Strategies for Talent Management in Halford: A Business Project Report

This report examines the talent management strategies employed by Halfords, a British retailer. It begins with an introduction to talent management and its significance in organizational success. The main body outlines project aims and objectives, detailing the company's overview and the research goals. A project management plan is presented, covering costs, scope, timeframes (including a Gantt chart and work breakdown structure), communication, risk management, and resources. The research methodology includes primary and secondary research, utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches, sampling techniques, and a questionnaire to gather data on employee perceptions. Data analysis and interpretation, based on survey results, are provided through various graphs, highlighting key themes such as the effectiveness of management approaches, advantages of talent management, the role of HR, and the relationship between talent management and organizational performance. The report concludes with a reflection and references.

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PRJECT

Table of Contents
Topic: Strategies for Talent Management in Halford......................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Project aims and objectives....................................................................................................3
Project Management Plan.......................................................................................................3
Time-frames work..................................................................................................................5
Research Methodology..........................................................................................................7
Data analysis and interpretation.............................................................................................9
Reflection.............................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
Appendix 1: Project Logbook Template.......................................................................................17
Appendix 2.....................................................................................................................................20

Topic: Strategies for Talent Management in Halford
INTRODUCTION
Talent refers to ability to perform provided task in unique manner which contributes
towards efficient working of an organisation. It becomes an important role of managers or
leaders of the business firm to manage their respective talented employees for proving towards
effective working of firm for achievement of pre-decided goals and objectives at given time
span(Jafari and Ranaei Kordshouli, 2019). The present research paper is based on highlighting
various strategies for talent management used by managers and leaders of Halford. It is a British
retailer company which deals in car parts, enhancements, tools as well as has its operational
dimensions in touring equipment and bicycles operating in UK origin (Latukha, Selivanovskikh
and Maclennan, 2019). This retailing firm is chosen for conducting the research as after COVID
19, there is negative impact on sales and performance of retail sector companies.
MAIN BODY
Project aims and objectives
Overview of company
Talent management strategies have to be effectively implemented within an organisation
for improving the performance of employees as well as the organisation. This research is
conducted for knowing the benefits of talent management in Halfords which is a British retailer
company operating it’s major business activities in UK. The workforce was founded in 1892, by
Rushbrooke in Birmingham which is a city in England with population more than 11.5 lakhs.
Initially respective company dealt in selling of cycling goods. Later after 2010, it expanded its
business operations and had a decent market presence in Republic of Ireland and in UK with 465
stores across the nation.
Research Aim- To determine different talent management strategies for enhancing
organisational performance. A case study of Halfords.
Aim-
Research Objectives
 To understand meaning the process of Talent Management
 To examine different ways of talent management in Halfords
 To identify issues faced by Halfords due to ineffective talent management

Research Questions
 To understand meaning the process of Talent Management?
 To examine different ways of talent management in Halfords?
 To identify issues faced by Halfords due to ineffective talent management?
Project Management Plan
Project Management Plan (PMP)
The project management plan is defined as a procedural process that defines a way for
completing project. There are following factors involved in PMP-
Cost- It is an amount of money incurred for project work which varies from business to
business. This is the most essential factor while starting any project. There are several research
activities and tasks which have to be completed by using the estimated cost for research. It is the
responsibility of project manager to manage all cost related issues and conduct the researches
properly.
Scope- The scope of research is associated with the effectiveness of research topic within
business environment. the topic of research for this MSBP is talent management strategies. This
is the most essential and effective process required within a company in order to attain success.
In context of present research, it is seen that the scope is related to the effectiveness of employee
performance and management within a company.
Time- This is known as the estimated amount of time needed for completing the project.
There is ned to manage the project activities according to the time estimated. This will help in
tracking all the project activities. For achievement of this project, time framework was being
prepared by Gantt Chart as well as Work Breakdown Structure. Researcher takes 3 weeks’ time
to complete allotted work, however respective organisation requires 5 weeks’ time to implement
strategies.
Communication- This is defined as is the way of interaction among individual with help
of channels which is understand by all members. While conducting this research, it is important
to use both oral as well as written communication effectively. This is kept in mind that this
research will help others to understand the real meaning of talent management and its
effectiveness in managing the different scenario related to the project.

