Report on Business Problem Solving and Strategic Solutions for M&S

This report provides a detailed analysis of business problem-solving, using Marks and Spencer as a case study. It begins by identifying the problem of low productivity within the company and then proceeds to analyze the root causes, such as untrained staff. The report then explores various solutions, including training and development programs, employee motivation strategies, and the adoption of new technologies. It outlines a plan to solve the problem, considering constraints, and explains the rationale behind the chosen approach. The report also covers the implementation of the plan, progress review, and adjustments. Furthermore, it evaluates the effectiveness of the chosen approach and considers alternative solutions. The report concludes with a summary of the findings and recommendations for improving productivity and overall business performance.

Solve problems in a
business environment

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Identify a problem that exists within a business...............................................................3
1.2 Analyse the business problem..........................................................................................4
1.3 Diagnose causes of the problem.......................................................................................4
1.4 Confirm with others that they understand the problem....................................................5
1.5 Compare different solutions to the problem.....................................................................5
1.6 Agree upon a solution.......................................................................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................7
2.1 Develop a plan to solve the problem, taking into account any constraints......................7
2.2 Explain why they have chosen their approach.................................................................7
2.3 Explain how they will know when the problem has been solved.....................................8
2.4 Allocate roles and responsibilities to support the plan.....................................................8
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
3.1 Carry out own actions as set out in the plan.....................................................................9
3.2 Review progress towards solving the business problem................................................10
3.3 Make adjustments to the plan as necessary....................................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
4.1 Evaluate their approach to solving the business problem..............................................11
4.2 Evaluate other approaches that may have been more productive...................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Business environment is defined as collection of internal as well as external factors which
impacts enterprise in both positive and negative manner (Alkhafaji and Nelson, 2013). This
includes need and demand of customers, management, clients, innovation in technology, market
trends, economic changes and so on. Each and every organisation has to face problems to
conduct their activities and operations at marketplace. It is the responsibility of organisation
solves their problem which impact their productivity and profitability. The organisation chosen
for given assignment is Marks and Spencer which is retail business founded in 1984 at United
Kingdom. Being the learning and training advisor of respective organisation, different training
plans has been implemented. As it is facing issues related with low productivity due to untrained
or under trained situation. This report cover problems which exist in business and solutions
required for it. The plan is developed in order to solve problem and allocating roles and
responsibilities to support plan. It has also covered various approaches for solving business
problems.
TASK 1
1.1 Identify a problem that exists within a business
Problems in business exist at small, medium and large organisation but it is not possible
for all organisations to identify their problems (Bøllingtoft, 2012). It is the root cause of business
that leads to decline in profitability and productivity of organisation. As it is essential to identify
problem that exist within in business. The various types of problems which exist in business are
low productivity, low performance, lack of coordination among employees, conflicts and so on.
These all problems exist in all types of organisation that creates difficulty for better outcomes. In
context of Marks and Spencer, they have identified problems that lead to create struggle in
achievement of goals and objectives. The major problem which they have identified is low
productivity. This happened because they were many untrained staffs and worker who work for
enterprise but their productivity efficiency is low. This lead to decline in productivity along with
profitability and sales revenues has decrease. It is essential to identify problem at initial stage so
that it would not difficulties in future time period. For example, Marks and Spencer is facing
problem of low productivity so in this case, they have to identify main reason for low production
and solved it accordingly in best possible manner.

1.2 Analyse the business problem
Business problems are defined as long or current terms issues and challenges that are
faced by business (Botha, Kourie and Snyman, 2014). These prevent firm from execution of
strategy and achieving goals. It also provides threats for long survival of business at marketplace.
This is common for all business to face problems that can be minor or major depending upon the
situations. It can be identified through business analysis technique to know about rise problems
at market. In context of Marks and Spencer, they have faced major problem of low productivity.
While analysing these problem, it has found that the major problem arise because of untrained
and under trained staffs who gave their contribution for production. If these problems continue
then business has to bear huge loss that cannot be recovered with short time period. Here,
training manager has to conduct training and development session for low productive employees
and improve them in best possible manner so that goal and objectives can be attained. Unless
business problem are analysed and resolved, organisation cannot earn high profit margins and
their sales. Therefore, there are some tools for analysing business problem like mind mapping,
five whys and fishbone analysis to get accurate solutions to problems in effective and efficient
manner.
1.3 Diagnose causes of the problem
The organisation has to diagnose causes of problem in order to provide solution in
effective and efficient manner (Chiu, Tzeng and Li, 2013). Marks and Spencer is facing problem
of low productivity in which they have decline sales and profit margin. While diagnosing, main
cause of problem was because of untrained and under trained employees who worked in
production department. As they were not provided with training and development session which
created problem for them to work in better manner for achievement of goal and objectives. It is
very important to conduct training programs on frequent basis for all working force so that they
can give their best performance for positive outcomes. This is the responsibility of training
department to conduct training for their staff to enhance their efficiency and productivity to earn
high profit margins in appropriate manner. For example, if Marks and Spencer does not focus on
diagnosing main cause of problem then they cannot provide solutions for it. With the proper
diagnosis of difficulties for business leads in achievement of desired set goal and objectives for
positive results. The employees lack training so their productivity has been declined that
decreases their profits margins.

