John Lewis Business Project: Globalisation's Impact Analysis Report

This report analyzes the impact of globalisation on John Lewis, a UK-based department store chain, exploring its positive effects on various business functions. The research includes an introduction to globalisation, a background on John Lewis, and the positive impacts of economic, cultural, and ethical factors. The report outlines the aims and objectives of the research, along with a detailed research plan including cost estimations, scope, and timelines. A Gantt chart and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) are provided to illustrate project management aspects. The methodology section describes primary and secondary research methods, along with qualitative and quantitative approaches, with a questionnaire developed for data collection. The report interprets the findings and concludes with recommendations and the value of undertaking the research. References and appendices are also included.

MANAGING A
SUCCESSFUL
BUSINESS PROJECT

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Positive impact of various factors of globalisation on businesses in UK...............................3
Background of the research....................................................................................................4
Activity 1.........................................................................................................................................4
Aim and objectives.................................................................................................................4
Research Plan.........................................................................................................................5
Gantt chart..............................................................................................................................6
WBS.......................................................................................................................................7
Activity 2.........................................................................................................................................8
Research methodology...........................................................................................................8
Interpretation........................................................................................................................11
Activity 3.......................................................................................................................................19
Recommendation..................................................................................................................19
Value of undertaking the research........................................................................................20
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................21
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................23

INTRODUCTION
Globalisation refer to the term in which an organisation develops international influence
by expanding the operations of business at international level. Globalisation provides a vision to
the firms to survive in the competitive world for long run. In this process, different people,
processes, organisations integrate with each other in order to achieve their shared goals (Baylis,
Smith and Owens, 2017). John lewis, an UK based high end department stores operating at 51
locations is selected for this assessment. This project will cover the aims and objectives along
with the questions for conducting the research. Further this assessment will also cover the
various aspects of project management plan such as cost, resources, risks, communication etc.
Along with the different data collection methods and type of data. This report will also develop a
questionnaire for interpreting the results as well as for providing a valid and meaningful
conclusion. Recommendations will be given in the end.
Positive impact of various factors of globalisation on businesses in UK
While globalising the business, organisations faces various issues due to the influence of
different factors. These factors positively impact the business organisations of UK as discussed
below:
Economic: Due to the globalisation, competition in the market increases which also
impact the economy of a country in economic terms. This competition also provides the benefits
to the economy in terms of increased employment opportunities, increases tax revenue etc. which
can be utilised for the development of the people of that particular country.
Culture: In order to globalise the business, firms needs to determine the culture of the
people so that proper support can be acquired through them. This determination can be done by
taking the assistance of the local employees who are having suitable knowledge regarding the
culture of that place in order to satisfy the cultural requirements of the people for enhancing their
satisfaction from businesses (Bertels, Koen and Elsum, 2015).
Ethical: There are various norms, standard, values of the people which should be
respected by the businesses during the globalisation process. This is essential in enhancing the
brand image so that good customer base can be developed from the improved reputation.

Background of the research
John lewis, a departmental store chain having operations throughout the United
Kingdom. The parent company of the firm is John Lewis Partnership which was formed in the
year 1929. However the first store of the chain was opened in year 1864 at Oxford street,
London. The company is employing more than 38,100 employees throughout their stores in UK
(Fageha and Aibinu, 2013). The organization has decided to increase the business operations at
economic level to capture the market shares and to earn more profits. So for the success of this
expansion, company needs to focus on various factors which impacts globalisation in the
business operations so that proper modifications in strategies and policies can be done. This
impact is as follows:
Operation: This department is responsible for creating the synchronisation between the
different departments of John lewis in order to eliminate the chances of errors so that
organisational goals can be achieved effectively. Proper communication is required in order to
convey the essential information to other departments and employees.
Marketing: Marketing function is responsible for promoting the offerings and brand of an
organisation at global level. For this, the managers of the marketing needs to develop new
marketing strategies or needs to modify the existing strategies so that more customers can be
attracted towards the brand (Forsgren and Johanson, 2014).
Human resource: This department is responsible for hiring the candidates so that they
can handle the international clients effectively. The HR manager needs to ensure that they are
hiring the suitable candidates having proper information regarding the culture of local people and
also for communicating the customers in an effective manner.
Accounting: Accounting department is responsible for maintaining and recording the
transactions done in the company. The accounting manager needs to record the transactions of
the company which occurred in the globalisation process so that proper amount of funds can be
maintained or collected from different resources.
Activity 1
Aim and objectives
Aim