Risk- For preparation of this report, investigator had to encounter various types of
difficulties with relation to effective conduction of this report. The researcher faced issues like
limited time period, resources and faced hard time to find relevant information from sources of
information.
Resources- It is the component that helps in identifying resources needed for conducting
research work. From researcher point of view, it is related with accurate sources, time, pen,
appropriate response from respondents and in context of organisation they require resources like
skilled employees, data, sources, tools and many more.
Quality- In this part, data as well as information has to collect through authenticate as well
as relevant sources. The respective organisation need to gather their information through online,
certify sources to maintain quality of work. Similarly, researcher has to keep all related data and
information confidential for avoidance of fraudulent activities in order to maintain quality of
research work regarding equality at organisation.
Time-frames work
Work Breakdown Structure
It refers to formal breakdown of project activities into smaller tasks. (Borisova and et. al.,
2017). In the process given work to the workforce is been assigned to concerned departments of
the business firm. This ensures better approach of an organisation towards attainment of its
respective goals and objectives.

Gantt chart
It is a rough summary of respective project undertaken of the company which is
illustrated in form of bar charts (Heldman, 2018). It is being named after its inventor i.e. Henry
Gantt. With addition to that, modern Gantt chart includes illustration of relationships between
activities and current schedule status. It consists of various parts which that includes showing up
of dependency, timelines, dependency, dateline, lists, bars and many more.

Research Methodology
It refers to a specific procedure which is used to identify, select, process and analyse
information about particular project of the company. It enhances effectiveness of research paper
and provide reader of the report with quality information extracted from ethical as well as
relevant sources (Tafti, Mahmoudsalehi and Amiri, 2017). Various research methodologies
adopted by chosen firm i.e. Halfords, are as follows:
Primary Research: In this type of research methodology, researcher extracts data and
information from directly approaching to various people. In this new as well as trending data is
been extracted from undertaking activities of personal interview, questionnaire, survey and many
more. One of the advantage of using this type of research is that, marketer of the concerned firm
is able to extract realistic and more reliable information which contributes towards undertaking
up of effective planning and strategies formulation of the business firm.
Secondary Research: In this type of research methodology, researcher uses already
existing information and data. In the following research, secondary data is taken from articles,
journals, websites, etc.
Qualitative Research: This type of research focuses more on qualitative information
rather than quantitative. It seeks information about trending management theories and apply
them for effective conduction of respective operational activities of research. Qualitative
research is conducted by researchers for understanding concept, experience and opinions of
others. The qualitative research includes observations, focus groups, interviews,
Quantitative Research: This type of research program extracts various statistical and
numeric data for forming up of various plans and strategies of the business firm. Quantitative
research is the process of analysing the numerical data. This is used for finding patterns and
averages.
The present report is being conducted by taking qualitative as well as quantitative
research methodology. Reason behind conducting research using these methodologies for

conducting this research is that by using quantitative data true sense of information is being
extracted from extracting results from conducting various researches by taken selected
candidates for the research questions. On the other hand, qualitative research method helped in
maintaining better quality of the report. This also helped in providing good impression in minds
of readers and increased trust in readers after reading the report.
Sampling: It is the process which is used in statistical analysis. In this research, random
sampling method is used.
Questionnaire: It refers to an instrument which is used my marketing department of the
firm to gather information about effective working of an organisation (Guntrip, 2018). It consists
of various open ended and close ended question which are been asked to the subject for gathering
information which helps in effective making of strategies and plans of the business organisation.
Questionnaire
Q1) Are the management approaches implemented in the organisation is effective?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q2) What are the advantages of applying Talent Management techniques in the
workforce?
a) Improves performance
b) Avoids wastage of resources
c) Retaining up of Talented employees
d) All of the above
Q3) Is talent management strategy an essential role of HR in the company?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q4) According to your views, in what manner effective talent management is related to
organisational performance?
a) Positively
b) Negatively
Q5) Do you think Halford needs a good talent management ?
a) Agree

b) Disagree
Data analysis and interpretation
The data collected through survey is interpreted and analysed through following graphs.

