Contemporary Developments in Business and Management: Report

This report analyzes Nation Wide PLC, a leading UK agriculture production company, focusing on contemporary developments in business and management. It begins with an overview of external influences, including political, social, environmental, technological, legal, economic, labor, market, and climate factors impacting the company's operations. The report then delves into the theme of technological change, examining its influence on decision-making in agriculture production, particularly in areas such as harvesting, farming, and cropping. It evaluates the company's response to these technological advancements, highlighting the adoption of tools like smart power systems and farm management software. The report also identifies areas for improvement, such as the need for skilled workers to operate new technologies and the challenges of balancing capital requirements. The analysis considers the impact of technological changes on production efficiency, cost reduction, and the delivery of fresh products to consumers. The report emphasizes the importance of adapting to market demands, addressing climate change, and continuous learning to make informed business decisions.

Contemporary developments
in business and management
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
Overview of primary external influences to organization...........................................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
Theme chosen: Technological Change ......................................................................................6
Influence of technology change on decision making of agriculture production of company......6
Critical evaluation of organization response................................................................................8
Areas of improvement in organization.......................................................................................9
Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13
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INTRODUCTION
Agriculture sector of UK is one of the fastest growing industry sector which is adopting
technology in farming and harvesting process. Technological changes are affecting earning of
agriculture field. Despite using technologies it is earning is very low because of technological
changes. Nation wide PLC of UK is one of the leading agriculture production company which
provides fresh fruits, vegetable and various other products. Present report describes about the
factors, which are influencing organisation in producing high quality products. Various factors
like political, environmental, weather, climate and other factors are discussed with regard to
agriculture production of company. Technological changes and its impact on the organisation
are well explained in the report. Evaluation of technological change on company has been done.
Areas of improvement in company due to technological changes are illustrated.
TASK 1
Overview of primary external influences to organisation
Nation wide PLC is one of the major agriculture product producer company of United
Kingdom. The company makesgrow agriculture products and sell them to consumers.pack them
and sells fresh products. It has its consumers in various sector of merchandise like retail and
catering services. The company exports in agricultural market (Sova and et.al , 2014) of other
countries aslotoo. It grows fresh vegetable fruits and sells them in agriculture every market of
country. The agriculture sector company is diverse industry company of the country and it sells
in every sector who are producing fresh product. External factor influences the present and
future growth of the agriculture organisation .There are various external factors which impacts
the agricultural business like social factors, environmental factors, legal factors, technological
factors, weather, political factors and economical factors.
Political factors: Political factors are used to determine how government rules and regulations
affects the Nation Wide PLC. Government's taxation system highly impact the agriculture sector
of UK. These factors are related with political forces which are imposed on agriculture industry
to gain revenues. Political factors also brings opportunities also for the agricultural producers
(Xu and Lin, 2017.). Tax imposed by government affects the profitability of company . has
ability change whole revenue system of the company. Trading policies made by government and
inter country relationships influences the export and import business of agriculture organization.
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Internal political concerns cause problem in smooth functioning of business. Fiscal policies and
term of government levy on companies canb affect the agriculture business to great level.
Several other factor like trend of politics , corruption ,wars and international polices also impacts
agriculture business environment.
Social factors: Social factors are associated with social trends and environment in market
which can affect the Nation Wide PLC. Cultural trends, lifestyle, brand popularity and publicity
can have ability to affect the business of agriculture company in the country (Rhodes, Jalloh and
Diouf, 2014). Social trends can influence impact on demand of company's products and services.
Brand image and opinions of consumer about the product and services are the factors which
influence agricultural organization. Health awareness and safety measure are the most important
factor for any company to grow in agricultural industry. Opinion and perception about quality of
products also constitutes to are external factors which can influence agriculturecompany's
business.
Environmental factors: Environmental and ecological factors are the most important factors
which affects the business of Nation wide PLC. These factors are related with characteristic of
ecological and environment conditions. These condition might impact the demand of agricultural
products made produces by company. Regulation made by government regarding environment
safety and precaution can influence business of agriculture organisation.company (Tubiello and
et.al, 2015). The company has to make sure that it is taking care of of all the environmental rules
and regulations made by government. Carbon footprint is bigiog issue of concern for companies
in to maintaining effectiveness of its product in market. Environmental factors also includes
climate changes, weather issues, soil and various other things that influences the business of
agriculture organisation to great extent. Adverse weather conditions and sustainable agriculture
are also included in environmental factors that should be taken into account. by company. which
are points of concern by company. Global market changes, climate change and geographical
conditions of particular country are some external factors which affects agriculture production.
