Discuss project management plan & breakdown structure. Conduct research involving both the methods of research: Quantitative and Qualitative research.
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Any organisation is set up to achieve some goals and objectives. The ultimate aim of achieving goals and objectives is to achieve success and to earn profits. The organisation targets to achieve success efficiently and effectively. For an organisation to be successful, the management should be proper. There are various types of management in an organisation. The managers lead the operations of the different departments at different levels. This assignment focuses on the management of the organisation named Tesco, which is a successful organisation in the United Kingdom. Being a multinational organisation, the organisation operates in 11 countries, including Malaysia, Ireland, Thailand, etc. Founded by Jack Cohen, it is considered the world's third-largest retailer and operates in four different formats: hypermarket, convenience shop, supermarket, and superstore. This assignment will focus on the social, environmental and economic impact and influence on the United Kingdom. In today's era, globalisation is becoming a key component to success. The assignment will also look into the different aims and objectives of the organisation and will relate them to the management of the company. A project management plan will be made to guide the organisation Tesco towards success systematically.
LO 1
Tesco, a supermarket chain in the UK, consists of several aims and objectives, including serving customers high and standard-quality products and services. The priority goals and aims of this organisation include: -
The vision of Tesco states to become the most highly valued business by the communities in which the company operates, and the customers served by them, shareholders, and committed and loyal employees. Tesco's main objective is to become the leading supermarket in the retail sector by offering good quality products and services at a price lower than the competitors to win the competition. It understands how to satisfy its customers and how to earn a higher amount of profits. Various choices are made available to many customers with the great quality of products to increase sales revenue. This will grab the customers, and the shareholders will be satisfied as they will get higher returns. Tesco must build up the strength and fastest delivery process to its consumers, which will enable consistency in the working and growing of the organisation (Turner, 2014).
A project manager develops the Project Management Plan, a formal document describing the project execution, controlling, and monitoring. It includes the various management plans and policies necessary to be implemented to accomplish all the goals and objectives. The project manager must efficiently control this project plan to check whether the goals are achieved accordingly or not. This plan comprises the following components, namely: -
The Work Break Down Structure refers to dividing complex projects into order to make them simple and manageable tasks. According to this, the project execution is simplified, and much larger tasks are being divided into smaller tasks that are very easy to supervise and achieve. The responsibilities are accurately assigned to the project team. It helps estimate cost, and evaluate the time and risks involved. Also, it enables the deep illustration of the project's scope so that the stakeholders must have adequate knowledge and proper understanding of it.
Activities
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Research
1st October 2018
6th October 2018
6 days
Execution of Application
7th October 2018
9th October 2018
3 days
Training of Employees
10th October 2018
20th October 2018
11 days
Functional Analysis
21st October 2018
27th October 2018
7 days
Testing and Evaluation
28th October 2018
31st October 2018
4 days
The research activity incurs £1500 with about 10 people. The activity of application execution requires 4 people along with the cost of £4000. In the training of employees, £12000 is required with 4 people as trainers. Functional analysis is a simple process that involves 3 people and costs about £1500. In the last activity of testing and evaluation, a cost of £800 and 3 people is needed.
The comprehensive plan must include sound strategies consisting of clear objectives and strategic decisions that directly link to accomplishing organisational goals. All those assumptions must be included in this plan which may influence the projects (Rivera and Kashiwagi, 2016). All the risks must be analysed related to the project, and possible measures must be taken to eliminate those risks. The project management plan of Tesco aims to maximise the number of customers by providing them with extremely high-quality goods and services at reasonable prices.
The management department plans all the necessary projects which contribute to the accomplishment of Tesco's goals and objectives. It formulates various cost-effective policies so that customers can receive goods at reasonable prices, and the waste is eliminated with proper cost-effective planning (Rivera and Kashiwagi, 2016). Every project must be accomplished within the standard time because the huge competition prevails in the growing market. Controlling is essential to detect deficiencies during the project implementation, and coordination must be ensured between the various activities and operations to complete the tasks efficiently. All the necessary risk factors must be identified to earn higher profits, as said "no risk, no gain'.
