Corporate Planning and Organizational Growth Project

This project proposal examines the crucial role of corporate planning in achieving organizational growth and success. The research focuses on Walmart, a leading retail organization, to analyze how effective corporate planning utilizes financial and non-financial resources to gain a competitive edge and meet customer expectations. The study employs a deductive approach and positivism philosophy, utilizing SPSS to analyze primary data collected through surveys. The findings reveal a strong correlation between strategic planning and organizational growth. The project includes a literature review on corporate planning concepts, barriers, and solutions, alongside a detailed research methodology. It aims to understand the effect of corporate planning on organizational growth, identify any barriers, and propose solutions to enhance business performance. The project is submitted by a student at Saudi Electronic University as part of the Master of Business Administration program.

CORPORATE PLANNING AND ORGANIZATIONAL GROWTH

ABSTRACT
Corporate planning may be defined as a process which is undertaken by the firm with the aim to attain long term goals and
objectives. In this, team of higher management makes in-depth analysis of both internal and external business environment with the
motive to build highly realistic as well as suitable framework. Corporate planning is highly concerned with making effective use of
resources to the large extent. Moreover, in the dynamic business environment company can gain competitive edge over others only
when it offers products and services in accordance with need as well as expectation level of the customers. For this dissertation, Wal-
mart has been selected which is one of the leading retail business organization that offers wide range of retail products to the
customers. Providing customers with the high value of money is one of the main objectives of business organization. In this, deductive
approach and positivism philosophy has been used by the scholar with the aim to conduct quantitative investigation more effectively.
Besides this, SPSS tool has been employed by the scholar to derive the suitable solution from primary data gathered through the
means of survey. It has been identified from such investigation effective use of financial and non-financial resources are highly
influenced from the plan developed by Wal-mart. In this way, by making proper forecast of each and every aspect business unit can
ensure high level of growth and development.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to give thanks to all those who dedicatedly have ensured the completion of this work. I am particularly grateful for
the hard work, devotion to duty, the love and tolerance shown me by my administrator. Besides this, special thanks go to my family
and friends for their assistance and co-operation in my whole study.

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................6
Research Background..............................................................................................................................................................................6
Statement of the problem.........................................................................................................................................................................8
Research aims and objectives..................................................................................................................................................................9
Research questions...................................................................................................................................................................................9
Scope of the study..................................................................................................................................................................................10
Hypothesis of the study.........................................................................................................................................................................11
Research design and methodology........................................................................................................................................................11
Tool of Analysis....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Limitations.............................................................................................................................................................................................12
Chapter 2 Literature Review......................................................................................................................................................................13
Concept of corporate planning...............................................................................................................................................................13
Effect of corporate planning on organizational growth.........................................................................................................................15
Relationship between the corporate planning and organizational growth.............................................................................................19
Barriers in corporate planning...............................................................................................................................................................22
Solutions to overcome the barriers and the way to increase organizational growth.............................................................................26

Chapter 3 Research Methodology.............................................................................................................................................................29
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................................29
Research design.....................................................................................................................................................................................29
Sampling................................................................................................................................................................................................31
Data collection.......................................................................................................................................................................................32
Hypothesis testing..................................................................................................................................................................................33
Tool of analysis......................................................................................................................................................................................35
Strategies implied..................................................................................................................................................................................35
Summary................................................................................................................................................................................................36
Chapter 4 Analysis and Interpretation.......................................................................................................................................................37
CHAPTER 5:CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................73
5.1 Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................................................................73
5.2 Recommendations............................................................................................................................................................................76
References..................................................................................................................................................................................................79
APPENDIX................................................................................................................................................................................................83

Chapter 1 Introduction
Research is a wide term that involves in-depth and thorough research of a subject matter and it also enhances comprehensive
power of the researcher from diverse contexts. The chapter of introduction is briefly discussing the topic along with the aim and
objectives of the research work. Further, to specify the topic in clear manner, researcher has discussed background and overview of
the study. Tools of analysis, research design and research methodologies are also discussed in the initial chapter of the study. The
chapter is essential for the overall study because it aids in giving detailed idea about the content that should exist in the research work.
Proper framework has been followed for the research work so as to include all the sections in appropriate way. This not only enhances
research capability; but also it leads to cover all the dimensions that are important for the study.
Research Background
The success of the organization depends upon many aspects and this can also help in enhancing growth and success facets.
Corporate planning is a process that is used to map out a course of action that ensures to enhance growth, revenue and profitability
aspects. Large corporations have employees which are highly devoted to the organization and which also enhances proficiency of the
business entity. Effective planning is essential and management of the business entity needs to ensure that all the concepts are
appropriately managed and core facets are also identified in the same manner (Sahay, 2015). Planning and management both are
essential for the purpose of comprehending organizational work facets and this can also aid in maximizing the growth and success
facets. In this respect, the concept of corporate planning can be executed which is a key aspect to the management process. It also aids
in strategic management which is a vital source through which long term objectives can be attained. At the same time, it also leads to
enhancing sales and profitability facets.
Therefore, it can be said that corporate planning is a strategic tool that is used by the business entities for the purpose of setting
long term plans and objectives. Corporate plans are similar to strategic plans; however greater emphasis is laid on using internal
resources which can also streamline organizational operations. At the end this ensures to attain organizational aims and objectives.

