Waitrose CSR: Project Management Plan, Data Analysis, and Results

This report analyzes the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities within Waitrose to meet sustainable objectives. The project begins with defining aims, objectives, and a project management plan, including a Gantt chart and work breakdown structure. The research employs a ...Read More

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Project Aims, Objectives and Time frames......................................................................1
P2. Project Management Plan.................................................................................................2
P3. Gantt Chart and Work Breakdown Structure...................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
P4. Data Collection and Analysis...........................................................................................6
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................12
P5. Research Methodology...................................................................................................12
P6. Recommendations..........................................................................................................14

TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................15
P7. Reflective Statement......................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

INTRODUCTION
CSR activities are concern with each other. It has been recommended that the Waitrose can
deliver the human resource with the highest supportive environment relating to work as they can
treat the workers in ethical manner through CSR activities. It has been also advised that the
Waitrose can adopt the most appropriate business projects for a longer time period. Apart from
this, the company should recruit the employees within the organisation by considering employee
legislation so, they can select the personnel in fair manner. The Waitrose also contribute towards
the country regard to enhancing the social welfare due to which they can effectively develop
social economic growth rate.
TASK 1
P1. Project Aims, Objectives and Time frames
Topic
“Implementation of CSR Activities within Waitrose to meet sustainable objectives”
Aim
The fundamental aim of the instant project is “To analyse implementation of CSR
activities within Waitrose to meet sustainable objectives”
Objectives
The ascertained aim of the study has been further bifurcated into the following objectives
to effectively fulfil the primary aim:
 To examine the importance of CSR activities for an organization
 To determine the concept of sustainability within a company
 To ascertain the role of CSR activities for attainment of sustainable objectives To recommend ways for achievement of sustainability in an organization.
Research Questions
 What is the importance of CSR activities for an organization?
 How is the concept of sustainability relevant within a company?
 What role is played by CSR activities for attainment of sustainable objectives?
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P2. Project Management Plan
Successful implementation and execution of a project requires the researcher to develop
an extensive plan, which enables a systematic undertaking of the entire process. It represents a
blueprint of the manner in which the entire project shall be undertaken, along with the time
duration which shall be consumed. This in turn shall also enable the researcher to effective
manage the time and complete the project within a reasonable span of time. In addition, this shall
also assist the researcher in identifying the potential issues which may arise in the course of the
study.
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Activities Time Duration Predecessors
Planning
1 The topic of research shall be identified. 7 days
2 On the basis of the research topic, a
problem statement shall be developed.
4 days 1
3 Further, on the basis of the above two
activities, specific resources shall be
allocated and it consumption of time
shall be determined
8 days 1, 2
Implementation
4 The relevant literature available shall be
critically analysed and reviewed
20 days 1,2, 3
5 On basis of the nature of topic, specific
tools and techniques shall be identified,
to effectively ascertain the complete
research methodology
15 days 1, 4
6 A complete cost analysis shall be
undertaken to prepare an approximate
budget and primary research shall be
conducted
5 days 5
7 All the data and information gathered
shall be analysed
15 days 5, 6
8 The findings of the analysis shall be
produced to ascertain the precise
outcomes of the study
10 days 7
Closure of Project
9 On the basis of the entire study and
findings, a conclusion shall be draw to
7 days 8
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further identify recommendations
10 All the outcomes of the study shall be
properly documented.
5 days 8
11 Final Submission 2 day 10
The Project Management Plan developed in the instant case requires the researcher to
identify a suitable research topic within a period of 7 days, only after conducting preliminary
research on the same. Followed by determination of the research topic a relevant problem
statement shall be developed to ascertain the precise direction of the process of research within 4
days. On the basis of the aims and objectives of the study, the researcher shall be required to
identify the requisite resources which shall be required during the entire project. Further,
allocation of time shall be done to effectively manage the time which shall be consumed during
implementation of the entire process. All the activities in this planning Stage shall be undertaken
within an aggregate time of 19 days. Once the planning is over, the stage of implementation shall
commence. At the foremost the researcher shall be required to review the existing literature and
undertake a critical analysis of the works of all the books and articles, within a period of 20 days.
