How Unilever Improves Recruitment, Selection, and Training Globally

This report provides a detailed analysis of Unilever's approach to employee recruitment, selection, and training in a global context. It begins with an introduction to human resource management (HRM) and its importance in multinational corporations, specifically focusing on Unilever. The report outlines the project's aims and objectives, emphasizing the need to align HRM practices with international standards. It then presents a project management plan, including cost analysis, scope definition, time scheduling, quality control, communication strategies, risk assessment, and resource allocation. The work breakdown structure (WBS) and Gantt chart are used to illustrate project timelines and task delegation. The report investigates research methodologies, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, such as questionnaires and random sampling. The report includes analysis of the survey results. The report concludes with an evaluation of the research findings and provides insights into Unilever's HRM practices.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

TITLE:
“How do multinational companies improve the recruitment, selection and training of
their employees to meet International requirements? ”. A study on Unilever.
INTRODUCTION
Human resource management work as a mandatory part for the business which
undertakes the process of selecting or recruiting the suitable and potential nominee for the vacant
seat of the business. This process start with the recruitment which is a process of attracting and
finding suitable candidates for the organisation. While to chosen best candidates selection is the
second step to recruit candidates from large number of applicants. Another step is to develop
effective training methods for increasing the employees skills and knowledge. The organisation
chosen for this assignment is Unilever which is operating their business in food and beverages,
cleaning agents, beauty products and many more. Moreover they are performing their operations
almost in every country (Julien, 2018). This assignment highlights on project management plan
of Unilever. Further work-break down structure and Gantt chart will also be discuss in this
report. Along with research methods by implementing different tools and techniques.
TASK 1
P1 Project aims and objectives for recruitment, selection and training
Aim:
“In order to examine how multi-national organisation evolve recruitment, selection and
training for employees to meet them with global desires” Case study on Unilever. The major
intention to increase process of employee's recruitment, selection and training is to increase
organisation efficiency. Through implement of this act employee's capability will boost due to
which they complete their work with more efficiency and effectiveness. According to present
market conditions most of business's are performing their operations at global level. So to retain
for longer period in market management of Unilever is focused to increase their employee's
performance.
Objectives:
 For understanding the conception of selection, recruitment and training to familiar the
employee's with international standard of HRM.

 To inspect concept of selection, training and recruitment that match with international
requirement. For understanding and improving employee's performance.
 For identifying alternative and unique methods of training that are used by Unilever to
motive their employees. This helps them to improve their organisational performance.
 Last objective is to increase organisation productivity through increasing employee's
performance by providing effective training to them.
Role of HRM in an organisation
It is the process that is used by organisation for recruiting people, training them, making
compensate for them as well as formulating policies that are related with employees. Further the
ISO ( International organisation of standardization) issued their standards which are related with
human resource management are mention as follow:
 ISO 30408- This works as to provide guidelines that helps to formulate effective human
governance system. It helps to respond effectively between organisation and its
employees (Letsoalo and Mollel, 2016).
 ISO 30405- This standard states the guidance for effective recruitment process which is
designed for all organisation which are engage in recruiting.
 ISO 30409- It is related with workforce planning and the main intention to develop this
standard is make plans before starting the process of recruiting.
 ISO 30400- The main agenda of this act is related with terminology in order to provide
common understanding that is related with standards of HRM.
P2 Project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication,
risk, and resources
Program that is related with project is a formal document that undertakes several project
which is useful for completing a project effectively.
Cost factor including aspect
of data collection, travelling
and other cost
It is the aspect that is related with expenses that occurred to
conduct a research effectively. Cost related for this project is
overall £ 1000. Cost that incurred for data collection is £250.
While cost for questionnaire is £150. Along with this the cost
that is related with printing £350. moreover cost to
communicate with stakeholders is £180. At last other expenses
are approximately £70.
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SCOPE Scope for this study is wide because recruitment process is
mandatory for all organisation. While for researcher scope is
not much broad due to shortage of resources.
TIME Schedule of time help Unilever to complete their work before
deadlines. In context of researcher predicted time is 6 weeks for
completing the research in appropriate manner.
QUALITY Information or data that is collected by researcher need to be
realistic, accurate and relevant to project. For evaluating the
quality of work interpretation from questionnaire need to
monitor on regular basis.
COMMUNICATION To conduct a research effectively some essential elements for
researcher that is necessary to develop effective
communication skill. For completing this assignment face
interaction between human such as interview is executed in
case of tutor and team members. While for respondents E-mail
technique is implemented.
RISK In order to complete the research with quality researcher need
to overcome from different issue such as lack of funds,
shortage of resources etc. While for researcher it is complex to
complete work before deadlines. But due to team support this
risk overcome easily.
RESOURCES For completion of this research several resources are used such
as computer, expertise and specific knowledge form tutor.
Published newspaper, online reports etc. For complete it in
accurate manner optimum utilisation of resources is done to
conduct research properly.
P3 Work breakdown structure and Gantt chart to provide time-frames for completing the project
Work break down structure
3

