Managing Diversity: Issues and Solutions at Selco Builders Warehouse

This report, focusing on Selco Builders Warehouse, investigates issues and challenges arising from workplace diversity and equality. It begins with an introduction defining diversity and its impact, followed by an outline of the research aims and objectives, which include identifying diversity-related issues, analyzing their impact, and recommending solutions. The project management plan encompasses cost, time, and resource allocation. The report details research methodologies, including the selection of qualitative methods and an inductive approach, along with data collection strategies using primary and secondary sources. Key findings are presented using appropriate tools to analyze data from a sample of Selco Builders Warehouse employees. The report concludes with recommendations for addressing diversity issues and a reflection on the project's process and personal performance review.

Managing a Successful
Business Project
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
TASK A...........................................................................................................................................5
LO 1.................................................................................................................................................5
P1 Producing research aims and objectives.................................................................................5
P 2 Project management plan including cost, time, resources.....................................................6
P3 Producing work break down structure and Gantt chart..........................................................7
LO 2.................................................................................................................................................8
P4 Small scale research applying primary and secondary methods............................................8
Research methodologies..................................................................................................................8
LO 3...............................................................................................................................................11
P5 Key findings and data using appropriate tools.....................................................................11
P6 Recommendations results of findings.................................................................................17
LO 4...............................................................................................................................................18
P7 Reflection.............................................................................................................................18
TASK B.........................................................................................................................................18
Personal performance review....................................................................................................18
TASK C.........................................................................................................................................20
TASK D.........................................................................................................................................20
Project Log Book.......................................................................................................................20
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
.REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................21
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REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
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TOPIC: Issues and challenges arise out of diversity in the workplace and measurements to
resolve them.
INTRODUCTION
The actual meaning of diversity is to understand that each individual is unique and have different
skills and characteristics and recognize individual differences Diversity at workplace have
several benefits but on the other hand, it can create several problems like communication
barriers, misunderstanding, generation gaps etc. There are several ways of developing diversity
in an effective manner which can solve all problems that arise due to equality at workplace
(Barak, 2016).
Background of the study
This study is based on Selco Builders Warehouse that is the original self select builders
merchant in building material industry. It is a big company as it is operating over 60 locations
across England & Wales. It is mainly known for its qualitative real trade products and services at
affordable prices. It has several internal and external stakeholders that includes: Customers,
Builders, Plasterers and the Sparky. It has approximate 5000 employees. This company wants to
get a research report on some issues that arise out of equality as well as diversity in teh
workplace by research assistant of McLeod and partners.
This present research is going to show some main aim and objectives that is being developed
by researcher in the context of Selco Builders Warehouse. For accomplishing all pre determined
objectives, researcher will held an effective research by following a sequence of steps. Project
management plan includes cost, resources, time that shows estimated time, all required resources
as well as cost which will be required in conducting this research. It will also show the
importance of research methodologies that shows the type of approach selected by research as
per the topic. Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart also plays an important role as it shows
the real time and activities of this whole research.
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TASK A
LO 1
P1 Producing research aims and objectives
Aims and Objectives
Aim
“To identify issues related to diversity and equality at workplace and measurements
of solutions. A case study on Selco Builders Warehouse”
Objectives:
 To identify the concept and meaning of diversity and equality.
 To analyse issues that occur out of diversity in Selco Builders Warehouse.
 To identify some critical impacts of diversity and equality.
 To recommend some ways to solve diversity and equality related issues for Selco
Builders Warehouse
Research Questions:
1. What is the meaning of diversity?
2. What are some issues faced by Selco Builders Warehouse related to diversity and
equality?
3. What impacts does workplace diversity create for employees and Selco Builders
warehouse company.
4. How diversity issues can be resolved?
Rationale:
Diversity and equality is the main term that is creating some problems as well as some
benefits for organizations. The main reason of selecting this topic of diversity is to prevent
organizations against all those issues created by diversity by providing them some solutions. This
topic is the common topic which can be beneficial at academic as well as professional field.
Research problem:
At the time of conducting research there are several types of problem have to face by
researcher. Shortage of time and lack of sources of finance, human resources, effective technical
staff that can help researcher in research and development about in identifying issues related to
diversity and equality are some types of research problem. Rather than internal factors there are
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some external factors that can also create some problems in the path of success of research such
as climate and weather changes, resistance of participants pr sample selected for questionnaire.
P 2 Project management plan including cost, time, resources.
Project management plan plays a vital role in conducting research. With the help of project
management plan, researcher can estimate cost, time that can be used in completing whole
research.
Cost: Cost is an important element of PMP. In this step, researcher estimates of cost and
all expenses that can occurring conducting this research. For conducting this research estimated
cost will be £ 30,000 including all expenses like research, development, questionnaire, human
resources, technical tools etc.
