Project Management Research Investigation

This document details a research investigation into project management. It analyzes critical factors contributing to project success based on acquired outcomes and presents a reflective report outlining the overall research experience. The assignment draws upon academic literature, online resources, and likely includes a methodology section discussing data collection and analysis techniques.

The impact of CSR on a
functional area-
MERCEDES BENZ

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
P1 Aims and objectives of Mercedes Benz.................................................................................3
P2 Preparing the project management plan (Action Plan)..........................................................4
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart (Timeline).........................................................5
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
P4 Research through qualitative method.....................................................................................8
Thematic analysis........................................................................................................................9
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................17
P5 Analysis of research.............................................................................................................17
P6 Recommendations on the basis of research.........................................................................19
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................19
P7 Reflective report...................................................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................21

INTRODUCTION
Corporate social responsibility also termed as CSR is referred to be a foremost
consideration of the organisations who are willing to operate with a contenting position in the
market. This is where CSR is composed of such practices that are in turn proven to give some
beneficial outcomes to the enterprises who have involved it in their undertaken business
activities. It is basically a form of corporal self ordinance that is duly incorporated in their
business model (Ajmal, Helo and Kekäle, 2010). CSR is not only accepted or performed to place
themselves into a competitive position in the market but together supports in the attainment of
huge profits and revenues with rising shares in the market. The below report has presented a
similar research work carried to acknowledge the undertaken practices of CSR by an elected
business establishment named Mercedes Benz in UK. It is a global brand operating in the
automotive industry from last 91 years with its headquarter in Germany.
TASK 1
P1 Aims and objectives of Mercedes Benz
Research Title- The impact of CSR on a functional area (Sales or Marketing) within Mercedes
Benz to promote profitability and financial sustainability.
Background of the research
The present study has focussed upon the positive dimension of CSR activities in business
organisations with a special context of Mercedes Benz. Wherein, it is referred to be a renowned
global entity that is serving in almost every corner of the world and is famously operating in the
automotive industrial sector. CSR is however referred to be a prime consideration of almost all
sort of businesses where this concern is to get a respectable position in a chosen marketplace
(Comeig, Del Brio and Fernandez-Blanco, 2014). However, it is with some predetermined clause
for the organisational bodies where a successful implementation of CSR can be only done after
referring to an active participation of all affiliated stakeholders where they are hereby required to
take collaborative decisions for the same. Also, its successful enforcement is needed to be done
by opting for the most suitable strategy that duly depicts their true consideration to the external
stakeholders of the entities.
This in turn not only leads to provide profitable position to the organisational bodies but
together helps them to make a reputable position in the market with varied competitive business
related strategies. By which, they can proceed towards a long term existence in the market in

terms of extended market shares and revenues (Meskendahl, 2010). The current resort has
focussed upon a similar agenda with a special context of Mercedes Benz to evaluate their
undertaken practices of CSR and its enforcement in their business related activities. It is along
with yet another specific consideration of ascertaining the impact of implementing CSR on the
functional area of marketing in terms as a way of obtaining immense gain and monetary profits.
Research Aims and Objectives- It is on the basis of above outlined title of this research, it is
together based upon some prominent aims and objectives to provide a directional sense to the
investigator for conducting a guiding study. On whose basis, the surveyor has hereby intended
“To assess the impact of CSR on the marketing activities of Mercedes Benz by together
encouraging their gain and fiscal durability”. It is further supported by some well defined
objectives that are as stated below-
 To determine the actual concept of CSR in business related activities.
 To analyse the role of CSR in boosting up the profits of Mercedes Benz by together
prolonging its financial gains.
 To identify the link between CSR practices and the operational area of marketing in
business organisations like Mercedes Benz.
P2 Preparing the project management plan (Action Plan)
This represented a strategic approach of the investigator to carry out the research work in
a well defined manner. For which, it has involved a pertinent action plan with some below
segregated considerations made by the surveyor to conduct a systematic study. Cost- It is referred to be one of the most considerate area that postulates the researcher to
plan a definite budget to carry out the project work. It requires choosing from the most
appropriate measure to do the same (Shehu and Akintoye, 2010). Herein, the researcher
has opted to select an activity based method for the same with separated activities and
allocated budget to each of those. In this way, the researcher is not only evident to carry
out a cost effective research work but will be together benefited from a timely
accomplishment of the study. Risk- This is in regard to entail some associated risks with the survey that are also known
as research limitations. A limited period of time with a restricted budget are the two
leading constraints that mostly hinders the entire study and thus necessitates the
investigator to conduct a preplanned study (5 Easy Tips for Successfully Managing Your

