Determining Global Business Benefits and Drawbacks: M&S Case Study

This research project investigates the global business environment, focusing on its benefits and drawbacks through a case study of Marks and Spencer (M&S). The introduction defines globalization and its impact on business, highlighting its advantages like cultural awareness and market diversification. The project's rationale emphasizes the importance of globalization in today's market, aiming to determine its effects on business activities. The literature review explores the concept of globalization, its historical context, and its influence on business practices. The study employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing primary and secondary data collection methods, including interviews and literature reviews, to analyze the benefits and drawbacks of the global business environment, such as market development, revenue streams, language barriers, and international laws. The research methodology includes a detailed discussion of research approaches and data collection methods. The project aims to determine the relationship between the global business environment and the success and growth of Marks and Spencer.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................5
TIMELINE OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:..................................................................................7
..........................................................................................................................................................7
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

TITLE: To determine the benefits and drawbacks of a global business environment. A Case
study on Marks and Spencer (M&S).
INTRODUCTION
Globalisation in terms of business is considered as a process of interaction which is
integrated between two people, companies or government across the globe. With the change in
course of time, globalisation has increased and provided competitive advancement to
organisation because it has widen the geographic dispersion (Globalisation, 2018.). Main
advantage of globalisation is that it promotes a sense of cultural awareness amongst individuals.
Thus, it can be said that with the help of globalisation multi-national firms get a chance of
diversifying their business in different areas. This research is conducted in order to know the
impact of globalisation on business along with its benefits and drawbacks. A research questions
or a hypothesis will be formulated which will be supported by a literature review. Along with
this, research methods and approaches to primary and secondary methods are mentioned which
are appropriate the examine the research. Other than this, researcher will intend to find out
whether objectives are achievable in an ethical manner and in a limited period of time.
BACKGROUND OF THE RESSEARCH
Globalisation can be defined as a process through which companies can integrate
themselves at global level in order to develop more connections with economies of different
nations. Thus, in relation with companies, larger market area provides a great experience of
increase in demands regarding their products and services. As a result, this gradually improves
economies of sales by minimising the average production cost in a limited time period. Marks
and Spencer is a British multinational company which deals in retail sectors and provides
excellent goods and services to its loyal customers. They are serving their products and services
across the globe so conducting research on this company will give effective results and outcomes
in order to make the research more effective and reliable. Economy of a nation plays a crucial
role in having its impact on the global business environment on a company as this can increase
sales or vice-versa.
RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT:
This research is conducted in order to analyse the importance of globalisation and how it
puts an impact on the global business environment because according to the current market
scenario, global business environment plays an important role and they provides benefits like
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provides new market areas to firms so that they can expand its business or enhance its customer's
base. Therefore, the main reason of choosing this topic because of involvement of large number
of companies in the market area that can be attained through understanding basic concept of
globalisation. Thus, with the help of this, researcher will get to know about the impact of
globalisation on business activities whether it is providing benefits to a company or not.
RESEARCH AIM: It is one of the component on which entire research is based so it is
important that an effective aim are made so that better results can be obtained. Thus, research
aim of this project is “To determine the benefits and drawbacks of a global business
environment. A Case Study on Marks and Spencer (M&S).”
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
 To determine the concept of globalisation.
 To examine the benefits and drawback of global business environment on Marks and
Spencer.
 To examine the relationship between global business environment in success and growth
of Marks and Spencer.
RESAERCH QUESTIONS:
 What is the concept of globalisation.
 What are the benefits and drawback of global business environment on Marks and
Spencer.
 What is the relationship between global business environment in success and growth of
Marks and Spencer.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of globalisation
With the change in course of time, globalisation has provided a common platform to
companies so as to interconnect with different cultures or expanding its business in various areas.
In broader perspectives, globalisation is defined as integration of economies and societies that
assist company in exchanging information, ideas, technologies, thoughts etc. Thus, it can be said
that globalisation have an essence of connectivity. In relation with business, globalisation goes
through three channels and these are trade in products and services, movement of capital and
lastly, flow of finance and gain and losses. Globalisation can be traced roughly around 1600s and
it was first used for developing relationship between different communities and states according
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to geographical area. In comparison to old times, earlier computers use to be big and telegram
was the only sources of transferring message in a rapid speed. Other than this, there was no fixed
internet through which business activities can be done in an effective manner. But now, one can
easily get any service or commodity just sitting at home and in quick time as well. Therefore, it
can be said that globalisation has clearly provided things at very cheap cost and in no time.