Scope: Scope shows the importance and limits to which researcher as well as the company can
use this research project. This is also an important part to see the importance by researcher. This
topic of diversity is on the top and hot issue in an organization. This topic and research can be
helpful at academic and commercial level (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017).
Time: Time is also called an important element of this PMP that helps researcher in
competing the research on the time and deadline given by teh company. In this step, scholar
estimates time of completing this research in a successful manner. Estimated time of this
researcher can be 20-30 days.
Quality: Quality is one of the main element of project management plan that shows the
effectiveness of research conducted by scholar. It is important for researcher to maintain the best
quality while conducting researcher. For maintaining and creating a qualitative research,
researcher will use several quality control tools like KPI etc.
Communication: There are several communication tools that can be used by researcher
in the research project. The main aim of using communications tools is to communicate and
contact with customers and other people that are involved directly and indirectly with this
research project. For this research, scholar will use E-mail, Social media platforms to getting
information.
Risk: Risk analysis and measurements is also important. Researcher has to face several
risk while conducting research. Risk of shortage of fiancé source, lack of information via
primary and secondary sources, ineffective human resources etc. For solving these problems,
researcher will use balance score card.
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Resources: There is a requirement of many resources for making this research successful and
authenticate (Fleming and Koppelman, 2016). Tangible and intangible resources can make the
project effective. Some resources which are being used by researcher are Laptop, human
resources, finance etc.
P3 Producing work break down structure and Gantt chart
Figure 1Work break down
Gantt chart
Activity 2-3
days
3-5
days
6-9
days 10-14
days
15-18
days
18-21
days
22-25
days 26-27
days
28-29
days
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Developing
aims and
objectives
Management of
project plan
Drafting
Methodologies
Designing
questionnaire
Collection of
data
Analysing data
and
interpretation
Discussion and
Conclusion
Submission
LO 2
P4 Small scale research applying primary and secondary methods
Research is called the most important part of whole research as with its help, scholar
conducts and complete whole research.
Research methodologies
Research methodologies plays a vital role because it consists of several elements and steps.
Research types, designs, research approach, research philosophies and data collection are some
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steps of research methodologies. The main aim of following each step of research methodology
is to select the main type of research on which basis, scholar perform further steps. Some steps
and elements of research methodologies are described as follows:
Research types
There are mainly 2 types of research such as qualitative and quantitative. The selection of
type is all depend on researcher and the topic. According to the topic researcher select whether
qualitative or quantitative (Kumar, 2019). In the type of qualitative, all data and information are
collected by observations, human behaviours and attitudes in the form of quality and theory.
Researcher tries to understand feelings and behaviours of human and individuals if he/she wants
to collect qualitative type of data. On the other hand, quantitative research type is concerned
with numbers and figures. There is no need to understand feelings and observe humans. All data
are being collected in numbers by the numbers of total individuals and their answers. Researcher
uses qualitative type whose sources are observations and interviews.
Research approaches
Research approach is a process consisted several steps of broad assumption of detailed
method of data collection and analysis. There are 2 approaches of research such as inductive and
deductive. Inductive approach is all about developing a new theory. On the other hand,
deductive is all about existing theory in which researcher have to analyse and develop
hypothesis. Which approach will researcher select is all depend on the type of research. For
qualitative research, inductive approach is being used. For quantitative type, deductive is used.
So, research will use inductive research approach.
Research philosophies
A research philosophy is belief about the ways in which data about a phenomenon should be
collected, analysed and used. It increases the knowledge and understanding if researcher about
the main topic. The main aim of conducting this research is to identify issues and challenges
arise due to diversity and equality at workplace in the context of Selco Builders Warehouse.
Positivism, interpretivism and realism are called 3 philosophies of research. Interpretivism is
being selected by research for conducting this research project because the type of research is
qualitative. Interpretivism is related with Qualitative type and is derived from action theory
(Zaman and Memon, 2016).
Research designs
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Research design is an outline and an overall strategy by which researcher can integrate all
components of research. Descriptive, experimental, semi-experimental and co relational are
designs of research. The purpose and role of research design is to ensure that the obtained
evidence makes a researcher able to effectively address all research problems. With the help of
descriptive design, researcher focuses on describing the main problem related to research. This
design is used by researcher.
Data collection
Data collection is also main important element and part of research methodologies. Without
following this step and collecting data, scholar even cannot complete research. Primary and
secondary are 2 type of gathering information. Primary means new and secondary means second
hand. With the help of primary data, researcher get new data which cannot be used before. On
the other hand, with secondary type, researcher collect existing dat that may or may not be used
before. Observations and focus group are sources of primary data collection. Articles, books and
journals are sources of secondary data collection. Researcher will use both sources of data
collection (Wang, Wu and Zhu, 2018).
