Marks and Spencer: Globalization Impact on Business Functions Report

This report analyzes the positive economic, cultural, and ethical impacts of globalization on the business functions of Marks and Spencer, a major British multinational retailer. The study begins with an overview of the company, its rationale, aims, and objectives, followed by a project management plan outlining costs, scope, time, quality, risk, and resources. The research methodology includes an exploration of research methods, philosophy, sampling techniques, data collection, and analysis. The data analysis section presents primary data collected through questionnaires and interprets the findings, highlighting the benefits of globalization for Marks and Spencer and how its business functions are affected. Recommendations are provided for further expansion in the global market. The report concludes with a reflection and a comprehensive list of references. The study uses both primary and secondary data, including questionnaires from managers, and assesses the impact of globalization on various aspects of the business, such as political and economic factors.

Managing a Success-full
Business Project

Table of Contents
TOPIC:.............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Overview of the company......................................................................................................1
Rationale:................................................................................................................................1
Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................1
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN......................................................................................2
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................4
Introduction............................................................................................................................4
Research method....................................................................................................................4
Research Philosophy..............................................................................................................4
Sampling.................................................................................................................................5
Data Collection.......................................................................................................................5
Data Analysis..........................................................................................................................5
DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ...........................................................................................6
RECOMMENDATIONS...............................................................................................................11
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

TOPIC:
“To determine positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalization on
different business function of the organisation. A case study on: Marks and Spencer.”
INTRODUCTION
Globalization is very popular topic since many year ago. Globalization is the process
which is different societies and economies integrated s closely with each other as well as
concurrent with rising worldwide globalization (Abrol, Prajapati and Singh, 2017). The impact
of globalization on business is multifaceted with both positive and negatives. Political, cultural,
economic along with ethical factors are the major factors which influences the organisation
function and operation's. These all factors are the central pillars of rising trade across the
boarders. In this present research, the positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of
globalization on different business function of the organisation will be critically analysed by
using various techniques and methods.
Overview of the company
Marks and Spencer is a major British multinational retailers in United Kingdom. It is a
public limited company of which headquarters are located in Westminster, London. Company is
specialised in selling clothing, home product and luxury products. Sir Michael Marks and
Thomas Spencer are the founders of M&S company in 1884. Company has currently 979 stores
across UK.
Rationale:
globalization is a recognised and well-known topic since many years. There has been
numerous researches were done on the topic globalization. The reason for choosing the topic
behind is to identify the positive impact of political, cultural and ethical factors on various
business function and operation's (Gachoka, 2015). On the other hand, the interest of research on
the topic of globalization is another reason for the selection of topic.
Aim and Objectives
Aim:
“To determine positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalization on
different business function of the organisation. A case study on: Marks and Spencer.”
Objectives:
 To articulate the meaning of globalization.
1

 To determine the factors influence the positive and negative factors of globalization on
various business functions.
 To challenges faced by organisation after the rising of globalization.
 To provide recommendations on further expansion of the business in global world.
Research Objectives
1. What is the meaning of globalization?
2. What is the factors influence the positive and negative factors of globalization on various
business functions?
3. What are the challenges faced by organisation after the rising of globalization?
4. What are recommendation on further expansion of the Marks and Spencer in global
world?
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN
When researcher plan to conduct any research, it is very important to make a project
management plan to make the study accurate and efficient. There are some elements which needs
to be consider in planning project management which are as follows-
Cost: This is one of the most important element in conducting the research study as to
plan the cost of research. In this present research, £3000 cost has been incurred in performing all
the task and activities of research (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).
Scope: The scope of this research is very broad as it will be used in both academic and
corporate sector. It is very useful for both the students as well as for business person.
Time- This is also one of the critical part in planing the project schedule. It is the first
responsibility of researcher set the timing of all the task and activities. Data collection is the
activity which takes more time in this research. This present research will take approximately 1
month to complete (Harding, Nelson and Glover, 2016).
Quality- The most important part of the research activity. It is very important that the
quality of each and every research activities should be ensured in any manner (Eskerod and
Jepsen, 2016). Especially in collecting the data for the research is the most important task that
needs better quality management.
Risk- Each and everything have the potential risks. In conducting research, there is a risk
of data theft, privacy concern, validity and authenticity of data, data security and many others.
Thus, research needs to evaluate all the potential risk and take proper actions to minimise them.
2

