Analyzing the Impact of Training and Development on Employee Productivity and Performance within UK Retail Sector: A Study on Marks and Spencer

This dissertation analyzes the impact of training and development on employee productivity and performance within the UK retail sector, with a focus on Marks and Spencer. It explores the concept and types of training and development, the need for training and development in Marks and Spencer, challenges faced by the company, and the impact of training and development on employee productivity and performance.

Dissertation
(Analyse the impact of training and
development on employee productivity
and performance within UK retail
sector)
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Overview of the topic ..................................................................................................................3
Background of the organisation ..................................................................................................3
Research problem ........................................................................................................................4
Research aim and objective ........................................................................................................4
Research question........................................................................................................................5
Structure of the dissertation ........................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................6
The concept and types of training and development in the context of retail sector?...................6
Conceptual framework related to training and development.......................................................8
The need of training and development in Marks and Spencer to increases the productivity and
performance of employee?...........................................................................................................8
The challenges faced by Marks and spencer due to absence of effective training and
development program within workplace?..................................................................................10
The impact of training and development on employee productivity and performance of Marks
and Spencer?..............................................................................................................................12
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................................14
Research limitation....................................................................................................................17
DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS .........................................................................................18
Frequency distribution table......................................................................................................18
Data interpretation.....................................................................................................................20
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .........................................................................32
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................32
Recommendation.......................................................................................................................32
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................36
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................39
Questionnaire.............................................................................................................................39
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INTRODUCTION
Overview of the topic
In the present competitive era training and development is considered as one of the
important human resource management practice for organisation. Companies achieve success as
well as grow in the market with talented employee within their working space. Most of the
organisation are focusing on providing effective training and development session to their
employee to increase employee performance and productivity in effective way. The overall
personality of the employee is being developed with the help of effective learning and coaching
(Rahayu, Rasid and Tannady, 2019). The business whose has skilled and trained employee has
more success rate as compared to those whose has semi-skilled workers. Moreover, continuous
training and development improves the efficiency of the employee over a period of time.
Training and development is an educational activity or session that is provided within the
organisation to improve the job performance and productivity of the individual or group of
people. These program helps in advancing the knowledge and skills of the employee so that they
can bring more productivity within their work (Blumberga and Salmina, 2018). In recent time the
competition in the market is increased in large manner and to gain competitive advantage and
reduce the pressure it is vital for the company to train their employee and develop them
according to the changes. Through this capability within the employee is being developed so that
they can work productivity and cope up with the changes in best way. It is also seen that the
training and development program supports the business operation and function in effective way
an improve the overall business performance in sound manner (Murugesan and Mani, 2019).
One of the greatest advantage that is received by effective training and development is that it
combines the organisational and employee goal with similar objective. Thus, the topic is being
selected by the researcher in order to find the impact and importance of training and
development for organisation and employee (Cooc, 2019).
Background of the organisation
For knowing the importance of training and development the chosen business organisation
is Marks and Spencer. M&S is the major British multinational retailing brand with headquarter
located in Paddington, England. The company is specialised in selling clothing, food, home
furniture and beauty product. Marks and Spencer was founded in the year 1884 by Thomas
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Spencer and Michael Marks. The company serve millions of customer across globe. It is located
in more than 1463 location across worldwide. In UK most of the store of Marks and Spencer sell
food product through both online and offline mode (Forbes, 2022). Some of the brands which are
under Marks and Spencer are as Rosie, Goodmove, Autograph, Blue Harbour, Boutique etc.
there are approximately 78000 employee works under the brand. So the main reason for
choosing the company is knowing the importance of training and development session on the
employee performance.
Research problem
The main research problem which is identified in the current investigation is that
ineffective training and development largely impact the worker’s performance and productivity.
The absence of training session largely affects the employee motivation level. The unplanned
and unsystematic training program also impact employee flow of learning. Employee and
workers that are not trained properly will work in lesser way as well as the quality of their work
is low. Lesser skills and knowledge is developed which lead to lower performance and
productivity (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2019). Employee
engagement with the work also depend upon the types of training provided by them. This is
because with learning session a connection of the staff with their work is being made, training
and development helps the employee to effectively interact with the work and job they would do.
Thus, lack of training and development among the workforce largely impact the performance and
productivity. With trained employee organisation can attain their goal in timely manner and will
also able to attract pool of talents within the company (Ivana, 2020).
Research aim and objective
Research aim:
To analyse the importance of training and development on employee productivity ad
performance within the UK retail industry: A study on Marks and Spencer
Research objective:
 To understand the concept and types of training and development in the context of retail
sector
 To analyse the need of training and development in Marks and Spencer to increases the
productivity and performance of employee
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 To identify the challenges faced by Marks and spencer due to absence of effective
training and development program within workplace
 To analyse the impact of training and development on employee productivity and
performance of Marks and Spencer
Research question
 What is the concept and types of training and development in the context of retail sector?
 What is the need of training and development in Marks and Spencer to increases the
productivity and performance of employee?
 What are the challenges faced by Marks and spencer due to absence of effective training
and development program within workplace?
 What is the impact of training and development on employee productivity and
performance of Marks and Spencer?
Structure of the dissertation
Chapter that is covered in the present research report are as:
Introduction: In this chapter all the necessary information about the topic is being
included such as research aim and objective, significance of the study, research problem,
research rational
(Svihla and Boling, 2020).
Literature review: It is the second chapter in the research which discussed previous data
of the selected topic. different authors and researcher view point is being discussed in this
chapter.
Research methodology: This is that chapter which select the different methodology to
gather and analyse data for the study. Using this aim and objective is attained in valid and
reliable manner (Leshner and Scherer, 2018).
Data analysis and findings: The fourth chapter in the research is data analysis and
finding. This is the chapter in which raw data for the study is being measure in order to gain
useful information.
Conclusion and recommendation: The last chapter is conclusion and recommendation.
This is the chapter in which overall summary of the investigation is being provided and in
recommendation section some suggestion is given to mitigate the challenges (Leavy, 2020).
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LITERATURE REVIEW
The concept and types of training and development in the context of retail sector?
According to the point of view of Rees and Smith (2021) training and development is the
term of improving the skills and knowledge of the employee for better productivity and
performance of the organisation. It is known as the learning process which is helps the
employees to get the opportunity to develop the competency, skills and knowledge for their
effective performance. Training and development is referring to the one of the most important
part for any organisation or industry because it is the educational activity within an organisation
to develop and create the skills and knowledge of the employee to attain the many competitive
advantages. Training and development play a vital role in designing the better job performance
of a group and individual. It is the part of Human resource management because the HR manager
are able to trained and develop the skills and knowledge of the employees. There are basically
four types of training and development such as receptive, guided discovery, directive and
exploratory. In context to retail sector, training and development is the important part of human
resource practices which is helps in growing the competition with the market. Many of the
retailers understand the need of training and development of employee because it is help to
increase the profitability and productivity of the industry. Training and development in term of
retail sector helps to enhance the employee performance for achieving the industry’s goals and
objectives (Moriuchi and et.al., 2021). Employee training and development is necessary because
it is help the employees to improve their performance and productivity for their job and
overcoming from the performance gaps. Training and development program helps to provide the
many benefits within the retail sector such as enhance employee performance, reduce the
employee turnover, improving the company’s culture, and boost the employee productivity. In
other words, training development is an effective term for every company or industry because it
is providing the sessions and programs for the employee’s development to boost their morale and
productivity for increasing the performance of the organisation. Training and development of the
employees can be done though HR of the company. There are many types of training and
development which is helps to enhancing the skills and knowledge of the employees for
achieving the goals and objectives of the retail sector.
In the opinion to the concept of Dana and et.al., (2021) training and development is refers
to the development of skills and knowledge of the employee in order to attain the competitive
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benefits within the organisation. Training and development is the term of Human resource
management where the HR are able to manage the performance and productivity of the
employees as well as organisation by providing the program and session of training and
development. It is the learning process for the employees because with the help of training and
development, they are able to increase their knowledge and skills towards their better
performance and productivity. There are many types of training and development which includes
oriented training, onboarding training, technical skills training, soft skills training and many
more. The types of training and development helps in improvement of performance, skills,
knowledge of the employees. In relation to retail industry or sector, training and development is
playing an important role in improving the employee retention, building a successful brand,
increasing the sales, increasing the profitability and many more. Training and development
within the Retail industry helps to provide the information of product and services to the
employee so, that they can clearly communicate with the customers about the product and
services of the organisation (Verma, Malhotra, and Singh 2020). Training and development can
reduce the staff turnover and hiring cost of retail industry. With the help of training and
development, employees of retail industry feel valued and recognised which is help to give them
their best performance for increasing the company’s productivity and achieved the goals and
objectives. In other words, the concept of training and development is known as the one of the
most important part for any organisation or company because it is helps to develop the
employee’s skills and knowledge in order to collect and achieved the competitive advantages for
the company. Training and development within retail industry helps in guidance of employee
which is provide proper information about the product and services so, they can easily
communicate with consumers. It is also helps to improve the retail performance and operation of
the company. Training and development is the strategy which is enhancing the employee
performance, reducing the employee turnover, boosting the employee productivity and also helps
to improve the company culture.
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Conceptual framework related to training and development
It is interpreted from the above diagram that training and development program provides benefits
to both employee and organisation. With the help of training and development program the
employees gets satisfied and improves their overall performance by learning new skills and
knowledge. The company get benefit of high market growth and enhanced performance in the
competitive environment. The employees also gets retained within the business for more period
of time for achieving the predetermined goals and objectives of the company in an effective
manner.
The need of training and development in Marks and Spencer to increases the productivity and
performance of employee?
As per the point of view of Yen Teng and Tzeng (2020) training and development is
necessary for improvement of employee because it is helps to develop their productivity and
performance by improving their skills and knowledge. In relation to Mark & Spencer, the need
of training and development in organisation to increase the productivity and performance of
employee. Training and development helps to increase the employee morale towards their work
and role. Training and development is necessary for company because it is helps to retain and
gain more top talent. It is increasing the job satisfaction and morale. It is helps to earn more
profit and improving the productivity as well. Training and development is helps to develop the
future leaders which can be vital in establishing the growth and evaluation of business. Training
and development need in Mark & Spencer helps to empowers the employees where the leaders
of company feel empowered and attaining effectiveness in influencing the employee and
building the trust. Training and development is necessary because it is helps to boosts the
workplace engagement by developing the skills of employee (Moreno-Menéndez and Casillas
2021). it is analysed that training and development play a vital role in increasing the productivity
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and performance of the employee's within the workplace. Training and development of employee
matters in the workplace because skilled and qualified employee are able to achieved the goals
and objectives of the company. Training and development is the process of eventuate the
performance of employee, identify the training needs, establish the objectives, selecting the
training methods and conduct & deliver the training. With the help of training and development,
employee are able to give their best performance towards the company and it is helps them to
