Strategic Resource Management Report: M&S Performance Analysis

This report delves into strategic resource management, examining the interconnectedness of human resource management (HRM), physical resource management, marketing, and information systems within an organization, specifically focusing on Marks and Spencer (M&S). The report analyzes the contribution of HRM practices, including recruitment, retention, and employee development techniques, to achieving organizational objectives such as increased sales and market share. It evaluates the role of physical resource management, marketing activities, and information system management in accomplishing M&S's strategic goals. The report also explores the processes used by M&S for planning human resource requirements, developing markets, and planning information system needs. Furthermore, it discusses the strategies employed by the HRM department to align with overall organizational strategies and ensure employee engagement, including the evaluation of training programs, performance appraisals, and job rotation techniques. The analysis highlights the significance of strategic resource management in enhancing business performance and achieving sustainable growth.

STRATEGIC RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
ACTIVITY 1: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM)..................................................3
1.1 Contribution of HRM practices in achievement of objectives of an organization................3
1.2 Evaluating role of HRM........................................................................................................4
1.3 Appraising the process of human resource requirements for M&S.......................................5
2.1 Evaluation of recruitment and retention strategies in M&S..................................................5
2.2 Assessing the techniques used to develop employees in an organisation..............................6
2.3 Evaluation of the contribution of these techniques and ensuring the engagement of
employees....................................................................................................................................7
2.4 Strategies used by HRM department in achieving organisational strategy...........................8
ACTIVITY 2: MANAGEMENT OF PHYSICAL RESOURCES..................................................8
3.1 Contribution of physical resource management in achievement of organizational objectives
.....................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 & 3.3 Role of physical resource management in M&S and appraise the process used to
plan the physical resources requirement......................................................................................9
ACTIVITY 3: MARKETING........................................................................................................10
4.1 Contribution of marketing activities in achievement of M&S objectives...........................10
4.2 Evaluate marketing operations in M&S...............................................................................10
4.3 Process that M&S uses to develop its markets....................................................................11
ACTIVITY 4: INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT.....................................................12
5.1&5.2 Role of Information System Management in achievement of objectives of M&S......12
5.3 Processes used to plan IS requirement in M&S...................................................................13
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................15
ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Information system requirement.............................................................................11
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INTRODUCTION
Strategic resource management is the link between different resources with strategic
goals and objectives made to improve the business performance of an organization. Managing
resources as per the objectives of an organization is an important concept. This report focuses on
four major areas of an organization i.e. human resource management, management of physical
resources, marketing and information system. It demonstrate the understanding of role of HRM
in Marks and Spencer retail company. In short it details the contribution of all the four resources
in accomplishing the objectives of Marks and Spencer.
ACTIVITY 1: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (HRM)
1.1 Contribution of HRM practices in achievement of objectives of an organization
Objectives of Mark and Spencer
The main objectives of an organization is
 To increase its sales and market share in retail.
 Delivering high quality goods with reasonable prices. To become worlds most sustainable retailer.
Contribution of HRM
Human resource management plays a major role in an organization to perform maximum
capability in high fulfilling manner. HRM is the major approach within a firm where people
work individually and collectively together contributing to the achievement of objectives of an
organisation. Here, employee's develop their resources, utilize, maintain, compensate their
services with relation to company's requirement. The main features of HRM are organisational
management, manpower management, personal administration and industrial management
(Strategic Human Resource Management. 2009). These features helps in achieving the objectives
of the firm.
HRM plays a key role in risk reduction within organisation and also provide a significant
economic benefit to the firm. It is concerned with managing people who will assist in
achievement of organisational objectives. They provide innovative ideas for producing better
quality goods and increase sales in the market.
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1.2 Evaluating role of HRM
The main roles of an organization are as follows: Planning: Planning is done to determine the goals of organisation and laying down
policies and procedures to reach that goals. The cited firm plan to increase the sales of the
firm for which they make a plan to recruit creative staff who can contribute in the
strategic goals of the firm. Planning function helps management of M&S to develop skills
of employees and provide them specific training to attain results. While, the disadvantage
is that it takes lot of time and training the people and also incurs huge cost. Organizing: It means designing the organisational structure to carry out various
operations in an organization. Managers assign different functions to individuals and
delegate authority and responsibility according to the tasks. M&S should organize the
operations effectively and thus delegate the authority effectively. At the time of
delegation sometimes it is difficult for company to assign duties and responsibilities to
individuals which results in losses. Directing: When assigning the tasks or activities to an individual, it is important for the
firm to motivate and encourage people at work (Strategic Resource Management. 2015).
