BTEC HNC Business Project Report: Tesco's Recruitment and Training

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of managing a successful business project, with a specific focus on Tesco, a multinational firm. The report begins with an overview of the organization, highlighting its aims and objectives related to improving recruitment, selection, and training of employees to meet global requirements and gain a competitive advantage. It then details the project management plan, including key stages such as initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. The plan encompasses various aspects including cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources. The report includes a Gantt chart and work breakdown structure to illustrate project scheduling and task organization. Furthermore, it evaluates research methodologies, differentiating between qualitative and quantitative approaches, and discusses primary and secondary research methods. The report also includes a case study on Tesco and its HR policies.

Managing A Successful Business Project

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................... 3
PART A....................................................................................................................................... 3
Overview of the organisation.............................................................................................. 3
Aims and objectives for the project..................................................................................... 4
Evaluating methodology for conducting a research......................................................................8
Evidence of Primary and Secondary research ....................................................................9
Analyse research and data using appropriate tools & techniques.......................................11
PART B .................................................................................................................................... 19
Reflection......................................................................................................................... 19
CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................................... 21
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................... 22

INTRODUCTION
Managing of projects are defined as the practice of planning, executing or closing the
project in a systematic manner so that desired goals can be achieved in a preset time period.
Apart from that, recruitment and selection are the methods which are used for hiring skilled and
knowledgeable candidates for the company so that better support would be received in decision-
making process. These both terms are very essential and performed by HR department which
assists an organisation in gaining competitive advantage over its rivals. Two organisations are
taken in this assignment such as McLeod and partners which is a marketing research firm and it
executes various research programmes for their clients and other one is Tesco which is a
supermarket and based in UK. Present report will discuss about aims and objectives of a
company for meeting with the international requirements. Project management plan will also
formulated which includes various aspects such as scope, cost, risk etc. Apart from that, some
recommendations will also given at the end of this report.
PART A
Overview of the organisation
In the modern world, every firm wants to gain growth and sustainability in the
marketplace so that they can expand their business operations in future at international level. For
achieving these objectives in most appropriate way, a huge investments, advanced technologies,
and skilled workforces are required. To meet with the international needs and requirements it is
very essential for the firm to improve recruitment and selection procedure through which they
will be able in hiring experienced and knowledgeable candidates that will also helpful in
handling complex situations in an effective manner. Tesco is a multinational firm whose
headquarters are situated in UK. The company was established in 1919 by Jack Cohen. Company
also offers various grocery and merchandise products across the world. At present company is
performing its duties in every nation therefore, it is very essential for them to recruit
knowledgeable and experienced employees which will be helpful in meeting with the
requirement of international level.

Aims and objectives for the project
Aim: “To determine the ways through which the firms can improve their recruitment
selection and training of employees for meeting the global requirements and to achieve high
competitive advantage.” A case study on Tesco.
Objectives:
 To assess the positioning of Tesco in retail sector
 To determine the extent up-to which the recruitment, selection and training of Tesco in
meeting the international requirements.
 To determine the impact of HR policies on the competitive advantage of Tesco over its
competitors in retail sector.
Questions:
 What is the positioning of Tesco in retail sector ?
 How far the recruitment, selection and training policies of Tesco meet international
requirements ?
 Is there any impact of HR policies of Tesco on the competitive advantage of their
competitors ?
Project management plan is defined as a formal document that is essentially needed for
managing or executing a project. Main advantage of this plan is that, It includes various actions
like defining the roles, integrate whole activities of the project, coordinate different activities etc.
so that way of improving training or selection can be identified by the managers of firm in an
effective manner. Some key stages of project management plan are defined as under:
 Project initiation – It is the first phase of project management plan in which value and
feasibility of project is measured and also evaluated that whether the project is beneficial
for firm or not.
 Project planning- when project is measured as profitable for firm then management
have duty to allocate all the resources, funds or required raw materials so that project will
be completed in given time period.
 Project Execution – Under this, project manager have responsibility to allot the roles
and duties to their team members and make focused on the assigned task (Won, 2016).

