Analysis of Retailers and Leadership Programs

The provided document appears to be a collection of references and sources related to the retail industry and leadership programs. It includes a list of sources from academic journals, books, and online articles, as well as specific information about top UK retailers such as ASDA. The assignment seems to require students to analyze these sources and potentially write about or discuss topics related to retail operations, leadership development, and sustainability efforts in the industry.

Context of
Business

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Project 1- Individual Essay..............................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
Micro and macro environmental factors that changed nature of modern business in global
environment.................................................................................................................................1
Why is it important for individuals and organisations to manage responsibly, sustainably and
ethically in relation to social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. .............................3
Project 2: Individual Report.............................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
Brief History................................................................................................................................1
Discussion on Vision, Leadership style and Management Practices...........................................2
Company specific Analysis..........................................................................................................3
Recommendations as an improvement (proposed leadership styles, management practices and
the various strategies that can be undertaken by this firm based on research done) to your
company.......................................................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
Business is an activity which individuals and organisations use to perform related to their
products and services, so that they can achieve some benefits by exchanging of those products
and services. Where as, context of business refers to macro and micro business environment in
which organisation use to perform their operations. Along with this, different factors also come
in consideration in content of business, some of these factors are, values, vision, objectives,
strategies, mission, beliefs, goals and background of an organisation. Along with this, it is very
much essential for an organisation to make evaluation and study of different internal and external
factors, on regular time interval. This will help them in evaluating their performance and also
future opportunities which will organisation can attain. Beneath report is divided into two parts,
one is individual report which explain micro and macro environment elements which pose effect
on working of an organisation. Where as, for completing second task ASDA has been chosen
which is, one of the biggest super chain market of the world. In this task, as discussion will take
place on visions, leadership and management practices performed in organisation. Along with
this, some recommendations will be given which depends on discussion.
Project 1- Individual Essay
INTRODUCTION
Global business environment is said to an environment, where macro and micro factor use
to pose huge impact in working and performance of an organisation which use to work at global
level. Therefore, it become very much important for an organisation to study these factors and
make their future strategies accordingly, so that they can gain some competitive advantages.
Beneath are explanation of macro and micro environment that have power to affect the
performance of an organisation at global level :-
Micro and macro environmental factors that changed nature of modern business in global
environment
Business environment is the combination of several elements of associated with micro or
macro factors of an organisation. Along with this, in modern era of business, factors affecting
performance of them use to change at very rapid speed, for which it is very important for
organisations to take steps. This will help business to grow and develop with time and adopt
changes which are important for them. These factors are generally, economy, social,
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technological and other related trends. For organisations, which use to perform their operations
at global level and also are competitors of them, it is very much important for them to make
continues analysis of customer behaviour, market and industry. Therefore, for developing and
designing strategies regarding this, it is essential for manager and leader of an organisation to
make study and gain knowledge about micro and macro environmental elements. As, this will
help them in increasing their sustainability to long term in market place. Micro environment is
that which come under organisation and also are in control of manager and leader of them, where
as, macro environment are those which are visa versa of this and not are in control of an
organisation.
Micro environment are consist of factors which are directly related to different operations
performed by organisation. The factors which are very much common in this aspect are
customers, competitors, suppliers, regulatory bodies and other. Out of these, customers are
considered as most important factor in this, as they are the elements for which organisations use
to design their strategies. Therefore, organisations like, ASDA, LIDL, ALDI and general motors
use to make special strategies which will help them in retaining large number of loyal customers
which help them in increasing their sustainability are market place. Another most important
aspect of micro environment are competitors of and organisation, which use to pose huge impact
on performance of them. In today’s world, it is very important for an organisation to make proper
strategies regarding this, so that they can get some competitive advantages and increase their
sales and profitability.
Macro environment is made up of factors which are not in control of any organisation and
generally use to provide direction to business at global level. The factors which come under
macro environment are technological, social legal, political, economical and other. From these
factors, technological use to play an important role on different functioning of an organisation.
