaningful conclusions.
In the present research there is use of both primary and secondary methods of collecting
information. In this questionnaire is developed to collect primary form of information. Literature
review is developed to collect the data that is available in form of articles, journals that are
available online.
Sampling: It is regarded as the procedure to choose a sample from the whole target segment
of population. Such as in the present scenario there are two types of sampling methods that
include probability sampling and non probabilistic sampling (Naufahu, 2018) . In the present
report there will be use of random sampling that is to be adopted in order to conduct the existing
study if walker logistics.
Part B – Conducting research
Findings based on primary data:
Q1. Do you posses understanding of the basic concept of talent
management?
Frequency
a) Yes 22

b) No 8
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the graph that while it was asked to 30 respondents about
understanding of the basic concept of talent-management 22 respondent had a positive view
point to this question while remaining 8 respondents had a negative view.
Theme 2: Key strategies that are to be used for talent-management process
Q2. What are the some of the key strategies that can be used as
part of talent management process in Walker logistic ?
Frequency
a) Skill development plan 7
b) On the job training measures 9
c) career succession planning 6
d) Offering monetary and non monetary incentives 8
22
8
a) Yes
b) No

Interpreted : While it was questioned to 30 respondents about key strategies that are to be used
by Walker logistic. 8 respondents felt that there can be offering of non monetary or monetary
incentives. 6 respondent felt that there can be career succession planning, 9 felt that there can be
on the job training and remaining 7 had a view that there can be use of skill development plans.
Theme 3: benefits for organisation of having Effective practise of talent management
Q3. What are the benefits gained by an organisation due to
talent management?
Frequency
a) Enhancement in individual productivity 7
b) Development of brand image 8
c) Long term employee retention 8
d) Achievement of competitive advantage 7
7
9 6
8
a) Skill development plan
b) On the job training
measures
c) career succession
planning
d) Offering monetary and
non monetary incentives

Interpretation: From the above graph while it was asked to 30 respondents about the benefits
gained by an organisation due to talent management. 7 respondent had a view that it will help in
achievement of higher individual productivity. 7 others felt that there will be competitive
advantage for the organisation. 8 had a view that there will be employee retention and remaining
8 had a view that there will be development of brand image for walker logistic.
Theme 4: Strategies for attracting and retaining of talented staff
Q4. As per your view point, is above mentioned strategies assist
walker logistics for attraction and retention of staff members for
longer time duration in walker logistics?
Frequency
a) Yes 24
b) No 6
7
8 8
7
a) Enhancement in
individual productivity
b) Development of brand
image
c) Long term employee
retention
d) Achievement of
competitive advantage

Interpretation: from above graph when it was asked to 30 respondents about strategies assist
walker logistics for attraction and retention of staff members for longer time duration in walker
logistics. 24 respondents out of 30 had a positive view point while remaining 6 replied in a
negative manner.
Theme 5: Impact of talent-management strategies
Q5. As per your view point, what is the impact of talent
management strategies on the profitability & productivity of
walker logistics?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 20
b) Negative impact 6
c) Neutral 4
24
6
a) Yes
b) No
20
6
4
a) Positive impact
b) Negative impact
c) Neutral

Interpretation: from above graph while it was asked to 30 respondents about impact of talent
management strategies on the profitability & productivity of walker logistics. 20 respondents had
a view that it will have positive impact, 6 felt that it will have negative impact while remaining 4
had a neutral answer to this question.
Theme 6: Challenges faced in the process of implementation of talent-management
Q6. What are the challenges that are faced by Organisation in
the process of implementing talent management strategies in
Walker logistic?
Frequency
a) Higher associated cost 7
b) High employee turnover ratio 9
c) Ineffective instances of leadership 6
d) Internal conflicts among employers and employee 8
7
9 6
8
a) Higher associated cost
b) High employee turnover
ratio
c) Ineffective instances of
leadership
d) Internal conflicts among
employers and employee