 Project Monitoring and Control – This phase can be combined with execution because
it usually performs with the execution activity. In it, project managers have to monitored
and control all related activities of the project so that it will be completed in smooth
manner.
 Project Closure- It will be considered as the closed when all the activities will be
completed and desired results will be received by the organisation or project managers.
There are various aspects like cost, quality, scope, risk, time etc. which are included in
project management plan and necessary for completing the research project. These aspects are
briefly discussed as below:
Cost: This is the main aspect while performing any kind of research because any plans
needs a proper cost estimation so that the research programme can be performed in a systematic
manner. For completing the project in successful manner it is very essential to estimate proper
budget so that manager will not face any kind of issues while executing the project. For raising
these funds, management of Tesco can take support from the investors or financial institutions
that will be the easiest method for raising funds. Cost has been estimated for improving training
or selection procedures by the managers of Tesco is 50000 pound. Whereas, researcher have
estimated an amount of 2000 pounds for executing the research for this topic so that expected
results can be received in proper manner.
Scope: This project is started for understanding different kind of aspects so that hiring
and selection process of employees will be enhanced and that will be beneficial for the firm in
enhancing their brand image and market share at global level which defines scope of research is
very huge and will be helpful for Tesco in improving their recruitment, selection and training
procedures. Whereas, for researcher the scope of this project is also high because it will be
helpful for them in achieving a vast knowledge and information about the ways through which
capabilities or skills of workforce can be improved and which will be beneficial for them in
executing future research programmes.
Time: In order to executing research programme in an effective manner a proper time is
essentially required because if there is lack of time then it will not possible for the management
of Tesco to perform their project activities in the given time-frame. Therefore, managers of
Tesco have responsibility to categorise the work with an appropriate time period so that all
activities can be completed in an effective manner. Management have estimated the time-frame

for improving training and selection methods is 16 weeks and researcher have calculated the
time for completing the research programme in an effective manner is 8 weeks (Tonchia, 2018).
Quality: It is also an essential aspect which is related with the project management plan.
At the time of research programme, quality is considered as proper utilisation of tools and
techniques so that project can be completed in a quality manner. If proper research methods will
be used by the researcher then the research programme will be also executed in more effective
manner. In the context of Tesco, effective training and selection procedures will be helpful in
performing project activity in more desirable manner.
Communication: Without proper communication members will be not able in
completing the project in an effective manner because if there is inappropriate communication
structure will be used in the workplace then the chances of incompletion of project are higher.
Therefore, management of Tesco should adopt some effective communication methods for
interacting with their employees like video conferencing, E-mails, voice chat etc. so that
effective results will be received at the end of project. Whereas, researcher can use SMS, phone
calls for taking views and opinions from the respected respondents so that a valid conclusion can
be constructed at the end of research.
Risk: Researcher have to analyse the risk while performing a research programme that
risk may be shortage of funds, lack of resources or funds which can influence the research
project in negative manner. Therefore, researcher should make proper strategies which will be
helpful for them in evaluating and dealing with these factors in proper manner. From the
organisation's perspective potential risk while working on project may be shortage of funds or
investment, inappropriate management structure etc.
Resources: In order to complete project activities in an effective manner proper
resources are needed. In case of project plan started by Tesco, required resources would be
funds, advanced tools or techniques, capable and knowledgeable employees etc. for researcher,
needed resources may be internet, efficient team members, published books of authors,
magazines or journals related with the project which will be assist them in completing the
research programme in a systematic manner.
Gantt chart: This is a bar chart which represents that project should be scheduled in
proper manner. This chart is generally used for showing all the project activities along with a
specific time-frame so that project should be completed in the given time period. This chart is

widely used by the researchers because it assists them in monitoring and scheduling all the
activities so that desired results will be received in a short time period (Sjoerdsma,2015).
Work break-down structure: It is a graphical representation of time period which is decided
for completing the project. It is also used for dividing the complex activities in the small parts so
that project will be executed in a proper manner. This structure provides proper categorisation of
activities so that team members of a project in Tesco can easily understand their duties and
provide maximum efforts for completing the project in a predetermined time period.