As, this help organisation in adopt new trends and system in their functioning, so that their
operations become more effective and efficient at global level. Another factor, which poses huge
impact on performance of an organisation is economical factor, which is not in control of an
organisation. Therefore, it is very important for an organisation like TESCO, ASDA, ALDI to
study the economical conditions of nation in which they use to perform their operations. This
will help them in making strategies, by which they can provide their products and services to
their customers according to economical conditions of nation.
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Why is it important for individuals and organisations to manage responsibly, sustainably and
ethically in relation to social, cultural, economic and environmental issues.
For an individual and organisation it is very much important for them to follow and behave in
ethical manner, as this will help them in completing their tasks associated with corporate social
responsibilities. As, each and every organisation which use to perform their functions in society
have some duties of them in favour of society, so that they can help society in growing and also
in finding solution of any issue faced by them. Therefore, it is very much important for
organisations to make proper strategies which will help them in performing their activities in
social manner. Also help them in keeping themselves safe from getting fixed in any type of legal
issues, which can hamper their goodwill and financial conditions in market place.
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Project 2: Individual Report
INTRODUCTION
This part of report is based upon context of ASDA which is a supermarket retailer
headquartered in UK. It will explore the history of organisation along with rationale for choice.
Also, it includes the discussion and analysis of vision, management practices and leadership
styles. Further, recommendations are given on that basis.
Brief History
ASDA was found in Yorkshire in the year 1960. The origin of this retail chain owes to
the merger carried out by Asquith family with Associated Diaries pertaining to Yorkshire only.
The owner group of this retail entity was feasibly able to revolutionise Government Exchange
Mart (GEM) by way of provision of convenience articles and food items within the same outlet.
This format gained rapid and immense success owing to which ASDA was extended to 30
outlets across United Kingdom by the year 1970. Nevertheless in 1999, this retail chain was
taken over by Walmart for a deal of £6.7 billion and took advantage of economies of scale in
relation to its operations across United Kingdom (Rusu, Avasilcăi and Huţu, 2016).
In the present context, this entity offers a wide variety of products and service via offline
and online channels by way of superstores, super-centres, living outlets and the most well
renowned and established format of supermarkets. The offerings of ASDA comprise of home
and general merchandising, optical, food and non-food articles, pharmacy etc. The products as
well as the supermarkets are designed as per the requirements of local markets in order to ensure
convenience for the population of UK. Presently, ASDA has a loyal and satisfied customer base
of 18 million persons who do not intend to switch to other brands owing to the quality and
convenience rendered by retailer to consumers. This quantum is consistently increasing day-by-
day. This retail organisation is regarded among the Top 3 Retailers of UK and stands with a sales
figure of approximately £22.2 billion for the year 2017-18 (TOP 10 UK RETAILERS, 2019).
The present study associated with context of business strives to explore the vision,
management and leadership of company together with their application on selected retail
organisation, i.e., ASDA. The reason for selecting this company to conduct research is its
customer centric approach and the initiatives undertaken by organisation to adopt retail formats
per the demands and convenience of local people and market. Another reason for selecting this

company is that it is at the second position in UK Retail market behind Tesco which reflects that
the research will provide a chance to find out loopholes of entity to give recommendations so
that they can gain the first position. ASDA operates with the assistance from 145000 employees
who are immensely loyal, motivated an dedicated towards the work owing to which they perform
by utilising their full potential (Psychogios and Garev, 2012). This entity tends to be more
focussed upon its long-term strategy (sustainability in market) while its biggest rival Tesco is
highly inclined towards short-term sales. ASDA having been acquired by Walmart as a
globalisation strategy assists in carrying out research to gain knowledge of the manner in which
human resources and operations within multinational corporations are managed in an effective
manner.
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Discussion on Vision, Leadership style and Management Practices
ASDA is the second most leading retail organisation owing to its excellent alignment
with vision and adoption of effective management practices and leadership styles.