1.4 Confirm with others that they understand the problem
It is the responsibility of high authority to confirm with others regarding their problems in
appropriate manner so that proper solutions could be provided (Draman and Edmondson, 2012).
This is essential to understand problems by other people also so that they can give their own
suggestions and problems. In context of Marks and Spencer, it is significant for manager to ask
their employees whether they are going through problems and work accordingly. There is decline
in profit margins and sale revenue of organisation that is felt by management and they have to
confirm same with their employees who are working for them. In this regard, if staffs put their
problem regarding decline in productivity level, manager has to analyse it in best possible
manner. The manager and employees both have to understand the problems. In this case,
manager has to arrange training and development session for all working forces so that they can
improve it in best possible manner. Similarly, on the other hand, employees have to learn those
skill and improve themselves to enhance their productivity level and profit margins. Therefore,
in this way, it is important to conform to others for understanding the problems arise in business
to attain high profit margin for positive outcomes.
1.5 Compare different solutions to the problem
Each and every organisation running their activities and operations at marketplace has to
face problems for achievement of goal and objectives in appropriate manner (Dyllick and Muff,
2016). It is important to solve that problem for attainment of final results. In context of Marks
and Spencer, it has faced low productivity problem for which various solutions are provided to it.
The comparison of various solutions to problem in respect to Marks and Spencer are as follows:
Problem Solutions
Low Productivity  Training and Development
 Motivation
 Adoption of New Technology
Here, the main problem faced by Marks and Spencer is low productivity which leads to
decline in profitability ratio of organisation. In order to resolve this, various solutions has been
provided which are as follows:

Training and Development- It is the best solution which can be adopted by respective
organisation for solving problem of low productivity (Groebner and et. al., 2013). There are
many under-trained and untrained employees who are working in organisation so they required
regular training for improving themselves in proper manner. It can be provided within or outside
organisation depending upon the situation.
Motivation- For enhancement of productivity, motivation plays an important role in
achievement of goal and objectives. The respective organisation should motivate employees and
their staff for better work performance. This also leads them to improve themselves and work for
organisation.
Adoption of New Technology- Low productivity can be occurred due to lack of
adoption of new and updated technology in business. Marks and Spencer has to use new
technology in manufacturing process so that employee can rise their efficiency for productivity.
In this way, solution can be provided for solving problem which has arise in business due
to various reasons.
1.6 Agree upon a solution
For solving arise problems in organisation, various solutions has been provided. In
context of Marks and Spencer, it has faced problem of low productivity due to under-trained or
untrained staff working in it (Gupta, 2013). In order to resolve they have adopted various
solution methods. The first is training and development in which all working force has provided
training on regular basis to develop them and increase their efficiency. Second is motivation
where employees are motivated for performing work and good performer will be liable for
incentives, rewards, gifts and so on. Lastly is adoption of new technology where employees are
provided with new and updated technology to increase their efficiency level and enhance
productivity. With the provided solution, all employees working in respective organisation were
agreed. As firm has provided best solutions to solve their arise problem in effective and efficient
manner to achieve their set goal and objectives. While solutions were provided, organisation has
taken ideas and views of their employees because they are the person who works for business to
gain positive outcomes. It is important for enterprise to consider all factors of environment to
provide best solution to business so that they can work effectively and efficiently. Therefore, all
staff who participated in organisation for work performance has worked effectively and agreed
upon a solution and work for betterment of business.