Sampling
Sample means a group of people and individuals which researcher take for getting
information among a large population. The main aim of following this step is to get authenticates
data as researcher cannot ask questions with the whole population. There are mainly 2 types of
sampling such as probability and non-probability. In the type of probability sampling, each
population element has a known chance for being chosen. Non-probability type of sampling has
a non-zero chance of being chosen. Researcher will select random sampling for giving equal
opportunities to all people. Researcher cannot be bias with the help of this type of sampling. 20
sample is being used by scholar and sample are employees of Selco Builders Warehouse.
Data analysis
Data analysis is the last step of research methodologies. It is important for scholar to analysis
data after collecting data. Qualitative and quantitative are 2 types of data analysis which is also
depend on the type of research. For making all data authenticate and accurate researcher requires
to analyse them. There are some tools of making data accurate. Sometimes data from primary
and secondary sources can be irrelevant, so researcher analyse them and make them correct.
Qualitative data analysis is being used by researcher (Yeakley and Caballero, 2016.).
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LO 3
P5 Key findings and data using appropriate tools
Findings
1. Do employees of all cultures are respected equally?
2. Do employees from different culture and background feel comfortable to interact with
each others ?
3. Do you feel agree that your firm’s policies discourage discrimination?
4. According to you what is the main negative impact of diversity and equality?
5. What are some measurements taken by your company to solve discrimination related
issues?
6. Do you think that development of diversity can contribute to firm’s growth?
7. What are some reasons that creating problems of diversity and equality at your
workplace?
8. Recommend some ways of solving diversity and equality related issues?
.................
Theme 1. Do employees of all cultures are respected equally?
Participants Answers
12 Yes
8 No
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Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above that 12 and most of the employees believe that
all employees from different cultures are respected equally. On the other hand, 8 employees of
Selco Builders Warehouse feel that company do not respect all employees equally.
Theme 2 Employees from different culture and background feel comfortable to interact with
each others ?
Participants Answers
7 Yes
9 No
4 Neutral
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Interpretation: It is interpreted that 7 employees said yes that they feel comfortable to talk
different culture of employees. Majority says that they feel uncomfortable due to differences in
languages. Only 4 employees were neutral.
Theme 3 Your firm’s policies discourage discrimination
Participants Answers
11 Strongly agree
5 Disagree
4 Strongly disagree
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Interpretation: From the above data it is interpreted that 11 or most of the employees
were strongly agree that firm’s policy discourage discrimination.5 employees disagree that
statement and 4 employees also said that do not agree on it.
Theme 4 Main negative impact of diversity and equality
Participants Answers
8 Labour turnover
7 Decreased organization productivity
5 Internal disputes
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Interpretation: Majority of employees and 8 employees said discouragement of discrimination
leads labour turnover, 7 employees said it decrease overall productivity of company. Least
employees or 5 said it creates conflicts.
Theme 5 some ways and strategies by your company to solve discrimination
Participants Answers
11 Modification in recruitment strategies
8 Concentration of group task
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Interpretation: From the above data it can be said that 11 employees said that company
is taking initiatives and modifying recruitment strategies for solving discrimination related
issues. 8 employees said it is concentrating on group task for improving relationship.
Theme 6 Development of diversity contribute to firm’s growth
Participants Answers
15 Yes
5 No
Interpretation: It can be said that from the above graph that 15 employees believe that
an effective and development of diversity can increase performance of the company. 5
employees do not believe in it.
Theme 7 Reasons that create problems of diversity and equality at workplace
Participants Answers
12 Lack of training
8 Company’s policies and ineffective leadership
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Interpretation: It can be interpreted that 12 employees that there is a lack of training that
is the main reason of all diversity related issues. 8 employees said that leadership style and
policies if the firm is the main reason.
Theme 8 Recommendations for solving diversity and equality related issues
Interpretation: In this open ended question, different employees gave different
recommendation in a freely manner. Some employees said and recommended that the company
should focus on changing its strategies and policies that can help them in developing diversity.
Manager treat with employees equally but lack of policies related to diversity creating the
problem of labour turnover and conflicts. Some employees said and believe that languages and
culture creates several problems, so company need to provide an effective training to all
employees. By recruiting an effective trainer who can make all employees understand the
importance of diversity and can give language knowledge.
P6 Recommendations results of findings
From the above findings and answers given by all selected people or sample, it can be
recommended that the company should mainly focus on training for employees. There is a
requirement of training to make them know about different culture and languages which are the
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main problem of diversity at workplace. It has also been known that bthe company do not focus
on its policies and strategies related to diversity. So, by making changes in diversity related
policies and strategies it can accomplish its goals and solve problems which are occurring due to
diversity and equality.
