TESCO Performance Improvement: Applied Research Report, Diploma

This report, prepared for a Graduate Diploma of Management, delves into applied research methodologies, data collection, and analysis techniques. Section 1 explores communication processes, effective communication methods (face-to-face, written, non-verbal), and data collection techniques (observation, interviews, questionnaires, literature review, focus groups). It highlights the role of technology in data collection and analysis, and outlines legal requirements, policies, and guidelines for applied research. The report details methods for presenting research findings, including tables, graphs, and diagrams. Section 2 focuses on applying research to improve TESCO's organizational performance, including constructing a research strategy, gathering and analyzing data, and ensuring data integrity and accuracy. The report concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations, offering practical insights for organizational improvement.

Graduate diploma of
management
1

Contents
Contents...........................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
SECTION 1.....................................................................................................................................3
SECTION 2...................................................................................................................................13
Part A – Construct an applied research strategy............................................................................13
TSK2.1. Discuss with your colleagues, supervisors, seniors and other persons of significance
and seek their input to enable you to:........................................................................................13
TSK2.2. With the information gathered above, finalise at least one (1) improvement on which
you will focus to attain improved organisational outcomes......................................................14
TSK2.3. Identify and explain the relevant policies and procedures to conduct the applied
research. Also, review the relevant research ethics and applicable codes of conduct...............14
TSK2.4. Review a range of applied research methods, theories and data collection techniques
and specify the suitable mechanisms for collecting and analysing the data, while maintaining it
systematically............................................................................................................................14
TSK2.5. Review the factors which can affect the reliability and validity of data and specify
hypothesis..................................................................................................................................14
TSK2.6. Analyse the available tools and resources and construct an applied research strategy
...................................................................................................................................................14
PART B.........................................................................................................................................15
Task 2.7 Gather data using appropriate source and relevant research.......................................15
Task 2.8 Use appropriate method and technological services to gather and analyse data........16
Theme 2.9 Relevance of research through integrity of data collected and analysed.................20
Theme2.10 Ensure accuracy of data..........................................................................................20
PART C.........................................................................................................................................21
Covered in PPT..........................................................................................................................21
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
2

INTRODUCTION
Applied research is defined as the application of existing scientific knowledge in to
practical implication over a particular issue or problem in order to resolve them from the
gathered information. It is mainly conducted for resolving a particular issue. The applied
research is conducted here for TESCO in order to help it in identifying the idea to implement in
organization practices to improve its overall performance. This report is dived into two part
where section one contain information regarding applied research, its data analysis techniques,
methods used etc. In section two it talks about the investigation of improvement on business
performance and findings over this for applying this finding practically to performance of
TESCO.
SECTION 1
Q1
a) Communication process
The communication is defined as the process of transmitting the information from a
person to another using an appropriate channel in order to share a message, idea, thought,
feeling or opinion (Hair, 2015) . The communication process involves a set of steps or stages
through which a information flow from sender to receiver. The steps involve within
communication process are mentioned below:
Sender: - The sender is a person which starts conversation and conceptualise the
idea which is required to convey to others.
Encoding: - Here sender make use of certain words, symbols, body gestures, sign
etc for translating the information into message.
Message: - Once the encoding process ends the sender become able to get the
message that they want to convey. The message can be in the form of silence, gesture, sighs,
sound etc.
Channel: - After this the sender take up a decision over the medium through which
he/she will convey a message such as oral, virtual, written, sound etc. It must be chosen
wisely as medium of conveying message has a direct influence over the meaning that
receiver get from a message.
Receive: - A person who actually receive the message which is being targeted by the
sender.
3

