Pre-Placement Evaluation Report

This report analyzes the business environment of Marks & Spencer using various tools like PESTLE, SWOT, and Porter's Five Forces. It examines the impact of management practices on worker performance and explores the individual's personal and professional development journey.

PRE-PLACEMENT
EVALUATION REPORT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
i) Tools used to analyse the business environment.....................................................................1
ii) Management practices impact on worker performance..........................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
i) Personal development of an individual person .......................................................................5
ii) Professional development.......................................................................................................6
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
Business environment includes external and internal factors which influence the
management of business and its operating system. The analysis of business environment helps
the company for the survival and growth and also identifies the various factors such as strength,
weaknesses, improvement in technology etc. This report highlights the various tools which is
used to analyse the macro- environment factors in Mark and Spencer which is a high growing
retail company and has 1300 stores worldwide. Therefore, it is greatly influenced by the external
factors such as political, economical, technological etc. It also explains the role of management
practices in analysing the performance of employees such as reward system, training and
development programs which help them to improves their motivation, skills and practical
knowledge in the field they are working. It also highlights personal and professional
development which can helps in improving the work environment with the help of technical
skills and knowledge.
TASK 1
i) Tools used to analyse the business environment
The external business environment consists of various factors such as political,
economical, sociological, technological, environmental and legal which creates challenges and
opportunities for the business and to study this environment managers can apply pestle analysis
to overcome the difficulties in the business (Bhagwat and et.al., 2018). The details of pestle
analysis of Mark and Spencer which is operating in the retail industry and having headquarter in
UK. It consists of 1382 stores globally which is creating a great impact on its business
environment as the management and leadership practices vary from place to place.
Political: With the influence of free trade policy Mark and Spencer had a great reduction in
sourcing costs and also due to its high cost structure they are having disadvantage in international
markets (Di Rezze and et.al., 2016). Impact of Brexit also created influence on the taxation
policies as the new norms and legislations were defined. Due to lack of energy efficiency scheme
UK government does not have the clarity on CSR initiatives which negatively affected the
business.
Economical: Mark and Spencer has a major conflict with the small retailers as they put discount
on products due to currency impact of Brexit. This is affecting their store performance because
of the financial crisis (Luckock and et.al., 2017). Therefore, Marl and Spencer are focusing on

the quality of products as the customers are attracted to quality with value which will help in
increasing economic value and sustainability in sales.
Socio-cultural factors: Mark and Spencer are producing things like clothes for old people which
will help them to attract customers and will increase profits. They should start selling products
online as the customers are present on the internet very much which will ease their shopping and
the requirements of consumers change day by day. Customers want to feel modern and special as
they are attracted to fashionable clothing and use credit cards to fulfil their needs.
Technological factors: Digital marketing is creating a major impact on the sales of Mark and
Spencer as the company is already available on the social and online sites which is attracting
consumers who are focused on buying online and prefer mobile commerce which saves their
time (Hart Cavanagh and Douglas, 2015). Therefore, M&S must be aware about the knowledge
of digital marketing and all its application which can give them advantage in profitability in
sales, customer service and also increase the efficiency of company. Mark and Spencer can built
their website, online shops and databases as the information technology is changing so fast
and will provide the feedbacks and information through which they can analyse what
their customer wants and needs.
Environmental: The company is increasing consumer focus on ethical green practices which
will help in maintaining waste management and are strict about the environmental concern. They
are also focused on supplying sustainable and environmental friendly products for e.g. sourcing
of fresh milks from assured dairy farms (Tompsett and et.al., 2017). They also implemented
some innovative method in manufacturing process for clothes which uses less energy, chemicals
and water and also aims to sustain all of its cotton sourcing.
SWOT analysis
Strengths: Mark and Spencer offer quality and genuine product at the reasonable rates which
attracts more customer and increase the brand reputation (Johnson and et.al., 2019). The
company is aware about the corporate social responsibility and have a strong e-commerce which
helps in increasing customer experience.
Weaknesses: The financial performance of the company is very poor due to the impact of small
retailer pricing discounts and Brexit.

