This sample will let you know about :-
- Discuss about the Project Aims and Objectives of successful business.
- Discuss about the Project Management Plan.
- Discuss about the Research Methodology.
INTRODUCTION
In order to run business in successful manner, it is significant for an organisation to follow equality and diversity so that set goal and objectives can be attained (Barak, 2016.). It is essential to provide equal opportunity to work force so that they are motivated for better work performance. The organisation chosen for this assignment is Next Plc that was established in the year of 1864 at Leeds, United Kingdom. It is retail business dealing in footwear, home and clothing. This report highlights about project aim as well as objectives, project management plan, time framework, research methodology along with reflection and recommendation provided to organisation.
MAIN BODY
Project Aims and Objectives
The organisation chosen for this report is Next Plc founded in the year of 1864 headquarter at Leeds, United Kingdom. It is multinational retail business that deals in different products such as home, clothing, footwear. This is operating more than 500 stores in different places employing approx 43,970 employees.
Research Aim
âTo identify various kinds of strategies as well as initiatives that are taken by enterprise for building diversity and inclusive workforce.â- A study on Next Plc
Research Objectives
- To determine thought of diversity as well as equality.
- To identify issues which are raised due to lack of diversified culture at workplace.
- To ascertain various initiatives as well as strategies, take by company for building diverse workforce.
Research Questions
- What are the thought of diversity as well as equality?
- What are the issues arises raised due to lack of diversified culture at workplace?
- What are the various initiatives as well as strategies take by company for building diverse workforce?
Project Management Plan
Project Management Plan (PMP)
It is defined as document which is used to describe all stages of project work in appropriate manner (Brown, 2017). The staged of PMP includes initiation, plan, execution, monitor, control and close. The purpose of PMP is to conduct better communication among members as well as providing of information to carry out project work. It assists in saving time and cost for manager. Components of PMP includes scope, cost, time, quality and so on which are mentioned below:
Cost- This is the amount of money incurred for project work which varies from business to business. In order to perform research work through researcher require £500 for collecting accurate data and information. On other aspect, respective organisation need 100 pounds to gather information about diversity and equality from authenticate sources. It is also important for organisation to plan budget in advance.
Scope- This determine about scope of research for assigned topic which helps in future time period. With such component, business can make better decisions for building diverse work culture by using different strategies. On other aspect, researcher can know about different strategies and initiatives for equality and diversity which should be implemented at business.
Time- This is defined as time taken for completing project work in appropriate manner. For completion of project, time framework is prepared through Gantt Chart and Work Breakdown Structure (Cho, Kim and Mor Barak, 2017). Researcher takes 3 weeks to complete given work whereas respective organisation requires 5 weeks to implement strategies related with equality as well as diversity at workplace in order to achieve set outcomes. This is essential to decide each and every work in advance to complete them in set time period.
Quality- In this element, data as well as information has to collect through authenticate as well as relevant sources. The respective organisation need to gather their information through online, certify sources to maintain quality of work. Similarly, researcher has to keep all relevant data and information confidential for avoidance of fraudulent activities in order to maintain quality of research work regarding equality at workplace.
Communication- This is the way of interaction among individual with help of channels which is understand by all members (Dey and Teasdale, 2016). It can be written as well as oral communication to get positive outcomes. Next Plc has used oral communication in order to conduct meeting for implementation of various strategies for equality and diversity at workplace. Here, researcher has used both written as well as oral communication for collecting data from respondents regarding assigned topic in appropriate manner.
Risk- In order to carry out research work, researcher has come across with different types of risk such as inadequate budget, limited resources, lack of time, inaccurate response and many more. On other hand, organisation has faced risk in terms of unskilled staffs, lack of equality among members, lack of motivation, lack of utilisation of resources, inaccurate data and information and others.
Resources- It is referred to component that helps in identifying resources needed for conducting research work. From researcher point of view, it is related with accurate sources, time, pen, appropriate response from respondents and in context of organisation they require resources like skilled employees, data, sources, tools and many more.
