Identifying Effectiveness of Work Based Learning in UK Retail Industry

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Added on 2023/06/09

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This research project investigates the effectiveness of work-based learning (WBL) activities in enhancing employee performance and efficiency within the UK retail industry, using Waitrose as a case study. The report begins with an introduction to WBL and its importance, followed by the project's research question, aim, and objectives. The study then delves into secondary research, exploring the concept of WBL and different types of WBL activities, such as job shadowing, career mentorship, and internships. Primary research, including questionnaires, is used to gather data on the impact of WBL on employee performance and productivity. The report evaluates the findings, draws conclusions, and provides recommendations for implementing WBL programs. The research also includes a reflective statement and references, offering a comprehensive analysis of WBL's role in improving employee skills and organizational outcomes. The study emphasizes the benefits of WBL, such as improved learning, exposure to the work environment, and the reinforcement of academic instruction.

Research Project
(To identify the effectiveness of work based learning
activity in improving the performance and efficiency of
employees within UK retail industry)

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Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT............................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 4
SECTION 2 - PROJECT QUESTION, AIM AND OBJECTIVES................................................5
SECTION 3 - SECONDARY RESEARCH.................................................................................... 6
SECTION 4 – PRIMARY RESEARCH........................................................................................10
SECTION 5 – EVALUATION......................................................................................................13
SECTION 6 – CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................15
REFLECTIVE STATEMENT.......................................................................................................15
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................. 17
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................19
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am thankful that I have received guidance and support from my professors and
supervisors. My tutor has assisted me in the current research by providing me knowledge and
support to choose right topic. They also help me in forming research aim, objectives and
questions for the proposed study.
My professor has helped me in identifying the right research method for collecting the
information related to the chosen topic. They have also gone through to my research project and
identify the mistake at right time.
I am also grateful to my family and friends who provide guidance and support while I
was working on this project.

SECTION 1- INTRODUCTION
Work based learning activity is a process of developing learning ability and skills of
employees due to which problem can be solved in effective and efficient manner. The motive of
work based learning is to provide opportunity to enhance skills and knowledge of staff including
problem solving, communication, enthusiasm and attitude, networking, critical thinking and
many others (Foley, 2020). Organisation generally focuses on implementing work based learning
activities in order to enhance the confidence and motivation level of staff due to which they give
better results. For developing effective work based learning activity, organisation need to support
entry and advancement in career track, provide meaningful job task, offer compensation, identify
target skills, reward skill development and support employees (Swanson and et. al., 2019). This
research is based on identifying the effectiveness of work based learning activity in improving
the performance and efficiency of employees within UK retail industry. The chosen organisation
for this research is Waitrose, it is a supermarket brand which provides varieties of products and
services to its customers. Vision of Waitrose is to become successful business powered by its
principles and people. The brand focuses on offering high quality of products to its customer
which helps in making them feel satisfied and happy. The motive behind conducting this
research is to gain in sight knowledge about the work based learning activities and its benefits
which can be gained by the company.
Research rationale:
The rationale behind doing this investigation is to identify the effectiveness of work
based learning activity in improving the performance and efficiency of employees within UK
retail industry. Work based learning activity helps in improving the knowledge and abilities of
employees due to which they contribute more productive outcomes in accomplishing business
goals and objectives (Zimmerman and Tsikalas, 2018). The two main perspective of the
researcher will be accomplished including professional and personal. The professional
perspective of investigator will be achieved as they will avail the information related to the work
based learning activities and implement in effective manner while working in an organisation.
The personal objective of researcher will be attained as it helps in enhancing the skills due to
which future research can be conducted in better way.

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SECTION 2 - PROJECT QUESTION, AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Research aim:
“To identify the effectiveness of work based learning activity in improving the
performance and efficiency of employees within UK retail industry”. A Study on Waitrose
Research Objectives:
 To determine the concept of work based learning activity in context of UK retail industry
 To analyse different types of work based learning activities for improving the
performance and efficiency of employees within Waitrose
 To examine the effectiveness of work based learning activity in enhancing the employee
performance and productivity within Waitrose
 To determine the benefits availed by Waitrose while organising work based learning
activity
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of work based learning activity in context of UK retail industry?
 What are the different types of work based learning activities for improving the
performance and efficiency of employees within Waitrose?
 What is the effectiveness of work based learning activity in enhancing the employee
performance and productivity within Waitrose?
 What are the benefits availed by Waitrose while organising work based learning activity?