WBS work as a chart that defines the relationship between all project activities to
execute them properly in the organisation. In context of Unilever this tool benefited them to
accomplished their project with more skilfulness and effectiveness through delegating the work
to employee's according to their skill and knowledge (Motl and Pilutti, 2012). Moreover it also
assist management to reduce the complexities of activities by allocating task in appropriate,
systematic and sequential manner.
Gantt chart
Gantt chart was invented by Henry L. Gantt who was a well known and recognise social
scientist and engineer. This activities undertakes different graphs and charts that are used to
display essential information through graphical ways. Further in terms of benefits this Gantt
chart helps them to derive different activities and times that is invested by the organisation to
complete the project(Patterson, Zibarras and Ashworth, 2016). Along with this it is useful to
track different activities that ensures management of Unilever to complete their project
effectively. Further this activities aid them to perform well which benefited them to gain
competitive advantage among the industry.
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TASK 2
P4 Investigate research by using quantitative and qualitative approach to meet aims and
objectives
Primary research
Primary investigation is defined as a method that is used by investigator to gather the
information directly from the respondents. In terms of researcher they own the data that is used
by them to make a effective conclusion for the report. For management of Unilever it is a
primary methods that is used by researcher because it assist to gather the information find out
suggestion, feedback or review about product directly from the consumer.
5

Quantitative research
It is explained as a systematic investigation which helps to gather relevant data by
performing statistical and mathematical computing techniques. In context of researcher
quantitative research helps them to implement accurate data and statstics in the report.
Questionnaire & Random sampling
This work as a set of question that helps to obtain statistical and personal information
from the individuals. Moreover it is a printed set of question that is close ended or open ended.
Random sampling is a selection of individuals that helps researcher to complete research in
accurate manner (Polonsky and Waller, 2018).
Qualitative research
This method is defined as a market research that focus to obtain data by obtaining the
information through asking questions with a open ended methods that used to gain effective
result for organisation. This methods is advantageous for investigator as it helps them to gain in-
depth interview and information from the customers.
Research sampling
This is the most important factor that governs the quality of research. In this research
probability technique is enforced by the researcher as it is based on randomization which
determines that they provide equal opportunity to each respondent. Sample size chosen for this
research is 40. In order to conduct it properly interview method is implemented that defines to
conduct whole research in a proper manner through taking in-depth interview of candidates.
Secondary research
Secondary research involves summary, data and information from different methods such
as published newspaper, articles, journals and website. This all helps an researcher to complete
their task with in short period of time (Scott, Ditroilo and Marshall, 2017). In context of this
assignment secondary research is used to make or develop an idea for completing the project as it
also provides assistance to complete primary research in effective manner.
Questionnaire
Q 1) Are you aware about any knowledge regarding the phenomena of recruitment, selection
and training?
A) Yes
B) No
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Q 2) Which approach is the best for Unilever in selecting & recruiting candidates at multi-
national level?
A) Internal approach
B) External approach
Q 3) Is on the job or off the job training programs are beneficial for Unilever?
A) On the job
B) Off the job
Q 4) Does trained employees help Unilever to gain more benefits in upcoming future?
A) Agree
B) Dis-agree
Q 5) Positive or negative which type of impact does recruitment, selection and training make on
employees of Unilever?
A) Positive
B) Negative
Q 6) Provide suggestion to Unilever for improvement in employee's recruitment, selection and
training?
Q 1) Are you aware about any knowledge regarding the phenomena of
recruitment, selection and training?
Frequency
A) Yes 9
B) No 11
Q 2) Which approach is the best for Unilever in selecting & recruiting
candidates at multi-national level?
Frequency
A) Internal approach of recruitment and selection 12
B) External approach of recruitment and selection 8
7

