Strategic Analysis: Labor Practices and Roman Originals Performance

This report analyzes the strategic development of Roman Originals, a UK-based ladies clothing retailer, focusing on the impact of unfavorable labor practices on its performance. It examines the ethical implications of past child labor issues, evaluating research methodologies and ethical considerations. The report outlines clear research objectives, including SMART targets, and identifies strategic directions for the company, such as implementing ethical labor practices, employee engagement, and marketing strategies. It also provides a critical evaluation of strategic solutions, utilizing the Ansoff matrix to explore market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification strategies. The report emphasizes the importance of enterprise, innovation, and organizational learning, along with anticipating and responding to changes in the strategic environment using the Kurt Lewin change model. The conclusion highlights the need for ethical conduct and strategic adaptation to ensure long-term success and maintain a positive brand image.

Report
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................3
1. Outlining the impact of unfavorable labor practices on performance of Roman Originals....3
2. Evaluating the methods of research and tools ........................................................................4
3. Discussing ethical consideration of research...........................................................................4
4. Outlining clear research objectives, using SMART targets.....................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
Identifying, evaluating and justifying using sound arguments a new strategic direction............5
Critically evaluating strategic solution........................................................................................5
Demonstrating the ability to consider enterprise and innovation during learning activities.......6
Anticipating and responding flexibility and creativity to the changing strategic environment of
the organization ...........................................................................................................................7
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10
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INTRODUCTION
Strategic development of an organization is the important task which assists corporation
to integrate all business activities and support corporation to increase overall rate of return in the
marketplace. Present report is based on Roman originals which provides ladies clothing in High
Street of UK. Basically the firm aims to design products in accordance with requirement of
customers. The company applies appropriate strategies to build good relationship with suppliers
and ensure to maintain higher quality of all its products and services. Furthermore, study covers
research proposal and innovative approach through which strategic direction can be given to
business.
TASK 1
Aim
To assess impact unfavorable labor practices on performance of Roman Originals
1. Outlining the impact of unfavorable labour practices on performance of Roman Originals
The ethical conduct of business is the most important task which determines its long run
success with increased rate of return. Current investigation will be based on work related ethical
issue of Roman Originals under which business is suffering from unethical practices will be
taken into account. It is because corporation face issue related to blue and black color dress
which was manufactured with inclusion of labour child (McElroy, 2014). It is considered as the
unethical practices which affected performance of corporation to a great extent (Leonidou and et.
al., 2013). However, appropriate implementation of social media marketing strategy made it
possible to increase sales turnover and improve performance of business in the marketplace
(Müller and et. al., 2016).
The company producing its product in Haryana (India) associated with doznes of children
helping to produce clothes. The age of those kids were almost 13, 14 who supported business to
offer its good quality of products to the ends users. Roman originals possess long history in the
ladies clothing. It is developed over several years of servicing the high street.
2. Evaluating the methods of research and tools
Research methodology is the most important aspect through which researcher collect data
and analyze the same for producing valid outcome. The current study on assessing impact of
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unfavorable labour practices, qualitative type of investigation will be applied under which
researcher relies upon secondary data basically (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). Here, articles and
news published on the business will be accessed so as to gather proper evidence and propose the
effective solution for firm (Bryman, 2015). Owing to this, only secondary will be collected and
qualitative type of investigation will be used for analysis of collected information (Fening,
Appiah and Frempong, 2015). This has been taken as it presents the methods that will be used
for gathering information.
3. Discussing ethical consideration of research
Ethic is the most important aspect considered in the research and any other related
activity. Here, researcher must focus on ethical standard of doing researcher so as to present the
outcome which can be used by beneficial party. In the current research on impact of unfavorable
labor practices, scholar consider previous studies to collect necessary information and cite for the
same in an effectual manner (Ritchie and et. al., 2013). Apart from this, in case of participants of
human being, researcher will ensure to record information with confidentiality and not any
personal information will be included. It would be effective to ensure ethical conduct of entire
research proposal and meet the research objectives in a more effective manner. In addition to
this, outcome of the present research will be same as the previous studies as it will not slightly
different. In this manner, outcome will be same as other studies and bring froth valid suggestions
for issues which are being faced by Roman Originals (Harriss and Atkinson, 2015).
