BA(Hons) HUMAN RESOURCE

MANAGEMENT DEGREE.

MODULE – MANAGING A BUSINESS

PROJECT

NAME –
STUDENT ID

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Table of Contents
1.0. TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORKPLACE. 5

1.1. INTRODUCTION 5
1.2. KELLY FELDER . 5
1.3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN 6
1.3.1. PROJECT AIM 6
1.3.2. OBJECTIVES 6
1.3.3. PROJECT COST 6
1.3.4. PROJECT SCOPE 7
1.3.5. PROJECT TIME 7
1.3.6. PROJECT QUALITY 7
1.3.7. PROJECT COMMUNICATION PLAN 7
1.3.8. PROJECT RISK 8
1.3.9. RESOURCES 9
1.4. WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE 9
1.5. GANTT CHART 10

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 11

2.0. A RESEARCH MODEL FOR THE STUDY. 11

2.1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT. 11
2.2. THE RESEARCH APPROACH AND DESIGN. 11
2.3. THE STUDY POPULATION AND SAMPLE. 12
2.4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES. 13
2.5. DATA TYPES 13
2.6. DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUE 13
2.7. DATA ANALYTICAL TOOL. 14
2.8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION OF YOUR STUDY. 14

3. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION 16

3.0. SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS 16

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 19

4.0. CONCLUSIONS CONSIDERING THE DATA ANALYSIS . 19

4.1. CONCLUSIONS ADDRESSING THE PROJECT AIMS AND OBJECTIVES . 19
4.2. RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS . 19

5. REFLECTIVE REPORT 21

5.0. WHAT I LEARNT FROM THE PROJECT PROCESSES , MISTAKES , PROBLEMS ,

AND HOW WE OVERCOME THAT. 21

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5.1. THE LEARNING BASED ON A SPECIFIC REFLECTIVE LEARNING
THEORY(SCHON MODEL) . 21

6. REFERENCES 23

7. APPENDIX 25

PERFORMANCE REVIEW TEMPLATE 25

(WORD LIMIT APPROXIMATELY 500) 25

8. QUESTIONNAIRE. 31

List of figures
Table 1.0. Project Cost
Table 1.1. Project Time
Table 1.2. Project Communication
Table 1.3. Project risk
Table 1.4. Work Breakdown structure

List of Tables.
Figure 1.0. Communication plan diagram
Figure 1.1. Project risk
Figure 2.0. Research Approach
Figure 2.1. Sample and Population
Figure 3.0. Data analysis and presentation

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Abstract

With the COVID 19 pandemic sticking the entire world in different critical stages there has
been a lot of difficulties that the people and businesses across the world had to change. The
Fashion industry also solely faced a lot of difficulties, they were no longer able to present
their products and services physically. All the businesses had to shift into the digital working
platform without early warning, and the employees in the workplace had to shift to working
from home. There was a lot of changes that took place at Kelly Felder as well, being a
leading fashion brand in Sri Lanka. This research is conducted depending on primary and
secondary information obtained regarding this topic.

There was a survey conducted and 20-30 people have responded, all these respondents are
also individuals who are employed or were employed at Kelly Felder from 2020 itself. A
visual presentation of the data collected is presented in chart format for better
understanding. The difficulties that the researcher faced and the mistakes that this
researcher did throughout this entire report is also listed along with certain recommendations
on a personal point of view.

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 1.0. TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORKPLACE.

1.1. INTRODUCTION

Transformation workplace is when the employees working in a specific company changes

their mode of work from physical to an online working method. The employees used to work
in building spaces on their desks, interacting with the others working there. The necessary
items such as the laptops, pc’s etc. along with the required technology and software will be
provided to the employees at the workplace to carry out their tasks in the workplace
successfully without failure.

Transformation of workplace had to take place due to COVID 19 pandemic outbreak in 2020,
the entire world had to go through this crisis and most of the companies switched their
working mode to online to make sure that the work was completed up to date, and set goals
were achieved on time and that COVID 19 was not an excuse for the work to be delayed.

Covid 19 did impact the textile and retail industry as well in great deals because most of the
big companies had to undergo difficulties in the production and transporting processes in the
company.

1.2. KELLY FELDER .

Kelly Felder is a leading company in the fashion industry, established in 2007. This company
has been facing so many difficulties over the past few years across the island. This company
caters more talent in millennial women with fashion of various styles.

Vision – “To become one of the chicest ladies wear brands globally by delivering forward
clothes and accessories with highest quality and unparalleled fit”

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Mission – “To set up a chain of stores globally through unmatched quality and designs and
contributing to empower the work community and the highest ethical and professional
standards.”

Kelly Felder is a fashion store which sells clothing highlighted on women, they have kept a
bold competitive standard over the past few years without failure. They aim to empower
women, worldwide by providing extraordinary styles and designs at an affordable price.

