Internal and External Environmental Analysis of DIL Haulage

This report includes an internal as well as external environment analysis of DIL Haulage, a courier company in the UK. The report also includes a reflective writing on the development of academic skills. The company's competitive strategy and recommendations for improvement are also discussed.

Foundations of
Business
Communication

Contents
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY.......................................................................................................................1
PART 1...............................................................................................................................1
Internal Environmental Analysis.....................................................................................1
Micro Environmental Analysis........................................................................................2
Macro Environmental Analysis.......................................................................................3
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................4
PART 2...............................................................................................................................7
Reflection.......................................................................................................................7
Action Plan.....................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Business communication enables people share information within an
organization in order to achieve the goals aspired by the entity. DIL Haulage is a
company in the United Kingdom who render courier services all over the nation (Light
Haulage and Courier Services, 2022). This report includes an internal as well as
external environment analysis. Further, there is a reflective writing on development of
skills too.
MAIN BODY
PART 1
Internal Environmental Analysis
DIL Haulage is a company established in Leighton Buzzard, UK. The company
deals in providing courier services all over the nation for nearly 10 years. DIL Haulage
follows a hierarchical organizational structure for carrying out its operations smoothly.
Generally SBU operates as a part distinct from the organization but is quite important.
DIL Haulage provide warehousing, storage and courier services which has a major
contribution in company's success. The management of the follow the democratic style
of leadership as they think it is best for the company. Engagement of employees and
their ideas are equally important. The company has a positive working environment
within the organization (Nedyalkova, Andreeva and Yolova, 2021). The employees trust,
respect, have faith and are loyal towards each other as well as to the company. This
attitude of employees makes the culture of the entity filled with positivity.
Objectives and Values
 To ensure the product delivered is not damaged.
 To enhance reputation or goodwill in the marketplace.
Vision: “DIL Haulage” aspires for the following vision –
To have networks all over the globe and expand its business in the international
markets too.
Mission: “DIL Haulage” aspires for the following mission –
To ensure timely delivery or delivery in the minimum possible time as per customer's
convenience.
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“DIL Haulage” has faced some of the following issues while carrying on its business
operations: Reduction in transport costs – The prices of fuel are increasing while on the
other hand the transportation facilitators are cutting down their costs. Due to this,
the profit for the courier company has reduced to a great extent which is a
serious concern. Driver Shortage – Now-a-days everyone make use of courier services in order
to deliver the products from one place to another easily without any hassle. This
sudden increase in demand has caused a shortage of drivers in the market.
 Sustainability – It is quite difficult for courier companies to maintain the products
of their customers as they were.
Micro Environmental Analysis
The enterprise value of DIL Haulage is estimated approximately at £462.5k
based on a turnover of £926k. The company occupies nearly 5.9% of the share in the
marketplace of the United Kingdom.
Bargaining Power of Customers
UK has a number of courier companies and thus consumers have a wide range.
They can easily switch from one service to another (Phillips and Moutinho, 2018). Thus,
DIL Haulage faces a high threat from the bargaining power of customers and the
company has to think something unique in order to retain customers.
Bargaining Power of Suppliers
As the courier industry is quite vast. The courier companies have a range of
options available to them as suppliers. They will opt the best deal for the company.
Hence, DIL Haulage faces a low or negligible threat from suppliers' powers.
Competitive Rivalry
UK is the largest region possessing 20% of the market share of courier industry.
It is clear that the competition in the country in the respective industry is quite high. DIL
Haulage faces a high threat from its competitors but can use the strategies of USP or
can offer discounts and other deals to attract customers.
Threat of New Entrants
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Courier industry is vast enough and entry in the industry is easy. DIL Haulage
faces a moderate threat from new entrances as the customers do not easily go to the
newly established businesses and remain loyal to the existing ones. But in their
absence, the new firms may take the advantage. Thus, the company has to be aware
and should not take these firms lightly.
Threat of Substitutes
Having a number of courier companies in UK, makes the threat from substitutes
high for DIL Haulage. One mistake and the customer will have a reason to switch to
another courier services (Bhattacharyya and Thakre, 2021). Thus, the company has to
be cautious and careful enough while dealing with the customers.
The industry analysis done above helped the company in improving its
performance. The analysis helped DIL Haulage in identifying the threats as well as
strengths so that the entity can overcome and make the best possible use of them
respectively.
Company's Competitive Strategy
The company, DIL Haulage gain competitive edge over its competitors with the
help of the following strategies – Differentiation – Under this strategy, the company, DIL Haulage aims to
differentiate how its services are unique and different from that of its competitors. Cost Leadership – In this strategy, the company, aims to serve its customers
with the lowest price without exploiting the economies of scale (Echchakoui,
2018). Generally, the strategy used by the company DIL Haulage is of cost
leadership as it is quite effective in attracting customers.