LO2
In the words of the author, Young & Hren (2017), qualitative research methods can generate comprehensive details of mechanisms or processes. He added that being a broad approach passes through different research methods, including systematic information gathering and its correct interpretation. According to the author, Mason (2013), qualitative research has emerged out of numerous disciplinary and intellectual traditions and lacks a set of techniques. As per the author, Yilmaz (2013), quantitative research methodology defines as the process of determining phenomena based on numerical data, further analysed by statistics or other mathematically based methods.
Tesco's small-scale research includes both qualitative and quantitative methods for achieving the defined goals and objectives of the company. These methods are complementary and can be combined in the processes to get better results.
Both methods are equally needed to meet the customers' needs and demands and fulfil them effectively. The data must be gathered in numeric and qualitative terms. The number of demands can be met, and the customers' nature and attitude can be identified, directly contributing to achieving goals and objectives (Young and Hren, 2017).
The various research methods which are applied to accomplish the various projects and plans are reliable to a great extent as the qualitative aspect helps in understanding the human behaviour, which adds up to satisfying the customers' demands and also influencing them to retain themselves with the organisation and purchase more and more in numbers, which comes under the quantitative aspect. The quantitative aspect enables the organisation to identify and measure customers' increasing demand and trends (Walker, 2015). The data from quantitative research provides important information for making the business decisions like market size and preferences and demographics. In contrast, qualitative data is utilised in designing the products consisting of various needs and business patterns. When the applications of both the research methods are understandable, they can be used together as a tool to measure and evaluate the organisation's operations and to check the standard quality of the ongoing activities. This evaluation and measurement can help in the achievement of organisational objectives.
The project management process uses systematic analysis to gather the data and influence the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation's operations. Tesco's objective is to gain a maximum number of customers and provide them with good quality products at reasonable prices (Hussein, 2015). The management process includes the phases of planning, implementing, completing projects, and delivering the reports. Hence, Tesco needs to follow up on all these steps to make smooth running possible in the management. The tasks and the resources must be properly monitored and controlled by the departments to increase efficiency. The qualitative and quantitative methods help increase the customers' satisfaction and also good relations must be made with them which will directly move in the way of increasing profits. There are some advantages and drawbacks of both methodologies.
LO3
Data analysis is transforming, checking and modifying data to develop useful information, conclusions and decision making. It plays an important role in decision making and helping the business achieve its objectives. Various tools and techniques are used for data analysis (Brannen, 2017). The following questionnaire was utilised for surveying to collect data.
There would be a very efficient use of the random sampling method in processing the research work in the business. Though, the study would be much interesting by having the presence of graphs, charts and varied tabular data.
The conduct of the questionnaire would be done having the inclusion of the major questions would be accessed in a better manner by the respondents. Though, it would help in better decision-making.
Q1. How satisfied are you with Tesco?
Q2. How often do you utilise the products and services of Tesco?
Q3. Which is the best product and service range of Tesco?
Q4. Please rate the purchase experience with Tesco.
Q5. How well do the products or services of Tesco meet your needs?
Q6. Should Tesco introduce new products or services?
Q7. Which product range of Tesco should be expanded?
The survey was conducted with about 400 customers within the targeted market. Out of 400 people, 320 people actively responded to this survey, which helped the organisation gather data.
Question 1: How satisfied are you with Tesco?
- Satisfied: 260
- Dissatisfied: 60
- Neither Satisfied nor Dissatisfied: 0
- Completely satisfied: 0
- Completely Dissatisfied: 0
Data Interpretation: From the above represented, it is determined that immense and the majority of the individuals in the company are satisfied with the company's products and services. It is growing in the positive aspects of the business.