Technological factors: Technical advancements happening across agriculture sector are
impacting business activities of Nation Wide PLC. These factors are associated with
technological attributes such as innovation , invention, technological changes and legislation in
the field of technology. These are aspects which may affect businesses of Nation wide PLC. It
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refers as awareness of company about automation, latest technology, R &D etc. Emerging
technologies legislation made regarding technology are important factors which need to be taken
care by the company. Communication system and information system are external factors of
concern for the company. Technological components also includes incentives of technology,
infrastructure of internet in company and, level of technology in industry. Tehse factors can
impact operations of Nation Wide PLC. of agriculture has the ability to influence business of
Nation wide PLC. Proper know;edge about latest trends in technology and access to technology
is must for any company to grow is agriculture production (Yan and et.al 2014).
Legal factors : These factors influences agriculture business both internally and externally.
Various laws, rules and act made by government authorities affects the business of organisation.
There are various rules in allm,any countries regarding agricultural production and farming.
Legal factor includes present rules, future legislation, law of employment , regulation of tax,
rule for health and safety and consumer protection rules. Legal components takes all these rules
and legislation to make strategies for agriculture production (Bustamante and et.al, 2014) .
Economic factors: These factors are related with policies of economy, design and structure of
economy that can impact the agriculture production of Nation Wide PLC. Inflation rise
adversely influences the demand of products and services of organization. Inflation rate impacts
the buying power of consumer and suppliers of company. Economic factors involves local are
economy, rate of inflation, rate of interest, growth in economy and tradinge rates. Import and
export ratios are also major factors that influencesimpacts the agriculture production .sector.
Labour factor : Agriculture production is seasonal in nature and due to that reason labour rates
affects production of Nation wide PLC. Sometimes unskilled labour do not know howe to
operate machinery used by company in production. This highly impacts productivityoduction of
company.
Capital factor : Capital requirement for production is most important component for any
company providingroducing agriculture products. The amount of money company has to invest
in farming is used to increase the production services This money also used to and buying
machinery equipments. Greater profits can be made id if company get proper capital and funds
for its production. Inappropriate funds and financial support influences company's
productivityuction to great level.
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Markets factors : Agriculture production organisation makesproduces product which are in
demand and makes product according to demand. Current market situations and demand factor
also influences production of Nation wide PLC.
Weather and climate factors : There are various factor related to climate and weather which
affects the agriculture production of Nation Wide PLC. Temperature rise and and fall adversely
impacts the production of vegetable and fruits product by organisation (Tubiello and et.al,
2015). Agriculture production is totally dependent on condition of climate and weather change.
Changes in temperature and concentration of soil impacts growth of crops. Rainfall directly
influences the production fruits and vegetable of company so . pProper rainfall is required for
better productivity. Higher temperature and global warming severely affect production of
organisation (MacCarthy and et.al, 2016). Carbon dioxide is continuously increasing in the
atmosphere which is making crop production worsen. These changes in weather and climate
makes quality of land poor. There can me more extreme condition of weather in future which
can adversely impact the production of company. Impact of climate change contains many
threats to agriculture production organisation.. One of major external factor is that these changes
in climate and weather affects the quality and quantity of agriculture production.
TASK 2
Theme chosen: Technological Change
Influence of technology change on decision making of agriculture production of company
Technological changes are impacting the production of Nation Wide PLC to great
extent . Continuously increasing and developinggrowing technology is making company to
change in its productivity techniques. Organisation needs to adopt latest technology to get make
place in the global market competitive market conditions. Many companies are adopting new
technologies in production of agriculture product which is helping them in increasing their better
productivity. Nation wide PLC is using technology in harvesting, farming and cropping. Many
of the companies have deployed technologies in growing and farming of crops.crops (Mate-
Sanchez-Val and Harris, 2014). There is Llot of innovation has seen from previous years in
sector of mobile technology and information technology. These technological innovations areis
impacting farming techniques of company. This innovation in technology adversely influences
the decision making process of the Nation Wide PLC.
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Various tools are used by companies for farming like smart power systems, software for
farm management , and sensor to sense the condition of soil and land. Company have to allocate
funds for using the technology in decision making process. In thise process management of the
organisation have to hire framer who knows how to operate these technological tools in farming.
These technologies if deployed by company will help the to accomplish its objectives in
production. Global market of agriculture is shifting towards us of technological tools and
equipment in farming and growing crops (Aguirre, Mytton and Monsivais, 2015). Now a days
majority of consumer wants to know about the agriculture product they are using is safe or not.
of agriculture product want to get aware about the fold and product they are using . This
knowledge is provided by companies using various tools which in turn affects the decision
making process of company. Competition in market is increasing and to cope up with this
organization has to use machinery for framing process. This requires lot of capital and finance
support.