Kelly Felder is a PVT with around 10 employees at each branch. Currently it has 2 branches
but is hoping to expand globally in the future. Kelly Felder operates with 6 various
technologies and markets their product in many websites and social media sites currently.

1.3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN

1.3.1. PROJECT AIM

Gain knowledge on how the transformation of the workplace affected the fashion industry.

1.3.2. OBJECTIVES
To identify the impact of transformation of workplace at Kelly Felder clothing store.

Identify how employees interact with each other in the company with the transformation of
the workplace.

To identify the impact the company’s operations faced due to the transformation of the
workplace.

The efficiency of the work activities carried during the work place was not physical .

1.3.3. PROJECT COST

Time This research was allocated
4 weeks

Effort The research project was a

expanded project that the
others, needed a lot of hard
work and effort to do a
genuine research.

Money Research Communications

cost – RS 500. Internet Cost
Rs 300.

Table 1.0. Project cost

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 1.3.4. PROJECT SCOPE
This research was focused to figure out how effective the transformation of the workplace to
the operations of the organization.

1.3.5. PROJECT TIME

Research Duration 4 weeks
Start date 8th December
Questionnaire development 15th December
Data collection 25th December
Data analysis 29th December
Reflective report 30th December
Project submission 1st December
Table 1.1. Project Time

1.3.6. PROJECT QUALITY

• Sample
The sample was collected from the people who are in close relation with the company
management and the employees.
• Procedure Quality
The project is to be a carried with a lot of care with accurate measurements with information
that favor the main topic. The Ethics should be followed when collecting any data needed for
the research. The data collected should be presented in attractive methods in the form of
charts and graphs.
• Data Quality
The research questions prepared should directly linked to the company and how the
transformation of workplace affected the overall company in all aspects. The questionnaire
will be sent to employees and individuals in relation with the employees at Kelly Felder to
make sure to obtain accurate honest results for a genuine result.

1.3.7. PROJECT COMMUNICATION PLAN

Purpose Medium Frequency Audience

Initialization of To get the Telephone Call At the start of Kelly Felder

the project consent of from the project clothing store
Kelly Felder management
management
Collection of Gain information Questionnaire Weekly Employees
data an for the project working / closely
information related to the
company
Check-ins Reviews the LMS Weekly Project
performance of Instructor
the research
from the
instructor

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 Contacting the Get information Messages Weekly Employees /
relevant needed for the Emails closely related
individuals for data analysis of Calls individuals to
the information this research the employees
at Kelly Felder
Completion of Finalizing the LMS Weekly Project
the project research with Messages supervisor
the data
analysis, review
any updates on
the project and
seeking for
errors and
improvements
Table 1.2. Project Communication table

Fig 1.0. Communication plan diagram.

1.3.8. PROJECT RISK

Project risk is the predicted uncertain event that may or may not take place in course of the
project. These kind of unexpected and expected risks the researcher would have to face
might have a negative or positive effect on the research objective. Once the risks can be
identified properly, necessary measurements can be taken to avoid such risks and risk
management can take place properly. (hall, 2021)

Risk Probability Impact Mitigation

Less proper Medium Medium Investigating for more

resources to collect reliable and trusted
information sources about the
company
Time Medium Medium Plan the entire week
allocating activities to
be accomplished for
the 4 weeks
accordingly.
Table 1.3. Project risk( R

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Fig 1.1 Project risk
(Anon., 2020)

1.3.9. RESOURCES
Human resource – Direct contact to the company.
Computer and applications – Microsoft word, laptop, and phone.
Stationery – Pen, wrong paper.
Documents – secondary data analysis articles used from google scholar.
Communication – telephone calls, text messages.

1.4. WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

1st Week 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week
Selection of the company
Discovering the company
vision, mission and values
Identifying the aim and
objective of the research
Constructing the PMP and
WBS
Constructing the research
model
Identifying the research
approach and research
design
Formulating the questionnaire
Finding ways to contact of the
employees of the
organization.
Collecting all the data
Conducting the data analysis,
presenting charts and graphs
Coming into a conclusions
and recommendations to the
report
Identifying the mistakes and
errors in the research
Finalizing the research
Table 1.4. Work Breakdown structure

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1.5. GANTT CHART

TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORKPLACE

1ST WEEK 2ND WEEK 3RD WEEK 4TH WEEK

1ST WEEK

- SELECTION OF THE COMPANY

- RECOGNIZING THE BUSINESS ACTIVITY, MISSION , VISION AND VALUES.
- IDENTIFYING THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
- CONSTRUCTING THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND WORK BREAK DOWN
STRUCTURE.