Theme 1 management approaches of talent management
Q1) Are the management approaches implemented in the
organisation is effective?
Frequency
a) Agree 24
b) Disagree 6

Interpretation
It can be concluded from above pie chart that 24 candidates out of 30 agreed to the point
that management approaches which are been implemented in the organisation is effective enough
to promote healthy working environment in an organisation. On the other hand, there are
remaining 6 candidates who do not have knowledge about the importance of talent management.
Theme 2 Advantages of talent management
Q2) What are the advantages of applying Talent Management
techniques in the workforce?
Frequency
a) Improves performance 4
b) Avoids wastage of resources 5
c) Retaining up of Talented employees 3
d) All of the above 18
24
6
a) Agree
b) Disagree

Interpretation
As by analysing above chart, it can be concluded that there are different advantages of
effective talent management such as improving performance, avoiding wastage of resources,
retaining up of talented employees and all the three. This pie chart reflects As 18 out of 30
respondents think that all the three are major talent management strategies used by the company.
By analysing this result management of the respective firm develops better understanding of its
working culture and gave satisfaction of managers that policies being implemented in
organisation is welcome by various employees positively.
Theme 3
Q3) Is talent management strategy an essential role of HR in the
company?
Frequency
a) Agree 25
b) Disagree 5
4
5
3
18
a) Improves
performance
b) Avoids wastage of
resources
c) Retaining up of
Talented employees
d) All of the above

Interpretation
From the above analysis, it can be analysed that 25 out of 30 respondents think that HR
has to play major role in implementing effective talent management. The main objective of HR is
to enhance skills and abilities of employees. This is responsibility of HR to increase employee
performance.
Theme 4
Q4) According to your views, in what manner effective talent
management is related to organisational performance?
Frequency
a) Agree 28
b) Disagree 2
25
5

Interpretation
From the above analysis of pie chart, it is analysed that Out of 30 candidates 28 agreed to
the point that talent management increases the performance of company. It can be stated that
there is positive relation between sales and effective talent management.
Theme 5
Q5) Do you think Halford needs a good talent management ? Frequency
a) Agree 29
b) Disagree 1

Interpretation
From the above chart, it can be interpreted that employees are in the favour of adopting
breakdown structure in the organisation. Work breakdown structure is helpful for the respective
organisation to achieve their goals and objectives by dividing whole completed work in the
smaller one, so they can be achieved easily within defined time period. In the organisation 29 out
of 30 employees are agreed to choose work breakdown structure to make sure the coordination
between the various departments.
Reflection
When I was conducting this research, I developed lot of skills. This research has helped in
improving research skills and communication skills. This is going to help me in professional as
well as personal life. I will have more efficient way of conducting research in future. This
research work is conducted by me first time. Several issues and problems are addressed during
the research in order to achieve pre-determined goals and objectives. Through this research
work, I have been interpreted all aims and objectives of talent and management plan that manage
all working. Regarding this research project, I ask some relative questions to my friends and take
some suggestions from professors. I have used primary as well secondary research to collect data
and relative information for research. Throughout this research I have improve my skills such as
leadership, analytical and decision making skills is difficult situations. I have also improved
some weak areas. I have learned many things from this research project that are helpful for my
personal career growth.
CONCLUSION
From the presented report, it can be analysed that various talent management strategies
are adopted given firm in order to promote effective working of an organisation towards growth.
This is also concluded that by implementing talent management strategies, it is easy for the

