Impact of Global Pandemic on Workplace Transformation: DCS Group Case

This project explores the impact of the global pandemic on the acceleration of workplace transformation within organizations, focusing on a case study of DCS Group. It begins by acknowledging the concept of workplace transformation, emphasizing its flexible approach and the use of updated technologies to enhance work practices. The research identifies challenges faced by DCS Group during the pandemic, such as employee resistance to change, coordination issues with new technologies, and increased costs. Furthermore, it evaluates significant strategies for effectively implementing transformation practices, including training programs, motivational techniques, and effective leadership. The study employs a positivism research philosophy and a deductive approach, utilizing quantitative methodology with data collected through questionnaires from 30 DCS Group employees. The research also acknowledges limitations due to its focus on quantitative data, which may lack in-depth qualitative insights. Overall, the project aims to provide valuable insights into how organizations can navigate workplace transformation in response to global crises.

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID: ______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date: ___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: “To analyze the impact of global pandemic in acceleration of workplace transformation within organizations”. A case
study on DCS group.
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a question, objective or hypothesis)
Title:
To analyze the impact of global pandemic in acceleration of workplace transformation within organizations”. A case study on DCS group.
Introduction
Workplace transformation refers to the flexible approach of working so that the employees can put maximum efforts to ensure
organizational success. It is about using latest and updated techniques to bring ease in the work practices. Use of advance technologies helps in
bringing flexibility in the overall working pattern (Dery, Sebastian and van der Meulen, 2017). In the present study, DCS group is taken into
consideration. It is a well-known organizations based on UK that was founded in the year of 1994. The company works as seller and distributor
of health, household and beauty products. The present study is based the impact of global pandemic in accelerating workplace transformation.
Further, it will cover the strategies and challenges faced by the company while facilitating workplace transformation.

Research Objectives
 To acknowledge the concept of workplace transformation.
 To identify challenges faced by DCS group while accelerating workplace transformation during pandemic
 To evaluate significant strategies in order to effectively implement transformation practices within DCS group to deal with the impact
of pandemic.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of workplace transformation?
 What are the challenges faced by DCS group while accelerating workplace transformation during pandemic?
 What are the strategies in order to effectively implement transformation practices within DCS group to deal with the impact of
pandemic?
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you are studying, personal interest,
future plans, knowledge/skills you want to improve, why the topic is important):
The main reason to conduct study on the particular topic is to develop the knowledge on workplace transformation. It will help in
enhancing the skills and knowledge regarding the impact of global pandemic of on workplace transformation. Through this, the researcher will
be able to identify the challenges occur during the implementation of transformation practices. Further, the study will prove helpful in
developing the knowledge base to prepare significant strategies to implement workplace transformation practices effectively. In personal
context, the researcher will able to develop skills like communication, leadership and more while undertaking the research project in the given

scenario.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Concept of workplace transformation
As per the view point of Barnes, 2020, workplace transformation has become a crucial practice in current time. It refers to using latest
and updated techniques to offer flexible working environment to the employees. It is signifies rethinking of flexible workspaces to
accommodate different kinds of working practices and technology. Technology plays a crucial role in workplace transformation due to the use
of recent and updated softwares to assist the employees in an efficient manner. In this, organizations are likely to search for better ways to
support their employees. They think about the potential ways to facilitate positive working environment. Workplace transformation makes the
employees enable to contribute towards the success of business efficiently. Here, they can work with new and innovative ways to generate
better and effective results.
Challenges faced by DCS group while accelerating workplace transformation during pandemic
As per the view point of Reddy 2019, It is analyze that COVID-19 facilitate transformation at workplace. To stay connected employees
during pandemic time, the organizations move towards digital ways. The pandemic has been increased remote working practices. However, it is
not easy to implement transformation at workplace as the employees are not likely to feel comfortable to work in a transformed environment.
They start to resist as they need to change their existing work pattern. Getting out of the comfort zone is difficult for the employees which can
further enhance the complexities. During pandemic, DCS group switches over digital platform and technology to conduct the meetings and
complete the tasks. It is not easy for the employee to coordinate with the technology suddenly. In addition, the company also faced the issue of
lack of coordination among the workforce. High dependence on technology not only increased the cost but also affect the daily operations of

