Business Analysis: Identifying and Solving Business Problems at Thrive Consultancy

This report identifies and solves business problems at Thrive Consultancy using the Job Demands-Resource theory. It recommends involving employees in decision-making, developing a team to identify root causes of problems, and prioritizing employee well-being.

Business Analysis
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Business Analysis
Executive summary
In most business settings there exists different people from different backgrounds, when
people from different backgrounds are gathered at a place; there is a likelihood of some kind of
misunderstanding amongst them, resulting to various business problems. The purpose of this
report is to recognize and solve these business problems using a theoretical framework. Business
problems arise due to certain issues that are mostly brought about by some kind of
misunderstanding among various parties in an organization. This report will consider business
problems of Thrive consultancy.

Business Analysis
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Overview of literature on the topic 2
(a). Literature review on previous empirical work found regarding business problems
(b). Theory to be used to investigate the business problems
i). Concepts and elements of the theory
Ii). Justification on why the theory helps to solve business problems
Iii). Managerial decision statement and corresponding research objectives and
research questions based on the theory and literature regarding the business issues
3. Methods and results 3
4. Findings of the analysis 4
5. Recommendations and Conclusion 5

Business Analysis
1. Introduction
This report will look at some of the business problems that Thrive consultancy
experiences. Thrive consultancy has been in operation for about a decade and a half now offering
three main services; Human resource consulting, Advertising/marketing consulting and strategic
planning. Business problems do occur in various business organizations. Despite it being a
common thing among business organizations, it is always the way that an organization handles
its business problems that will determine its future (Adomian, 2013 p.90).
Based on the nature of this organization, certain aspects about the operation and some
internal affairs have been changed and this has been noted to have a great influence on the way
things have been running lately .Working hours have been changed and this has greatly affected
the flexibility of work. Moreover, coffee machines have been removed and this is a concern for
some employees. Discussion will be presented to address problems.
2. Overview of literature on the topic
a). Literature review on previous empirical work found regarding business problems
Scholars and great academicians have proven time and time again that the growth and
survival of a business greatly depends on both internal and external factors (Bakker &
Demerouti,2014 p.45).Many times, however, people tend to put so much emphasis on external
factors and forget about some internal affairs that can bring a business to the ground. These
internal affairs range from a number of things such as management problems, relationship status
between the various staff in an organization, some crucial policies that govern and oversee the
day to day activities in an organization among others.

Business Analysis
Statistics have shown that about 60% of the companies and organizations that have recorded a
great deal of failure have been due to a change in some of their important policies that govern the
day to day activities of the organization. When some important and crucial policies are changed
within an organization, then people are affected since they are not used to the new policies which
could be even much strict than the ones they are used to (Boxall & Macky,2014 p.67).
A study conducted on some businesses and organization that have failed has revealed that there
is a common similarity among all these firms. Some of the most common share characteristics by
these failed firms are that they are all related to decision-based characteristics of the managers
and some owners of this organization, among these decision based-characteristics are
inflexibility, lack of a visionary nature, lack of fundamental management skills among others.
(Zikmund,Babin,Carr, Griffin, 2013 p.210).
Despite all these threats that these various business problems bring with them, there is a way to
solve and deal with such problems in case they arise. Quite a number of means have been
proposed, models and theories have been developed to deal with these various problems. First
and foremost, the most fundamental rule that should be applied in business problem solving is
that the process of problem solving should be proactive rather than reactive (Braine & Roodt,
2011 p.65).The process should not cause further rifts among the various individuals in an
organization; rather it should in line with its ultimate goal of ensuring a mutually respectful
relationship among the parties involved.
The narrowing process for instance is among one of the possible ways of resolving
problems in an organization. The diagram below shows a pictorial representation used for
problem solving in organizations and other forms of business entities.

Business Analysis
Fig1.Narrowing technique (Demerouti & Bakker, 2011 p.87).
b). Theory to be used to investigate the business problems
i) Concepts and elements of the theory
The theory that would be applied to investigate these business problems that are greatly
affecting Thrive Consultancy Company is the Job Demands-Resource theory: Taking stock and
looking back. The job demands-resource (JD-R) model was introduced about a decade and a half
ago and it has not only been used and applied into business issues of management but has also
acted as a source of inspiration to so many business organizations well-being (Demerouti &
Cropanzano,2010 p.67).

Business Analysis
Fig 2. Job demands-resource model (Demerouti & Cropanzano,2010 p.167).
ii).Justification on why the theory helps to solve business problems
Studies conducted by various scholars all over globe have shown circumstantial evidence
on how this method can be used to solve various business problems. The studies have proven to
be some kind of relationship in three most important elements of this model, these elements are;
job demand, resources and well-being of not only employees but also all staff and overall
stakeholders in an organization (Evans & Lindner,2012 p.78).
This model has also proven beyond reasonable doubt that personal initiative has an effect of
positively influencing employees work engagement. Personal initiatives play very big role in
promoting employees well-being and maximum use of organizations’ resources as depicted by
this model.

