Managing a Successful Business Project: Clarks Shoes Diversity Report

This report analyzes the strategies and initiatives employed by Clarks Shoes to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. The project begins with an introduction to equality and diversity, highlighting its importance for organizational innovation. The report outlines the aims and objectives, focusing on understanding the concept of an inclusive workforce and identifying strategies to achieve this. A project management plan is developed, detailing costs, timeframes, and risk assessments. Tools such as WBS structures and Gantt charts are utilized for project organization and scheduling. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including a questionnaire administered to 100 communicators, with data presented in tables and charts. The findings are interpreted to determine the current understanding of diversity and the importance of building an inclusive environment. The report concludes with recommendations for Clarks Shoes, reflecting on the research process and its outcomes, and providing suggestions for improvement. The report is contributed by a student and is available on Desklib, a platform offering AI-powered study tools.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
TOPIC- ............................................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................................3
P1. Aims and Objectives ............................................................................................................3
P2. Project Management Plan ....................................................................................................4
P3. WBS Structure and Gantt Chart ...........................................................................................5
P4) Study quantitative and qualitative approach in order to accomplish set standards..............6
Questionnaire:.............................................................................................................................6
P5) Study data gathered by using best tools and techniques.......................................................7
P6) Provide appropriate recommendation for data analysis.....................................................15
P7) Study the undertaking to accomplish set goals and objectives and own learning and
performance...............................................................................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX I.................................................................................................................................18

TOPIC-
“ To determine the strategies and initiatives that can be brought up by companies to build
a diverse and inclusive workplace.” A case study on Clarks shoes.
INTRODUCTION
Equality and diversity is determined as a legal obligation that is utilised to protect
individuals from discrimination which can be against caste, creed, gender, age, race, religion,
belief, etc. The organisations which are diverse and inclusive always deliver better and
innovative results (Bouncken and Reuschl, 2018). This report is based upon an enterprise named
Clarks shoes which is a British based organisation that deals with manufacturing and retailing of
shoes at multinational level. This project focuses upon strategies and initiatives brought by this
company for building diverse workplace and determine the aims and objectives of this report. A
project management plan is developed for this purpose and different tools are also used. Further
it covers small scale research that by using qualitative and quantitative research methods and its
presentation. At the end of the report, appropriate recommendations and reflection is given.
P1. Aims and Objectives
Background of the company
Clarks shoes is a British based shoes manufacturer and retailer organisation that deals
with selling of shoes at international level. It was founded on 1825 by brothers James and Cyrus
Clark and its headquarter is in England. This organisation has around 1000 branded shoes
franchises around the world and it also deals in third party distribution. This enterprise believes
that for bringing up better innovation it is important for an enterprise to develop a diverse and
inclusive working culture.
Aim
The aim of this project is, “ To determine the strategies and initiatives that can be brought
up by companies to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.”
Objectives
The objectives towards which this research is conducted are-
 To study the concept of inclusive and diverse workforce.
 To identify the strategies that can be used by Clarks shoes to develop a diverse
workplace.

 To determine the initiatives that can be taken by Clarks shoes to bring equality and
diversity at workplace.
Questions
 What is the concept of inclusive and diverse workforce?
 What are the strategies that can be used by Clarks shoes for developing a diverse
workplace?
 What are the initiatives that can be taken by Clarks shoes for bringing equality and
diversity at workplace?
P2. Project Management Plan
Project management plan is determined as a document that is used by various
organisations for the purpose of describing each and every phase of a project (Brennan, 2018).
The components which are concluded in this plan are initiation, plan, action, implementation,
control and closing. Here, this project plan is developed upon the how an organisation can bring
equality and diversity at workplace. It is elaborated as follows-
Cost- It is an amount that is required to implement a project so that its objectives can be
met. The cost which is required to implement this project in an appropriate manner is £250
which is distributed as follows-
Total Forecasted Budget
Particulars Amount
Cost of advertising £50
Technical Cost £100
Other Expenses £100
Total Cost £250
Time- It is the period within which a specific project is required to be completed and all
the objectives must be fulfilled. The time taken to finish this project is 12 weeks.
Quality- The quality of this research is good because this research is conducted by
utilising all the necessary and relevant data. This research is conducted on the basis of primary
data which makes it even more reliable (Bryson, 2018).