the organization.
Strategies in order to effectively implement transformation practices within DCS group to deal with the impact of pandemic
As per the view point of Lawton 2019, there are ample of strategies can be used by the company to implement workplace
transformation practices in an effective way. In this context, DCS group needs to arrange appropriate training program for the employees so
that they can easily cope up with technical advancements. Here, training will improve the efficiency of workforce so that they can easily
perform the assigned work in better and effective way. Apart from this, motivation is also a crucial strategy that need to be adopted by DCS
group to implement workplace transformation in an effective way. In this regard, monetary and non-monetary benefits need to provide to the
workers so that they get inspire to work in an appropriate way. Additionally, effective leadership and guidance is also important to facilitate
transformation within the organization.
REFERENCES
Online
Barnes S., 2020. What Workplace Transformation Means Now: Two Experts Discuss the Opportunities. [Online]. Available through :<
https://community.connection.com/workplace-transformation//>
Reddy R., 2019. 4 Challenges On The Road To Digital Transformation. [Online]. Available through :< https://acuvate.com/blog/4-challenges-
on-the-road-to-digital-transformation//>
Lawton G., 2019. Digital workplace transformation strategy: 6 steps to creating yours. [Online]. Available through:<
https://www.techtarget.com/searchhrsoftware/tip/Digital-workplace-transformation-strategy-6-steps-to-creating-yours/>

Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project (e.g research,
development and analysis of ideas, writing, data collection, numerical analysis,
tutor meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation, writing the report):
Gantt Chart
It is a tool that is used to prepare the schedule of project completion. Here, different aspects of projects are
represented in graphical manner. It includes roles and responsibilities, deadlines, schedule and more. Main aim of
preparing Gantt chart is to minimize the complexities and complete the project in timely manner.
How long this will
take:

Milestone one: ___Literature Review _________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: ______Research Methodology_____________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
Research Philosophy: This is the believe of researcher on a particular phenomenon. It is a belief about the way in which data is
gathered on a specific topic. Interpretivism and positivism are two research philosophies (Hughes and Barlo, 2021). In context of the current
study positivism philosophy is taken into consideration. It is because the respective philosophy will help in gathering quantitative and
numerical information in time as well as cost effective manner. Here, the results are based on subjective aspects that is important to collect
authentic and reliable data.
Research approach: It refers to the process of collection data. There are two approaches used in research work including inductive and
deductive. Deductive approach is used in the present research study (Flick, 2020). The main rational of using deductive approach is to bring
authenticity and reliability of in research project.
Research design: It refers to the procedure of data collection and analysis on a particular topic. All the research designs are effective
(Gilroy and et. al., 2018). In current context, descriptive research design is taken into consideration. The respective research design will help in
developing significant knowledge on the particular topic.
Research methodology: Here, data is collected to draw meaningful conclusion. The two useful research methodologies are quantitative
and qualitative. For researcher, it is important to select a suitable research methodology in order to get reliable outcomes (De Hertogh, 2018).

For present research study, quantitative methodology has chosen as it is based in on numerical and statistical tools to get effective results.
Further, the respective methodology is useful in collecting data based on facts and figures.
Data Collection: Data collection is an important part of the overall research study. Two major methods of data collection are primary
and secondary. To collect the primary information, questionnaire has been prepared through which information will be gathered by the
employees of the company (Viehof and Winner, 2018). This primary information will be authentic and enhance the reliability of the overall
work. In context of secondary data collection, the information has been drawn from well-known websites, articles, publications and more.
Effective data collection will prove useful in driving appropriate outcomes.
Sampling method: It refers to the process that is used to collect the samples from the overall research population. While conducting the
research, it is not possible to collect the information from the entire population (Bøe, Hognestad and Waniganayake, 2017). Hence, certain units
are selected to prepare samples. Probabilty and non-probability are two methods of sampling. In current context, probability sampling has
selected as it will help in including the units in the sample in fair manner. In the given context 30 employees of DCS group have been selected
as the sample to collect necessary information.
Limitation of study:
The study is based on quantitative analysis that is based on using statistical tools & techniques. Absence of qualitative information will
cause lack of in-depth and detailed information in research project. Due to this, the researcher will found it difficult to gather detailed
information on workplace transformation.
REFERENCES

