Managing a Successful Business Project on Workplace Transformation: A Case Study on Barclays

The study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on workplace transformation at Barclays. It includes project aims, objectives, management plan, work breakdown structure, and Gantt chart. The study uses primary and secondary research methods to present findings using different tools and techniques. It also provides recommendations to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19. The subject is Managing a Successful Business Project, and the course code is not mentioned. The college/university is not mentioned.

Unit 6 Managing a
Successful Business
Project

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1.......................................................................................................................................................3
P1) Project aims and objectives...............................................................................................................3
P2) Project management plan..................................................................................................................5
P3) Work break down structure and Gantt chart......................................................................................6
TASK 2.......................................................................................................................................................8
P4) Conduct small scale research through primary & secondary methods...............................................8
TASK 3.....................................................................................................................................................10
P5) Present findings using different tools & techniques........................................................................10
P6) Recommendations...........................................................................................................................17
TASK 4.....................................................................................................................................................18
P7) Reflection........................................................................................................................................18
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................19
References.................................................................................................................................................20
Appendices 1.............................................................................................................................................22
Project Log book...................................................................................................................................22
Performance Review..............................................................................................................................25

Introduction
Workplace transformation refers to using latest and updated ways to provide flexibility to
the employees so that they can perform the assigned work effectively. It facilitates the creativity
& innovation at workplace. Now, the working pattern has been changes due to global pandemic.
During the COVID-19, use of technology in business has also been increased (Meske, 2019).
The present study is about Barclays that is a well-known organization of London. It is a bank
which is headquartered in London, UK. The study will analyze how transformation is taking
place within the companies due to the impact of global pandemic. In addition, it will include
various effective strategies to deal with the impact of COVID-19.
TASK 1
P1) Project aims and objectives
Project Aim: “To evaluate the ways of transformation is taking place within companies”. A case
study on Barclays.
Research Objectives:
 To acknowledge the concept of workplace transformation and the impact of pandemic on
transformation practices at workplace.
 To evaluate the challenges that are faced by Barclays while introducing transformation
within the company.
 To develop various effective strategies so that the negative impact of COVID-19 at
Barclays can be mitigate effectively.
Research Questions:
 Discuss the concept of workplace transformation and the impact of pandemic on
transformation practices at workplace?
 What are the challenges that are faced by Barclays while introducing transformation
within the company?

 What are the effective strategies so that the negative impact of COVID-19 at Barclays
can be mitigate effectively?
Rational for study
The present study has been conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on workplace
transformation. It will help the researcher to evaluate how the working environment of a
company gets transformed to deal with the impact of global pandemic. Additionally, this will
allow the researcher to develop suitable strategies to deal with the impact of global pandemic. In
personal context, the research study is useful in terms of developing knowledge and skills such
as communication, presentation, data analysis and more. Through this, knowledge the researcher
can easily grow & enrich in the career in future period of time.
Literature Review
Concept of workplace transformation and the impact of pandemic on transformation practices
at workplace
According to Dery, Sebastian and van der Meulen, 2017, workplace transformation is
related to making use of recent and updated techniques so that the entire work process gets
easier. The workplace transformation is majorly related to increasing the flexibility within
organization where the employees can easily perform the assigned duties in an appropriate way.
Apart from this, the COVID-19 has also been increased the remote working pattern. Now,
majority of the employees are likely to perform jobs from their own convenient place. Therefore,
the global pandemic profoundly affected transformation practices within the organization.
Challenges that are faced by Barclays while introducing transformation within the company
According to George and Bajbair, 2021, Introducing transformation in the existing
workplace is not easy. The companies have to face several challenges while facilitating
transformation in the internal working environment. Resistance of the employees is a major
challenge that is faced by Barclays during the transformation. Apart from this, productivity of the
employees also gets affected due to the transformation practices as they are not significantly
familiar with the work environment. Hence, the challenges can easily affect the growth and
success potential of the company.