Business Analysis
Furthermore, job crafting and gain spiral is one of the most useful components/elements of this
model. Originally JD-R model was specifically involved in a top-down preservative of job
designs in an organization. It was at this very level where the human resource department and
management in collaboration were actively involved in employee’s performance and welfare
issues.
iii). Managerial decision statement and corresponding research objectives and research
questions based on the theory and literature regarding the business issues.
Looking at various aspects regarding business problems discussed above, there are some
key component managerial statements that can be made (Guest,Isaksson,De,2010 p.56).The
research objectives as depicted therein were to find out the key business problems affecting
Thrive Consultancy Company. The objectives were met by carrying out interviews on five
participants; the interview was successful since all five participants boldly raised the concerns
they had.
Form the look at all these issues, it is a managerial call to ensure that he/she engages employees
in all issues that affects them. Various policies are made and implemented in the course of
running an organization but they should not be made without involving the persons that are
directly or even indirectly affected by these policies.
Most importantly, the JD-R model clearly depicts that employee well-being is very crucial and it
should be given the highest priority (Hakanen & Roodt, 2010 p.71).The model mentions some of
the important aspects that facilitate the solving of business problems and possible ensuring
employee well-being and welfare.

Business Analysis
3. Methods and results
Qualitative analysis is a special and unique kind of securities analysis that is often
concerned and makes use of unquantifiable information to predict certain happenings and also
provide solutions to them (Hofmann & Klinkenberg,2013 p.67).This unquantifiable information
may comprise of management expertise, employees issues and complains, strengths and
development of previous researches among others.
The information herein was obtained by conducting an in-depth analysis on various employees
regarding to some key factors affecting them. Certain questions were asked in regard to the
information that was targeted to be obtained from these employees.
Findings of the analysis
Based on the three questions asked to the five employees regarding to issues affecting them, the
following is a summary on how each of them responded.
1. How happy are you in your job
Each of the employee said were happy with their job further went ahead into giving an extra
compliment, the first participant for instance said that the supervisor is nice but she doesn’t do
her job really well, she delays in responding to very important emails and also too busy to even
guide and oversee what they are doing at work (Klir, 2013 p.43).
2. How have the changes at work affected you and/or the office in general

Business Analysis
Participants complained about the issue of flexibility, they could no longer work from home and
this was really affecting them. Working hours were also not convenient to the employees.
Funds have also been cut; the common office kitchen had no free coffee, regular biscuits and
milk (Lencioni, 2010 p.109).This issue has really frustrated employees, their self-esteem and
level of motivation is low because of this issue.
3. Is there anything you would ask us to know
Employees are really frustrated and are so worried if the company even cares about them
anymore. The issue of taking away the coffee machine sunk so deep into the employees and
some were even wondering what would be next after the coffee machine, maybe the printer or
they would even start charging for parking. These were very emotional feelings from among the
employees.
The table below shows the various changes and ratings that were generated from the employees
comments obtained from the interviews conducted (Liebowitz, 2013 p.40).
Change conducted Comments provided by
employees
Motivation reduction rating
Out of 10
Changes in working hours -Employees were
complaining regarding the
flexibility of working hours
-Employees were paying
extra costs to have their kids
7/10

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at child care
Removal of the coffee
machine
-Employees brought their
own coffee machines
-Employees thought that they
were not being cared for
-Employees thought that extra
changes would be introduced
such as parking charges
9/10
Based on ratings derived from various comments by the participants in the course of the
interviews, a graph can be developed to show the relationship between the variables involved
therein.
Fig 3.Graph on relationship between the variables involved (Ragsdale, 2014 p.87).

Business Analysis
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
CONFIDECE
W. HOURS
COFFEE
The above diagram is a line graph developed from the ratings derived from the comments made
by each and every participant in the interview. There are three aspects that are rated and these are
changes in working hours, removal of the coffee machine and the general confidence of the
employees on the system.
4. Recommendations and conclusions
Looking at the complaints raised in the in-depth interview with the five participants then
it is clear that they feel they are not being well taken care of (Schaufeli & Taris,2014
p.128).Certain changes were made by the management that were totally unfavorable to the
employees and their general wellbeing. Working hours were increased, this greatly affected the
flexibility of work since people could no longer work from home, removal of a coffee maker
from the kitchen was another change that was not positively taken.

