Project Report: Issues and Challenges of Equality and Diversity at M&S

This report presents a project analyzing the issues and challenges of implementing equality and diversity practices within Marks and Spencer (M&S). The project's aims and objectives were to understand the concepts of equality and diversity, determine their positive impacts, identify challenges faced by M&S, and provide recommendations for improvement. The report details a project management plan covering cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources. It includes a work breakdown structure and Gantt chart for project timelines and stages. The research involved primary and secondary methods, including qualitative data collection. Findings are presented using appropriate tools, and recommendations are provided based on data analysis. The report concludes with a reflection on the project's value and the student's learning outcomes. The research explores the importance of diversity and equality in the workplace for employee motivation and positive working cultures, particularly within retail and cultural businesses. The report provides an in-depth understanding of the concept of equality and diversity in the workplace and strategies to overcome challenges. The project also considers the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods for data collection and analysis.

Managing a Successful
Business

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
TASK 1..........................................................................................................................................................3
P1: Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.................................................................3
P2: Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk and resources..........................................................................................................4
P3: Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt Chart to provide timeframes and stages for
completion...............................................................................................................................................5
TASK 2..........................................................................................................................................................8
P4: Carry out small-scale research applying primary and secondary methods appropriate for meeting
project aims and objectives......................................................................................................................8
TASK 3........................................................................................................................................................11
P5: Present findings and data using appropriate tools and techniques...................................................11
P6: Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of findings and data analysis to draw valid
and meaningful conclusions..................................................................................................................15
TASK 4........................................................................................................................................................15
P7: Reflect on the value of undertaking the project to meet stated objectives and own learning and
performance...........................................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..........................................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
For every company or organization, it is essential to adopt and maintain diversity as well
as equality at their workplace as that will help in motivating employees and maintaining positive
working culture (Brown, 2013). In the education and cultural related business it is essential for
management to adopt all standards related to diversity and culture at their workplace as that will
help in enhancing their market value effectively as well as it will also motivate the employees
effectively. The respective report is based on Marks and Spencer who is conducting its business
at the retail sector as well as its head office is located at United Kingdom. The main objective of
developing this project is to understand problems which facing by respective company while
adopting equality and diversity at the workplace. In respect of this project manager will gather
information related to the review the concept ofequality and diversity, it also determine positive
impact of equality and diversity at the workplace. Moreover it include issues and challenges this
is faced by Mark and Spencer while adopting equality and diversity at workplace
TASK 1
P1: Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario.
Project Aim
To identify issues and challenges faced by retail companies while adopting equality and
diversity at their workplace. A study on the Marks and Spencer
Project objective
 To understand concept of equality and diversity.
 To determine positive impact of equality and diversity at the workplace.
 To identify issues and challenges this is faced by Mark and Spencer while adopting
equality and diversity at workplace.
 To provide recommendations to improve diversity practices within the organization
Marks and Spencer.

P2: Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality,
communication, risk and resources.
A Project Management Plan can be defined as a formal document that outlines how a project will
be executed and monitored. It also defines the approach that the project team takes in order to
deliver the scope of the project (Evans and Johnson, 2013). It can be used by anyone who is
involved in the project in order to communicate detail information that will be undertaken during
the project. A project management plan is important because it ensures that accurate expectations
are set and includes time frame, schedule of the project, scope as well as cost. The plan also
ensures that the objectives of the project are aligned with the strategic goals of the company.
Various aspects like cost, scope, time, quality, resources, risk and communication are described
below-
Cost – It can be defined as the amount that is required to conduct the research in an
effective manner. Therefore, it is important for the researcher to have an adequate amount so that
the research is conducted successfully. Having an accurate amount of money can help the
researcher in making sure that it is utilized in an effective manner. The cost for this research is
£100.
Scope – By undertaking this research, the researcher will be able to provide effective as
well as efficient ways of conducting business operations. The research will provide an in depth
understanding of the concept of equality and diversity in the workplace. The research will also
explain the different strategies that can be implemented in order to overcome challenges due to
lack of equality and diversity within the workplace.
Quality – Quality is the standard that is essential for attaining desired results in an effective way.
In order to maintain high quality of the research, it is important that the researcher collects
accurate and reliable data (Fageha and Aibinu, 2013). A high quality research not only attracts
readers but also creates interest in them to learn about a specific research topic. This leads to
fostering a better understanding of the topic.
Time – This aspect describes the time that is required by the researcher in order to
complete the research. The researcher should set short time frames in order to collect the
research within the decided time frame. The researcher should set a right time frame in order to