SECTION 3 - SECONDARY RESEARCH
To determine the concept of work based learning activity in context of UK retail industry.
As per opinion of Radu, and Schneider (2019), Work based learning is the educational
strategy that provides students with real life work experiences where they can apply academic
and technical skills to develop their employability. It has seen that number of people work
collectively by understanding needs and wants of their customers and provide the benefits of
learning which can help to accomplish the personal as well as professional goals. The work
based learning encompasses a diversity of formal, non-formal, and informal arrangements that
involves apprenticeships, work placement and informal learning that supported to grow a
business and develop performance. WBL consist of authentic structured opportunities for
learning that are achieved in a workplace setting or designed to meet an identified workplace
need. When people are working at somewhere needs to participate in training and development
program as it increases their insights and supports to develop the business productivity. The
work based learning activity involves an educational program that combines classroom
instruction with practical work experience which is directly related to a program of study
(Adipat, S., and et.al., 2021). In context to Waitrose, number of employees are working
collectively who follow the theory of work based learning that means develop their skills and
learning activities along with work at workplace. This could help to bring changes in their
existing performance and maintaining the higher productivity in the organization. This could
help to manage the business activities by learning and working in changing environment. Many
students work in retail sector where they have participated in learning program for the purpose of
gaining knowledge and skills that can help to identify the problems and get optimum solution.
To analyse different types of work based learning activities for improving the performance and
efficiency of employees within Waitrose
As per opinion of Raupovna (2019), Work based learning is the main activity for
students which are used for the purpose of improving their learning and managing the all
functions as well as activities. This is educational strategy which provides a real life work
experience where they could apply academic and technical skills for developing their
employability. This is important for each individual to improve their learning by bringing all
functions and activities that supports to grow a business and attaining higher performance.
Waitrose is the larger size UK based organization that offers range of products and services with

the help of employees. There are number of work based learning activities which can be used by
chosen organization for improving their efficiency that are as explained below:
 Job Shadowing – This could be explained as main activi8ty in which students work with
the employees at the worksite. This can help to gain experience from a few hours to few
days in length. The main focus of shadowing is on the application of real knowledge and
skills in an industry. This can help to improve the learning programme and managing the
all functions effectively.
 Career Mentorship.- This means a mentor who teaches or provides guidance to less
experienced students or people. In context to Waitrose, mentors are providing right
guidance to their students to work effectively (Chanpet, Chomsuwan, and Murphy,
2020).
 Career Related Competitions – This means students are working on bases of competition
and it requires to have mastery of career related skills through presentation and
competitors. In relation to Waitrose, career technical student develop their learnings in
the field such as agriculture, health, hospitality, business, and industrial technology. This
could help to improve the learning activities.
 Informational Interviews- This could be explained as informal conversation with
someone is working in a career area and supports to give the advise. This could help to
managing the all information and develop personal understanding by managing the all
functions and activities. It is an effective research tool in reading books, exploring
internet, and examining job interview that supported to grow a business.
 Paid Internships – This could be explained as temporary position with emphasis on on-
the –job training rather than permanent employees. This will helps to improve the
learnings and understanding of students in different field and supports to accomplish the
business goals. An paid internship is an opportunity to develop their specific job related
skills and abilities to work (Dörnyei, and Muir, 2019).
 Non-paid Internships – This could be explained as main activity which can be used by
students to improve their learnings without paying any amount is known as non-paid
internship. This could be less motivated for students which could affect the business
productivity and profitability (Guo, , Saab, Post, and Admiraal, 2020).

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 Practicum – This explained as course of study that devoted to practical training in the
field, where supervision is being provided. This could help to manage the all functions
and activities. The student has good opportunity to complete an individualized project in
a career field at a worksite. This is usually a short-term activity with a specific goal.
 Service Learning – This is another activity which is used by students for the purpose of
integrating community service with classroom instruction and reflects to improve their
learning experience. The students will understand the task and perform it in well manner
by enriching their learning experience, teach civic responsibility (Winasih, 2019).
To examine the effectiveness of work based learning activity in enhancing the employee
performance and productivity within Waitrose
As per opinion of Willis (2021), Work-based learning is the main activity which is used
by students for the purpose of developing their learning and skills. This could be explained as
proactive approach to bridging the gap between high school, and high demand and high skill
career. In relation to Waitrose, work based learning is used by employees who are working at the
workplace by bringing new technology and innovation that supported to grow a business. The
effectiveness of work based learning activity in improving employee performance is explained
below:
Improves the learnings of students and employees – The work based learning activity
is important to students as they participate in various tasks to complete and manage the
performance. In relation to Waitrose, students can improve their learning and skills by managing
the changes appropriately.
Gain exposure to the world of work – The people who participates in work based
learning could develop their skills that employer values and provide good opportunity with
higher pays. This also helps employees of Waitrose to improve their interpersonal,
communication, and time management skills that can help to manage all functions.
Gain experience that reinforces academic instruction - In work-based learning
programs, participants can apply the lessons they learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
As a result, they are more likely to master and retain the material, and they are able to
demonstrate their new skills in a concrete way.
To determine the benefits availed by Waitrose while organising work based learning activity