TASK 2
2.1 Develop a plan to solve the problem, taking into account any constraints
It is the responsibilities of manager to solve the problem arise in organisation (Kim and
Chung, 2014). For that they have to develop plan to solve problem with help of problem solving
plan which is given below:
Understand the problem- It is the first stage in which problem has to be understood by
manager of organisation. Marks and Spencer is facing problem of low productivity because of
their working force so that they have to understand reason behind arise problems. It is crucial
stage because with this all problems arise in business is solved. If they fail to understand problem
then solution cannot be provided.
Plan the solution- This is the second stage in which solution has to be provided in an
effective and efficient manner so that positive outcomes can be attained. The solution has to be
planned by analysing all situations in proper manner so that problems can be solved.
Solve the problem- It is third step of problem solving plan where difficulties arise should
be solved. The different ways through which problem can be solved are in terms of motivation,
training and development and adoption of new technology. The main problem faced by
respective organisation is low productivity which can be resolved through mentioned techniques
to get positive outcomes.
Check your solution- It is the last stage in which solution has to be checked. After
implementation of various techniques, if there is improvement in productivity along with
profitability then best solution has provided. Therefore, it is important to check solution on
frequent basis so that best results can be attained.
2.2 Explain why they have chosen their approach
In order to solve problem of low productivity, different approach has chosen to provide
solutions to problem and achieve goal and objectives in an effective and efficient manner (Kolk,
2016). Marks and Spencer has chosen such approach in order to achieve their desired set
outcomes. It is very important for business to solve issues faced by them within given time
period so that maximum output can be achieved for positive results. The main reason for
choosing this approach is to solve arise issue problem in best possible manner. The approaches
are in terms of motivation, adoption of new technology, training and development. These

approaches are easy to adopt and apply in business for solving arise issues and problem in
effective and efficient manner so that each and every activities can be carried out in proper
manner. As per size of organisation and structure of business, approached are chosen and applied
in business to achieve goal and objectives.
2.3 Explain how they will know when the problem has been solved
There are various types of problems which can be faced by organisation while operating
their business at marketplace in terms of high demand, technology and others (Mohrman and
Lawler 2012). It is very important for enterprise to know about their problems first and provide
solutions accordingly to achieve positive outcome. In context of Marks and Spencer, they have
faced problem of low productivity which decline their profit margins and sales revenue. In order
to know when problem has been solved they have used methods such as feedback and survey to
analyse productivity and profitability level. When problems was exist in organisation, then
problem lead to decline in profits. After that, respective organisation has provided with solution
in terms of motivating staffs, adopting new technology for manufacturing products & services
and implementation of training and development in best possible manner. The working force has
increased their efficiency level after providing solution. Also with the using of feedback and
survey leads to rise in level of productivity along with improving their working force in best
possible manner to gain competitive advantages. Therefore, in this way, respective organisation
can know about solving of their problems and accomplishment of goal and objectives in
appropriate manner.
2.4 Allocate roles and responsibilities to support the plan
It is very important to allocate role and responsibilities to support plan which are given
below:
Regular Checking- It is the responsibility of manager to check their employees on
regular basis so that they can be improved in an effective and efficient manner (Park and Allen,
2013). In order to support plan, regular checking is required so that set goal and objectives can
be attained in an effective and efficient manner. It is the significant responsibility of manager in
order to support plan effectively.
Providing Appropriate Suggestion- It is also the manager’s role and responsibilities to
support plan by providing appropriate suggestions in appropriate manner. Whenever employees
of Marks and Spencer perform work, it is manager responsibility for providing them with