Evaluating methodology for conducting a research
Rational
Major purpose behind formation of this research is to analyse the most profitable way
through which a multinational firm can improve its selection, training and recruitment procedure
that will be beneficial for them in enhancing productivity and performance level of their
employees. In addition to this, it also assists the management of Tesco in meeting with the all
requirements of international level due to which organisation will perform its functions in more
effective manner. Whereas, for researcher it will be enhance their personal and professional
knowledge which will assists them in conducting future research programmes (Upadhyay, 2016).
Small scale research: Small-scale research is a direct or comprehensive guide for the
researchers which assists them in completing thesis, dissertation, projects or research
programmes. It is work with the central method of inquiries and demonstrate the strength and
weaknesses of different approaches. As it is done at small-scale therefore a valid conclusion will
be received by the researcher in a short time period.

There are mainly two kinds of performing a small research which are briefly defined as
under:Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule and
project schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project.
Qualitative research: It is a part of explorative research method which is used for
gaining understanding about a specific project or topic. It also assists the researcher in knowing
about insight of respondents. In this research researcher have to make more focus on the quality
rather than quantity.
Quantitative research: This method is used by the researcher when they have to solve
the problem or complex situations with the help of numerical or statistical data. It also assists
them in quantifying opinions and views of various respondents that gave a view of whole
population to the researcher. In it, data is collected in the form of surveys, systematic
observations etc.
Evidence of Primary and Secondary research
Primary research method: In it, fresh and raw data is collected that is not used or
published in any books or research programmes. It can be conducted by taking help of
observations, questionnaires or interviews (Lambert, 2012).
Secondary research method: In it, researcher have to use those data or information
which is already gathered through taking help of primary research. HR policies are very
important because they provide a better standard to the firm so that strong position can be made
and which will helpful for the firm in gaining competitive advantage over their competitors.
Here researcher can collect the data from media sources, books, journals, newspapers, magazines
etc.
Sample size - For collecting reliable informations researcher has uses random data
sampling methods and select 40 respondents from the wide populated area.
In this project, researcher has used qualitative research method and in it, primary
research is used in a form of questionnaire in which some specific questions will be asked from
respected respondents and their opinions will be determined as the perspectives of whole
universe.
Questionnaire:

Q1) What is the positioning of Tesco in retail sector ?
 High
 Low
Q2) How far the recruitment, selection and training policies of Tesco meet international
requirements ?
 Up-to international requirement
 Need of improvement
Q3) What is the best way through which the firm can improve their recruitment, selection
and training method for workforce?
 Better training and development programmes are provided to staff members.
 Improved organisational productivity
Q4) What is the major reason due to which the firm is improving the recruitment,
selection and training process?
 Increased profit margins
 Enhanced brand reputation
 Increased revenues
Q5) Which barrier can majorly impact the improvement process of recruitment,
selection and training of employees?
 Lack of funds
 Inefficiency of staff
 Lack of understanding
Q6) Is there any impact of HR policies of Tesco on the competitive advantage of their
competitors ?
 Yes
 No
Q7) What is the best way for eliminating the barriers in improving the recruitment
selection and training methods?
 High investment in training programs
 By conducting regular meetings and seminars
Q8) What is the major advantage for improving the training methods for the employees

of firm.
 Timely work accomplishment
 Enhanced working capability of staff
 Reduced employee turnover
Q9) Recommend some ways for imp[roving the recruiting, training and selection methods
of the firm.
Analyse research and data using appropriate tools & techniques
THEME- Position of Tesco
Q1) What is the positioning of Tesco in retail sector ? Frequency
 High 22
 Low 18
High Low
0
5
10
15
20
25 22
18
Frequency
Interpretation: It has been analysed from the above graph that from the above 40
respondents, 22 gave their views that the position of Tesco is very high in retail sector whereas,
18 gave their opinions that company's position is low in the marketplace.