Decoding: - At this stage the receive try to interpret the message from sender in
order to extract meaning out of it.
Feedback: - It is a final step which ensures that the receiver has received the
message and interpret it in right manner/
b) Different methods of communicate effectively
The method used for performing communication plays a significant role as it support
in ensuring that the message must get delivered to the receiver in right manner and must get
interpreted in same way as the sender want it to be understood. There are number of
methods that can be used in order to communicate information effectively. These methods
are explained below:
Face to face communication: - This is consider to be most effective method of
communication and most widely preferred method of communication. This is so because
face to face interaction make it easier to explain the information to the receiver in right
manner in which it is expected. Other than this if any issues get arises in understanding if
message and it can get correct instantly by the sender which make communication process
more effective (Vaishnavi and Kuechler, 2015). Although face to face communication is not
remain realistic all the time due to situation or some other factor. But several technologies
make it possible such as video conferencing which allow for more persons to have a face to
face interaction without being physically available to one after another.
Written communication: - It mainly involves recorded or printed material like
memos, minutes in meeting, articles, blogs, email etc. This method is mainly considered
when the well thought and well-planned details are required to be presented thus much
easier to review and correct errors as in verbal communication. This is so because
everything is being written and can be altered in right manner so that most meaningful
information can be presented. The written communication is consider to be time consuming
but still essential communication method specially for formal scenarios.
Non-verbal communication: - This method is about using factors other than word
in order to explain a message. The non-verbal communication mainly performed using body
language, eye-contact, pitch of voice etc. in order top communicate with emotions and
feelings. This non verbal communication plays a significant role in delivering the message
in right manner by using several gestures and posture to make it more meaningful. The non-
4

verbal communication is also use along with verbal communication which support in
making the information more explanatory and clear to the receiver.
Q2 Identify 6 techniques of data collection
Data collection
technique
Key facts Example
Observation It is easier to administrate
and provide more
accurate data.
For determining the errors
at workplace, the
employees working
pattern can be observed
over set standards.
Interview It provides in depth
information by allowing
the flexibility in gathering
data.
For determining cause
behind decreasing
employee performance, a
meeting can be conducted
by manager for their
counselling and finding
reason behind it through
discussion.
Schedule It helps in getting
information in specified
criteria which make it
easy to analyse data.
The researcher can
gathered information
from customer regarding
potential feature of
product with similar
questions to determine
majority of favours.
Questionnaire It helps in comparing and
contrasting over previous
research to measure the
changes.
By determining changes
to be expected by
customers in
organisational services a
questionnaire form can be
send where they provide
5

their views.
Literature sources It provides an easy
accessibility of
information with higher
accuracy.
For getting idea regarding
the changes in consumer
trend, researcher can
access online sources and
evaluated the last few
years data.
Focus group It provides a detailed
information through one-
to one interaction
For determining the issues
in organisation that leads
to fall in performance,
researcher can focus its
investigation over 4-5
people i.e. managers of
each department so that
more detailed, reliable
and specific information
can be gathered.
Q3 Role of technology services in data collection and analysis method
The technology services play a significant role within an investigation while performing
set of research activities. An investigator can make use of several available technology
services in order to save its time and cost while performing an investigation. A great
example of this technology is internet which a research can use in order to gather both
primary as well as secondary data (Fletcher, De Massis and Nordqvist, 2016). In this with
the help of internet a researcher can access larger number of arti8cles, journals and books
that are published over a particular topic over which investigation is being conducted. This
is so because it provides an access to larger number of data available at different parts or
sources over a single platform. Other than this, internet can also be used as a tool or medium
for collecting eth primary information where the questionnaire can be circulated or shared in
the population that are relate to a particular event. This support in saving time and cost as
6

well as also provide a medium to access larger number of people at a time and get quick
information.
The main role of technology in data gathering is that it provide a vast range of data that
can be collected, filter and assess so that most appropriate findings can be presented for the
study. Other than this it also provides a place where larger amount of data can be store for
years and extract when ever required (Mishra, Boynton and Mishra, 2014). Despite of all
this technology like computer also provide researcher a range of tools and techniques or
statistical programs where the data can be assessed effectively so that appropriate findings
can be presented without any kind of error. This provide a surety that data get assessed
effectively and provide more validated and accurate outcome over which a particular
research is being conducted.
Q4
a) List eight type of legal requirement, procedures, policies or guidelines for applied
research
1. Open access policy
2. CSU intellectual property policy
3. Complaints resolution policy
4. Research data management policy
5. Code of conduct
6. Conflict of interest policy
7. Delegation policy
8. Record management
b) Explain any three
 Delegation policy state that the council may delegate some of its functions to any members
or committee of council or to any officer of University or any body which is prescribed by
the Charles Sturt University By-law 2005. It also specifies the information must be
documented in written or must be presented in electronic form.
 Code of conduct are some kind of specified standards of conduct which are being expected
for all the staff members of Charles Sturt University. It aims at maintaining the public trust
and confidence within the information provided by the staff of university.
7

