How to Create a Post Pandemic Framework for Business Planning

This study aims to identify the sustainability of business during the pandemic and reflect on the process of creating a post pandemic plan. It includes a project management plan, research methodology, data analysis, and recommendations. The study focuses on a case study of Marks & Spencer and aims to investigate how organizations can form a post pandemic framework for effective business practices aligned with enhanced employee retention.

HOW TO CREATE A POST
PANDEMIC FRAMEWORK
FOR BUSINESS PLANNING

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY..................................................................................................................................3
P1 aim and objectives..................................................................................................................3
Aim –...........................................................................................................................................3
Objectives –.................................................................................................................................3
Research questions -....................................................................................................................3
P2 project management plan........................................................................................................4
P3.................................................................................................................................................5
P4.................................................................................................................................................7
P5.................................................................................................................................................9
P6 Recommendations................................................................................................................16
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19
Books and Journals....................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION
Business planning refers to the document which elaborates briefly about aim and objectives of
corporate reflecting over planning strategies for achieving desired goals. It layouts road map for
business from phases like financial, marketing and operational standpoints. In this present study
it would identify sustainability of business during pandemic. It will reflect over process to put
post pandemic plan by relevant initiatives. Furthermore, it would collect data by utilizing
particular methodology and make suitable conclusions for present practices being implemented
in organization. By the help of Gantt Chart and Work breakdown structure it will reflect over
categories and sub categories of various task which is to be performed and timeline highlighting
time taken for completing the activity. At the end it would cover recommendations on the basis
of findings figured out in previous stages.
MAIN BODY
P1 aim and objectives
Aim –
To investigate how organization form post pandemic framework in order to make effective
business practices aligned with enhanced employee retention. A case study on: Marks &
Spencer.
Objectives –
 To investigate changes in organization aligned with post pandemic planning
 To study concept of employee retention
 To evaluate contribution of post pandemic planning in promoting employee retention at
M&S
 To recommend appropriate strategies to M&S to deal with challenging aspects effectively
Research questions -
 What does concept of post pandemic plan signify?
 What is the concept of employee retention?
 How does post pandemic planning contributes towards employee retention?
Examples of two businesses with respect to the initiative taken to support organization during
emergencies

According to Nikitas and et.al., (2021), there are several competitive firms having vast
comparison with M&S and its effective business practices. In the context of Tesco, business
initiative is aligned with expanding into accumulation of new stores, adapting with fundamental
needs of customers. They aim to serve quality service to its customers across the world with
affordable price scheming strategy. Another competitive organization is Morrisons which seeks
to initiative for helping customers with money saving patterns over day to day fundamentals.
Also, there are strong possibilities of them all across with product specifications. Marks and
Spencers follows initiative concerned with sustainable and environmental aspects to build
sustainable future as dealing with multiple challenges. Thus, it is suggested for organization to
engage towards positive culture to enhance employee retention at workplace. Such
improvements in organization can led to better growth in industry and gaining competitive edge
in places.
P2 project management plan
Project management plan is framework which includes selection and assessment of all associated
features which is usually required to complete several tasks and activities aligned with overall
research. This plan will aid to segregate all task which is to be performed, and resources as well
as time it will take for completion. In this current research, project management plan would be
formulated by the following order:
Cost – In this phase, cost is essential factor which helps in ascertaining total amount demanded
for research completion. For performing various activities which is part of this research, it is
mandatory to have adequate amount of money to be allocated (Przybylowski, Stelmak and
Suchanek, 2021). In the present study the researcher will require in total to complete all activities
related to this research.
Scope – the scope of research cover contribution of post pandemic framework over business
practices and employees. Further, the research will exclusively based in UK.
Time – this is most fundamental aspect which helps in determining total time required to
complete the research from starting to end in systematic order. In this research 5 weeks of
duration would be required in order to complete bunch of activities and research. In the estimated
time period research will be done and it will enable to accomplish desired objectives of research.

