HND Business Research Project: CSR and United Biscuits' Performance

This research project examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on United Biscuits, a major UK biscuit manufacturer. The study investigates how CSR initiatives influence the company's sales, performance, and overall operations. The project includes a detailed research outline, critical review of key references, and a discussion of the research design and methodology, including data collection methods like questionnaires. The findings are analyzed using qualitative techniques, drawing conclusions and recommendations for CSR implementation. The research also incorporates a Gantt chart for project planning and resource allocation, and concludes with a presentation of the study's findings.

Impact of Corporate social responsibility
for improving sales, performance and
operation – A study on United Biscuits

Table of Contents
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Research project outline specification..................................................................................1
1.2 Factors that contribute to process of research project selection............................................2
1.3 Critical review of key references..........................................................................................2
1.4 Design and methodology for research...................................................................................3
1.5 Appropriate plan and procedure for the agreed research specification.................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Use resources efficiently to research question and hypothesis.............................................5
2.2 Proposed research investigation............................................................................................5
2.3 Record and collate data.........................................................................................................6
3.1 Use of research evaluation technique....................................................................................8
3.2 Interpret and analyse the result.............................................................................................8
3.3 Conclusion & Recommendations for improvement of areas..............................................13
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................14
4.1 Format and media for presenting the study (Enclosed in Power Point)..............................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................15

TASK 1
Topic: Impact of CSR in improving performance, sales and operations – A study on United
Biscuits
1.1 Research project outline specification
Corporate social responsibility is define as obligations and duty which a company have to
perform towards the society (Why Corporate Social Responsibility is Important, 2017). As
business already use society resources for manufacturing the products and they are liable to share
some profit with society. For this, many large and small business entities have to take this factor
in account. By applying this in business, company can improve their performance, sales and
operations. All these are link with profitability because a the profit rises overall performance can
get improve by employ new techniques for improving operations. Good quality products are
helpful in increasing the sales directly. All these can be done through implementing CSR in a
business which create a different image of business as well.
Unites Biscuit is one of a largest biscuit manufacturer in UK who lead to implement CSR
in business which enable them in creating a different image from others (History of united
biscuits, 2017). This project implementation will lead to enhance their sales and performance
which aid them in their long term sustainability. There are various tools and techniques are
helpful in conducting a market research which signifies that such projects are helpful for a
company or not. Moreover, by collecting a data through various sources will support in draw a
conclusion for analysing that implementation of CSR provide benefits in long term or not.
Aims and objectives:
Aim: To implement CSR for improving the performance, sales and operation – Case study on
United Biscuit.
Objectives
 To implement CSR for long term purpose
 To assess the relationship between CSR and company performance, sales and operations To recommend the ways through which CSR can be implemented
Research question
 How CSR implementation is helpful for long term purpose?
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 How Corporate social responsibility and company performance, sales and operations are
related to each other?
 What are the ways through which CSR can be implemented properly?
1.2 Factors that contribute to process of research project selection
Research is a type of investigation which conducted by an organisation for taking any
beneficial decision for long term purpose (Aschehoug and et. al., 2012). Research project
selection is a purpose which have to take in account by a company before implementation of any
new project. A research is helpful in measuring the deviations and advantages which are
associated with project of their users.
The major reason for selecting this project is to measure the impact of CSR on general
people for making their business successful. Moreover, level of users’ satisfaction is getting
increase and their taste and preference also getting changed. Hence, by this project, management
can identify the sources through which they can satisfy their demand. Further, many people think
that many companies are wasting resources. For removing this sort of stereotype, CSR selection
is considering as appropriate (Babbie, 2013). Hence, if all people get aware about this business
project then it leads to increase their profit as well as sales. Moreover, sales will lead to improve
their operations and overall performance of a company.
1.3 Critical review of key references
According to Demartini and Paoloni (2013) CSR is a tool through which company can
provide adequate support to society in which they are going to deal with many problems.
Appropriate decision and solution have to take for improving the standard of society. Author
says that if firm will lead to implement their project properly then their sales and operations get
rises more than 50%. In the words of Drummond and Campling (2013) a beneficial project will
always support an organisation to enhance their profitability. With more and more revenue,
company have a power to use new methods and techniques for production through which they
are going to manufacture good quality products. Thus, for increasing the sales and operations
implementation of corporate social responsibility is must. As it provides benefit in long term and
management become able to gain competitive advantage.