Further, specific elements of research methodology shall be ascertained within next 15 days,
followed by which a budget shall also be prepared in 5 days. All the data and information
gathered through primary research shall be thematically analysed to produce findings and
outcomes of the project. Thus, this stage shall be undertaken within a time period of 65 days.
Lastly, the closure of project shall be making a conclusion on the basis of the findings, followed
by giving certain relevant recommendations for Waitrose.
P3. Gantt Chart and Work Breakdown Structure
Gantt Chart
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Work Breakdown Structure
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TASK 2
P4. Data Collection and Analysis
The researcher has founded two types of methods are the quantitative and qualitative
method. Thus, it highly depends upon the impact and diversity of research project study due to
which effective methods are needs to be selected. Under this research study, the scholar adopts
the qualitative research that has been taken in into consideration as the main methodology.
Thereafter, thematic analysis are adopt by the scholar that assist them to effectively analysing
and interpreting information that are obtain to conduct study. Therefore, questionnaire has been
made by the scholar in which for the purpose of carry out the small scale research in most
effective manner. Thus, this method are distributed among the 20 employees of Waitrose
Company.
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QUESTIONNAIRE
1) Would you think that your Company are working under the CSR activities?
 Yes
 No
 Don’t know
2) Do you think that Corporate social responsibility assist in get the profit margin and impact on
the organisation?
 Yes
 No
3) Do you really think there is an included of CSR?
 Work with the legal and ethical elements
 Consider Environment
 Including interests of all stakeholder in decision making
 All above
4) Do you think that the corporate social activities assist the Company to attain the Competitive
gain with the sustainability?
 Yes
 No
 Don’t know
5) What do you think that the customer contribution will be increased if the CSR is incorporated
with the firm strategies?
 Yes
 No
6) Is there is a possibility to sustainability gain without taken into consideration Corporate social
responsibility?
 Yes
 No
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7) Do you think that the company work towards the social welfare?
 No
 Yes
 Don’t know
8) Do you think that the Waitrose Company adopts CSR as a better option of get the brand image
in the market?
 Yes
 No
Theme1: Company’s work with the corporate social responsibility
Would you think that your Company are working under the CSR
activities?
Response
Yes 11
No 6
Don’t know 3
Interpretation:
From the above data table there is a data and charts in which the question is asked to the
20 employee in the Waitrose Company. Thus, in which they understand that the organisation are
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working with CSR so, it has been interpret and analyse that out of 20 employees in which 11
respondents are agree the Waitrose are work with the Corporate social responsibility. Thus, from
these respondents in that 6 employees think that the cited company work with the CSR.
Thereafter, other remaining 3 respondents don’t know about this particular topic. It has been
concluded that the Waitrose are worker with the corporate social responsibility.
Theme 2: Supports of corporate social responsibility in enhancing the profit margins and
expanding the organisation impact
Are CSR aspects helpful in widening profit margins and business
impact?
Response
Yes 10
No 5
Don’t know 5
Interpretation:
From the above facts and figures that are shown in the table in which it shows that is that
the Waitrose are with the Corporate social responsibility assist in get the profit margin and
impact on the organisation. It has been analysed that the most of the 10 respondents says yes that
the CSR helps in getting the profit margin and there is an impact of the organisation. Thereafer,
other 5 says NO and other remaining respondents 5 don’t know about this subject. Thus, it has
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been concluded that the CSR activities helps in gaining the profit margin and it influence on the
business.
Theme 3: Aspects of corporate social responsibility
What do you think comprises of CSR? Response
 Consider Environment 5
 Work with the legal and ethical elements 0
 Including interests of all stakeholder in decision making 2
All of the above 13
Interpretation:
The above data and figures help the researcher to finding out conclusion in which it
shows that there is a consists of CSR. The question is distributed among all 20employees among
which the highest 13 respondents say that all environment concern, work with legal aspects and
interest with all stakeholder. Thus, there is an environmental issues are included in corporate
social responsibility in which 5 are responding. Thereafter there is no respond on the working the
ethical aspects and 2 responded say that there is an involvement of stakeholder in decision
making.
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Theme 4: Attaining the competitive gain with the sustainability with the corporate social
responsibility
Do you think that the corporate social activities assist the Company to
attain the Competitive gain with the sustainability?
