Business Research Project: HRM Impact on Employee Productivity - Asda

This business research project investigates the influence of human resource management (HRM) practices on employee productivity, with a specific focus on Asda Stores plc. The research explores the concept of HRM, examining various practices such as performance management, recruitment, training, and compensation. The project aims to determine the impact of these practices on employee performance and retention, addressing the problem of high employee turnover. The methodology involves a systematic literature review and the application of a qualitative research method. The research findings, based on secondary data, highlight the importance of HRM in enhancing employee efficiency, engagement, and organizational success. The project concludes with recommendations for improving HRM practices to boost employee productivity and retention within the organization. The project also includes sections on research ethics and data collection.

Business Research
Project

Table of Contents
Research topic: To analyse the impact of human resource management on employee productivity
..........................................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
Problem statement..................................................................................................................4
Research aim and objective....................................................................................................4
Rationale for selection of Topic.............................................................................................5
Research questions.................................................................................................................5
Literature Review.............................................................................................................................5
Research Methodology....................................................................................................................7
Research limitation...............................................................................................................10
Ethical consideration............................................................................................................10
Research findings...........................................................................................................................10
Conclusion and recommendation...................................................................................................21
Conclusion............................................................................................................................21
Recommendation..................................................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
Appendix I:....................................................................................................................................23
Raw data collected for current business report.....................................................................23
Research Ethics..............................................................................................................................24
RESEARCH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY....................................................................................25

RISK ASSESSMENT FORM.........................................................................................................1
SPECIFICATIONS OF PROJECT..................................................................................................6

Research topic: To analyse the impact of human resource management on
employee productivity
INTRODUCTION
The main HRM practises that can be applied and adopted by a firm to overcome the
issues of high employee’s turnover for better employee engagement and retention comprises
of Regular performance management and check Effective recruitment and selection process,
Training and development programmes and Better compensation and rewards (Bruenig,
2016). Human resources are undoubtedly the key resources in an organization. It is an
essential unit which is engaged in the development and management of individuals. The
objectives of the HRM are to fulfil manpower needs of organisation. Human resource
management is responsible for effective designing and implementation of various policies,
procedures and programs. It is all about developing and managing knowledge, skills,
creativity, aptitude and talent and using them optimally.
Problem statement
The current research project is based on the issue of high employee turnover that is
currently faced by many organisations because of lack of proper job satisfaction and
motivation or employees (Cascio, 2015). Thus, current investigation is taken out to analyse
about the impact of various human resource practises on performance and retention of
employees.
Research aim and objective
The main aim of leading out and conducting current investigation is, “To study the
influence of Human Resource practises on employees performances”. A study on Asda Stores
plc.
Research objectives
The main objectives and purposes associated with current study on Asda stores plc are
listed as follows:
 To study the concept of human resource management.
 To examine various practises of human resources management within an organisation.
 To determine the impact of various human resource practises on performance of
employees.

Rationale for selection of Topic
The extent of human resource management is very wide, hence as this department is
accountable for development and well fare of employees those who are essential assets of any
company. The fundamental point of human resource management is to enhance overall
performance and productivity of employees. Present report is conducted on one of the most
important aspect for any organisation. Thus, it has been evaluated that research is having
significant scope.
Research questions
• What is meant by the concept of human resource management?
• What could be the various practises of human resources management within an
organisation?
• What possible impact could be lead out by the various human resource practises on
performance of employees?
Literature Review
Concept of human resource management
As per the view point of Collins, 2020 HRM is defined as an effective measure through
which an organisation can effective manage its employees in a well define manner while
enhancing their as well as organisation productivity. It is an important way toward overseeing
individuals in associations in an organized and careful way. According to the analysis it has
been evaluated that human resource covers the fields of staffing that involve recruiting
individuals, maintenance of individuals, pay and advantages setting and the board, execution
the executives, change the executives and dealing with exits from the organization to adjust
the exercises. Furthermore, according to the evaluation it has been analysed that the
conventional meaning of HRM is to practice human management in order to increase
organisational profitability. Human asset is the board that include creating and managing
programs that are intended to expand the viability of an association or business. It
incorporates the whole range of making, overseeing, and developing the business
representative relationship. In addition to this, it has been evaluated that human resource
management is the act of selecting, recruiting, conveying and dealing with an association's
representatives. It is essential for an organization or association's HR division to normally
answerable for making, placing into impact and managing strategies administering labourers
and the relationship of the association with its workers. HRM plays key essential role of
growth and development of an organisation. The main role associated with human resource

