Unit 6 - Managing a Successful Business Project

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1 Prepare desired aims & objectives for project work as per the selected topic................1
P2 Design an efficient project management plan including factors such as risk, time,
communication, cost, resources, quality and scope................................................................2
P3 Develop a Gantt chart and WBS structure according to project activities to identify the
timelines and stages for project completion...........................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4 Conduct research at small scale level, using various research methods to accomplish
desired objectives and aims of project ...................................................................................6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
P5 Research analysing and collection of data by desired techniques and tools...................10
P6 Recommend about research and analysis of data to carry to conclude a valid conclusion18
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................19
P7 Reflection upon values of project and research undertaking to achieve desired objectives
and own performance & learning.........................................................................................19
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................19
REFERECNES..............................................................................................................................21

Title: “To understand the necessity and role of various strategies which benefits
management of a business firm in maintaining Equality & Diversity in their organisation.”
A study on Marks & Spencer.
INTRODUCTION
Diversity in context with business is related to recruiting people from different culture,
background and nationality so that an organisation can perform their organisational work in
diversified methods. Equality is associated with giving same treatment and opportunities to all
the employees without any discrimination. These aspects will allow a firm to became more
tolerant about changes (Scott, Ditroilo and Marshall, 2017). This project is based on M&S, a UK
based multinational company and a big retailer of clothing, food and home decors. This firm is
headquartered in Westminster, London and works in worldwide context. This report will mention
about desired objectives and aims for the project along with formulation of project management
plan so that activities of project can be performed efficiently. Also, a small research will be
conducted and data analysis will be done to achieved desired outcomes. At last, suitable
conclusion and recommendation is given to finish research affirmatively along with reflection to
acknowledge own learning and performance.
TASK 1
P1 Prepare desired aims & objectives for project work as per the selected topic
This project is based on M&S which is UK based global retailer operating in cloth, food
and home décor products. From past some time, employees of company are facing issues like
unequal treatment, differences in gender pay, distinction on the basis of social and religious
background. This has disrupted the working environment of company. In this context, manager
of organisation has initiate a project in which multiple strategies will be formulated and
implemented so that aspects of diversity and equality can be maintained in an organisation
(Polonsky and Waller, 2018).
Title: “To understand the necessity and role of various strategies which benefits
management of a business firm in maintaining Equality & Diversity in their organisation.” A
study on Marks & Spencer.
1

