Examining Resource Management Challenges and Solutions at Boots Plc

This project examines the impact of resource shortages on Boots Plc, a leading UK pharmacy and beauty retailer. The research begins with an introduction outlining the importance of resource management, particularly financial, human, and material resources, within an organization. It then presents the aim and objectives, which include analyzing different types of resources, investigating challenges faced by Boots Plc due to resource constraints, and discerning the strategies adopted by managers. The project includes a literature review that explores various resources used in business functions, challenges such as those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies for addressing resource scarcity. It also delves into marketing strategies, competitive advantages, and market segmentation. The project concludes with an impact analysis, discussion of constraints, and references, providing a comprehensive overview of resource management issues and solutions within the context of Boots Plc.

1.Lack of resources

2. Table of Contents
3. Introduction of the project...........................................................................................................3
4. Aim..............................................................................................................................................3
5. Objectives....................................................................................................................................3
6. How the objectives will be achieved...........................................................................................4
7. Time scale....................................................................................................................................4
8. Brief background of the problem/Topic......................................................................................5
9. Background Search......................................................................................................................5
Literature review..................................................................................................................5
10.Marketing strategy......................................................................................................................8
11. Impact Analysis.........................................................................................................................9
12. Constraints...............................................................................................................................10
13 Conclusion................................................................................................................................11
14.References.................................................................................................................................12

3. Introduction of the project
Resources are the main assets of the organisation which are the main elements of the company. It
comprises of various factors such as financial, human, material and intellectual resources.
Resources are limited that is why it is essential to manage them as per the requirement and need
of the projects. Lack of resources are one of the main issue in the business as it will lead to affect
various aspects that is poor planning, new technology, unforeseen events and many others. The
research will outline the impact of the shortage of resources in the organisation in relation to
dealing with its impact. Along with it, it will highlight about the diverse resources used within an
organisation with the purpose of dealing in business functions. As there are various resources
which are involved in the operation of the company. The company chosen for the case study is
Boots Plc which is the UK’s leading pharmacy led health and also a beauty retailer. It is known
to be the part of the Retail Pharmacy International Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance. In the
operations of the companies when the resource management is poor then it will lead to bring a
way of inefficiencies. In some companies the management takes care and keep the record of the
resources while some companies do not do that. When the resources are not properly managed
then there will be chances of overrunning of the budgets, low level performance in productivity
and not completing tasks on time. That is why it is must to have proper resource management in
the company in order to keep up with the growth and advancement of the company.
4. Aim
To examine the impact of lack of resources in the business and how manager is dealing with
consequences occurred due to lack of resources. A study on Boots Plc.
5. Objectives
 To analyse different types of resources used within an organisation for dealing business
functions
 To investigate the challenges faced by Boots Plc due to lack of resources in the
organisation
 To discern the strategies adopted by managers of Boots Plc to deal with the consequences
of lack of resources in the organisation

6. How the objectives will be achieved
The object will be achieved by making the proper planning of resources present in their
company. The higher authorities of the company should have the complete knowledge and detail
of the resources.
7. Time scale

Gantt chart is explained as the tool which is utilised in the project management at the time of
planning about all the tasks which are around the deadlines. In addition to this, the extra aim of
the Gantt chart is to correctly allot the resources. With the help of this the various learners will
be able to display the additional tasks and also the association among the start and end dates of
tasks. Also, it comprises of the various functions such as task list, progress, resources assigned,
timeline, bars and many others. The chart is also used to do planning and scheduling about the
projects.
8. Brief background of the problem/Topic
In today’s time there are various issues which can take place due to lack of resources in the
organisation. Such as the level of complexity will rise at the workplace like the tasks and various
activities. Sometimes it become harder to cope with as the resources are limited then the
company find it difficult to find customers. Even the big companies are working harder on daily
basis to find new customers .
9. Background Search
Literature review
To analyze different types of resources used within an organization for dealing business
functions
According to Corallo, Lazoi and Lezzi (2020), there are various resources which are used
by the companies to deal with the various functions. Financial resources are said to be the main
assets of the company which are used for the overall functioning of the company. For example,
paying salaries and buying raw materials. These resources are used to attain the goals of the
company. Along with it, there are various type of sources which are used by the companies and
the resources are significant for the company in order to create better image of the company in
the market. The marketing activities are also connected with the resources as marketing function
requires proper planning, promoting, selling goods which requires a good amount of funds.

