Table of Content

1.0: Introduction: Part 1                                               (1,750 words +/-10%)

2.0: Project aims, objectives and timeframes

       2.1: Project management:

       2.2: Initiation of the project and project planning phase: (Included Gantt chart)

3.0: Small-scale research, information gathering / data collection

       3.1: Project execution phase: (Included PR, SR and TR)

       3.2: Field work:

       3.3: Ethics, reliability and validity:

       3.4: Analysing information and data:
4.0: Introduction: Part 2                                                    (1,750 words +/-10%)

5.0: Presentation of project 

       5.1: Communicating outcomes:

       5.2: Convincing arguments: (Included 4 x Slides)

       5.3: Critical and objective analysis and evaluation:

6.0: Reflection on the value gained from conducting the project

       6.1: Reflection for learning and practice:

       6.2: The cycle of reflection:

       6.3: Reflective writing:

       6.4: Generalisation:


 7.0: Bibliography
8.0: Appendices                                                                                     (3 x )

        8.1: Log-book (appendix 1)

       8.2: Performance review (appendix 2)

       8.3: PR Survey (appendix 3)

      8.4: PDF of personal Unit 6 blog

Introduction (Part 1)

Equality and diversity in the workplace 

 Equality is relevant in all workplaces, regardless of whether the business employs two people or two hundred people, irrespective of whether they work remotely, in an office, a warehouse or on a shop floor. It is about ensuring that everybody has the same access to the same opportunities without any discrimination. 

 Diversity takes into account differences between people and groups of people, by placing a positive value on those differences. A diverse and inclusive work place values people’s different backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences, and uses these differences to create a productive and effective workforce. 

 Managing both equality and diversity is equally important as it impacts on all the employees working in an organisation. Business cases have proven that biases and discrimination within the workplace can impede business growth and productivity and therefore, many businesses look beyond any legal considerations and policies to effectively promote equality and diversity to improve productivity, opportunity, and competitiveness. 

---------------------------------------------------

1.0: Scenario: Aston Martin Lagonda  Unit 6: Student guide

 Aston Martin Lagonda is the world’s only independent luxury car group with more than 100 years of design and automotive excellence across two brands. They strive to be the great British car company that creates the most beautiful and accomplished automotive art in the world.

 In an industry that is ‘Male Dominated’ write a report on how Aston Martin Lagonda have responded to current issues of equality and diversity in the workplace and how they can continue to develop their equality and diversity policy. Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule and project schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project title 

 How have companies’ responded to current issues of equality and diversity in the workplace? E.g. 

  • Gender pay gap, 
  • Sexual harassment, 
  • Gender divide in leadership. 

You must conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection, generating knowledge to support the project, and critically evaluate the project management process and appropriate research methodologies applied.

A: Concept and Initiation

2.0: Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme
Aim:  Investigate how have companies (Insert your choice) responded to current issues of equality and diversity in the workplace? In particular:
  • Gender pay gap
  • Sexual harassment,
  • Gender divide in leadership

Objectives:
  • Produce a comprehensive project management plan




  • Establish milestones schedule and project schedule (Gantt chart) for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project title

Gantt Chart (2019) - Figure 1


------------------------------------------------------------




2.1: Project management: (Link to appropriate resources)

  • What is project management and what does it involve?


  • The key stages of project management.


  • The advantages of using project management and why it is important.



------------------------------------------------------------

B: Definition and Planning


2.2: Initiation of the project and project planning phase:
  • Scoping a project – defining objectives, scope, purpose and deliverables to be produced. 

A business plan is a formal written document containing business goals, the methods on how these goals can be attained, and the time frame within which these goals need to be achieved. 

It also describes the nature of the business, background information on the organization, the organization's financial projections, and the strategies it intends to implement to achieve the stated targets. 

In its entirety, this document serves as a road map that provides direction to the business.
The primary components of a project management plan are:
  1. Scope Statement
  2. Critical Success Factors
  3. Deliverables
  4. Work Breakdown Structure
  5. Schedule
  6. Budget
  7. Quality
  8. Human Resources Plan
  9. Stakeholder List
  10. Communication
  11. Risk Register
  12. Procurement Plan 

Steps and documentation required in the initiation phase.


The work breakdown structure – what it is and how it is used for project management planning.



Insert a work breakdown structure for the projects budget



Developing the project plan, including planning for timescales and time management, cost, quality, change, risk and issues. see Gantt Chart below


Use of Bar and Gantt Charts for effective planning.