Projects, 2014). However, there together exists some other affiliated risks while carrying
out the project where managing it with applicable measures and a precise cognitive skills
is another prompt requirement and whose non availability can largely hamper the overall
study to a great extent. Resources- There exists two distinct type of resources namely primary and secondary for
carrying out the entire study with sensible collection of data. These resources are the
most contributory elements that duly supports the investigator to reach to an affirmative
conclusion at the end with justifiable outcomes. It is however accompanied by some vital
consideration of the researcher where a prior permission is required to be taken up from
the targeted set of respondents to interrogate them (Storbacka, 2011). It is basically to
avoid any forcible push on the respondents to make a forceful participation in the survey
that is specially conducted to interrogate them with the help of a designed set of
questionnaire. This depicts the process to gather primary data. Wherein, the collection of
information from secondary sources such as books, journals, magazine articles, etc.,
taken up from varied internet sites also needs an authenticated nature of existence. Here,
in the current investigation, the researcher has referred to generate likely information
from verified sources with a due approval of the participant respondents to willingly
contribute in the study.
 Scope- This is with reference to exhibit the interpreted scope of this study where it will
largely contribute in understanding the optimistic influence of CSR practices in business
related activities. Wherein, the recent research work is together based upon a selected
organisation named Mercedes Benz where their investigated facts and findings are
evident to aid other analogous firms as well (9 Secrets to Project Management Success, 2014).
Apart from this, CSR is not referred to be solitary concern of only automotive industrial
sector and thus represents an equal contribution of all sort of business entities. With
reference to which, the present survey has depicted a broad range that will encompass a
liable sense for the implementation of CSR to other organisational bodies as well.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart (Timeline)
Structure of Work breakdown

Gantt Chart

TASK 2
P4 Research through qualitative method
Questionnaire
Name-
Gender-
Age-
 Does CSR reflects an eminent consideration to sustain in this contending world
of business?
◦ Yes
◦ No
 Is there any direct relationship between the implementation of CSR practices in
business related activities and attainment of competitive benefits in the
business?
◦ Yes
◦ No
 A progressive enforcement of CSR is apparent to give a sustainable position to
the business with enhanced profitability status.
◦ Strongly agreed
◦ Agreed
◦ Neutral
◦ Disagreed
◦ Strongly disagreed
 From the below listed alternatives, is there any issue that is recently prevailing
in Mercedes Benz?
◦ Child labour
◦ Women's right
◦ Welfare of employees
 How would you rate your satisfaction level from the applied strategies of CSR in
Mercedes Benz?
◦ Highly satisfied

◦ Satisfied
◦ Neutral
◦ Dissatisfied
◦ Highly dissatisfied
 Any changed strategy you would like to apply for a better application of CSR
activities in your organisation?
◦ Health and safety measures for employees
◦ Environmental protection
◦ Empowering Women's
 Which is the most responsible party for the implementation of CSR in your
organisation?
◦ HR personnel’s
◦ Administrative bodies
◦ Business head or owner
 In what way, the CSR initiatives are generally enforced in Mercedes Benz?
◦ By offering fiscal support to the community based organizations
◦ By arranging charity events every year
◦ By contracting voluntary organizations
 Any additive strategy you would like to give for the application of CSR initiatives
in your organisation, out of the below suggested measures?
◦ A distinct department
◦ Foundation trust
◦ Line department
◦ NGO

Thematic analysis
Theme 1- Majority of the respondents have specified CSR to be a superior consideration to
sustain in the competitive business world.
Does CSR reflects an eminent consideration to sustain in this contending world
of business? Frequency
Yes 4
No 1
Interpretation-
From the above graphical representation, it has been evaluated that out of five marketing
managers of the company, 4 individuals agreed with the fact that CSR has to be considered for
sustaining in the competitive world. On the other hand, one manager responded negatively for
this concept.
Yes No
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
Does CSR reflects an eminent consideration to sustain
in this contending world of business?
Frequency