ensure that the research is not procrastinated and all activities are completed in an efficient
manner well within time. The time required for this report is 4 weeks.
Communication – It is necessary for the researcher to communicate effectively with people
while gathering information (Fernandez and Rainey, 2017). This will help in the collection of
accurate and reliable data. If the researcher will possess effective communication skills, both
written as well as verbal, he/she will be able to describe the results and findings of the research
in an effective and eay to understand language.
Risk – While undertaking a research, there can be various factors that can act as risks and
impact the same. Therefore, it is important that the researcher to analyse various risks and their
impact. The major risk associated with this research is lack of funds or collection of data that is
inappropriate and cannot be relied upon by the readers.
Resources – It is essential to make use of resources that are reliable and can assist the
researcher in gathering information that is reliable and accurate. Various primary as well as
secondary resources can be used in order to collect data for the research. This will ensure that the
research is conducted properly. The most effective resources should be identified and managed
effectively. The different resources can include books, journals, questionnaire etc.
P3: Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt Chart to provide timeframes and stages for
completion.
Both Work Breakdown Structure as well as Gantt chart are important components in a
research that can significantly contribute to the overall success of the research. Both of them are
explained below in detail -
Work Breakdown Structure
It can be defined as a structure that breaks down the activities of the project into small and
manageable tasks (Gangotra and Shankar, 2016). The primary purpose of a work breakdown
structure is to reduce complex tasks and make it easier for the researcher to manage and different
tasks in order to ensure that each of them is completed in an effective manner. WBS is an
important component for a research because it makes it easier for the project manager to monitor
and track the progress of different tasks. Not only this, the Work Breakdown Structure also

allows an accurate and effective allocation of tasks among team members. A work breakdown
structure that is well-designed explains the planned outcomes rather than planned actions. It is
structured properly and can be managed in a responsible way (Jeston, 2014). Apart from this.
The duration of the project can be estimated effectively and the overall progress of the project
can be measured in a proper manner. While planning a work breakdown structure, it is important
to make sure that various supporting activities like implementation activities, launch of a product
of service are planned properly. Therefore, a work breakdown structure should always be
included while conducting a research because it can contribute to the overall effectiveness of the
research.

Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart can be defined as a type of bar chart that describes the schedule of the project. It is
an important tool that assists in the process of planning as well as scheduling of different sized
projects (Lu, Plewa and Ho, 2016). They are mainly used for simplifying any complexed
projects. Gantt charts are important because they help in assessing the amount of time that will
be required in order to complete different tasks. Apart from this, Gantt Charts can be used to
keep the team members informed about the progress of the report. There are many benefits of
using Gantt charts in a research like they help in keeping all the team members in sync and
making sure that all the tasks in the project are completed within the given time frame.
Not only this, there is a better time management among team members and the resources
are allocated in a better way. Gantt chart is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that all
members of the team are working together in order to attain a shared goal. Since Gantt charts are
a visual representation of the project that is being undertaken, it becomes easier for the project
manager as well as team members to analyse information related to the same. Any bottlenecks
can be identified easily and the overall progress of the project can be tracked. Projects of
different sizes can be planned as well as scheduled so that they can be done in a particular
manner.

TASK 2
P4: Carry out small-scale research applying primary and secondary methods appropriate for
meeting project aims and objectives.
While conducting a research, a researcher can implement different methods that can assist them
in gathering information upon their desired topic (Martini, Pareto and Bosch, 2013). In technical
term, Research methodology is a specific technique which used to analyses, determine and
process the information on specific area. In a research paper these kind of practices will assist
individual to identify reliability as well as viability of the data and information. Main objective
of implement research methodology section is to outline the problem for which an investigator
has to collect data. In order to gather information on this topic, researcher can select most
appropriate method between:
Quantitative Data – The information from this research is determine in the values that
expressed numbers or numerical values. This a most appropriate and systematic method of
collecting information from different sources. The information that has been analysed through
quantitative method is represented by numbers, symbol, graphs and statistics. These kind of
methods uses by researcher while conducting information at large scale in order to synchronise
information easily by distributing values in numerical form. In order to collect information in via
quantitative approach, researcher requires to have specific skill, knowledge, capability as well as
analytical approach to identify final results on its basis.
Qualitative Data – These kind of research basically determine information in theoretical form in
which data is collected through observations analytical approach. This is a simplest form of data
collection that determine appropriate results to investigator (Mattel, 2015). Most common
methods of qualitative data collection approach are observation, questionnaire, interview,
sampling, group focus and so on. These kind of approaches determine results and outcomes in
theoretical form which is easiest form to analyse information. In order to conducting these kind
of researcher, there is no specific requirement to have analytical or technical skill for investigator
because they can gather information on the basis of their general knowledge.
For this research, investigator will be going to use qualitative method of data collection
through which they can gather information in a limited time duration. The results from this