Resources- Resources without research is impossible, it is very important that all the
resources that is important in completion of all the task and entire research activities, proper
allocation of resources is must. In this present research, laptops, stationery, USB etc. are needed
to complete the research (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017).
Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Research proposal 2 days Mon 25-02-
19 Tue 26-02-19
Aims and objectives 3 days Wed 27-02-
19 Fri 01-03-19 1
Literature review 3 days Mon 04-03-
19
Wed 06-03-
19 1,2
Research methodologies 2 days Thu 07-03-19 Fri 08-03-19 3
Data collection 4 days Mon 11-03-
19 Thu 14-03-19 3,4
Data analysis 3 days Fri 15-03-19 Tue 19-03-19 5
Data interpretation 2 days Wed 20-03-
19 Thu 21-03-19 6
Finding and conclusion 2 days Fri 22-03-19 Mon 25-03-
19 6,7
Recommendations 2 days Tue 26-03-19 Wed 27-03-
19 8
Execute the plan 1 day Thu 28-03-19 Thu 28-03-19 9
Submission 1 day Fri 29-03-19 Fri 29-03-19 9,10
Table 1: Time Scale
3

Illustration 1: Gantt Chart
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
The most important chapter of research is Research Methodology. It is the process and
techniques which is used to collect the data as well as to complete the entire research activities in
a systematic way (Vaioleti, 2016). This is the chapter that gives a proper meaning to the research
as it is the very essential to use appropriate methods to collect data.
Research method
This is the fundamental part of the research in which researcher have to select the type or
method on which entire research would be based on. There are mainly two types of methods on
which research study is applied which are qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research those
which is based on the words, emotions, feeling or researcher used to collect data by taking views
and perception of respondent. On the contrary, Quantitative research are those which is measure
on the number, numeric figures or which is quantifiable. Enumerator use Qualitative research
methods to determine positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalization on different
business function of Marks and Spencer.
Research Philosophy
It is defined as the nature, source and development of knowledge which defines the ways
along with manner through which data should be collected, analysed and used in the research
4

project. There are two types of research philosophies on which research study is based on are
Positivism and Interpretivism. Positivism philosophy is the philosophy which is based in the
natural phenomenon and it is highly structured (Read and Swarts, 2015). On the contrary,
interpretivism philosophy is the information collected in qualitative in nature. Interpretivism
research philosophy is applied on this present research by researcher as it is the best suitable for
the research study based on qualitative type.
Sampling
This is also one of the best technique used in conducting the research study. It is process
of selecting the small part of the population. Researcher has to select the sample size before
collecting data because it is not possible to study the entire population. Probabilistic sampling
and Non-probabilistic sampling are two types which is applied in the research study. In this
present research, enumerator used to collect data from 25 managers of Marks and Spencer which
is based on probabilistic sampling. Respondents have equal chances to be selected in the
sampling size (Gray and Malins, 2016).
Data Collection
Data collection is also one of the most essential process in the research project. It is the
process in which the entire research study is based on. Data collection is the process in which
data is gathered and inspected. Primary and Secondary are two types in which collection process
is based on. The information which is collected by enumerators by their own efforts is called as
primary data (Xanthopoulou, 2017). They are basically fresh and first hand data. On the contrary,
data which is collected from any other sources are called as secondary data. Basically, these are
second hand data. Enumerators in this present research has collected data from both the sources
primary and secondary. For primary, researcher has formulated questionnaire and for secondary,
books, journals, publication are used to gather information.
Data Analysis
When enumerator gather the data, it is very important to analyse the data and make it
useful and meaningful. Data analysis is the process which is used by the researcher in order to
collect the data and make it useful. It is process of inspecting, modelling and cleaning the data.
Qualitative and Quantitative methods are two types applied on the research study. Enumerator in
this present research has applied qualitative methods to analyse the data in which thematic
analyse has been done. Graph and tables has been prepared (Krebs, 2015).
5

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
Primary Data
Questionnaire
Name-
Age-
Gender-
Demographic profile-
Q1. Do you think that Marks and Spencer is benefited by globalization?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
Q2. Do you agree that business functions of Marks and Spencer is affected by positive
economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalization?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
Q3. Which is the most influential political factor among following factors to Marks and
Spencer?
 Change in international regulations
 Ever-changing government policies
 Foreign trade policy
 Laws related to consumer protection
Q4. Among following listed economic factors, by which Marks and Spencer is largely affected?
 Monetary policy
 International currency exchange rate
 Customer disposable income
 Seasonal factors
Q5. What are the negative effects of globalization?
6