Effective strategies so that the negative impact of COVID-19 at Barclays can be mitigate
effectively
According to Annapurna and Murty, 2019, It is analyzed that workplace transformation
cause ample of challenges for the company. By taking suitable steps, it is possible to minimize
the impact of COVID-19 on the working practiced of the organization. Here, training is the most
crucial strategy that needs to adopt by the company to increase the potential of the employees.
Further, they can adopt monetary and non monetary motivational strategies to encourage the
workforce to work in a transformed environment. By adopting such strategies, Barclays will be
able to deal with the negative impact of COVID-19 effectively.
P2) Project management plan
It is defined as a formal document that includes all the important activities and information
required in order to conduct the study. The project management plan consist of various factors
which is given below in context to the present study:
Scope: It is analysed that the present study has wide scope as workplace transformation
allow respective organisation to maintain its performance and deal with the changing business
environment (Kerzner, 2017). In addition to this, it help company in gaining growth and success
and attain competitive advantage at marketplace.
Cost: It is one of the important factor which help researcher to conduct activities without
nay delay and issues. In addition to this, it is significant for investigator to set the budget prior to
conduct the study.
Time: It is considered as one of the vital factor that help in completion of research on the set
time frame. In the present study, a Gantt chart is developed which illustrates the activity against
time and ensure research completion on time (Lauer, 2021).
Quality: In context to the present study, the data is collected from valid and reliable sources
which show it consist of high quality information. In addition to this, the data is collected
directly from the source that leads towards positive results.
Risk: The risk associated with the present study is lack of time, unavailability of resources,
ineffective time management and many more (Moradi, Kähkönen and Aaltonen, 2020). By

developing and analysing the risk before starting the study assist researcher to develop a backup
plan and deal with risk in an effective manner.
Communication: It is the basic requirement in order to complete the study as per the
guidelines. It is significant to communicate the purpose, objective and aim behind conducting the
research to the stakeholders. Moreover, it is the responsibility that investigator have to
communicate project activities with the stakeholders in an effective manner.
Resources: It is analysed that it is vital for researcher to ensure availability of resources in
an effective manner (Bower, 2017). The resources are finance, stationery, laptop, skilled
employee and many more. All this help in execution of activities without any issues and delays.
P3) Work break down structure and Gantt chart
Gantt chart
It is referred as a chart that illustrates all the project activities against the time period. It is
determined that Gantt chart includes the initial time and ending time of every activity which help
in completion of study within given time frame. The Gantt chart for present report are as follows:

Work breakdown structure
It is defined as a project management tool that help in dividing the whole task into sub
activities or in small task which help in implementing the study in an effective and systematic
manner. The work breakdown structure of present study is given below:

TASK 2
P4) Conduct small scale research through primary & secondary methods
Quantitative method: Data and information is evaluated here by using numerical tools
& techniques. For this purpose, mathematical & statistical tools are implemented by the
researcher while making inferences for future (Kobarg, Stumpf-Wollersheim and Welpe, 2019).
Qualitative method: Unlike quantitative method, this method is related to evaluating
non-numerical information (Delmon, 2021). This method is useful in terms of collecting detailed
information on a particular aspect for getting pre-defined results.
Primary data collection: Primary data is raw as it is collected by the researcher to first
time. This information is highly reliable that guides the researcher to take meaningful decisions
to attain the pre-defined research goals (Venkataraman and Cheng, 2018). For present study, the
primary information has been drawn from the employees of Barclays. In this regard, the
information has been taken out from 30 individuals that will guide researcher for future work.
Secondary data collection: In this, the information is drawn from already available
sources such as publications, books, journals, websites and more (Mkrttchian, Chernyshenko and
Ivanov, 2021). In present context, the secondary information has been taken out from different
websites, journals, articles and more. Through this information, it is possible to make meaningful
inferences for future betterment.
Questions
Q1.)Are you familiar with the concept of workplace transformation? Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 5
c) Somewhat 3