company to increase sales and performance. HR management of an organisation has the
responsibility of implementing talent management strategies and enhance the satisfaction level of
employees. It is concluded from this project that talent managements strategies are used for
managing the smooth functioning of business operations. Talent management is used in
organisations for integrating with HR role and responsibility. Different areas of talent
management are related to HR functions like recruiting, attracting, developing and motivating
employees.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Jafari, L. and Ranaei Kordshouli, H. A., 2019. An analysis on talent management concepts and
models. Iranian journal of management sciences. 14(56).
Latukha, M., Selivanovskikh, L. and Maclennan, M. L., 2019. Exploring the Context-Specific
Talent Management Practices and Their Link to FIRMS’Absorptive Capacity in
Emerging Markets: Brazil vs Russia. In International Business in a VUCA World: The
Changing Role of States and Firms. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Bairagi, V. and Munot, M. V. eds., 2019. Research methodology. A practical and scientific
approach. CRC Press.
Lourie, M. and Rata, E., 2017. Using a realist research methodology in policy
analysis. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 49(1), pp.17-30.
Robles, V.D., 2018. Visualizing Certainty. What the Cultural History of the Gantt Chart Teaches
Technical and Professional Communicators about Management. Technical
Communication Quarterly. 27(4). pp.300-321.
Borisova, O.N. And et. al., 2017. Talent management as an essential element in a corporate
personnel development strategy. Academy of strategic management journal, 16. p.31.
Tafti, M. M., Mahmoudsalehi, M. and Amiri, M., 2017. Critical success factors, challenges and
obstacles in talent management. Industrial and Commercial Training.
Wang, B. and Tang, Y., 2020. November. Mechanism Analysis and Experimental Verification
of IGBT Avalanche Breakdown. In Proceedings of the 2020 4th International
Conference on Electronic Information Technology and Computer Engineering(pp.
845.849).
Guntrip, H. Y., 2018. Personality structure and human interaction: The developing synthesis of
psychodynamic theory. Routledge.
Heldman, K., 2018. Project management jumpstart. John Wiley & Sons.
Herath, N. and et. al., 2021. Co-created Student Capstone Projects: Case Study of De-Risking
Plan for the New Student Precinct. In ICSECM 2019 (pp. 609-616). Springer.
Singapore.

Appendix 1: Project Logbook Template
Week
2
Week4 Week 6 Week 8 Week 10
Update on weekly
research/tasks
1. What have you
completed?
Chosen
the
research
topic
Visited online books and
journals for conducting
research
Started work with
available data
Research
methodology
Interpreted analysed
data
2. Did you fulfil task
requirements?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
3. Are you on track and
within deadlines set?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Any risks and/or issues
identified?
1. Did you identify risks/issues
with a lack of skills required
for undertaking
research/tasks?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Problems encountered?
1. What barriers did you face? Resourc
es
Time Decision-making Communicate Cost
2. How did you overcome Division Allocation of various tasks Reading books and Evaluating Forming budget

them? of work journals decision-making
What have I learnt about
myself?
1. Did I find it useful to
complete the tasks?
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. How well have I performed? Decent Good Weak Better Excellent
3. What did I contribute? Skills Efforts Capabilities Knowledge Leadership
4. What can I improve on next
week?
Commu
nication
Risk management Listening skills Time management Leadership
5. How might this learning
apply in the future?
Distribut
ion of
task
Active participation Effective
achievement of goals
and objectives
Improved work
performance
6. Tasks planned for next
week?
Starting
of
project
Preparing project management
plan
Research
methodology
Questionnaire Interpretation of data
Project status to date: On,
Ahead
, or
Behin
On, Ahead or Behind On, Ahead, or
Behind
On, Ahead,
or Behind
On, Ahead, or
Behind

d
Comments and signature of
the Tutor

Appendix 2
Performance Review (500 words max in a paragraph)
 What was the project supposed to accomplish?
Yes, I was able to complete project in given time period. I gave best of my
efforts for completion of the project in given time period without hampering
its quality.
 Did the project succeed in its aims? How do you know?
Specifically, please outline any evaluation and assessment
undertaken.
Yes, project succeeded in its aims and objectives. By analysing the report, it
can be concluded that all the aims and objectives of the project was been
achieved as questionnaire was been prepared by taking 30 candidates in an
organisation for finding out effective working of an organisation.
 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.
Initially I come across various problems issues while initiating this project
but soon as the work proceeded, I developed interest in the chosen topic
and outcomes were delivered well.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they
tackled? Was there timely identification of issues and resolution
during the project process?

Main issue emerged in conduction of this project was limited time period
which was allotted to me to undertake this project. For tacking this
problem, I made use of various time management theories and divided my
work into various segments for it effective conduction avoiding any sort of
wastage of resources.
 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
I learned about various research methodologies, work breakdown
structures, project management plan.
 How would you rate your performance as Project Manager?
According to me, if I get the opportunity to rate my performance I will rate
4 out of 5 stars.
 What strengths and weaknesses of your performance did you
identify?
My strengths which helped me in preparation of this project was quick
decision making, communication and leadership. On the other hand, my
weaknesses that caused loophole for conducting this project was time
management and risk management.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional
development?
This document will help in developing my professional skills which is
required in every company corporate as well as pursue my life aims and
objectives effectively.