4. Outlining clear research objectives, using SMART targets
The present research would focus on understanding the concept of labour practices and
its link with organizational success. Further it provide evidence about unethical labour practices
implemented in Roman Originals. Along with this it offer suggestions for ethical conduct of
business and good performance of Roman Originals.
TASK 2
Identifying, evaluating and justifying using sound arguments a new strategic direction
The strategic direction of firm is determined with active participation of all management
working at upper level. They incorporate their ideas and suggestions so that accordingly they can
contribute towards success of the business in the marketplace (Hounslea, 2017). However,
unethical labour practices affect performance of corporation to a great extent (Weiss, 2014). At
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this juncture, effective labour practices can be implemented under which equality will be
considered and all workforce are engaged in the decision making process (Kaptein, 2015).
Similarly, regulations set by government must be considered through which management
will not focus upon child labour and others. In this manner, company can evaluate the internal
strategy for recruitment and selection as well as training & development of existing workforce.
On the other hand, motivational strategies can be adopted along with appropriate marketing
strategies. Here, firm will display information related to ethical conduct and extra reward offered
to workforce for putting their efforts (Moore, 2015). Apart from this employee will be trained
towards working in effective way so that business can attain long run success in the marketplace
with the increased rate of return.
Critically evaluating strategic solution
The strategic solution proposed for management of Roman Originals is to engage
employees in decision making process. With the involvement of the employees in decision new
ideas can be gained. This would assist the firm in attaining targets within minimal duration of
time. It enables stakeholders to involve in the decision making process so that accordingly issues
which are being faced by corporation can be managed in a most effective manner (Hoffman,
Frederick and Schwartz, 2014).
Strategic direction
The strategic solution of business can also be implemented by focusing upon application
of suitable model which lay emphasis of suitable course of action (Weiss, 2014). Here, Ansoff
matrix can be applied by Roman Originals under which four options are provided which are
explained as follows-
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(Source: Edraw Ansoff Matrix. 2017)
Here, the first strategy can be related to market penetration wherein management explore
existing market along with existing products. For this purpose, marketing strategy can be
changed for grabbing attention of more buyers. It can be critically evaluated that, customer might
shift from one to another brand where it becomes necessary to opt suitable strategy like club card
scheme etc. Furthermore, existing marketplace is used with new product which is generally
called as strategy of product development. At this juncture, trench coat can be introduced for
meeting expectations of buyers. Generally people living in UK follow the same kind of trend,
hence it would be convenient for Roman Originals to create competitive edge in the new market.
Furthermore, new market can be explored along with existing product., This strategy can be risk
but management can easily track over sales turnover. It has been determined that firm can make
adoption of strategy that is new product development so that it is able to perform well in market
place. Also it would help it in building sound image in the market.
For this purpose, company can expand in Africa or India or Brazil like emerging
countries. It can be critically evaluated that issue may be faced because of existing product as
customers of another country might go for different kind of products. In addition to this,
diversification strategy is the most effective under which Roman Originals can go for new
product with new market. Here, company can specifically focuses upon party wear gown by
introducing itself in China or India. At the same time, kids wear can also be introduced by
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increasing product range through which firm can create competitive edge in the marketplace. In
this manner strategic direction can be given by selecting the diversification strategy.
It can be implemented by accessing cost effective source of finance such as bank loan or
hiring local labour from India, if business is to be expanded in the same country. The loan can be
taken so that it can be repaid within fixed duration of time. Further in order to save the cost the
firm can hire employees from India as they can be hired within less cost.