Theme 2- Almost all the participants have proved by this fact where there exists a direct
relationship between the implementation of CSR in business and acquisition of contending
advantages.
Is there any direct relationship between the implementation of CSR practices in
business related activities and attainment of competitive benefits in the business? Frequency
Yes 3
No 2
Interpretation-
The bar graph produced above represents the response of marketing managers when
asked about the direct relation amongst company's activities and CSR practises for attaining the
competitive benefits. It is analysed that 3 employees agreed with this fact while 2 did not agree.
Theme 3- Most of the responders are agreed by this fact where a progressive implementation
of CSR is proven to give a sustainable position to the business with raised level of profitability.
Yes No
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Is there any direct relationship between the implementation of
CSR practices
in business related activities and attainment of competitive
benefits in the business?
Frequency

A progressive enforcement of CSR is apparent to give a sustainable position to the
business with enhanced profitability status. Frequency
Strongly agreed 2
Agreed 1
Neutral 1
Disagreed 0
Strongly disagreed 0
Interpretation-
The above presented graphical data presents the different responses of individuals when
considering the enhancement of profitability with enforcement of CSR. 2 individuals agreed that
sustainable position can be acquired only through this aspect while 1 individual was nuetral and
1 showed moderate agreement.
Theme 4- Welfare of employees is listed to be the current issue that is being faced by Mercedes
Benz in accordance to a large number of participants.
Strongly agreed
Agreed
Neutral
Disagreed
Strongly disagreed
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
A progressive enforcement of CSR is apparent to give a
sustainable position to the business with enhanced profitability
status.
Frequency

From the below listed alternatives, is there any issue that is recently prevailing in
Mercedes Benz? Frequency
Child labour 0
Women's right 1
Welfare of employees 4
Interpretation-
The above provided pie chart describes the response of marketing managers when
considering issues which are existing currently in Mercedez Benz. It has been analysed that one
manager found that women's right is an issue while 4 individuals considered welfare of the
employees as a significant issue. CSR cannot be achieved if such issues and problems will
prevail in the organisation.
Theme 5- Most of the respondents have depicted a satisfied consent towards the application of
CSR strategies in Mercedes Benz.
From the below listed alternatives, is there any issue that is
recently prevailing in Mercedes Benz?
Child labour
Women's right
Welfare of employees

How would you rate your satisfaction level from the applied strategies of CSR in
Mercedes Benz? Frequency
Highly satisfied 2
Satisfied 1
Neutral 1
Dissatisfied 1
Highly dissatisfied 0
Interpretation-
The above provided bar graph presents the satisfaction level of individuals when CSR
strategies are applied to the organisation. The marketing managers responded that 2 were highly
satisfied, 1 was satisfied while 1 was dissatisfied and neutral respectively. This implies that there
is a requirement of the company to improve the functioning strategies with help of CSR.
Theme 6- Undertaking health and safety measures for employees in Mercedes Benz is opted as
a changed strategy for a better enforcement of CSR in concord to a majority of participants.
Highly satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Highly dissatisfied
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
How would you rate your satisfaction level from
the applied strategies of CSR in Mercedes Benz?
Frequency

Any changed strategy you would like to apply for a better application of CSR
activities in your organization? Frequency
Health and safety measures for employees 3
Environmental protection 1
Empowering Women's 1
Interpretation- Above chart show that health and safety measure is better application of CSR
activity, while 1 state that environment protection. On the other hand 1 replied that empowering
women is the best application of CSR implementation. Hence, it shows that majority of
respondent said that health and safety is the best policy for an organisation
Theme 7- The upper managerial bodies are referred to be the most accountable bodies for the
application of CSR at the workplace as per the given responses of most of the responders.
Any changed strategy you would like to apply for a
better application of CSR activities in your organisation?
Health and safety measures
for employees
Environmental protection
Empowering Women's

Which is the most responsible party for the implementation of CSR in your
organisation? Frequency
HR personnel’s 1
Administrative bodies 3
Business head or owner 1
Interpretation- From the above chart it can be interpreted that HR personnel is most responsible
party for implementation of CSR, while 3 state administrative bodies and 1 replied business head
or owner. Hence, it shows that majority of respondent agree that administrative body is most
responsible party for implementation of CSR.
Theme 8- Offering financial assistance to community based organisations by together
conducting charity events each year are the two initiatives that are mostly undertaken in
Mercedes Benz according to a large set of participants.
HR personnel’s Administrative bodies Business head or owner
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
Which is the most responsible party for the
implementation of CSR in your organisation?
Frequency