Company can motivate their employees through salary administration, career planning,
developing cordial relationship and ensuring employee morale. The main advantage for
M&S of directing is that employees are required to motivate by providing varied
incentives etc. so that best results can be attained. While, the disadvantage is that it
affects employees who are not able to perform the tasks well.
 Controlling: Controlling is done by regulating the activities with accordance to plan,
which in turn have been formulated on the basis of objectives established by the
company. The managers control by comparing the results with standards and corrections
is made as per the requirement. M&S management is required to control the control and
regulate the activities through proper planning so that best actions can be attained. While,
if the standards are not set and correct actions are not undertaken then it affects the
operations of firm.
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1.3 Appraising the process of human resource requirements for M&S
Planning the human resource requirement is an important part in business success. M&S
uses different human resources processes so that the business grows well in the retail market
(Lengnick-Hall and et.al., 2009). With that the processes also help in analysing the demand and
supply of human resource with optimal requirement of resources. The human resource processes
adopted by M&S are as follows: Assessing human resources: The cited firm have to assess human resource by carrying
out external and internal environment of the firm. These assessments will be help in
analysing the human resource at work. Demand forecasting: HR forecasts the demand for the human resource required in a cited
firm. It determines the availability of individual in terms of quality and quantity (Mello,
2005). By analysing the current human resources, an organization can make estimation
for future requirement of employees. Supply forecasting: Management of M&S must analyse the labour turnover during the
past few months through which they can estimate future availability of man power within
an organisation. Supply forecasting can be done through internal and external sources
too.
 Action plan: At last the HR department will develop a plan according to the demand and
supply of human resources within an organization (Greer, 2001). The proper action plan
will relate to recruitment, selection, training and development.
2.1 Evaluation of recruitment and retention strategies in M&S
Recruitment and retention strategies are generally identified by their methods which is
used to recruit the candidates for the firm. Recruitment strategies include recruitment and
selection whereas, retention strategies includes career development, training, motivation,
direction, supervision and support (Colbert, 2004).
When there is requirement for employees in an organization, the cited firm uses a
strategy for recruiting new staff in the firm. They advertise jobs on the Job Centre Plus website,
on their own websites, they uses banner outside their stores or appoint consultant firms who
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shortlist candidate as per the required position (Analoui, 2007). Following is the recruitment
process used by M&S.
 Talent screening is conducted over telephone or online.
 Once the candidates pass the talent screening tests than they offer an interview session.
 During interview a specific questions are asked to know the capability of an individual
for the required position.
 After interview the passed candidates are selected for the position.
Company retain their staff by monitoring and supervising their performances. They
provide a training program which help in developing their skills which required to fulfil the
requirement of the job. Employers provide career development opportunities to individuals by
guiding and motivating them towards there work.
 Recruiting qualified candidates- It can be evaluated that recruitment and retention
strategies are crucial as it helps firm to achieve growth within firm. The main advantage
is that business assists in recruiting the best talent and enhance the brand image of M&S
in market. However, with the help of this skilled individuals are selected to carry out the
operations at business.
 Retaining talented workers- On the other retention strategy is crucial in order to retain
skilled employees at workplace and decrease the attrition rate of employees. Because if
the employees leave the job because of dissatisfaction regarding work culture or salary
then it affects the business.
2.2 Assessing the techniques used to develop employees in an organisation
M&S uses different techniques to develop employees at work which help them in
accomplishing the goals of the firm. The company encourage their employees to attend seminars
and conferences related to their job specification (Nankervis, Compton and Baird, 2002). As this
will help them in developing their skills and professional knowledge. On the job training: Employers of the cited can provide on job training where the team
leader is responsible for training their employees on knowledge and skills. Immediate
feedback given during the training provides faster growth to the candidate and they carry
out their task easily.
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 Off the job training: the company can use this method where employees are given
demonstration related to their work. With that they are also provided with external
courses which help in learning and developing new skills and knowledge.
 Management training: This method can be used by M&S which includes workshops
training, training on managing skills, guidance on communicating and motivating
employees and so on will help them in enriching their performance through proper
guidance (Priem and Butler, 2001).
 Job rotation: Job rotation will help employees in developing their skills by learning
additional skills by performing additional task unrelated to original job.