Q2.) What do you think, does the global pandemic caused
transformation in the working environment of Barclays?
a) Yes 25
b) No 5
Q3.) In your opinion, what types of digital strategies can be
implemented by Barclays to facilitate transformation within the
organization?
a) Virtual interaction 9
b) Remote working 8
c) c) Use of digital platforms 6
d) All of the above 7
Q4.)According to you, does workplace transformation is helpful in
facilitating long-term growth and enhancement?
a) Yes 23
b) No 3
c) May be 4
Q5.) What do you think, does workplace transformation will help
Barclays in long-term sustainability?
a) Yes 20
b) No 4
c) In some instances 6
Q6.) In your opinion, what kinds of challenges faced by Barclays during
implementation of transformation practices at workplace?
a) Workplace diversity 8
b) Resistance of employees 7

c) Productivity issues 5
d) All of the above 10
Q7) Does Barclays will be able to enhance the brand reputation of the
company by implementing effective strategies of workplace
transformation?
a) Yes 24
b) No 2
c) May Be 4
TASK 3
P5) Present findings using different tools & techniques
Q1.) Are you familiar with the concept of workplace transformation? Frequency
a) Yes 22
b) No 5
c) Somewhat 3
73%
17%
10%
Chart Title
a) Yes b) No c) Somewhat

Interpretation: The above chart shows that after interviewing 30 respondents, it is found that 22
individuals are well-familiar with the concept of workplace transformation. On the other side,
there are nearly 5 respondents who do not have knowledge about the concept of transformation
at workplace. Also, 3 respondents have demonstrated neutral approach regarding the respective
concept.
Q2) What do you think, does the global pandemic caused
transformation in the working environment of Barclays?
Frequency
a)Yes 25
b)No 5
83%
17%
Chart Title
Yes No
Interpretation: It is analyzed through above dia-gram that according to 25 respondent’s global
pandemic is a major cause of transformation at workplace. On the other side, there are 5
individuals who did not give positive response regarding the impact of global pandemic on
transformation.

Q3.) In your opinion, what types of digital strategies can be
implemented by Barclays to facilitate transformation within the
organization?
Frequency
a) Virtual interaction 9
b) Remote working 8
c) c) Use of digital platforms 6
d) All of the above 7
30%
27%
20%
23%
Chart Title
a) Virtual interaction b) Remote working
c) c) Use of digital platforms d) All of the above
Interpretation: After taking response of 30 respondents, it is found that 9 respondents are in
favor of use of virtual platforms in order to facilitate transformation within the company while 8
respondents consider remote working as the significant digital strategy of workplace
transformation. Further, it is found that 6 individuals are in favor of use of digital platforms
while 7 respondents consider that all the strategies are useful in order to implement workplace
transformation practices in digital manner.

Q4.) According to you, does workplace transformation is helpful in
facilitating long-term growth and enhancement?
Frequency
a) Yes 23
b) No 3
c) Maybe 4
77%
10%
13%
Chart Title
a) Yes b) No c) Maybe
Interpretation: From the above-graph, it is monitored that workplace transformation is
important in order to facilitate long-term growth and sustainability according to 23 respondents
whereas 3 respondents does not consider that workplace transformation is highly important to
ensure long term growth & sustainability. It is found that 4 respondents have shown neutral
response regarding the impact of transformation on growth and sustainability.

Q5.) What do you think, does workplace transformation will help
Barclays in long-term sustainability?
Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 4
c) Maybe 6
83%
17%
Chart Title
Yes No Maybe
Interpretation: Through the analysis of above pie-chart, it is found that 20 respondents have
positive mind set regarding the impact of workplace transformation on long-term sustainability
of Barclays. Here, 4 respondents have negative approach regarding the impact of transformation
on long-tem sustainability whereas 6 respondents have neutral mind set about the impact of
workplace transformation on future sustainability and enhancement.

