An Investigation into Globalisation's Impact on John Lewis

This report, titled "An investigation into positive economic, culture and ethical impacts of globalisation on different business functions within an organisation", analyzes the effects of globalisation on John Lewis, a high-end department store in the UK. The report begins with an introduction to globalisation and its impact on business functions like human resources, marketing, and accounting. It outlines the research aims, objectives, and questions, focusing on the economic, cultural, and ethical impacts. The report includes a project management plan detailing costs, scope, time, communication, resources, quality, and risks. A work breakdown structure and Gantt chart are also provided to manage the research process. The report further explores qualitative and quantitative research methods, including primary and secondary research approaches. The project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how globalisation influences John Lewis's business operations and identify the importance of globalisation in improving business functions.

Managing a Successful
Business Project

Table of Contents
TITLE..............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
P1............................................................................................................................................1
P2............................................................................................................................................2
P3............................................................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................5
P4............................................................................................................................................5
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................9
P5............................................................................................................................................9
P6..........................................................................................................................................17
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................17
P7..........................................................................................................................................17
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19

TITLE
“An investigation into positive economic, culture and ethical impacts of globalisation on
different business functions within an organisation”. A study on John Lewis.
INTRODUCTION
Globalisation introduces as an effective process of growing, developing and enlarging the
business, technologies and services all through the globe (Baylis, Smith and Owens, 2017). It
requires large international investment to create large multinational organisations for the
worldwide economic integration. Globalisation has different factors such as political, cultural,
ethical etc. all these factors are directly impact on business functions e.g. human resource,
marketing, operational and accounting. For this project, John Lewis is a chosen high-end
department stores in UK. This report divided into different parts which cover, project objectives
and aims, work breakdown structure, project management plan and Gantt chart. Along with this
qualitative and quantitative research will also use for collecting quality and in-depth data about
the topic.
TASK 1
P1
Overview of the research:
Globalisation is defines as the process of integration and interaction among
governments, companies and people worldwide (Boserup, Tan and Toulmin, 2013). The concept
of globalisation has to grow due to progress in communication and transportation. It is the spread
of data, technology and product across national borders. It is a biggest concept which will help
John Lewis by improving its business functions at global level.
Research Aim:
“An investigation into positive economic, culture and ethical impacts of globalisation on
different business functions within an organisation”. A study on John Lewis.
Research Objectives:
 To develop basic knowledge about the definition and concept of globalisation in terms of
business?
 To analysis positive economic, culture and ethical impacts of globalisation on different
business functions of John Lewis.
1