As per the view point of Gimenez, Sierra and Rodon (2012) CSR and company sales,
operation and performance are related with each other. All of them are linked as with increase in
sales affect operations of business because they are going to maximise activities which are taking
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place in business. Along with this, company performance is also linked with profitability because
as the revenue rises, management have more opportunity to implement projects like CSR which
aid them in creating a different brand image. Hence, all these things have to take in account by
United Biscuit so that they can maximise their number of operations, sales and overall
performance.
1.4 Design and methodology for research
For conducting a research on improving the sales, operations and performance of United
Biscuit, research have to use proper tools and techniques which support in performing this act in
an adequate manner. The methods which enable in research are always based on nature of study
and for this CSR project many methods have to determine which are as follow: Research design: It is a blue print of the activities which are going to conduct by a
research for collecting, measuring and identifying the data and its results (Hakala, 2015).
For this research meta analytical design is used through which decision can be drawn on
the basis of qualitative and quantitative method. Research approach: Present research is based on qualitative method under which
inductive research approach is helpful through which a researcher will lead to move from
specific results to general conclusion (Klenke, 2016). Research philosophy: It states about the manner in which information is going to get
collected and analysed. This study is based on the interpretivism on the place of
subjective which will lead to base on meaning and understanding. Data collection: CSR is a helpful concept for a business which have to implement by
United Biscuit so that they can improve their sales, operation and performance. As for
this, primary source of information is used by designing a questionnaire as well as
secondary on the basis of various authors and articles perspective. Sampling: Sampling is using a group of people for conducting a research by taking them
as a population. For this research survey 20 users which of a company are used which
belong to different locality.
 Data analysis: Qualitative technique for data interpretation is used through which data
get analyse by preparing various themes according to users’ perspective. At last a small
conclusion get drawn of whole data summary.
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1.5 Appropriate plan and procedure for the agreed research specification
Gantt chart is a helpful tool through which number of days and time which are associated
with project get determine (Kudtak and et. al., 2015). This support a researcher to conduct a
research with suitable time frame for each and every activity which is taking place for the
project. It signifies the total time which lead to take by any operation of project. For CSR project,
above stated Gantt chart is prepared in which time measurement for each activity get determine.
TASK 2
2.1 Use resources efficiently to research question and hypothesis
There are various types of resources are utilising by a firm in order to meet with research
questions and hypothesis. For any investigation it requires several number of things which aid
them in conducting it in an appropriate manner. For this present report money, time and
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information are necessary resources through which adequate data get collected. However,
information about various user’s opinion on CSR support in taking beneficial decision to
implement the project or not (Looser and et. al., 2016). Moreover, if sufficient fund is not
available for the research then a researcher will not able to conduct it in an appropriate manner.
Along with all these, appropriate time is also required with proper time management. Hence,
United Biscuit have to provide sufficient time as well as money for research project. Hence, by
all these things it get measure that time, finance and information are the best resources to match
with research question and hypothesis.
2.2 Proposed research investigation
One of a major method for research collection is primary source of information. For this
purpose, 20 respondent or user of company product are selected to measure that project is
suitable for a company or not. In this investigation open ended and close ended questions are
asked. Hence, by preparing questionnaire different views and opinion of respondent get measure.
Along with this, researcher keep in mind about the research aims and objectives as well as
different scholar’s viewpoints. Research basis are identifying from its topic which is impact of
CSR on improving the sales, performance and operations.
QUESTIONNAIRE
Topic: Impact of CSR in improving the sales, performance and operations – A study of United
Biscuit
Meta analytical design with descriptive information
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1. From how many years you are consuming company products?
a) 0-4 years
b) 4-6 years
c) More than 6 years
Q2. Do you think that CSR is related with business in improving their sales and
operations?
a) Directly related
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b) Indirectly related
Q3. Is corporate social responsibility beneficial for long term purpose?
a) Yes
b) No
Q4. Does CSR provide strength to business?
a) Yes
b) No
Q5. Have you ever feel that United Biscuit is performing CSR in their daily operation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q6. What sector require to perform CSR by United Biscuits?
a) Child education
b) Remove poverty
c) Increase employment
Q7. Will company can gain the benefit of their financial statement while implementing
CSR?
a) Yes
b) No
Q8. Is continuous improvement must for a business when dealing with modern world?
a) Yes
b) No
Q9. Recommendation for further implementation of more CSR plans?