Demonstrating the ability to consider enterprise and innovation during learning activities
The enterprise and innovation both aspects are considered by Roman Originals for
managing good performance in the corporation. At this juncture, management uses appropriate
approach for evaluation of the implemented strategy. For this purpose, trust is developed among
managers and colleagues for promoting appropriate work practices (Shanahan and Seele, 2016).
It facilitates to support mutual learning so that accordingly competitive edge of the business is
created in the marketplace through which it becomes easy to meet expectations of all related
stakeholders.
Furthermore, entrepreneurial aspect can be applied in order to assess the effectiveness of
implemented strategy in term of rate of return and cost of production as well as customer base.
Apart from this, appropriate evaluation model is applied by Roman Originals to assess the
whether company is having ethical aspects or not. It will also be assessed that whether
stakeholders of firm are happy after implementation of innovation or not. It would be effective to
uncover lacking areas and work upon the same so as to increase overall rate of return and meet
the expectations of related parties in an effectual manner (Ceylan, 2013).
Apart from this, organization learning can be made possible only with appropriate
evaluation and monitoring of different business activities. In this manner, corporation can easily
apply its gathered knowledge for ensuring its betterment for longer time span. Apart from this,
recent ethical issue related to child labour was also like a learning as it highlighted poor image of
the business in the marketplace. Owing to this, it important to follow the most effective aspect
for catering requirement of business and contributing towards increasing overall rate of return of
the same. Apart from this, Roman Originals would be able to maintain its higher performance
along with compliance of ethical principles (Bonache and Trullen, 2015).
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Anticipating and responding flexibility and creativity to the changing strategic environment of
the organization
The changing strategic environment must be supported by management of Roman
Originals so that workforce can be motivated to a great extent. For this purpose, Kurt Lewin
mode of change can be applied under which reasons for resisting change and strategies to
implement change are implemented. It is the three step procedure under which unfreezing,
transforming and refreezing are covered. At the first step consumption is done along with open
information and getting people used to the idea (Aagaard and Andersen, 2014). This proves to be
effective to take appropriate decision so that accordingly necessary changes in company are
implemented. Furthermore, company will make the hr workforce understand related to need of
change in the employment practices (The role of HRM in innovation processes, 2013).
However, they will be communicated regarding introduction of new technologies,
product and processes as well as other related techniques. It facilitates to determine long run
success of corporation in the marketplace. At very first stage management of Roman Originals
are communicated regarding need of changes and not involving child labour in manufacturing
clothes. At the same time, marketing department will also be informed to update the professional
site of the business by adding its ethical practices (McElroy, 2014). A small clip of video can
also be uploaded on portal so that accordingly audience can be come to know about updated
procedures or practices of business.
In addition to this, new techniques are implemented for clear communication with
employees regarding task to be done. It proves to be effective to meet the expectations of buyers
and make them aware that company values for their specific needs (Stock, Totzauer and
Zacharias, 2014). It is because when Roman Originals follows the ethical practices then it
becomes easy for workforce to get higher level of motivation and sense of satisfaction. It aids to
cater need of personnel and support them in achieving long as well as short term objectives on
right time.
In this manner, two stages of change model are applied by Roman Originals to bring the
necessary changes in HR practices and provide comfortable working condition to them.
However, the last stage reflects refreezing under which set pattern is followed for hr department
for selection and recruitment of employees. (Goetsch and Davis, 2014). It can be critically
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evaluated that, participation, force & support as well as negotiation are some of the strategies
which can be implemented by firm in order to accomplish long as well as short term objectives.
It can be critically evaluated that force & support strategy might affect performance of business
at certain point of time due to lack of motivation among respective department like HR. For this
purpose, management of Roman Originals ensure to educate HR department and middle level
management who directly deal with personnel.
Team work is promoted to a great extent wherein company ensures that all workforce are
integrated in order to implement the proposed strategy,. However, the current strategy of Roman
Originals is related to bringing innovation in HR practices which is not going to create
difficulties (Leonidou and et. al., 2013). Furthermore, management of Roman Originals follow
the set pattern where climate of change is created and then entire company is engaged along with
implementation of sustainable change at workplace. Meanwhile, HR department will be
appreciated for its better performance and contribution towards organizational success for longer
time span. Here, urgency is created in the firm as due to child labour and selection of right kind
of material in producing of clothes.