You may also like: Scope of Business and the Business Environment
Time-Frames Work
For measuring time framework, several techniques should be applied by Next Plc that are given here:
Work Breakdown Structure
This is defined as process of dividing complex work into simple as well as manageable form (Garg, 2018). It is used by manager to simplify work in order to execute project work. In WBS, huge activities are broken into simple and manageable components. Such time framework is used for project management as well as research work. This is created to provides accurate information through reliable sources, assignment of roles & responsibilities, assisting time, risk, cost and so on.
Gantt chart
This is referred as bar chat that helps in project illustration which ascertain relationship between status of schedule and activities (Gotsis and Kortezi, 2015). Gantt Chart is presented with help of vertical as well as horizontal axis that indicates status of work and activities in effective and efficient manner. It has several parts such as dependencies, progress, timelines, dateline, bars, lists and others. This helps in planning, organising, coordinating and tracking of activities and work in best possible manner. Get Assignment Examples ? Talk to our Experts!
Research Methodology
It is the concept which helps in defining specific tools and techniques which is used to identify, select, process and analyse data and information about given project work (Kaplan and Donovan, 2016). Such part of work leads to identify as well as evaluate both validity and reliability of information in appropriate manner. Some of the kinds of research methodology used by respective organisation are mentioned below:
Primary Method- It is defined as method in which data are collected for first time by researcher in order to identify as well as address problems in effective manner (Kundu and Mor, 2017). This is also known as first hand or raw data and information. Such method takes more time and expensive in nature due to collected for first time. Primary method includes focus groups, case studies, telephonic interviews, personal interview and others.
Secondary Method- It is referred as second hand information in which data are already collected from researcher or scholar. This type of method incurred low cost and save time due to already collection of data for provided topic. The researcher can take help from various sources like books, magazine, journal articles, websites, reports and many more. This focus on providing low reliable as well as accuracy of collected data and information.
Qualitative Research- This is referred as research that does not include statistical or numerical data and information (Lindsay and et. al., 2018). Such type of research work includes observations, words, photographs, language and many more. It is applied to get benefits with proper understanding of motivations, reasons and opinions. This research uses different methods like focus group, observation, opinions, interviews and others. The size of sample is very small and respondents should fill quota provided to them in proper manner.
Quantitative Research- This research is applied to quantify issues with help of collecting information that is easily converted to numeric or statistics form. It assist in generating relevant data and information through attitude, opinion and getting outcomes from large size of sample population. It includes longitudinal studies, survey, face to face and many more. Such type of research is used by researcher in order to collect numerical data or statistics information.
From the analysis of above, it has summarised that researcher need to apply primary as well as qualitative research to gather data as well as information in appropriate way. This assist in providing relevant and accurate data about given project work. For primary, organisation has prepared questionnaire to collect data and qualitative research has provide in-depth information for provided work.
Sampling- It is defined as process that is applied to analyse numerical and statistical information in which participants are acquired from large population. The chosen size of sample is 30 in order to collect data and information.
Questionnaire- This is defined as instrument of research that contain various category of open and close ended questions having objective to gather appropriate information from different participants. Questionnaire prepared for given research work is mentioned here:
Questionnaire Q1) Are you aware about equality and diversity at workplace? a) Agree b) Disagree Q2) What are the issues arise due to lack of diversified culture at workplace? a) Rise in conflict among members b) Decline in productivity c) Declination of market value d) All of them Q3) What are the advantages of implementing diverse culture at workplace? a) Improve in creativity b) Increase in profitability c) Reduction of employee turnover Q4) As per your views, what are the main initiatives that needs to apply by Next Plc for inclusive workplace? a) Creation of new opportunities b) Avoidance of making assumptions c) Staffs in decision making d) All of the above Q5) What are different types of legislation which are made for equality as well as diversity at workplace? a) Disability Act, 1995 b) Equality Act, 1970 c) Health and Safety Act, 1974 Q6) Any recommendation for further improvement... |
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Theme 1
Q1) Are you aware about equality and diversity at workplace? |
Frequency |
a) Agree |
22 |
b) Disagree |
8 |
Interpretation
Equality and diversity are important for business to attain goal and objectives in effective manner. From the above diagram, it has concluded that out of 30 respondents only 22 are aware about concept of equality and diversity at workplace where as remaining 8 are unaware about such concept. They are made aware about such concept in effective manner for positive outcomes.