Aim: Main aim of working on this project is to identify the merits and role of multiple
strategies in maintaining diversity and equality in a business firm. To conduct research on this
project, M&S is the selected organisation.
Objectives: Desired objectives for this research project are mentioned below:
 To understand the meaning of equality and diversity in relation with organisational
context
 To identify the positive influence of D&E on productivity and performance of employees
in M&S.
 To analyse varied strategies which will support M&S in maintaining diversity and
equality in organisation.
 To identify the ways through which an organisation can became more tolerant towards
diversity and equality.
Questions:
 What is the meaning of equality and diversity in organisational context?
 What is the positive influence of D&E on productivity and performance of employees in
M&S?
 What are the varied strategies which will support M&S in maintaining diversity and
equality in organisation?
 To identify the ways through which an organisation can became more tolerant towards
diversity and equality?
P2 Design an efficient project management plan including factors such as risk, time,
communication, cost, resources, quality and scope
Project management plan is a way by which an outline is prepared to perform project
work in an efficient manner. This plan adds appropriate structure to a procedure so that outcomes
of project can be gained appropriately. It is a blue print which will guide the members of project
team in a proper manner (Nasurdin Ahmad and Tan, 2015). Elements of PMP are listed below:
 Scope: It include all those aspects or areas which are covered in a project and research. In
case of M&S project, scope of project is high as this project will help M&S in adopting
those strategies by which equality and diversity among organisational people can be
maintained. By this, firm will be able to earn high revenues. In case of research, the scope
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is wide as it will help the learner in learning new concepts and ways to conduct research
so that positive growth in career can be attained.
 Quality: It is related with the effectiveness of an activity so that expected outcomes can
be gained desirably. In order to maintain the quality of M&S project, the project manager
can take help of workforce so that right kind of strategies to manage D&E can be
formulated. In case of research, quality can be maintained by using approaches like
qualitative and quantitative so that research activities can be performed optimally (Jeske
and Shultz, 2016).
 Time: In order to accomplish work of this project, manager in M&S needs total time of
12 weeks where as researcher needs a time period of 4 weeks. Within these allotted time,
both project manager and research is required to accomplish their work so that all the
operations will be handled efficiently.
 Cost: It is defined as the amount that is needed to purchase materials and resources so
that project activities and operations can be performed appropriately. Without sufficient
cost, it is not possible to accomplish a project or research in a proper manner. For project,
the required cost is around 3500 pounds. All the activities of project must be
accomplished within this amount. From researcher's perspective, required cost to work on
research is 200 pounds.
 Communication: To work on a project in desired manner, good communication and
interaction tactics is needed. In this context, Project manager of M&S can communicate
with other members by using web conferencing, video conferencing, voice call, internet
etc. In case of research, the researcher can communicate with respondents and other
people with the help of internet, e-mails, SMS, telephonic call (Clinton and Whisnant,
2019).
 Resources: These are the materials which are needed by an individual so that project
activities can be performed efficiently. To finish project in a proper manner, main
resources which are required is high chronology, skilled employees, internet, heavy
investment etc. To perform research, main resources which are needed is internet,
money, books, journals, mobile etc.
 Risk: There are different kind of risks which can reduce the effectiveness of a project. In
case of M&S project, main risks are associated with lack of funds, skilled employees,
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interest of staff members, failing technology etc. In context with research, major risks are
linked with the failure in performing research activities, time mismanagement, shortage
of money etc. If all these risks can be removes, a research can be accomplished in the
desired manner.
P3 Develop a Gantt chart and WBS structure according to project activities to identify the
timelines and stages for project completion
Gantt chart: This is a very popular tool which is used to manage project in desirable
manner. It is basically a graph picture which mentions the activities of project according to
specified fixed time. This chart is utilised by project managers to track down the project
schedule. By using this chart, project manager in M&S can plan and schedule project operations
in systematic manner (Basak and Khanna, 2017).
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Work break down structure: WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of project activities
which are needed to be followed by project team so that objectives of project can be attained
successfully. With the help of WBS, activities like planning, executing, control, report and
monitoring can be performed in cost and time efficient manner. Due to this, chances of project
failure or missing deadlines is reduced and all the work is accomplished in a productive manner
(Kumar, 2019).
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TASK 2
P4 Conduct research at small scale level, using various research methods to accomplish desired
objectives and aims of project
Research methodology is describes as a philosophical framework that helps an
investigator in forming a foundation base of research-practice. This chapter of a research helps in
defining research methods, designs and approaches so that justification for selected aspects can
be given properly (Roulstone and Williams, 2014). Generally, there exist two approaches for
conducting research-practice. These approaches are mentioned beneath:
Qualitative research: This is a scientific observational method to collect non numerical
information and data. It is associated with definitions, metaphors, concepts and description of
things and do not consider aspects like measures and counts. This research approach can be
conducted with the help of governmental studies, case studies, narrative interviews, participant
observations etc.
Quantitative research: It is a Primary exploration research approach which benefits in
achieving understanding of motivations, opinions and underlying reasons. This approach helps in
resolving issues with the help of hypothesis. Basic methods to conduct qualitative research is
questionnaires, interviews, observations etc.
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Primary research: This is one of the best method to conduct research as data collected
in it is reliable and accurate. In this kind of research, information and data is collected for the
first time directly from the respondents. Due to this, it is both cost and time consuming.
Researcher can collect primary data with the help of questionnaire, interviews, face to face
interaction, group discussions etc.
Secondary research: In this method to perform research, data is collected from those
sources which are published somewhere and used by other researcher to work on their project.
Main source to collect data from secondary research-practice are internet, magazines, journals,
books etc. As all the data is already collected by other individuals, this type of research is not
time consuming and requires less cost and funds in comparison with primary research (Cottrill,
Denise Lopez and Hoffman, 2014).
In order to work on this project, both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are
used. Also, data is collected from both secondary and primary research sources. In case of
primary research, Questionnaire is used and to conduct secondary research mediums like book
and internet are used. To fill up the questionnaire, 50 people are selected randomly. These 50
individuals are the stakeholders, employees and customers of M&S. Their opinion will be treated
as the view point of entire population.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Quantitative Questions
Q1) Do you have any information regarding equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Do you think D&E is important in enhancing the overall organisational productivity
and performance?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) According to you, what is major benefit for M&S in maintaining D&E at their
workplace?
a) Retaining of skilled workforce
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b) Sustaining positive work relationships
c) Enhanced performance
Q4) What is the best strategy to overcome issues associated with the D&E in a company?
a) Treating staff members fairly
b) Adoption of equal pay Act
c) Training employees about diversity issues
Q5)What impact does Equality and Diversity posses on the working productivity of
employees?
a) Positive influence
b) Negative influence
c) No influence
Q6) How manager in M&S can denote their support to equality & diversity in their
organisation?
a) By strong commitment of employers
b) Through training
c) Legal Mandate
Q7) Do you think execution of D&E benefits M&S in retaining their employees for long
timespan?
a) Yes
b) No
Qualitative Questions
Q8) Discuss various problems which can be faced by M&S by maintaining diversity and
equality at workplace?
Q9) Mention different ways by which barriers to implement D&E can be overcome by
management team of M&S?
Q10) Recommend different measure through which a company can implement D&W
strategies at their organisation.......
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Quantitative Questions
Q1) Do you have any information regarding equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 41
b) No 9
Q2) Do you think D&E is important in enhancing the overall
organisational productivity and performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 34
b) No 16
Q3) According to you, what is major benefit for M&S in
maintaining D&E at their workplace?
Frequency
a) Retaining of skilled workforce 18
b) Sustaining positive work relationships 20
c) Enhanced performance 12
Q4) What is the best strategy to overcome issues associated with
the D&E in a company?
Frequency
a) Treating staff members fairly 23
b) Adoption of equal pay Act 15
c) Training employees about diversity issues 12
Q5)What impact does Equality and Diversity posses on the
working productivity of employees?
Frequency
a) Positive influence 15
b) Negative influence 25
c) No influence 10
Q6) How manager in M&S can denote their support to equality Frequency
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& diversity in their organisation?
a) By strong commitment of employers 12
b) Through training 30
c) Legal Mandate 8
Q7) Do you think execution of D&E benefits M&S in retaining
their employees for long timespan?
Frequency
a) Yes 45
b) No 5
Qualitative Questions
Q8) Discuss various problems which can be faced by M&S by maintaining diversity and
equality at workplace?
Q9) Mention different ways by which barriers to implement D&E can be overcome by
management team of M&S?
TASK 3
P5 Research analysing and collection of data by desired techniques and tools
Data analysis is a way to transform, clean, model and process data so that required
information can be collected and right decisions for business can be taken in an efficient manner.
Main reason to do data analysis is extracting important information so that purpose of a project
or research can be achieved. In this research, data analysis is performed with the help of thematic
analysis. This analysis helps in analysing data in the forms of themes so that researcher can
easily explain the collected information to other desirably.
Qualitative Questions
Theme 1: Information regarding equality and diversity at workplace
Q1) Do you have any information regarding equality and
diversity at workplace?
Frequency
10