 Focus – In this strategy, the company, DIL Haulage aims to focus on targeting a
specific market segment, generally small.
Macro Environmental Analysis
PESTEL Analysis
Political factors – The political stability in the nation of United Kingdom
contributes to the growth and success of the company, DIL Haulage with the smooth
working of its business operations.
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Economical factors – The unemployment rate in UK help the company, DIL
Haulage to appoint some of the people as their staff and reduce the rate to some extent.
This, in return, the company would gain the loyalty from the families of employed
people. Further, the monetary policy in UK is low and stable inflation which is quite good
for the company, DIL Haulage as it promotes growth and employment.
Sociological factors – Demand of customers are directly related with the safety
of products. When the customers feel that their products are safe and secure then the
demand for the services will automatically increase (Gilbert and Et. Al., 2022). DIL
Haulage is a successful company because of this promise of the company and keeping
the same.
Technological factors – Technology has highly affected courier services. There
were times when people used to send letters. Technology eradicated all – smartphones,
computers, MacBook, etc., are some of the technical tools which affected the business
of courier services to a great extent.
Environmental factors – The reduction in courier services have a positive
impact on the environment and the surroundings of our country. The courier service
companies involve high amount of use of paper which is made from cutting down of
trees (Venkatachalam, 2018). Thus, DIL Haulage used to have a negative impact on
country's environment when people send letters.
Legal factors – Every company has to follow certain rules and regulations.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) Act governs the courier service
companies in UK. Hence, DIL Haulage too has to comply with the rules and regulations
given under this act to be a legal entity.
Recommendations
 DIL Haulage should employ more people and train them for being the driver.
 DIL Haulage should not compromise with the quality of its services in future too.
Conclusion
From the above report, it has been concluded that the company is a success and
has good chances of expanding its business in the international markets. The
democratic leadership style is a big reason behind company's success as it make
employees feel valued. The company provide quality services to its customers.
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PART 2
Reflection
It is essential for an individual to know about their strengths and weaknesses so
that they can take advantage or work on them respectively for the betterment of their
future. It is important to for student to develop certain academic skills to lead a better life
such as communication, decision making, problem solving and so on (Rolfe and
Freshwater, 2020). This report is based on a reflective writing on the development of
certain skills with the help of a model (Sadullayevich, 2021). Reflection is critically
analysing yourself, your experiences, their impacts and the what you plan to do with the
new knowledge gained. By critically analysing myself I have learnt that I have changed
a lot. Week 1 – 5 played an important role in enhancing my existing and developing new
skills.
Kolb Model of Reflection
Kolb model of reflection, often known as experimental learning, enable students
to analyse their own experience and learn from them (Boyle, 2019). The model of
reflection consists of four stages namely – concrete experience, reflective observation,
abstract conceptualisation and active experimentation. Once these stages are
completed, new experiences began to form from the start and the cycle continues. It is
important for students to know and be aware of each stage for effective learning
(Wallace, 2019). The stages of the model of reflection are discussed below: Concrete Experience – At the starting I was quite confused, puzzled and
nervous. I was thinking if I will be able to learn whatever is being taught in the
module or not. I am an introvert and it is hard for me to adjust in new
surroundings or modules held by the universities. But as I began my journey as a
student in the module, all my confusion and nervousness was gone. I enjoyed a
lot. The teaching pattern of teachers was quite fun which reduced all our stress of
the day and not let us get bore. I identified the skills I need to work on and my
strengths too I never knew before attending this module. All this motivated me
and I got eager to learn more and more to enhance my knowledge and skills so
that they can help me in future for getting good grades as well as a good job.
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 Reflective Observation – Each week, teachers came up with new and
innovative ways of teaching and learning patterns to retain the interests of the
students. Teachers used to play quiz games to enhance our knowledge. This
reduced my hesitation to a great extent and improved my communication skills
as I have to communicate in front of everyone. It is not easy for an introvert to do
so. Further, every student was given the responsibility of giving a presentation on
different topics and then teach it to the other students. This will help the students
enhance their communication as well as ICT skills, where the students can use
PowerPoint Presentation feature in Microsoft Office to prepare it. Further, the
teachers also assigned group projects to us for the development of team work
skills. This will also help us enhance each others' problem solving skills as the
issues faced by the group members are to be solved by other members which
ultimately enhance their skills. The numeracy skill development is also important
and is related with all the practical part. The best way to improve these skills, in
my opinion, is by taking help of seniors. Abstract Conceptualisation – Overall my journey of the module was nice, but
the part of speaking in front of everyone, especially the first time shook me once.
