Managing a Successful Business Project

This document provides insights on managing a successful business project. It covers topics such as project aims and objectives, project management plan, work breakdown structure, and small scale research.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO1 .................................................................................................................................................1
P1) Project aims and objective...............................................................................................1
P2) Project management plan ................................................................................................2
P3) Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt chart ..................................................................3
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................4
P4) Small scale research to meet project aims and objective ................................................4
LO 3 ................................................................................................................................................7
P5) Presentation of findings and data using appropriate tools and techniques......................7
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................17
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................18

INTRODUCTION
Management of a business or a project is a critical task which require many skills to
conduct independent research and investigation in order to achieve the business objective and
targets. Equality and diversity have become an integral part of every company because of
globalisation and demographic characteristics of business environment (Bouncken and Reuschl,
2018). Employees from different background and culture are having diversified needs and desire
which might create tension and conflicts in an organisation. Thus, more efforts are needed from
management to avoid confusion and tension in order to establish an atmosphere of equality at
workplace.
For this research work, Argos ltd. organisation is selected which is a catalogue retailer of
United kingdom having its headquarter in Buckinghamshire, England. In this assignment aims
and objective of project are included. A project management plan is also considered in this report
which comprises cost, scope, time, quality, etc. A work break down structure, Gantt chart and a
small scale research is also included in this assignment. At last recommendation and reflection
are also form a part of this project.
LO1
P1) Project aims and objective
Overview of organisation- Argos Ltd. is a well known catalogue retailer founded in
1972 headquartered in England, UK. It is a subsidiary of Sainsbury's and trades through both
physical stores and online. It is one of the largest high street retailer of UK having more then 883
retail shop across different parts of UK and Ireland (Brennan, 2018). Argos Ltd. is know
focusing on expansion of its business operation thus, it has started overseas franchising in
countries like china. With the demographic expansion of an organisation diversity at workplace
started increasing as employees are hired from different locations who are belonging to different
culture and having contrastive characteristics, expectation and aspirations. Thus, it become
necessary for the management to have some equality policy to maintain workplace harmony.
Management of diversity is essential in Argos as it ensure better productivity and performance of
employees through providing equal opportunity and respecting all individuals in workplace
regardless of their race, culture, and birth place.
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Aim
The aim of this research is, “ To identify the issues and challenges that may get arises in
Argos Ltd. out of equality and diversity at workplace and to evaluate the measures and strategies
that can be adopted to resolve these issues”.
Objective
The main objectives and targets of this research are:
 To study the concept of equality and diversity at workplace.
 To identify the challenges and issues that can be faced by Argos Ltd. in maintaining
equality and diversity at organisation.
 To determine the control strategies that can be adopted by Argos Ltd. to deal with
diversity and equality at workplace. To study the benefits of maintaining diversity and harmony for an organisation.
Questions
 What is the concept of equality and diversity at workplace?
 What are the challenges and issues that can be faced by Argos Ltd. in maintaining
equality and diversity at organisation?
 What are the possible control strategies that can be adopted by Argos Ltd. to deal with
diversity and equality at workplace?
 What are the benefits of maintaining diversity and harmony for an organisation ?
P2) Project management plan
Project management plan is the process where it help in identifying the different sources
to help as well as describe the each and every phase of the project in then well define manner.
Along with this there are various components that are included in an appropriate project
management plan are planning, action, initiating, controlling and closing the business activities.
Here are the management plan as it help in organisation like Argos ltd. For better of making
polices (Bryson, 2018).
Cost- This is known as the total amount of money which is used by the firm of
conducting the different activities in a well define manner. Along with this it help providing
estimation and other future forecast for the growth and expansion. There is proper structure
which is describe down below in detail manner (Hajro, Gibson and Pudelko, 2017).
2