Theme 2
Q2) What are the issues arise due to lack of diversified culture at workplace? |
Frequency |
a) Rise in conflict among members |
8 |
b) Decline in productivity |
7 |
c) Declination of market value |
5 |
d) All of them |
10 |
Interpretation
It is essential for organisation to have diversified culture at workplace for better results. The lack of diversified culture leads to creates in terms of rise in conflict among members, decline in productivity, declination of market value. From the above diagram, it has summarised that out of 30 participants, 8 said rise in conflict among members is main issues, 7 said for decline in productivity, 5 favours for declination of market value and remaining 10 favours for all of them.
Theme 3
Q3) What are the advantages of implementing diverse culture at workplace? |
Frequency |
a) Improve in creativity |
8 |
b) Increase in profitability |
9 |
c) Reduction of employee turnover |
13 |
Interpretation
The implementation of diverse culture at workplace provide advantage to business in terms of improve in creativity, rise in productivity and reduction of employee turnover. The above diagram represents that out of 30 respondents 8 favours for improve in creativity, 9 said for creativity and remaining 13 said to provide advantage in terms of reduction in employee turnover. Want to get Assignment help? Talk Our Expert Now!
Theme 4
Q4) As per your views, what are the main initiatives that needs to apply by Next Plc for inclusive workplace? |
Frequency |
a) Creation of new opportunities |
9 |
b) Avoidance of making assumptions |
8 |
c) Staffs in decision making |
7 |
d) All of the above |
6 |
Interpretation
There are some initiatives which needs to apply by Next Plc for their inclusive workplace. This includes creation of new opportunities, avoidance of making assumptions, staffs in decision making. The presented diagram concluded that out of 30 respondents 9 favours for creation of new opportunities, 8 said for avoidance of making assumptions, 7 said staffs in decision making and remaining 6 favours for all of them.
Theme 5
Q5) What are different types of legislation which are made for equality as well as diversity at workplace? |
Frequency |
a) Disability Act, 1995 |
10 |
b) Equality Act, 1970 |
10 |
c) Health and Safety Act, 1974 |
10 |
Interpretation
In order to follow equality and diversity at workplace, it is very important to apply all legal legislation by business. There are different types of legislation which are made for both equality and diversity such as disability act, equality act and health and safety act. The diagram presents that out of 30 respondents, 10 of each favours for disability act, equality and health and safety act.
Theme 6
There are some recommendation which are provided to respective organisation for better running of their business. They should focus on providing of equal opportunity to each and every employees and includes them in decision making so that set goal are achieved. This helps in motivating them and provide encouragement for better work performance. Ask for MBA Dissertation Topics from our experts!
Reflection
The carrying of research work is not for me as it was first time where I conducted research work. I had faced several issues and problems for attainment of effective goal and objectives. Through research work, I have analysed my strength and weakness to gain positive outcomes. My strengths includes time management skills, leadership skills, proper decision making whereas I lack in communication and risk taking skills. I have to enhance my weak areas so that I would not face any problem in future time period. This research work helped me a lot to improve myself and learned many new things which assist for my personal career growth and success along with increase in knowledge and experience in effective way.
CONCLUSION
From the report, it has summarised that business need to follow diversity and equality for running organisation in an effective and efficient manner. This assist enterprise to achieve growth as well as success from marketplace. Project management plan leads to know about cost, time, risk, resources, quality for carrying out research work. For completion of project work, time framework has applied that divide activities and task to simpler form. In order to collect information for assigned work, methodology has applied in appropriate manner. For improvement, recommendation are given to work on weal areas and enhance them in most effective way. Moreover, it is essential that research work should be performed in legal as well as ethical manner.
Read More - Entrepreneurship and Competitive Marketplace
RECOMMENDATION
For better improvement of business, some recommendation are given to Next Plc which are described below:
- It is recommended to Next Plc to provide equal opportunity to each and every work force so that they focus on attainment of business goal and objectives.
- It is also recommended for following of all legislations, acts for successfully running of business activities and operations at competitive marketplace.
Thus, these are few important recommendation given to business for attainment of positive results.