Books & Journal
Bøe, M., Hognestad, K. and Waniganayake, M., 2017. Qualitative shadowing as a research methodology for exploring early childhood
leadership in practice. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 45(4), pp.605-620.
De Hertogh, L.B., 2018. Feminist digital research methodology for rhetoricians of health and medicine. Journal of Business and Technical
Communication, 32(4), pp.480-503.
Dery, K., Sebastian, I.M. and van der Meulen, N., 2017. The digital workplace is key to digital innovation. MIS Quarterly Executive, 16(2).
Flick, U., 2020. Introducing research methodology: thinking your way through your research project. Sage.
Gilroy and et. al., 2018. Indigenous persons with disability in remote Australia: Research methodology and Indigenous community
control. Disability & Society, 33(7), pp.1025-1045.
Hughes, M. and Barlo, S., 2021. Yarning with country: An indigenist research methodology. Qualitative Inquiry, 27(3-4), pp.353-363.
Viehof, M. and Winner, H., 2018. Research methodology for a new validation concept in vehicle dynamics. Automotive and Engine
Technology, 3(1), pp.21-27.
Comments and agreement from tutor
Comments (optional):

I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be submitted for another qualification
and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV) Date

Research Ethics approval form
All students conducting research activity that involves human participants or the use of data collected form
human participants are required to gain ethical approval before commencing their research. Please answer all
relevant questions and note that your form may be returned if incomplete.
For further support and guidance please see your respective Unit Tutor:
Before completing this form, we advise that you discuss your proposed research fully with your unit tutor. Please
complete this form in good time before your research project is due to commence.
Section 1: Basic details:
Project title: “To analyze the impact of global pandemic in acceleration of workplace transformation within organizations”. A case study on
DCS group.
Student name:
Student ID number:
Programme:
College Name:
Intended research start date:
Intended research end date:
Section 2 Project summary
Please select all research methods that you plan to use as a part of your project:

 Interviews Yes No
 Questionnaires Yes No
 Observations Yes No
 Use of personal records Yes No
 Data Analysis Yes No
 Action Research Yes No
 Focus Groups Yes No
 Others (Please specify) : Secondary research
Section 3: Participants
Please answer the following questions, giving full details where necessary.
Will your research involve human participants?
Yes
Who are the participants? Tick all that apply:
Ages 12-16: Young people aged: 17-18 Adults: 18>
How will participants be recruited (identified an approached)?
Text and Email
Describe the processes you will use to inform participants about what you are doing:
By the help of questionnaire, all data about study will be provided to respondents.
How will you obtain consent from participants? Will this be written? How will it be made clear to participants
that they may withdraw consent to participate at any time?
By giving appropriate data to respondents, investigator can easily obtain consent.

Studies involving questionnaires: will participants be given the option of omitting questions that do not wish to
answer?
Yes No
If no please explain why below and ensure that you cover any ethical issues arising from this
Studies involving observation: Confirm whether participants will be asked for their informed consent to be
observed. Yes No
Will you debrief participants at the end of their participation (i.e give them a brief explanation of the study)?
Yes No
Will participants be given information about the findings of your study?(This could be a brief summary of your
findings in general) Yes No
Section 4: Data Storage and Security
Confirm that all personal data will be stored and processed in compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998)

Yes No
Who will have access to the data and personal information?
During the research:Researcher
Where will the data be stored?
In USB storage, mobile devices and laptops
Will mobile devices such as USB storage and laptops be used
Yes No
If Yes, please provide further details:
After the research:Researcher
Where will the data be stored?
In USB storage, mobile devices and laptops
How long will the data and records be kept for and in what format?

For approx. 6 months.
Will data be kept for use by other researchers? Yes No
Section 5: Ethical Issues
Are there any particular features of your proposed work, which may raise ethical concerns? If so, please outline
how you will deal with these:
It is important that you demonstrate your awareness of potential risks that may arise because of your research.
Please consider/address all issues that may apply. Ethical concerns may include, but are not limited to the
following :
 Informed consent.
 Potentially vulnerable participants.
 Sensitive topics
 Risk to participants and /or researchers
 Confidentiality/anonymity
 Disclosures/ limits to confidentiality
 Data storage and security, both during and after the research (including transfer, sharing,
encryption, protection).
 Reporting
 Dissemination and use of your findings.
Section 6: Declaration
I have read, understood and will abide by the institution’s Research and Ethics Policy: Yes
No
I have discussed the ethical issues relating to my research with my Unit Tutor:

Yes No
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge:
The above information is correct, and this is a full description of the ethical issues that may arise in
the course of my research
Name: Date:
Please submit your completed form to the Cohort Leader and a copy to your supervisor only