As per opinion of Almulla (2020), Work based learning is providing a new experience to
their employees and get ready to accept challenges. This is beneficial for all students as it
provides monetary benefits to students along with training, people who have jobs but lack of
skills create opportunity to improve skills and get better-paying opportunity. Waitrose is the
larger size organization that operates its business by advising to their employees and getting
work done in right ways. The company is availing number of benefits while organising work
based learning activity such as:
This develops more robust talent pipelines – By participating in work based learning
programs businesses and employees can grow their own talent and giving opportunity to current
employees to work effectively. This can help to maintain the higher performance after receving
skills and talented employees. In relation to Waitrose, work-based learning activity is more
effective as it develops more robust employees (Perusso, and Baaken 2020).
Improving reputation of organization – As students and employees work at workplace
collectively where it became important to control over all functions and activities as it helps to
improve the organizational reputation. In relation to Waitrose, student and employees are
participating in business activities and perform their roles by getting training that can help to
improve the business reputation and performance.
Access a diverse and innovative labor pool – Waitrose is getting benefits of becoming
more stronger and competitive than others which could help to develop the business performance
and productivity. This also helps programs to cultivate diversity in talent acquisition and
providing training to their staff to work more effectively (Wuryantari Winasih, Cahyono, and
Ananto Prayogo, 2019).

SECTION 4 – PRIMARY RESEARCH
Research methodology is a tool which is used by the investigator for identifying,
selecting, analysing the information related to the proposed study. The research methodology
generally allow reader to evaluate the reliability and validity of study in effective and significant
manner (Fowler and Lapp, 2019). Therefore, research methodology mainly focus on explaining
the type of research which is being performed and also it describes the data analysis and
collection procedure. Research methodology helps in providing scientifically sound findings and
also a provide a plan which researcher can follow in order to complete the investigation in
appropriate time. It includes different types of research methodology which can be used by the
investigator in order to collect and analyse the data.
Research Philosophy:
Research philosophy provides a direction to researcher through which they can gather the
information related to the current study. Interpretivism and positivism philosophy is considered
as two main type of research philosophy. Positivism philosophy gathers quantitative
info0rmation in systematic manner whereas interpretivism philosophy focuses on collecting non
numerical information related to the current study. The researcher will show their dependence on
choosing positivism philosophy as it includes less time for gathering the information related to
the chosen topic. Positivism philosophy is chosen by researcher as it provide more reliable
information due to which research can be accomplished in effective and efficient manner (Guo
and et. Al, 2019). The investigator has not shown their interest in interpretivism philosophy as it
collects only qualitative piece of data which is not useful for the current study.
Research approach:
Research approach includes the plan which mainly includes different steps of broad
assumptions related to the methods of data collection, interpretation and analysis. Through using
research approach method, investigator can collect, analyse and interpret the information in
effective and efficient manner. The two types of research approach which researcher can use in
order to collect the information are deductive and inductive. In this research, deductive approach
is used by the investigator for obtaining data related to the chosen topic. Researcher has chosen
deductive approach as it helps in gathering numerical information in less time period. It also
helps in measuring the concept in quantifiable manner and generalise research findings to a

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certain extent (Lizotte and et. al., 2020). Inductive approach is not selected by the investigator as
it focuses on generating new theory and also predict what might happen in future.
Research choice:
Research choice generally inform the what type of data must be collected for
accomplishing the investigation. The two main forms of research choice are quantitative research
choice and qualitative research choice. Qualitative research choice is a method that analyse the
non numerical information relatable to the particular topic. Quantitative research choice is
another method of gathering numerical information in the form statistical facts and figures.
Within the current investigation, the investigator will choose quantitative research choice. The
reason behind choosing this method is that it is fast, scientific and relatable with the chosen
topic. Quantitative research method generally collects information within less time period which
helps in completing the investigation in efficient way.
Data collection:
Data collection method includes the way through which information can be analysed and
gathered related to the current study. The two forms of data collection method are secondary and
primary data collection method. Primary data collection method avail fresh or raw data. On the
other hand, secondary data collection method accumulate secondary information. The current
investigation focuses on selecting both the type of data collection method in order to obtain the
information (Grønmo, 2019). For obtaining primary data collection method, researcher has
framed questionnaire. In context of secondary data, different scholarly sources are used by the
investigator including articles, newspaper, magazines and many other.
Sampling:
Sampling is a procedure of collecting information related to the chosen topic from large
number of population. Probability and non probability sampling are the two types of sampling
method which can be used by the investigator. In the current research, probability sampling is the
chosen method as it includes random sampling method for gathering the information from wider
audience (Farokhi and Roghanian, 2018). 30 managers of Waitrose is selected on the basis of
random sampling method for gathering data related to the proposed study.
Limitation of research:
While conducting the investigation, there are various limitation faced by researcher due
to which it becomes challenging to complete the investigation in appropriate manner. The