However, globalisation has changed the entire scenario of business environment and
motive of doing any kind of business therefore, globalisation has transformed company's
activities in a rapid speed. Globalisation helped company in increasing their market share as
products of a particular firm are available anywhere in the world which ultimately improves sales
and profitability in a set time frame. Other than this, globalisation has enabled companies in
using new and latest technologies that are helpful in producing goods which are of superior
quality. Earlier, there was a saying that globalisation is not only limited to Americanisation but it
is wide and some of the areas are incomplete in terms of economic. In order to understand
globalisation, 'fashion' is one of the best example because now whatever fashion is in trend
people around the globe knows about the same and incorporate as well.
Therefore, globalisation is not a new phenomenon, it has helped company in removing
borders and given space to new technologies so that better outcomes can be achieved in a
speculated time frame. Thus, globalisation has opened and provided opportunities to companies
at global level. Henceforth, companies who wants to expand its business in different areas, it is
crucial for them to identify various aspects which can provide benefits.
Benefits and drawback of global business environment which can be faced Marks and
Spencer
Global business environment defines the reality and nature of companies in international
trade. It is generally viewed as an integrated environment where most of the firms who are
operating their business at global level can share their views and thoughts. Other than this, global
business environment provides technological advancement which can ultimately give
competitive dynamics. There are some benefits and drawbacks of global business environment
that can be faced by Marks and Spencer and these are explained below for better understanding:
Benefits:
Market development: Globalisation provides companies with a platform where they
can sell or promote their products which enable them in increasing their customer base. For
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example: if a company is assisted with all the necessary resources by the nation that this can
have a positive impact on business operations. Therefore, it will help Marks and Spencer in
providing excellent products and services in new areas and places.
More revenue streams: Company tend to go global with the motive of accessing new
sources and resources so that more revenues generated. Because firms those have operated their
business in local level have saturated themselves and have less access to opportunities. For
example: in terms of more revenue stream, Marks and Spencer have succeeded in achieving
more money because their company is established in all over the world and it has assisted them
in increasing its customer base.
Proper resources and supplies: Every company opens its business for enhancing capital
so as to sustain in the market for a longer period of time. Thus, while performing its business
activities, there are some of the factors which are required by an organisation and includes raw
materials, resources which helps in manufacturing goods. Along with this, it also aid firm in
forming strategic alliances across the globe. Therefore, while establishing its business, Marks
and Spencer look out for places from where raw material and other things can be gained easily so
that work doesn't hamper.
Drawbacks:
Language and culture: This is the main drawbacks which company majorly face while
establishing its business in different areas. Thus, it becomes crucial for firms as well as
employees that they learn a new language which is mostly used in that particular area. For
example: if Marks and Spencer is opening its new venture in South Africa, than company can
face language and culture is difference. Therefore, in order to overcome this, firm has to select
workers who are from native places.
International Laws: Different nation have different laws which are to be followed so
that company can do their activities without any problems. Thus, in terms of Marks and Spencer,
managers go through laws and legislations and understand them in a proper manner so that
strategies and action plan can be made for effective outcomes.
Relationship between global business environment in success and growth of Marks and
Spencer
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Global business environment provides a wider area to companies in order to operate their
business at global level. Due to globalisation an individual knows about the products and
services given by another organisation. Thus, it can be said that there is a direct link between
global business environment and success of a company. For instance: Marks and Spencer gets a
exposure to new market area that customer base will be enhance and as a result company will
have more sales and profitability in a speculated time frame.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research is conducted in order to have deep knowledge regarding a specific topic or
problems. There is a myth that research is confined with science and technology but it is not true
research can be done in different fields whether it is language, history or sociology. Research
methodology is a systematic approach that helps in analysing methods and principles which are
associated with knowledge and a particular topic. Thus, research methodology includes certain
elements that are explained below for better understanding:
Research Approaches
Qualitative method: It is an exploratory research which is used in order to analyse the
and understand underlying reasons and opinions. Thus, it enable researcher in having insight into
issues so that opinions and hypothesis can be developed. Qualitative method consist of
unstructured or semi-structures techniques through which activities are performed. This majorly
includes participation, observation, individual interview etc.