Interpretation: From the graph when it was asked to 30 respondent about challenges that are
faced by Organisation in the process of implementing talent management strategies in Walker
logistic. 8 felt that there is internal conflicts among employee and employers. 6 had a view that
there is ineffective instances of leadership. 9 felt that there is high employee turnover ratio and
remaining 7 felt that there is high associated cost with talent management strategies.
Task 2 – Present findings
Findings based on secondary collected information:
Based on the above made analysis there are some of the recommendations that are drawn based
on above collected information as discussed below: Retaining talent: Organisations like small and medium enterprises have to focus towards
reduction of employee overheads and then working towards maintaining psychological
contract with employees. There is need to invest people so that there can be focus on
retaining of competent employees in walker logistics. Development of leadership trust: It is suggested that in walker logistics organisation
have to work towards leaders who can provide the required guidance to employees for
their development. In Walker logistics it is recommended that organisation can work
towards addressing specific aspirations and needs of employees balancing them with long
term and short term goals of the organisation (Elgort, 2017) .
 Talent-management initiatives: There can be development of talent-management
strategies that can help in identification of vacant positions, hiring of suitable talent,
development of skills and expertise for the purpose of retaining talent to achieve long
term objectives.
Task 3 – Reflective practice
It is analysed that in the process of present study talent management is playing a very
important part in the organisation. This research work I collected both primary and secondary
form of data for the purpose of researching the present laid aims and objectives. For this purpose
I learnt different skill sets that is researching, analysing the data, interpretation of data. I also
worked on development of various communication skills in order to lay down verbal and written
communication channels with other teammates. I also worked toward collecting of data in order
to get reliable and valid conclusions as per the laid aims and objectives in the present study. The

overall outcomes in the present study will lead towards reaching to meaningful conclusions in
the course of research work and also is basis for future research work on similar laid objectives.

Conclusion
It is concluded from the above research work that it is necessary for organisations to
manage the talent in order to maximise the overall productivity. For this purpose there is need to
develop brand image and focus on employee retention. It is also important to deal with the
challenges that may arise in the course of training of employees, development of rewards,
recognition. Project management plan helps in the process of managing all the resources in the
context of report to maximise its overall outcomes.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Abdullah, H.H. and Abubakar, A., 2017. Strategic talent management and university
performance: A theoretical perspective. European Journal of Business and
Management, 9(4), pp.35-40.
Collings, D.G., Mellahi, K. and Cascio, W.F., 2019. Global talent management and performance
in multinational enterprises: A multilevel perspective. Journal of management, 45(2),
pp.540-566.
Elgort, I., 2017. Technology-mediated second language vocabulary development: A review of
trends in research methodology. calico journal, 35(1), pp.1-29.
Hoddy, E.T., 2019. Critical realism in empirical research: employing techniques from grounded
theory methodology. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 22(1),
pp.111-124.
Jooss, S., Burbach, R. and Ruël, H., 2019. Examining talent pools as a core talent management
practice in multinational corporations. The International Journal of Human Resource
Management, pp.1-32.
Maben, A.S. and Uchil, R., 2019. Talent management strategies and customer delight: A
conceptual study. Indian Journal of Marketing, 49(3), pp.63-71.
Mey, M.R., Poisat, P. and Stindt, C., 2021. The influence of leadership behaviours on talent
retention: An empirical study. SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 19, p.9.
Morshedi Tonekaboni, M.H., 2019. The Role of Talent Management in Effective Strategy
Implementation. Journal of Human Capital Empowerment, 2(1), pp.35-45.
Naufahu, M., 2018. A Pasifika Research Methodology: Talaloto. Waikato Journal of
Education, 23(1), pp.15-24.
Nayak, J.K. and Singh, P., 2021. Fundamentals of Research Methodology Problems and
Prospects. SSDN Publishers & Distributors.
Taylor, S., 2018. Resourcing and talent management. Kogan Page Publishers.
TETIK, S., 2017. Talent Management: A review of theoretical perspectives and a guideline for
practioners. Nile journal of Business and Economics, 2(4), pp.40-56.
Online
Looking for Walker Logistics, 2021 [online], Available
through<https://www.zoominfo.com/c/walker-logistics-ltd/345553611>
Talent Management, 2021 [online], Available through<https://www.valamis.com/hub/talent-
management>
Walker Logistics Limited, 2021 [online], Available
through<https://www.linkedin.com/company/walker-logistics-limited>
How to develop your talent management strategy, 2019 [online], Available
through<https://www.hrdconnect.com/2019/09/06/how-to-develop-your-talent-management-
strategy/>