The emerging technologies are affecting farmer as well because most of the organisation
use technology in farming. Ddue to which requirement of framer is becoming less. Use of
advanced technologies in agriculture production is unbalancing fund and capital requirement
offor companies which is impacting decision making process. Use of technology is good for
production inn company but it requires skilled workers who know how to operate machinery
and tools . Proper training is require forro workers to use tool effectively Providing trainings will
make company to but company has to spend more capital for it on these training and practices.
This will influence the decision making process of company. Technology use will make
company to encourage its workers to learn about new technologies. This learning of worker wil
help organisation in decision making process. so that company can make good decision for
accomplishing its objectives (Lamb, and et.al, 2016). Mechanization is also influencinge
agriculture to great extent which help company to get its work done in less time.
Technologicaly change impacts production negatively because it is impossible for
agriculture firm to change its way of production according to technology. Due to this reason
decision-making process gets affected. by technology change. Implementing cooling and
preserving technologies will supports agriculture organisation to company can make its
production effective and thereby reducing the cost of keeping the fruits and vegetable fresh.
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Company will be able to deliver fresh products to consumers which they can preserve Consumer
will get fresh product and from can save the product for long time when demand of product is
high (Biswas and et.al, 2015). Executives and mangers of company have to include capital for
these tools and technologies in these tools and technologies in budget which may impact
decision making process. Government is also promoting technologies which is to be used by
agriculture firm to enhance their productivity. Encouragement by government is putting force on
firm to implement these technologies and making burden on budget of company.
Technological change is good for Nation Wide PLC if the workers are familiar with
machinery and tools. If workers are non familiar with the latest technology them it will make it
difficult forof company to make them familiartrain them with tools. Extra training will impact
company's capital because training session also requires capital.will cost high for it. Company
have to encourage its employees to learn new technologies which will support organisation to
make effective decisions for company. Agriculture firm have to make its processes better to get
better market position by using new technologies in production. Firm can make use of internet
and social media marketing tool to make contracts with suppliers (Nardi, 2016.). Internet use can
decrease the cost of marketing and thereby support in making effective decisions for company.
Critical evaluation of organization response
Technological changes gives impact on the decision making process of the firm and due
to that overall functional activities of the organization gets influenced. Nation Wide PLC has
taken various ensures for meeting and implementing the technological changes that are
happening in this sector. With this, new machinery has been used for carrying out production
related activities so that competitive advantage can be gained by business. However there is need
for company to use systematic approaches which do not impact the goals of company. Use of
smart tool in farming and cropping require lot of capital and fund which make burden on
company's budget. It is must for Nation Wide PLC that its management should make efforts in
removingdoing barrier so that they can make use of technologicaly changes properly and
effectively. Scarcity of financial support and funds sometime makes it difficult for company to
make use of emerging technology. Proper planing and practices should be done for implementing
new technologies to improve agriculture production . On a critical note the firm has also seen
drastic changes by using technology in production of fruits, vegetables and various other food
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products. Machinery and advanced tools used for for improving production of all the products
made by company has increased profitability of the company.
Technological changes has impacted company a lot by reducing its cost of farming and
harvesting. Agriculture firm is realizing the importance e effectiveness of technological tools to
get better productivityduction. Adoption of new technology is must for Nation Wide PLC to
meet the demand and expectation of consumers. Firm needs to make its place in global market
by using technicaltec approaches hnology because every company now days is using technology
for getting better agriculture production (Sova and et.al , 2014). Decision making process of
company is getting affected due to everyday changing technology. because Due to this firm cant
rely on one technology that will work for them forever.
On the other hand organization can use various type of tools and software to manage
their production. Smart power system and farming software system are supporting company to
mange their production in better way. Company was facing improper interaction problem with
stake holders, by using Iinternet communication and use technology has made company is now
able to communicate with its suppliers effectively. Digital supply chain network is helping
company to sell and supply it products worldwide through use of technology. Primary external
factors are also major barrier in implementing technological advancement for company. Weather
changes are making it difficult for Nation wide PLC (Nation wide PLC, 2017) to take full
advantage of technology. Condition of climate and weather are faced by company toin makeing
use of technological tools and equipment.
Nation Wide PLC has evaluated that it has to train its staff members to make effective
use of tools and equipment's. Unskilled workers makes it difficult for company to get the desire
result by using technology. Positive outcome using these kind of machinery are not achieved
by company because of less trained workers. Agriculture production company has put efforts to
implement change in technology in the organization which in result has provided lot of benefits
to company. However some hurdles and barriers faced by organisation when it has executed
technologies change sin the production process. The agriculture firm has made many changes in
farming and producing vegetables and fruits by using technology (Bustamante and et.al, 2014).