2.3 Record and collate data
For how many years you are being a part of
United Biscuit family
Number of respondent
0-4 years 4
4-6 years 7
More than 6 years 9
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Corporate social responsibility is direct
related with United Biscuit
Number of respondents
Direct 14
Indirect 6
CSR is beneficial for long term purpose Number of respondents
Yes 15
No 5
Corporate social responsibility provide
strength to United Biscuits
Number of respondents
Yes 12
No 8
Performing CSR in daily business operations
by a company
Number of respondents
Yes 9
No 11
Area which require more look towards
implementing CSR
Number of respondents
Child Education 7
Poverty 8
Unemployment 5
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Profit of existing years provide benefit to
business while implementing CSR
Number of respondents
Yes 16
No 4
Continuous improvements provide support to
business to deal with modern world
Number of respondents
Yes 13
No 7
3.1 Use of research evaluation technique
Various research techniques are helpful in determine the final results of research. As it is
helpful in ascertain a valid conclusion for an organisation. By evaluating the research an
appropriate decision can be carried down so that management can frame their strategies
according to such response. For every research, there are two main methods are deriving for
research evaluation which are: qualitative and quantitative (Moser and Martin, 2012). Qualitative
is used when a detailed explanation about the subject have to be derived for a better
understanding. Along with this, quantitative is based on facts and figures which are associated
with research. By applying this tool, a research become attractive and appropriate decision can
be take easily. According to present research topic which is based on impact on CSR for
improving the performance, sales and operations of business for increasing the profitability of
United Biscuits. For gaining the better results thematic presentation is used for accumulating a
better result which is based on questionnaire. Thus, on the basis of such themes, final conclusion
gets drawn and some key areas have to get improved.
3.2 Interpret and analyse the result
Theme 1: Many consumers are consuming products for more than 6 years
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Interpretation: According to the research, it get measure that most of their users are belong to
such group in which they are consuming United Biscuits from last 6 years. As this is termed as a
good indicator because many consumers have faith and trust on goods and services which deliver
by manufacturer. As per this, 9 respondents are regular customer which means they are using
products for more than 6 years. On the other hand 7 of them are consuming products from 4
years which signifies that United Biscuits is already a well established brand.
Theme 2: Direct relation of CSR with business
Interpretation: Every business is directly linked with society because their ultimate customers
are people who live in society. As their goods have moderate range which can consume by every
group person. Hence, this become compulsory for business to perform CSR and this get measure
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through view of 14 users who signifies that company have direct link with corporate social
responsibility where as on other side 6 still think that entity does not have any link with such
projects.
Theme 3: Provide sustainability to United Biscuit
Interpretation: CSR provide long term benefit to business by creating a well established brand
image of a company. As this is helpful for them in sustain at keen competitive world for more
time. United Biscuit is a well established brand and for managing their business in rivalry market
management have to perform this project in an adequate manner. This get measure through
opinion of 15 respondents.
Theme 4: Give strength to business for long term purpose
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Interpretation: Every firm have to gain competitive advantage by creating them different from
others. This get done by presenting a different image which signifies that operations of an entity
have variations. Hence, by this they gain strength which is actually requirement of a business.
United Biscuit have to perform CSR for gaining the competitive advantage which support them
as their powerful weapon which neither of a firm used.
Theme 5: CSR performance is must for daily operations
Interpretation: United Biscuit is a well established firm from past many years. As for this, they
require to create them different through which profit can be generated more and more. Hence, for
such purpose, management have to take a crucial decision which is CSR. As most of their users
do not think that company is performing CSR from their existence. As they never indulge in any
charity function. Out of 20, 11 respondents give their opinion as no.