Q6). In your opinion, what kinds of challenges faced by Barclays during
implementation of transformation practices at workplace?
Frequency
e) Workplace diversity 8
f) Resistance of employees 7
g) Productivity issues 5
h) All of the above 10
27%
23%
17%
33%
Chart Title
a) Workplace diversity b) Resistance of employees
c) Productivity issues d) All of the above
Interpretation: The above chart is based on various challenges faced by Barclays while
implementing transformation within the organization. It is analyzed after interviewing 30
respondents that workplace diversity is the major challenge as per 8 respondents while 7
respondents consider resistance of employee as one of the major challenges of workplace
transformation. Further, it is found that 5 respondents consider that productivity issues is the
major challenge of workplace transformation for Barclays whereas 10 individuals consider all
the above are the major challenges which are faced by the respective company while
implementing transformation practices within the company.

Q7.) Does Barclays will be able to enhance the brand reputation of the
company by implementing effective strategies of workplace
transformation?
Frequency
a) Yes 24
b) No 2
c) Maybe 4
80%
7%
13%
Chart Title
Yes No Maybe
Interpretation: Out of above-chart, it is analyzed that 24 respondents replied positively
regarding the enhancement in brand reputation of Barclays after implementing significant
strategies of workplace transformation. On other side, there are 2 respondents who have
negative mindset regarding the impact of transformation on brand reputation. It is found that 4
respondents are likely to have neutral mind set about the impact of workplace transformation
over the brand reputation of the company.

P6) Recommendations
After analyzing the above-mentioned information, it is found that the Barclays is facing
ample of complexities while introducing transformation practiced due to the pandemic. Here, it
is required to adopt significant strategies in order to make further improvements. In this regard,
the major recommendations are outlined below:
 It is suggested Barclays is required to organize necessary training program with an aim to
improve the knowledge base of the employees. Through these training programs,
employees will be able to cope up with recent and updated technology for future
betterment.
 The company is required to adopt necessary monetary and non-monetary techniques so
that the employees get inspire to perform the assigned work with greater effectiveness.
This will not only improve the morale of workforce but also make them a significant part
of the company.

TASK 4
P7) Reflection
The existing project is related to workplace transformation that is taking place within the
companies in current time. This project work is useful to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on
transformation practices. During the project, I got to know regarding different aspects of
workplace transformation. In addition, I came across that how COVID-19 is affecting the
business organizations. With this, I am able to develop significant strategies to minimize the
negative impact of the pandemic. Additionally, my communication skills also improved during
the research project. While undertaking the research work, I got opportunity to interact with
ample of people. As a result, my fear of public speaking reduced down and now I am able to
interact with different individuals. My time management skills also developed while working on
the existing project. Here, I used to prepare schedule so that the entire project can be complete in
timely manner. This improve my time management capabilities which will make me enable to
accomplish the assigned work in timely manner. Through these skills and capabilities, I can
easily achieve milestones in the future career.

Conclusion
From the above-information, it is found that workplace transformation is an important
practice that is used by the company to offer a flexible work environment to the employees. It is
evident that the COVID-19 caused ample of transformation at workplace. These transformation
caused several challenges. There is discussion regarding ample of strategies that can be used to
deal with the issue of workplace transformation.

References
Books and journals
Annapurna, A.G. and Murty, Y.S., 2019. Technology-Driven Workplace
Transformation. Transforming Organizations Through Flexible Systems Management,
p.163.
Bower, J.L., 2017. Managing resource allocation: Personal reflections from a managerial
perspective. Journal of Management, 43(8), pp.2421-2429.
Delmon, J., 2021. Private sector investment in infrastructure: project finance, PPP projects and
PPP frameworks. Kluwer Law International BV.
Dery, K., Sebastian, I.M. and van der Meulen, N., 2017. The digital workplace is key to digital
innovation. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16(2).
George, S. and Bajbair, S., 2021, December. Human Resource Practices Leading to Employee
Engagement During Digital Workplace Transformation: Evidence from Bahrain's
Telecommunications Sector. In 2021 International Conference on Decision Aid Sciences
and Application (DASA) (pp. 365-369). IEEE.
Kerzner, H., 2017. Project management metrics, KPIs, and dashboards: a guide to measuring
and monitoring project performance. John Wiley & Sons.
Kobarg, S., Stumpf-Wollersheim, J. and Welpe, I.M., 2019. More is not always better: Effects of
collaboration breadth and depth on radical and incremental innovation performance at the
project level. Research Policy, 48(1), pp.1-10.
Lauer, T., 2021. Success factor project management: managing complexity correctly. In Change
Management (pp. 185-201). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Meske, C., 2019. Digital workplace transformation–on the role of self-determination in the
context of transforming work environments.