Also, in the process of sales forecasting good technology and the management is must and
without the availability of the resources it is not easy to find out the customers. Even the big
companies are always making efforts to keep finding new customers
As said by Eller and et.al., (2020), there are various type of resources such as the labour,
management, expertise, equipment, energy, land, time and many others. The resources of the
company must be managed properly in order to get the things done properly. Also, the over
allocation of the resource will be reduced in the operations of the company. The conflicts will be
reduced at the workplace when the work and resources both are properly managed. In relation to
the functions the human resources are said to be the people who work in a company and there are
various resources such as human resources, financial resources, physical resources, and
information and many others resources. In that case the management and the mangers are
responsible for managing all the resources in order to attain the goals.
Figure 1: Four Types of Business Resources
To investigate the challenges faced by Boots Plc due to lack of resources in the
organisation
In the opinion of Lopes de Sousa Jabbour and et.al., (2018), there are several issues
which are faced by the companies in relation to the lack of resources in the company. There are
numerous matters which are involved in the industry for instance environment factors customers,
global factors and many others. In the various industries, COVID-19 has created a major

suffering in the complete processes and actions of the industry. In that case, the spread of
coronavirus has formed a tragic effect globally. Due to which it can be said that one of the main
challenges of COVID-19 for the companies is the mass withdrawals of the appointments and
accommodations. Due to which the companies had heaviness to pay out various expenses such as
salaries to the employees even in the case of having no income. Besides, the global pandemic
that is COVID-19 has formed a major impact on the human life and as well the whole global
economy. Because of the limitations which are applied and formed by the government, all the
industries got affected.
As stated by Ricciardelli, R., (2018), there are numerous issues and challenges which are
faced by all the industries during the time of the Covid-19. Pandemic has carried the most
horrible situation for the people and industries. The companies had to face the main issue while
re-opening the business after the pandemic. In relation to it, the another issue is linked with the
increased expenses of the companies as they are to make use of new space and funds with the
aim of fulfilling the requirements and trend of the market. Furthermore, the new focus must be
on technology such as the upgradation will lead to increase the expenses for the company. But it
is also a time consuming process and it can be said that the hospitality industry had to face
various challenges which also requires preventive measures with the purpose of in innovating
and modifying the way of operations. That is why, digital technologies can be improved by
making use of various platforms, channels and mobile phone apps has become the important for
the people. Due to which the implementation of these technologies will have a major initial cost
but in future it will lead to bring better performance, productivities and less costs with longer
term growth.
To discern the strategies adopted by managers of Boots Plc to deal with the consequences
of lack of resources in the organisation
As per the view of Kamil Torczewski (2017), there are various types of strategies which
are adopted by the companies in order to deal with the impact of less resources. Such as
technology, the company must have the suitable workforce and determine the true availability of
the resource. By implementing the resource management, the company will be able to plan,
schedule, allocate the resources of the company. Along with it, it is defined as the process of
assigning various resources in order to attain the desired gaols of the company. In that case, good
resource management results in the correct resources being available at the right time for the

right work in the company. The company will be able to review the overall performances of all
the employees and all the lack areas that took place due to lack of resources.
As projected by J.K. Ito (2018), due to arrival of technology the companies are able to
deal with the issues caused by the lack of resources in the company. Earlier, things were not that
easy as it used to be the manual processes only. But now the companies are using resource
management which is the future for the companies. Now the companies are using resource
management for using scarce resources and to keep the resources properly arranged and used.
When it is followed the company will reduce the chances of projects getting delayed and the
company will enhance its knowledge in relation to the resources. Under which the skilled
employees will be needed to properly manage the resource pool in the company.
10.Marketing strategy
Marketing strategy are used to make enhance the sales of the business and to attract the targeted
audience in the market. Under which various techniques are used in order to promote the
products of the company. The companies can make use of various marketing strategy such as
loyalty programs, by being supportive, focusing on the targeted groups, promoting the brand
values, by being more creative and many others. Marketing strategy will increase the sales and
manage the image of the company in the market. The company will be able to gain the trust of
the employees which lead to motivate the customers to keep investing in the goods and services
of the company. That is why, the customer engagement is measured as the key part of the
company and as per the current situation the business is essential to present a new idea as per the
need of the market. Due to which the digitalisation is linked with improving the customer
experience and the customer engagement begins with proper brand discovery with it services and
connection and extends through service, feedback and loyalty and many other factors.
Competitive advantage Competitive advantage is said to be the favourable position
which a company seeks with the aim of earning more profit as
compared to its rivals. Under which all the factors help the
company to produce more goods and services at better price.
The companies can focus on highly skilled workforce,
choosing better location, modify the brand image of the
company and many others. As there is various type of
competitive advantage such as cost leadership, differentiation,