“To determine the positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalisation on
different business functions within an organisation”- A case study on John Lewis.
Objectives
 To interpret the process of globalisation
 To identify the influence of globalisation on various organisational function of John
Lewis.
 To evaluate the challenges faced by John lewis during the globalisation.
Research Plan
Research plan consist of various factors which should be considered by the firm and
researcher in order to ensure successful execution of the research. These factors are discussed
below:
Cost: This is the amount of money which will be utilised in conducting the research. John
Lewis has estimated an amount of 2,00,000 pounds. 50,000 pounds will be used for purchasing
the machinery, 50,000 for hiring the employees and remaining will be used for purchasing the
raw materials, building and marketing. Whereas researcher has estimated an amount of 15,000
for conducting the research which will be utilised for travelling purpose so that suitable
information can be gathered through the interviews of stakeholders.
Scope: the organisation has a wide scope for this project as it will satisfy the needs of
people in which the company is expanding the operations. The organisation can provide their
products to more number of customers through this expansion (Lundin and et. al., 2015). The
scope of project for the researcher is also high as it allows the firm to acquire appropriate
information regarding the market and customers so that the products can be provided
accordingly. This research will also provide the information associated with tools and methods
which can be used for driving the firm towards sustainability.
Time: John Lewis has estimated a time period of 6 months for executing the expansion
process whereas researcher has estimated a time frame of 1 months for conducting the research
as well as for gathering the information for concluding the research.
Quality: This is an essential aspect for the John lewis for achieving the desired objectives
and goals for the globalisation process. The company has decided to provide the quality based
products to the customers in order to stay ahead of the competitors. Company will also use the

updated machines and effective tools for ensuring the quality of products. Whereas researcher is
using the qualitative method so that valid and reliable data can be obtained for concluding a
meaningful and reliable conclusion.
Communication: It is also an essential aspect for the research as well as for the company.
John lewis has different department due to which company has decided to use suitable
communication channels for effective communication among the departments such as ERP
software, Slack etc. Whereas researcher has decided to use the calls, messages and video calls for
communicating with the different stakeholders of the company in order to gather the data.
Risks: There are various risks which can be faced by the John lewis in the expansion
process such as lack of funds, unskilled workers, out dated technology etc. which can impact the
firm during globalising the business (Nicholas and Steyn, 2017). Several risks also faced by the
researcher in collecting the information such as lack of funds, lack of communication skills,
language or cultural barriers etc. which can impact the execution of the research.
Resources: Various resources are required by the John Lewis so that they can perform the
globalisation process effectively. These resources includes funds, machines, building, skilled
workers etc. for performing the operations of business. researcher will also require several
resources such as internet connection, funds for travelling etc. to operate research programmes in
proper way.
Gantt chart
It refers as graphic content of various pre determined activities of the research project are
mentioned in order to track the progress of the project. The time frame along with the outcomes
are also mentioned in the chart which enables the researcher in conducting the research properly
by tracking the execution of the activities (Polonsky and Waller, 2018). It is also useful for
researcher in managing the various activities so that valid and meaningful conclusion can be
drawn.

WBS
This is a project management tool which is used for segmenting the huge tasks into small
activities to execute them in a proper way. By this the analyst can focus on execution of small

activities so that big tasks can be executed effectively. The researcher can also perform the
activities in desired way through the use of this tool.
Activity 2
Research methodology
Primary research: this research method refers as the collection of data freshly through
questionnaire, personal interview, focused groups etc. the primary source of collecting data is the
most reliable sources of gathering the information. This method of collecting information
requires huge amount of capital and it is a time consuming process needs human resource to
execute the research. However this method is very effective in conducting the research if the
researcher has proper funds and time.