manager is to deal with the individuals inside a work environment to accomplish the
association's main goal and fortify the way of life. HR directors can help enlist new experts
who have abilities important to additional the organization's objectives just as help with the
preparation and advancement of current representatives to meet targets. Thus, according to the
analysis it has been evaluated that human management resource is an essential unit within an
organisation through which long term sustainability and higher productivity can be assured by
an organisation.
Impact of various human resource practices on performance of employees
As per the view point of Armstrong and Taylor, 2020 human resource practices
significantly adds to the general achievement of the organization. Their work frequently
includes remunerating representatives for good execution and establishing a positive
workplace. In addition to this, according to the analysis it has been evaluated that human
resource practices also engaged in the process of keeping up legitimate and solid connections
among workers and the board by maintaining a strategic distance from clashes which will
impact the general exhibition of the association. Furthermore, according to the evaluation it
has been underlined that most significant thing is adherence and not to overlook business and
work laws (Trullen and et. al., 2020). It has been evaluated that negligence of these work laws
will cost to the association and it’s marking. In addition to this, it has been evaluated that
human resource practices have significant impact upon performance of company, as one of
the most important role of human resource department is to provide effective training to
employees in order to enhance their skills and talent. This practice significantly make
enhancement in actual performance level of employees.
Various practices of human resources management within an organisation
As per the view point of (Bruenig, 2016) there is different type of human resource
practices. In this the main Human Resource best practice is work security. Life is erratic and
work is a steady factor that is essential to a great many people. Having a business those who
empowers the worker to accommodate themselves and their family is, fundamentally, the
main motivation behind that facilities individuals to come to work. Thus, it has been
evaluated that offering security is the main practice of human resource. Along with this
selective hiring is also an essential practice of HR. This enables an organization to bring in
employees who add value.
Research Methodology

The research philosophy which has been applied for current investigation is interpositive
philosophy as it is support and leads out to a more detailed and in-depth form of information
thus it use is justifiable for supporting better analysis and development of theory based on
current research topic. Further, application of inductive form of research approach is made for
current investigation which is justifiable to support interpositive philosophy along with
facilitating and ensuring better testing and scanning of theoretical information.
Beside this, the research strategy which is applied for current investigation is systematic
literature review as use of this strategy ensures a more systematic and better analysis of
secondary information.
There are two common set of research method which consists of qualitative and
quantitative research method from which use of quantitative is related with objective form of
investigation where as qualitative leads to more in-depth and theoretical information. Thus, with
respect to current investigation on Asda stores use and implication of qualitative research method
is more suitable and appropriate as it lead to better analysis of human perception and opinion on
the topic of influence of Human Resource practises on employees performances.
Apart from this, the two main sources of data collection consists of primary and
secondary sources from which collection of primary data is more complex and require more
time. Therefore, with respect to current investigation, use of only secondary source of adapt has
been made as it is easy to collect and also ensures better understanding about selected topic with
the help of past facts and records.
The research philosophy applied for current study is interpretivisim philosophy which
support a more systematic and practical nature of study based on in-depth perception and view
point. Further, use of inductive approach is made to have improved knowledge about the selected
topic. Beside this, use of systematic literature review has been made as research strategy which
supports a better analysis and evaluation of the secondary form of information. Beside this, use
of only secondary source of data collection is made as it is less time consuming and facilitates
better base and framework for study through analysis of past fact to achieve set objective in more
efficient manner.

