Globalisation and Business Success: A Case Study on Marks and Spencer

This research report investigates the role of globalisation in driving business success at an international level, with a specific focus on Marks and Spencer. The report begins with an introduction outlining the research aim, objectives, and questions, followed by a literature review that explores the concept of globalisation, its influence on business growth, and the potential risks involved. The literature review examines how globalisation impacts Marks and Spencer in terms of increased opportunities, foreign direct investment, and market expansion, while also addressing potential risks such as increased competition and the need for adaptation. The methodology section details the research approach, including planning, the mixed-method proposal, and the executive action research framework. The report concludes by discussing the appropriate methods for a business research project, covering research philosophy, approach, and strategy. Overall, the report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of globalisation's impact on business success, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by companies operating in a globalized environment.

Research Report

Table of Contents

TITLE: How globalisation can drive business success
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose of research
The main purpose of conducting this investigation is to improvise knowledge of
investigator on globalisation and its importance in the business success of large scale companies.
Marks and Spencer is already leading United Kingdom and also serves its customers at
international marketplace. But, the top management team of this company often faces numerous
of problems while operating its business at international level (Cavusgil and Knight, 2015). For
this, superior authority has planned to investigate on the topic globalisation so that they can
enhance their knowledge on the same which will lead to business success. In this regard,
researcher has developed suitable aim and objective that will support in obtaining appropriate
outcome effectively.
1.2 Research Objectives
Research Aim
Main aim of this research is “To identify the role of globalisation in driving business
success at international level ” A case study on Marks and Spencer.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concept of globalisation.
 To analyse influence of globalisation in the business growth of Marks and Spencer.
 To identify potential risk of globalisation that affects business activities of Marks and
Spencer.
Research Questions
 What is the concept of globalisation?
 How globalisation influences business growth of Marks and Spencer?
 What are the potential risk of globalisation that affects business activities of Marks and
Spencer?
1.3 Intervention
Researcher have complied with all norms associated with investigation for conducting
research in rightful manner which will provide justified outcome to the learners too.

1.4 Reasons for choosing this research
The first and foremost reason of choosing this topic is to develop professional skills of
investigator such as analytical skills, team working skills, communication skill etc. This
development in skill will allow researcher in grabbing job in multinational companies in future.
Also, another purpose of conducting this investigation is to support investigator in gaining higher
scores in their respective subjects.
1.5 Personal reasons
The investigation will also allow researcher in conducting more effective research in
future with the developed skills. This will lead to attainment of research outcome effectively.
1.6 Principal outcome
This investigation is highly important as it supports large scale companies in improvising
their knowledge on globalisation. It will also create numerous opportunities for large scale
companies as they are having desired information on the concept and they can easily use this
information availing all resources mandatory for their projects.
1.7 Summary
Globalisation is termed as the incorporation of different nation under which several
business entities, governmental authorities, people etc. interacts with one another for gaining
maximum benefits and also developing world with common efforts (Bendell, 2017). This
interaction also increases number of opportunities for companies as they are able to approach
desired resources at international market scale which helps them in better execution of business
operations. Globalisation has not only raised benefits for businesses but it has also contributed in
the economical development of nation as if a company gains monetary benefits it ultimately
develops the nation too. The current investigation rely upon Marks and Spencer. In this influence
of globalisation has been elaborated on Marks and Spencer which leads to its business success.
Marks and Spencer is a UK based retailer which basically offers high quality clothing, food
products and home products. The company was incorporated in the year 1884 and its business
operations are managed by around 80787 number of employees at global scale.

SECTION 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Literature review is defines as the comprehensive summary that consist of detailed
analysis of information, which is presented by different respective authors on particular topic
(Crane and Matten, 2016). This helps and support investigator, in developing effective base for
further investigation, with help of this, they can proceed further in to achieve objectives of a
research.
Concept of Globalisation:
As per thoughts given by Didem, (2017), it is evaluated that globalisation is a concept in
Which there is worldwide shift of economic operations of a company. This is whole scenario in
which there has been increase in interdependencies between nations, this can lead to avoiding of
occurrence of conflicts. Some scholars such as Robertson have a tendency to think that world as
a whole, this can be related to some notions as “ecumene” & “cosmos” were having prevalence.
In concept of Globalisation also, communities which are nationally imagined and are not actually
present have to break down. Many different travellers, missionaries, traders and military
contribute significantly in developing a global sense that there is a single community.
Globalisation is actually responsible for transforming of world into one single place. It is
complex transformative and a multidimensional process which involves creolization,
hybridization and indigenization. Apart from cultural transformations, there is complete shift in
understanding of space, time and territory (Brambilla, 2015). According to another author James
Rosenau, globalization helps in creating “distant proximities” and there is emergence of both
opportunities & threats. Sometimes it can also be regarded as a process of “Deterritorialization”.
There are also some themes which can be used interchangeably with globalization like
transanationalization or gloablity. Globalization is a process of unifying as there is interaction
taking place between different countries. There are some normative approaches also which have
emerged because of phenomenon relate to globalisation. Some also perceive “managing
globalisation” as legitimizing the projects which lead to undermining of democratic standards
and accountability. No matter how many criticisms or demerits of globalisation have emerged
still it has helped in increasing profit for companies and helped them in getting a competitive
advantage in external environment. In today's changing world growth of digital media has also