Response
Yes 12
No 4
Don’t know 4
Interpretation:
From the above figures in the table in which there is question asked from the 20
employees in that they think that CSR activities helps the Waitrose to achieved the competitive
advantages with the sustainability. It has been analysed by distributing the questionnaire among
with 20 employees among 12 respondents say yes they think that CSR helps the organisation
achieve the competitive gain with the sustainability. Thereafter, 4 employees of the Waitrose
says no as they think that the company doesn’t gain the competitive gain with the sustainability
and the 4 don’t know anything.
Theme 5: Customer contribution will be increased if the CSR is incorporated with the firm
strategies
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What do you think that the customer contribution will be increased if
the CSR is incorporated with the firm strategies?
Response
Yes 15
No 5
Don’t know 0
Interpretation:
From the above data and figure shows that the highest 15 employees from 20 the
respondents say that they think that the customer contribution will be increased if the CSR is
incorporated with the firm strategies. Thereafter, other 5 employees says no as they think that the
customer contribution will be increased if the CSR is incorporated with the firm strategies and
others remaining does not responding.
Theme 6: Possibility to sustainability gain without taken into consideration Corporate social
responsibility
Is there is a possibility to sustainability gain without taken into Response
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consideration Corporate social responsibility?
Yes 5
No 12
Don’t know 3
Interpretation: From the above data and figure shows that the highest 12 employees from 20 the
respondents say there is a not possibility to sustainability gain without taken into consideration
Corporate social responsibility. Thereafter, other 5 employees says yes as they think there is a
possibility to sustainability gain without taken into consideration Corporate social responsibility
and others remaining 3 does not responding.
Theme 7: Company work towards the social welfare
Do you think that the company work towards the social welfare? Response
Yes 10
No 8
Don’t know 2
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Interpretation:
From the above data and figure shows that the highest 10 employees from 20 the respondents say
yes as they think that the company work towards the social welfare. Thereafter, other 8
employees says no as think that the company work towards the social welfare and others
remaining 2 does not responding.
TASK 3
P5. Research Methodology
This section constitutes to be one of the most integral aspects of the entire research
process and hence, requires special consideration. Under this section, all the tools and techniques
utilized to undertake the research shall be illustrated. Some of the specific areas which shall be
covered are research approach, philosophy, data collection, analysis and such other
considerations (Neuman and Robson, 2012).
Research Approach
This determines the path which shall be followed by the researcher while undertaking the
research. The approach could be either in the form of inductive or deductive approach. The
researcher in the present study has followed inductive approach as the entire research is based on
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the premise which is established in the existing literature (Knobe and Nichols, 2013). However,
the conclusion which it purports to deduce is new and not tested. Moreover, the researcher in the
present study has produced findings which are general in nature.
Research Philosophy
This section reflects the beliefs and values on the basis of which the researcher has
undertaken the study. It could be adopted in the form of Positivism or Interpretivism. In
accordance to the former philosophy the reality or facts are stable and shall be assessed from an
objective view (Chen, Shek and Bu, 2011). On the other hand, the latter philosophy reveals the
actual state of situation to be interpreted by the researcher. The researcher in the instant case has
adopted the latter philosophy for attainment of aim and objectives of the researcher. This shall
enable the researcher to ascertain the precise manner in which CSR activities are significant in
Waitrose for attainment of sustainability objectives.
Research Design
A systematic plan for undertaking the entire research process shall be undertaken by the
researcher in this head. Various research designs which can be pursued by the researcher to
conduct the study are descriptive, exploratory, casual and experimental (Leitch, Hill and
Harrison, 2010). On the basis of these designs the researcher shall be enabled to ascertain the
basic strategy at a preliminary stage so as to further determine the tools and techniques which are
coherent with each other. In the present case the study has been conducted on the basis of
Exploratory design. The primary rationale behind opting for this design was that the researcher
intended to explore different manner in which CSR activities could assist Waitrose in attaining
sustainability within their organization.
Data Collection
Data Collection is one of the most integral aspects of conducting a research project as it
determines the reliability and authenticity of the data so being collected by the researcher. The
entire project is based on this data which is gathered from different sources (Orlikowski, 2010).
The primary techniques of data collection are Primary as well as Secondary techniques. The
former is collection of data from the respondents who are a part of the process under assessment.