suggestion so that they can perform in better manner to achieve better outcomes which leads to
achieve high profit margins. Each and every suggestion is required so that final outcomes will be
positive.
Communicating with Each and Every Members- There are large numbers of people
working in an organisation having different capability and skill to perform work. They may have
problem with each other in this case manager responsibility is to communicate with them so that
problems could be identified in an proper manner. Therefore, this will lead respective
organisation to work for betterment and work accordingly so that final outcome can be attained.
TASK 3
3.1 Carry out own actions as set out in the plan
It is very important to carry out own actions as set out in the plan are as follows:
Make sure goals are SMART- In order to carry out action plan it is very important to make
goals to be SMART so that better outcomes can be achieved in an effective and efficient manner
(Ramadani, 2015). The goal should be measurable and realistic which provide guideline to
achieve it in best possible manner.
Work backwards to set milestones- In order to achieve high level goal and objectives it
is very important to make mini goal and objective for achieving within given time period. With
small things, business can reach to highest level and earn maximum profits and gains in proper
manner. It is very important to set milestone though small level so that high goal can be reached.
Determine what needs to happen to reach to goals- In this stage, it is very important to
go through for reaching both mini and big goals and objectives within time frame. There are
various things which should be determined in an effective and efficient manner for reaching to
goals.
Decide what actions are required to reach goals- In this stage, for setting out action plan, it is
very important to decide what things are required in current scenario to reach high level goal and
objectives (Rouhani, Ghazanfari and Jafari, 2012). If actions are correct then goal can be reached
easily for positive outcome.
Put actions into a schedule- In this stage, all actions made are kept into schedule for
accomplishing goal and objectives of business in an effective and efficient manner. This stage
requires proper manner to reach to final aim and objectives.

Follow through- It is the last stage, when organisation passes through all such above step,
they have to daily schedule and targets for such process to work on goal and objectives. The
assigned task has to be performed in appropriate manner for better outcomes.
3.2 Review progress towards solving the business problem
In order to solve business problem, it is very important to review progress so that actual situation
of the organisation can be known in an effective and efficient manner (Sung and Choi, 2012).
They review should be done on regular basis so that respective organisation can make further
plan accordingly for better results. Marks and Spencer has to review progress of their employees
who were providing low productivity to business because of low motivation, untrained, lack of
training, and lack of adoption new technology and so on. The review can be done through taking
feedback of their employees after providing them with training & development session,
motivation, implementation of new technology etc so that they have improved themselves or not
for achievement of positive outcomes. It is also important to review progress through sales
revenue if respective organisation is increasing their sales revenue then progress has been done
in proper manner. This should be done on regular basis so that problems would not arise in
business in future time period. It is very important to provide solution at initial stage so that it
would not rise to give birth to high problems and create difficulty in achievement of business
goal and objectives.
3.3 Make adjustments to the plan as necessary
It is very important to make adjustment to plan whenever required. Each and e every
business are run in competitive and dynamic environment so it is necessary to make alteration in
the plan for achievement of goal and objectives (Trkman, Budler and Groznik, 2015). Marks and
Spencer has faced problem of low productivity due to untrained staff which leads to decline in
sales revenue and profit margins. For resolving problems, training session, motivation programs,
use of adopted technology and so on has made. In case with theses plans problems are not solved
then they have to make adjustment in plan whenever needed for better achievement of goal and
objectives so that it can run their activities and operations in appropriate manner.

TASK 4
4.1 Evaluate their approach to solving the business problem
It is essential function of manager to provide appropriate solution to arise problem in an
organisation so that they can sustain and growth at marketplace (Tseng and et. al., 2013). Marks
and Spencer has faced problem of low productivity due to untrained employees working in it. In
order to resolve such issues and problem, various approaches has evaluated such as conducting
training and development session, adopting of new technology, motivation programmes and so
on. Each approach should be applied in proper manner so that employees can work for
betterment of organisation and achieve high profit margins and growth at marketplace. In this
way, each and every approach are used and implemented for solving business problem in an
effective and efficient manner.
4.2 Evaluate other approaches that may have been more productive
The organisation has to make several approaches for their business so that activities and
operations can be run in proper manner (Bøllingtoft, 2012). Marks and Spencer has faced
problem in terms of low productivity which leads to decline in their sales revenue and profit
margin. In order to overcome they have made solution or approach such as motivation, training
and development, adoption of new technology and so on. Apart from these, other approaches that
may have been more productive are providing equal treatment to each and every working force,
including participation of employees for decision making and communicating with each of them
in proper manner so that they can speak to out to their problems in proper manner.
CONCLUSION
From the mentioned report, it has concluded that it is very important to identify and solve
problems arise in business by making proper plans, policies and strategies. The organisation
which runs their operation, activities and function at marketplace has to face several problems
that lead to decline in sale revenue and profit margins. They can face problems in terms of low
productivity, performance and other due to their working style of employees, lack of new
technology, demotivated staff and so on. In order to resolve these, they have to use various
approach such as motivation program, training session, adoption of new technology and so on to
achieve goal and objectives. Thus, this helps in better attainment of business desired targets and
goals.

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