Corporate plans are essential business plans which seek to make improvement and this also aids in generating profits through proper
management of internal business organization. Most of the corporate plans aids the companies to grow during a specific period of time
which also results in enhancing customer base and profitability management (Coulson-Thomas, 2014). Corporate plans are generally
developed on structured basis through integrating with the vision, mission and objectives of the organization. After considering the
same facet, companies need to develop a layout of plan of action so that desired aims and objectives can be met.
Corporate plans are created and used by businesses and are most commonly used by large organizations which typically
consists of a vision statement, mission and objective statement. Through this, long term and mid-term strategic objectives can be
developed. Corporate planning is also responsible to provide appropriate direction to the employees and accordingly business
operations can be determined. It also has a positive relationship with organizational growth and success prospects. Further, it is also
observed that corporate planning leads to strategic planning in which it encompasses several business facets that significantly ensures
to accomplish organizational aims and objectives (Langham and Hussey, 2014). The concept of corporate planning has a direct
integration with organizational growth prospects; hence here strategic contexts are required to be understood. In the early stages
business entities used to emphasize on ideological concepts so that the main aim of the business entity can be accomplished.
In the present research study, several past studies have been considered that focuses on the relationship of corporate planning
with that to organizational growth prospects. All such studies focuses on diverse dimensions for making it clear that business entities
encourages its success and growth opportunities with the help of corporate planning. Further, strategic planning is defined as a process
of formulating, evaluating and implementing business strategies so as to attain future objectives. All the managers of the organizations
are involved in the same procedure so as to make appropriate decisions regarding business operations and practices. It also involves
selecting organizational aims and objectives and then finding new methods of performing the business operations. It has been
observed that strategic planning aids in improving the performance of the business and it also ensure to transform the practices in
diverse manner. With the help of strategic planning, organization can ascertain their effectiveness in meeting corporate aim and
objectives. This is yet another dimension that helps in attaining long term aims and objectives.

Thus, it can be articulated that corporate planning is defined as an organization’s sense of purpose which is concerned with its
future directions. It also defines organizational purpose, resource capability and way of managing things; hence the concept is termed
as most important in encouraging organizational growth and success facets. With the help of corporate planning, strategies can be
developed to manage business operations and this can also assist in meeting all the determined objectives. The concept of corporate
planning aids business entity manage uncertainties and constraints since it focuses on developing contingency plans and procedures.
However, the present research study has the issue of scope of activity is fundamental to corporate planning because it concerns the
way in which managers conceives its boundaries. Thus, the present study has been considering all the constraints that appears in the
realm of corporate business management.
Statement of the problem
It is apparent that risk develops at the time of implementing any new process in the organization; hence the same also exists in
the case of corporate planning. The certainty of risks and constraints are high and this usually arises due to external and internal
environment of the business entity. It has been observed that the level of competition has been increasing in the market place which
leads to occurrence of several transformations and changes in the business organization. In this respect, it is clear that political factors
as well as customer behaviour are two major dimension that probably hampers the organizational work practices.
Sometimes, it also generates issues related to improper management of operations and in terms of consequences, it can impede
the overall growth facets. Furthermore, unrealistic goals and demotivated employees are major risks and challenges of the
organization that can have a direct impact on financial and other grounds of the business entity. Most often these issues generate due
to improper planning for uncertainty management. Hence, this can be called as a major constraint in organizational work facets which
needs to be dealt in proper way. Regarding this, a few suggestions have been discussed in the present research work.

Research aims and objectives
The main objective of the present research study is “to understand the effect of corporate planning on organizational growth
and the kind of relationship that exists between these two on a general level”. However in a more specific manner, the study is focused
upon the following objectives:
 To examine the effect of corporate planning on organizational growth
 To determine and elaborate the relationship between the corporate planning and organizational growth
 To determine any barriers to corporate planning
 To determine solutions to these barriers and whether they will assist the corporate planning in increasing the organizational
growth
Research questions
For the present research study, several research questions have been framed. This is also useful in collecting the data through
relevant and appropriate sources. Research questions are also important because they give specific direction to the research work and
also helps the researcher avoid all the constraints that might affect the validity of the study. Hence, considering this facet research
questions are being framed to clarify the topic in detailed manner. It is also useful for collecting appropriate data about the study. As
the objectives of the study have already been formulated; therefore considering the same researcher has developed various research
questions:
 What relationship exists between corporate planning and organizational growth of different successful firms with examples
 Has corporate planning been successful in improving the organizational growth in any of these successful firms
 Had these firms faced any barriers while implementing the corporate planning in their structure and how did they overcome it