 Conflict of interest mainly document the procedure in respect to the situation which give rise
to the potential, actual or perceived conflicts of interest among an employee’s private
interest.
Q5
a) List eight techniques for presenting applied research findings
Tables
Bar Graphs
Flow chart
Scatter plots
Pie chart
Line chart
Histogram
Diagrammatic presentation
b) Technique to present data efficiently
The presentation of data within a research plays a significant role in making a report
explanatory and attractive to the reader which help in providing them an understanding
regarding the information that investigator wants to present. Hence, it is crucial for a
researcher to adopt right technique for presenting the data. For this the researcher can make
use of graphs, table and diagrams in order to explain the data effectively and present the
information which easily get understood by the reader with the help of these promotes.
Additionally, it also support the reader in judging the data accuracy and get understanding
about the idea or outcome behind particular information which support in getting success
within the accomplishment of research objectives.
Q6 Three type of written and three type of oral report
Type Use Definition Main
Components
Tips
Written report
Letter It is used as a
formal method
of
communication
It refers to a
formal
document
which is
Heading,
footnotes,
tables and
figures
Formal
letter must
be written
in formal
8

among people
within an
organisation
used to
provide
valuable
information
on business
related
matters
language
while
following a
specific
format.
Memo It is an
informal report
used for
replying over a
request for
information
A memo is
a written
report used
by within
an
organisation
for
circulating
information
and
messages.
Heading,
background
section, tasks,
supporting
research ideas
etc.
Clearly
state the
purpose of
memo at
starting to
give idea to
reader.
Analytical report This report is
mainly used
for generating
ideas.
It is a type
of business
report use
for
company
data to
analyse it
for forming
up strategy.
Segmentation,
Metrics,
virtual report
etc.
Assess the
goals and
actions in
numerical
form to
make it
more
explanatory.
Oral reports
Prepared/Extemporaneous It is used to
deliver the
information in
It is a kind
of speech
which
Speaker
notes, note
cards,
The notes
taken for
speech must
9

more effective
manner using
material.
involve use
of notes or
prompts
which guide
an
individual
point to
point which
delivering
speech.
prompts. be short and
concise that
give quick
clues.
Manuscript oral report It is used to
deliver a long
and important
speech.
It is a type
of oral
report
where the
speech is
written and
the speaker
only read it
word by
word in
front of
audience.
Title,
Introduction,
main body
and
conclusion
Use simple
and short
sentences
for
preparing it
in order to
make it
more
explanatory.
Memorized report It is used to
present certain
random topic
of discussion.
The
memorised
style of
speaking is
one where
the
manuscript
is
committed
Verbal, vocal
and body
language
Must be
alert and
active while
using words
for
presenting
the thoughts
over a
particular
10

to memory
and recited
toward the
audience
verbatim.
topic.
Q7 Explain following
a) Research ethics: - The ethics are consider to be moral principle which an individual is
required to follow despite of time or place. Behaving in ethical manner mainly involves
performing things in right manner and at right time. Research ethics mainly involve set of
moral principles which an investigator is required to follow in their particular field of study.
The research ethics deals in determining the ethical issues which are being raised when
people mainly get involve within a study. By appropriate application of ethical principle in
such investigation allows the research to maintain the confidentiality and trust within the
data provided.
b) Codes of conduct: - The code of conduct is basically refers to the standards that are being
set up by authorities and expect from the researcher to follow all these standards while
performing their investigation under a particular auspices. These codes of conducts mainly
includes approval procedures, intellectual property, data, publication and authorship etc. The
code of conduct within an investigation plays a significant role in ensuring the quality of
data presented along with its reliability and validity so that reader can relay over the
information presented through a particular investigation.
Q8 List of fifteen applied research tools and methods
There are number of tools or methods that can be used in order to conduct the applied
research such as,
1. Experiments
2. Survey
3. Questionnaire
4. Interviews
5. Case studies
6. Participant and non-participant observation
11