Quality – Quality constraints are specifically utilized to identify reliability and validity for the
entire research which has been proposed. It is essential for researcher to ensure information
which has been collected is realistic and direct towards complete as well as comprehensive
quality management within research which is being undertaken.
Communication – it is one of the most crucial aspects in the plan which effectively contribute
towards successful completion of project. It is foremost to communicate with various parties
likely to be termed as respondents, stakeholders, management of corporate etc. to build the better
level of communication with them. It ensures that all outcomes of this research have accuracy
and justifications as it will be helpful for accomplishing main aim behind this research.
Risk – there are various risk factors aligned with research conducing process and this might arise
conspicuously and further required to be ascertained prior to research. Formulating correct
measures for fulfilling such risk factors in advance will assist in better approach for completing
successful research. Data accuracy which is gathered would be significant risk through which
researcher might have to deal with in current research.
Resources – the resources indicate assets which is mandatory for researcher to have having
technological and human resources assistance for making the research completion successful.
P3
WBS & Gantt chart

Gantt chart

Network diagram
On the basis of above network diagram, the critical path indicates that the project would take 90
days to complete.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses

 Team members are having advanced
knowledge & skills which is useful in
identifying the gap in planning to
develop effective business planning
framework.
 Mailed questionnaire make the data
collection easier & cheap.
 Low budget and poor skills of project
manager makes the quantitative data
analysis difficult.
 Risk of time overrun do not allow for
conducting face to face interview of
the research participants.
Opportunities Threats
 Competitor’s inability to plan
effectively makes the recommendation
of employee retention policies to
M&S easier.
 Advance analytical skills is helpful in
data analysis.
 Established firms like John Lewis &
Next plc are giving tough competition.
 The rise in the number of online tools
for business planning framework.
P4
Research methodology
In this section, the techniques and tools that would be used for collecting & analyzing data would
be discussed with reference to managing a project. Further, the discussion would indicate the
type, philosophy and approach that the researcher would adopt in this project will be discussed.
Research type: There are two types of research, quantitative and qualitative. In case of the
former, the numeric data is collected or the qualitative data is converted into numeric terms while
performing the analysis of data (Gupta and Gupta, 2022). In case of the latter, the qualitative data
is gathered and analyzed by the researcher to get insights of experience, opinions, attitudes, etc.
With regards to the identification of how business planning framework could be created in the
post pandemic period, the researcher would be going to conduct qualitative research to determine
how business planning have changed within M&S in the post pandemic scenario.

Research Philosophy: Researcher commonly used two types of philosophies while gathering
and analyzing data that is, interpretivism and positivism for qualitative and quantitative research
respectively. Interpretivism deals with non-numeric data where the subjective view based on the
observed phenomenon is analyzed while in case of positivism, factual knowledge about the
phenomenon is considered to be useful. In the present research, the interpretivism philosophy
would be used to analyze the business planning framework created by M&S in the post
pandemic time and accordingly, qualitative conclusions would be drawn.
Research approach: There are two approaches usually adopted by researcher which involves
inductive and deductive approach. The selection of approach depends on the type of research
where inductive approach is adopted for qualitative research while the deductive approach is
adopted for quantitative approach (Mishra and Alok, 2022). In this study, the researcher will
adopt inductive approach where the researcher would go from specific to general while
analyzing the data. In other words, how M&S have created framework for business planning in
the post pandemic time would be identified and evaluated by supporting it through what general
concepts and theories suggests.
Data collection: Usually two sources are referred to by the researcher to gather data that is,
primary sources and secondary sources. In this research, the data would be collected from both
of these sources and accordingly, the combination of primary and secondary data would be
presented in this research. For collecting primary data, the questionnaire has been framed and
mailed to the employees of M&S to gather information about the policies & plan in place to
support the emergency situation created by pandemic (Rumsey and et.al., 2022). For secondary
data, existing literature would be used along with evaluating how competitive organizations are
dealing with the emergencies caused by the pandemic.
Sampling: In this research, random sampling technique would be used to elect research
participants which would be comprises of employees of M&S. Accordingly, a sample of 30
employees would be created.
Data analysis: With regards to the qualitative study conducted by the researcher, the data
gathered qualitative data would be analyzed by adopting thematic analysis technique. In this, the
findings of the primary research are supported with the existing literature related to the research
issue (Acampora and et.al., 2022).

Ethical consideration: In order to comply with the ethical principles of research, the responses
of employees have been obtained after filling consent form with them. Further, no work of others
has been presented and wherever it is done, citation have been done appropriately.
Validity & reliability: To make sure that the reliable data has been gathered and presented, only
copyright protected sources have been used and accordingly inclusion of misleading data has
been avoided. Further, to ensure validity of data, only those sources have been referred which are
published after 2018.
P5
Data analysis
In this section of this project, the primary data that have been gathered through questionnaire will
be presented in the summarized form in order to draw valid conclusions. To analyze the data,
thematic analysis technique would be used where the findings of the primary research will be
supported with existing concepts and theories.
Theme: 1 – Majority of employees thought that the business decisions made by the
organization are in the best interest of them.
Do you think the organization is making business decisions in the best
interest of the employees post pandemic?
Frequency
Yes 22
No 8
Total 30