I loved the fun activities we had. But there were times, when I had to did not
know what to do. My body shivered when I came up to the stage for the first time
for communicating to everyone. My communication skills have become better as
compared to the past but are not good enough to communicate fluently in front of
everyone on the stage. I want to develop this and in order to do so I am going to
practice it daily in front of my friends and family. It is difficult but I have to. It is
necessary to compromise sometimes as it is said “ no pain, no gain”
(Secheresse, Pansu and Lima, 2020). Further, I came to know how important it is
now-a-days to know how to use technical tools. I am going to learn the how to
use computer thoroughly for my smooth progress. This will also help me in
gathering information more easily and will help me out with the development of
my problem solving skills.
 Active Experimentation – These 5 weeks were quite memorable for me and I
learnt a lot from them. These helped me identify my skills and analyse myself
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thoroughly. I will use the knowledge that I have gained from attending this
module in future for getting my dream in job in the reputed company. The
hesitation, that this module reduced to a great extent, of mine will help me clear
the interview and the developed communication skills would help me impress the
HR. Further, the ICT skills would help me do the work as all the work now-a-days
is done with the help of technical tools,i.e., computers, laptops, projectors, etc.
Team working skills would help me engage and work in the group projects
effectively. Further, my problem solving skills would enable me to help solve the
queries of my subordinates and colleagues. The numeracy skills developed will
help me with all the practical work done within the organization.
Action Plan
Action plan refers to a plan which shows the skills with its importance which an
individual aims to achieve and the smart actions through which he can do so. I have
developed the following action plan in order to enhance my weak skills:
Skill Importance Actions Time taken
Communication
skills
It helps an individual
to put forward their
ideas and coordinate
with others at work
(Succi and Canovi,
2020). Effective
communication
helps in impressing
clients while giving
presentations.
I will practice daily at
least 1 hour with my
friends and family to
communicate
effectively. It will be
difficult for me once
as I am an introvert
but it is essential for
my future.
3 months
ICT skills These are useful in
this highly technical
world where every
work is done with
the help of these
I will ask my brother
to teach me how to
develop ICT skills.
His ICT skills are
excellent and so he
4 months
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tools. can make mine too
by teaching me the
same.
Problem solving
skills
Problems are a part
of life and thus
solving these quickly
is an important skill
which is used
especially at the
workplace.
I will try to help more
and more people in
my day to day life to
enhance these skills.
2 months
Teamwork skills Organizations have
a number of
employees where
group projects are
common. Thus an
individual needs to
know how to work
and coordinate
effectively with
others in a team.
I will never miss any
chance of working in
team in universities
or anywhere else for
practising these
skills.
2 months
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Bhattacharyya, S. S. and Thakre, S., 2021. Coronavirus pandemic and economic
lockdown; study of strategic initiatives and tactical responses of
firms. International Journal of Organizational Analysis.
Boyle, M., 2019. Transparency and reflection. Canadian Journal of Philosophy, 49(7),
pp.1012-1039.
Echchakoui, S., 2018. An analytical model that links customer-perceived value and
competitive strategies. Journal of Marketing Analytics, 6(4), pp.138-149.
Gilbert, D. and Et. Al., 2022. Barriers to Prolonged Student Led Civic Engagement:
Utilizing a PESTLE analysis to Create Sustainable College Student Experiences
and Activist Praxis that Withstand Annual StudentTransitions & Attrition.
Nedyalkova, P., Andreeva, A. and Yolova, G., 2021. DIGITALIZATION AND THE NEW
LEGAL AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES TO EMPLOYERS IN
IMPLEMENTING INTERNAL CONTROL. Economic Studies, 30(5).
Phillips, P. and Moutinho, L., 2018. Contemporary issues in strategic management (pp.
159-177). Routledge.
Rolfe, G. and Freshwater, D., 2020. Critical reflection in practice: generating knowledge
for care. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Sadullayevich, J. N., 2021. Improving psychological technologies for the development of
professional reflection in future teachers. ACADEMICIA: AN INTERNATIONAL
MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH JOURNAL, 11(1), pp.229-232.
Secheresse, T., Pansu, P. and Lima, L., 2020. The impact of full-scale simulation
training based on Kolb’s learning cycle on medical prehospital emergency
teams: A multilevel assessment study. Simulation in Healthcare, 15(5), pp.335-
340.
Succi, C. and Canovi, M., 2020. Soft skills to enhance graduate employability:
comparing students and employers’ perceptions. Studies in higher
education, 45(9), pp.1834-1847.
Venkatachalam, A. M., 2018. Identifying dynamics of growth in a competitive and
transitioning lighting industry using PESTLE and SWOT analysis.
Wallace, D., 2019. Parts of the Whole: Theories of Pedagogy and Kolb's Learning
Cycle. Numeracy: Advancing Education in Quantitative Literacy, 12(1).
Online:
Light Haulage and Courier Services, 2022. {Online}:Available
through<https://dilhaulageltd.co.uk/>
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