increase their productivity and by improving the skills and knowledge of the company and
products. Training and development of employee needs within the Mark & Spencer helps to
developing the future performance and focused more on the growth of employees. The need of
training and development helps in save the time, money and resources because properly trained
employee are capable for attaining more success and growth in less time, resources and money.
According to the point of view of Aigbedo (2021) the need of training and development
within the Mark & Spencer play a effective role because it is helps to boost the employee's
productivity and performance for achieving the goals and objectives of the company. Training
and development needs within the organisation because it is increasing the profitability and
performance of the company by training and developing the employee's skills and knowledge for
attaining the success and growth. A well trained employee of the company is able to give the
effective and efficient performance for the company's success. The need of training and
development within Mark & Spencer is to improving the knowledge and skills of employees for
earning more profits and productivity. The need of training and development is increasing the
efficiency and productivity of employees. The need of training and development is to develop
the employee's skills for quantity and quality performance. Training and development needs
within the workplace is to increasing the stability and flexibility of the organisation. The need of
training and development is to heightened morale, increasing the future manpower needs, better
industrial relation, reduced the learning times, reduced risk at workplace, reduced supervision
and direction and many more (Camison and et.al., 2020). training and development is refer to the
integral part for the organisation because all the programs and process of employee development
can be done by the human resources management. Training and development of employees is
allows to acquire new skills and knowledge, be better leaders, perform better, increase
productivity which is the need for the company because a high skilled and trained employee can
achieved the success and growth and also increase the customer satisfaction. A well trained
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employee is able to increase the customer experience and satisfaction because they are able to
communicate with them smoothly and politely. For any company or organisation, the need of
training and development is necessary because it is helps to attain many competitive advantages
which are directed to compete within the market and achieving the more success and growth
with employee effective performance.
The challenges faced by Marks and spencer due to absence of effective training and development
program within workplace?
In the opinion to Thoradeniya and et.al., (2022) effective training and development is one
of the most important term for every organisation or company because it is helps in trained the
employees and developing their skills and knowledge for the organisation growth and success.
Training and developing of employees within the workplace is important because trained
employees are able to attain many competitive advantages such as increasing the productivity,
profitability, performance, growth, probability and many more. But if there is no training and
development of employee within the organisation then the company can face many challenges
and issues. In relation to Mark & Spencer, in the absence of training and development there are
many challenges has been faced by the company at workplace such as there is no productivity,
less work, lower quality, less knowledge and skill, less profit and many more. For better
understanding the challenges in the absence of training and development are given below-
Lack of employee development: employee development is one of the most important
part for every organisation or company because development of the employee's skills and
knowledge can helps to achieved many competitive advantages for the company such as
increasing profitability, customers, productivity, performance and many more but if there is no
training and development of employee Mark & Spencer faced that there is lack of employee
development which affects the overall performance of the employee and company as well
(Thoradeniya and et.al., 2020). It is affecting the productivity and profitability of the company
which recognised as the biggest disadvantage for the company.
Low rates of production: in the absence of training and development, company faced
that the production rates low due to lack of employee's training and development which is one of
the most difficult situation for the company. Low rates of production of the company can affects
the overall performance within the market which reduce the profitability, morale, performance,
production, motivation, skills, knowledge. Lack of training and development of employee
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directly affect on the operation and function of the business of company which reduce the
production at the workplace.
Poor performance: in the absence of effective training and development, the company
faced that employees are not able to give their best performance towards the company and its
function which is recognised as the big challenge. Poor performance of employees can affects
the company in many ways such as in competition market, poor working, low profitability and
productivity, lower quality and many more. Poor performance of the employees can harm the
company and its operation which affects on the performance, growth and success of the
company.
As per the view point of Prasad (2022) effective training and development is necessary
for increasing the employee's skills and knowledge towards their work and role because it is
important for them to know about their work role which they can give their best for attaining the
company's objectives and goals but if there is no effective training and development of
employees then it may create many challenges and issues for achieving the company success and
goals with effectiveness. In context to Mark & Spencer, there are many challenges and issues
which is faced by the company due to lack of training and development of employee which
affects all over performance and productivity of the company. The challenges are given below
for better understanding faced by Mark & Spencer such as-
Resulting in less profit: it is the competitive challenge which is faced by the company in
the absence of effective training and development. Poor performance, lack of knowledge and
skills of employees directly impact on the resulting in less profit because without training and
development in the workplace employees are not able in effective and efficient working
(Boshuizen, Gruber, and Strasser 2020). Resulting in less profit can affect the company in their
financial activities such as low production, low product and its quality and many more which is
reducing the number of customer within the organisation.
Poor quality of work: in the absence of effective training and development, the company
faced poor quality work from the employee because without training and development employee
are not able to develop their skills, knowledge about their work and role. Poor quality of work of
employees can affects the company and its performance directly which reduces its customers and
profitability as well. It is also affecting the image and reputation of the company. Employee poor
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work means attaining many disadvantages within the workplace such as financial, competition,
operational, functional, productivity and many more.
The impact of training and development on employee productivity and performance of Marks
and Spencer?
According to the point of view of Roopnarine and et.al., (2021) training and development
has many impacts on the employee productivity and performance of Mark & Spencer as it is
helps to develop the skills and knowledge of employee by providing the training session.
Training is the term of action that undertakes for teach the individual or person a particular type
or skills of behaviour. Training and development is the important term for organisation and
employees as well because it is directly impacting on achieving the business growth and
objectives. The impact of training and development of employees impacting on the learning
outcomes of employee which is developing towards their work and performance. The impact of
training and development is impacting on the productivity and performance of employee as well
as organisation because the aim of training and development is to provide the skills and
knowledge within the employees. Training and development is impacting the capabilities of
employees which is help to achieved the goals and objectives of company. The process of
training and development impacting on the employee morale because it is helps to boost the
motivation of the employees towards their work and role (Braganza and et.al., 2021). the training
and development impacting on retaining the top talented employee. It is impacting on increasing
the job satisfaction and morale. It is impacting on the profit because trained employee can attain
the many beneficial advantages. The impact of training and development helps to improve the
human relation, organisation efficiency, viability, flexibility and scalability and many more.
These all impacts of training and development on employee performance and productivity gained
by Mark & Spencer. The impacts of training and development attains many competitive
advantages for the Mark & Spencer in employee productivity and performance because training
process is only for the development of employee's skills and knowledge. Training and
development impacting on company's success and growth because training is the term which is
for employee to improve their performance. The impact of training and development increasing
the motivation and morale of the employee which is helps in achieving the goals and success of
company with effectiveness and efficiency.
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As per the point of view of Kumar (2021) there are many positive impacts of employee
training and development on their performance and productivity of Mark & Spencer. Training
and development impacting on the performance as it is helps to development the skills and
knowledge of the employees. Impact of training and development helps to attain many
advantages for the company such as increasing profitability, productivity, performance,
probability, customers and many more. The impact of training and development on performance
and productivity of the employee of Mark & Spencer is overall positive because training is the
term which is helpful for the employee and their development. A trained employees are able to
achieved the goals and objectives of the company which is the biggest advantages of the
company. With the help of training and development, employee are able to give their best for the
company which is helping the company to attain many opportunities and advantages (Irons and
Elkington 2021). the impact of training and development impacting the performance and
productivity of employees in many ways such as by motivating, provide online sessions,
boosting employee morale, encouraging them for better performance and many more. These all
impacts of training and development impacting the overall performance and productivity of the
company as well as its employee which is the biggest advantages for the Mark & Spencer. They
are analysed that impacts of training and development on performance and productivity helps to
increase the profitability of the company because trained employees are able to maintain the
productivity with the customers and attract them towards the company and its product and
services. There are many positive impacts of training and development which is gained by the
company in relation to boosts the performance and productivity which helps to attain company's
goals and objectives with effectiveness and efficiency. In other words, training and development
is the necessary term for every company or organisation because it is impacting on the growth
and future goals of the company by boosting the employee's productivity and performance.
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
It is one of the important section in the research because it helps in determine the kind of
data used for the investigation. It is also that part which discussed about the tool and method
used for gathering and analysing information for the study. Thus, research methodology is that
process that identify, analyse and interpret data for the study. Using the methodology right kind
of data in right time and right form is gathered and analysed. For researcher, this part is vital
because using this section they mitigate there two problems which are how data will be collected
and through which tool it will be analysed (Wang and Ngai, 2020). Apart from this the
participants and the reader of this section is also interested in knowing the overall validity of the
investigation. This validity depends upon the research method used for attaining aim and
objective of the study. Infact, the overall reliability of the research is also depended upon the way
the gaol is achieved. This section not know helps in analysing the method and technique used for
the investigation but also justify the reason for selecting a particular method. Research
methodology is divided into various sub stages which are discussed below so that the type and
tool used can be discussed (Goodman and Marshall, 2018).
Research philosophy: The very first stage of the research methodology is research
philosophy. This is that section which talks about the phenomenon used for understanding the
social world. Research philosophy also deal with the source, nature and development of the skills
and knowledge about society. The data is collected because with the assistance of that social
world can be recognised in accurate way. Research philosophy is one three types that are
positivism, interpretivism and realism. Positivism philosophy is chosen by the investigator when
they want to recognise society in objective way. interpretivism is selected when subject data is to
be used for categorising the community (Burkov and et. al., 2019) . In last, realism is the
combination of both positivism and interpretivism philosophy to gather and analyse data for the
study. According to the present investigation, the researcher of the study has opted for positivism
philosophy. The main reason is that using this generalised data is collected in more freedom and
valuable manner. Positivism philosophy also used those phenomena where objective data is used
for understand the social world. This also helps in recognising the pattern follow in the social
world about the chosen research topic (Berryman, 2019).
Research approach: The second layer of the research framework for collecting and
analysing the information is research approach. This stage also helps in addressing the research
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problem in accurate way. In this layer to address the problem identified investigator test the
hypothesis and theories so that aim and objectives can be attained appropriately. It is necessary
to address the problem because it assist the organisation to determine the solution which mitigate
the issue faced. There are two kinds of research approaches that are inductive and deductive
(Schwarz, Wienert and Bethge, 2019). Deductive is that analysis technique in which existing
hypothesis that is framed after the problem is identified is being addressed. On the other side, in
inductive approach first investigator gather the data and analyse the information after that new
themes are being made so that useful data can be presented. According to the current
investigation, investigator has chosen deductive approach for the study. The main advantage to
use this is quantitative data is used for addressing the research problem. With numerical data
valid and reliable solution is obtained for the problem faced that aid in mitigating the issue.
Apart, from this it also helps in determining the relationship between training and development
and employee performance in significant manner (Östman and Öhman, 2022).
Research strategy: One of the effective and useful layer in the research methodology is
research strategy. This is that step by step procedure that collects data for the study. Using this
researcher gets the direction and path through which they can obtain data for their thought and
ides to carry the investigation. Using the research strategy, the quality data to conduct the
investigation in right manner is obtained. There are various types of research strategy such as
survey, experimental research, case study, focused group, action research and many more.
Survey strategy is used when data is collected from wider population. Case study strategy is
considered when in depth secondary data is needed to get solution for real time problem and
many other (Fay, 2018). As per the current research study, researcher has opted for survey
research strategy. The main advantage to use this is large quantity of numerical data can be
obtained. This is because using this strategy wider population of the people can be targeted at
single time. Survey research strategy is also one of the cost effective way and also requires less
time to gather information. For quantitative data it is also one of the convenient data collecting
strategy (Yang and et. al., 2022).
Research choice: It is very important for the investigator to make a wise decision for to
choose right research method. the reason is it helps in carrying the investigation in right path.
Research method is classified into three parts that are qualitative research, quantitative research
and mixed research. Quantitative research is the process for gathering and analysing numerical
15