 To identify importance of globalisation in improvement of business functions.
Research Questions:
 What are the basic phenomena of globalisation?
 What are the positive economic, culture and ethical impacts of globalisation on different
business functions of John Lewis?
 What are the importance of globalisation in improvement of business functions?
P2
Project management plan is known as a written piece of paper contains an important
information related with various aspects such as scope, cost, quality, time, communication etc.
These aspects must require to consider by the researcher appointed by John Lewis before
conducting an effective research as it supports researcher to bring valid conclusion at the end of
research (Cleveland, Laroche and Hallab, 2013). These elements are briefly described as under:
The major elements which helps in formation of project management plan are mentioned
below:
Cost: Cost stands crucial element when it comes to conducting a research. While
conducting a research it is very essential for a researcher to gather and allocate monetary
resources to different activities so that positive outcomes are fulfilled. The major costs for this
study include stationary, University clearance, Company Approval, internet and conveyance
charges. Unavailability of sufficient funds can result in un- achievement of project scope and
disturbing schedule for the project. Therefore to fulfil this project, an amount of £2000 have been
finalised which will cover all the above identified costs.
Scope: This section focuses on identifying and describing the overall purpose of
undertaking this research. This research undertaking focuses on identifying positive influences
which has been carried out by the globalisation upon various functions perform by a business
organisation such as marketing, production, finance and human resource (Connell, 2013). The
benefits of globalisation will be understood on ethical, cultural and economic grounds so as to
facilitate a better understanding. The extensive research will be conducted through undertaking
of primary and secondary sources which will define how an organisation can perceive
globalisation as an opportunity to improve their working holistically.
Time: The project undertaken carries a strict time-frame within which all the project
objectives are expected to be achieved. Therefore it is essential for a researcher to form a project
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schedule which supports in dividing activities on the basis of priority and are allocated with
appropriate time. The estimation of time relating to activity has been carried out on the basis of
past experiences and expert advice offered by the tutor. To complete this undertaken study, a
time period of 3 months have been considered. To ensure timely fulfilment of this project, Gantt
chart is considered which helps in visualise the schedule along with measuring the progress.
Communication: For expansion of business, the management of John Lewis requires an
support from various departments such as HR, marketing etc. due to which different
communication channels such as ERP Software, Slack etc. must be required to adopt. In order to
conduct research, the researcher requires to collect reliable and accurate data which can be
possible only if different methods of communication will be opted. For example, to collect
relevant data communicating with stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers etc.
through using calls, messages and video call must be required (Crane and Matten, 2016).
Resources: In project management plan, resources are needed so that tasks of project can
be performed in a systematic manner. These resources can either be equipment, funding,
facilities, people or any other material which is needed to complete project. Inadequate resources
can acts as a barrier for the project that is initiated by John Lewis. In context with company,
required resources are capital, man power, investment, machines, technology etc. In case of
investigator major resources require to complete the investigation include books, internet,
magazines, money and many more. With the help of above mentioned resources, research of
company can be accomplished in a desired manner.
Quality: Quality is very important element for an organisation so that the company as
well as researcher can achieve their predetermined goals and objectives in pre determined time
period. For ensuring the quality in the products which are provided to the new customers,
company is using the various tools and methods such as six sigma, TQM etc. also the
organisation has determine to offer quality products to its target audience for enhancing their
satisfaction and trust towards the company's products (Czinkota and Ronkainen, 2013). Whereas
researcher had decided to utilise the qualitative research method for gathering the reliable and
verified data for ensuring that valid conclusion can be concluded through the research.
Risks: A large number of risks exist for the company as well as for the researcher in
executing their projects. Company can face the risks of low budget, unskilled and low
knowledgeable employees, out dated machinery etc. which can impact the globalisation process
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of the company as well as in enhancing the market share. Also risks exist for the researcher in
executing the taken research such as lack of communication skills, lack of funds, language or
cultural barriers etc. which can influence the implementation of the research in a proper manner.
P3
 Work breakdown structure: WBS can be considered as a crucial tool which is being
utilised by an investigator, in order to distribute all the tasks in given time frame
(Falguera, Aliguer and Falguera, 2012). Basically, term work breakdown structure is a
deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition which helps in executing overall task
throughout the project team. It can also be said that, WBS basically, starts with the
project as the top level deliverable and is further represents among different range of
tasks considering hierarchy. Through this a researcher could easily develop favourable
outcomes in specified time frame.
 Gantt chart: This type of chart mostly used in project management which is also known
as bar chart. Furthermore, Gantt chart is performed on both horizontal axis and vertical
axis. Along with this, it is one of the best and effective method for showing activities in
which includes tasks and events by displaying time. On the other hand, in left side of
chart contains activities list and on top time scale were mentioned. In addition to this,
Gantt chart is helpful for tracking schedule of project in an effective manner as it also
shows additional information which is beneficial for company to manage the task.
Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Research proposal 45 days Tue 01-01-19 Mon 04-03-19
Aims and objectives 15 days Tue 05-03-19 Mon 25-03-19 1
Research methodologies 15 days Tue 05-03-19 Mon 25-03-19 1
Data collection 14 days Tue 26-03-19 Fri 12-04-19 2
Data analysis 30 days Tue 26-03-19 Mon 06-05-19 2,3
Data interpretation 10 days Tue 26-03-19 Mon 08-04-19 3
Finding and conclusion 28 days Mon 15-04-
19 Wed 22-05-19 4,6
Recommendations 10 days Thu 23-05-19 Wed 05-06-19 4,5,7
Conclusion and
Submission 2 days Thu 06-06-19 Fri 07-06-19 8
4