2ND WEEK

- CONSTRUCTING THE RESEARCH MODEL

- IDENTIFYING TH RESEARCH APPROACH AND RESEARCH DESIGN
- IDENTIFYING THE TYPE OF RESEARCH
- DESCRIPTIONS ON EACH OF THE TOPICS.
- FORMULATING THE QUESTIONNAIRE

3RD WEEK

- FINDING A METHOD TO REACH OUT TO THE EMPLOYEES IN THE COMPANY

- DISTRIBUTING THE QUWSTIONNAIRE TO THE RESPONDENTS
- COMPLETING THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
- IDENTIFYING THE MISTAKES AND FINALIZE THE REPORT.

4TH WEEK

- CONDUCTING THE DATA ANALYSIS WITH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA
COLLECTED.
- COMING INTO CONLCUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DATA
COLLECTED.
- IDENTIFYING THE ERRORS IN THE REPORT AND FIXING THEM AND FINALIZING
THE REPORT.

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 2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.0. A RESEARCH MODEL FOR THE STUDY.

A research model is rather a specific model with a proper explanation as to how different
variables are inter-related. The variables in these models are used to create a hypothesis to
do test studies and to find out good solutions for company related problems. (J.M.Beach,
2015)
Based on this research the research model would be;

EMPLOYEE CORPORATION

CHANGE MANAGEMENT OF AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE

ORGANIZATION WORKPLACE.

OPERATIONS IN THE
ORGANIZATION

2.1. RESEARCH QUESTIONS OF THE RESEARCH PROJECT.

How did the transformation of the workplace at Kelly Felder interfere with the sales of the
company?

How efficient was the transformation of the workplace to Kelly Felder?

How do the employees interact with each other with the transformation of the workplace?

Is communication and fixing problems harder after the transformation of the workplace?

2.2. THE RESEARCH APPROACH AND DESIGN.

Inductive and Deductive Approach

Inductive research approach – This kind of research often start from a solid reasoning which
starts from observations and theories proposed because of the observations. There are
hypothesis or theories involved in the research. (Goddard, 2004)

Deductive research approach – This kind of research are means of hypothesis, which are
derived from theory.

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Research Design – The overall strategy that is chosen to integrate several components of
the study in a logical and coherent way. Ensuring that the research problem is addressed
accordingly.
Eg – Descriptive, Correlational, Comparative, Experimental research.

The research design used in this report is descriptive research, everything in the project is
described mannerly in a understandable way that it is pitched in the problem properly. This
research carried out an inductive approach, we collected information about certain activities
and based on these activities the company faces we concluded.

Figure 2.0. Research Approach

(Othman, 2008)

2.3. THE STUDY POPULATION AND SAMPLE.

Figure 2.1. Sample and Population

(Bhandari, 2020)

Study population is regarded as the target population ideal for the research from which the
sample will be collected from. The entire population is not accessible so the group of people
the researcher chooses to get responses from, from the entire population for statistical data
analysis is called a sample. (Babbie, 2010)

Population in this scenario are all the individuals who are in close contact with the company.

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In this research, sample is the employees working in the company, who are very aware of
the activities happening in the company. The population relevant for this research would be
all the individuals who experienced the digital ordering platform of Kelly Felder .

2.4. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES.

PROBABILITY SAMPLING
- This sampling method specifically chooses samples from a larger population based
on the probability, and each one in the probability has an equal chance of getting
selected. This sampling gives you an opportunity to choose the true representative of
the population. E.g.- systematic sampling, cluster sampling.

NON-PROBABILITY SAMPLING
- This technique is based on the researcher, he/she selects the samples on his/her
judgement rather than random selection. This technique depends heavily on the
expertise of the researchers by their observations. Not all the individuals have an
equal chance of participating in the study. E.g.- Convenience sampling. judgmental
sampling. (Anon., 2021)

This research carried out was carried out in a non-probability sampling technique.
Specifically, the sampling technique used was convenience sampling because the
questionnaire was passed on to the CEO of the person and that second party reached out to
the respondents not the first party.

2.5. DATA TYPES

This study has data collected from both types, the primary sources, and the secondary
sources. The primary sources that are the data collected from the employees and individuals
closely related to the management of the company, this will eb direct and 100% relevant,
honest data related to this research itself.

Primary data is first-hand information on a specific topic. They do not tend to explain
theoretical principles and terminologies, they just should have a profound knowledge.

Secondary data on the other hand would be data that was already collected by other
researchers for their research studies. Those data speak in general and not specifically
unique and 100% relevant to Kelly Felder. This data is mostly to describe, summarize or
discussed information with definitions, principles, and summaries for example – magazines,
articles and etc. (R, 2017)

2.6. DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUE

Data collection techniques and sources that support the research gives out better
interpretations and meanings to be included in the data analysis (Yin, 2014)

In general, the interviews, questionnaires, documents and etc are widely used to collect
data. But in this research carried out we are collecting the data for the analysis through a
questionnaire.