2.3 Evaluation of the contribution of these techniques and ensuring the engagement of employees
It can be evaluated that M&S undertakes varied on the job training method such as
performance appraisal so that employees can enhance their skills and knowledge in order to
attain goals. This is assessed that all the techniques used by M&S in order to develop employees
helps in ensuring the engagement of workers within the business. Training and development
techniques used by the firm build their skills and knowledge so that it ensure employee
engagement and attain target efficiently (Schuler and Jackson, 2008). Hence, for any business
organization employee engagement and satisfaction is the important factor in planning strategic
goals. Performance appraisals also contributes in employee engagement where staff are
committed to their organizational goals and objectives. As it help in motivating employees to
contribute to organizational success.
Job rotation techniques also help in ensuring employee engagement within each and
every department which assist people in gaining knowledge of other fields (Barney, 2001).
However, with the help of Job rotation it assists individual to develop it skills and knowledge
regarding different departments so that results can be attained. It also helps in performing tasks
by engaging with each other and participating in group work activity. Furthermore, the by
gathering feedback and improving workplace communication will help to engage employees to
perform well and attain the goals.
2.4 Strategies used by HRM department in achieving organisational strategy
There are different strategies can be used by human resource department to achieving
organisational objectives. HRM department will analyse the needs and requirement of employees
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for a particular position. For that the HRM depart will make a recruitment program through
which eligible candidates will be chosen for required position. The employees selected will be
provided with proper training which help them in developing their skills and abilities (Storey,
2007). Training session organized by HRM department will help in will assist in achievement of
organisational strategies. The HRM department have to make a strategy to identify the needs and
requirement of employees at work and with that providing proper opportunities for career
development. It is important for employers to assess the needs and requirements of employees
and imply the tactics related to motivating and appraising employees for their performances. This
will help them in performing their activities to attain desired goals.
ACTIVITY 2: MANAGEMENT OF PHYSICAL RESOURCES
3.1 Contribution of physical resource management in achievement of organizational objectives
OBJECTIVES PHYSICAL
RESOURCES
IMPLICATIONS
The main objectives of
Marks and Spencer is to
satisfy customers by
employing skilled employees
so that they can satisfy the
needs of clients by providing
them quality products.
Human resources The human resource materials requires high
resource implications as it provides skilled
employees who are efficient in providing
varied type of products with different brands
which help in enhancing the sales and
satisfying the needs of the customers (Harris
and Ogbonna, 2001).
Strengthening values and
beliefs of clients by ensuring
suitable services.
Equipment's Innovative equipment can be provided for
cleaning stores plus providing automatic
vehicles for handicapped customers will
attract them to visit in the stores of M&S.
To provide convenience to
employees
Buildings,
Vehicles
Proper convenience can be provided by
M&S to their employees by planning and
designing the layout for the business. For
example; company can plan to develop
provide vehicles and apartments to
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employees who are living far from the
office.
Objective to reduce waiting
time for clients
Machines New and innovative technologies can help in
satisfying the needs of customers (Colbert,
2004). For instance, credit card facility,
online payment can also be provided to
clients.
3.2 & 3.3 Role of physical resource management in M&S and appraise the process used to plan
the physical resources requirement
It is necessary for M&S to develop their physical resources such as materials, equipment,
machines, buildings etc. So that these resources can help in attaining the goals of the firm. The
physical resources like materials will help in producing the products and that product will be
built with the help of innovative machinery (Das and Teng, 2000). Company can stores these
goods in building like warehouses where the product is fully safe and secured. All the physical
resources help in building effective relationship with customers by satisfying their needs. By
implementing innovative technology firm can provide effective resources to their customers.
Moreover, to provide convenience to employees, company have to prepare a layout so that
employees can reach to work on time. It can be evaluated that all these resources helps firm in
developing effective relationship among customers through satisfying their needs. However,
physical resources such as machines assists in implementing innovative technology of receiving
cash and providing bill to clients helps in reducing the queue of clients at the cash counter.
However, in order to implement such physical resources it requires huge investment so that
customers can be satisfied and attracted.
In the process of physical resource requirement it is as follows-
 Firstly, a firm make an assessment of the need of physical resources which is required in
the firm.
 After finding out the needs of resources, company make a review on stock or materials
available or not.
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 With that they develop a plan to make a budget for procuring resources in an effective
manner (Boxall and Purcell, 2000).
 If the proper resource in not available in the market than any alternative can be chosen
which could help in fulfilling the need.
 Then placing an order for resources which is required for developing the products.
 In final step, monitoring and controlling is done which ensure that the quality which was
procured are good or not, and assessing the time as well.