a) Yes 41
b) No 9
Interpretation: As per this picture, it can be said that from the total of 50 persons, 41
individuals have knowledge about the concepts associated with equality and diversity. These are
the terms which assure that all employees will be treated equally irrespective of their diverse
nature. Other 9 person do not have any idea about it and they don't posses sufficient knowledge
about D&E at workplace.
Theme 2: D&E is important in enhancing organisational productivity and performance
Q2) Do you think D&E is important in enhancing the overall
organisational productivity and performance?
Frequency
a) Yes 34
b) No 16
11
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45 41
9
Frequency

Interpretation: This graph says that from total of 50 respondents, 34 individual thinks
that if elements of equality and diversity will be maintained in a company then overall profits
and the productivity can be rises considerably. Other 16 people have a different opinion and they
do not agree with this fact. These people feel that whether it is diversity or equality, both do not
posses any considerable influence on the productivity and performance of an organisation.
Theme 3: Major benefit for M&S in maintaining D&E at their workplace
Q3) According to you, what is major benefit for M&S in
maintaining D&E at their workplace?
Frequency
a) Retaining of skilled workforce 18
b) Sustaining positive work relationships 20
c) Enhanced performance 12
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Interpretation: According to the view point of 18 people, it can be summarised that the
best of maintaining both D&E in an organisation is that it benefits in retaining their workers for
maximum time. This is because employees feel comfortable while working in the company.
Other 20 people do not agree with this fact and they feel that D&E allows an organisation to
maintain a positive working environment due to which a good relation among employers and
employees is maintained. Remaining 12 people feel, D&E leads to increased overall
performance.
Theme 4: Best strategy to overcome issues associated with the D&E in a company
Q4) What is the best strategy to overcome issues associated with
the D&E in a company?
Frequency
a) Treating staff members fairly 23
13
a) Retaining of skilled workforce
b) Sustaining positive work relationships
c) Enhanced performance
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20 18
20
12
Frequency

