Inquiry Based Learning: Impact of Online Shopping Trend on Retail Industry - TK Maxx Case Study

This report explores the impact of online shopping trend on retail industry with a case study of TK Maxx. It includes literature review, research aim & objectives, research questions, methodology, and recommendations.

Inquiry based learning
Inquiry project

Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.......................................................................................................................................3
Background of study.......................................................................................................................3
Title-.................................................................................................................................................4
Rationale of Study...........................................................................................................................4
Research aim & objectives..............................................................................................................4
Research Questions..........................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................................4
Methodology.....................................................................................................................................6
Recommendations............................................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................7

Introduction
The inquiry-based project work includes group of students which investigates in
worthy question, problem or idea. This is the kind of genuine project work that professionals
in the discipline do to develop or build knowledge. These projects necessitate considerable
participation and inquiry. It is a sort of genuine project work that entails collaboration across
disciplines in order to create or enhance knowledge. Inquiring-based learning is a British-
style active learning method that involves posing pupils with challenges and scenarios.
Traditional education is primarily contract-based, relying on teachers and other experts to
help students get greater information about specific topics (Duncan, and et.al., 2021). It is an
approach to learning that places a greater emphasis on the effective student role in the
learning process. There is also some group discussion and guided learning involved, which
enables the acquisition of knowledge through improved investigation and experience in order
to make better decisions. For the report, TK Maxx is considered which is company of retail
industry dealing in American apparel and home good company. The paper discusses the most
recent retail business trends, as well as organisational analyses and recommendations.
MAIN BODY
Background of study
The latest online developments are quite crucial in the retail industry. There are
various retail businesses that seek to improve themselves in the near future, although
individual retailers are managing fragmentation, complexity, and increased confusion in the
marketplace in preparation for a more integrated future. There is engagement with partners to
ensure that advanced technology is used effectively within a better supply chain. Tools are
optimised to speed processes and keep consumers in mind. The competitive advantage is
based on the outcome of the first and last miles. Everywhere in between is an important
weapon in achieving a successful client experience.
Company Overview:
The TK Maxx is subsidiary of American apparel and home good company which is
founded in 1994 by Bernard Cammarata. It headquarters is located in Framingham,
Massachusetts, US. The store is operating to several areas such as UK, Ireland, Austria and
many more. The company deals in products of clothing, footwear, furniture, giftware,
bedding and domestic etc. It is a parent company of TJX companies.

Title-
To determine the influence of the growing online shopping trend on the retail industry
in order to improve performance and profitability.
Rationale of Study
The primary motivation and goal of this study was to assess current retail trends in a
pandemic event. To map all of the latest retail trends, benchmarks were created, as well as
prospects for establishing a better customer satisfaction report.
Research aim & objectives
Research aim
The aim is to identify the impact of increasing online shopping trend on retail industry
which enhances performance and profitability.
Research objective
The objectives are as follows-
 The identification of current retail trends for enhancement of company performance.
 The examining importance of online shopping trends for the company in context to
TK Maxx.
 To identify strategies in order to deal with online shopping trends within retail
industry of TK Maxx.
Research Questions
 What are the current retail trends which enhances performance of company?
 What is the importance of online shopping trends for TK Maxx company?
 What are the strategies used by TK Maxx for dealing with online shopping trend
within the retail industry?
LITERATURE REVIEW
The identification of current retail trends for enhancement of company performance
According to Iwasawa, T., 2021., there are various factors that are having an impact
on the retail industry, such as online and digital platforms, and changing customer shopping
habits. With this new behaviour, retailers must provide their products and services at the
appropriate time, location, and context. The benchmark was developed using cutting-edge
technology and resources in order to improve customer satisfaction. According to studies,
94% of consumers believe that the same technology is more analytical. In light of the

emergence of a situation in which the popularity of edge in retail solutions such as pop-up
exhibits and customised kiosks is expected to rise by 2021, TK Maxx is one of several retail
companies operating on a global scale. The company sells its products and services through
online websites and follows the newest retail trends to promote them through online shopping
and to keep customers interested by offering discounts and appealing rates (Jaworski, B.,
2019.).
The examining importance of online shopping trends for the company in context to TK
Maxx.
According to the Joyce, and et. al., 2022, there is currently an upgradation of
technology and resources with specifications that influences the creation of benchmarks in
many industries, such as retail, automotive, and construction, among others. The most recent
trend is to redirect business from the retail industry into constructive endeavours. There are
several future trends that will assist TK Maxx in generating effective benchmarking in order
to keep on top of trends. At the same time, the organisation also benefits from flexibility in
digital analytical and physical services due to minimal start-up costs (Katsampoxaki-
Hodgetts, 2022). As organisations expand their presence in new forms, analytical capabilities
increase, making it easier to gain vital information into better omnichannel customer wants
and needs. It also aids retailers in recognising loyal customers. The organization must
establish a genuine connection with its clients in order to improve expectations and direct
them to the appropriate instruments. TK Maxx appearance requires them to follow a trend
that will result in a more customised influence within their organisation.
To identify strategies in order to deal with online shopping trends within retail industry
of TK Maxx.
In accordance to Martingano, and Konrath, 2022, during the pandemic, businesses
suffered a wide range of losses, and others were forced to close. The effectiveness of internet
business in the competitive retail market environment creates sustainability. Several retail
businesses have been mobilised through online platforms and the application of digital
marketing techniques. The scarcity of talent on stage, as well as consumer desire for both
lighting and continuous shelving to meet automation requirements. Better autonomous robots
for creating grocery store and warehouse passages, as well as identifying trip hazards and
clearing those floors (Miyahara, and Fukao, 2022). In the case of TK Maxx, there will be
altering trends in the future, such as the availability of artificial intelligence and robotics