Risk- It consists of certain barriers that arise while conducting a research and it affects
the research quality. The risk which had arisen while conducting this research is lack of time
period which is resolved by doing overtime.
Communication- An adequate communication must be there to formulate a specific
research. While conducting this research, both oral and written communication is used and equal
opportunity is given to all team members to take decisions regarding this research.
Scope- This research will help the project manager and other team members to enhance
their specific skills such as research and analytical skills which will open up certain opportunities
for them in future.
Resource- In order to conduct this research, there are various resources are utilised such
as human, technical, financial, physical and other resources (Hajro and Pudelko, 2017).
P3. WBS Structure and Gantt Chart
There are various tools and techniques that can be used to develop an appropriate and
proper project management plan. For implementing this research, the tools that are used are
WBS Structure and Gantt Chart which are elaborated as follows-
WBS Structure- Work breakdown structure is a tool of project management plan that
helps in breaking down a project into smaller components. It helps in organising work of a team
into managerial actions. It provides an important framework for a detail cost estimation and
control and provide appropriate guidance for scheduling control and development. This method
is usually taken into use for simplifying the execution of a project by breaking down managerial
chunks. It helps in accurately organising of a project and adequately assigning responsibilities to
the project team (Honeyman and Jana, 2019). Moreover, by using this tool researcher can
estimate the time, cost and risk that is utilised to implement this project.

Gantt Chart- It is a bar that is used in illustrating schedule of a project and in showing
relationship between certain activities and current schedule status. It is utilised by project
manager to able to showcase extra information about different tasks and phases of a specific
project. For instance, the way in which all the activities are related with each other and it also
shows the additional data and information regarding the progress of each task. It also shows the
manner in which each and every task is utilised (Minbaeva, 2018).

P4) Study quantitative and qualitative approach in order to accomplish set standards.
Qualitative approach: Research uses this approach as there is less use of numerical
numbers ion the findings. It is easy to understand as there is no graphical presentation in it's data.
Qualitative approach mainly focus on quality of information due to which readers are provided
with authentic data and information (Northouse, 2017).
Quantitative approach: It uses more mathematical numbers in order to present their
accumulated information. There is wide variety of graphs, pie charts, diagrams etc. in their data.
It is complex in nature it consume more time while understanding information from graphical
diagrams. But it makes the report more presentable in nature and large number of readers are
attracted towards findings.
Therefore, Clarks shoes adopts both qualitative and quantitative approaches in their
findings to get productive outcomes from the findings. Both plays a significant role and helps
investigator to assemble accurate data easily and smoothly.
Primary data collection method: This is widely used by the researcher in their findings
as the data gathered are fresh. It assist in providing authentic and feasible information to it's
readers. It helps to provide accurate and correct information to the readers over the years.
Secondary data collection method: In this case, other investigator has already used the
assembled information and data in their findings. Due to which concluded results is not accurate
in nature. It makes readers unsatisfied with the findings (O’SULLIVAN1a and KEARNEY,
2018).
Clarks shoes adopts primary data collection method in their findings they data are
directly collected from respondents which helps to conclude accurate results. It is time
consuming and costly but the outcomes is feasible which helps researcher to build goodwill in
the market for their findings.
The below questionnaire is based on primary data collection method. Here, directly from
respondents the questions is asked and their perception is collected. The sample size was 100
communicator.
Questionnaire:
Quantitative questions