provided a platform to companies from which they can use to do promotion of their business
across boundaries.
Globalisation influences business growth of Marks and Spencer
On basis of views of Justin, (2017), it can be regarded that globalisation has a influence
on business practises of Marks and Spencer. In terms of increased opportunities, foreign direct
investment and innovations. There is one such positive impact which leads to increased
productivity of companies in terms of economies of scale that helps them in cutting down their
costs which leads to increased economic growth. This has a disadvantage for small companies in
domestic country as it creates hurdles for them in terms of increased competition. There are also
various types of risks involved in process of globalisation, like there is increased
interdependence between different countries, some organisations also see it as negative impact
on national sovereignty of country. There can also be a situation because of globalisation where
there are increase in inequalities among nations which leads to occurrence of some conflicts.
Most reliable impact of globalisation on countries has been that it has created lot of changes in
everything way business are done, various operations of company are carried on (Zajda, 2015).
Main aim of globalisation was to decrease in military conflicts but because economic growth of
all countries are not same this has created some conflicts. In marks and Spencer Globalisation is
contributing in increasing their overall sales as now company's business will not be limited to
just one country but it will have presence in many countries this leads to increase in market for
company. Not only company but other stakeholders such as employees are also benefited as it
leads to increase in wages for them. From any country's point of view globalisation has lead to
increase in employment opportunities, new technological advancements, increased innovations
and all this has a positive effect on customer satisfaction. Marks and Spencer is also planning to
open some 250 stores outside UK, with this they are planning for expansion in different
departments such as beauty related products. This is a big step on part of company an will
require lot of investment, but this can be repaid in form of recognition across global markets and
improvement in overall profits of company. This means that Globalisation has somewhere lead
to sustainable development of companies (Oyemomi and et. al., 2016).
Potential risk of globalisation that affects business activities of Marks and Spencer
According to Vom Brocke, (2016), Globalisation is a phenomenon which has many
benefits for countries, but it has become a topic for debate as there are many risks associated

with it along with positive impact. Its risks include injustices, poverties, marginalizations,
starvations and many others. Globalisation has benefited companies like Marks and Spencer in a
way that they are able to expand their operations and presence apart from their host country. This
has provided this company an opportunity to grow and expand their operations. People of other
countries also are benefited as they now have increase in choices, more opportunities for
employment, high quality products & services and this all leads to increase in living standards of
people. This process have some demerits also such as there are more opportunities for richer
sections but poorer sections do not get much benefits instead choices for them are reduced. This
leads to increase in gap between richer and poor sections of society (Díaz and et. al., 2015). A
prevailing or inherited culture is also affected by this process of globalisation, which sometimes
can lead to loosing of originality of a country. From point of society this process may lead to
destroying of some of aspects such has many classes remain far behind in getting benefited from
this process instead they continue to suffer from misfortunes and calamities. Growing of new
markets is also prevented sometimes because of globalisation as competitiveness remains
unequal. Also, for Marks and Spencer there can be a situation when its consumers have lot of
expectations because they have a recognized brand name, and if at some point such expectations
are not met then this may lead to brand switching and loosing of customers. Globalization also
based on its present formula may not ensure political and social stability. So, it has also
necessitated that globalization as a process must be rethink so as to reduce its negative affects
over a country and brands.
SECTION 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Planning action research
In this section, researcher have used different analysed problem and then developed
effective planning action research in order to overcome research problem. This section includes
development of knowledge base so that effective plan can be developed for the same. It includes
four basic steps that is selection of focus, collection of data, analysis and interpretation of data,
taking action for the same.

3.2 Mixed method proposal
In this, investigator have used mixed method approach that is the combination of
qualitative and quantitative research method. This method is valuable in concluding investigation
with the valid outcome.
3.3 Executive action research
In this, at initial level investigator identifies the problem, then gather information on the
problem, later they organises, analyses and interprest gathered information, further plan is
developed against the problem. The next step is implementation of plan and evaluation. The last
step is to identify new problem and repeat the same process again.
SECTION 4
4.1 Appropriate methods for a business research project
Research methodology is defined as an most essential part of investigation. This includes
all detailed information about different tools & techniques, methods, approaches are described
which are used in research for gathering, analysing, interpretation the data for finding effective
conclusion (Olins, 2017). The knowledge provided about tools & approaches will helps and
direct the researcher to perform their operations in order to brainstorm the effective and best
findings. Here some tools and techniques which are used by researcher within this current
investigation is illustrated below:
Research philosophy
Research philosophy is basically a phenomenon which deals with the ways where data
relate to a phenomenon is collected, had to be analysed and used in the research work. Whenever
a research philosophy is involved it means formulating and being aware of different beliefs &
assumption made in the research work. Research philosophy forms the most outer layer in a
research onion. There are four main types of Research philosophy:
Pragmatism: This type includes mixed method designs, including qualitative and
quantitative both type of data.
Positivism: This believes that there is one thing that is always stable is reality. A
hypothesis is selected here and is further tested (Díaz and et. al., 2015). There is a structured
methodology which is followed by positivist researcher.