Question 2: How often do you utilise the products and services of Tesco?
- Everyday: 220
- Weekly: 50
- Do not use: 40
- Monthly: 10
- Once in a Quarter: 0
Data Interpretation: The above-represented graph has given a clear picture of the use of the tools and the company's tactics at a certain period. It had determined that maximum of people have use of the products and the services on everyday aspects. And very certain is having the use on the weekly or the negative aspects.
Question 3: Which is the best product and service range of Tesco?
- Grocery: 230
- Tesco Bank: 40
- Tesco Club card: 10
- Clothing: 40
Data Interpretation: This graph had dealt with the aspect of determining the best product of Tesco and determining the number of the population having the use of the same. Most of the people e are using the products dealing in the grocery in more numbers, and few are there using the advantage of the banking items.
Question 4: Please rate the purchase experience with Tesco.
- Excellent: 210
- Average: 90
- Worst: 20
Data Interpretation: This graph successfully determined the customers' experience having the use of the services of Tesco. Most of the people have the excellent advantage of the services.
Question 5: How well do the products or services of Tesco meet your needs?
- Very well: 270
- Satisfactory: 40
- Badly: 10
Data Interpretation: The above-represented graph shows the extent or the level to which the products and the services of Tesco meet the customers' needs in the competitive market conditions.
Question 6: Should Tesco introduce new products or services?
- Yes: 260
- No: 60
Data Interpretation: This graph determined the level or the aspects of whether the company would be having the introduction of the new products in the market. Most people expect that there will be the introduction of the new product at the very recent phase.
Question 7: Which product range of Tesco should be expanded?
- Clothing: 190
- Food Products Worst: 40
- Electronics: 60
- Health and Beauty: 30
Data Interpretation: The above-represented graph shows the aspect of the expansion of the organisation's products. It represented that the people expected that there would be more expansion on the aspects of the clothing industry.
This questionnaire was conducted for the customers about their views regarding existing and new products and their satisfaction with the company and products. As per the results, 80% of people are satisfied with the organisation, and more than 65% of people utilise its products and services daily. 55% of people find grocery as the best product range, while 86% want product expansion in food.
There are also other methods:
Grounded Theory (Nardi, 2018).
For data collection through surveys regarding research for Tesco, 320 responses have been recorded in total. Since the working hours are limited, 64 responses were recorded per week. Every week 5 days were dedicated to the data collection, and every day 4 hours were dedicated to the data collection. Talking about the data analysis, the responses were fed into MS Excel once the data collection ended. It was a time-consuming process as it took 2 days to feed the data in Excel (working 4 hours a day). Once this was sorted, the data analysis took the next 3 days. The next week was dedicated to making inferences from the data analysis. In total, the data analysis took 2 weeks.
The study of quantitative and qualitative methods is the theoretical approach. In real-life situations, complete information is required. It has been seen that there are variations in the data which is collected by qualitative methods because of the semi-structured or unstructured techniques. Lack of information can be one of the drawbacks that have been realised in this project research. The questionnaire has been adopted in the research for data collection purposes. However, the questionnaire has not provided complete and honest information as participants don't need to be truthful. It was also realised that not all the targeted customers responded actively to the questionnaire. This shows that the data collected from the questionnaire is incomplete and lacks accuracy.
Therefore, in real-life practical situations, Tesco is recommended to utilise both methods so that there is an availability of complete information. Tesco should also utilise the quantitative method to eliminate the variations obtained in the data collected by the qualitative method. It is because structured data can be collected using the quantitative method only. Apart from this, Tesco should utilise other research methods, such as the utilisation of secondary data, including company accounts, organising focus group discussions, interviews and observations for collecting genuine information. Tesco should also understand that both methodologies give a comprehensive and clear picture of the occurrence (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
They also play an important role in checking the authenticity of the data as there are various blogs mentioned in the magazines.