Ethical consideration
Implication of BERA code of ethics also with data protection act are made to meet the set
ethical consideration along with maintaining the privacy and authenticity of collected data.
Research findings
Data analysis: Secondary : Thematic analysis
Theme 1: Concept of human resource management.
As per information collected in secondary data, a discussion could be made that concept
of human resource management revolves around effective management of workforce that leads
to attaining organisational competitive advantages. It maximises performances as well as
efficiency of staff members in service of strategic goals identified by superiors. Within Asda
Stores Ltd, human resource management is responsible to look after administration of
employee- benefit design, recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, compensation
management and compliance fulfilment. The concept emphasis more on objectives and outcomes
of functions that are related to notions of enabling, development and retaining people to make
efficient relationship. It comprises field such as personnel management, pay and benefit setting,
changing policies and handling adjustments in exercises.
In an organisation, human resource management is a department which makes efforts for
developing talents to desired potentials, encourages manpower for giving best, putting suitable
person an assigned occupation for producing good outcomes and building cordial relations. It
have wide scope as the concept includes aspects such as welfare, industrial relations and
personnel.

Figure 1: Professionals of Asda Stores Ltd, 2021
International human resource management market size that is values at UK 16.01 Billion and is
predicted to expose at CAGR of 11.7% in coming couple of years. Professionals of Asda Stores
Ltd believes that evolution of solutions related to human resource management have enabled in
performing traditional activities in reduced span of time as well as with increased emphasised
towards attracting accurate pool of candidate. Organisations are putting thoughts towards
devising a digital workplace which enables high productivity, utilisation of modern
communication tools along with offers mobility. It aids in retaining human capital and aligning
tactics with business goals in such manner that results in higher growth. Administrators of Asda
Stores Ltd have analysed shifting of business processes from system of legacy to digital human
resource that performs significant function in centralising HR data in all branches which allows
easy data access.
It have been analysed that organisations rely mostly on manual working for compliances
together with employee engagement that results in hindrances within efficient management of
human resources. With changes in time, human resource management of a company is facing
challenges for hiring and developing manpower owing to large quantity of applicants within the
sector. It is seen as a product creating business values as devising values assist in managing
strategies, emphasising on strategic initiatives and fostering diversity. Along with this, human
resource management maximises productivity of each employee, managing human capital as

well as executing processes with policies. In an entity such as Asda Stores Ltd, human resource
management makes sure that all the teams functions properly and employees in different
department communicates through using suitable medium so that all the messages are
transmitted to each employee to achieve common goals. The concept also engrosses inclusion
along with diversity. Presently, HRM is focusing more to retain knowledge together with talents
that are within staff members with the hope of lowering employee turnover. Fostering corporate
knowledge is another aspect for which human resource managers work to reduce risks associated
with losing.
Theme 2: Practises of human resources management within an organisation.
In accordance to data collected from secondary sources from various in literature review,
it is observed that practices in human resource management are conducted for performing
routines of activities to manage human resources at workplace. These are set of processes
addition to actions that are implemented universally by all organisations. Managers of entity
believes that effective human resource management practice creates wider number of differences
to enhance productivity of existing employees. By using suitable human resource management
practice, professionals of Asda Stores Ltd mediate disputes at occupational locations, interpret
policies and programmes, resolves matters and so on to devise a disciplinary environment. One
of human resource practice that is adopted in the company is training and development to
enhance skill set and knowledge of exiting and new employees for work. It significantly
enhances actual competence of workforce. The practice says that business managers must invest
heavily in training duration along with efforts for their people as it impacts positively on their
operational activities by polishing their ideas, thoughts and so on. Devising and implementing
training programmes and development sessions benefits the employees to improve their abilities
and generate knowledge that helps them in career development. It also reduces burden on
superior as through training they generate wider ideas on table to complete working in less time
that makes more revenues.
Work security is other human resource practice that is used by professionals in Asda
Stores Ltd. Life is unpredictable, where as work is a stable factor which is key for most people. It
is seen as the probability which a person keeps their occupation. In businesses, managers are
providing consistent along with stable jobs to candidates that assist ventures to enhance
retention, grab attention of top talent and devise positive work environment which brings best