Theme 6: Removing poverty and child education are main essence to get implement
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Interpretation: For performing corporate social responsibility, several key areas or issues of
present world have to measure and then took one for implementing the project. According to
mostly respondents poverty is a major issues than unemployment. Along with this child
education is another problem. Hence, United Biscuits have to maintain sufficient fund under
which they can deal easily with these two major problems of business which are not adequate in
nature. In this consent 8 respondents response is in favour of finished of poverty. Along with
this, 7 people show that child education is another major issue of society. Hence, for this
management have to provide education to such children who are not capable in such sustenance.
Theme 7: Financial statement analysis is must to implement CSR
Interpretation: Financial statement provide a brief information for all such detail which are
related with an organisation. United Biscuit have to inspect their books of statement in which
their profit and loss of last years are described. On the basis of such things adequate decision can
be carried down through which management can work in favour of society and share their profit
and gain with them. As per this, 16 responses are in favour of inspecting financial statement
because they show the compatibility of an entity.
Theme 8: Continuous improvement is must for regular operations
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Interpretation: Business is a means of chnage where environment get chnaged very rapidly.
According to this, regular chnage in business is must through which management can work
equally with current business aspects. For such purpose, United Biscuits 13 users think that
continuos improvement is a key area of business which have to take in account by management.
3.3 Conclusion & Recommendations for improvement of areas
From the above study it gets measure that corporate social responsibility is an essential
element of a business which have to get implement by every firm whose main aim is just to
generate more and more profit. It enables an organisation to improve their sales as well as overall
performance. As the sales rises overall performance get improved. Moreover, it maximises the
number of operations also with the help of delivering quality based products. Along with this, for
better long run success, it considers as beneficial approach by which strength can be gained.
Hence, management have to adopt one area which require to get improved on frequent basis.
It gets recommend that, for generating more and more profit by United Biscuit they
require to implement CSR project in business. For this, proper training has to provide and
sufficient balance have to maintain. Hence, by this, company become able to sustain at keen
competitive world for long term which is essential for a business. Company have to improve
their daily working operations and present them as an entity who lead to perform charity and
trust within a month or in a year. As this area required improvement because by this company
can gain a benefit of better image.
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TASK 3
4.1 Format and media for presenting the study (Enclosed in Power Point)
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aschehoug, S.H., and et. al., 2012. Investigating the importance of sustainability information in
Product Development and Design. In DS 71: Proceedings of NordDesign 2012, the 9th
NordDesign conference, Aarlborg University, Denmark. 22-24.08. 2012.
Babbie, E.R., 2013. The basics of social research. Cengage Learning.
Demartini, P. and Paoloni, P., 2013. Awareness of your own intangible assets: A hypothesis of
overlapping between ICS and CSRS processes. Journal of Intellectual Capital. 14(3).
pp.360-375.
Drummond, A. and Campling, J., 2013. Research methods for therapists. Springer.
Gimenez, C., Sierra, V. and Rodon, J., 2012. Sustainable operations: Their impact on the triple
bottom line. International Journal of Production Economics. 140(1). pp.149-159.
Hakala, S., 2015. Corporate social responsibility and organizational culture in corporate
restructuring.
Klenke, K. ed., 2016. Qualitative research in the study of leadership. Emerald Group Publishing
Limited.
Kudtak, R., and et. al., 2015. Quo vadis responsible fashion? Contingencies and trends
influencing sustainable business models in the wearing apparel sector. The Journal of
Corporate Citizenship. (57). pp.33-55.
Looser, S., and et. al., 2016. Ethics of the firm, for the firm or in the firm? Purpose of extrinsic
and intrinsic CSR in Switzerland. Social Responsibility Journal. 12(3). pp.545-570.
Moser, D.V. and Martin, P.R., 2012. A broader perspective on corporate social responsibility
research in accounting. The Accounting Review. 87(3). pp.797-806.
Tai, F.M. and Chuang, S.H., 2014. Corporate social responsibility. Ibusiness. 6(03). p.117.
Yang, M.G.M., Hong, P. and Modi, S.B., 2011. Impact of lean manufacturing and environmental
management on business performance: An empirical study of manufacturing firms.
International Journal of Production Economics. 129(2). pp.251-261.
Online
History of United Biscuits. 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.unitedbiscuits.com/our-business/history/>. [Accessed on 21st August
2017].
Why Corporate Social Responsibility is Important? 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<https://doublethedonation.com/why-corporate-social-responsibility-is-important/>.
[Accessed on 21st August 2017].
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