Firm are realizing the effectiveness of use of technology. Skilled staff and workers are required
to deal with machinery and toolslls used by company to get better production. It has been ned
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evaluated that the chosen firm is responding well to emerging technologies and trying to
implement them in their production process.
It is important for company to plan strategically to overcome the barriers and challenges
they have faced in implement technological changes. Proper practices and planning is required
for by company to make effective use of technological changes. Increased productivity and
profitability can be accomplished by firm by using technology in farming process. Nation wide
PLC has made many effort by providing guidance and training to its employees. Interaction and
communication problem has been solved in company by making use of technology. Company
has evaluated that it proper practices and training planning of machinery tools has supported it in
accomplishing its goals and objectives. So it is required for any company to make use of
technical tools to minimize the maen power and make production effective.
Areas of improvement in organization
Nation wide PLC is leading agriculture firm which is making use of technologyical
changes to enhance its productivity and profitability (Agriculture in UK, 2017.). It is producing
high quality products by using machinery and technical tools . Its technical experts has helped in
providing high revenue and profits to them. However some areas of the production are still not
generating high quality products so firm needs to take some initiatives to make improvements in
various areas which are left untouched from technology (Lamb and et.al, 2016.). This will
support company in getting benefits and advantages in productivityon of business. Some
initiatives that agriculture firm can take are as follows:
 Training session should be provided by the company to train its employees regarding use
of technological tools and machinery. Seminars and campaigns can be organised by firm
forro farmers, workers and other employee of the organisation to learn about new
technology daily so that their skills can be used sue to improve the performance of the
production. Organisation need to update its workers about the emerging technologies so
that they can remain familiar with latest machinery and tools.
 Appropriate fund and capitals should be provided to research and development
department of organization so that they can put extra efforts in order to find out best
technology for farming and agricultureagri -productions. Proper fund and finance support
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is must for Nation wide to adopt technological change. It will help company to make it
position in market and to compete with rivalry firms.
 Frarmers and workers of firm should be encouraged to learn new technology and
methods which make their work easier. Workers should learn about smart power system
and frarming software and agri- software that can help them to get better quality of
product. Worker should be updated themselves be updated about changing technology
and machinery sop that they will not rely on company to get training. from.
 Nation Wide PLC company need to hire technical expert who can give proper guidance
and suggestions to firm. Technical expertise will help company to hire worker who have
enough knowledge about latest technology which is being used in agriculture and
farming. They will assist company in choosing technology which is better and suitable
for high quality production.
 Proper monitoring and evaluation should be done by technical expertise of company to
find out whether new technologies are working effectively for company or not.
Evaluation should be done from time to time to determine if all the workers are able in
using software and tools provided by agri-firmirm.
 Supply chain network should be monitored by using global positioning system (GPS) to
identify that it is supplying appropriately and is able to meet the demand of consumers.
GPS locator and monitoring system can be adopted by company to find out the growth of
its products and inspecting the cognition of crops (Biswas and et.al, 2015).
 Workers should be given additional assistance from company to learn about new methods
of growing crops and harvesting. It will support firm in getting skilled worker and staff
and the cps of training will simultaneously reduce.
 Acquiring new technologies will support organisation in dealing with adverse
environmental impacts that effects the production. Wastage problem can be reduced by
using new techniques and method in production process. Further more, cCost and time
problem of performingdoing activities and functions manually will reduce by making use
of technology. Lewis change management model can be adopted by company to get
guidance about technological changes in agricultural sector. This model provides
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systematic approaches to find out best technology which is suitable for growth of
production in company (Dhehibi and et.al, 2016).
 Nation Wide PLC should focus on selling its product online by using digital marketing
system. Many agriculture organisations are selling their product online to get more profits
. Company should sell its products on online to make profit from that platform. which is
used by many companies. Digital platform now days is helping many firms to increase
their profitability.
CONCLUSION
Summing up the above report it can be concluded that there are various factor and
elements which impacts the production of agriculture to great extent. Various factor such as
political, environmental, social, climate and weather change, technological, legal and economical
factors are evaluated with regard to the agriculture firm. Technological changes are influencing
production of agriculture at high level. Continuously changing technologies are
forcinginfluencing agriculture companies to change their methods and techniques of producing
according to that. Various type of technological tools and software are supporting companies in
generating profits and duct an revenues. Cost and time also reduces are being saved if firms
adopt new technologies .Critical analysis of technological change concludes that technology
affects the companies both negatively and positively. Technology is helping agricultural sector
in monitoring and evaluating the production of crop. It is require for agriculture firms to adopt
new technologies and technical expertise who can provide guidance and suggestion in choosing
best technology.
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REFERENCES
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Dhehibi, B. and et.al, 2016. Growth in Total Factor Productivity in the Egyptian Agriculture
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MacCarthy, J. and et.al, 2016. UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2014.
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