Q 3) Is on the job or off the job training programs are beneficial for Unilever? Frequency
A) On the job 13
B) Off the job 7
Q 4) Does trained employees help Unilever to gain more benefits in
upcoming future?
Frequency
A) Agree 10
B) Dis-agree 10
Q 5) Positive or negative which type of impact does recruitment, selection and
training make on employees of Unilever?
Frequency
A) Positive 8
B) Negative 12
8

TASK 3
P5 Evaluating research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
THEME 1: Have you any idea regarding the phenomena of recruitment, selection and training.
Q 1) Are you have any knowledge regarding the phenomena of recruitment,
selection and training?
Frequency
A) Yes 25
B) No 15
A) Yes B) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
Frequency
Interpretation- It is stated through the above graph that 25 respondents has idea about
recruitment, selection and training. While other 15 are not awake about this process.
Theme 2: Approach that is best for Unilever in selecting & recruiting new candidates at global
level.
Q 2) Which approach is the best for Unilever in selecting & recruiting
candidates at multi-national level?
Frequency
A) Internal approach of recruitment and selection 22
9

B) External approach of recruitment and selection 18
A) Internal approach of recruitment and selection
B) External approach of recruitment and selection
0
5
10
15
20
25 22
18
Frequency
Interpretation- From the above data it is stated that 22 respondents are satisfied with internal
recruitment methods. Whereas other 18 are satisfy with external approach of respondents. For
Unilever it is good for them them to recruit employee through internal method.
Theme 3: Job training programs which are more beneficial for Unilever.
Q 3) Is on the job or off the job training programs are beneficial for Unilever? Frequency
A) On the job 17
B) Off the job 23
10

A) On the job B) Off the job
0
5
10
15
20
25
17
23
Frequency
In
terpretation- In this graph data represented that 17 employees increase their performance
through on the job training method. On the other hand 23 employees prefer off the job training
methods to enhance their skill.
Theme 4: Trained and skilled employee's that provide more benefits to Unilever.
Q 4) Does trained employees help Unilever to gain more benefits in upcoming
future?
Frequency
A) Agree 16
B) Dis-agree 24
11

A) Agree B) Dis-agree
0
5
10
15
20
25
16
24
Frequency
Interpretation- This data show an inequal weight-age which determines that they complete 16
respondents are agree on that it provides benefits to organisation. While other 24 dis-agree on
this factor.
Theme 5: Effect that recruitment, selection and training make on the employees of Unilever.
Q 5) Positive or negative which kind of impact does recruitment, selection and
training make on employees of Unilever?
Frequency
A) Positive 26
B) Negative 14
12