b) Adoption of equal pay Act 15
c) Training employees about diversity issues 12
Interpretation: From the total of 50 person, 23 individual believes that best way to deal
with problems of equality and diversity is giving equal treatment to all employees without any
discrimination. Other set of 15 people feels that if equal pay act will be adopted by the firm then
terms like D&E will be adopted appropriately. Remaining people which are 12 in number feels
that giving training to the staff of a company is best way to overcome the disturbances related to
Diversity and equality.
Theme 5: Equality and Diversity posses positive impact on productivity of employees
Q5)What impact does Equality and Diversity posses on the Frequency
14
a) Treating staff members fairly
b) Adoption of equal pay Act
c) Training employees about diversity issues
0
5
10
15
20
25 23
15
12
Frequency

working productivity of employees?
a) Positive influence 15
b) Negative influence 25
c) No influence 10
Interpretation: This picture describe that maintaining the elements of D&E in a
company helps in generating a positive impact on the working and organisational productivity of
the staff members. Surprisingly, 15 people think that if diversity and equality will be maintained
in the company then overall working capabilities and productivity of the workforce will be
impacted negatively. Other, 10 people are neutral in this aspect and feel that D&E posses no
influence on working productivity of employees.
Theme 6: Manager in M&S can denote their support to equality & diversity
15
a) Positive influence b) Negative influence c) No influence
0
5
10
15
20
25
15
25
10 Frequency

Q6) How manager in M&S can denote their support to equality
& diversity in their organisation?
Frequency
a) By strong commitment of employers 12
b) Through training 30
c) Legal Mandate 8
Interpretation: This cylinder graph shows that from 50 people, 12 individual feels that
manager in M&S can show that they are supporting both D&E in their company by getting string
commitment from the employers that they will not differentiate among employees on the basis of
their background and nationalities. Other 30 people think providing training to employees is best
way to show support towards D&E. Remaining 8 people think it is possible through legal
mandate.
16
a) By strong commitment of employers
b) Through training
c) Legal Mandate
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
12
30
8
Frequency

Theme 7: Execution of D&E benefits M&S in retaining their employees for long timespan
Q7) Do you think execution of D&E benefits M&S in retaining
their employees for long timespan?
Frequency
a) Yes 45
b) No 5
Interpretation: This graph chart shows that from the sum of 50 respondents, 45 people
strongly favours that if elements of D&E will be adopted by an organisation then workforce can
be retained in company for maximum time period without any issue. Other 5 people do not show
their support to this fact and they feel that even if D&E is prevailed in a company, employees
can not be retained for a longer time period.
Qualitative Questions
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a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
45
5
Frequency