In what way, the CSR initiatives are generally enforced in Mercedes Benz? Frequency
By offering fiscal support to the community based organizations 2
By arranging charity events every year 2
By contracting voluntary organizations 1
Interpretation- From the above chart it can be interpreted that 2 respondent state that CSR
initiative are generally enforced by fiscal support in Mercedes Benzs. On the other hand 2 state
that it can be done by arranging charity, while one state that by contracting voluntary
organization. Hence, it shows that company can easily arrange by charity.
TASK 3
P5 Analysis of research
Research design: Research design reflects the undertaken pattern of the study referred be the
investigator that will further assist the surveyor to carry out a well defined research work. In
context to which, there exists three leading designs that are usually referred by the researcher
such as descriptive, exploratory and explanatory designs (Andersen, 2010). Here, the current
investigation has showed a descriptive research work that has been selected in correspondence to
In what way, the CSR initiatives are generally enforced in
Mercedes Benz?
By offering fiscal support to
the community based
organizations
By arranging charity events
every year
By contracting voluntary
organizations

the subject matter. As a result to which, it is represented to be an in depth study to deeply assess
the impact of CSR on the functional area of Mercedes Benz such as marketing.
Collection of data: It is in context to define the measures used to collect a liable set of data by
opting two common methods namely primary and secondary measures of data collection. Both of
these measures are being used by the researcher over here where the primary data with the help
of survey based method and a designed questionnaire to interrogate the targeted set of
respondents (Bryman and Bell, 2014). However, the secondary sources have represented pre-
established information gathered from books, journals, research articles of academic scholars
from attested sources. Additionally, company reports along with the governmental records have
together made a huge contribution in this study. Also, some factual case studies on the
undertaken activities of CSR by Mercedes have together been discussed over here. It is where
they have been find to take some safety initiatives to benefit the community for a long time
period. Children's road safety is referred to be one such initiative of Mercedes to fulfil their CSR.
Sampling: This is to make a proportionate distribution of the targeted participants of the study to
contribute with a willing sense of participation. It is usually done with the help of two leading
methods namely random and purposive sampling where the present study has represented a
purposive selection of study respondents. This has been done to interrogate 5 managerial bodies
of Mercedes Benz who are mainly appointed in the marketing department (Dumay and Cai,
2015). This method has been elected to make a selective distribution of the participant
respondents where random sampling is generally used to make a non selective distribution that is
not applicable as per the nature of the current study. These are also known as probability and non
probability measures of sampling where purposive sampling has hereby depicted a probable
distribution to proportionally select the participant respondents.
Analysis of data: It is referred to be yet another essential consideration of the surveyor to make a
logical analysis of the obtained results by selecting the most suitable method that generally
involves qualitative and quantitative analytical approach. Here, in the present investigation, a
qualitative approach has been chosen to make a thematic analysis of the acquired outcomes and
reach to a proven decision at the end (Gast and Ledford, 2014). It is also in correspondence to the
nature of research topic where it has reflected a subjective existence and cannot be backed up by
another analytical approach called quantitative. It is where a quantitative analysis involves