 Complex international laws
 Ever-changing demand of customers
 Higher bargaining power of consumers
 Complexity in cross-border trade
Q6. What are the positive effects of globalization to Marks and Spencer?
 Meeting demands of global customers
 Expansion of global market share
 Cheaper labour rate
 Increase in global revenue
Q7. Do you agree that for remaining competitive, Marks and Spencer needs to alter and revamp
business model?
 Strongly Agree
 Agree
 Strongly Disagree
 Disagree
Theme 1- Beneficial for Marks and Spencer
Q1. Do you think that Marks and Spencer is
benefited by globalization? Respondents
Strongly Agree 10
Agree 5
Strongly Disagree 6
Disagree 4
Total 25
7

Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
10
5
6
4
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be interpreted from the above chart that Marks and Spencer is effectively benefited
by globalization as 10 respondents are in favour of the same. Moreover, 5 of are also with same
response. While, 6 participants said they strongly disagree and remaining 4 are disagreed with
the same. Hence, it can be justified that business is benefited with the help of globalization.
Theme 2- Business functions of company is affected
Q2. Do you agree that business functions of
Marks and Spencer is affected by positive
economic, cultural and ethical impact of
globalization? Respondents
Strongly Agree 8
Agree 7
Strongly Disagree 5
Disagree 5
Total 25
8

Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
8
7
5 5
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be analysed from the above chart that majority of participants have strongly agreed
that business functions are largely affected by positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of
globalization. 7 are in favour of it. While, remaining 10 are not in favour of statement. Hence, it
can be justified that business functions of Marks and Spencer are affected.
Theme 3- Foreign trade policy
Q3. Which is the most influential political
factor among following factors to Marks and
Spencer? Respondents
Change in international regulations 6
Ever-changing government policies 7
Foreign trade policy 9
Laws related to consumer protection 3
Total 25
9

Change in international regulations
Ever-changing government policies
Foreign trade policy
Laws related to consumer protection
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
6
7
9
3
Responde
Interpretation-
It can be analysed that majority of respondents have answered that foreign trade policy is
most influential political factor. While, 6 participants said change in international regulations and
7 managers of company said that ever-changing government policies is another factor. However,
remaining 3 participants have answered laws related to consumer protection is affected. Thus, it
can be justified that foreign trade policy is major factor for company.
Theme 4- International currency exchange rate
Q4. Among following listed economic factors,
by which Marks and Spencer is largely
affected? Respondents
Monetary policy 5
International currency exchange rate 8
Customer disposable income 7
Seasonal factors 5
10

Total 25
Monetary policy
International currency exchange rate
Customer disposable income
Seasonal factors
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
5
8
7
5
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be assessed from the chart that majority of managers of Marks and Spencer said
that international currency exchange rate largely affects company. On the other hand, 5 said
monetary policy affects organisation. While, 7 said customer disposable income is major driving
factor and remaining people answered that through seasonal factors, firm is affected. However, it
can be justified that Marks and Spencer is affected currency exchange rate.
Theme 5- Higher bargaining power of consumers
Q5. What are the negative effects of
globalization? Respondents
Complex international laws 5
Ever-changing demand of customers 6
Higher bargaining power of consumers 9
Complexity in cross-border trade 5
Total 25
11

Complex international laws
Ever-changing demand of customers
Higher bargaining power of consumers
Complexity in cross-border trade
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
5
6
9
5
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be interpreted from above chart that negative effect of globalization is higher
bargaining power of customers as majority of participants have responded the same. While, 5
said complex international laws is another effect. 6 of respondents said ever-changing demand of
customers is negative effect of globalisation. While, remaining five said that complexity in cross-
border trade is major effect of it. It can be justified that bargaining power of customers is major
negative effect of globalization.
Theme 6- Expansion of global market share
Q6. What are the positive effects of
globalization to Marks and Spencer? Respondents
Meeting demands of global customers 7
Expansion of global market share 8
Cheaper labor rate 4
12