7 Ways to Improve Talent Management, 2019 [online], Available
through<https://solutionsreview.com/talent-management/2019/07/11/7-ways-to-improve-talent-
management/>
How Recruiters Can Help Solve Talent Management Challenges, 2020 [online], Available
through<https://www.topechelon.com/blog/recruiting-software-solutions/talent-management-
challenges-issues-problems/>

APPENDIX I
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved (Account for a
minimum of six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes to your project
management plan?
Comments
“To analyse the talent management
strategies adopted by SME organisations
for the purpose of retaining and
attracting employees”. A study on walker
Logistics
Yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of skills
required for undertaking research tasks?
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues that
have an impact on the project management plan?
There have been certain issues in terms
of availability of time and other resources
that may affect the long term success of
research.
NO

Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
There were some of the difficulties that
were faced with respect to availability of
the time period and communication
process which may posses a impact on
the present report.
For the purpose of overcoming of these
issues I analysed that there should be use
of direct communication skills that can
help in the process of reducing Confusion
and ambiguity with respect to present
requirement of communication amongst
various team members.
New Ideas and change of project direction For the purpose of having proper project
direction there is need of project
direction in order to implementing some
new ideas in the course of present
research.
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete the tasks? How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 What can I improve on next week? How might this learning apply in the future?
I felt that the overall skill sets that I have
learnt through this report is going to help
me in the process of overcoming the
issues in future course of research report.
Yes, I focussed on my existing skill sets
that lead towards managing the overall
functioning research report.
I understand the importance of having
effective communication and team
management skills that is very important
for the purpose of performing the future

course of research work.
The overall learning is going to lead
towards improving the way there is
managing various activities and tasks in
the course of present report.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
The main priority is to collect relevant
information with respect to laid aims and
objectives. Another important function is
to analyse the data to reach to applicable
recommendations.
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
APPENDIX II
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:1. What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
“To analyse the talent management strategies adopted by SME organisations for the
purpose of retaining and attracting employees”. A study on walker Logistics
2. Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline any
evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes. All the activities were timely completed and the laid aims & objectives were also
achieved.
3. What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the project (e.g initial
inception, project activities and project outcomes) from a range of perspectives.
In the initial stage of research report there was proper collection of information that

helped me in the process of having sufficient information basis.
4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there timely
identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
There were issues that were associated with having difficulty in the process of laying down effective
communication channels. There was also issues in terms of scarcity of resources that may posses a
impact on the overall completion of report.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I focussed on learning the team management aspects and the importance of having clear
communication channels in course of working on a particular report.
6. How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the project?
I would rate 9 out of 10.
7. What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
My present strength is researching skills that assisted me in collection of primary information
from respondents and using existing online sources for collectible of secondary sources of
information for the purpose of having sufficient information to achieve the laid aims and
objectives.
8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
The present report has assisted me in the process of developing time management skills and
communication skills that is going to help to enhance my future professional skills.

Questionnaire
Q1. Do you posses understanding of the basic concept of talent
management?
Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 8
Q2. What are the some of the key strategies that can be used as
part of talent management process in Walker logistic ?
Frequency
a) Skill development plan 7
b) On the job training measures 9
c) career succession planning 6
d) Offering monetary and non monetary incentives 8
Q3. What are the benefits gained by an organisation due to
talent management?
Frequency
a) Enhancement in individual productivity 7
b) Development of brand image 8
c) Long term employee retention 8
d) Achievement of competitive advantage 7
Q4. As per your view point, is above mentioned strategies assist
walker logistics for attraction and retention of staff members for
longer time duration in walker logistics?
Frequency
a) Yes 24
b) No 6
Q5. As per your view point, what is the impact of talent
management strategies on the profitability & productivity of
walker logistics?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 20
b) Negative impact 6
c) Neutral 4
Q6. What are the challenges that are faced by Organisation in
the process of implementing talent management strategies in
Frequency

Walker logistic?
a) Higher associated cost 7
b) High employee turnover ratio 9
c) Ineffective instances of leadership 6
d) Internal conflicts among employers and employee 8