A) Positive B) Negative
0
5
10
15
20
25
30 26
14 Frequency
Interpretation- By monitoring the above data it is analysed that 26 respondents out of 14 are
impacted positively through recruitment, selection and training. Whereas 11 are not satisfy that
impacts negatively on their performance.
Q 6) Provide suggestion to Unilever for improvement in employee's
recruitment, selection and training?
Frequency
40
On the job training Within circumstances of Unilever it is essential for them to
accomplished their objectives within specified time period.
Therefore it is mandatory for them to provide on the job training
method to their employee's that save their time to enhance their
skills.
Optimistic Employee's who are motivated are able to work with more
productivity it increases their performance. Further in context of
Unilever they increase the morale of their employee's through
encouraging and motivating them.
Operations Unilever is operating their operations and functions at global level
which signifies that it is complex for them to complete their goals
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On the job training Within circumstances of Unilever it is essential for them to
accomplished their objectives within specified time period.
Therefore it is mandatory for them to provide on the job training
method to their employee's that save their time to enhance their
skills.
within specified time period as they are expanded on wide area.
P6 Appropriate recommendation as a result of data and research analysis
By the above information it is understood and discussed that recruitment, selection and
training are essential part for a business that helps them to complete their work within minimum
time period. For considering them with an effective approach the data which is displayed in this
assignment is collected through the analysis of questionnaire. This is filled by the respondents
who are engage in Unilever to complete their activities (Byram and Parmenter eds., 2012).
Moreover within context of Unilever some recommendation are mention as below that is based
on above data:
 It is beneficial of Unilever if they conduct on the job training as well as off-the-job
training in the organisation. As it works on enhancing the skills and knowledge of their
employee's that are involved in their production department. Moreover this helps them
to assist different factors that impacts on organisation operations and functions.
 Unilever is a multi-national organisation which operates their business in more than 135
countries. Along with this they are top exporter of coffee and other food products.
Therefore it is essential for them to understand different factors such as culture,
behaviour and attitude of their employees. So they improve their employees skills
according to the needs and demand of society.
 Unilever need to recruit employee's who has certain skills and knowledge to complete
their work with more efficiency. Therefore it is mandatory for them to complete find out
the right candidate for the right job. They perform different activities that is used by
them to chose suitable candidate. Like interview, aptitude test, group discussion etc.
Conclusion- After analysis all recommendation this is easy for organisation to complete their
work in an appropriate manner. Like it works to enhance skill and knowledge by providing on
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the job and off the job training. Along with this to produce goods according to a particular
culture helps them to increase sale of their products through providing several benefits.
TASK 4
P7 Reflect on value of projecting research for match them with stated objective
While completing this research I have learned many things through observing and then
implementing them in different activities that is performed for completing the research
effectively (Davidson and et. al., 2012). Moreover it also helps me to identify my strength and
weaknesses that help me to use the resources within optimum manner. Some learning that
outcome from this project is mention as below:
 While completing this research I learned that how to complete a work within teams.
This helps me to learn team management as well as it also enhance my skill to work
with different team members.
 The another skill that is learned through this research is time management as it is
essential to complete the research within specified period. This helps me to find out
different ways through which it is easy for manage between different types of work at a
singular period (Dittmar, 2015).
Some skills that generates problems for me while completing this project or research within a
effective manner. As to improve them some skills are mentions as below:
Competency How I have developed in this
area
Why I need to do to develop
further in the area
Communication skill In context to improve the skill
it is essential for me to make
interaction with individuals
and team members. This helps
to identify the issue which are
related with organisation.
The communication factor
helps me in future also to
complete the work within
minimum time period. As I
learned to understand the
problems as well as need of
society individuals in effective
manner.
Technological skill Factor that is related with
research as this was
In context of technological
skill they are existing in all
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implemented by me to
complete the work and
activities that are related with
research. Like interaction
through mails, making of
graph and pie chart through
using different software.
Therefore to improve them I
started to learn them through
practising on frequent bases.
factors of the organisation.
Whether they are functional
and operational department
technology impacted on the
business activities that take
place in the organisation.
Further this skill helps in
future to complete the task qith
quick approach by
implementing them effectively
in work activities.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it is concluded that it is essential for organisation to expand their
business operations among overall world. This assist them to create strong brand image in the
market and industry. This all activities are not easy to perform therefore an organisation hire a
researcher to complete activities by analysing and predicting all activities that are needed for
predicting the market environment for this quantitative and qualitative research is implemented
in the organisation. Moreover to complete the research inaccurate manner WBS and work break
down structure is implemented in this research. On the other hand it also helps them to gather
and analyse data for making a valid conclusion from the report.
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Appendix I
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