Realism: It is another branch of research philosophy. This is closely related to truth and
existing objects in human mind. There are two types of realism critical realism and direct
realism.
Interpretivism: Reality can be interpreted in many different ways but such interpretations
are part of scientific knowledge. It is not less glorious then positivism.
Research Approach
Qualitative approach refers to the approach where research observe and understand the
behaviour of human being and what they think about the particular topic. Where as quantitative
approach refers to those which includes statistics, numbers or numerical information. This
approach is quite difficult and researcher should have adequate knowledge about this.
Qualitative approach helps investigator in collecting accurate & reliable data. On other hand,
quantitative approach provides less statistical data (Rossi, Lipsey and Henry, 2018). Mixed
method, this method includes both qualitative and quantitative method for obtaining research
outcome. Here, usage of qualitative method helps in enhancing authenticity of research. And,
adoption of quantitative method supports in gathering, analysing and evaluating information
obtained from questionnaire. Thus, in this current research, researcher has adopted mixed
method for drawing appropriate outcome from research problem.
Primary data
Primary data means first hand data being collected by researcher to perform the whole
research. There is a long process through which such type of data is collected. There can be
many different methods for collecting primary data such as questionnaire, observations,
experiments, personal interviews and surveys (Flick, 2015). This method involves lot of time as
data has to be gathered by researcher only. Also, there are some topics where secondary data
cannot be use and researcher necessarily has to use primary source of collecting data. This may
lead to increase in cost of whole research project.
Secondary data
Sometimes sample size is so large that it become impossible to collect data using primary
source in such case secondary data is used by researcher. This method is very quick as there as
no first hand information being collected. Various sources of collecting data through secondary
source includes journals, websites, articles, government publications and other sources. This is
more economical as compared to primary source. This method has a limitation that researcher

sometimes may not get exact information and this is less reliable and accuracy level may also be
low of this source.
In present investigation both primary & secondary sources collecting data has been used
by investigator.
Sampling
Sampling is a process where a researcher emphasis on choosing a sample. This sampling
is done because whole population cannot be used for research work, so a particular sample is
selected which is used for further processing and drawing out relevant conclusions. There are
many different methods which can be used by researcher like simple random sampling, stratified
random sampling, systematic random sampling, quota sampling, snowball sampling, quota
sampling. Every method has its own way of collecting data which can be used by analyst
according to its requirements (Kumar, 2019). In this research work simple random sampling has
been used by the researcher. In this method there is no specific criteria respondents are selected
on a random basis.
Sample Size
Sample size basically means no. of respondents selected by researcher from whole
population size. In this research work there are total of 40 respondents who are selected as
sample size.
Questionnaires: Questionnaire consists of set of some questions which is prepared by
the researcher in performing their research work. There are series of questions which are
prepared in order to evaluate respondents on various aspects and note down their reaction. Based
on that reactions interpretations are done and final conclusions are made.
4.2 Consider cost, access and ethical issues
While conducting this investigation, investigator have emphasised on considering few
areas for executing this investigation for attaining appropriate outcome. In this research,
investigator have tried to complete this investigation within the provided cost by utilising all
available resources in optimum manner. Along with this, it is also essential for researcher to take
permission from respondents before using their data.

SECTION 5: RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
5.1 Apply appropriate analytical tools to analyse data
The data analysis & data interpretation plays an very important role in completing
research, which helps researcher in analysing and interpreting the information as well as data that
is collected throughout investigation. The main rational motive behind analysing data is to
cogitate as well as provide profitable suggestion by evaluating information & concluding
effective findings from whole conducted research for achieving research objective. For
conducting this present report, thematic approach has been adopted by researcher in order to
analysing data and information in effective and efficient manner.
Questionnaire
Q 1) Do you understand what is concept of globalisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 2) Do you think globalisation influences business success of Marks and Spencer?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q 3) What are main benefits gained by M & S by expanding their business international
markets?
a) Quick access to advancement
b) Increase in sales performance
c) Better approach to business opportunities
Q 4) Does expansion of business of M & S at international market scale contributes in gaining
competitive advantage?
a) Yes
b) No
Q 5) What are various potential risks of globalisation for M & S?