THEME- Necessity of recruitment, training and selection methods
Q2) How far the recruitment, selection and training policies of Tesco meet
international requirements ?
Frequency
 Up-to international requirement 30
 Need of improvement 10
Up-to international requirement Need of improvement
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
10
Frequency
Interpretation: From the above graph it has been identified that out of 40 respondents
30 are mostly agreed with the statement they gave their views that company have upgraded
equipments they can easily meet with the international requirements. Whereas, 10 suggests that
there is a need of improvement in the workplace of Tesco.
THEME – Best way for improving the recruitment, training and selection methods
Q3) What is the best way through which the firm can improve their
recruitment, selection and training method for workforce?
Frequency
 Better training and development programmes are provided to staff
members.
20

 Improved organisational productivity 20
Skilled working staff Improved organisational productivity
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20 20
Frequency
Interpretation: The above graph shows the views of 40 respondents in which 30 gave
their views on better development programmes are the most probable ways through which cited
firm can improve their training and recruitment programmes. Whereas, 10 gave their views that
it enhances the organisational productivity.
THEME- Major reasons behinds improving recruitment training or selection procedures
Q4) What is the major reason due to which the firm is improving the
recruitment, selection and training process?
Frequency
 Increased profit margins 15
 Enhanced brand reputation 10
 Increased revenues 15

Increased profit margins
Enhanced brand reputation
Increased revenues
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
15
10
15
Frequency
Interpretation: It has been identified from the above diagram that 15 out of 40
respondents gave their views on enhanced profit margins and other 15 gave their views on
increasing brand reputation. Apart from that 10 suggests that for increasing revenue organisation
wants to improve their training and selection methods.
THEME- Impact of barriers in improvement
Q5) Which barrier can majorly impact the improvement process of
recruitment, selection and training of employees?
Frequency
 Lack of funds 15
 Inefficiency of staff members 10
 Lack of understanding 15

Lack of funds
Inefficiency of staff members
Lack of understanding
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Frequency
15
10
15
Interpretation: From the above diagram it has been interpreted that out of 40, 15
suggests that improvement of various methods are highly influenced due to lack of availability
of capital. Whereas, 10 gave their views on improper management structure and remaining 15
suggests that lack of understanding is the main barrier which affects the improvement
procedures.
THEME 6: Impact of HR policies
Q6) Is there any impact of HR policies of Tesco on the competitive advantage
of their competitors ?
Frequency
 Yes 25
 No 15

Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
Frequency
Interpretation: It has been identified from the above graph that out of 40 only 25
respondents are agree with the statement that there is an impact of HR policies on the
competitive advantage of Tesco. But other 15 says that there is no impact of HR Policies on the
functions of Tesco.
THEME 7: Best ways of eliminating the barriers
Q7) What is the best way for eliminating the barriers in improving the
recruitment selection and training methods?
Frequency
 High investment in training programs 20
 By conducting regular meetings and seminars 20

High investment in training programs
By conducting regular meetings and seminars
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20 20
Frequency
Interpretation: From the above chart, it can be said that out of 40, 20 respondents gave
their views that huge investments in training programmes are very important and that can
eliminate the barriers and other 20 suggests that through conducting seminars and meetings
organisation can easily remove the barriers from the improvement procedures.
THEME 8: Advantages of improvement of various methods
Q8) What is the major advantage for improving the training methods for
the employees of firm.
Frequency
 Timely work accomplishment 12
 Enhanced working capability of staff 12
 Reduced employee turnover 16