Opportunities: They are planning to expand their business in Indian markets and also adopting
the innovative methods to their clothing segment and making their operating model in an easier
way.
Threats: Requirements of customers needs change day by day and the tough competition in the
UK food sector who are adopting pricing strategies to increase their sales and also changing
trends related to clothing.
Porters five models
It is an evaluation to analyse and identify the five competitive forces that shapes the
Marks and Spencer and at the same time it also determines the weakness and strength of an
organisation such as for the threats of new entrants in the market, bargaining power of suppliers
and buyers. It also identifies the organisations structure to determine the strategies adopts by the
corporates. This model can be applied in any sector of the organisation to find out the
profitability and attractiveness. This model is being used measure the competitive intensity,
attractiveness and profitability of the industry and market.
Threat of New Entrants: The company is affected by force of new market. The time and money
is less. The company position is weak and strong barriers are entered in a company. It charges
higher price at negotiate terms. Marks and Spencer is also affected by the new entrants in the
market now nowadays the market becomes very competitive and requires less time and money
for the competitors to enters in a company market.
Bargaining Power of Supply: It is depended upon the markets of inputs. For e.g. if customer
want to buy a biscuit there is only one person who have flour have no other option. Suppliers
may refuse to work with a firm (Johnson and et.al., 2019). Cost and differentiation will impact
on the organization. Therefore, supplier must concentrate more on firm.
Bargaining Power of Buyers: Buyers are very demanding they want to buy good quality
product at minimum cost. This put a lot of pressure on Mark and Spencer to earn profit. It is an
assessment done by the Marks and Spencer for the drive up prices. This is being driven by the
number of suppliers for every essential unit and for uniqueness of its products or service related
to size and strength of an organisation.
Threat from Substitute Product: It means both the company have some product one at lower
prize and anther one at higher prices (Johnson Wright and Foster, 2019). It has both tangible and

intangible factors and easy for consumer to switch from business product or services to that of
competitors.
Rivalry among the existing players: This is the number of competitors in the market and their
capability in the same industry. It drives the down prices and reduce the overall profitability of
particular industry. Marks and Spencer is operating in very competitive retail industry and also
the food sectors in UK have increased drastically.
ii) Management practices impact on worker performance
Management practice are very important in any industry or business as it distinguishes
the company's culture with another and provide insights which improves decision making of the
organization and their principles adds knowledge and skills to the workforce and handles
management problems very well. There are various practices which improves motivation, skills
and knowledge of employees with the help of reward system and training & development within
the organization.
Reward system: The performance of employees at Mark and Spencer is very good as they
reward their employees very well to attract, motivate and retain best people. By giving rewards
like good salary packages, employee discount, holidays, pension, life insurance etc. helps the
employees to work towards the organization goals and also increase their efficiency in
productivity and performance (Lord Barr and Flanagan, 2018). This creates the positive impact
on the workforce and lack of reward system will affect the efficiency and productivity of
company.
Training and Development: The training is given by the section manager which is responsible
for inspiring and motivating the team by providing practical knowledge and improving their
technical skills and create a positive impact on the performance of employees (Bhagwat and
et.al., 2018). Line managers also give performance coaching which review the employee's
performance and provide feedback on their work and this enhance the trainee's confidence. The
main motto of training by Mark and Spencer employees is to feel motivated and must feel they
have all the skills in the field they are working.

TASK 2
i) Personal development of an individual person
Analysis of personal development how as an individual I can accelerate. For conducting
this analysis have to examined all the four areas which become helpful for examine. SWOT
helps in to promote the strength, minimise the weakness, exploits the opportunity and makes the
contingencies plans to reduce the threats (Smyth 2015). SWOT analysis is having many benefits
and advantages for an individual as it helps to make the strategies while attaining the goal even
this analysis makes us better from others.
SWOT Analysis
Strength
Strength is the most positive factor for everyone as it identifies the traits and skills of an
individual. As it is an effort to make the positive changes on ourself that will lead to new
opportunities (Luckock and et.al., 2017). As an individual I have a good communication skills
which makes easy to communicate with the other colleagues in the organisation. These skills feel
other to comfortable while discussing their issues (Strategic Analysis of Marks & Spencer Plc,
2019.). Personal strength is an asset for me as it differentiate myself from the others even it helps
at the time of interview and at the time of promotion. Even I have strong project management
skills and the ability to improve myself also have the experience to present myself in the large
audiences.
Weakness
Weakness is that part of human which need to improve the things so that they can
eliminate the hurdles as they are the negative habits (McGettigan and McKendree, 2015). It is the
personal weakness and the characteristic that has to be improve for the future job opportunity or
for the development of myself. Sometimes as a senior I might be fail as a good listener that leads
the problem for myself or at the time of work pressure I become the disorganised towards the
work. Personal nature becomes the biggest weakness in the professional career.
Opportunities and threats
While thinking for the opportunity I always found myself to start it with the threats. I
always compare myself with the other people who possess good quality as an individual and
which helps them to accelerate in the path of carrier. I always try to judge my threats and
determine the consequences to overcome from it. Opportunities might arise from the introduction