7. Observational trials
8. Delphi method
9. Focus group
10. Brain storming
11. Resources and consultation
12. Decision tree
13. Content analysis
14. Survey illustration
15. Direct observation
12

SECTION 2
Part A – Construct an applied research strategy
TSK2.1. Discuss with your colleagues, supervisors, seniors and other persons of significance and
seek their input to enable you to:
During the discussion session with the team members, it has been analysed that TESCO
is already leading the marketplace in significant manner but still the company is required to
take several initiatives so that they can easily improvise their business performance in
appropriate manner which brings success to them. Several ideas developed with this
interaction session has been specified as below in detailed manner
 It is essential for the TESCO to emphasize on including trendy consumable products at
affordable prices in its store so that they can attract its customers. This would simply support
company is improvising organizational outcome as they are able to attract maximum number
of customers towards them who will enhance its sales performance as well as profitability in
rightful manner.
 It is important for TESCO to focus on redesigning its internal structuring of the stores so
that they can develop space for each and every category of products. This could be simply
done with the better presentation of products. Also, each floor manager must conduct few
training session for the employees which could develop their capability of handling
customers and providing direction to each and every customers visiting the store and satisfy
them at extensive level with best services.
 The third determined idea for improvement in organisational performance is to ensure that
store head must always remain active towards the stock within the store in terms of its
availability. This simply reduces the chances of lack product availability within the store. As
a result, customers of TESCO will never face out of stock related problem.
The main purpose of this applied research is to resolve the problem associated increasing
competition for TESCO which is influencing its sales performance in negative manner. With
the help of this investigation researcher would be easily able to find out best technique by
which the specified issues could be easily resolved in appropriate manner.
Here, mainly employees are targeted by the company as the core targeted group who
would be influenced by making use of training, guidance and leadership practices which
ultimately maximises their performance output.
13

TSK2.2. With the information gathered above, finalise at least one (1) improvement on which you
will focus to attain improved organisational outcomes
On the basis of above specified range of ideas, practitioner would definitely focus on
making use of second generated idea that is improving internal presentation of the TESCO
and conducting training session for the employees would definitely help the respective
stores of TESCO in improvising their organisational outcomes.
TSK2.3. Identify and explain the relevant policies and procedures to conduct the applied research.
Also, review the relevant research ethics and applicable codes of conduct.
In this, investigator would ensure to incorporate all the policies and procedure related to
the research and use them according to the suitability of TESCO too so that they would not
indulge in any of the legal obligations in the near future. Also, all associated code of conduct
as well as research ethics have been followed in order to ensure that results obtained with
this would be highly valid.
TSK2.4. Review a range of applied research methods, theories and data collection techniques and
specify the suitable mechanisms for collecting and analysing the data, while maintaining it
systematically.
In order to gather required information from the managers, the researcher would make
use of questionnaire method which would be filled by each and every manager. This data
would be analysed by investigator with the usage quantitative method for obtaining valid
outcome in systematic manner.
TSK2.5. Review the factors which can affect the reliability and validity of data and specify
hypothesis
Time, cost, environmental are some of the important factor which influences reliability
and validity of the gathered information. It can be said that non availability of the available
time makes it difficult for investigator to gather detailed and true information on the
proposed topic which ultimately places impact over the validity as well as reliability of the
research in appropriate manner.
TSK2.6. Analyse the available tools and resources and construct an applied research strategy
The main resources required for this research were finances, equipment’s, man power,
technology and others which directly contributes in conducting more effective research
which leads to attainment of project outcome. All of these resources were available for this
14

