Project Report: Equality and Diversity Challenges at Aston Martin

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of equality and diversity challenges within Aston Martin Lagonda, a luxury car manufacturer. It begins with an introduction to the concepts of equality and diversity, emphasizing their importance in the modern workplace. The report outlines the aims and objectives of the project, focusing on understanding how Aston Martin addresses equality and diversity issues, including gender pay gaps and other forms of discrimination. A detailed project management plan is provided, including cost breakdowns, timeframes, and quality control measures. The report incorporates a small-scale research study using both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data and analyze the perspectives of employees. The findings are interpreted, and recommendations are offered to improve equality and diversity practices within the organization. The report concludes with a reflection on the learning process and performance during the project, along with references and supporting appendices such as a WBS and Gantt chart.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................1
P1) Aims and objective for this project..................................................................................1
P2) Project management plan.................................................................................................2
P3) Timeframes and Stages for completion ..........................................................................4
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................5
P4) Small scale research.........................................................................................................5
LO 3.................................................................................................................................................8
P5) Analysis and interpretation of collected data...................................................................8
P6) Recommendation...........................................................................................................15
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................15
P7) Reflection on own learning and performance................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX II................................................................................................................................21
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:........................21

INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity is current concept that is used for creating equal opportunities at
workplace. Equality aim at ensuring that no one in organisations should be treated differently or
discriminated because of its characteristics, background or culture and everyone must have equal
chance of up skill and learning something new at workplace (Abdullah and Foo, 2019). Diversity
basically deals with tacking account or managing differences between people and groups created
on the basis of their diverse characteristics for placing a positive value on those differences. For
having a better understanding on concept of equality and diversity this research report is based
on Aston Martin Lagonda which is a British independent luxury car group headquartered in
England, United Kingdom. In this assignment, project aim and objectives along with detailed
project management plan is included. Beside this, Gantt chart and work breakdown structure is
also included to provide timeframes and different stages of completion. Further, a small scale
research applying qualitative and quantitative is also conducted and use of appropriate tool and
techniques is also used for analysis of collected data. Finally, recommendation and reflections
for this project are also included.
LO 1
P1) Aims and objective for this project
The concept of equality is basically focused on ensuring that any individuals or group are
not treated less favourably or differently on the basis of their characteristics, gender, race,
religion, disability, belief, age and sexual orientation (Allaoui, Bourgault and Pellerin, 2019). On
the other hand, diversity aim at recognising, respecting and giving value to people's difference to
achieve their full potential through promoting an inclusive cultures for all employees and
workforce..
Aim
Aston martin is a manufacturer of luxury cars from more than 100 years and having
specialisation in creating most beautiful and accomplished automotive art across the world.
Automotive sectors is characterised with male dominance, thus Aston martin group is also facing
challenges and issues related with Equality and diversity (Araten-Bergman, 2016). Thus,to get a
comprehension about equality and diversity this research is conducted on Aston martin with
following aims.The main aim of this research is, “ To evaluate and understand that how
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companies like Aston martin are responding to handle the increasing issues of equality and
diversity at workplace”. This research also having a focus at assessing different forms of
discrimination found in a workplace which are mainly related with gender pay gap, sexual
harassment, etc.
Objective
Following are the main targets and objective of this research conducted on Aston martin
 To make a comprehension and understanding about current issues of equality and
diversity at workplace.
 To have a look into the various challenges like gender pay gap, sexual harassment and
other forms of discrimination which are created by equality and diversity at workplace of
Aston martin (Bryson, 2018). To analysis and determine the various ways and strategies which are adopted by
organisations to handle and effectively respond on current issues of equality and
diversity.
Question Tag
 What are your perspective and understanding about current issues of equality and
diversity at workplace?
 What are the various challenges which are created by equality and diversity at workplace
of Aston martin ?
 What are the various ways and strategies which can be adopted by organisations to
handle and effectively respond on current issues of equality and diversity ?
P2) Project management plan
A project plan is a formal and approved written document that is used to guide both
project execution and its control to achieve the desired objectives through showing the major
milestones and activities that are required for effective completion of project or research
(Christian, 2019). It is necessary and important for a manger or researcher to prepare project
management plan as it facilitates document planning assumptions, communication among
stakeholders and employees and document approved scope, cost and other schedule baselines.
This current project and research is based on analysis and evaluation of equality and diversity at
workplace of Aston martin. A brief about its various elements is provided below:
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Cost- It represent the expenses made and various cost incurred for acquiring resources
and accomplishing a research. For this research proper analysis of estimated cost is made on the
basis of current market analysis and situation. Beside this deep discussion with all team members
is also made to have a better estimation of cost of this research. Below a description about
various cost incurred for this project is provided:
Cost Break Down Amount in GBP
Cost of data collection £90
Cost of travelling £45
Cost of data analysis resources £65
Cost of communication of outcomes with stakeholders £50
Other costs £30
Total costs £280
Thus, the total estimated cost for this project is £280. The expenses made on data
collection amounts for £90, estimated cost of travelling is £45, cost of analysis of data is
budgeted as £65 and cost of communication of outcome is £50. beside this a margin of £30 is
also kept for other expanses.