Vision
The vision statement of a company demonstrates what an entity intends to attain in the
long run. It also depicts the purpose and reason behind the existence of company to its several
stakeholders. The vision of ASDA is focusses upon becoming the best-value retailer which
possess the capability to exceed the expectations and demands of customers. The purpose of
initiation of ASDA is to make high quality goods and services accessible to people at affordable
rates. The tagline of company says “Save Money. Live Better.” This entity promotes and
positions itself as one of the biggest value service providers present within UK market (Oldman
and Tomkins, 2018). ASDA is well renowned to stringently focus upon identification and
understanding of diverse set of needs and requirements of people and taking measures to meet
these at discounted prices. Thus, it can be said that the vision of an organisation lays out the
pathway following which business strives to meet the demands and expectations of the various
stakeholders. The exceptional alignment of company with the aim of becoming a leading brand
has made it reach at the position where it is today.
Leadership Style
Leadership is regarded as one of the most crucial reasons behind the success or failure of
a company within marketplace. It can be referred to as the ability of an individual to be able to
guide or lead the team in an effective manner so as to ensure timely achievement of
organisational goals and objectives. ASDA makes use of transformational style of leadership to
create a positive working environment across the organisational premises. This approach
emphasizes upon coordination and cooperation among team members. Apart from this, in some
cases, leaders make use of situational approach which is proposed by Hersey and Blanchard and
demonstrates the use of leadership style as per the situation arising in context of company
(Ghasabeh, Soosay, and Reaiche, 2015). Retail industry is rapidly evolving and changes take
place within this sector at frequent intervals. Thus, focussing upon a single leadership style is not
beneficial for ASDA. Owing to this, company makes use of transformational and situational
leadership to tackle the complex situations and effectively lead the team in an effective manner
for timely accomplishment of targets.
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Management Practices
Management practices can be defined as the set of systems, methods and techniques used
by managers to effectively manage the work across the organisational premises. Such practices
are usually focussed upon getting the best out of employees by making use of resources and
systems in an optimum manner so as to ensure an orderly conduct. During internal management
of resources, ASDA stresses upon aspects such as setting realistic and achievable targets,
communication, open management style. By making use of such managerial practices, managers
of this retail company ensures that the roles and responsibilities of every individual is clearly
stipulated (McGrath and O'Toole, 2012). This ensures orderly conduct within ASDA and assists
in building an atmosphere where coordination is given the supremacy. Employee retention
through employee engagement is a practice used by this entity to make use of creative and
innovative mindset of workforce and direct their behaviour towards attainment of goals and
objectives. Such management practices as to gain knowledge of the queries faced by employees
so that resolution of such issues can be done within timely manner to ensure orderly conduct
across the organisational premises. Well structured management practices strives to achieve
higher productivity, sales and profits for ASDA.
Company specific Analysis
Vision
The vision of company demonstrates that ASDA intends to meet the needs and
expectations of customers in an effective manner. ASDA is regarded as a value service provider
of UK. To attain this, company has been offering lucrative discounts on grocery items so as to
attract people of all income levels (Special Offers, 2019). This entity has instilled sustainability
among all its departments. All decisions taken in relation to water utilisation, waste minimization
ensure the fulfilment of company's responsibility towards the community (Our operations,
2019). The food items are provided with effective schemes. ASDA is well renowned for giving
due consideration to diverse needs and requirements of buyers. With a view to fulfil the needs
and demands of customers, ASDA entered electronics, insurance, personal loans, travel and tyre
segments to cater to the needs of people in UK.
Leadership Style
Transformational leadership style is being used by ASDA presently. This is justified by
company owing to the highly dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of retail industry which cause
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likely changes within the organisation and thus this leadership style assists the entity in such
times. ASDA has been known to stress upon leadership as well as strategic development
programmes with a view to indulge around 10,000 managers across the nation (ASDA
Leadership Program, 2019). This was aimed at enhancing leadership skills for future prospect.
This strategy of ASDA provides assistance to organisation in dealing with future contingencies.
Owing to Brexit, there were significant changes in market dynamics as price of food supplies
increased and entity had to cut shot jobs to reduce losses. In such circumstances, leaders step
forward to take crucial decisions for meeting the needs and demands of customers.