research in adequate manner which directly contributes in conducting an appropriate
research study that would support in constructing valid applied research strategy
PART B
Task 2.7 Gather data using appropriate source and relevant research
For gathering the data regarding improvement in organisational performance,
questionnaire will be used in order to collect the information, where information will be
gathered from 10 managers of Tesco
Q1. According to you, what are major factors that are affecting
the organisational performance at marketplace?
Frequency
a) Increasing competition 5
b) Lack of employees’ skills 3
c) Lower productivity 2
Q2 Do you think that competition is the major factor that is
affecting the customer satisfaction toward TESCO?
Frequency
a) Yes 6
b) No 4
Q3 What are several changes that TESCO must bring in order to
enhance the organisational performance?
Frequency
a) Add new product to store 4
b) Effective assortment of products 5
c) Improve supply chain network 1
Q4 As per your perception what are several actions that TESCO
must take in order to improve its services?
Frequency
a) Providing employees training 5
b) Improve store layout 3
c) Enhance procurement capacity 2
Q5 Recommend the ways through which employees’
performance can be enhanced with this idea?
Frequency
a) On the job training 5
b) Regular performance appraisal 2
c) Leadership support 3
15

Task 2.8 Use appropriate method and technological services to gather and analyse data
For analysing the data which is gathered above content analysis will be used which
support in providing a theme before a discussion is being performed in a particular direction.
For analysing this data graphical tools and tabulation feature is used within Microsoft word
as a technical service which support in presenting the data in more accurate manner. This
make the presentation clearer and easier to understand. The analysis of data is mentioned
below:
Theme 1: Major factors that are affecting the organisational performance at marketplace
Q1. According to you, what are major factors that are affecting
the organisational performance at marketplace?
Frequency
a) Increasing competition 5
b) Lack of employees’ skills 3
c) Lower productivity 2
Interpretation: - From the above mentioned data it has been interpreted that majority
of managers believe that the main factor that affect the organisational performance is
increasing competition as it presented several options in front of customers.
16

Theme 2: Competition is the major factor that is affecting the customer satisfaction toward
TESCO
Q2 Do you think that competition is the major factor that is
affecting the customer satisfaction toward TESCO?
Frequency
a) Yes 6
b) No 4
Interpretation: - The data presented above state that majority number of managers
said yes that competition is the major factor which is affecting the customer satisfaction as
by offering different benefits or options which increases their expectations.
Theme 3: Several changes that TESCO must bring in order to enhance the organisational
performance
Q3 What are several changes that TESCO must bring in order to
enhance the organisational performance?
Frequency
a) Add new product to store 4
b) Effective assortment of products 5
c) Improve supply chain network 1
17

Interpretation: - By evaluating the gathered information it has been determined that
TESCO is required to effectively assort the product in order to make them visible and more
presentable. So that easily capture the attention of customers when they enter in store.
Theme 4: Several actions that TESCO must take in order to improve its services
Q4 As per your perception what are several actions that TESCO
must take in order to improve its services?
Frequency
a) Providing employees training 5
b) Improve store layout 3
c) Enhance procurement capacity 2
18

Interpretation: - As per the data gathered above it has been analysed that the majority
of people believe that providing training to employees will be a more effective method for
improving the organisational performance
Theme 5: The ways through which employees’ performance can be enhanced with this idea
Q5 Recommend the ways through which employees’
performance can be enhanced with this idea?
Frequency
a) On the job training 5
b) Regular performance appraisal 2
c) Leadership support 3
19