Quantitative method: This is generally used by a researcher in quantifying their issue by
collecting data and information that are in numerical form. Hence, through this, attitudes and
other defined variables can be analysed in statistical form. In comparison to qualitative method,
quantitative method have structured questions and these are collected through online surveys,
face-to-face-interviews, telephonic interviews etc. Henceforth, quantitative method assist
companies in having statistical presentation of growth or losses company has faced in a
speculated time frame.
Therefore, in order to conduct this research, investigator has used qualitative research
because it assist researcher in getting effective outcomes which are reliable and can be further
used in future proceedings.
Methods of data collection: In order to collect data to provide support and evidence to
research, distinct data collection tools are utilised by an individual which is discussed here:
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Primary method of data collection: In this, data is collected by the researcher for the
first time which makes information authentic in nature. For gathering information, researcher can
use underline methods such as interview, questionnaire method, surveys etc.
Secondary method of data collection: This kind of data collection method is used for
gathering information that can be used for making literature review part more reliable and
knowledgeable. In secondary method of data collection, information are collected through
different sources such as books, journals, magazines, case studies etc. In this, there is no specific
specific collection method but research team can obtain data and information from sources from
internal and external company.
While conducting this research, investigator uses both primary and secondary method of
data collection because both the methods give appropriate information for making research
reliable and validate for future proceedings. Although, both the methods provides better
outcomes but it has some complications as well such as primary method is time consuming and
cost can be applied more in comparison with primary method.
Research Ethics:
While conducting a research there are ethics and some rules that are to be followed such
as keeping data and information secret. Other than this, research should be conducted on valid
topics so that sentiments of people are not hurt.
Data Analytical Tool
This is majorly used for analysing data and information in an effective manner so that
effective outcomes can be evaluated. In order to conduct this research Tableau public data
analytical tool is used which is simple and provides insight to investigator with the help of data
visualisation. For this, there is no need of any programming skills and these visualisations can be
published in blogs and web pages.
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TIMELINE OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ferraro, G. P. and Briody, E. K., 2013. The cultural dimension of global business. Upper Saddle
River: Pearson.
Voegtlin, C., Patzer, M. and Scherer, A. G., 2012. Responsible leadership in global business: A
new approach to leadership and its multi-level outcomes. Journal of Business Ethics.
105(1). pp.1-16.
Wetherly, P., 2014. The business environment: themes and issues in a globalizing world. Oxford
University Press.
Briscoe, D., Tarique, I. and Schuler, R., 2012. International human resource management:
Policies and practices for multinational enterprises. Routledge.
Cavusgil, S. T. and Knight, G., 2015. The born global firm: An entrepreneurial and capabilities
perspective on early and rapid internationalization. Journal of International Business
Studies. 46(1). pp.3-16.
Khilji, S. E., 2012. Editor's perspective: does South Asia matter? Rethinking South Asia as
relevant in international business research. South Asian Journal of Global Business
Research. 1(1). pp.8-21.
Prajogo, D. I., 2016. The strategic fit between innovation strategies and business environment in
delivering business performance. International Journal of Production Economics. 171.
pp.241-249.
Daim, T. U. and et. al., 2012. Exploring the communication breakdown in global virtual teams.
International Journal of Project Management. 30(2). pp.199-212.
Ali, F. and Amin, M., 2014. The influence of physical environment on emotions, customer
satisfaction and behavioural intentions in Chinese resort hotel industry. Journal for
Global Business Advancement. 7(3). pp.249-266.
Kim, M., Suresh, N. C. and Kocabasoglu-Hillmer, C., 2013. An impact of manufacturing
flexibility and technological dimensions of manufacturing strategy on improving supply
chain responsiveness: Business environment perspective. International Journal of
Production Research. 51(18). pp.5597-5611.
Liu, Y., 2013. Sustainable competitive advantage in turbulent business environments.
International Journal of Production Research. 51(10). pp.2821-2841.
Online
Globalisation. 2018. [Online]. Available through:<http://lexicon.ft.com/Term?
term=globalisation>.
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