Timely work accomplishment
Enhanced working capability of staff
Reduced employee turnover
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Frequency
12 12 16
Interpretation- it has been analysed from the above diagram that 12 out of 40
respondents gave their views that through improvement in the training and selection procedures
work will be easily completed. Whereas, 12 suggests that it also enhanced working capacity of
staff and remaining 16 gave their opinions that it also reduces employee turnover issue from the
workplace.
Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis
RECOMMENDATION
As per the above executed research, There are some major recommendations which can
be provided to the managers of Tesco. These recommendations are given as under:
 It is highly recommended to the managers of Tesco that they have to form some new
plans or strategies so that training and recruitment procedures of the firm can improved.
Through this, knowledgeable and experienced employees will be hired in the firm that will also
enhances the productivity or profitability of firm.
 It is also recommended to them that they should make more investment in the training or
development programmes so that modifications in the demands and perception can be identified
and better products or services can be provided to the customers.

PART B
Reflection
This project is depends on determining the ways through which the transnational
organisations can improve their recruitment selection and training of employees so that
international requirements can be fulfilled and they will achieve competitive advantage over
their rivals. For analysing such aspects I have taken views of 50 employees of the firm who have
provided opinions of entire staff members of the company. With the help of their views and
opinions I will easily constructed valid outcomes for the research. While conducting research, I
have also faces some problems in starting but after some time I have managed them in an
effective manner. I have faced some problems in management of time and money for solving
such problems I have formulated a proper time schedule so that all activities regarding the
project can be executed in proper manner whereas, for solving the problem of insufficiency of
funds I have taken support from my family members and friends. By eliminating these issues I
will be able in achieving my research objectives.
Competency How I have developed in this
area
Why I need to do to develop
further in the area
Research skills For increasing these skills I
have uses various sources like
primary or secondary for
learning so that I would be
complete the research
programme.
With the help of these skills I
will be conduct my future
research programmes in more
desirable manner.
Project planning I have increase these kind of
capabilities through measuring
all aspects and elements which
are related with the project like
cost, quality resources etc.
It will be beneficial for me in
taking appropriate decisions
according to situations.
Communication Skill Through reading books and
journals of different authors I
It will assist me in interacting
with my team members in an

have developed my skills of
communication.
effective manner due to which
all necessary information will
be communicated by me and
desired project will be
completed in a given time
period.
M1 Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule and project
schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project.
It is necessary to complete the all the activities on given period of time and for that
TESCO need to prepare their milestone plan and try to schedule them as par the planning. It is
important to execute them in a systematic manner for achieving the targets. The company should
try to check all the details of the project and for that they need to work by managing time, scope
etc. which is very important in this project.
M2 Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of different research methods applied.
It is necessary to follow two methods in research method for achieving the milestones. It
can be said then Qualitative research is helpful as data accurate and based to fair research. While
talking about Quantitate it is helpful to find data through the process of observation. For more
reliability and accuracy, qualitative research is more helpful.
D1 Critically evaluate the project management process and appropriate research
methodologies applied.
The management process is helpful for completing the research on given period of time
as various types of methodologies helps to find current result of a research. Insufficiency of
funds and improper knowledge of employees can influence the project activities in negative
manner. Therefore, project manager has duty to monitor all the activities in proper manner so
that effective results can be obtained at the end of research.
D2 Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decision-making process
and changes or developments of the initial project management plan to support
justification of recommendations and learning during the project.
After completion of project it has been identified that organisation have used the project
management plan in an efficient manner but there are some loop holes which should be