TASK 2
P4
Research is usually carried out in order to solve a particular problem or issue which is
required to have proper investigation (Pieterse, 2015). The research is conducted in different
forms which are known as questionnaire, magazines, survey, journals etc. The research is a very
time consuming process but it enhances the knowledge level and idea in a specific sector. The
different ways which are employed by the researcher to carry out the investigation are evaluated
below as:
Qualitative Research: Qualitative research is the kind of marking research that always
involves in the different kind of opinions and perception, feeling of customer effectively. Along
with this this research also consider about goods and services of the business enterprises
effectively. In the term of qualitative research, it has lots of examples such as group discussion,
face to face interview, debate etc. these methods are helpful in order to know the quality of
research properly. Apart from this, it is the effective aspect of research which reduces the
different type of errors and issues appropriately (Santos, 2012).
Quantitative Research: This investigation is based on the statistical and numerical data
which is generally gathered by the questionnaire and different kind of surveys in order to check
availability of resources within the market place (Pulina and Timpanaro, 2012). Along with this
it includes in the close ended questions in which information is collected through the existing
data in an effective manner. According to this research method data is collected in a proper
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structure. The method of this research have correlation, descriptive quasi-experimental or
experimental designs in order to solve several kind issues within the research. Along with this it
involves in the customer's perception and opinion which is applicable on the secondary or
primary research in a appropriate manner.
Primary research method: Primary research refers to the direct form of the research
(Primary source and secondary source, 2018). In this investigator directly collects information
from respondents by personally interacting with them. It includes different sources such as
Questionnaire, interview methods, observation, focus group etc. The method is a time consuming
process but at the same it provides authentic and trust worthy information to researcher with
which project outcome can be attained by them in effective manner. It is the kind of market
research which is basically done for the business purpose. The main aid of this investigation is to
enhance quality of products and services.
Secondary research method: This method is totally different from primary method as
primary method is based on true investigation in which data is gathered and collected while
secondary data is based on those facts which are already available in books and journals. This
method is very much time effective and it saves cost as there are very few resources used for
investigation. This is the best method as the data is easily available and can be used by any
person. The data is analysed and gathered by the researcher in the form of the report and studies
and this is easily available on the internet (Stromquist and Monkman, 2014).
Questionnaire
Q1) Are you have knowledge about the concept and meaning of globalisation?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) What are the major factors that impacted on business functions of John Lewis?
a) Political
b) Cultural
c) Economic
d) Ethical
Q3) Which department or functions get much impacted by globalisation of business?
a) Operations
b) Marketing
6

c) Human resource
d) Accounting
Q4) What type of influence does globalisation have over the business functions of John Lewis?
a) Positive
b) Negative
Q5) What are the positive impact of globalisation on business business functions of John
Lewis?
a) Improving brand image
b) Increasing customer base
c) Improvising business operations
Q6) What are the challenges faced by John Lewis while globalise their business functions in
emerging market?
a) Different rules and regulations of government
b) Communication issues
c) Culture differences
Q7) What measures does John Lewis must undertake to minimise globalisation issues?
a) Adoption of effective communication channels
b) Adoption of training and development program
c) Proper study about government's rules and regulations
Q8) Is globalisation help John Lewis to gain competitive advantages at international level?
a) Agree
b) Disagree
Q9) Recommend different ways through which John Lewis can easily overcome the negative
impact of globalisation.
Q1) Are you have knowledge about the concept and meaning of
globalisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 35.00%
b) No 15.00%
Q2) What are the major factors that impacted on business Frequency
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functions of John Lewis?
a) Political 10.00%
b) Cultural 15.00%
c) Economic 10.00%
d) Ethical 10.00%
Q3) Which department or functions get much impacted by
globalisation of business?
Frequency
a) Operations 15.00%
b) Marketing 12.00%
c) Human resource 13.00%
d) Accounting 10.00%
Q4) What type of influence does globalisation have over the
business functions of John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Positive 30.00%
b) Negative 20.00%
Q5) What are the positive impact of globalisation on business
business functions of John Lewis?
Frequency
a) Improving brand image 16.00%
b) Increasing customer base 20.00%
c) Improvising business operations 14.00%
Q6) What are the challenges faced by John Lewis while
globalise their business functions in emerging market?
Frequency
a) Different rules and regulations of government 16.00%
b) Communication issues 14.00%
c) Culture differences 20.00%
8

Q7) What measures does John Lewis must undertake to
minimise globalisation issues?
Frequency
a) Adoption of effective communication channels 14.00%
b) Adoption of training and development program 20.00%
c) Proper study about government's rules and regulations 16.00%
Q8) Is globalisation help John Lewis to gain competitive
advantages at international level?
Frequency
a) Agree 35.00%
b) Disagree 15.00%
TASK 3
P5
Theme 1: Knowledge about the concept and meaning of globalisation
Q1) Are you have knowledge about the concept and meaning of
globalisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 35.00%
b) No 15.00%
9