Research Project: Benefits and Drawbacks of Globalisation - Waitrose

This research project delves into the multifaceted impact of globalisation on businesses, with a specific focus on the retail giant, Waitrose. The report begins with an overview of globalisation, defining it as a process that fosters interaction across countries and regulatory bodies, leading to increased competition and opportunities. The research explores the benefits, such as cultural awareness and market expansion, and the drawbacks, including language barriers and international laws. The literature review examines globalisation's evolution, its effects on businesses, and the specific challenges faced by companies like Waitrose. The methodology outlines the research approach, including primary and secondary research methods, and the data analysis focuses on the benefits of market development, proper resources and supplies, and increased revenue streams. Challenges such as physical distance, cultural differences, and organizational communication are also addressed. The project aims to determine the benefits and drawbacks of a global business environment, analyzing the challenges Waitrose faces while expanding its activities. The report concludes with reflections and recommendations for future research.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
Overview of research..............................................................................................................1
Background of the Research...................................................................................................1
Rationale of the project..........................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.........................................................................................3
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................7
3.1 Type of Investigation........................................................................................................7
3.2 Research Philosophy........................................................................................................7
3.3 Research Approach...........................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS.................................................10
CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH OUTCOMES....................................................................................21
5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................21
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 6: REFLECTIONS AND RECOMMENDATION....................................................22
6.1 Reflection.......................................................................................................................22
6.2 Alternative Research Methodology................................................................................22
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................23

Topic: Benefits and drawback of globalisation
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
TITLE: To determine the benefits and drawbacks of a global business environment. A Case
Study on Waitrose.
Overview of research
Globalisation, itself is a very wide concept and with the change in course of time every
person knows about the concept and how it is providing benefits to an organisation. In simple
words globalisation is defined as a process which provides a great opportunity to companies in
interacting with people, countries and regulatory bodies across the world. Therefore, it can be
said that globalisation has increased the level of competition between companies and along with
this it has provided competitive advancement due to bigger geographic dispersion. There are
main advantage which have been provided by globalisation one of the biggest advantage is that it
promotes a sense of culture awareness amongst individuals. As a result, it provides a chance to
company for including people from different diversified areas this will enable firm in delivering
better services and facilities to its valuable customers (Ferraro and Briody, 2013). Along with
this, globalisation provides a wider areas for expanding its business which ultimately increase
customer's base in stipulated time frame. Present report will include both benefits and drawback
of globalisation and for this, hypothesis will be developed which will be further supported by
literature review. In order to make research appropriate different research methodologies will be
used such as primary and secondary. Therefore, this research will be helpful in evaluating a valid
conclusion about the topic on which research is being done.
Background of the Research
Globalisation is said to be a procedure which after coming to the market area has enabled
company in grabbing opportunities and Forster its business. Therefore, company has got a larger
market area for delivering excellent products to its customers which is helping nation in
enhancing its economy (Voegtlin, Patzer and Scherer, 2012). Waitrose is a British multinational
company of United Kingdom which is dealing in retail sector and since the year it was
established it is providing effective services and faculties. As company is operating its business
in different places so for them this research will be helpful in determining what all are the factors
that must be considered by company so as to sustain in the market for a longer period of time.
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Global business environment is very much affected by the economy of country because it has a
role of enhancing sales of a company or vice-versa.
Rationale of the project
Present report is being done in order to determine the importance of globalisation and
what all are the factors that are putting an impact on the global business environment (Horner
and et.al., 2018). According to the market area, global business environment is providing with
large number of benefits for example: it is providing a platform where different companies can
come and integrate with various business and can get maximum benefits out of the same
(Wetherly, 2014). Other than this is assisting company in improving its customer's base in a
stipulated time frame. But along with its benefits there are limitations as well like there are
various international laws which can be an issue for companies to follow. Thus, major motive
behind selecting this research topic is to identify major benefits as well as drawback related to
globalisation. Therefore, significance of this research is to determine what measures can be taken
for eradicating problems.
Research Aims:
This is a crucial element of an entire research because objectives are based on aims which
resultant in evaluating a valid conclusion. Therefore, research aim of this project is “To
determine the benefits and drawbacks of a global business environment. A Case Study on
Waitrose.”
Research objectives:
 To determine the concept of globalisation.
 To determine the benefits and drawback of global business environment on Waitrose for
expanding its business activities.
 To analyse major challenges which can be faced by Waitrose while expanding its
business activities.
Research Questions:
 What is the concept of globalisation?
 What are the benefits and drawback of global business environment on Waitrose for
expanding its business activities?
 What kind of challenges that can be faced by Waitrose for expanding its business
activities?