ACTIVITY 3: MARKETING
4.1 Contribution of marketing activities in achievement of M&S objectives
Marketing activities help company in achieving its objectives. In order to attain the goals
and objectives of the firm, business have to plan a powerful marketing activities which could
attract customers for buying their products (Homburg, Kuester and Krohmer, 2013). For
example; M&S needs to make a marketing plan which could contribute to the success of
business and achieving targets. The marketing activities such as promotion and advertisements
must be done by the firm by using different mediums like online advertisements, newspaper, etc.
these mediums can be chosen according to the targeted customers. Thus, 4Ps strategies can
attract more customers and helps company in attaining its goals. The strategies made can be
based on actual behaviour pattern of customers and business rivals as because marketing
activities are inclined to predict market trends and inherent risks. It provides high value added
services to customers. The marketing activities in M&S, urge the workforce to understand what
value their customers desires and with that drive them to be committed in delivering that
services. This helps them to be highly concious about the target market and focusing on fulfilling
the needs of customers.
4.2 Evaluate marketing operations in M&S
According to (Arnould, Price and Zinkhan, 2002), it can be said that marketing operation
function is emerged because of the need for more efficient and accountable view of marketing in
M&S. The main purpose of marketing operation is increase marketing efficiency and the
organisational agility. Thus, it is important for cited firm to have a proper marketing operation
function or to make changes in past marketing activities. So that company can gain more
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competency in a retail market. Proper planning and budgeting will help in expanding its
marketing operation worldwide and attain goals. Further, M&S have to follow such a method of
marketing which could help in gaining the popularity of the products. It can be evaluated that
M&S is required to carry out effectual marketing operations so that they can improve its
efficiency and attain growth objectives. For this firm is required to carry out effective marketing
tactics and thus expand the operations of firm in market. However, it results M&S to obtain high
investment as marketing requires huge team to develop strategies and attract customers. Also, it
is essential because business is required to give tough competition to rivals and attain desired
targets.
4.3 Process that M&S uses to develop its markets
It can be assessed that M&S is required to undertake business development process that
helps them to develop and implement growth opportunities within firm. However, with the help
of such type of process it assists business to gain long term value and enhance customer base and
market share. Moreover, market development process is crucial in order to identify the target
market and improve sales and profitability. Also, business is required to adopt effective
communication process so that they can develop its market and attain results. M&S uses process
which help firm in developing its market over the whole world. The company uses following
marketing process:
 M&S establish the market development target.
 The company than identify the target market where the product is to be launched
(Cravens and Piercy, 2008).
 Detail research is made on the tastes of the customers and according the product is
launched.
 For minimizing risks, M&S try to give franchise to local people of that particular region.
 In all these steps company always train their employees to develop new skills, this help in
catering the needs of the customers (Best, 2009).
 According to annual business plan, they forecast their sales and ensure business growth.
 In last step, monitoring and controlling is done which help in ensuring the employees
performance and the product development. They check whether the products are properly
placed in the stores.
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ACTIVITY 4: INFORMATION SYSTEM MANAGEMENT
5.1&5.2 Role of Information System Management in achievement of objectives of M&S
Information system is mainly responsible for wide variety of communication and
connectivity which enhance productivity, turnaround time and deliverables (Laudon and Laudon,
2004). It can be said that information system management effectively contribute to the in
achievement of objectives of M&S. ISM is the means of effective and efficient coordination
between all the department, access to relevant data and documents, use of less labour,
improvement in techniques of management, day-to-day assistance in department and closer
contact with rest of the world.
ISM is a computer based system which converts data from internal and external sources
into information and then communicate that information to managers at all levels of the cited
firm. It also helps organization in identifying its strengths and weaknesses through generation of
employee appraisals report, revenue report, total sales and any other data which help in analysing
and improving the business process (Premkumar, 2000). It helps in understanding the customers'
behaviour, market trends and also making in future prediction of sales and revenue generation in
the firm. The major role of ISM are as follows:
1. Assists in decision making process: It is used to secure data which are used for
evaluation and analysis which is a need for quality strategic decisions. It assists
management of an organisation in making routine decisions and serve as a strategic
weapon to gain competitive advantages. With the help of such system it helps in making
effectual decision within business. It also helps in developing strategic decisions so that
competitive advantage can be attained.
2. Comprehensive database for information: The information system is the primary source
for storing sophisticated data in an organisation (Dhillon and Backhouse, 2000).
Financial reports when made by M&S are secured in information system so that no
outsider could carry out the information. It also assists in storing the data of workers and
customers within software and thus business can use it whenever required to contact
customers and enhance sales.
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