Increase in global revenue 6
Total 25
Meeting demands of global customers
Expansion of global market share
Cheaper labour rate
Increase in global revenue
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7
8
4
6
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be referred to above chart that positive effect of globalization is expansion of
global market share for Marks and Spencer. 7 said that meeting demand of global customers is
positive effect of globalization. Another 4 respondents answered cheaper labour rate and lastly 6
answered that global revenue is effectively increased rapidly.
Theme 7- Revamping business model is required
Q7. Do you agree that for remaining
competitive, Marks and Spencer needs to alter
and revamp business model? Respondents
Strongly Agree 9
Agree 7
Strongly Disagree 4
13

Disagree 5
Total 30
Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Disagree
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
9
7
4
5
Respondents
Interpretation-
It can be analysed from the chart that 9 participants said that Marks and Spencer should
revamp its business model for getting competitive in long-run. On the other hand, 7 managers
also said in favour of the statement. While, 4 are not in favour and remaining 5 said that disagree
with the statement. However, it can be justified that Marks and Spencer should revamp its
business model quite effectively.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Hereby it can be recommended that Marks and Spencer should deploy listed suggestions
for enhancing its business functions-
 It is recommended that firm should deploy well-mannered business models so that it can
accomplish international market share.
 Furthermore, it should obey and adhere to international laws so as to enhance business
functions in effectual manner.
14

 It is also recommended that effective business strategy should be implemented so that
company may enhance global market share in a better manner.
 It is further recommended to set a trade-off between political and economic factors in
order to maintain better business functions by revamping strategies.
REFLECTION
This present research is very helpful for me as my knowledge and skills are upgraded and
extended a lot. I have learned many things on globalization and its factor affecting the business
environment. I was feeling a great pleasure in conducting the research as I came to understand
the deep knowledge of all the factors as well as it impact on the business activities. All the task
undertaken the research study are very interesting but the data collection process is one of the
best task which I have undertaken. I have undertaken a survey which is very interesting. In
formulating of aims and objectives, I have found some difficulties that either to narrows down
the research or to make it broad. I have asked my colleagues and take their opinion. At last, I
have decided to narrow down the research by taking factors and functional areas in formulating
aims and objectives. In addition to this, in making project management schedule, I have set
budget, time for completing the research which is very complicated task and important task.
Further, I have taken the views of respondents on the impact of globalization of the different
function areas of the company. Majority are favouring globalization is very beneficial for the
organisation. In addition to this, one more area I have found somewhat complexity which is in
selecting appropriate and suitable research methodologies. I have evaluated all the pros and cons
of methods and select the most suitable approach in order to collect the data. Moreover, I have
also provided recommendation the company on the basis of result of data. In last, the entire
experience from the study was amazing as I have gain so many things which are very useful for
me and my carrier.
15

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Abrol, D., Prajapati, P. and Singh, N., 2017. Globalization of the Indian pharmaceutical
industry: implications for innovation. Institutions and Economies, pp.327-365.
Gachoka, H., 2015. Impact of globalization on the human resource management function in
developing countries: a case study of kenya public corporations.
Robertson, S., 2017. A class act: Changing teachers work, the state, and globalization.
Routledge.
Rupert, M. and Smith, H. eds., 2016. Historical materialism and globalization: Essays on
continuity and change. Routledge. (GB)
Vaioleti, T.M., 2016. Talanoa research methodology: A developing position on Pacific
research. Waikato Journal of Education, 12(1).
Read, S. and Swarts, J., 2015. Visualizing and tracing: Research methodologies for the study of
networked, sociotechnical activity, otherwise known as knowledge work. Technical
Communication Quarterly, 24(1), pp.14-44.
Gray, C. and Malins, J., 2016. Visualizing research: A guide to the research process in art and
design. Routledge.
Xanthopoulou, D., 2017. Capturing within-person changes in flow at work: theoretical
importance and research methodologies. In Flow at Work (pp. 62-77). Routledge.
Krebs, L.J., 2015. Nutrition research methodologies. John Wiley & Sons.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Eskerod, P. and Jepsen, A.L., 2016. Project stakeholder management. Routledge.
Nicholas, J.M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Harding, S., Nelson, L. and Glover, T., 2016. Solent Oyster Restoration Project Management
Plan. Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), London, UK.
Schwalbe, K., 2015. Information technology project management. Cengage Learning. (PMP)
16