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of globalisation
According to the viewpoint of Briscoe, Tarique and Schuler, (2012) it is stated that
globalisation is being used by every individual because it is associated with various tasks. It is
providing an impact on activities of business operations. Globalisation, is a very wide concept as
it includes varies perspectives. In simple term globalisation is a process which secures socio-
economic integration with the help of which free flow of goods, services, information and
knowledge across all boundaries. With the help of globalisation company has enabled
themselves in expanding its business across the globe which facilitate better economic linkage
between countries and companies who are working within. Therefore, it can be said that because
of globalisation exchange of ideas, resources, raw materials and technologies has become more
easier. For instance: firm can established new and latest technologies that can provide effective
results to organisation. In relation with businesses, globalisation itself constitutes three channels
that helps in performing its activities in a proper manner (Intriligator, 2017). First is trading of
products, exchange of capital and lastly free flow of income.
Therefore, globalisation is not a new concept, earlier traders use to travel vast distance so
as to have benefits. Later gradually, in 19th century with the coming of Industrial revolution
globalisation has brought advances in communication and transportation. For example: in order
to communicate with one another people use telegram it was the only source of communication.
But with the change in course of time and advancement in technologies interacting with people
has become easier.
Thus, globalisation has totally changed the scenario of business because company can
now easily get the raw material in quick time and at cheap cost as well. As a result, it is helping
firm in delivering excellent services and facilities to its valuable customers. This is enabling
company in improving market share, sales and profitability of the organisation. Major advantage
of globalisation which is being enjoyed by company is access of latest tools and technologies. It
is assisting company in delivering better and effective services to its customers.
Henceforth, globalisation is not a new concept as it has assisted company in trading in
different parts of the world removing geographical boundaries (Zajda, 2015). Along with this, it
has provided companies with a new space to technologies.
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Benefits and drawback of global business environment on Waitrose for expanding its business
activities
Global business environment shows the reality of business how they are performing at
international market. It is basically considered as an integrated environment where large number
of companies gets an opportunity of sharing their views and thoughts. Along with this, global
business environment has provided technological advancement to companies which is enabling
them in gaining competitive advancement (Cavusgil and Knight, 2015). Therefore, to understand
this more in an effective manner some of the benefits and drawbacks are explained below which
are related to global business environment.
Benefits:
Market development: Globalisation provides company with an opportunity of catching
up with different countries with the help of increased manufacturing, diversification,
improvement and economic expansion. Therefore, globalisation provides a greater chance to
companies for developing its market with the help of resources available (Yawar and Seuring,
2017). For example: if Waitrose is given with appropriate resources and raw materials than
company will be able to provide better results. Henceforth, it will work as a benefit for Waitrose
and further can assist company in providing better services.
Proper resources and supplies: Globalisation has bough every element into a shell
because of which company can easily have an access to resources that are available. These
resources plays a crucial role for companies in proving better services because without this firm
cannot gain competitive benefits. With the help of effective suppliers company enable
themselves in forming strategic alliances through out the globe so that better results and
outcomes can be achieved (Khilji, 2012). Thus, in relation with Waitrose, in order to gain
benefits they must consider those places from where company can get raw materials so as to
make finished goods.
More revenue streams: With the increase in sales company is more intended to enhance
its revenue and for this it is important that firm have sufficient resources that are required for
manufacturing final product which can be delivered to its end customers. For example: With the
establishment of more and more companies in different locations company can increase its
revenues and market share. As a result, it will aid company in improving its customer's base.
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Drawbacks:
Language and culture: It is determined as one of the major drawback for a company
when they are intended to establish its business in different locations. Because there might be a
possibility that employees had to learn new languages and had to follow norms and regulations.
For instance: Waitrose is opening its business in South Africa where culture is totally different
(Alsamawi and et.al., 2017). Thus, in their initial years company can face issue in interacting
with customers and other stakeholders which can further have an impact on company's sales and
profitability.
International Laws: Every country have their own laws and regulations which are
important to be followed by companies so that company doesn't face any kind of issues while
operating its business. Therefore, for the managers of Waitrose, it will be difficult to
communicate all the norms and regulations to its employees so that action plan can be deliver in
a better manner.
Major challenges which can be faced by Waitrose while expanding its business activities
Globalisation provides greater opportunities to companies but along with the benefits
there are some challenges as well which can hinder business operations because reaching to
maximum number of people at a time is not possible (Johns and et.al., 2015). Therefore, to
understand major challenges that can be faced by Waitrose while expanding its business are
mentioned below:
Physical Distance: In this current scenario where internet has boomed the process of
business activities but it cannot match the physical appearance of an individual for talking. This
creates the physical distance which becomes one of the prime issues for companies while
delivering the best suitable services and facilities (Prajogo, 2016).