Secondary research: this research involves the collection of data from already existed
data such as books, magazines and articles published by authors on internet sites or newspapers.
Secondary research is conducted with the purpose to add more knowledge in the ongoing process
The information collected through this process is considered as unreliable and less accurate
because of the changing facts and figures with relative change in situation of economy. However,
this method consume less funds and time due to which researcher uses this method (Stromquist
and Monkman, 2014).
Qualitative research: This research method is used to analyse the characteristics,
behaviour, meaning, of other people. The reasons behind the action of humans can be determined
through this method. This approach is beneficial for the researcher in collecting the view of a
large number of population in less amount of money and time. The information in this method is
collected through reliable methods such as questionnaire, interviews, surveys, panel interviews
etc. which can enhance the truth and accuracy of information.
Quantitative research: In this method data is gathered in statistical and numeric
measurements through the use of several tools and methods such as books and articles, online
surveys etc. This method also consume less time and resources but needs strong knowledge for
interpreting the data in meaningful and proper manner.
For conducting the research, Questionnaire is selected as the researcher needs to gather
the views from different stakeholders of the company. Also this method is less time and cost
consuming due to which researcher can easily collect the required information without facing
any difficult or complex challenges. The sample respondents for this research is 50 respondents
whose views are collected by the researcher by distributing the questionnaire. The data for
development of the questionnaire is taken from the secondary data collection method such as
news paper, magazines, books and journals etc.as it is not that time consuming process of
collecting the data (Primary source and secondary source, 2018).
Questionnaire
Q1)do you aware about the term globalisation ?
a) Yes
b) No
Q2) Do you think the services provided from John Lewis will satisfy the needs of customers

of targetted market?
a) Yes
b) No
Q3) which factor will most impact the business operations of John lewis through the
globalisation?
a) Cultural
b) Economical
c) Ethical
Q4) Which of the following can be considered as suitable entry mode for John lewis in order
to expand the business at global level?
a) Joint venture
b) Strategic alliance
c) Exporting
Q5) Which of the following will be the major benefit of globalisation for the John lewis?
a) Enhanced productivity
b) Products at low prices
c) Enhanced brand image
Q6) Which positive impact can be achieved by the John Lewis by the globalisation of
business?
a) Enhanced job opportunities for locals
b) Reduced inflation results
c) Enhanced income of the local people
Q7) Which challenge is majorly faced by John Lewis through the globalising of business?
a) New laws and regulations
b) Risk of theft of intellectual property rights
c) Different culture of the people
Q8) How the John lewis can overcome the challenges of globalisation?
a) By determining the trends in market
b) By providing training to the employees

c) By determining the trend among the customers
Q9) Do you think globalisation will enhance the brand image and reputation of the firm
among the global market and customers?
a) Agree
b) Neutral
c) Disagree
Q10) Recommend some ways through which John Lewis can achieve competitive advantages.
Interpretation
Q1)do you aware about the term globalisation ? Frequency
A) Yes 37
B) No 13
A) Yes B) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
37
13 Frequency
Interpretation: From above data, it is visible that 37 out of 50 people are aware of
Globalisation whereas remaining 13 respondents does not understand the term globalisation.

Q2) Do you think the services provided by John Lewis will satisfy the
needs of customers of targetted market?
Frequency
A) Yes 39
B) No 11
A) Yes B) No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
39
11
Frequency
Interpretation: It is analysed from the above graph that 39 out of 50 respondents stated
that John lewis can satisfy the needs of their new customer through existing services whereas
remaining 11 respondents stated that firm can't satisfy the needs of their new customers through
existing products.
Q3) Which factor will mostly impact the business operations of John
lewis through the globalisation?
Frequency
A) Cultural 25
B) Economical 10
C) Ethical 15

A) Cultural B) Economical C) Ethical
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
10
15
Frequency
Interpretation: It can be concluded from the graph shown above that out of 50
respondents 25 respondents stated that cultural impact will mostly impact the business of John
lewis through the globalisation, 15 respondents stated that ethical impact will mostly impact the
business of John lewis through the globalisation, whereas 10 respondents stated that economical
impact will mostly impact the business of John lewis through the globalisation.
Q4) Which of the following can be considered as suitable entry mode
for John lewis in order to expand the business at global level?
Frequency
A) Joint venture 15
B) Strategic alliance 20
C) Exporting 15

A) Joint venture B) Strategic alliance C) Exporting
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
15
20
15
Frequency
Interpretation: It can be concluded from the above shown graphical representation that
out of 50 respondents, 20 respondents stated that the Strategic alliance is suitable entry mode for
John lewis in order to increase market shares at large scale, 15 respondents said that joint venture
is the suitable entry mode for John lewis to increase the business at large scale whereas
remaining 15 candidates replied that the exporting is the suitable entry mode for John lewis in
order to expand the business at large scale.
Q5) Which of the following will be the major benefit of globalisation
for the John lewis?
Frequency
A) Enhanced productivity 20
B) Products at low prices 15
C) Enhanced brand image 15