Q1) Do you have understanding regarding phenomena of diverse and inclusive workplace
in Clarks shoes?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Is it important to build diverse working environment in Clarks shoes?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) How diverse background motivates Clarks shoes employees to gain set goals ?
a) Create positive working environment
b) By providing reward and recognition
Q4) What are the ways by which Clarks shoes can build diverse and inclusive
workplace?
a) Empower mangers
b) Create mentorship programs
c) Create diverse opportunities for workers involvement
Q5) What are the barriers faced by Clarks shoes while building diverse and inclusive
workplace?
a) Conflict raised
b) Productivity decreased
Q6) List the benefits which can be gained by Clarks shoes by building diverse sand
inclusive workplace?
a) Innovation take place
b) Competitive advantages is gained
Qualitative Questions:
Q7) What are the ways by which barriers related to diverse sand inclusive workplace in
Clarks shoes can be reduced?
a) Provide diversity training
b) Create respect for all culture
c) Examine firm's workforce culture
Q8) What happens if Clarks shoes does not build diverse sand inclusive workplace in their
premises?

a) Set objectives are not meet
b) Skilled employees turn out ratio raises
c) market value reduces
Q9)Provide suggestions to Clarks shoes regarding determining the strategies and
initiatives that can be brought up by companies to build a diverse and inclusive
workplace?
P5) Study data gathered by using best tools and techniques.
Q1) Do you have understanding regarding phenomena of diverse
and inclusive workplace in Clarks shoes?
Frequency
a) Yes 50
b) No 50
Q2) Is it important to build diverse working environment in
Clarks shoes?
Frequency
a) Yes 70
b) No 30
Q3) How diverse background motivates Clarks shoes employees
to gain set goals ?
Frequency
a) Create positive working environment 40
b) By providing reward and recognition 60
Q4) What are the ways by which Clarks shoes can build diverse
and inclusive workplace?
Frequency
a) Empower mangers 40
b) Create mentorship programs 30
c) Create diverse opportunities for workers involvement 30
Q5) What are the barriers faced by Clarks shoes while building
diverse and inclusive workplace?
Frequency

a) Conflict raised 65
b) Productivity decreased 35
Q6) List the benefits which can be gained by Clarks shoes by
building diverse sand inclusive workplace?
Frequency
a) Innovation take place 45
b) Competitive advantages is gained 55

Theme1: Do you understand phenomena of diverse and inclusive workplace in Clarks
shoes.
Q1) Do you have understanding regarding phenomena of diverse
and inclusive workplace in Clarks shoes?
Frequency
a) Yes 50
b) No 50
a) Yes b) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
50 50 Frequency
Interpretation: The data assembled from the sample size of 100 communicator it can be
summarized that 50 respondents are well ware about the term diverse and inclusive workplace
in Clarks shoes. While, left over 50 people said that they do not carry understanding about
diverse and inclusive workplace in Clarks shoes.

Theme 2: It important to build diverse working environment in Clarks shoes.
Q2) Is it important to build diverse working environment in
Clarks shoes?
Frequency
a) Yes 70
b) No 30
a) Yes b) No
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
70
30
Frequency
Interpretation: The diagram states that out of 100 communicator only 70 people think that it is
essential to build diverse working environment in Clarks shoe. However, remaning 30 person
said that it is not mandatory to build diverse working environment in Clarks shoes.
Theme 3: Explain how diverse background motivates Clarks shoes employees to gain set
goals.

Q3) How diverse background motivates Clarks shoes employees
to gain set goals ?
Frequency
a) Create positive working environment 40
b) By providing reward and recognition 60
a) Create positive working environment b) By providing reward and recognition
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
40
60 Frequency
Interpretation: From the above diagram it can be concluded that from the sampling size of 100
answering 40 person shared their view that diverse background motivates Clarks shoes
employees to gain set goals by creating positive working environment. While, 60 communicator
replied that by providing reward and recognition to the staff members of diverse background
they are motivated to gain set goals.

Theme 4: Study ways by which Clarks shoes can build diverse and inclusive workplace.
Q4) What are the ways by which Clarks shoes can build diverse
and inclusive workplace?
Frequency
a) Empower mangers 40
b) Create mentorship programs 30
c) Create diverse opportunities for workers involvement 30
a) Empower mangers
b) Create mentorship programs
c) Create diverse opportunities for workers involvement
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
40
30 30
Frequency
Interpretation:The mentioned information clears that out of 100 answerer only 40 person sated
that by empowering mangers ways by which Clarks shoes can build diverse and inclusive
workplace. And 30 responsive said that by creating mentorship programs diverse working
environment can be created. While, 30 communicator replied that by creating diverse
opportunities for workers involvement Clarks shoes can build diverse and inclusive workplace.
Theme 5: Discuss barriers faced by Clarks shoes while building diverse and inclusive
workplace.