Unfamiliar Cultures: Waitrose is a British Multinational company so there might be a
possibility that they includes employees who are from different culture. This can sometimes
resultant in clashes in opinions. As a result, it can put an impact on the operations of company
because of which sales and profitability can get affected.
Organisational Communication: This is an effective process which is used by company
for interacting with various firms so that trading system can be done in an effective manner.
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Therefore, this can come up as a challenge for an organisation as they have to set effective
system which can cost higher while expanding its business at international level.
Foreign laws and regulations: Along with proper establishment of company in different
location it is also important that they follow rules and regulations that are formulated by these
nations (Touboulic and Walker, 2015). But following laws like tax implications, trading laws,
legal requirement so as to run business successfully can sometimes becomes a challenge. As
company may face losses because of change in revenue system and tax charges.
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is a systematic process with the help of which researcher intend to
do the research in an effective manner. Research methodology itself includes various kinds of
factors that can further help in doing future action (Bresler and Stake, 2017). Therefore, elements
that are included in research methodology are explained below for better understanding:
3.1 Type of Investigation
In order to take research into right direction researcher choose different types of
investigation that are exploratory in nature. Therefore, it is generally divided into two segments
which are qualitative and quantitative method (Daim and et. al., 2012).
Qualitative method: It is a scientific method in which information are basically collected
with the help of open-ended and conversational communication. Thus, it is a theoretical based
method which provides in-depth knowledge to researcher regarding a specific topic.
Quantitative method: This is a method with the help of which relationship between two
variables are determined. It is a type of structured research instrument that helps in gathering
data and information that are in numerical form.
Therefore, in relation with types of investigation, researcher is using qualitative method
which will assist investigator in breaking down of complex problem into meaningful inferences.
Thus, this will make research more reliable and understandable in nature.
3.2 Research Philosophy
This is related with source form where information is collected, nature and development
of knowledge. Thus, choosing an effective research philosophy plays a crucial role as entire
research depends upon this. Furthermore, research philosophy is classified into two categories
and these are interpretivism and positivism (Ali and Amin, 2014).
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Interpretivism: In this researchers basically interpret different component of study that
integrates human nature or interest towards a topic (Fletcher, 2017). Therefore, interpretivism is
related with position of idealism which is used to have a valid conclusion.
Positivism: This research philosophy is generally based on factual knowledge which is
obtained through observation. Positivism is depends upon quantifiable observation which further
aid in doing statistical analysis.
In order to do this research, researcher will use interpretivism which moreover help them
in taking out proper evaluation and discussion.
3.3 Research Approach
It is determined as a plan and a process that includes certain steps of collecting data,
analysing and making interpretations as well. Therefore, research approach provides an effective
direction for analysing data and information. This has two components one is inductive and the
other one is deductive both are explained below for better understanding:
Inductive research approach: This is an approach that starts with an observation and it is
used for making a untested conclusion (Kim, Suresh and Kocabasoglu-Hillmer, 2013). Inductive
research approach is related with qualitative approach that helps in evaluating better outcomes
and results.
Deductive research approach: It is generally based on developing a hypothesis which
depends upon an existing theory. Therefore, it is used for getting an appropriate conclusion from
propositions.
Henceforth, for doing this research, researcher will use inductive approach as it will
provide quantified results that can be further approached for effective results.
3.4 Data collection
It is one of the important component which must be considered by a researcher so that
research is being conducted in an effective manner. Data collection method is of two types one is
primary and the other one is secondary. For better understanding both of them are explained
below:
Primary method of data collection: This is an effective method in which information are
collected for the first hand sources with the help of surveys, observations and experimentation.
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Data that are gathered are fresh because of which it provides an authentic results and outcomes.
Furthermore, researcher in order to do the same take help from questionnaire or observe things.
Secondary method of data collection: This is considered as a another method through
which data and information are collected (Liu, 2013). Content that are gathered are taken from
different sources like books, journals magazines etc., therefore, secondary method of data
collection assist researcher for having better understanding regarding the specific topic.
In order to do this research, both primary and secondary method of data collection will be
use. This will enable researcher in having proper information for taking out a valid conclusion
and result.
3.5 Sampling
Sampling is a process which is used for statistical analysis. In this, predetermined number
of observations are considered which is from a large number of population. Furthermore, it is
classified into two categories i.e. random sampling and systematic sampling. Thus, in order to do
this research 40 respondents will be taken and this is will be done through the process of random
sampling.
3.6 Timeline
Research includes a variety of steps or stages which further assist in doing research in a
systematic manner. Whatever research is being conducted it is effective when it is completed in a
stipulated time frame. Therefore, in order to the same researcher can taken help of Gantt Chart as
it will aid in performing the task in an effective manner.
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