data for the investigation. Qualitative is the method in which data in text is gathered and
analysed. At last, mixed method the name itself say combination of both numerical and non-
numerical information (Hanna and et. al., 2020). As per the study, researcher has opted for
quantitative research method. The key purpose for this is information is in number and figure
that show valid result. This method also explains the reason about the phenomenon in factual
manner. apart from that the second main reason for opting this it is economical in nature as lesser
cost and time is required to gather information (de Campos and et. al., 2018).
Time horizon: The fifth stage of the research framework is time framework which depict
the time to be taken for completing and gathering data for the study. Using this layer
investigation also identify the point at which data for the study need to be obtained. There is two-
time horizon that are as cross sectional and longitudinal. In the present investigation, investigator
has selected cross sectional time horizon. The main reason for this is it helps in gathering data in
short time period as well as for single time (Fetters and Molina-Azorin, 2019).
Data collection: Data collection is the technique for gathering data for the study. It is
crucial to choose right data collection source because it aid in gathering quality data for the
investigation. Data collection method is of two types that re primary and secondary. Primary data
collection is the source in which fresh data is being obtained for the study. Whereas secondary
data collection is the method for gathering secondary data for the study. In the present
investigation, investigator has chosen both the data collection source (Peter and Park, 2018) .
The main purpose to choose primary method is that first-hand information is being accumulated
which is not used earlier. This source also helps in getting real time data in right way so that
valid conclusion can be drawn out. Apart from this secondary data collection is used as it gathers
secondary data which helps in building more knowledge about the topic. gathering secondary
data is much easier as it takes less time and cost. The tool which is used for extracting primary
data is questionnaire and for secondary data they are books, magazine, articles and websites
(Mees-Buss, Welch and Piekkari, 2022).
Data analysis: Data analysis is the tool which is most important for the study. It is the
process in which raw data is being inspected, cleansing and analysis to get beneficially
information. Large raw data is measured in order to get quality outcome for the study. There are
various data analysis method such as thematic analysis, frequency distribution analysis, content
analysis, regression, data mining and many other (Skains, 2018). As per the study, investigator
16