objective measures with numerical tools and techniques to reach to a subsidised determination at
the end.
Validity and reliability: This is basically to depict the saturated quality of the overall research
work by directly referring to its cogency and dependability. Wherein, the current investigation
has reflected both valid and reliable nature of study where its validity is measured by two distinct
measures namely internal and external validity. The internal validity is measured on the basis of
confounding in the results where less or no contradictory results indicates a more valid study
(Mackey and Gass, 2015). Another is external validity that is being measured on the basis of
generalised results where less or no generalization and greater specification is apparent to reflect
a valid study. A reliable set of survey is referred to be yet another major consideration of the
researcher that is usually measured on the basis of its adopted tools and techniques. It is where
suitable tactics to conduct the investigation will automatically result into a pertinent research
work.
P6 Recommendations on the basis of research
It can be recommended that Mercedes need to implement health and safety CSR activity
for its employees in order to retain them for longer period of time. Further, company can adopt
safety policy for betterment of its employees. It assists organization in making good reputation in
market. Moreover, company can encourage its employee to participate in different CSR activities
so that company can gain competitive advantage. Along with this company can focus on keeping
environment neat and clean by making product which are environmental friendly.
TASK 4
P7 Reflective report
From the above research I analysed that conducting research is not an easy task. For this,
it is important to choose appropriate topic for research. Topic which I have selected is Corporate
social responsibility which is interesting for me. Further, I face issue in selecting the company in
which research related to CSR need to be conducted. I got deep understanding of important of
CSR for both company as well as society. After selecting a research topic it need to makes aim
and break it into an objective, so that deep understanding can be gained of research topic. Further
I it essential to make Gantt chart so that each and every activity of research can be framed
according to its completion time. Along with this, Gantt is very effective in identifying which
task is important and should be complete on time and which task can be delayed. Further, I came

to know the method of collecting a primary data and understand different tools and techniques
which are used for collecting primary data.
In this report I used qualitative techniques in which question are prepared for collecting
primary information. Firstly it was typical for me to make research question in accordance to
research problem so that I can gain deep information related to CSR activities. Further it is not
easy to construct research question in order to get appropriate result. It takes lot of time in
preparing research question but at last in understood the method or preparing research questions.
Moreover, There are two methods which I used in order to collect information that is qualitative
and quantitative method. Selection of the method is depended on type of research study. In
qualitative techniques is non numerical method and appropriate for present research. Further, for
conducting research it is important to prepared themes on the basis of collected primary
information. The findings which I got from primary research help in suggesting different method
in order to improve CSR activities at Mercedes company. Further through research various
corporate social responsibility strategies has been identified which help the organization in
building good reputation in market as well as in gaining competitive advantage.
CONCLUSION
The above report has presented a carried investigation based upon the implementation of
CSR in business organisations like Mercedes Benz where it has factually referred to appraise the
positive impact of such enforcement in the structural area of business such as marketing. This
has in turn indicated a project management agenda with distinct tools and techniques to carry out
a successive research work. It is also with a prime depiction of the tools applied by the surveyor
to conduct the study with a prompt assistance to the readers to interpret the same. Lastly, some
recommendatory facts have been discoursed on the basis of above acquired outcomes. After
which, the surveyor has together presented a reflective report to outline the overall experience of
this investigation.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ajmal, M., Helo, P. and Kekäle, T., 2010. Critical factors for knowledge management in project
business. Journal of knowledge management. 14(1). pp.156-168.
Andersen, E.S., 2010. Rethinking project management–An organisational perspective. Strategic
Direction. 26(3).
Bryman, A. and Bell, E., 2014. Research methodology: Business and management contexts.
Comeig, I., B. Del Brio, E. and O. Fernandez-Blanco, M., 2014. Financing successful small
business projects. Management Decision. 52(2). pp.365-377.
Dumay, J. and Cai, L., 2015. Using content analysis as a research methodology for investigating
intellectual capital disclosure: a critique. Journal of Intellectual Capital. 16(1). pp.121-
155.
Gast, D. L. and Ledford, J. R., 2014. Single case research methodology: Applications in special
education and behavioral sciences. Routledge.
Mackey, A. and Gass, S. M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Meskendahl, S., 2010. The influence of business strategy on project portfolio management and
its success—a conceptual framework. International Journal of Project Management.
28(8). pp.807-817.
Shehu, Z. and Akintoye, A., 2010. Major challenges to the successful implementation and
practice of programme management in the construction environment: A critical analysis.
International Journal of Project Management. 28(1). pp.26-39.
Storbacka, K., 2011. A solution business model: Capabilities and management practices for
integrated solutions. Industrial Marketing Management. 40(5). pp.699-711.
Online
5 Easy Tips for Successfully Managing Your Projects. 2014. [Online]. Available Through:
<https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/5-important-
tips-project-team-success/>. [Accessed on 27th April 2017].
9 Secrets to Project Management Success. 2014. [Online]. Available Through:
<http://www.cio.com/article/2599794/project-management/9-secrets-to-project-
management-success.html>. [Accessed on 27th April 2017].