Total Forecasted Budget
Particulars Amount
Promotion expenses £100
Cost incurred in technology £160
Other Expenses £180
Total Cost £440
Time- This is mainly define as the limited period which is essential for completing a project in
order to fulfill the demand as objectives of the organisation. In this report the time which is
required to fulfil the project is around 10 weeks.
Quality- The quality plays an vital role for conducting the research as this report has taken
genuine information as well as data for completion of the project. This report is conducted on the
basis of primary as well as secondary data.
Risk- There are various kind of risk present in the market as they must be removed by taking
effective measures. The risk which arisen when this research is conducted is lack of time which
resolved by indulging in overtime (Honeyman and Jana, 2019).
Communication- The communication plays an vital role in making quality project as it help in
solving the issues and conflict the effectively manner. There has been regular communication
while conducting this research as it help in both researcher as well as respondent to make
effective decision. There were oral as well written has been used for the completion of the
project.
Scope- There are vast scope in the researcher as well as for the team member because it help in
improving the skills and the capabilities of the researcher effectively. There are different scope in
the future for the investigator.
Resource- The resources plays an vital role in making research successful because without
research the research cannot be successful. The various research elements include funds, assets,
employees and working hours (Minbaeva, 2018).
P3) Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt chart
Gantt Chart: This is known as the graphical presentation of the project which help
in describing the interrelationship between the various activities . Along with this it help in
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providing the information regarding the specific time taken by the company in order to
complete the project. With help of the Gantt chart the project manager have the idea
regarding the performance and time time for completion of the project as it to finsish the
task in time and effectively manner. This is also use to achieve goals and objectives of an
organisation (Northouse, 2017).
4

Work break down structure- WBS is used for project management and helpful in dividing a
huge task into small manageable task. Use of WBS is made by researcher to divide work
into small chunks for timely completion of task (O’SULLIVAN1a and KEARNEY, 2018).
LO 2
P4) Small scale research to meet project aims and objective
Research denotes the specific procedure and techniques which are used to identify,
collect, select, process and evaluate information about any particular topic or specific task. Main
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focus of research is on collection of authentic data so that an effective decision can be made on
the basis of analysis of this data. There are two main methods which can be used by a researcher
to investigate about a particular topic. These methods are as follows:
Qualitative method – Use of qualitative method is made by researcher to collect in depth
information about any topic through making use of conversational and open ended
communication. This type of research mythology provides detail (Pleasant, 2017). information
about behaviour, attitude and perception of individual. The data collected through qualitative
research method is theoretical in nature thus, it is difficult to present this data in form of tables,
graphs and charts.The main method used under qualitative research includes, in depth interview,
focus group, ethnographic research, content and case analysis, etc.
Quantitative method- This method of research focuses on describing the characteristics
of population trough making use of close ended questions thus, much emphasis is not given to
perception and behaviour of individual. Under quantitative research method use of highly
structured method is made to collect data in numerical terms which can be easily presented in
tabular or graphical form which provide better presentation of data for effective decision making.
The different method used for collecting data under quantitative research include polls,
questionnaire, surveys, etc (Rao and Roberts, 2018).
Sources of data
It represent the origin from where the data is generated or collected for the purpose of
research. Two main sources of data are as follows:
Primary sources of data- It provide first hand data which is directly collected by
researcher and provide first-hand evidence about any topic or project. Use of interview, surveys,
experiments, observation, etc. are made to collect primary data. It is the most authentic form of
data as it is not related with any past circumstances and provide data and information related
with current conditions and prevailing situation. Collection of data from primary sources is a
time consuming process and also required good communication and effective analysing skills.
Secondary sources of data- this data is already in existence in form of past record or
documents. It can be easily collected by researcher from old records, journals, books, magazines,
newspaper, etc. and secondary data is also available at online website. This method of data
collection is less time consuming but data obtain can be obsolete or outdated (Kane, 2017).
6

Sampling- It is a statistical process used for selecting or choosing a predetermined number of
observations from a large number population. This technique of sampling is used to make an
investigation more effective. This owes to the facilitation of fast and better analysis of population
on the basis of selected sample having the same characteristics as present in whole group.
Types of sampling Probability sampling- Under this method of sampling use of theory of probability is
made to select a select a sample from larger population. Probability sampling is of
different types which includes simple random sampling, stratified random sampling,
cluster ransom sampling and systematic random sampling (Byrd and Scott, 2018).
 Non-probability sampling- Under this method of sampling, selection of sample is based
on subjective judgement of researcher. Non probability sampling is highly depend on
expertise of researcher and useful for exploratory studies (Ng and Rumens, 2017).
Types of non probability sampling includes convenience sampling, consecutive sampling,
quota sampling, purposive sampling and snowball sampling.
For this research use of simple random sampling is made to remove all kind of biasness
in investigation process as under random sampling all units of population have equal chance of
getting selected thus, it eliminates the chances of inequality or biasness.
A group of 30 individual is selected from stakeholders of Argos to analysis their response
or opinion on concept of diversity and equality. Use of questionnaire is made to collect data and
review of respondents. A questionnaire provide a set or combination of different question which
is used to analysis or evaluate the responses of different individuals.
Questionnaire
Q1) A re you aware about the concept of diversity and equality in an organisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What can be the possible reasons which give rise to diversity at workplace?
a) Expansion of organisation
b) Hiring of people from different countries
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Q3) What are the possible issues that can be faced by Argos because of increasing equality
and diversity at workplace?
a) Lack of acceptance
b) Ethic and cultural differences
c) Barrier of language and communication
Q4) How diversity and equality at workplace is advantageous for Argos?
a) Promotes innovation and new skills
b) Creates better growth opportunity
c) Retention of best talent
d) all of the above
Q5) Do you think increasing equality and diversity will be proofed beneficial for Argos ?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q6) What strategies can be implemented by Argos to effectively deal with equality and
diversity issues at workplace?
a) Employee engagement programmes
b) Diversity training
c) Proper analysis of work culture
Q7) What consequences can be faced by Argos on not having relevant amount of equality
and diversity in the organisation?
a) Decrease in productivity
b) Lack of innovation and creativity
c) Reduction in morale of employees
Q8) What practices can be undertaken by management of Argos to develop a atmosphere
of equity and harmony at workplace?
8