has selected frequency distribution method. This is because using this method quantitative data is
being analysed in smooth manner. Numerical data of the study is also being represented in
graphical and tabular format. In this method mutuality between the two variables is also being
determine which helps in showing the valid and true picture of the investigation.
Sampling: Sampling is the procedure through which participants for the study is being
selected. It is necessary for the investigator to take out sample as it helps in providing the
relevant data for the study. Sampling is being divided into two parts that are probability sampling
and non-probability sampling (Vaandering and Reimer, 2021). As per the current investigation,
investigator has chosen probability sampling method. in that also, researcher has chosen simple
random sampling method. The key reason for this it that it provides equal opportunity to the
participants to be the part of the study. The sample size will be 30 employees from Marks and
Spencer.
Research limitation
The limitation of the following research is that it is conducted on the basis of quantitative
research and not on qualitative research as it helps in providing more detailed information related
to the topic. Another problem that researcher faces is lack of resources, limited time period and
lack of skills that makes in completing the research project in a proper manner.
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DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Frequency distribution table
Q1) Do you know about the significance of training and development? Frequency
a) Yes 26
b) No 3
c) Can't say 1
Q2) Do you think, training and development has a significant role to play in
improving the productivity and performance of employees in the UK retail
industry?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 3
c) May be 2
Q3) As per your opinion, what is the role and importance of training and
development for employees within the retail industry of UK?
Frequency
a) Enhanced productivity and growth 8
b) Introduction of new products and services 7
c) Positive change in behaviour of workplace 6
d) Helps in adapting change 3
e) Determining problems easily 4
f) Improved skills and knowledge 2
Q4) Do you think, there is a need of implementing training and development
programs within Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 23
b) No 4
c) May be 3
18