and focus.
Market segmentation It is the part of the marketing strategy in which various groups
of the customers are find out. As it is divided into various
parts that is demographic, psychographic, geographic and
behavioural. Under this the company is able to boost the level
of engagement of the audience. The customers will be able to
know about the new products and its development. Market
segmentation is made to help the companies in order to attract
more targeted customers.
From the above analysis, it can be said that for performing better the company is required to
create better image and more value in front of the customers. For instance, the company can
present loyalty programs or can offer some kind of discounts. That will directly affect the profits
of the company in the long run. Additional way is to make use of the surveys as it allows to
understand the preference of the customers.
11. Impact Analysis
The term impact analysis is linked with the predicting the different impact of the business
functions and the processes. Operations of the company can be affected by the failure of different
aspects. Such failure will lead to affect the loss of income, sales and sometime fines too. The
timing and product will also be affected badly. Poor quality execution is one of the biggest
impacts which take place due to the lack of resources. If an organisation has brilliant idea for
their products and services but doesn’t have proper resources it is very difficult for them to
execute their idea in proper way. Funds and natural resources plays the major role in the success
of the business without this it is very difficult for the company to develop the products on time.
If the Company has less marketing resources then it is very difficult for them to showcase their
products and services to their target audience due to this they will be unaware about the new
products and services of their company. It is very difficult for them to catch the new market base
due to less of monetary fund’s and marketing techniques. It is very important for the company to
have resources as it will help their business to achieve new heights in their upcoming future.

12. Constraints
A manager and higher authorities of an organization should be able to start the business from
scratch. The manager should be able to find the appropriate business opportunity in order to
extent their business operations. The entrepreneur of an organization should be able to have
complete business plan or idea of their business which can help them to run their business
operation smoothly and fluently. Owner of the business should able to evaluate the problems
related to their business and have the capability to successfully deals with that issues in order to
attain higher level of success in their future. Before starting a commercial enterprise an
individual should conduct a proper survey of the customer, clients, suppliers and many other
factors related to the industry in which they want to deal. In order to this, if they have the
complete knowledge of their customers’ needs and wants then it will help them to build such
kind of products which will fulfill the needs or wants of their target audience. The second
challenge which occurs in starting a new business is to assemble a most appropriate business
team for their company which will be best suited in order to run the functions of the company
effectively and efficiently. The owner of the company should have the knowledge of their
company’s weakness and strengths through this it would be very easy for them to hire such kind
of employees in their organization which will overcome all the bad points of the company
through their skills and make the contribution in the growth of the company. One of the major
issues which have to be faced an entrepreneur for starting a new venture is to raise the capital for
the business in order to successfully start the company from scratch. The owner of the company
should have the proper details of their vision or what they are seeing the future of the company
due to this the angel investors will invest more funds in their company. Investors want to invest
their money in established business so it is very difficult for the owner of new enterprise to
attract the investors towards their company. The nest challenges arise in front of an entrepreneur
is to find the most appropriate and proper business location for their company where they can run
their business properly. The owner of the company should find a place of which they can easily
pay the rent and other expenditures of their company such as parking, electricity bills and other
maintenance. Finding good employees are one of the biggest challenges which has to be deal by
the owner of the company. Dealing with the competitors present in the industry is one of the
main issues which has to successfully done by the new business enterprises in order to stay in the
market for the long period of time. It is very difficult of the new company to beat existing

companies because they have the proper knowledge of their customers regarding their needs and
wants.
13 Conclusion
From the above demonstration of information, it can be summarised that resources are the
main assets of the organisation which are the main elements of the company. It comprises of
various factors such as financial, human, material and intellectual resources. Resources are
limited that is why it is essential to manage them as per the requirement and need of the projects.
Lack of resources are one of the main issue in the business as it will lead to affect various aspects
that is poor planning, new technology, unforeseen events and many others.

14.References
Books and Journals
Corallo, A., Lazoi, M. and Lezzi, M., 2020. Cybersecurity in the context of industry 4.0: A
structured classification of critical assets and business impacts. Computers in industry, 114,
p.103165.
Platis, M., 2021. Role of university rankings in the context of lack of resources: National and
Institutional Challenges. In Research Anthology on Preparing School Administrators to Lead Quality
Education Programs (pp. 1807-1829). IGI Global.
Ferrín, M., 2021. Self-Employed Women in Europe: Lack of Opportunity or Forced by
Necessity?. Work, Employment and Society, p.09500170211035316.
Mahase, E., 2020. Covid-19: WHO declares pandemic because of “alarming levels” of spread,
severity, and inaction. Bmj, 368(8), p.1036.
Andrews, M., 2018. Bouncing back, but skills to lack. Australia's Paydirt, 1(262), pp.84-85.
Prendergast, K.S. and Hogendoorn, K., 2021. Methodological shortcomings and lack of taxonomic
effort beleaguer Australian bee studies. Austral Ecology, 46(5), pp.880-884.
Degterev, A.Y., 2020, October. Ensuring the Reliability of the Assessment of Geological Uncertainty
in Conditions of Lack of Geological Information and High Variability of Geological Parameters.
In GeoBaikal 2020 (Vol. 2020, No. 1, pp. 1-5). European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers.
Bordonaro, R., Piazza, D., Sergi, C., Cordio, S., Tomaselli, S. and Gebbia, V., 2021. Out-of-pocket
costs in gastrointestinal cancer patients: Lack of a perfectly framed problem contributing to financial
toxicity. Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 167, p.103501.