Q5) What are the barriers faced by Clarks shoes while building
diverse and inclusive workplace?
Frequency
a) Conflict raised 65
b) Productivity decreased 35
a) Conflict raised b) Productivity decreased
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
65
35
Frequency
Interpretation: The above diagram provide the result that out of 100 communicator which are
taken as sample size from that 65 person agreed that conflict raised among team mates is the
main barriers faced by Clarks shoes while building diverse and inclusive workplace. Whereas,
remaining 35 people commented that productivity decreased due to building diverse and
inclusive workplace in Clarks shoes.
Theme 6: Mentioned benefits which can be gained by Clarks shoes by building diverse
sand inclusive workplace.
Q6) List the benefits which can be gained by Clarks shoes by
building diverse sand inclusive workplace?
Frequency
a) Innovation take place 45

Q6) List the benefits which can be gained by Clarks shoes by
building diverse sand inclusive workplace?
Frequency
b) Competitive advantages is gained 55
a) Innovation take place b) Competitive advantages is gained
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
45
55 Frequency
Co
mpetitive advantages is gained

Interpretation: From the above discussion it has been concluded that from the sample size of
100 responsive only 45 agreed that innovation take place is the main benefits which can be
gained by Clarks shoes by building diverse sand inclusive workplace. And left out 55 person
commented that competitive advantages is gained by building diverse sand inclusive workplace.
Qualitative questions
Q7) What are the ways by which barriers related to diverse sand inclusive
workplace in Clarks shoes can be reduced?

Factors Explanation in context of your company
a) Provide diversity training Clarks shoes by providing diversity training
helps to build diverse culture in the firm
premises (Rao and Roberts, 2018). It helps to
motivates every employees to work effectively
and efficiently.
b) Create respect for all culture By awaring employees about the importance of
other culture it will create respect and feeling
of belongingness foe each other. It aid to gain
best outcomes in set time frame.
c) Examine firm's workforce culture Modify the companies culture by scanning the
external environment. It will help Clarks shoes
to capture huge market ratio (Pleasant, 2017).
Q8) What happens if Clarks shoes does not build diverse and inclusive workplace in their
premises?
Factors Explanation in context of your company
a) Set objectives are not meet If diverse and inclusive workplace in their
premises is not build properly set objectives is
not meet in time. Due to which customers are
unsatisfied.
b) Skilled employees turn out ratio raises As rigidity in working places occurs potential
staff members turn out ratio raises. Which is a
huge loss to the firm. It decreases market value
gradually (Kane, 2017).
c) Market value reduces If properly Clarks shoes does not build diverse
and inclusive workplace then market value of
the company fall down. it directly impact the