Appendix 1: Project Logbook Template
|
Week 2 |
Week4 |
Week 6 |
Week 8 |
Week 10 |
Update on weekly research/tasks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Any risks and/or issues identified? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Problems encountered? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Time |
Resources |
Communication |
Decision Making |
Cost |
|
Division of time for all work. |
Proper allocation of tasks.. |
Participation, reading books and so on. |
Including oneself in decision making. |
Making budget in advance. |
What have I learnt about myself? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Poor |
Good |
Requires improvement |
Better |
Excellent |
|
Skills |
Efforts |
Capability |
Knowledge |
Experience |
|
Communication |
Risk Management |
Listening Skills |
Time Management |
Leadership |
|
Work completion |
Participation in activities |
Achievement of goal as well as objectives |
Work performance |
Performing of same work |
|
Initiation of project |
Deciding project management plan |
Research Methodology |
Preparation of questionnaire |
Analysis as well as interpretation of data |
Project status to date: |
On, Ahead, or Behind |
On, Ahead or Behind |
On, Ahead, or Behind |
On, Ahead, or Behind |
On, Ahead, or Behind |
Comments and signature of the Tutor
|
|
|
|
|
|
Appendix 2: Performance Review
Performance Review
Yes, project was achieved on given time period. I performed best in order to complete given work in appropriate manner so that aim and objectives are accomplished.
The aim of assigned project work is identifying various kinds of strategies as well as initiatives that are taken by enterprise for building diversity and inclusive workforce.â- A study on Next Plc. I think assigned project work has succeed their aim and objectives because of taking feedback on regular basis from high authority.
There are different works which are assigned to me that should be completed in given time period. As I made time framework for all types of activities that is required for given work.
Main problem emerged during the project was time period as collection of data and information requires more time which is not possible to gather in that short period of time. For tackling with such problem, I have applied time framework to accomplish it in given period of time. Each and every issues were timely identified and proper solution was provided.
There were several skills which I have learned from undertaking project work such as communication, risk taking and so on. I also focused on improving my weak area.
Being the project manager, I rate myself as 7 out of 10 for my performance due to lacked in few areas.
With this performance, I have easily analysed my strong as well as weak points. The main strengths includes time management, decision making, leadership and weaknesses are risk management and communication. I have to improve my weak areas in appropriate manner.
This information will helps me in continuous professional development through improving weaknesses for success and growth of my career. |
REFERENCES
- Barak, M. E. M., 2016.Managing diversity: Toward a globally inclusive workplace. Sage Publications.
- Brown, J., 2017.Inclusion: Diversity, the New Workplace & the Will to Change by Jennifer Brown. Publish Your Purpose Press.
- Cho, S., Kim, A. and Mor Barak, M. E., 2017. Does diversity matter? Exploring workforce diversity, diversity management, and organizational performance in social enterprises.Asian Social Work and Policy Review. 11(3). pp.193-204.
- Dey, P. and Teasdale, S., 2016. The tactical mimicry of social enterprise strategies: Acting âas if'in the everyday life of third sector organizations.Organization. 23(4). pp.485-504.
- Garg, S., 2018. HR INITIATIVES FOR CREATING INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE WORKPLACE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.NICE Journal of Business. 13(1).
- Gotsis, G. and Kortezi, Z., 2015. Operationalizing Critical Diversity Theories: A Contextual Framework of Implementing New Diversity Practices. InCritical Studies in Diversity Management Literature(pp. 69-98). Springer, Dordrecht.
- Kaplan, M. and Donovan, M., 2016.Inclusion Dividend: Why Investing in Diversity & Inclusion Pays off. Routledge.
- Kundu, S. C. and Mor, A., 2017. Workforce diversity and organizational performance: a study of IT industry in India.Employee Relations.
- Lindsay, S. and et. al., 2018. A systematic review of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.Journal of occupational rehabilitation. 28(4). pp.634-655.
- Minbaeva, D. B., 2018. Building credible human capital analytics for organizational competitive advantage.Human Resource Management. 57(3). pp.701-713.
- Tang, N. and et. al., 2015. Inclusion and inclusion management in the Chinese context: an exploratory study.The International Journal of Human Resource Management. 26(6). pp.856-874.
- Yang, Y. K. and Wu, S. L., 2016. In search of the right fusion recipe: The role of legitimacy in building a social enterprise model.Business Ethics: A European Review. 25(3). pp.327-343.