Interpretation: - From the above-mentioned information it has been interpreted that
around 5 out of 10 employees believe that on the job training method would be more
effective for TESCO as it support in providing a medium through which employees learn
through practical implication which enhance employees performance.
Theme 2.9 Relevance of research through integrity of data collected and analysed
For determining the method use for improving the performance of the organisation, the
data is gathered from conducting a face to face meeting after preparing a questionnaire, so
that information in set responses can be gathered to determine the idea which is most
effective. The method used for collecting data is questionnaire which is relevant for this as it
contains a direct response from the managers who have in depth understanding of
organisational setting. Hence it can be said that the research performed here is relevant and
provide accurate information.
Theme2.10 Ensure accuracy of data
For performing this research all; the ethical as well as legal compliances are being
applied which represent the authenticity as well as accuracy of data presented within study.
This mainly includes confidentiality of respondents, anonymity, informed consent, Open
access policy, Research data management policy, Code of conduct, Conflict of interest
policy, Record management etc.
20

PART C
Covered in PPT
CONCLUSION
From investigation performed it has been identified that the applied research plays a
significant role within the organisational setting. This is so because it support in evaluating an
issue effectively and then determining the appropriate practices that can be applied in order to
resolve those issues. This in turn consider to be one of the effective type of investigation that can
be undertaken within corporate to overcome the issues.
21

REFERENCES
Books & Journals
Berger, A.A., 2018. Media and communication research methods: An introduction to qualitative
and quantitative approaches. Sage Publications.
Chuang, S.P. and Huang, S.J., 2015. Effects of business greening and green IT capital on
business competitiveness. Journal of Business Ethics, 128(1), pp.221-231.
DaSilva, C.M. and Trkman, P., 2014. Business model: What it is and what it is not. Long range
planning, 47(6), pp.379-389.
Fletcher, D., De Massis, A. and Nordqvist, M., 2016. Qualitative research practices and family
business scholarship: A review and future research agenda. Journal of family business
strategy, 7(1), pp.8-25.
Hair, J.F., 2015. Essentials of business research methods. ME Sharpe.
Honcharuk, N.M. and Onufriieva, L.A., 2018. Communicative needs in the structure of the
intercourse process. Fundamental and applied researches in practice of leading
scientific schools, 27(3), pp.111-116.
Infanteena, S.D. and Anita, E.M., 2017, February. Survey on compressive data collection
techniques for wireless sensor networks. In 2017 International Conference on
Information Communication and Embedded Systems (ICICES) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.
Krutova, A., Nesterenko, O. and Levina, M., 2019. Transfer pricing as a means of the state tax
base optimization. Fundamental and applied researches in practice of leading scientific
schools, 31(1), pp.100-107.
Lukina, I.M., 2016. The state registration of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, the
current problems of Legislation. Fundamental and applied researches in practice of
leading scientific schools, 14(2), pp.254-261.
Mishra, K., Boynton, L. and Mishra, A., 2014. Driving employee engagement: The expanded
role of internal communications. International Journal of Business
Communication, 51(2), pp.183-202.
Scandelius, C. and Cohen, G., 2016. Achieving collaboration with diverse stakeholders—The
role of strategic ambiguity in CSR communication. Journal of Business
Research, 69(9), pp.3487-3499.
Shang, T., Zhang, K., Liu, P. and Chen, Z., 2017. A review of energy performance contracting
business models: Status and recommendation. Sustainable cities and society, 34,
pp.203-210.
Sharma, S., Bansal, R.K. and Bansal, S., 2016. Energy-efficient data collection techniques in
wireless sensor networks. Emerging Communication Technologies Based on Wireless
Sensor Networks: Current Research and Future Applications, CRC Press, Taylor &
Francis, USA, pp.275-296.
Sokolova, O. and Soloviova, O., 2018. Efficiency of using air transport during cargo
transportation. Fundamental and applied researches in practice of leading scientific
schools, 28(4), pp.133-139.
Vaishnavi, V.K. and Kuechler, W., 2015. Design science research methods and patterns:
innovating information and communication technology. Crc Press.
Wolf, C.A., Hardis, R.P., Woodrum, S.D., Galan, R.S., Wichelt, H.S., Metzger, M.C., Bezzo, N.,
Lewin, G.C. and de Wekker, S.F., 2017, April. Wind data collection techniques on a
22

multi-rotor platform. In 2017 Systems and Information Engineering Design Symposium
(SIEDS) (pp. 32-37). IEEE.
23