research will be determined in theoretical manner so that organisation can implement desired
changes easily.
Primary Research - Primary research is simply first hand research because in this data
collected or gathered was never published before in any books or journals. Thus, in simple term
it can be said that investigator collect information and data which will be totally related to the
topic. Moreover, there are several sources of gathering primary data such as interview,
questionnaire, observation, survey, visit and several other. In addition to this, while gathering
primary data researcher directly contact with respondents which result in less chances of error or
any type of mistake. Although, primary research is simply topic oriented and it will help
investigator in gathering information within more effective manner.
Secondary Research – Secondary research is kind of research in which information and
data gathered from existing sources which was already published before. In simple term it can be
said that information gathered through secondary research is second hand because it was already
published before. There are several associations which publish information and that researcher
use for conducting research such as Government agencies, business associations, trade unions or
any other statutory body. In addition to this, there are several sources of gathering secondary data
such as books, journals, articles, new paper and many more.
For this research, researcher will be going to implement primary method of data
collection. This approach will assist them to analyse views and opinion of their target sample
easily by asking direct question them. on the other hand, by implementing primary method of
data collection, researcher can also observe the required changes for which respondents are
looking for.
Sampling – In context of a research, sample is determining as a group, individual, object or item
that are taken from the large population in order to gather specific information (Morrison, 2013).
For this research, researcher will going to use random sampling approach in which they can
analyse views and opinions of different respondents. These kind of approaches determine variety
of selection technique in which respondents can be opt through a specific designing process. For
this research, this will method will be analysed as suitable and appropriate.
Questionnaire

Name –
Age –
Contact no. –
E mail id –
Q 1. Are you aware about the concept of equality and diversity?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2. Is adopting equality and diversity is essential for the retailing companies?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 3. What are the positive impact of equality and diversity faced by a Marks and Spencer?
a) Increase moral of employees
b) Create positive working environment
c)Enhance productivity
d) All of the above
Q 4. What are the challenges faced by Marks and Spencer manager while adopting equality and
diversity at their workplace?
a) Language and communication barrier
b) Behaviour of employees
c) Expectance and respect issues
d) All of the above
Q 5. What are the ways through which Marks and Spencer can avoid issues related to equality
and diversity?
a) Train employers and employees
b) Develop proper rules and regulations
c) Ensure all members are following the rules
d) All of the above
Q 6. What factors which leads to discrimination at the Marks and Spencer workplace?
a) Different culture and beliefs
b) Gender pay gap

c) Position difference
d) All of the above
Q 7. Any suggestions for the further improvement ……………………………………………….
…………………………………..……………………………………………………………… .
TASK 3
P5: Present findings and data using appropriate tools and techniques.
Theme 1 – About the concept of equality and diversity
Q 1. Are you aware about the concept of equality and diversity? Frequency
a) Yes 20
b) No 10
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
20
10
Chart Title
Interpretation – from above data it can be interpretate that from 40 respondents 30 are know
about the concept of equality and diversity at the workplace whereas 10 say that they not know
about the concept.
Theme 2 – Equality and diversity is essential for the retailing companies
Q 2. Is adopting equality and diversity is essential for the retailing
companies?
Frequency
a) Yes 22

b) No 8
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25 22
8
Chart Title
Interpretation – It can be interpretate that from 40 respondents 22 think that the equality and
diversity is essential for the retail companies. Whereas 8 say it is not effective for the company.
Theme 3 – Positive impact of equality and diversity faced by a Marks and Spencer
Q 3. What are the positive impact of equality and diversity faced by a
Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Increase moral of employees 7
b) Create positive working environment 5
c)Enhance productivity 8
d) All of the above 20
a) Increase moral of
employees b) Create positive
working environment c)Enhance
productivity d) All of the above
0
5
10
15
20
25
7
5
8
20
Chart Title