Business Analysis
From these issues raised, there are a number of recommendations that can be made to the CEO
so as to avoid future cases of such issues ever happening again;
First and foremost, it should be noted that human resource are among one of the
important part of any organization. They are responsible for carrying out the day to day activities
of an organization and should therefore be treated with respect. The CEO of Thrive consultancy
needs to know that forgetting the human aspect of human resource is among one of the reasons
for poor performance in many organization. He/she should therefore treat employees with the
respect and dignity they deserve (Sekaran & Bougie, 2016 p.84)
Secondly, it is a wise step to include employees in all matters that affect them. They
should always be consulted in the case where certain policies that affect them need to be change.
This does not imply that they have some control over what the company decides, but rather it
sends a sign of commitment and willingness to take care of their employee’s welfare. Employee
motivation is very critical, motivation is usually triggered by a number of factors this being one
of them. The CEO of Thrive consultancy should therefore make an effort of trying to involve
their employees in matters that directly affect them (Sharma, Mithas, Kankanhalli, 2014 p.240).
Moreover, the CEO of Thrive consultancy should develop a team that specializes in
identifying the business problems such as the ones identified above. Usually the key to solving a
business problem is identifying the root cause of the problem .There is a technique that is well
known for the determination of the root cause of a problem, this technique is called Root cause
analysis. It has been known and used for quite some time now.

Business Analysis
Various relevant methods have been developed to understand the real cause of business
problems. Some of the commonly used methods comprises of; brainstorming, mind mapping,
fish bone diagram among others (Tims & Bakker, 2010 p.80).
With the application of this root cause analysis technique then CEO of Thrive consultancy will
be in a position to identify the root causes of some common business problems therefore being in
a position to act accordingly in the right time so as to avoid future problems and incurring even
extra costs. By strictly following the above recommendation, then Thrive Consultancy Company
will thrive.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, it can be concluded that business problems are normal in all sorts’ of
businesses and they should be taken into consideration and put in mind so as to help build the
business (Van & Berends, 2018 p.81).They should not be regarded as failures; rather they should
be taken as learning opportunities so to improve the general operations of the company.
Topic One information: Work flexibility and incentives (Management)
The entire conversation brought about the issue of dissatisfaction in the company. All
participants each gave different theme. These themes have been coded as shown below. Each
table codes the specific question with response from the participants.
(a).Themes on whether participants are happy in their jobs.
Common theme Participant Comment
Supervisors fails to guide workers
when in workplace
P1 “I’m not too sure what I should be doing and feel like a bit more
guidance might help”

Business Analysis
The supervisor is irresponsible and that’s why the participants is
complaining for the lack of guidance (Ajagbe,Sholanke,
Isiavwem,Oke,2015 p.90).Due to this the participant is not
producing what the company is expecting from him/her.
Satisfaction in the company P2 From what the participants argued it clear that there is theme of
satisfaction. The worker loves what he/she does when in the
company. “I love my job. “This is enough evident that he issue
of employee satisfaction is seen in the company. There is better
payment and the worker is enjoying the better life.
Ignoring views and suggestions from
the workers.
P3 Although the participants is happy work, but to some extend
supervisor is ignoring to what he/she is saying about the new
change (Braun, Clarke, Terry, 2014 p.54). “I tried to talk with the
supervisor but he didn’t want to listen,” Ignoring suggestion
from subordinates reduces the morale of employees. Workers
will not be able to perform well if authorities don’t create a room
for communication. The new change would function if workers
accept but not allowing those in power to initiates changes that
won’t fit the workers in the company.
Indiscipline in an organization. P3 The theme revolves around the internal environment within the
company. This emphasize the issue of indiscipline whereby the
co-workers are not behaving like intellectual. Making noise when
working is aspect of indiscipline. When worker is trying to
concentrate then it seems the noise from the co-workers will lead
to distraction which intern lead to decrease in production.

Business Analysis
Therefore as a matter of fact then the CEO has to ensure all
subordinates maintains apt measures needed when one is in the
office (Edwards Mercer,2013 p.51).
Departments being responsible. P3 Organization achieves goals and objectives depending on how
different departments cooperate with the subordinates. The
advertising/market department is responsible for its duties .This
is to say that through the issue of responsibility then the company
will achieve goals. There will be increased production level in
the company and thus enabling the company to enjoy the
economies of sale. The other departments in the company which
fails to be responsible in their duties need check on this strategy
employed by marketing department.
(b).Themes on the effect of change to the workers.
Theme Participant Comment
Flexibility. P1 Right issue of flexibility does not have much effect to the
company. This is to suggest that when a new change is
initiated in the business to some extend it can affect workers
either negative or positive. In real sense not all workers in the
organization will adjust up with the new change. Some will
try to give new strategies and suggestion about the change.
The point of concern is that in the company whenever a
change is initiated then it’s the mandate of authorities to