73%
27%
Do you think the organization is making
business decisions in the best interest of the
employees post pandemic?
Yes
No
Interpretation: Through the above graphical representation, it has been determined that 73% of
the M&S’s employees think that the organizational planning framework is created in the best
interest of them while 27% employees do not believe so. As per the view of Marston, Shore and
White (2020), it has been identified that employees are the most important asset of the business
without whom it is not possible for the business to attain their goals. Therefore, to ensure
sustainability of business, it is important to make decisions in favor of employees which would
definitely be helpful for the business in dealing with emergency situations like pandemic. If it is
not so, the sustainability of the business would be in danger.
Theme: 2 – Prioritization of employee’s well-being is identified as the best retention strategy
adopted by M&S post pandemic to ensure sustainability
What could be the best retention strategies that M&S management should
adopt post pandemic to ensure their sustainability?
Frequency
Re-examination of pay practices 7
Investment in employee’s career growth 6
Prioritization of employee well being 12
Support to employees in achieving work-life balance 5
Total 30

0
4
8
12 7 6
12
5
What could be the best retention strategies
that M&S management should adopt post
pandemic to ensure their sustainability?
Interpretation: Out of 30 employees, there are different strategies identified that M&S have
followed to ensure their sustainability post pandemic. 7 have said it is re-examination of pay
practices, 6 said it is investment in employee’s career growth, 12 said it is prioritization of
employee wellbeing and the remaining responded that it is greater support offered to employees
in attaining work-life balance. These findings are greatly aligned with the views of Barbarossa
(2020), who have identified that post pandemic companies are more focused towards the mental
and physical health of their employees and accordingly, are undertaking several well programs
such as reducing their stress, helping them in managing with the workload, etc. Through these
ways, the companies are ensuring that they would not lose their talented candidates to
competitors.
Theme: 3 – Majority of employees satisfied with the ways adopted by M&S in managing
business & people post pandemic
Are you satisfied with the way M&S has managed its people and
business in the time of pandemic?
Frequency
Yes 20
No 10
Total 30

67%
33%
Are you satisfied with the way M&S has
managed its people and business in the time
of pandemic?
Yes
No
Interpretation: Around 67% employees found to be satisfied while 33% of the employees are not
satisfied with the ways M&S have management business & people during pandemic. Gurbuz and
Ozkan (2020) have identified that majority of businesses who are succeed in the managing its
people in alignment to the policies and procedures of the organizations are deemed as most
sustainable business of the contemporary world. Therefore, pandemic has made it mandatory for
businesses to adopt effect business & people management strategies to outsmart the competition.
Theme: 4 – Hybrid work model is identified as the best strategy adopted by M&S to support
business sustainability during pandemic?
What is the best strategy adopted by M&S to support business
sustainability in the time of pandemic?
Frequency
Hybrid work model 16
Acceleration of digitalization 8
Employee empowerment to make them productive & happier 6
Total 30

Hybrid work model Acceleration of
digitalization
Employee
empowerment to make
them productive &
happier
0
4
8
12
16
16
8 6
What is the best strategy adopted by M&S to support
business sustainability in the time of pandemic?
Interpretation: Out of 30 participants, 16 favored hybrid work model, 8 favored acceleration of
digitalization and 6 favored employee empowerment as the best strategy that M&S has adopted
post pandemic to support organizational sustainability. Hybrid work model is the most common
strategy found to be adopted by most businesses because employees are not desiring to come
back to office post pandemic and for the retention of talent individuals, businesses are adopting
such working models (Pedersen and Ritter, 2020).
Theme: 5 – Yes, M&S management take their employee’s suggestions to ensure
organizational sustainability post pandemic
Does the company take employee suggestions to ensure
organizational sustainability in the post pandemic period?
Frequency
Yes 18
No 5
Don’t know 7
Total 30

18
5
7
Does the company take employee suggestions to
ensure organizational sustainability in the post
pandemic period?
Yes
No
Don’t know
Interpretation: About 60% of the respondents agreed that M&S took their employee’s
suggestions while 17% have disagreed and 23% gave neutral response to the same. Employee’s
suggestions should always be taken while making major business decisions because it provides
current information and variety of ideas to solve the stated problem (Moreno and et.al., 2021).
Further, when suggestions are obtained from employees, they feel valued and accordingly, their
productivity and morale gets enhanced leading to better performance of the business.
Theme: 6 – Changing work culture is post pandemic trend noticed in the M&S’
organizational outlook
What post pandemic trends you have noticed in the
organizational outlook post pandemic?
Frequency
Changed work culture 18
Focus on employee well-being 8
Changing skill requirements 4
Total 30