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Interview – normally involves a conversation with the interviewer and the respondents. This
can be structured and unstructured interviews.

Questionnaires – This may contain instruments with a list of questions, with specific
questions. The researchers sharing this questionnaire will be able to get the required
information for their further studies.

For this study I have used questionnaires to collect the data from the respondents, to reach
the research objectives and aims eventually. More truthful and anonymous details will be
collected from this, and mostly is quantitative data. This way this research would be having
primary data directly from the employees at Kelly Felder about their company. The data
collected and the data analysis carried out will be genuine.

2.7. DATA ANALYTICAL TOOL.

In general, the data collected from the questionnaire will be transformed into a spreadsheet
document. This can be a software and several programs collecting the data to analyze some
information about a business and customers, that would help them have a competition and
uncover insights to make a good decision. (Roldos, 2021)

Even in this research there will several graphs expressed, with the information received.
Then the graphs and charts will be clearly analyzed and explained in detail with several
recommendations and achieving the research aims and objectives.

Statistical/Mathematical methods and Visual presentations can be used to analyze the data
collected.
- Can be methods that are used to interpret the data using figures and formulas and
mathematical calculations such as mean, median and etc.
- The visual presentation method of analyzing the data collected in coming up with bar
charts and pie charts that would be clearly explain the data collected from the
primary research.
In this research conducted there is no mathematical data analytics too used to analyze the
data here, there is only visual presentation used here in this research . The data analysis is
carried out on the responses from the people who are working in the company on this
survey.

2.8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION OF YOUR STUDY.

Ethics are many guidelines that needs to be followed when carrying out research. It carries.
Great value to ensure high ethical standards when conducting research and getting personal
responses from individuals for analysis. (Smith, 2003)

• Honesty
The methods, procedures and data should not be fabricated.
• Objectivity
The data analysis and interpretations made should not be biased, peer view and personal
decisions, grant writings should be strictly avoided.
• Respect for intellectual property
The research participants can choose to participate in the research, but they should be
acknowledged that the information will not be revealed with respective names. The

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confidentiality should be respected, the participants should be given consent on what their
information would be used.
• Integrity
The promises and sincerity mentioned when collecting data should followed as stated.
• Carefulness
There shouldn’t be any kind of errors in the research, the work should be carefully examined.

In this research, the names of the respondents will be kept anonymous. At the start of the
questionnaire there is a statement that acknowledges the participants that the questionnaire
information is collected for this research. The information collected will be discarded in 1
years’ time. The participants of this research would be all informed that their responses will
be used in this research and the CEO of the Kelly Felder is informed about this collection of
data as well.

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 3. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
Data analyses – Analyzing the data collected from individuals and websites helps the people
to identify the result of the study more easily. Support to also validate and verify that the
existing research carried out were genuine.
The graphical form of representing the information collected when analyzing is called as data
presentation. There is a usage of graphs and pie charts that is converting the raw materials
into graphical format. (tank, 2013)

Figure 3.0. Data analysis and presentation

(Fletcher, 2019)

3.0. SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS

Secondary data analysis is the analysis of the data that will be collected by someone else
before for a research of their own , the data collected will not entirely be based on the
specific company of my choice yet the information was collected to achieve the same
research objective. (Alchemer, 2021)

According to the recent studies carried on in the fashion industry and how the workplace
transformation due to COVID-19 affected, there has been a major impact in the fashion retail
section in most of the companies. Retailers had to shift to the digital working platform in no
time.

Regardless of the staff that was already there in the business the companies had ot hire
people who are good in technology as well. The companies. Had to update their curriculum
required in the academia at the vocational levels. There were many job opportunities that
rose in the market for sales , the fashion industry has to come to level that they are seeking
for professionals figures to manage ecommerce and social media platforms of the company.
(Martina Ronchetti, 2019)

3.1. PRIMARY DATA ANALYSIS

Primary data is collected for an original data analysis, this data collected with be both
qualitative and quantitative. The primary data collected will give an accurate analysis
specifically based on the information that company has itself. The primary data will give
genuine results on the research on how the transformation of the workplace affected their
company in terms of the employees’ point of view.

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Most of the employees agree with the fact that the company was able to carry on with the
operations as usual even if lockdowns made the employees work from home , the company
was able to still function close to normal . There was no serious the company seemed to
have faced in the side of operations.

The employees also seem to have been given an opportunity to keep in touch with each
other even if they worked from home . The company itself has organized several activities to
make sure the employees are getting an opportunity to interact with each other from their
own homes.

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Management was not able to apply the same supervising plans like when it was physical
because the employees were not able to check on each other as easy and often as before.
According to the survey that was carried out it is clearly shown that the management had to
make changes in their patterns of supervising due to the transformation of the workplace.