Interpretation – from all collected data it can be interpret that majority of respondent think
increase morale of employees create positive working environment enhance productivity is
measure benefits experienced by company through equality and diversity .
Theme 4 – The challenges faced by Marks and Spencer manager while adopting equality and
diversity at their workplace
Q 4. What are the challenges faced by Marks and Spencer manager
while adopting equality and diversity at their workplace?
Frequency
a) Language and communication barrier 7
b) Behaviour of employees 5
c) Expectance and respect issues 8
d) All of the above 20
a) Language and
communication barrier b) Behaviour of
employees c) Expectance and
respect issues d) All of the above
0
5
10
15
20
25
7 5 8
20
Chart Title
Interpretation- from above data it can be determined that majority of audience say that challenges
faced by audience while adopting equality and diversity are language and communication
barriers, behavior of employees.
Theme 5 – The ways through which Marks and Spencer can avoid issues related to equality and
diversity
Q 5. What are the ways through which Marks and Spencer can avoid
issues related to equality and diversity?
Frequency
a) Train employers and employees 7
b) Develop proper rules and regulations 10
c) Ensure all members are following the rules 8
d) All of the above 15

a) Train employers
and employees b) Develop proper
rules and regulations c) Ensure all
members are
following the rules
d) All of the above
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
7
10
8
15
Chart Title
Interpretation-From the above graphical representation, it has been analyzed that between 30
respondent’s maximum 15 think that M&S can resolve issue related equality and diversity with
the help of Train employers and employees, develop proper rules and regulations and Ensure all
members are following the rules.
Theme 6 – Factors which leads to discrimination at the Marks and Spencer workplace.
Q 6. What factors which leads to discrimination at the Marks and
Spencer workplace?
Frequency
a) Different culture and beliefs 8
b) Gender pay gap 9
c) Position difference 8
d) All of the above 15
a) Different culture
and beliefs b) Gender pay gap c) Position difference d) All of the above
0
4
8
12
16
8 9 8
15
Chart Title

Interpretation-From the above graph it has been summarized that out of 30 respondent’s
maximum 15 are think that Different culture and beliefs, Gender pay gap andPosition difference
all these factors leads to discrimination.
P6: Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of findings and data analysis to draw
valid and meaningful conclusions.
(Covered in PPT)
TASK 4
P7: Reflect on the value of undertaking the project to meet stated objectives and own learning
and performance.
Reflection
I am very happy that I get such a big opportunity to conduct my initial research on such huge
topic i.e. related to determining issues and challenges faced by retail companies while adopting
equality and diversity at their workplace. While conducting research I go through several ups and
downs which teach me numbers of things as well as it also help me in enhancing my several
skills, knowledge and capabilities. During conduct research, I able to determining that in me
there are some skills which are strength such as communication, observation, problem solving
and so on. But there are some skills which are my weakness such as time management, patience,
creativity and innovative skills and many more which I need to improve for getting success in
future.
Recommendation
On the basis of above analysis, it has been analysed for an organisation, it is require to
implement equality and diversity so that they can provide similar opportunity to each employee
to perform their role. In this regard firm needs to implement some tactics that can assist them to
analyse approach of equality and diversity at workplace as;
 It is required for firm to implement all the legislation which are regulated by
government in order to conduct ethical practices at workplace.

 Firm requires to make changes in their recruitment and selection practices in
which they need to implement clause of equality so that they can promote
employee motivation.
 Organisation should have to implement performance analysis approaches in order
to provide rewards and appraisal to employees on the basis of their skills and
abilities.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been summarised that equality and diversity can be defined
as promoting opportunity at workplace for all the employees by proving them similar services by
analysing their skills and ability. These kind of practices are requires to be implemented by an
organisation in order to boost employee motivation as well as to retain them in organisation for a
long duration. These kind of practices also assist in promoting positive employee’s relation
through which firm can manage a positive workplace environment. Government also regulate
different legislations for a firm in order to provide similar opportunity to each and every
individual.

REFERENCES
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