0
8
16
18
8 4
What post pandemic trends you have noticed
in the organizational outlook post pandemic?
Interpretation: On asking about the trends showing different organizational outlook post
pandemic, 18 said it is changed work culture, 8 said it is greater focus on employee wellbeing
while 4 said it is changing skill requirements. According to 6, it has been identified that many
companies have still not stared work from office indicating remote working trends. Also, work-
life balance is considered as equally important as salary because after spending long time with
family and loved ones it is important there is a greater need realized with reference to focusing
on family members and improved quality of life (Bai, Quayson and Sarkis, 2021). Thirdly,
employee’s wellbeing is regarded as the most important element of the work culture because it
they would not be well, then the organizational success would definitely hamper.
Theme: 7 – Majority of employees believed that M&S is having appropriate strategy in place
to deal with the changing market requirements post pandemic
Do you think your organization has appropriate strategy in place
to deal with the changing market requirement post pandemic?
Frequency
Yes 21
No 9
Total 30

21
9
Do y o u t h i n k y o u r o r g a n i z a t i o n h a s a p p r o p r i a t e
s t r a t e g y i n p l a c e t o d e a l wi t h t h e c h a n g i n g
m a r k e t r e q u i r e m e n t p o s t p a n d e m i c ?
Yes No
Interpretation: Out of 30 employees, 21 responded that M&S’s strategy was appropriate with
respect to the changing market requirement post pandemic. However, 9 do not think so. As per
the investigation of 7, those businesses that are not succeed in adopting appropriate strategies
post pandemic are found to be failed in the market but several businesses have found to be
getting succeed in the market by taking the problems resulting from pandemic as an opportunity.
P6 Recommendations
From the above data analysis, it is clearly observed that organization is in practice to make better
sustainable aspects into their business practices favouring them to gain competitive advantage
but yet some strategies needs to be improved (Mouratidis and Papagiannakis, 2021). It can be
stated that corporate require to address multiple concerns which are lacking behind in their
process and it can be implemented in by following steps:
 In terms to minimize employee turnover and sustainability and post pandemic plans can
be improved looking further for various assumptions related to organizational benefits in
marketplaces.
 It is mandatory to have regular inputs from individuals about improvements or some
specific changes that could be made so employee feel valued. Also, they can focus over
online facilities as well to make their business concerns specific and clear which enables
various lucrative opportunities.

 Another suggestive measure for firm which can be developed is making effective
resources and investment choices. This will serve Marks & Spencer with plan to set a
quality output for individual business units, service lines and product as well. This will
interact higher level of working criteria being followed in the organization and provide
chance to employees to collaborate with others.
 Lastly, it is recommended for organization to must comply with eco- friendly packaging
aspects specially in their online facilities. It helps in cutting down the cost for amount of
packaging utilized in bundling products as well as it increases the possibilities of sales to
higher extent.
LO4
P7 Reflection
From the entire research stated above it has served with access to find out the major findings
from which I learnt various aspects and developed my skills and knowledge. First of all there
were multiple problematic concerns which occur when I was conducting this research and it
created difficulties for me in the completion of project. While discussing about skills, time
management was most highlighted concern or issue by which I was unable to make completion
of project and meeting with fundamental requirements. Furthermore, in preparation of this
research I assumed that, due to studying every aspect in depth direct towards delay in work
completion of several tasks and activities and some milestones. It increased my knowledge as I
get to know proper planning is one of the most fundamental aspect and it can be performed
effectively through correct implementation and smart working methodologies (Munawar and
et.al., 2021). Apart from this, while conducting data analysis I observed that my research and
analytical skills was extremely well. I have collected data from respondents, I was having ability
t ascertain that interpretation and analysing of data can be done in rapid ways. In my opinion I
can say that my thought process tends to flow in systematic order whereby I can clearly
segregate several activities. overall, I have learnt how research is planned with limited resources
such as time and money constraints which I general available. Moreover, research completion
was extremely perceptive procedure as I learnt about new fundamental aspects related to my
capabilities and my working procedure.

CONCLUSION
From the above text, it has been identified significance of sustainability aspects for organization
and implementing post pandemic planning in business. The research determined in systematic
manner in which Marks and Spencer can improve post pandemic practices as improving positive
impact within their culture. Furthermore, research is assessed with several methods which were
available for conducting research effectively. At the end of report, researcher has presented
reflective statement covering overall learning aspects that were developed and recommendations
are also provided for organization to adapt with some effective strategies for better output.

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