a) No pay gap
b) Strict action against discrimination
c) Equal decision making rights
D) No biasness in recruitment process
Q9) Is Argos having capability to cope up with negative impact of equality and diversity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 10) Any further recommendation for Argos to meet the challenges of equity and
diversity?
LO 3
P5) Presentation of findings and data using appropriate tools and techniques
Theme 1. C oncept of diversity and equality in an organisation
Q1) Are you aware about the concept of diversity and equality in
an organisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
9
25
5
a) Yes
b) No

Interpretation
From above diagram it can analysed that, 25 respondents out of 30 are aware about the
concept of diversity and equality in organisation while 5 respondents are not having much
information about this concept diversity and equality. This result shows that maximum
number of stakeholders of Argos are aware about the on going phenomena.
Theme 2. Reasons for increasing diversity at workplace
Q2) What can be the possible reasons which give rise to diversity at
workplace?
Frequency
a) Expansion of organisation 10
b) Hiring of people from different countries 20
Interpretation
From the above pie chart, it can be interpreted that 10 respondent are in favour of the fact
that expansion of organisation is the main reason for increasing diversity at workplace as
expansion of company diversify or distribute its operation across different parts or location of
world thus, an organisation comes in interaction with many culture and localities. 20 respondents
support the fact that policy of company of hiring people from different countries is the main
10
10
20
a) Expansion of organisation
b) Hiring of people from
different countries

cause of increasing diversity in an organisation. Many forms are having policy of hiring
employees from different countries to get cheap labour or to attract better talents. This has
created a situation of diversified culture at workplace where employees from different countries
are working.
Theme 3. Possible issues that can be faced by Argos because of increasing equality and
diversity at workplace.
Q3) What are the possible issues that can be faced by Argos because
of increasing equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Lack of acceptance 10
b) Ethic and cultural differences 11
c) Barrier of language and communication 9
Interpretation-
From the above diagram, it can be evaluated that 10 respondents are in favour of that
increasing diversity and equality will create a situation of lack of acceptance in organisation
as employees having diverse culture and beliefs are working at workplace so it become
difficult to get acceptance of all employees for any common goal. 11 respondents are in
favour of that increase in diversity and equality will lead to more ethical and cultural
11
10
11
9
a) Lack of acceptance
b) Ethic and cultural differences
c) Barrier of language and
communication

differences as most of the employees are belonging to different countries and culture. This
ethical and cultural difference will create a chaos and conflicts and lead to rise of an adverse
situation in Argos. 9 respondent are in support of that an increase in diversity will lead to
barrier of language and communication as employees from different countries and localities
speaks different language thus, it become difficult to establish an effective communication
channel among employees which can create serious issue for Argos.
Theme 4. Advantages of diversity and equality at workplace.
Q4) How diversity and equality at workplace is advantageous for
Argos?
Frequency
a) Promotes innovation and new skills 10
b) Creates better growth opportunity 5
c) Retention of best talent 8
d) all of the above 7
Interpretation
From the above pie chart, it can be interpreted that 10 respondent are in support of the
fact that diversity and equality at workplace promotes innovation and new skills at Argos as
people from different reasons of world will provide better creativity and higher skill to Argos.5
12
10
5 8
7
a) Promotes innovation and
new skills
b) Creates better growth
opportunity
c) Retention of best talent
d) all of the above