services, which will boost the productivity and efficiency of employees when providing
services. Re-arrange the store and consumer involvement so that it is no longer only a site for
physically handling and exchanging items. It aids in the creation of stronger ties within
today's customer retailers, who must deliver compelling, personalised in-store experiences.
Because TK Maxx maintains a better customer relationship and gives more discounts, it has
an impact on consumer engagement.
Methodology
The term "research methodology" refers to a specific procedure or strategy for
locating, selecting, processing, and analysing data on a certain topic. In a study paper, the
researcher assesses overall validity and reliability.
Primary data- This technique entails evaluating fresh data and facts discovered
through personal efforts. This refers to the researcher's collecting data for the first time in
order to carry out the entire research with better objectives and a specific time frame in mind.
Primary data is obtained from specific sources that have never been utilised or stated by
anybody else before. Primary data can be gathered in a variety of ways, the most well-known
and popular of which are market surveys, interview questionnaires, and physical experiments.
Secondary data- This is totally opposite of primary data which refers to data which is
already being collected by another person through researcher. The researcher was aided by
the use of secondary data in efficiently creating knowledge on the subject by utilising online,
newspaper, and book sources (Rizvi, M.I., 2019).
Quantitative method- This research approach evaluates the significance of the
research hypothesis, which is a systematic study involving numbers. This includes studies in
the lab, mathematical calculations, surveys, and simulations. It involves a crucial
measurement component, quantity or amount. The information is analysed numerically.
Better data trends dealing with numbers and statics are developed as a result of this. This is
thought to be a simple way for investigators to obtain data from a large number of people.
Qualitative method- Regardless of facts, this is descriptive and subjective. The
importance of observation and description in this case is crucial. It aids in assessing people's
knowledge, behaviours, and views on the research issue. It is founded on the quality
phenomenon. This is an active data gathering method that is used to obtain accurate
information. It is a process for gaining knowledge of relevant concepts and events.

Recommendations
There is discussion of numerous trends such as future retail services, robotics, and
online business customer engagement that allow for more flexibility in services in the overall
examination of the newest developments in retail business. In this article, some
recommendations are made in relation to TK Maxx that will assist the organisation in
increasing productivity and performance. The recommendations listed below are as follows:
 TK Maxx's marketing team must focus on many digital platforms and devise a
strategy for developing artificial intelligence-based resources that will aid in the
generation of more commercial prospects and development (Rueangsen, and
Srisomphan, 2020).
 It is critical for the organisation to align individual and organisational goals, as this
aids in the alignment of individual goals with the overarching organisational vision
and plans.
 Human resource engagement can be highly advantageous in terms of maximising
pleasant employee experience. In the case of TK Maxx, it is suggested that the HR
operating model be oriented toward a positive employee experience in order to
facilitate the proper deployment of workforce skills and talent.
 The recommendation is to gain a thorough understanding of business in relation to TK
Maxx's priorities and strategy in order to generate cross-functional experiences.
 It is also suggested to develop positive mindset and needs motivational level in aim of
retaining employees so that they are willing to remain associated with the organisation
in long run (Slunt, 2022).
CONCLUSION
From the above study it can be concluded that the inquiry business is linked to a variety
of retail business trends that are exhibited from a specific perspective. Technology
advancements introduce new resources and shift trends in the business sector, allowing
companies to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. The organisation of
numerous different types of activities is investigated using primary and quantitative research
approaches.

References:
Books and Journals
Duncan, and et.al., 2021. Inquiry and learning in science. In International handbook of
inquiry and learning (pp. 325-344). Routledge.
Iwasawa, T., 2021. Generating Student Questions in an Inquiry-Based Classroom: A Case
Study of Primary Years Programmes. In Educational Reform and International
Baccalaureate in the Asia-Pacific (pp. 131-154). IGI Global.
Jaworski, B., 2019. Inquiry-based practice in university mathematics teaching development.
In International handbook of mathematics teacher education: Volume 1 (pp. 275-302).
Brill Sense.
Joyce, and et. al., 2022. Beyond the pain: A qualitative study exploring the physical therapy
experience in patients with chronic low back pain. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice,
pp.1-11.
Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts, 2022. The ‘naked’syllabus as a model of faculty development: is
this the missing link in Higher Education?. International Journal for Academic
Development, pp.1-17.
Martingano, and Konrath, 2022. How cognitive and emotional empathy relate to rational
thinking: empirical evidence and meta-analysis. The Journal of Social Psychology, pp.1-
18.
Miyahara, and Fukao, 2022. Exploring the use of collaborative autoethnography as a tool for
facilitating the development of researcher reflexivity. System, p.102751.
Rizvi, M.I., 2019. Effects of inquiry-based learning methods on Primary School Students’
academic improvement (Doctoral dissertation, IISERM).
Rueangsen, and Srisomphan, 2020. The Development of Web-based Instruction with Inquiry-
based Learning for Enhancing Computational Thinking Skill on Logical and Function
Programming for the 8th Grade Students.
Slunt, 2022. Conversion of a Sugar Identification Laboratory from a Hands-On Experiment to
a Virtual Inquiry-Based Experiment. Journal of Chemical Education.