CONCLUSION
The aforementioned report concludes that ethical aspect of business plays important task
for its long run survival in the marketplace. It assists stakeholders to ensure their participation
and cooperation in the decision making process. It can also be said that innovative practices
related to management of workforce is also the most important aspect which needed change in
HR department as well as middle and lower level management. This aids to ensure competitive
edge of the business in the marketplace. Furthermore, implementation of change model make it
possible to implement changes in more successful manner.
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REFERENCES
Journals and books
Aagaard, A. and Andersen, T., 2014. How can HR practices support front-end innovation and
increase the innovativeness of companies?. European Journal of International
Management. 8(5). pp.488-505.
Bonache, J. and Trullen, J., 2015. The acceptance of newly introduced HR
practices. International Journal of Manpower. 36(3). pp.334-353.
Bryman, A., 2015. Social research methods. Oxford university press.
Ceylan, C., 2013. Commitment-based HR practices, different types of innovation activities and
firm innovation performance. The International Journal of Human Resource Management.
24(1). pp.208-226.
Fening, F.A., Appiah, M.A. and Frempong, E.O., 2015. The Role of Business Ethics on
Business Practices in Ghana. The International Journal of Business & Management. 3(9).
p.47.
Goetsch, D.L. and Davis, S.B., 2014. Quality management for organizational excellence.
Pearson.
Harriss, D.J. and Atkinson, G., 2015. Ethical standards in sport and exercise science research:
2016 update. International journal of sports medicine. 36(14). pp.1121-1124.
Hoffman, W.M., Frederick, R.E. and Schwartz, M.S. eds., 2014. Business ethics: Readings and
cases in corporate morality. John Wiley & Sons.
Kaptein, M., 2015. The effectiveness of ethics programs: The role of scope, composition, and
sequence. Journal of Business Ethics. 132(2). pp.415-431.
Leonidou, L.C. and et. al., 2013. Business unethicality as an impediment to consumer trust: The
moderating role of demographic and cultural characteristics. Journal of Business Ethics.
112(3). pp.397-415.
McElroy, R.W., 2014. Morality and American foreign policy: the role of ethics in international
affairs. Princeton University Press.
Moore, G., 2015. Virtue in Business: Conversations with Aristotle, by Edwin M. Hartman.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013. 272 pp. ISBN 978-1-107-03075-
6. Business Ethics Quarterly. 25(04). pp.587-589.
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Müller, R. and et. al., 2016. Governance and Ethics in Temporary Organizations: The Mediating
Role of Corporate Governance.
Ritchie, J. and et. al., 2013. Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students
and researchers. Sage.
Shanahan, F. and Seele, P., 2016. Ethics and the Development of Reputation Risk at Goldman
Sachs 2008–2010. In Order Ethics: An Ethical Framework for the Social Market
Economy (pp. 329-347). Springer International Publishing.
Stock, R.M., Totzauer, F. and Zacharias, N.A., 2014. A Closer Look at Cross‐Functional R&D
Cooperation for Innovativeness: Innovation‐Oriented Leadership and Human Resource
Practices as Driving Forces. Journal of Product Innovation Management. 31(5). pp.924-
938.
Weiss, J.W., 2014. Business ethics: A stakeholder and issues management approach. Berrett-
Koehler Publishers.
Online
Edraw Ansoff Matrix. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.edrawsoft.com/ansoffmatrixtemplate.php>. [Accessed on 16th January
2017].
Hounslea, T., 2017. Dress debate. [Online]. Available through:
<https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33647/1/gupea_2077_33647_1.pdf>. [Accessed on
14th January 2017].
The role of HRM in innovation processes. 2013. [Pdf]. Available through:
<https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33647/1/gupea_2077_33647_1.pdf>. [Accessed on
14th January 2017].
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