Management Practices
ASDA is known to render excellent customer service. This company has employees
working in sectors like George, logistics, supermarkets and home shopping which are required to
be taken care of for meeting organisational goals. For instance: Customer delivery drivers are
accountable for not just delivering goods but are supposed to act as Asda colleague on road
(Ruggieri and Abbate, 2013). They are provided with Asda's award winning programme “Best
welcome” and further supported with training as per their individual needs.
Recommendations as an improvement (proposed leadership styles, management practices and
the various strategies that can be undertaken by this firm based on research done) to your
company
Even though ASDA is known to be one of the largest retail organisations functioning in
global market, there are several areas where company has a scope to bring improvements to
become the leader in retail sector. In this relation, some recommendations with respect to
management practices, leadership styles and strategies are given as follows:-
 It is suggested that ASDA should adopt democratic leadership style as this tends to give
opportunities to employees to utilise their unique and creative mindset to participate in
decision making process in an effective manner. Further, this style would assist the
organisation in taking feedback from workforce regarding the areas of practice to ensure
sustainability of entity in long run. By regularly communicating with employees,
organisation can feasibly improve its working pattern to achieve goals timely.
 It is also recommended to ASDA to give considerable focus on HR policies associated
with rewards and compensation system to motivate the employees and make them feel
that their excellent work performance is recognised. For this, effective and efficient
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personnel are given bonuses, incentives, increments, promotions etc. This ensures timely
completion of goals and objectives of entity as per the set targets. Well structured policies
instil a feeling of trust and loyalty among workforce motivating them to give their best
performance.
 Further, ASDA is recommended to take specific measures in order to significantly
improve the quality of products. This will directly provide assistance to organisation in
enhancing its overall sales and profitability. Competitors like Tesco and Sainsbury's are
giving tough competition to ASDA and therefore, organisation is required to stress upon
the quality of goods to enhance the loyal customer base.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that macro environmental analysis is
essential for modern businesses to ensure sustainability in marketplace for a long duration of
time. Further, it has been assessed that there are a number of types of leadership styles such as
democratic, transformational, situational, autocratic out of which the best one is selected by
leaders. Further, effective management practices strive to set a working environment where
coordination and cooperation are given the supremacy so as to ensure an orderly conduct.
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REFERENCES
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processes (Doctoral dissertation, Université Paris-Saclay).
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in post-conflict situation for international business. International Journal of Business
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ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS IN SHIPPING INDUSTRY TODAY. Analele
Universitatii Maritime Constanta. 13(17).
Warkentin, M., Sugumaran, V. and Sainsbury, R., 2012. The role of intelligent agents and data
mining in electronic partnership management. Expert Systems with Applications.
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Ghasabeh, M. S., Soosay, C. and Reaiche, C., 2015. The emerging role of transformational
leadership. The Journal of Developing Areas. 49(6). pp.459-467.
McGrath, H. and O'Toole, T., 2012. Critical issues in research design in action research in an
SME development context. European Journal of Training and Development. 36(5).
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Oldman, A. and Tomkins, C., 2018. Cost management and its interplay with business strategy
and context. Routledge.
Psychogios, A. G. and Garev, S., 2012. Understanding complexity leadership behaviour in
SMEs: Lessons from a turbulent business environment. Emergence: Complexity and
Organization. 14(3). p.1.
Ruggieri, S. and Abbate, C. S., 2013. Leadership style, self-sacrifice, and team
identification. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal. 41(7).
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Rusu, G., Avasilcăi, S. and Huţu, C. A., 2016. Organizational context factors influencing
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Online
TOP 10 UK RETAILERS. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.retaileconomics.co.uk/top-10-retailers-uk-top-10-retailers>.
Special Offers. 2019. [Online]. Available through:<https://groceries.asda.com/special-offers/top-
offers>.
Our operations. 2019. [Online]. Available through:<https://sustainability.asda.com/our-
operations>.
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ASDA Leadership Program. 2016. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.iedp.com/articles/asda-leadership-program/>.
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