Overall according to the employees of the company however the work in the company was
not carried out as efficient as it was before. The company had their digital platforms and
social media platforms marketing and selling their products online yet the respondents who
are closely related to the company states as seen in this pie chart.

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 4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
4.0. CONCLUSIONS CONSIDERING THE DATA ANALYSIS.

Depending on the primary and secondary data collected so far, it is clearly shown that the
transformation of the workplace for this type of a business form was successful. The
company has faced a few losses even if the company was still operating online. The digital
working platform must have been a better method than nothing at all, but according to the
data we received, there has been a quite a number of difficulties such as
miscommunications that took place within the company. These mistakes have let the overall
efficiency of the performance of the company not exactly high as expected. The employees
interacted and even the management has implied many changes to make sure the
employees were still in touch. There have been many strategies the companies had to
implement on the management to make sure the operations were running smoothly due to
this transformation of workplace.

4.1. CONCLUSIONS ADDRESSING THE PROJECT AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES.
In conclusion, Kelly Felder as a fashion brand was not very much benefited from this
transformation of the workplace due to the covid 19 pandemic. Yet the company did not
have to face a intolerable loss by this transformation as well. Even if the sales were not as
high as when it was operating before the company was still able to carry on the sales
consistently on the online platforms and social media platforms. I have conducted qualitative
research here, collecting first-hand information from all and then analyzing the data and
coming into the final conclusion.
According to this study it is very clear from the surveys carried out that the employees were
able to interact time to time, and the operational activities of the company was happening on
a digital working platform. There is also data analysis carried out from the responses we
received from the carried-out survey. The researcher has also clearly outlined how the
project was managed and completed within the 4 weeks without missing out on anything
important, and successfully achieving the aims and objectives of the research.

4.2. RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON THE FINDINGS AND

CONCLUSIONS .
The company has a lot of scope to improve in the digital working platforms to avoid many
issues like miscommunications when placing an order and etc. Miscommunications are
bound to take place when the employees are not interacting with each other, but still certain
strategies taken can fix these issues.

Some of them:
- The company can develop their digital platforms to the level that it notified the other
employees and buyer if a certain operation is taking place in the products.
- The delivery of the order can be done from the company with many vehicles doing
the delivery per day so that the employees do not really have to wait for a long time
for the products to be received.
- The employees can be giving support to the customers, more like customer service,
the system can be updated to the level that the employees can take separate orders
of the customers and place it from their end.

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- Carry out more promotional activities like discounts to make sure the products still
sell for a reasonable price and the company operations are carried out properly.
- The employees and managers can be on a conference call throughout the working
hours so that both ways the supervision and work would take place.

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 5. REFLECTIVE REPORT
5.0. WHAT I LEARNT FROM THE PROJECT PROCESSES ,
MISTAKES , PROBLEMS , AND HOW WE OVERCOME
THAT.
Carrying out this project depending on the transformation of the workplace at Kelly Felder
was not very difficult, and the entire project format was easy to be followed other than certain
sections. Overall, the project process was very convenient and easy to follow.
I do admit that I made a few mistakes, there were many I had to encounter as well. I could
have improved my time management skills better so that I wouldn’t have to rush completing
the report towards the end. Getting the respondents to respond to the questionnaire was not
easy at all, because I did not have direct contact to each respondent, so getting the
responses was time consuming and I have no guarantee that the information was filled by
them with genuine answers or not. Even if I faced those difficulties, I was still able to
overcome the difficult situations by slightly changing my plans and implying strategies I
never implied at first.
However, carrying out this entire research I learnt the importance of time management, I
also got a good knowledge h=on how these fashion industry companies operated and what
kind of problems that faced while operating from home during the lockdowns.

5.1. THE LEARNING BASED ON A SPECIFIC REFLECTIVE

LEARNING THEORY (SCHON MODEL) .
Schon model of reflection is about 3 main stages of the project, mentioning the details during
, before and after the activity was completed.
EXPERIENCE BEFORE THE LEARNING PROCESS
- Initially when I was given this task I took it way too lightly and I was very excited to
start on with the report because it was all about how I planned my work to be
completed to ensure that I complete a good successful project. When in class I was
given this task to write on how transformation of the workplace affected the company.
I had no real experience as to how it might have experienced me but I the first thing I
got to my mind as the easiest industry to choose was the fashion industry. Soon after
I made my own mind map as to how and how it might have happened at Kelly Felder
and put in effort to plan the project.

DURING AN EXPERIENCE
- I started the research by first calling my friend’s dad who was the CEO of Kelly
Felder and personally asked him if Kelly Felder as a company went through changes
or no because of this pandemic. Then I first made my work break down structure to
make sure I was in track and wouldn’t lose time in middle of the report. I had fun
planning the PMP but was very annoyed when I had to complete the research
methodology, overall other sections were completed successfully on time.