Business Analysis
ensure the change is accepted by all stakeholders within the
workplace (Hall, Ashworth, Devine-Wright, 2013 p.43).
Policy change in workplace. P2 Policy change mean that an increase in change between the
existing strategy and the newly identified innovative policies
in the business. Workers will work appropriately if the policy
change initiated in the organization favours them. It is
difficult to change policies because the institutions are strict or
there is aspect of suboptimal. This in real sense if done by
management without consulting the workers in the company
there will be chaos at the end.
Adding extra cost to the workers. P3 Well when a business is initiating a change the management
will think that all people will be affected equally. Coming up
with new strategies and policies will result to either
dissatisfaction in sense that workers will not be able to adjust
to new measures. Changes in company have to be done
keenly. This is to say that management not to wake up and
then impose new change without evaluating the results
brought about by the change .Adding extra expense to
workers contributes to low production in the company. For
instance removing the coffee means workers will look for
alternatives. These alternatives demand then to use their
pockets and thus resulting to extra expense (Hartman &
Conklin, 2012 p.41).
Time factor P4 & P5 Changing time in workplace is something crucial. Changing

Business Analysis
the schedules in workplace will affect the morale of the
workers. When a change targets to transform the time then
workers are either affected positively or negatively. Workers
will feel it being difficult to conform to new schedules an
issue which will propagate reduced production level.
Therefore the management part in the company has to ensure
time is changed appropriately but not changing it to exploit
workers. The issue of overworking also need to be
checked .Workers need to work for a particular time but when
one is overworking then the morale in work reduces thus
reduced production within the company.
(c).Themes on other related information from the workers.
Theme Participant Comments
Training
subordinates
P1 Training employees means increased production. This is to say that training
targets on imparting new skills to the workers in a company. For instance
when a new member joins an organization the first step is to train him/her.
This helps in imparting new techniques to the employee and therefore leading
to increased production (Houghton, Casey, Shaw, Murphy, 2013
p.80).Training is important in the company. It helps in different ways such as;
 It increases morale and satisfaction to workers.

Business Analysis
 Reduces the employee turnover in company.
 Helps in increasing new innovations and strategies in workplace.
 Increases employee motivation a key factor that focuses to increase
production.
 Helps the workers in an organization to cope with the new
technologies .This results to creativity and innovation in the
organization.
 Training increase efficiency in workplace thus leading to financial
gain.
Caring workers P3 Caring for workers means doing what is necessary to subordinates. Leaders
fail to care for their workers thus leading to decreased production. Those
workers who feel much cared and valued by their leaders they work hard and
most of the time they hold themselves as being accountable for the entire
company. In our case the issue of removing the coffee shows that leaders in
this company are not caring at all. It does not make sense removing the basic
need for workers and then leaving starving (Padgett, 2016 p.60).
Therefore ,the CEO in the company can demonstrate the issue of caring
workers through;
 Relating to workers and not behaving as if above them. It’s good to
make ground equal to everyone in the company.
 Showing interest on the complaints from the workers. When the
workers raised the issue we noticed that some of the authorities were
turning deaf hears. This is uncaring and that’s why many workers were

Business Analysis
baffled from what happened by changing the time without
consultation.
 Leader ought to be real and transparent to the workers. This suggests
that whenever a new change is embraced then all workers need to be
communicated then serious discussion ought to be done.
 Making time for the workers. Workers will feel appreciated especially
when leaders are responding to their chats, their emails also visiting
them in their respective departments. Creating time to meet workers is
a sign of respect .This encourages workers and they feel as part of the
company thus increasing the production level.
Use of signs and
labels to
communicate in
workplace
P4 It’s good for the organization to ensure that there are new signs and labels
which conveys a certain information. Signs such notes written “KINDLY BE
SILENCE “helps workers to remember that silence is necessary when one is
working. Employing discipline measures when in office will help workers to
perform well and thus leading to increased financial gain in the company.
Discipline means doing what is apt and required by a certain organization .So
when a worker disturbs others either making noise then concentration
withdraws and thus reduced production in the company.
Efficiency in
workplace
P5 Efficiency describes how work is done successfully. This is to say that for the
company to secure profits then aspect of business efficiency need to be on
workers fingertips. When one delays in giving the feedback in the company
then it means certain process in company will fail (Thornton & Byrd, 2013
p.73). Departments should learn how to provide feedback as quick as possible

Business Analysis
in case of any issue arising in work place.Effeciency can be achieved through;
Limiting interruptions in workplace.Inturruption differ in working
environment .Therefore what stakeholders need to do is to ensure no
interruption when carrying out duties.
Discouraging going to unscheduled meetings. Unplanned meetings consumes
a lot of time meaning that production is affected negatively. Leaders should
try to their best to ensure meetings are arranged for a purpose.
Sticking to the running projects. Efficiency only achieved when workers stick
to their duties. If one tries to use short corners in process then it means later
something will be missed and huge cost incurred to correct.
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