1. Questionnaires and Surveys: -
These are also important ways for checking the data. In this, the results are generally easier to analyse. Through the numerical values, it will be easier to read.
2. Observations: -
It is a good source for providing additional information about a particular group. It produces narrative data (Nardi, 2018).
3. Documents and records: -
It consists of checking the data in reports, financial records, newsletters, etc.
4. Focus groups: -
It includes the combined opinions and perspectives. Responses are coded into categories and analysed systematically.
LO4
I conducted the research using both methods, qualitative and quantitative. This mixed research methodology provides some benefits and values of research to meet the objectives and aims. The main aim of undertaking research is to gain knowledge about a particular subject. It is a tool that builds knowledge and facilitates learning. When I researched, I learned about the various experiences of the different types of people. Everyone has a different perspective regarding a particular thing (Litosseliti, 2018). When the knowledge is upgraded, it helps in achieving the objectives. When I conducted the research, I practically came across the different issues which come as a hindrance while achieving success in the business. The research proves to be an aid to business success as it helps remove the issues that arise between the performance.
Conducting research brings out several facts, which helps in knowing the truthfulness and hidden lies related to a particular topic. Research helps in finding new opportunities related to the business. Tesco has its branches located in different parts of the world. People have different tastes and preferences according to their region and culture. Conducting the research helps in understanding different needs and preferences. When the customers' demands are satisfied, the ultimate objective and goals of the organisation are fulfilled. Conducting research provides a lot of data. After analysing the data, various alternatives are derived amongst whom the best solution is chosen. The research has some social benefits also. As a project manager, I must ensure that whenever we start with a new organisation or expand the business, it should be highly ethical. We are socially responsible towards the business and society as a whole (Litosseliti, 2018).
Whenever a business is started, it has some aims and objectives. A project management plan is made. The Project Management Plan is a formal document describing the project execution, control, and monitoring. It includes the various management plans and policies necessary to be implemented to accomplish all the goals and objectives. Therefore, the objectives and aims are chosen first in a project management plan (Hussein, 2015). Quality research is done by using both the method that is quantitative and qualitative. Using both methodologies produces valuable outcomes as there is no lack of information. Here, the project manager has to identify the management plan's objectives before conducting any business process plan.
This assignment aims to recognise the social, environmental and economic impact and influence on the countries hosting the branches of Tesco. A breakdown is made to make the work easier for the project manager, which will assist the managers and leaders in making decisions accordingly. The project management process involves a project management plan which briefs about the steps to be followed while choosing the best alternative in the business. Good research work helps achieve the milestones of development and growth (Hussein, 2015). Hence, the mixed methodology is used to provide better and more comprehensive results and ultimately meet the firm's objectives effectively and efficiently.
After conducting the research and later analysing the data, the researcher has concluded that if the company is highly ethical, then the relation between employees and the relationship between employers and employees improved. As a result, harmony is maintained in the organisation. Working in harmony will ultimately improve the productivity level of the workers and improve the organisation's production process (Litosseliti, 2018). The research also suggested that if the organisation works legally and ethically, it will help the organisation to grow and expand more rapidly. It will help the organisation fight and survive in the market for a longer period. When the organisation becomes socially responsible, it helps the organisation sustain longer in the market and achieve success and growth in the long run.
Conclusion
This assignment was all about the organisation Tesco. It is a multinational supermarket, and this assignment projected the economic, social and environmental impact and influence on the host countries where the organisation has its branches. This assignment discussed the project management plan and the breakdown structure. Quality research was also conducted, which involved both the methods of research that are quantitative and qualitative research. Some advantages and disadvantages of both methods were discussed while critically evaluating the project management process and methodologies. The mixed research methodologies were used to achieve the aims and objectives of the business. The personal gains and knowledge while conducting quality research were also discussed. The project management plan and the research outcomes were analysed and evaluated to reach the best possible alternative out of the various solutions derived.
References
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