Time- This factor represent the total time duration needed to complete a research and
project (Hajro, Gibson and Pudelko, 2017). This particular research is conducted on issues faced
by Aston martin related with equality and diversity. Various activities and task are included in
this research and for meeting objectives of this research sufficient amount of time is required.
Time duration need depends on the efficiency and performance of team members and researcher.
It is expected that all will be perform their tasks and duty in a disciplined and efficient way thus,
or this research estimated time duration required to meet the objectives and aims is 10 weeks.
Quality- This factor is mainly concerned with the reliability and authenticity of data
collected so that the quality of research and related decision making can be maintained. For
ensuring the quality of this research work use of both quantitative and qualitative method are
made so that an authentic and trustworthy information can be collected. Use of Quantitative
method provide an efficient way for presentation of data in form of tables and charts while
qualitative data facilitates in depth and detailed knowledge about the perceptive and attitude of
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respondent. Beside this, data is collected form primary source to maintain the reliability and
quality of research and use of secondary data is also made to support the findings of primary
source.
Communication- It is a key aspect of any research as it is related with communication
the results and analysis with various stakeholders and other related parties. Timely reports,
records and others documents are prepared for communicating result of research work with
stakeholders like mangers, directors, etc. Use of different analytical techniques and tool are also
made for effective presentation and communication of collected data. Use of both formal and
informal mode of communication are made by researcher to properly communicate all aspects of
research with stockholders and its team members to reduce the chances and situation of
confusion and chaos while conducting this research. Beyond this, both oral and written channels
of communication are also used to have an efficient communication and presentation of collected
data.
Risk- All the possible threat and challenges which can hinder or effect the research
progress is included in this factor (Iacobucci and Rosa, 2019). For this research the associated
threats and risk are related with insufficient resources and lack of time for effectively meeting
the objectives of research. Use of best methodologies ensure achievement of maximum
objectives but still some issues and risk related to insufficient resources and time are possible. To
cope up with these issues of time and resource management use of WBS and Gantt chart is also
made by researcher to ave better implication and execution of research.
Resources- This element provide information about various resource and assets used for
accomplishment of a research and project. For this particular research use of most talented and
skilled human resource, statistical tools, financial resources and many other assets are made for
the purpose of data collection and communication. Beside this it is ensured by research that
proper allocation and efficient use of all resources should be made to achieve the targets of this
research with minimum possible cost. For maintaining the efficiency and performance level of
human resources poorer direction and motivation is provided by researcher. All possible efforts
are made by researcher to maintain a balance and coordination among all resource for effective
completion of this research.
Scope- This factor represent the chances and probability of success of a research in
future (Keskin, Ozorhon and Koseoglu, 2019). It also includes the future benefits and advantages
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that will yield by any particular research. The scope of this research is very good as it will lead to
better understanding of equality and diversity and will also facilitate effective decision making in
future. The chances of success and achievement of objectives are also very high as use of best
research method and communication channels are made for this research. Along with this, this
research has also improved bad develop better communication and time management skills in
researcher thus, have good scope in future.
P3) Timeframes and Stages for completion
Use of following two project management tool is made for completion of research in
given timeframes and also provides stages for completion.
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) : It is a tool which s used to breakdown or divide a
complex project into smaller components and tasks, so that accomplishment of work can be done
more easily (Kordova, Katz and Frank, 2019). It is basically a hierarchy structure which
provides clear picture of whole project thus, reduce the chances of duplication and overlapping
of work. Use of this structure is made for effectively dividing work into small chunks so that
effective communication and workflow of operation can be achieved.
Gantt chart: Use of this management tool is made for having a graphical presentation of
all activities of a project so that all the tasks and activities can be schedule properly and in
effective way. This graphical presentation is helpful in detecting and finding wasteful activities
and other bottlenecks so that research can be made more cost effective (Lin, Jalleh and Huang,
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2019). Thus, use of this model lead to management of resources and time for meeting and
accomplishing objectives on time.
LO 2
P4) Small scale research
Research is basically refer to the systematic investigation about any specific topic or
concept in order to collect facts and data for reaching and making an effective conclusion and
decision. The main aim of conducting any research is to get and collect most authentic data so
that an effective decision and strategy can be formulated for better growth and success of
organisations.
Primary research- It is a research methodology used by a researcher to collect data
directly from the respondents instead of depending on data collected for any previously done
research. Thus, primary research provide a most updated and authentic data which is completely
related with current research and a provide a in depth analysis for efficient decision making
(Minbaeva, 2018). The primary research is quite time consuming process and also require huge
resources. Data under primary research is collected through interviews, surveys, focus group, etc.