AFTER AN EXPERIENCE
- After completing my assignment, I was over the moon because of the workload that
is lifted off my shoulders. I was happy that I was finally able to finish my report on
time to the way I wanted, because I put a lot of hard work and commitment into this
project and even made a bunch of mistakes which I was also able to correct with

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time. I learnt a lot while I was completing this project, I faced a lot of difficulties, but I
was able to successfully overcome them all. This project will really help me with my
future.

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 6. REFERENCES

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within-a-theoretical-research
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Babbie, E., 2010. The practice of social research.

Smith, D., 2003. Five principles for research articles. Monitor staff, 34(1), p. 56.

hall, H., 2021. projectriskcoach.com. [Online]

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D, S., 1983. The reflective practitioner how professionals think in Action. United
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Fletcher, 2019. Fletchercsi.com. [Online]

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Othman, A. A. E., 2008. researchgate.net. [Online]

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inductive-approach-Adapted-from-Burney-20086_fig2_243457733
[Accessed November 2021].

Bhandari, P., 2020. scribbr.com. [Online]

Available at: https://www.scribbr.com/methodology/population-vs-sample/
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Goddard, W. a. M., 2004. Research Methodology. An Introduction , Issue 2.

Thomas, L., 2020. An introduction to simple random sampling. [Online]

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Yin, 2014. sciencedirect. [Online]

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R, Y., 2017. Design and methods. Case study research and applications..

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 7. APPENDIX

Performance Review Template

(Word limit approximately 500)

1. What was the project supposed to accomplish?

The project title was transformation of the workplace , the crisis I chose to speak on was the
COVID-19 pandemic , as to how it affected a company in the fashion industry. The company
I chose to do the project on was Kelly Felder . I was also supposed to identify how the company
and its employees interacted because of the transformation of the workplace , and how much
of an effect the company had to face. I also managed to identify how it affected the overall
operations of the company as well.

2. Did the project succeed in its aims? How do you know? Specifically, please
outline any evaluation and assessment undertaken.

I did achieve the project aim and the objectives that was set. At the end of the day I
was able to achieve all the aims and objectives of the research with this report . I set
small goals time to time to make sure I did not run out of time at the end of the day .
I had a goal to go through my entire report with the last lecture recording before
finalizing it that way I was able to ensure that my report was up to the standard I
wanted it to be, because if I was running out of time I wouldn’t have had time to do
that .

3. What things do you think worked well and why? Evaluate all aspects of the project
(e.g. initial inception, project activities and project outcomes) from a range of
perspectives.

I personally think the data analysis I carried out with the data collected is very much genuine
data , there was no one who filled this questionnaire apart from people who were really
connected to the company in close extends. The work break down structure actually was very
beneficial because the structure helped me keep track of what I did and what I failed to
complete time to time . So I didn’t have to worry out that there were parts not completed at the
last minute.

4. What problems emerged during the project and how were they tackled? Was
there timely identification of issues and resolution during the project process?

I had to face certain difficulties when it comes to getting the responses from the respondents
because I did not have direct cntact to each and every respondent therefore I had a hard time
constantly pestering the CEO to pass the message to the employees to fill the questionnaire
out.
I also had a bit of a time management issue towards the end of the report , I was behind the
schedule I had planned for the final week but I was able to manage and complete every part I
left when I was doing it earlier somehow at the end.
5. What did you learn from undertaking the project?

25
 I think I got a good understanding on how things were effected with this transformation of
the workplace . I also figured out that sometimes things don’t happen as I plan it to take
place maybe sometimes due to external problems that I might encounter in progress of
the project.
Planning ahead with another backup plan in mind is very advantages by chance things
get out of hand. I also learnt how important it Is to manage the time appropriately.

6. How would you rate your performance as Project Manager?

I would like to rate my performance as a project manager 8/10 , ebcuase I belive did some
hard work to make sure I have got the output I expected from the report. There was a lot of
challenges I faced in course of the project but I was able to successfully manage those
problems without hindering the outcome of the project.
7. What strengths and weaknesses of your performance did you identify?

Weakness – I was a little not motivated to do this project from the first week itself , so I
ended up doing less work at the start . I tend to do everything last minute even if I am
taking a huge risk .
Strengths – I was able to contact the CEO of the company I chose so then the results I
finally achieved were also very much genuine as far as I am acknowledged. I was able to
work hard , even if I was exhausted with the work and somehow managed to manage the
time the last minute as well.