Q5) As per your perspective, what are the different types of training and
development programs that Marks and Spencer can use for improved
employee performance?
Frequency
a) Orientation training 7
b) Sales and marketing training 3
c) Service or product related training 9
d) Leadership or managerial training 4
e) Technical knowledge training 5
f) Compliance training 2
Q6) As per your knowledge, what is the impact of effective training and
development on performance and productivity of Marks and Spencer
employees?
Frequency
a) Positive impact 20
b) Neutral 7
c) Negative impact 3
Q7) As per your perspective, what challenges will Marks and Spencer face in
the absence of training and development programs?
Frequency
a) Low level of productivity 7
b) Reduced efficiency of employees 8
c) Imperfect working quality 3
d) Decreased profitability 6
e) Lack of skills and knowledge 2
f) No employee development 4
Q8) Do you think, these challenges effects the performance and productivity
of employees working within an organisation?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 10
19

b) Agree 8
c) Neutral 6
d) Disagree 4
e) Strongly disagree 2
Q9) As per your view, what are the various strategies that help Marks and
Spencer in developing training and development programs?
Frequency
a) Determine the needs of training 2
b) Set a effective budget 3
c) Monitoring performance of employees 4
d) Hire proficient training leaders 6
e) Create a training plan 8
f) Assess the available resources 7
Q10) Do you consider these strategies are beneficial for implementing suitable
training and development programs within the UK retail industry?
Frequency
a) Yes 21
b) No 6
c) Can't say 3
Data interpretation
Table 1: Significance of training and development
Q1) Do you know about the significance of training and development? Frequency
a) Yes 26
b) No 3
c) Can't say 1
20

a) Yes b) No c) Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Interpretation: From the above graph it is illustrated that training and development is an
important aspect in an organisation as it helps in in increasing the working efficiency of
employees. With the help of training, employees can increase their overall skills and knowledge
about the particular topic or technology so that they deal with any new change in a easy manner.
There are 30 respondents in total, out of which 26 respondents know about the concept of
training and development within the company and for making employees more productive. 3
respondents have said no as they do not that much knowledge about the concept of training and
development. While 1 respondent have said may be as they may not have proper and sustained
knowledge about the role of training and development within the business organisation so that
they deal with the marketing changes. It is important for business organisation to train employees
in a better manner so that they work in a more productive way for achieving the defined aim and
objectives of the business.
Table 2: Training and development has a significant role to play in improving the productivity
and performance of employees in the UK retail industry
Q2) Do you think, training and development has a significant role to play in
improving the productivity and performance of employees in the UK retail
Frequency
21