of new technology as I am good in understanding the technologies. I always create an
opportunity by offering the solution to problems what I faced. Threats are the opportunities if we
overcome from that threat (Radke, 2016). I always look for the solution which become the
hindrance in my professional carrier, and make it as an opportunity. Threats are the
uncontrollable factors which might damage the professional career such as job insecurity,
restructuring and downsizing, less job opportunities, emerging competition, and so many threats
which effect the professional development of myself. Opportunities are very closely related to
threats for example if the company in which I work does not grow than it will become hurdle in
the path of opportunities.
ii) Professional development
For the professional development of myself I will require various practices to earn and
maintain the professional credentials such as attending conferences, learning opportunities,
practical knowledge and learning opportunities (Di Rezze and et.al., 2016). I follow self
discipline which help me to focus on my goals and I am always looking towards goals
achievements in my life. I have been awarded as the best teacher when I was working for the
profile of teaching and I have never taken a holiday in my whole career as I was enthusiastic
about my job. I always follow my daily schedule to enhance my self discipline. My achievements
are in every field as after my teaching career I have started my own business of Book store Cafe
House as I love to enjoy reading books with coffee which become successful and achieved my
entrepreneurial success, I have done charitable work, working on special projects, establishing
good health, financial stability and obtaining a college degree were all the achievements in my
life. This is all because of self-discipline which pushed me to the greater level of success of all
time. Professional growth is all depends on gaining new skills and experience, this development
is either related to the current role or the role I want in the future. Personal development and
professional development always goes simultaneously. Professional development is also depends
on the ability of an individual and also on their achievements till the date. One of the best way to
ensure the development of ourself is to keep learning and accelerate the ability to learn more and
make the achievements in the field of working (Mullaney, 2017). As a professional I always
want to have the ability to fit anywhere in any culture. I always try to learn and enhance myself
from the previous experience and never wants to repeat the mistake which I have done in my
professional carrier and tries to learn from the mistakes I have made. The best way I prefer to

manage myself is to manage the development to ensure the regular process of planning,
reviewing the progress and taking the action for the future growth. It will clear the view to
improve the performance to build the better future for myself. As training is not about the
learning but it finds the opportunities to use the knowledge and skills.
CONCLUSION
From the above study it has been summarised about the business environment of the
Marks & Spencer and used the various tools. This report contains the PESTLE analysis of Marks
and Spencer to analyse and monitors the macro environmental factors which impacts the
performance of an organisation. This report also having the SWOT analysis of an organisation as
well as of myself. This report elaborates the porters five force model and how it will be used in
the organisation. In this report two management practices of Marks and Spencer's is also
explained that is reward system and training and development which improves the performance
of employees. It also elaborates the personal and professional development of an individual with
the help of skills or abilities or by acquiring technical and theoretical knowledge which can boost
the confidence level and enhance its performance.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Bhagwat, M., and et.al., 2018. Comparison of paired and single clinical placement models: a
time‐use analysis. International journal of language & communication disorders. 53(3).
pp.468-479.
Di Rezze, B., and et.al., 2016. A scoping review of evaluated interventions addressing
developmental transitions for youth with mental health disorders. Child: care, health and
development, 42(2), pp.176-187.
Hart, B., Cavanagh, M. and Douglas, D., 2015. The “Strengthening Nursing Culture Project”–an
exploratory evaluation study of nursing students’ placements within Aboriginal Medical
Services. Contemporary nurse. 51(2-3). pp.245-256.
Johnson, G., and et.al., 2019. A longitudinal workforce analysis of a Rural Clinical Placement
Program for final year dental students. Australian dental journal.
Johnson, G., Wright, F.A. and Foster, K., 2019. A longitudinal evaluation of the Rural Clinical
Placement Program at the University of Sydney Dental School. European Journal of
Dental Education. 23(1). pp.e59-e70.
Lord, B., Barr, N. and Flanagan, B., 2018. Integrating aged care in the curriculum: the
importance of design and evaluation. Journal of Paramedic Practice. 10(2). pp.56-62.
Luckock, B., and et.al., 2017. Cornerstone Adoption Support Programme. Evaluation report, July
2017.
McGettigan, P. and McKendree, J., 2015. Interprofessional training for final year healthcare
students: a mixed methods evaluation of the impact on ward staff and students of a two-
week placement and of factors affecting sustainability. BMC medical education. 15(1).
p.185.
Mullaney, M.I., 2017. Inclusivity through exclusivity: An evaluation of the provision of a special
education needs (SEN) placement within second level art & design teacher education in the
Republic of Ireland. Teaching and Teacher Education.64. pp.139-149.
Radke, M., 2016, January. A Framework for a Heat Stress Prevention Program Based on
National Guidelines. In ASSE Professional Development Conference and Exposition.
American Society of Safety Engineers.
Smyth, G., 2015. Pathway to Potential Externship Pilot Program Evaluation Report.

Tompsett, H., and et.al., 2017. Self-efficacy and outcomes: Validating a measure comparing
social work students’ perceived and assessed ability in core pre-placement skills.British
Journal of Social Work. 47(8). pp.2384-2405.
Online
Strategic Analysis of Marks & Spencer Plc. 2019. [online]. Available
through<https://www.ivoryresearch.com/samples/strategic-analysis-marks-spencer-plc/>