 Did these solutions help them improve corporate planning and hence eventually organizational growth?
Scope of the study
The present research study is important for the researcher because it focuses on business firms like corporate organizations and
banks which expect to grow with the concept of corporate planning. The study will also assist the large business organizations to
comprehend the role and importance of corporate planning on organization’s growth and success facets. Thus, to make the study more
comprehensive and useful, focus has been laid on insights of the subject matter. Alongside, researcher will also mention the challenges
that might occur in the realm of corporate and strategic planning. The study will be advantageous for all those organizations who
chiefly focuses on corporate planning for success and prosperity aspects. Similarly, organizations will also be able to comprehend the
changes which they need to implement in the area of corporate planning.
Along with the same, the study also describes limitations and constraints concerned with corporate planning and the ways
which can be adopted to overcome all such constraints to amend the opportunities of growth and success. Considerably, this is also
essential to figure out how business and strategic challenges can be managed. Hence, organizations will be able to better equip with
the procedures so that growth and success facets can be enhanced. Thus, the research will also assist the organization to ascertain all
the issues that might arise at the time of implementing corporate planning. Therefore, it can be said that prior executing any of the
procedure, organizations need to focus on hindrances and issues consequently. In order to minimize the issues and organizational
constraints, it is vital to comprehend the ways through which can strengthen the concept of corporate planning.
At the same time, stating about the scope of the study, it can be said that will be useful for organizations because of the success
and growth aspects corporate planning provides to the business organizations. Business entities need not be confined with corporate
plans because that might hamper the organizational operations and growth prospects. However, at the same time, the study has used
generic materials; thus from organizational point of view, the scope is less specific.

Hypothesis of the study
The research hypotheses is formulated as follows:
H1: There exists no noticeable relationship between the corporate planning and the organizational growth
H0: There is a noticeable relationship between the organizational growth and corporate planning
H1: corporate planning has significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
H0: Corporate planning has no significant responsibility in the growth of an organization
Research design and methodology
The main aim of the study is to identify the effect of corporate planning on the organizational growth; hence for such purpose
Walmart has been selected. Research methodology is the most important section of the study which uses diverse tool and techniques
for reaching the defined aim and objectives. The process of data collection will be carried out with the help of primary and secondary
sources that contains information about the subject matter. Data collection process is being managed through including information
from Hoovers.com. Later on, the data will be evaluated and analysed to ascertain the overall effect of corporate planning on the
success facets of Walmart which operates business in U.S. At the same time, strategies of Walmart will be evaluated so as to reach
towards valid and suitable conclusion. This is also essential for the purpose of specifying accuracy and reliability aspects of the
research topic.
Tool of Analysis
The present research study is Qualitative in naturel; hence Thematic analysis has been conducted for analysing and evaluating
the findings of the collected data. Quantitative as well as Qualitative are the two major techniques through which collected data can be
analysed. This is also the most appropriate method through which the process of evaluation can be conducted. In the present case,
Qualitative tool has been selected wherein Thematic analysis has been done with reference to charts and pictures. This has made the

data more comprehensive and appropriate; hence it can be considered for future studies. Further, every theme has been discussed in
detailed manner which also enhances the suitability of the research work. Along with that, Quantitative method is also utilized in the
research work in which SPSS tool has been applied for grab statistical data about the study.
Limitations
Basically, the study has been conducted for the purpose of investigating if corporate planning has any direct relationship with
organizational growth and success facets. At the same time, relationship between both the facets has also been identified in the
research work. The study is emphasizing on the barriers that usually arise at the time of executing corporate plans and procedures;
hence considering the same focus has been laid on specific content of the subject matter. Hence, basic structure has been considered in
the study regarding the relationship between corporate planning and organizational growth facets. The study is more generic and less
specific; hence it might affect the conceptuality dimensions of the subject matter. Since, it is not made on organizational context;
therefore it does not help to specify insights about the particular firm. However, on the other hand, the study can be considered for the
purpose of improving dimensions related to corporate planning (Markham, 2015).
The concept of corporate planning is regarded with several constraints and issues; hence the research work has not included
any such constraint from organizational basis. Thus, the issues mentioned might affect the practical terms of the subject matter.
Companies succeed over long term because they create and maintain competitive advantage which can be acquired with the help of
product and service level and that further can be managed through emphasizing on strategic and corporate aspects. Corporate plans
helps the business entity to specify the operations that should be focused upon for attaining all the long term objectives. One of the
major purpose of corporate planning is to promote the process of adaptive thinking regarding the ways to maintain the environment of
the firm (Channonand Jalland, 2016). However, in the study generalized concept is being utilized; therefore the actual purpose might
be less considered in the research work. Alongside, time and financial constraint may also impede the study materials; so it should be
considered for further research work.