C. Launch and Execution


3.0: Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to generate knowledge to support the project

3.1: Project execution phase:
  • Selecting appropriate methods of information gathering, data collection and material resourcing.
3.1.1: The 1st method for information gathering, data collection and material resourcing is PR (Primary Research) i.e. Survey Monkey. 

Example questions: (Click) hyperlinked - Gender Pay Gap Survey (2019):
    • PR Q4: What is the living wage used by the Living Wage Foundation and how is it calculated? 
    • PR Q9: Do employers have to publish an explanation of their gender pay gap figures? 
    • PR Q10: Does an employer have to pay holiday pay to its casual workers?

        3.1.2: The 2nd method for information gathering, data collection and material resourcing is SR (Secondary Research) i.e. information / data to support PR questions:

        Image UK Wage Rates (2019) - supporting Q4. PR



        Image supporting Q9. PR
        Image supporting Q10. PR
        3.1.3: The 3rd method for information gathering, data collection and material resourcing is TR (Tertiary  Research) i.e. information / data to support PR & SR via case studies or interview (Videos)
        3.1.4: Qualitative and quantitative research methods. 




         3.2: Field work:
        • Selecting a sample of the consumer market, businesses or individuals (those who meet certain characteristics relevant to the research theme) is used to gather data (qualitative or quantitative).
        • Sampling approaches and techniques, including probability and non-probability sampling.
        3.3: Ethics, reliability and validity:
        • All research should be conducted ethically – how is this achieved and reported?

        The general principle

          In designing and conducting a study, and in putting together a research team, researchers must pay attention to, and respect, gender differences. Whether or not there is equality legislation in a country, attention must be paid to the way people are treated, the use of gendered language, issues of inclusion in research, and the different impact of various methodologies on women and men.

          3.4: Analysing information and data:

          • Using data collection tools such as interviews and questionnaires.
          • Using analytical techniques such as trend analysis, coding or typologies.




                  Introduction (Part 2)

                  4.0:  In the second part of the business project report, 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. 

                   This should include an evaluation of the value of the project management process and use of quality research applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting the stated objectives, and to support own learning and performance.

                  D: Performance and control

                  5.0: Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis

                  5.1: Communicating outcomes:

                  • Consider the method (e.g. written, verbal) and the medium (e.g. report, online, presentation). Review different forms of communication and choose the most effective for a specific audience and intended outcomes.
                  • Both method and medium will be influenced by the project research and its intended audience.

                  5.2: Convincing arguments:

                  • All findings/outcomes should be convincing and presented logically where the assumption is that the audience has little or no knowledge of the project process.

                  • Developing evaluative conclusions. 
                  • Evaluate the validity of using data and graphics produced for the project, highlight potential problems and identify improvements.

                  5.3: Critical and objective analysis and evaluation:

                  • Secondary and primary data should be critiqued and considered with an objective mind-set.
                  • Objectivity results in more robust evaluations where an analysis justifies a judgement. Develop key elements (expressing opinion, acknowledging others’ views, providing supporting arguments, showing contrast, reformulating and summarising).

                  E: Project close

                  6.0: Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance

                  6.1: Reflection for learning and practice:
                  • The difference between reflecting on performance and evaluating a project − the former considers the research process, information gathering and data collection, the latter the quality of the research argument and use of evidence.

                  6.2: The cycle of reflection:
                  • To include reflection in action and reflection on action.
                  • How to use reflection to inform future behaviour, particularly directed towards sustainable performance.



                  6.3: Reflective writing:
                  • Avoiding generalisation and focusing on personal development and the research journey in a critical and objective way.
                  • Snipping tool: When you activate the Snipping Tool, you can select a part of your screen with your mouse and it will be captured. That capture can either go to the clipboard or to a file. You can even select what type of file you want it to be saved to



                  6.4: Generalisation:
                  • Many studies result in generalised findings. Research which has its basis in a specific field such as Human Resource Management (HRM) and in a specific context should avoid generalised conclusions.

                  • Outcomes should be specific and actionable.


                  LO4 Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performance
                  • P7 Reflect on the value of undertaking the project to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance.
                  • M4 Evaluate the value of the project management process to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance.

                  Biliography

                  References
                  • Gender Pay Gap (2017). URL:
                  •  ILFEC (2013): Inner London Further Education College.
                  • Gomez, Christopher (2012): Prince's Trust -Practitioner Researcher Programme –Research Assistant (ILFEC).12 -16 November 2012.
                  Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)