sales and profit sharing ratio.
P6) Provide appropriate recommendation for data analysis
The recommendations are as follows:
 Proper training should be provided to the employees regarding building diverse and
inclusive workplace.
 Create sense of belongingness for each other which help push them to help each other in
every condition.
 Aware employees that they are working as a team so as to achieve desire golas and
objectives (Byrd and Scott, 2018).
P7) Study the undertaking to accomplish set goals and objectives and own learning and
performance
I am glad that I have given the opportunity to conduct research work on the interesting
topic which is “To determine the strategies and initiatives that can be brought up by companies
to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.” A case study on Clarks shoes. It has enhanced my
knowledge regarding building a diverse and inclusive workplace While conducting the research I
discovered many skills like, data collecting skills, analytical skills, research skills etc. This skills
aid me to properly achieve the desired results in the set time frame (Ng and Rumens, 2017).
While I lack behind in some of the skills like, decision-making skills and problem solving skills
etc. which has consumed lot of time while completing the report.
CONCLUSION
From the above it can be summarized that it is important to set aims and objective in
order to survive for longer time period. Project management plan is designed so that desired
outcomes can be attained in global market. Gantt Chart and Work break down structure is studies
as they help the business associates to simplify complex task into smaller components. By this it
become easy for workers to accomplish work in effective and efficient manner. Along with this
recommendation is provided for further improvements in intense competitive world. Qualitative
and quantitative approaches are deeply examined in order to execute the best one in their
working premises. The most appropriate tools and techniques is adopted to evaluate the collected
data for authentic results.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bouncken, R. B. and Reuschl, A. J., 2018. Coworking-spaces: how a phenomenon of the sharing
economy builds a novel trend for the workplace and for entrepreneurship. Review of
managerial science. 12(1). pp.317-334.
Brennan, M., 2018. Diversity metrics, measurement, and evaluation.
Bryson, J. M., 2018. Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to
strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. John Wiley & Sons.
Hajro, A., Gibson, C. B. and Pudelko, M., 2017. Knowledge exchange processes in multicultural
teams: Linking organizational diversity climates to teams’ effectiveness. Academy of
Management Journal. 60(1). pp.345-372.
Honeyman, R. and Jana, T., 2019. The B Corp Handbook: How You Can Use Business as a
Force for Good. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.s.
Minbaeva, D. B., 2018. Building credible human capital analytics for organizational competitive
advantage. Human Resource Management. 57(3). pp.701-713.
Northouse, P. G., 2017. Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice. Sage Publications.
O’SULLIVAN1a, M. and KEARNEY, G., 2018, October. Virtual Reality (VR) echnology:
Empowering Managers to Reduce and Eliminate Accessibility Barriers for People with
Autism Spectrum Disorders. In Transforming our World Through Design, Diversity
and Education: Proceedings of Universal Design and Higher Education in
Transformation Congress 2018 (Vol. 256, p. 253). IOS Press.
Pleasant, S., 2017. Crossing the boundaries of employee engagement and workplace diversity
and inclusion: Moving HRD forward in a complicated sociopolitical climate. New
Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. 29(3). pp.38-44.
Rao, T. and Roberts, N. S., 2018. Voices of women of colour: Dreaming of an inclusive outdoor
leadership environment. In The Palgrave International Handbook of Women and
Outdoor Learning (pp. 815-835). Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Kane, G. C., 2017. The evolutionary implications of social media for organizational knowledge
management. Information and organization. 27(1). pp.37-46.
Byrd, M. Y. and Scott, C. L. eds., 2018. Diversity in the workforce: Current issues and emerging
trends. Routledge.
Ng, E. and Rumens, N., 2017. Diversity and inclusion for LGBT workers: Current issues and
new horizons for research. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences. 34(2). pp.109-
120.

APPENDIX I
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Template for Performance Review to be attached with the report by the learner:
What was the Project supposed to accomplish?
Current project mainly related to determine the strategies and initiatives that can be brought up by
companies to build a diverse and inclusive workplace.” A case study on Clarks shoes.
Did the project succeed in its aims/ how do you know? Specifically, please outline any evaluation
and assessment undertaken?
Yes, the project succeed in its aims which is known by me by using different methods such as
questionnaire, sampling method etc.
What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the project?
I think my communication skill is much better which helped my by collecting of data from the
respondents. This skill also helped me in evaluation of each research activities such as selection of aim,
research methodology, data collection, conclusion and recommendation.
What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was there timely
identification of issues and resolution during the project process?
During the project, improper behaviour of respondents is major issues. In order to tackled this issue I
used to follow ethical consideration. Yes, time is another issue which highly impacted during the
investigation. In order to overcome this issue, I used Gantt chart.
What did you learn from undertaking the project?
From undertaking the project, I learned about the impact of multinational organisation on business
environment of host destination.
How would you rate your performance as a management consultant leading the project?
According to my performance in research, I rate myself which is 9/10.
What strengths and weakness of your performance did you identify?
By performing research, I identified as communication skill is much better and time management skill is
not good.
How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?
Communication skill inform and support me in my continuous professional development by resolving
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different issues and providing information of previous study.
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