8. How will this inform and support your continuous professional development?

This project taught how planning ahead is important and it also gave me a good
experience how time management also plays a huge role in a successful project . I
also got some experience from unexpected challenges that might arise out of the blue
that might end up hindering my performance so I figured out that having a backup plan
for everything is very much suitable.

26
 Project title :
Transformation of the workplace due to COVID-19 at Kelly Felder

Date:
Update on weekly research/tasks What have I learnt about myself Tasks planned for next
achieved this week? week
Points to consider: Points to consider:
Points to consider:
What have you completed? How did I feel when I had to deal
Which tasks are priority?
Did you fulfil task requirements? with tasks/problems?
Are you on track and within deadlines Have you set aside sufficient
Did I find it useful to complete the
set? time for completion?
tasks?
Did you need to make any changes How well have I performed?
to your project management plan? What did I contribute?
What can I improve on next week?
How might this learning apply in
the future?

01st Week I had to do some more research if the Planning to come up with a
The title to be done for the project was company I chose had enough proper work breakdown
already selected in class with a information on line on websites structure so that I can have
discussion . The company to plan this sufficient enough to carry on my small goals and ensure to
project on was also chosen as Kelly project. complete the project on time .
Felder by then . The project management plan to
Found the necessary information about be completed by the end of next
Discovered the objectives of the
the mission , vision and values in the week.
project based on the project aim we
company.
were already given .
Didn’t do much work other than finding Finding a direct contact to the
the first parts of the report. I didn’t company employees to make it
perform much the work was less also . easier to find responses for the
questionnaire. Make the
Yet , to be on the safe side I planned
questionnaire .
the week ahead and made the work
breakdown structure as a rough
sketch for my reference.

02nd Week I had to face some trouble trying to Planning to finalise the
contact the CEO of Kelly Felder Mr. questionnaire with a total of 20
I came up with a work break down
Ravi Wickramanayake who happen to questions and then distribute it
structure a proper one, and I was not able
be my class mates parent so that was to the CEO of Kelly Felder to be
to complete the entire project
not difficult. Yet contacting the person sent to his employees whatsup
management plan but managed to
was a bit difficult because of his busy group .
complete that halfway.
schedule. Finalize the data analysis charts
Making the questions was also very and comments in the report is
Made the first draft of the questionnaire to much of a difficult task because I had another goal I have.
be sent to the company for primary data, to focus on finally getting all Also planning to complete the
In addition to the work planned I information needed to full fill my section of the research
completed the research model entirely. research objectives , it was not that approach and research design
tough but was harder than I expected in the report.
and took a lot of time for that. Planning to also complete the
I learnt that contacting busy people entire second week goals by the
who have a position in a company is end of the 3rd week at least.
way harder than I expected it to be, I

27
 was not really excited making the
questions . But I think I learnt a lot
from what the CEO explained when I
contacted him and roughly asked him
about the transformation of the
workplace due to covid , I was able to
get a overview of the entire project
specifically on Kelly Felder , as to what
challenges they faced and etc.
I was not able to achieve my second
week goal entirely to the standard I
wanted but I am happy about all the
hard work I did for this week.

03rd Week Faced a lot of challenges and Collecting the data from the
difficulties when collecting the employees of Kelly Felder and
Managed to complete the Project
responses , not many people have then doing the data analysis to
management plan entirely in the report.
responded so I had no way of be done should be completed.
completing the section of the data Finalizing of the report and
Managed to finalise the questionnaire analysis in the report. completing the recommendation
with the most relevant 20 questions for Yet I managed to complete the should be done , the
the questionnaire . research design and approach conclusions should be written
Even managed to pass it around to the successfully when I was waiting for based on the secondary and
CEO of the company to get the their responses patiently. primary data I was able to
responses from the people. I did not do much hard work for this collect.
week because of the less number of Proof read the report and fix the
responses I received . I gave certain entire report according to the
reminders for the CEO to ask his necessary guidelines suggested
employees to fill in the questionnaire. from the university.
Really did not enjoy waiting for the Search for any mistakes present
responses , it was rather annoying in this report and also fill up the
because the lack of responses makes performance review document .
it unable for me to complete my 3rd Write the acknowledgement and
week goal entirely . the abstract of the report as well.
I think I should have sent the
questionnaire in the 2nd week , then
they would have filled in their
responses by the end of this week .