Secondary research- It is also known as desk research in which use of already existing
data is made to increase the overall effectiveness of research. For this research, to increase the
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viability and understanding and to support the findings of primary research, use of secondary
data is also made which is collected from books, data bases, journals, published surveys, etc.
Quantitative Research
This provide a way for conducting systematic investigation through gathering and
collecting quantifiable or numerical data with the help of statistical, mathematical or
computational techniques. This data is focused on getting perceptive of individuals and does not
include in depth information about the attitude or behaviour thus, it is easy to present in tabular
or graphical form. Use of questionnaires is made for collecting quantitative data for this research.
Questionnaire- It is basically a research instrument which consists of a set of questions
used with the aim of collecting information from a respondent (Ng and Rumens, 2017)(zum
Felde, 2019).
Sampling- It is a process of choosing or selecting a pre determined set of observations
and unit from a large population on the basis of some common feature or characteristics to
increase the efficiency of research.
Simple random sampling- It is a subset of statistical population in which each and every
member or unit of population have equal probability of being chosen thus, provide a unbiased
selection and representation of a total population.
For this research use of simple random sampling and questionnaire is made to collect
information from respondent. Following questionnaires is prepared to evaluate the opinions and
views of stakeholders of Aston martin on the topic, “ Equality and diversity”.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you having any comprehension and understanding about current issues of
equality and diversity at workplace?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What are the various form of discriminations and unfairness that can be found in an
organisation?
a) Gender pay gap
b) Sexual harassment
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c) Gender divide in leadership
Q3) Do you agree with the fact that high level of gender pay gap is existing at workplace
of Aston martin because of male dominance in automotive industry?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q4) Which is the main challenge created by equality and diversity at workplace of Aston
martin?
a) Lack of coordination
b) Difficulty in decision making
c) Increase in workforce conflicts
Q5) What are the negative implication of having a gender pay gap at its workplace for
Aston martin?
A) Reduction in moral of employees
b) Lack of loyalty and commitment
c) High employee turnover
d) All of the above
Q6) What possible strategies or ways can be implemented by Aston martin to deal with
and effectively respond on equality and diversity at its workpiece ?
a) Implementation of unbiased HR practices
b) Effective and unfavoured leadership style
c) Strict action against discrimination
Q7) Which can be the best policy or practice that can be adopted by Aston martin to
reduce the gender pay gap and male dominance with in its organisation?
a) Transparency in salary
b) Promoting female entrepreneurship
c) Elimination of negotiation
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Q8) Any further recommendation for Aston martin to deal with chlalene of equlaity and
diversity at workplace?
Qualitative Research
This research method seeks at naturalistic inquiry that provides a in depth and detailed
understanding about social phenomena and experience of human being. Subjective data is
collected under this method which is difficult to present in a form of a table, graph or chart
(Vuorinen and Martinsuo, 2019). Use of qualitative research method is made for this research to
get deep understanding and overview about the behaviour and attitude of respondents on equality
and diversity. Use of interview is made to collect detailed and in depth information from
respondents.
Interview- It is a two way conversation between a researcher ( interviewer) and
respondent that is used to collect and gather in depth information about people's opinion,
thoughts, experience and feelings.
Purposeful Sampling- It is a widely used sampling method for qualitative research
which facilitates the identification and selection of information-rich cases related to the phenomenon
of interest and current topic of research (Skjerven, 2019).
Qualitative interview questions
Q1) What are the possible factors of equality and diversity that are found in the workplace
of Aston martin?
Q2) What are your view points regarding male dominance in automotive sector and its
effect on workplace of Aston martin?
LO 3
P5) Analysis and interpretation of collected data
From a large population of stockholders of Aston martin which includes its directors,
mangers, employees, partners, clients, customers and other related party, a sample size of 30
respondents are selected for analysis of their perspective on equality and diversity. For this
research use of thematic technique is made for analysis of collected data. Evaluation and
presentation of this data is provided below:
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Theme1: Current issues of equality and diversity at workplace
Q1) Are you having any comprehension and understanding about
current issues of equality and diversity at workplace?
Frequency
a) Yes 26
b) No 4
26
4
a) Yes
b) No
Interpretation
On the basis of above pie chart it can be interpreted that 26 respondents out of 30 are
having understanding and comprehension about current issues of equality and diversity at
workplace while 4 respondents are not aware about this current fact and issue.
Theme2: Various form of discriminations and unfairness that can be found in an
organisation
Q2) What are the various form of discriminations and unfairness
that can be found in an organisation?
Frequency
a) Gender pay gap 18
b) Sexual harassment 7
c) Gender divide in leadership 5
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