respondents are in favour of the fact that increase in diversity and equality at workplace will lead
to better growth opportunity for Argos as diversity provides interaction with different culture and
nations thus, creates an opportunity to expand business in that locality or nation. 8 respondents
are in support of that fact that increase in equality and diversity is helpful in retention of best
talent as it provide a healthy and positive atmosphere at workplace. Policy of equality eliminates
all chances of discrimination or biasness at workplace thus creates a more effective atmosphere
for retention of most talented and creative employees.
Theme 5. Increasing equality and diversity will be proofed beneficial for Argos.
Q5) Do you think increasing equality and diversity will be proofed
beneficial for Argos ?
Frequency
a) Agree 25
b) Disagree 5
Interpretation
from the above diagram it can be analysed that 25 respondents agreed with the fact that
increasing diversity and equality at workplace will be beneficial for Argos as it provide assess
and interaction with various culture and also provide employees with enhanced skills and
creativity thus, this concept of equality and diversity is advantageous and beneficial for Argos.
13
25
5
a) Agree
b) Disagree

5 respondent are disagree with the fact that equality and diversity is good for Argos as diversity
can lead to increase in conflicts in organisation as employees from different culture and
background are working together. Thus, increase in equality and diversity can negatively affect
the performance and productivity of Argos.
Theme 6. Strategies that can be implemented by Argos to effectively deal with equality and
diversity issues at workplace
Q6) What strategies can be implemented by Argos to effectively deal
with equality and diversity issues at workplace?
Frequency
a) Employee engagement programmes 15
b) Diversity training 5
c) Proper analysis of work culture 10
Interpretation
From the above pie chart it can be evaluated that, 15 respondents are having an opinion
that Employee engagement programmes are best strategies to effectively deal with the equality
and diversity issue at workplace. Employee engagement programmes provides better retention
and communication between manger and employees thus, it makes management able to
understand the needs and desire employees who are having diversified culture. It also provide a
14
15
5
10
a) Employee engagement
programmes
b) Diversity training
c) Proper analysis of work
culture

better understanding among employees through facilitating effective communication and better
understanding. 5 respondents are in favour of the fact that diversity training is most suitable
strategy to handle the consequences of equality and diversity in an organisation. Diversity
training will improve the skills and underrating level of employees which will lead to reduction
in conflicts and chaos among the employees coming from different culture and background.
10 respondents are in support of proper analysis of work culture as it provide timely
information about level of diversity and equality in organisation. It also reflects reasons for
conflicts between different culture and employees so that timely action can be taken by
management of Argos to resolve that conflicts and to establish harmony and bonding at
workplace.
Theme 7. Consequences that can be faced by Argos on not having relevant amount of
equality and diversity in the organisation.
Q7) What consequences can be faced by Argos on not having relevant
amount of equality and diversity in the organisation?
Frequency
a) Decrease in productivity 5
b) Lack of innovation and creativity 18
c) Reduction in morale of employees 7
15
5
18
7
a) Decrease in productivity
b) Lack of innovation and
creativity
c) Reduction in morale of
employees

Interpretation-
From the above pie chart it can be analysed that 5 respondents are in favour of that if relevant
amount of equality and diversity in the organisation is not created it will lead to decreases in
productivity as it will not provide a effective atmosphere of equality which will hamper the
performance of employees. 18 respondent are in support of the fact that lack of equality and
diversity in the organisation will limit the scope of innovation and creativity in Argos as better
talent and higher skilled employees can not be attracted from different culture and background. 7
respondents are in favour of the concept that lack of of equality and diversity in the organisation
will have a negative impact on motivation level of employees as it reduce the interaction of
employees with different people and culture. Lack of equality at workplace will create a
negative impact of organisation in mind of employees which will lead to decrease in morale of
employees.
Theme 8. Various practices that can be undertaken by management of Argos to develop a
atmosphere of equity and harmony at workplace.
Q8) What practices can be undertaken by management of Argos to
develop a atmosphere of equity and harmony at workplace?
Frequency
a) No pay gap 10
b) Strict action against discrimination 6
c) Equal decision making rights 8
D) No biasness in recruitment process 6
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Interpretation
From the above diagram it can be interpreted that, 10 respondent are in favour of the fact, no gap
or discrimination in salary or pay is the most suitable practices that can be undertaken by
management of Argos to develop a atmosphere of equity and harmony at workplace. 6
respondent are in support of the fact strict action on employees who are providing
encouragement to discrimination and teasing or hurting any employees on the basis of their
culture or background will create an atmosphere of equity and harmony at workplace. 8
respondents are in favour of the fact that providing equal decision making rights to employees
irrespective of their class, culture and gender will lead to an atmosphere of equity and harmony
at workplace. 6 respondent support the fact removal of biasness from recruitment process is the
best practice that can be used by management of Argos to develop an atmosphere of equality and
bonding at workplace.
Theme 9. Argos having capability to cope up with negative impact of equality and diversity
Q9) Is Argos having capability to cope up with negative impact of
equality and diversity?
Frequency
a) Yes 19
b) No 11
17
10
6
8
6
a) No pay gap
b) Strict action against
discrimination
c) Equal decision making rights
D) No biasness in recruitment
process