04th Week
It was a difficult time period , I ran
I managed to finish off all the
out of time and had to work the
conclusions and recommendations fr
entire last day to complete and
the project with the data analysis .
make sure the report is upto the
I was also able to complete my standard I wanted it to be.
performance review document, I was not able to manage the time
abstract , acknowledgement,proffread just as I planned but I was able to
the entire document from the beginning fill out everything by the last minute
. Completed the acknowledgement and .
the abstract as well on time . It was a hectic time that I took to
complete the entire report on time
In total the entire report was completed but I was able to learn a lot of
neatly and following guidelines were lessons as to why time
also adjusted in the report , all the management is very important , and

28
spotted mistakes were corrected as how its always good to finish
well. everything before the last minute.
For the final time I went through the Overall I think I did a good job , I
final recording uploaded on LMS which put in a lot of hardwork into this
has the LMS and compared to see if project and made sure everything
there was anything I have done to the was how I expected.
way it was supposed to be completed . I learnt a lot of lessons doing this
report , about how to plan things
ahead of time and execute them on
time, keep small goals to be
achieved in time so that finally the
final goal is completed on time with
no last minute panick activities.
This project gave me a lot of help
on how planning , organizing work
is always a win.

Any risks and/or issues identified?

Points to consider:
Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of skills required for undertaking research/tasks?
Did you identify any additional risks/issues that have an impact on the project management plan?

There was a high risk that the data I collected from the people close to Kelly felder and the employees are
not exactly accurate , because I did not have direct contact with each and every employee in general and so
there is a risk that the information was not exactly accurate , the data analysis might not be exactly accurate
as well.
This was my first time doing a research therefore the risks that the research might be not exactly genuine
and worth it is high as well. Even if I made the project management plan and work breakdown structure
some of the secrtions I mentioned there was not exactly achieved on time upto date.

Problems encountered
Points to consider:
What barriers did you
face?
How did you overcome them?

I had to face a difficult situation when I did not get responses even when I sent the questionnaire to the CEO
, and I didn’t have any other contacts of the employees as well . I had no other option but to constantly
pester the CEO of the company to help me out by distributing the questionnaire . To make sure I had enough
results I even distributed this questionnaire to a group of people who to my knowledge had close businneses
carried outwith Kelly Felder as well.

New ideas and change of project direction

I think it would be a great idea if the students were given a practical situation to work on and
not just a report to be filled on how the planning and organizing of a project should be done .
After all if there was a practically activity given to the students to complete atleast group wise
the undergraduates would have also got the idea on how the executing the set plans also take
place in the actual business environment . The actual time taken for the project might be
different from the planned set times and goals achieved , it would have been a great
opportunity and a very helpful experience for the students , they will be interacting with the

29
business environment and dealing with unexpected situations and solving the problems in
course of the project and finally they would be even able to understand how difficult it is in
reality to achieve goals.

Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)

I was behind my project plan most of the time , but I successfully managed to complete the
entire report on time.

Supervisor Comments

01st Week 02nd Week

03rd Week 04th Week

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 8. QUESTIONNAIRE.

Transformation of the workplace at Kelly Felder during the COVID-

19 pandemic.

This research is for undergraduate studies regarding the transformation of the

workplace during the covid 19 pandemic at Kelly Felder .

Consent form
Title - Transformation of the workplace at Kelly Felder due to the pandemic .

Researcher - Sandalee Ranasinghe

Note : This consent form will remain with the researcher for her records.

Thankyou so much for being a part of my research , this would help me sucessfully
complete the degree.

1. I agree to take part in this research project specified above .

Yes

2. Gender
Female
Male

3. Are you an employee at Kelly Felder ?

Yes
No
Former employee
Closely related to an employee

4. When did Kelly Felder transform the workplace to the work from home system
?
In 2020
In 2021

5. For the time period Kelly Felder operated only online , did the number of sales
overall decrease ?
Yes, decreased more than expected.
Yes, decreased but did not face a huge loss
No, there was no loss at all

6. How do the employees interact with each other after the work from home
system was implemented ?

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Video conferencing
Calls
Other

7. Did the company arrange activties for the employees corporate with each
other like before?
Yes
No

8. How are the managers / supervisors monitor the activities of the employees ?
Give a time frame to complete the task.
Random checkups
Didn't supervise at all
Other

9. The management changed their plans of supervising the employees now that
the work was from home .
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

10. The work done by the employees was more effective after the transformation
of the workplace.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

11. When working from home , the sales division had the most work because they
to be available on social media most of the time to accept the customer
orders.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

12. The customers were very much satisfied with the Kelly Felder online ordering
platforms and the services.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

13. Kelly Felder was able to carry on with the operations even when the company
was operating only online sucessfully. The customers were able to sucessfully

32
 place thier order with thier correct sizes and items and sucessfully deliver to
thier door step.
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

14. The company was able to carry out the operational activities like before .
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

15. Kelly Felder was able to carry out the operations just like before even if the
employees were not able to come to work .
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Agree
Strongly Agree

16. Did the management have to take special measures to make sure the work
went went smoothly with the transformation of the workplace?
Yes
No

17. Was the overall performance of the company lesser than when it was carrying
out operations online?
Yes
No

18. Do you think the transformation of the workplace from a physical working
environment to work from home benefited the company as a whole?
Yes
No

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