On the other hand, the latter is gathering data from books and journals which are relevant to the
subject under consideration. In order to gather authentic and diversified data, the researcher
adopted both primary and secondary techniques for Data Collection.
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Sampling
This aspect requires the researcher to determine the respondents who shall be providing
the primary information, in order to produce relevant and accurate outcomes (Mackey and Gass,
2015). Moreover, the researcher is also required to ascertain the size of sample, which is
appropriate enough give a holistic opinion. Sampling can be undertaken either through
probabilistic or non-probabilistic approach. The investigator in the present research has
undertaken random sampling under the probabilistic approach. Manager of Waitrose has been
chosen with a sample size of 5. the primary rationale behind the same is that the managers of
Waitrose shall be able to give accirate and authentic information. Moreover, through this
sampling approach all the managers have an equal probability for being selected as the
respondent.
Data Analysis
The data so collected and gathered is analysed under this head to generate relevant and
accurate results (Silverman, 2016). The researcher in the present case has gathered information
both from primary and secondary techniques. The analysis of this diversified information shall
be undertaken on the basis of thematic analysis, to assess each of the information in a systematic
manner and produce results which are accurate.
Reliability and Validity
The specific tools and techniques applied in the present study has assured that all the data
and information so collected from different sources is completely reliable. Moreover, special
attention has been paid on sourcing information from books and journals. In respect to the same,
only authentic literature has been pursued (Flick, 2015). Only recent books and journals have
been pursued by the researcher so as to eliminate inclusion of unnecessary or redundant
information in the process, thus, in consequence of the same only relevant information has been
included in the study. In addition, the researcher has assured that all the data so referred to carry
out the study is of standard quality.
Ethical Consideration
The researcher has taken into consideration all the ethical aspects which were involved in
the process. Special focus was laid on not revealing any form of confidential information of
Waitrose. The anonymity of all the respondents has been maintained throughout the research
process. Moreover, security and privacy of all the data has been maintained, and has been
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procured only after taking due permission. Lastly, the study is free from any form of bias
decisions.
P6. Recommendations
From the above data and analysis it has been concluded that the corporate social
responsibility able the Company to build a marketplace through brand value. In context to
Waitrose there are various are to be taken place for the purpose of social welfare and it has been
investigated that both firms growth and CSR activities are concern with each other. It has been
recommended that the Waitrose can deliver the human resource with the highest supportive
environment relating to work as they can treat the workers in ethical manner through CSR
activities. It has been also advised that the Waitrose can adopt the most appropriate business
projects for a longer time period. Apart from this, the company should recruit the employees
within the organisation by considering employee legislation so, they can select the personnel in
fair manner. The Waitrose also contribute towards the country regard to enhancing the social
welfare due to which they can effectively develop social economic growth rate.
TASK 4
P7. Reflective Statement
From the above data analysis it clearly shows that investigator to meet the objectives of
research study at great extent. Therefore, the researcher asked various types of question to the 20
employees of Waitrose that are relating to the CSR activities. Furthermore, in these research
project study in which they contribute more in the performance enhance through learning. Thus,
under this research project I can able to improve skills and knowledge that leads to increase
opportunity. I can also learn how to use Microsoft excel at the time of preparing the
questionnaire method due to which it able to gain the competitive advantages.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chen, Y. Y., Shek, D. T. and Bu, F. F., 2011. Applications of interpretive and constructionist
research methods in adolescent research: philosophy, principles and examples.
International journal of adolescent medicine and health. 23 (2). pp. 129-139.
Flick, U., 2015. Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a research
project. Sage.
Knobe, J. and Nichols, S. eds., 2013. Experimental philosophy (Vol. 2). Oxford University Press.
Leitch, C. M., Hill, F. M. and Harrison, R. T., 2010. The philosophy and practice of interpretivist
research in entrepreneurship: Quality, validation, and trust. Organizational Research
Methods. 13 (1). pp. 67-84.
Mackey, A. and Gass, S. M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Neuman, W. L. and Robson, K., 2012. Basics of social research: Qualitative and quantitative
approaches.
Orlikowski, W. J., 2010. Practice in research: phenomenon, perspective and philosophy.
Cambridge handbook of strategy as practice. pp. 23-33.
Silverman, D. ed., 2016. Qualitative research. Sage.
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