Interpretation
From the above pie chart it can be interpreted that, 19 respondent are having an opinion that
Argos have desired level of capability to cope up with negative impact of equality and diversity
while 11 respondent are not agree with this fact.
Recommendation
Following recommendations can be made for Argos to face the challenge of equality and
diversity at workplace:
 Argos must organise proper employee engagement and orientation programs to develop
better understanding and coordination among employees and manger which will reduce
the negative impact of equality and diversity.
 It should try to eliminate all possible biasness and discrimination from its recruitment and
selection process so that best and talented employees can be appointed in organisation
which will increase the productivity and creativity of Argos.
 Strict action and punishment on employees who encourages discrimination and conflicts
at workplace is also a good way to face the challenge of equality and diversity.
Reflection
From this project I had learned a lot things which has improved my overall personality. I
had come in interaction with a lot of people which has improved my communication skills.
18
19
11
a) Yes
b) No

Proper project management plan was prepared by me which has improved by planning skills as
proper planning is done by me regarding the cost, resources, scope, etc. of the project. My time
management skills are also got improved as as proper timeframes are made by me for timely
completion of this project. I had made use of work break down structure and Gantt chart to
properly divide the work into different task so that objectives can be achieved in time. A small
scale research is also conducted by me for the purpose of analysing opinion and views of
different stakeholders on the topic if equality and diversity. I had developed a understanding
about different research methodology which incudes quantitative and quantitative research
method. Knowledge about different sources of data is also availed by me. Use of primary source
is made to collect authentic data while secondary data provide past records and documents.
I lot of challenge are also faced by me during this project which are mainly related with
lack of resources and time. All these issues are effectively handled by me through making use of
different techniques like WBS and Gantt chart.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that proper research and analysis of different
factors is necessary for managing a business effectively. Proper objectives and aims are made to
complete the project task. Use of project management plan is useful in effective planning of an
project which includes cost, resources, scope, etc. of project. Use of qualitative method is made
collect theoretical data while quantitative method provides in depth information about an topic.
Sample method is used to select a part of observation from population for effective analysis and
evaluation of data. Questionnaire provides set of questions for analysing opinion and view of
respondent.
(Bouncken and Reuschl, 2018)(Brennan, 2018)(Bryson, 2018)(Hajro, Gibson and Pudelko,
2017)(Honeyman and Jana, 2019)(Minbaeva, 2018)(Northouse, 2017)
(O’SULLIVAN1a and KEARNEY, 2018)(Pleasant, 2017)(Rao and Roberts, 2018)
(Kane, 2017)(Byrd and Scott, 2018)(Ng and Rumens, 2017)
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REFERENCES
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teams: Linking organizational diversity climates to teams’ effectiveness. Academy of
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Honeyman, R. and Jana, T., 2019. The B Corp Handbook: How You Can Use Business as a
Force for Good. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.s.
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advantage. Human Resource Management. 57(3). pp.701-713.
Northouse, P. G., 2017. Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice. Sage Publications.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders. In Transforming our World Through Design, Diversity
and Education: Proceedings of Universal Design and Higher Education in
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Rao, T. and Roberts, N. S., 2018. Voices of women of colour: Dreaming of an inclusive outdoor
leadership environment. In The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and
Outdoor Learning (pp. 815-835). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Kane, G. C., 2017. The evolutionary implications of social media for organizational knowledge
management. Information and organization. 27(1). pp.37-46.
Byrd, M. Y. and Scott, C. L. eds., 2018. Diversity in the workforce: Current issues and emerging
trends. Routledge.
Ng, E. and Rumens, N., 2017. Diversity and inclusion for LGBT workers: Current issues and
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