considered at the execution of research like insufficiency of fund is faced by the researcher at the
end of research. Therefore, it has been recommended to the manager to allocate proper resources
and funds so that further research can be accomplished in effective manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above report, it has been summarised that managing of business projects are not
an easy method therefore for completing it in a proper manner project manager should consider
various aspects like cost, scope time quality etc. so that chances of failure of project can be
reduced. Various research methods assist the researcher to gather useful or reliable data through
which a valid conclusion can be constructed and that will be beneficial for the firm in achieving
their preset goals or objectives.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
ajda, J., 2015. Globalisation and its impact on education and policy. In Second International
Handbook on Globalisation, Education and Policy Research (pp. 105-125). Springer,
Dordrecht.
Amshoff, B., Dülme, C., and et. al., 2015. Business model patterns for disruptive
technologies..International Journal of Innovation Management. 19(03). p.1540002.
Coker, C., 2014. Globalisation and Insecurity in the Twenty-first Century: NATO and the
Management of Risk. Routledge.
Fageha, M. K. and Aibinu, A. A., 2013. Managing project scope definition to improve
stakeholders’ participation and enhance project outcome. Procedia-Social and
Behavioral Sciences. 74. pp.154-164.International Journal of Business and
Management. 7(2). p.89.
Hillson, D., 2017. Managing risk in projects. Routledge.
Lambert, D. M. and Enz, M. G., 2012. Managing and measuring value co-creation in business-
to-business relationships. Journal of Marketing Management. 28(13-14). pp.1588-
1625.
Lock, D., 2016. Project Management in Construction. Routledge.
Sjoerdsma, M. and van Weele, A. J., 2015. Managing supplier relationships in a new product
development context. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management. 21(3). pp.192-
203.
Tonchia, S., Tonchia and Mahagaonkar, 2018. Industrial project management. Springer.
Upadhyay, P., Kundu, A. and Nair, S., 2016. On managing business, organization climate and
enterprise system implementation: Insights from Indian MSMEs. Journal of Workplace
Learning. 28(8). pp.472-483.
Won, J. and Lee, G., 2016. How to tell if a BIM project is successful: A goal-driven approach.
Automation in Construction. 69. pp.34-43.
Online
Difference Between Primary and Secondary Data. 2018. [Online]. Available through:
<https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-primary-and-secondary-data.html>.

Project Logbook
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes to your
project management plan?
Comments
The following research provided me
with the ways by which companies can
make improvement in their recruitment,
selection and training methods in order
to meet the international requirements.
A Case Study on Tesco Company.
Yes
Yes
No
Any risks and / or issues identified? Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research tasks?
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project management
plan?
In the following research, the issue
encountered by me were related to
communication and time management
skills.
No

Problems encountered What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
Barriers faced by me were related to the
collection of data to complete the
research.
This barrier was overcome by taking
help of family, friends and consulting to
the teachers.
New Ideas and change of project direction No
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems?
 Did I find it useful to complete the tasks?
 How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
At the very first instance I was feeling a
little bit nervous as I did not came
across this type of project before.
Yes, the completion of this project
helped me a lot as it improved my
knowledge and also contributed in my
personal and professional development.
Improvement will be made in my
communication skills.

 What can I improve on next week? This learning will be applied to future
projects if any provided to me.
Tasks planned for next week Which tasks are priority?
 Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
The response given by respondents
were given the foremost priority.
Yes, time was managed by dividing the
whole project in different tasks and also
by specifying time period for the
completion of different tasks.
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
 What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
To determine the ways through which the firms can improve their recruitment selection and
training of employees for meeting the global requirements and to achieve high competitive
advantage.
 Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline any
evaluation and assessment undertaken.
Yes I have completed my project along with its objectives and goals.
 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.
All activities of project are executed in a proper manner.
 What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there
timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
Shortage of funds and time are the main issues and solving these I have taken help from my
friends and relatives.

 What did you learn from undertaking the project?
To carry out my work in an organised and timely manner.
 How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the
project?
I will rate my performance at 9 out of 10
 What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
My skills of problem solving are very better which helps me in resolving the issues of
my team mates. Whereas, communication skills are very week due to which I have
faced some issues in taking proper cooperation and coordination from my teammates.
 How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
My knowledge and communication skills are improved