A) Enhanced productivity
B) Products at low prices
C) Enhanced brand image
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
15 15
Frequency
Interpretation: It has been concluded from the above discussed graphical information
that out of 50 candidates 20 respondents replied that enhanced productivity will be the major
benefit of globalisation for the John lewis, 10 respondents replied that providing products at low
prices to the customers will be the major benefit of globalisation for the John lewis, whereas
remaining 15 respondents stated that enhanced brand image will be the major benefit of
globalisation for the John lewis.
Q6) Which positive impact can be achieved by the John Lewis by the
globalisation of business?
Frequency
A) Enhanced job opportunities for locals 25
B) Reduced inflation results 15
C) Enhanced income of the local people 10

A) Enhanced job opportunities for locals
C) Enhanced income of the local people
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
10 Frequency
Interpretation: From above data, it is visible that 37 out of 50 people stated that
enhanced job opportunities is the major impact which can be achieved by business through
globalisation process, 15 respondents stated that reduced inflation rates is the major impact
which can be achieved by business through globalisation process, whereas remaining 10
respondents stated that enhanced income of people is the major impact which can be achieved by
business through globalisation process.
Q7) Which challenge is majorly faced by John Lewis through the
globalising of business?
Frequency
A) New laws and regulations 10
B) Risk of theft of intellectual property rights 10
C) Different culture of the people 30

A) New laws and regulations
B) Risk of theft of intellectual property rights
C) Different culture of the people
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
10 10
30
Frequency
Interpretation: from this graph it is evident that from 50 respondents, 30 respondents
stated that new people from different culture will be the major challenge faced by the John lewis,
10 respondents stated that theft of intellectual property rights is the major challenge faced by the
business in new market, whereas remaining 10 respondents stated that the new laws and
regulations of the government is the major challenge faced by the business during the expansion.
Q8) How the John lewis can overcome the challenges of
globalisation?
Frequency
A) By determining the trends in market 25
B) By providing training to the employees 10
C) By determining the trend among the customers 15

0
5
10
15
20
25
25
10
15
Frequency
A) By determining the trends in market
C) By determining the trend among the customers
Interpretation: It has been concluded from the above discussed graphical information
that out of 50 candidates 25 respondents replied that company should determine the trends of the
market for overcoming the challenges of globalisation, 10 respondents replied that John lewis
should aware their employees through training so that they can adapt according to the change for
overcoming the challenges of globalisation, whereas remaining 15 respondents stated that the
firm should determine the trends among the customers for eliminating the challenges of
globalisation.
Q9) Do you think globalisation will enhance the brand image and
reputation of the firm among the global market and customers?
Frequency
A) Agree 20
B) Neutral 17
C) Disagree 13

A) Agree B) Neutral C) Disagree
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
20
17
13
Frequency
Interpretation: It can be said from the above shown graphical representation that out of
50 respondents, 20 respondents stated that the brand image of the company will improve by the
globalisation process, 17 respondents said that they does not have any idea regarding the brand
image of the company whereas remaining 13 candidates replied that the brand image of the
company does not depend upon globalisation but rather on the quality of products and services
offered to the customers.
Activity 3
Recommendation
It it has been recommended to the John lewis from the above concluded research that in
order to achieve the success in the new market, company can develop new products for the
country in which business is being expanded however existing offerings can also satisfy the
needs of new customers. Some other recommendations are as follows:
 The John lewis needs to see the culture of people of new place in order to eliminate the
negative cultural impact. The company can enhance their productivity by expanding into
new country if it can understand the culture of local people so that the products can be
provided based on their requirements.

 John Lewis wants to expand their business which can be done by using strategic alliances
with the local firm of new country so that cost can be reduced. This mode of entry is
beneficial for the firm in adopting as the firm can use the machinery and other resources
of other local firm which will reduce the cost for John lewis.
 John Lewis can overcome the challenges of globalisation by conducting market research
so that the current and future trends can be identified by the organisation. Through this,
they can develop new products or strategies for grasping these trends so that the firm can
exist in the competitive economy for a longer Spain.
 John lewis can enhance their growth and sustainability in the new market if they maintain
their brand image among the new customers. This can be done by following the ethical
business practices and legal laws of the government which will assist the firm in
maintaining their reputation in the new market.
Value of undertaking the research
This research is proved very beneficial for me in understanding the concept of
globalisation. Through conducting this research, I get the knowledge regarding the globalisation
process and how it's different factors can impact the business organisations and their different
functions. I got the opportunity to communicate with people of different places and culture
which will assist me in future time in communicating with the people of different culture. I
acquired and improved my existing skills such as communication, interpersonal, analytical and
time management skills. These will assist me in future time period throughout my career.
However several challenges or barriers were faced by me which are capable of impacting my
project but I overcome the barriers and challenges through my confidence and taking support
from other people. Also challenges such as lack of funds, lack of strong communication skills,
language barriers were faced by me which however resolved through the support from company.
This research was also beneficial for me in understanding the problems faced by the business
firms in enhancing their organization. However, More I get to know the benefits of globalisation
for the company as well as for the people of new country such as enhanced living standard of
people, enhanced employment opportunities etc.