industry?
a) Yes 25
b) No 3
c) May be 2
a) Yes b) No c) May be
0
5
10
15
20
25
Interpretation: As per the above graph it is interpreted that training and development play a
prominent role in improving the performance and productivity of employees within the UK retail
industry. Training helps in enhancing the morale of employees as their knowledge is increased
for their work which makes their work more productive and efficient. Employees are the main
asset of the business as they help in attaining the goals and objectives in the competitive market.
There are in total of 30 respondents, from which 25 of the respondents have said yes about the
above statement which means that it is necessary for employers to develop their employees by
providing them training from the experienced person. 3 respondents have said no about the
above mentioned fact as they do not find training as important within an organisation. While 2
respondents have said may be about the role of training and development for improving
employee performance and productivity within the business organisation.
22

Table 3: Role and importance of training and development for employees within the retail
industry of UK
Q3) As per your opinion, what is the role and importance of training and
development for employees within the retail industry of UK?
Frequency
a) Enhanced productivity and growth 8
b) Introduction of new products and services 7
c) Positive change in behaviour of workplace 6
d) Helps in adapting change 3
e) Determining problems easily 4
f) Improved skills and knowledge 2
0
2
4
6
8
8
7
6
3
4
2
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above graph that training is a significant factor that
helps companies in gaining high success and growth in the competitive business market. There
are 30 respondents in total that are chosen by the researcher in the present research from which, 8
respondents have said that training helps in enhancing the productivity and growth of employees
within the company, 7 respondents have said that training employees helps in improving their
23

creativity level which generally results in introduction of new products and services of the
company. 6 respondents have said that providing training to employees results in bringing
positive change in behaviour of the workplace so that they feel motivated, 3 respondents have
said that training allows employees to adapt with the changes easily, 4 respondents have said that
training and development plays an important role in determining the problems of the business
easily so that they solve. While 2 respondents have said that training is the main factor that helps
in improving skills and knowledge of employees so that they work in a more dedicated and
confident manner.
Table 4: Need of implementing training and development programs within Marks and Spencer
Q4) Do you think, there is a need of implementing training and development
programs within Marks and Spencer?
Frequency
a) Yes 23
b) No 4
c) May be 3
a) Yes b) No c) May be
0
5
10
15
20
25
Interpretation: From the above graph it is illustrated that there is a major need of employing
training and development related programs within an organisation in order to make employees
24

work more productively and effectively. It is responsibility of employers to take care of their
employees and to make them feel comfortable with the culture of the workplace in the given
period of time. From the total of 30 respondents, 23 respondents have said yes and agree with the
implementation of training and development related programs so that they achieve the
predetermined goals of the business. 4 respondents have said no and generally thinks that
training and development programs do not play that much effective role in business organisation
as this needs more investment and time. Whereas 3 respondents have said may be as they do not
have that much knowledge about the role and importance about the training and development
programs.
Table 5: Different types of training and development programs that Marks and Spencer can use
for improved employee performance
Q5) As per your perspective, what are the different types of training and
development programs that Marks and Spencer can use for improved
employee performance?
Frequency
a) Orientation training 7
b) Sales and marketing training 3
c) Service or product related training 9
d) Leadership or managerial training 4
e) Technical knowledge training 5
f) Compliance training 2
25

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 7
3
9
4
5
2
Interpretation: As per the above collected information from the graph, it is interpreted that there
are various types of training and development programs which helps in improving the working
capability and efficiency of employees. 7 respondents have said that orientation training is an
effective program that helps in providing new employees about the roles and responsibilities that
they need to perform. 3 respondents have said that training about sales and marketing is also
important because it helps in attaining large number of customers for purchasing the products of
the company. 9 respondents have said that service or product related training helps in providing
employees with the all the qualities and strengths for attracting customers, 4 respondents have
said that leadership or managerial training is necessary because leaders guides and train
employees in the right direction for performing the job role. 5 respondents have said that
technical knowledge training is an effective factor that helps in dealing with the technical issues
in a better manner whereas 2 respondents have said that compliance related training is also
important as it helps in knowing about all the specified rules and regulations.
Table 6: The impact of effective training and development on performance and productivity of
Marks and Spencer employees
Q6) As per your knowledge, what is the impact of effective training and
development on performance and productivity of Marks and Spencer
Frequency
26

employees?
a) Positive impact 20
b) Neutral 7
c) Negative impact 3
a) Positive impact b) Neutral c) Negative impact
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Interpretation: As per the above gathered data from the graph, it is analysed that training and
development impacts the performance and productivity of the employees in a positive manner as
this helps in increasing their overall knowledge and skills. This mainly helps in doing their work
in a more effective and fast manner as they know about the working quality of the business so
that they deal with the competitiveness that prevails in the business market. Out of the total of 30
respondents, 20 respondents feels that providing training to employees creates a positive impact
on the performance of the business and this results in gaining high growth and profitability in the
market. 7 respondents are in a neutral situation and thinks that training is important also and not
important also as it has its own consequences and advantages that help in developing the
reliability in the market. Whereas 3 respondents feels that training and development creates a
negative impact on the performance of employees as this makes them dependent on the senior
members to do the work in a more effective manner.
27