Mkrttchian, V., Chernyshenko, S.V. and Ivanov, M., 2021. Avatar-Based Intellectual Managing
for Innovation Technologies Transfer in Nationals Entrepreneurships of Armenia.
In Encyclopedia of Organizational Knowledge, Administration, and Technology (pp.
1468-1479). IGI Global.
Moradi, S., Kähkönen, K. and Aaltonen, K., 2020. Comparison of research and industry views
on project managers’ competencies. International Journal of Managing Projects in
Business.
Schönborn, G., Berlin, C., Pinzone, M., Hanisch, C., Georgoulias, K. and Lanz, M., 2019. Why
social sustainability counts: The impact of corporate social sustainability culture on
financial success. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 17, pp.1-10.
Venkataraman, V. and Cheng, J.C., 2018. Critical success and failure factors for managing green
building projects. Journal of architectural engineering, 24(4), p.04018025.

Appendices 1
Project Log book
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: To evaluate the ways of transformation
is taking place within companies”. A case study on
Barclays.
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
I have completed a project on the title “To
evaluate the ways of transformation is taking place
within companies”. A case study on Barclays.
Yes, all the task requirements have been fulfilled
by me in an appropriate way.
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?
I have been identified ample of issues in terms of
lack of communication, lack of resources and
more.
No
Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
The major issues I faced during the project work
was related to lack of response of participants that
will create constraint in research study.
It is possible to address the issues by undertaking
necessary strategies and using effective
equipments & tools for successful completion of
project work.
New Ideas and change of project direction There is requirement of addition 1 week to

complete the research project.
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?
While dealing with the problems during the
project work, I faced great anxiety and frustration.
Yes
My performance was up to the mark throughout
the project work.
There is scope to improve team working and
communication skills in future period of time.
The learning’s of project work can be easily
implemented for ensuring success of project in
future period of time.
Tasks planned for next week
 Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
For current project, collection of reliable and
authentic information are the most crucial
priorities.
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address

Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Performance Review
What was the project supposed to accomplish?
It is supposed that the project will help to understand the impact of workplace transformation. It will
allow the researcher to understand the ways companies are transforming to deal with the impact of
the COVID-19.
Did your work succeed in achieving your aims? How do you know? Specifically, please
outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.
The project accomplished the pre-defined aims and objectives successfully. To analyze this, the
outcomes of the project were evaluated that will also assist the researcher in making further
improvements in research study.
What aspects of your development process do you think worked well and why? Evaluate
all aspects of the project (e.g. initial research, concept development, development
process, presentation, etc.) from a range of perspectives.
While completing the project, I undertook several steps in terms of initial research, process
development, presentation and more. All the aspects were performed well hence, I am able to attain
the pre-defined the research goals efficiently.

What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there
timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
The major issues I faced during the project work was related to lack of response of participants that
will create constraint in research study.
What did you learn from undertaking the project?
During the project, I got to know regarding different aspects of workplace transformation. In
addition, I came across that how COVID-19 is affecting the business organizations. With this, I am
able to develop significant strategies to minimize the negative impact of the pandemic.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of your process that you have identified?
For successful completion of project, authentic and reliable information was gathered which is the
major strength of my project work. Lack of funds & other resources are major weakness of the
project that will affect the future success of project as well.
How could your process improve for the future?
The entire process can be improve by enhancing my knowledge regarding workplace transformation
and the impact of the COVID-19 on transformation at workplace.