LO 4
P7 Reflection
From the above study I have learned so many new things which increased my learning and
research related skills. I learned the way of conducting research step by step. It is important to
follow a sequence of research project that are being followed in this research project. The
preliminary work of thus research is to develop aims and objectives for which researcher conduct
research. I also learned that Project management plan and research methodologies all steps plays
an important role as without both these steps, scholar can not get qualitative research. I also saw
that different individuals have different views from questionnaire. By conducting and making an
effective use of Gantt chart, work breakdown, scholar compared task in an effective manner.
TASK B
Personal performance review
What was the project supposed to accomplish?
To generate outcomes related to the topic of diversity issues and its solutions.
Did the project succeed in its aims? How do you know? Specifically, please outline any
evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes the project succeeds in its aims. For knowing more about effectiveness and
analysing, feedbacks from managers and employees can be taken.
What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the project (e.g.
initial inception, project activities and project outcomes) from a range of perspectives.
The main and important task was collecting data from employees of the selected company.
The main aim was to help me out in communicating with them and getting accurate
information At initial stage the main thing was allocating resources and developing
objectives on which basis further steps can be followed.
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What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there timely
identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
The main problem was convincing the manager of the company to select their employees
as a sample. To identify the selection and sample type was difficult task. By influencing
them and giving them valid reason of selecting employees as a sample this problem
resolved.
What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I learned the way of collecting data, analysis them and interpretation. The use of making
graphs was also interesting.
How would you rate your performance as project manager?
I will rate my performance as average. I made many research so i was good but at some
levels i took helps of others in competing tasks and performing activities.
What strengths and weaknesses of your performance did you identify?
My communication and influencing skills helped me out as it is my main strengths that
always supports me in making the research successful.
My main weakness is I lack in decision making and problem solving as sometimes I got
confused and can not think critically.
How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
This will help me in making research successful in the future as well as identifying my
weak areas.
The success of the project and its usefulness in supporting your chosen organisation’s
organisational performance.
This project was good as I think it was beyond the level and can support the company in
improving their performance by following recommendations.
Your own performance.
My own performance was good. By this research i knew my weakened areas, so I will try
to decrease them and improve my strengths for getting more success.
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TASK C
Covered in PPT....
TASK D
Project Log Book
Project title: Issues and challenges arise out of diversity in the workplace and measurements to
resolve them.
What have you completed?
Research project
Did you fulfil task requirements?
Yes
Did you need to make any changes in your PMP?
No
Risks
Did you identify risks with a lack of skills required for undertaking research?
Yes
Did you identify any additional risks?
Yes, external factors
Problems encountered
What problems did you face?
Permission from the company to select their employees as a sample.
How did you resolve?
I convinced their manager and said that research can be made successfully by getting real data
and identifying views of employees as what they think about the company.
Tasks planned for new weeks
Which tasks was priority?
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PMP, Aims and objective and data collection.
Have you set sufficient time for completion?
Yes
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been summarized that research methodologies and its all steps
played a vital role in conducting research. It helped researcher in selecting the type of research
out of 2 according to the topic for making the research successful. It has also shown increasing
importance of project management plan that is an outline of the whole research on which basis,
research tried to complete the research. Research philosophies and selecting the type of
collecting data from primary and secondary also played a vital role. It helped researcher in
getting authenticate information’s for accomplishing all its objectives and the main aim.
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REFERENCES
Books and journal
Barak, M.E.M., 2016. Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage
Publications.Dymetman, M., Xerox Corp, 2015.
Fleming, Q.W. and Koppelman, J.M., 2016, December. Earned value project management.
Project Management Institute.
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
Künnecke, W., TRACE Analytics GmbH, 2018. Sampling device and sampling method. U.S.
Patent Application 10/022,081.
Nicholas, J.M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Noe, R.A. and et.al., 2017. Human resource management: Gaining a competitive advantage.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Wang, Q., Wu, S. and Zhu, J., 2018, October. Rsearch on the Construction of Operating
Mechanism of Characteristic Town Based on the PPP Financing Model. In 8th
International Conference on Management and Computer Science (ICMCS 2018). Atlantis
Press.
Wickham, H., 2016. ggplot2: elegant graphics for data analysis. Springer.
Yeakley, D.D. and Caballero, A.M., Hand Held Products Inc, 2016. Data collection system
having reconfigurable data collection terminal. U.S. Patent 9,256,772.
Zaman, M. and Memon, N.A. eds., 2016. Philosophies of Islamic education: Historical
perspectives and emerging discourses. Routledge.
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