Table 7: Challenges will Marks and Spencer face in the absence of training and development
programs
Q7) As per your perspective, what challenges will Marks and Spencer face in
the absence of training and development programs?
Frequency
a) Low level of productivity 7
b) Reduced efficiency of employees 8
c) Imperfect working quality 3
d) Decreased profitability 6
e) Lack of skills and knowledge 2
f) No employee development 4
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 7
8
3
6
2
4
Interpretation: It is interpreted from the above graph that there are numerous challenges that the
company face in the absence of training and development related programs for improved
employees performance. There are total of 30 respondents, from which 7 respondents have said
that this results in lowering the level of productivity of employees as they are not getting proper
knowledge about their job role. 8 respondent have said that it results in reducing efficiency of
28

employees as the leaders are not that much responsible for their duties, 3 respondents have said
that imperfect quality of work is a challenge that company will face in the absence of training
related programs. 6 respondents have said that decreased profitability is also a challenge that
company faces in the absence of trained employees, 2 respondents have said that without training
lack of skills and knowledge is the major challenge that company face in accordance with the
employees. Whereas 4 respondents have said that no employee development is a challenge that
hampers the growth and success of the business in the competitive market as employees are not
getting proper support.
Table 8: These challenges effects the performance and productivity of employees working within
an organisation
Q8) Do you think, these challenges effects the performance and productivity
of employees working within an organisation?
Frequency
a) Strongly agree 10
b) Agree 8
c) Neutral 6
d) Disagree 4
e) Strongly disagree 2
29

a) Strongly agree b) Agree c) Neutral d) Disagree e) Strongly disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
8
6
4
2
Interpretation: It is illustrated from the above graph that challenges effects the productivity and
capability of employees in a negative manner which generally results in decreasing the overall
profitability and growth of the business in the competitive market. Out of the total of 30
respondents, 10 of the respondents have said that they strongly agree with this fact that without
effective raining and development no employee can work in a productive manner within an
organisation. 8 respondents have said that they agree with the fact that yes that in the absence of
training and development results in decreasing the variability of the employees to work towards
achieving the goals of the business. 6 respondents have said that they are in the neutral situation
so that training and development helps in decreasing the market growth and the number of
customers. 4 respondents have said that they disagree with the above mentioned statement and
do not support the above statement in a proper manner because that results in doing lots of
investment within the business and this impacts the overall performance of the business. 2
respondents strongly disagree with the the above statement and this results in decreasing the
share in the market and customer base.
30

Table 9: Various strategies that help Marks and Spencer in developing training and development
programs
Q9) As per your view, what are the various strategies that help Marks and
Spencer in developing training and development programs?
Frequency
a) Determine the needs of training 2
b) Set a effective budget 3
c) Monitoring performance of employees 4
d) Hire proficient training leaders 6
e) Create a training plan 8
f) Assess the available resources 7
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
3
4
6
8
7
Interpretation: It is analysed from the above graph that there are different strategies that help
the business organisation in developing effective programs related to training and development
for employees. 8 respondents have said that creating a training plan is the best strategy that helps
in training employees, 2 respondents have said that determining the needs of training is
31

important as it helps in gaining more growth, 3 respondents have said that setting a effective
budget is an important strategy that helps in managing the finance in a better way. 4 respondents
have said that monitoring performance of employees is also an important strategy for deciding
the training program.
Table 10: These strategies are beneficial for implementing suitable training and development
programs within the UK retail industry
Q10) Do you consider these strategies are beneficial for implementing suitable
training and development programs within the UK retail industry?
Frequency
a) Yes 21
b) No 6
c) Can't say 3
a) Yes b) No c) Can't say
0
5
10
15
20
25
Interpretation: As per the information gathered from the above graph that these strategies help
in delivering better outcomes and results. There are total 30 respondents, out of which 21
respondents have said yes about the above statement so that they increase the productivity of the
business in the highly competitive market. 6 respondents have said no about the above fact and
training and development plays an important role in accomplishing the high growth in the
32

market. Whereas 3 respondents have said can't say about the fact as they do not have any prior
knowledge for training and development for employees within the company and in achieving and
success in the market.
33

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
From the above study, it can be concluded that training is a crucial component for developing a
wide range of abilities that will help employees increase their level of productivity. The retail
industry can benefit from a variety of training programmes to help it better support the
company's objectives. It is also clear that a business will function more effectively if its staff
receive the right training. The company will be able to surpass other companies in the market as
a result. It has been suggested that there are several strategies to improve the company's training
procedure. In that procedure, it is said that leadership at work is advantageous for the success and
productivity of many organisations. Proper leadership is believed to aid in boosting productivity
during that procedure.
Recommendation
As a result, the company can keep its staff, and the following suggestions are provided to the
organisation of choice:
 Managing both new and existing staff is currently one of the major difficulties facing
businesses. Because of this, it is essential to make sure that management assigns tasks
to others strategically and in accordance with their skills. Additionally, staff need to
have the right training so they can understand their jobs better.
 In addition, the management should encourage adaptability and encourage
constructive criticism so that difficulties with training can be overcome over a longer
period of time. It will help the business manage staff at the workplace successfully and
efficiently. As a result, the leaders will be better able to communicate with the team and
gain the respect of others, both of which will benefit the business and its staff.
 In addition, the management should use a facilitative coaching approach with the team
to encourage the workers to experiment with new approaches and ideas that will help
them grow as individuals. Such outcomes will assist the business in enhancing the
performance of each team member, and the workers will be able to meet their own long-
term goals.
 The chosen company would be better able to contribute because the work was done
efficiently and without incident. The chosen company aims to manage time effectively
34

so that all duties are completed in a methodical and orderly manner. Evaluation of the
employees' abilities during the period of training and development is also necessary.
 Using the company's internal training programme will help the company keep its
personnel. Because of this, the business needs to match the training process with its
operational goals.
 As one of the key components of the workplace, the organisation has focused on creating
a digital work culture. Because new work cultures and rules will keep employees
involved in the organisation, improving the employee experience at the company must
be given top priority.
 In addition, the employees' degree of communication on their jobs and tasks must be
encouraged. The ability of the personnel to make better decisions will enable them to
operate at higher levels. The ability to devote more time to learning novel and creative
things would enable the employees to live a healthier and happier life. They will draw
in new prospects, which will help the business grow by attracting contented staff.
 The business must track its performance levels in order to comprehend employee
behaviour and provide better support. As a result, they are happy with their work
because the employees are now more content with it.
 It's important to maintain continuous communication in order to keep track of the
team's success, each employee's performance, and their general wellbeing. Additionally,
it is crucial to employ a digital work platform that will enable appropriate
communication and contextual cooperation.
 In order to perform work and communication in a better way, sufficient technology,
such as a computer, phone conferencing, and appropriate access to internal tools, is
required. Additionally essential is having a secure connection to ensure that firm data is
kept secure. The communication programme must be put in place in order for
employees to connect by email, phone, video conferencing, and other means. The
selected company uses Slack, Skype, and other messaging platforms to stay in touch.
35