performance in employees. It is a sort of assurance which people have in their jobs in foreseeable
future without considering any external factor. Work security says means that employer is happy
and satisfied with operations of subordinates and is in no mood to terminate the employment.
With this practice, professionals develop relaxed environment in company, reduces probability
of manpower turnover, encourages strong corporate culture and improves productivity. It boosts
image along with reputation of an organisation as they treats all people with equal dignity and
respect. In the establishment, human resource practice engages superiors in procedures to keep
legitimate along with solid connections between employees and higher authorities through
maintaining desires strategic distance from disputes that impacts on general demonstration of
association.
Theme 3: Impact of various human resource practises on performance of employees.
The human resource practices can have an impact on the performance level of the
different types of employees in the organisation. Therefore it becomes quite important for the
workers of Asda that they are able to ensure that the adoption of these particular practices can be
made to improve the level of performance in the organization in a highly effective manner.
From the above discussion, it has been found out that the the different types of employees
in Asda are able to improve their performance if the HR department supports them effectively
and efficiently. Thus offering job security is an important HR practice which needs to be adopted
by the employees in the right manner. In this way the workers working in the company can be
ensured that they would not be fired immediately which helps in boosting their level of
confidence properly. This helps in deriving higher-level of performance from them and thus
ensure the attainment of higher-level of goals and objectives.
The above discussion also states that Selective hiring is an important HR practice within
the organisations. The reason for this is that it helps in ensuring that only those employees are
recruited within the company who can add value for it. This helps the companies a lot in
ensuring that they are able to attain their various types of goals and objectives in an appropriate
way. Asda has to make sure that it is able to selectively hire people within the organization
which is helpful in hiring those people who are talented. Thus, In this way it can be said that this
will help the company a lot in ensuring that it is able to hire those people whose level of
efficiency, effectiveness and productivity is quite higher.
Self-managed and effective teams are important for the work of the organization. From

the literature review, it has been found out that if the teams are self-managed and effective then
they can make the job of a manager quite easier. Thus in this way it can be said that the
management of the different types of teams is quite essential for the purpose of ensuring that the
desired level of success can be obtained within the organization by ensuring the attainment of the
short-term, medium-term and long-term goals and objectives.
Training in relevant skills is another important HR practice which can be helpful in
ensuring that the different types of skills can be enhanced in the right manner within the
organization. In Asda, this is an important HR practice as it can be helpful in ensuring that the
overall goals and objectives can be attained by the employees.
By providing Training and Development, the organisations can ensure that they are able
to train and develop their employees in a better manner. This helps in ensuring that the workers
can attain their goals and objectives effectively and efficiently. In Asda, this can be quite useful
so that the workers are trained and developed properly and can attain their desired goals and
objectives.
The discussion has also pointed out that the use of HR practices by the HR department of
an organization can help in raising the overall level of efficiency and effectiveness in a proper
manner. In a company like Asda, it is quite important that by raising the level of efficiency and
effectiveness it is able to attain short-term, medium-term and long-term goals and objectives.
Further, the discussion has pointed out that it helps in raising the overall motivation level and
thus the organizations can ensure that they can motivate the people to maximize the level of
efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.
Also, according to the discussion it can be said that the level of transparency can be
maintained within the organizations which is a HR practice helping the employees to be able to
become transparent in their different types of findings so that the appropriate actions can be
taken in the right manner by the HR department. Asda's HR department can therefore ensure that
it maintains the appropriate level of transparency which will help the company a lot in meeting
out the HR goals and objectives effectively and efficiently.
Further, by providing different types of benefits to the employees the organizations can
help in ensuring that they are able to raise the bar of standards. Thus, In Asda it can be quite
useful so that the workers are motivated enough to achieve the goals and objectives in the future.