CONCLUSION
It has been sum-up from the above research project that project management plan should
be developed based on the requirements of the company as well as of researcher in carrying out
the project. However aims and objectives should be developed first for determining the
requirements. Also the data collection for the research should be done from the verified and
reliable resources for ensuring the quality of research. Interpretation of the data can be done
properly if the data is valid and reliable to use. Value of undertaking the research is useful in
determining the project experience in terms of benefits and barriers experienced by the
researcher.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Baylis, J., Smith, S. and Owens, P. eds., 2017. The globalization of world politics: an
introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.
Bertels, H. M., Koen, P.A. and Elsum, I., 2015. Business models outside the core: Lessons
learned from success and failure. Research-Technology Management. 58(2). pp.20-29.
Fageha, M. K. and Aibinu, A. A., 2013. Managing project scope definition to improve
stakeholders’ participation and enhance project outcome. Procedia-Social and Behavioral
Sciences. 74. pp.154-164.
Forsgren, M. and Johanson, J., 2014. Managing networks in international business.
Routledge.Reiss, G. and Rayner, P., 2012. Portfolio and programme management
demystified: managing multiple projects successfully. Routledge.
Lundin and et. al., 2015. Managing and working in project society. Cambridge University Press.
Nicholas, J. M. and Steyn, H., 2017. Project management for engineering, business and
technology. Routledge.
Polonsky, M. J. and Waller, D. S., 2018. Designing and managing a research project: A business
student's guide. Sage publications.
Stromquist, N. P. and Monkman, K., 2014. Defining globalization and assessing its implications
for knowledge and education, revisited. Globalization and education: Integration and
contestation across cultures. 1. pp.1-21.
Online
Primary source and secondary source. 2018. [online].Available through;
<https://businesscasestudies.co.uk/food-standards-agency/market-research-and-
consumer-protection/primary-and-secondary-research.html>.

APPENDIX
Performance Review and Self-Assessment
Name of learner
Title of project “To determine the positive economic, cultural and
ethical impact of globalisation on different business
functions within an organisation”- A case study on
John Lewis.
Stages of conducted research  Topic identification
 Development of aim and objectives
 Questionnaire preparation
 Data collection
 Data analysis/interpretation
 Recommendations based on analysis
The key factors learned from the
project
Communicating to people from different culture and
background for the purpose of data collection or for
conveying information.
What kind of skills are developed by
this research
Interpersonal ability, data collection ability,
planning ability.
Which skills were developed through
project management.
Management of Planning and risk skills.
Did the aim of this project achieved ?
Yes
the Team involved was efficient ?
Yes
Is the project was successful ?

Yes

Project Logbook
Name:
Project title: “To determine the positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalisation
on different business functions within an organisation”- A case study on John Lewis
Date:
Update on weekly research/tasks achieved
what kind of task was conducted ?
I successfully conducted the research by gathering the data from different sources and methods
on the topic “To determine the positive economic, cultural and ethical impact of globalisation
on different business functions within an organisation”- A case study on John Lewis
is the requirements of task were fulfilled ?
Yes, all the requirements were fulfilled.
you were on track with given deadlines set?
Yes , the activities was executed according to the deadlines which were pre-determined by
me.
Did you need to make any changes to your project management plan?
No, hopefully no changes are required.
Any risks and/or issues identified?
Yes issues associated with the funds, skills and time.
What was the risks/issues identified with a lack of skills required for undertaking
research/tasks?
I identified that my communication skill lacks which impacted the conversation during the
interviews and data collection.
Did you identify any additional risks/issues that have an impact on the project
management plan?
Time allotted for this research project was not enough due to which I had to adopt the secondary
research in which I gathered the data from the online sources.