Q8) Discuss major problem which can be faced by M&S by maintaining diversity and
equality at workplace?
Answer: There are different kind of issues and problems which can be faced by an
organisation due to D&E at workplace. One of the main problem is conflicts and resentment
among employees. Due to Brexit, differences among British and Non-British people have
considerably increase. Due to which people of British origin are not more tolerant about
diversified people. Also, issues related to less interest of employees can be faced.
Q9) Mention a way by which barriers to implement D&E can be overcome by management
team of M&S?
Answer: There exist different measures by which the issues and problems which are
linked with implementation of D&E can be resolved in an appropriate manner. In this context
one of the best method is to follow all the legal laws and procedures which are associated with
diversity and equality (Kulkarni and Gopakumar, 2014). Following legal rules will assure that
each employee is given same treatment and they are not discriminated on any ground. Due to
this, all the workers will be able to work comfortably and aspects of D&E would by maintained
in M&S without any much complexities.
P6 Recommend about research and analysis of data to carry to conclude a valid conclusion
To adopt the strategies of D&E in an organisation, there are some aspects which must be
considered by the manager in M&S. Without these aspects, it is not possible for manager to
maintain elements of diversity and equality in a proper manner. In this context, some
recommendations are offered to the manager of M&S which are stated below:
 Manager of Marks & Spencer is given the recommendation to hire their staff members
from multiple backgrounds and nationalities along with offering them same treatment at
workplace. By this, workforce from different origin will be able to perform work
appropriately and a diverse working environment can be maintained (Glukhov Ilin and
Levina, 2015).
 Organisation is recommended to adopt and implement different laws and policies linked
to D&E such as Equal pay Act, Freedom to speech, Non discrimination Act etc. which
are formulated by UK government. By this, law compliance of M&S will be appropriate
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and organisation will not have to pay high penalties and fines to government and
unsatisfied employees.
 Manager is also recommended to show their support for D&E with the help of regular
training to employees so that they can understand and embrace diversity and equality. By
this, strategies for D&E can be implemented in firm accordingly (Ashe and Nazroo,
2017).
TASK 4
P7 Reflection upon values of project and research undertaking to achieve desired objectives and
own performance & learning
After working on this project, I have understood various concepts and aspects related
with equality and diversity in an organisation. Both D&E benefits a firm in increasing their
business growth and success due to presence to diverse kind of talent. While working at this
topic, I have observed that there exist multiple kind of techniques and tactics which helps in
adopting right strategies to maintain diversity in an organisation. This helps me in
acknowledging that main issues like gender pay gap, discrimination, organisational harassment
can be overcome if equality will be maintained in a company.
This research benefits me in identifying that a company will work productively if they
have people with diverse knowledge and skills. This research assists me in acknowledging that a
company can perform well in market if their employees are satisfied with the policies of
organisation. Conflict and resentment among employees can reduce the overall effectiveness of a
company. I have also experienced that diverse people have different choice but training them
together will help them in learning from one another so that their working capabilities can be
improved. Also, due to equality, employees prefer to retain for long time and this will benefits
me in performing my work as a manager.
When I was working on this research, there were some situations in which I faced some
issues. These issues hinders my capability to perform work. While working, main issues faced by
me are related with management of time and money. Also, I faced some difficulty in data
collection. Problem with time is resolved by preparing a time table which mentions all the
project activities according to their time and financial issues are overcome by taking help from
my parents. Difficulties in collecting data are overcome by me by preparing a questionnaire. Due
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to questionnaire, all the required data is gathered efficiently from the respondents. In this way, I
am able to accomplish my research in timely and efficient manner.
CONCLUSION
In according with the discussed report, it is comprehended that both D&E plays an
important role in managing appropriate working culture. To attain desired outcomes, a project
needs specific aims and objectives. Also, by preparing a project management plan, different
aspects of business can be managed in a systematic manner. By using approaches like qualitative
and quantitative, a research can be conducted in depth manner. Thematic analysis is the best way
to analyse collected data efficiently. Aspects like reflection allows an individual to acknowledge
their own learning and performance while working on a project. By this, strengths and
weaknesses of an individual can be acknowledged properly.
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REFERECNES
Books and Journals
Ashe, S. and Nazroo, J., 2017. Equality, diversity and racism in the workplace: A qualitative
analysis of the 2015 race at work survey.
Glukhov, V. V., Ilin, I. V. and Levina, A. I., 2015. Project management team structure for
internet providing companies. In Internet of Things, Smart Spaces, and Next Generation
Networks and Systems (pp. 543-553). Springer, Cham.
Kulkarni, M. and Gopakumar, K. V., 2014. Career management strategies of people with
disabilities. Human Resource Management. 53(3). pp.445-466.
Cottrill, K., Denise Lopez, P. and C. Hoffman, C., 2014. How authentic leadership and inclusion
benefit organizations. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International
Journal.33(3). pp.275-292.
Roulstone, A. and Williams, J., 2014. Being disabled, being a manager:‘glass partitions’ and
conditional identities in the contemporary workplace. Disability & Society. 29(1).
pp.16-29.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.Durlak, J. A. ed., 2015. Handbook of social and emotional learning: Research
and practice. Guilford Publications.
Basak, A. and Khanna, K., 2017. A Study on the Selection Criteria of Different Hotels of Delhi
NCR in Accordance to the HR Policies and Market Trends. International journal of
social sciences and humanities. 1(1). pp.27-38.
Clinton, L. and Whisnant, R., 2019. Business Model Innovations for Sustainability. In Managing
Sustainable Business .(pp. 467-507). Springer, Dordrecht.
Jeske, D. and Shultz, K. S., 2016. Using social media content for screening in recruitment and
selection: pros and cons. Work, employment and society. 30(3). pp.535-546.
Nasurdin, A. M., Ahmad, N. H. and Tan, C. L., 2015. Cultivating service-oriented citizenship
behavior among hotel employees: the instrumental roles of training and
compensation. Service Business. 9(2). pp.343-360.
Polonsky, M. J. and Waller, D. S., 2018. Designing and managing a research project: A business
student's guide. Sage publications.
Scott, D. J., Ditroilo, M. and Marshall, P. A., 2017. Complex training: the effect of exercise
selection and training status on postactivation potentiation in rugby league players. The
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 31(10), pp.2694-2703.
Online
Primary and Secondary Data. 2019. [Online]. Available Through:
<https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-primary-and-secondary-data.html>
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