 To include digital technologies into the workplace, managers must conduct the digital
workplace transformation. In the shift to a digital workplace, technology is employed to
boost organisational productivity and degree of efficiency in order to manage the
workplace as efficiently as feasible. A true digital workplace transformation strategy
makes use of technology, and this is managed by incorporating it. The transition to a
digital workplace can be managed by an organisation using a variety of connected sets.
For business tasks to be easily available in the context of today's digital environment,
the organisation must incorporate several components into their operations.
 During this process, workplace transformation aids in bringing in and keeping a sizable
client base to the company in order to increase profitability and sales. The company can
now offer its items through an internet platform thanks to industry-related technological
advancements, which allows it to reach out to more clients.
 The primary benefit of workplace transformation is an increase in employees' general
performance, which is crucial for successfully fulfilling the business's predetermined
goals and objectives. The most crucial component of a company that contributes to
great profitability and industry growth is its workforce.
 Establishing a positive workplace culture is also crucial since it will encourage people
to perform their jobs more successfully and efficiently. Additionally, by keeping them
involved in business activities and encouraging them to contribute their opinions to the
decision-making process, this aids the organisation in keeping a larger number of
employees.
 COVID-19 has had a damaging effect on the company's overall performance and
revenues. In order to deal with the COVID-19 issue effectively and appropriately in
order to thrive in the corporate market, training employees and changing the workplace
is helpful. Adopting fresh and cutting-edge technology will help employees in the
business organisation stay motivated and engaged during the pandemic and execute
their tasks more effectively. Most businesses have closed as a result of COVID-19 in
order to safeguard them from any differences.
 In order to produce better results, the organisation must undertake workplace
transformation. In the highly competitive company market, enhancing employee
productivity and performance is made possible by creating a favourable work
36

atmosphere. Changing the workplace contributes to a company's overall performance
improvement since technology makes manual labour more manageable because
everything can be updated. This helps by allowing workers to work from home during a
total lockdown so they can operate with the utmost flexibility within the company and
achieve the greatest possible success in the market.
 A motivated worker is more effective and productive in attaining the long-term goals
and objectives for rapid expansion inside the business organisation. Remote
employment attracts highly skilled and talented workers who are advantageous to the
corporate organisation. Giving employees training is another crucial element because it
improves their performance, which raises their level of knowledge and skills.
Additionally, training aids in preparing workers to appropriately handle pandemic
situations and to achieve high growth and survival in a market when the majority of
businesses end up closing. Technology is mostly used to complete tasks in a timely
manner, which allows businesses to keep more employees on staff.
 To align human talent in a way that will enable the organisation to achieve its
objectives, including through the use of strategic recruiting and selection. In every
business, one of the key tasks is hiring. This is done with the intention of keeping
customers interested and choosing to work for the firm rather than one of the
competitions. Additionally, the recruitment and selection process involve finding and
encouraging candidates. HR is primarily responsible for streamlining the application
process and managing the submitted resumes in this process. The business will be able
to manage the candidate quickly and methodically with HR's assistance.
 Employees are unable to advance in their comprehension of their tasks and
responsibilities without training and development. Employees' subpar work can have a
substantial negative impact on the company's performance, which in turn affects
customers and profitability. The company's reputation and image are also being harmed.
A variety of workplace characteristics, such as those that are financial, competitive,
operational, functional, and many more, are negatively impacted by employee
underperformance.
37

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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Q1) Do you know about the significance of training and development?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Can't say
Q2) Do you think, training and development has a significant role to play in improving the
productivity and performance of employees in the UK retail industry?
a) Yes
b) No
c) May be
Q3) As per your opinion, what is the role and importance of training and development for
employees within the retail industry of UK?
a) Enhanced productivity and growth
b) Introduction of new products and services
c) Positive change in behaviour of workplace
d) Helps in adapting change
e) Determining problems easily
f) Improved skills and knowledge
Q4) Do you think, there is a need of implementing training and development programs within
Marks and Spencer?
a) Yes
b) No
c) May be
Q5) As per your perspective, what are the different types of training and development programs
that Marks and Spencer can use for improved employee performance?
a) Orientation training
b) Sales and marketing training
c) Service or product related training
d) Leadership or managerial training
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e) Technical knowledge training
f) Compliance training
Q6) As per your knowledge, what is the impact of effective training and development on
performance and productivity of Marks and Spencer employees?
a) Positive impact
b) Neutral
c) Negative impact
Q7) As per your perspective, what challenges will Marks and Spencer face in the absence of
training and development programs?
a) Low level of productivity
b) Reduced efficiency of employees
c) Imperfect working quality
d) Decreased profitability
e) Lack of skills and knowledge
f) No employee development
Q8) Do you think, these challenges effects the performance and productivity of employees
working within an organisation?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Neutral
d) Disagree
e) Strongly disagree
Q9) As per your view, what are the various strategies that help Marks and Spencer in
developing training and development programs?
a) Determine the needs of training
b) Set a effective budget
c) Monitoring performance of employees
d) Hire proficient training leaders
e) Create a training plan
f) Assess the available resources
Q10) Do you consider these strategies are beneficial for implementing suitable training and
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development programs within the UK retail industry?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Can't say
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