The Impact of Globalisation on Unilever: Research Proposal

This research proposal outlines a study on the impact of globalisation on the corporate structure of large multinational companies, specifically focusing on Unilever Plc. The proposal includes a table of contents, research questions, objectives, and reasons for selecting the topic, which aims to explore how globalisation influences business success and develop research skills. The research will utilize secondary sources like books, journals, and online articles to define globalisation, assess the effectiveness of corporate structures, and identify the challenges faced by Unilever in its global business operations. The methodology will involve a qualitative investigation using an inductive research approach and interpretivism philosophy for data analysis, with data collection from both primary (questionnaires) and secondary sources. The study is planned over a 2-month period with key milestones and a detailed breakdown of activities. The proposal also includes a list of references used in the research.

Research
Proposal

Table of Contents
Research Proposal Form.................................................................................................................1

Research Proposal Form
Student Name: ______________________ Student ID:
______________________
Centre Name: _____________________
Tutor: ________________ Date:
___________________
Unit: ____________________
Proposed Title: “The impact of globalisation on the corporate
structure of large multinational companies and the major challenges
they face”. A study on Unilever Plc.
______________________________________________
Section One: Title, objective, responsibilities
Title or working title of the research project (in the form of a
question, objective or hypothesis):
“The impact of globalisation on the corporate structure of large multinational companies and
the major challenges they face”. A study on Unilever Plc.
Research Questions
The required research questions are given below:
 What is the concept of globalisation?
 What is the effectiveness of corporate structure in the globalised operations of
multinational companies?
 What is the influence of globalisation on the corporate structure of Unilever Plc?
 What challenges are faced by Unilever Plc in its global business
operations?
Research objectives
The significant objectives of this particular research are described as below:
 To understand the concept of globalisation.
 To determine the effectiveness of corporate structure in the globalised operations of
multinational companies.
 To access the influence of globalisation on the corporate structure of Unilever Plc.
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 To identify the challenges faced by Unilever Plc in its global business operations.
Section Two: Reasons for choosing this research project
Reasons for choosing the project (e.g links to other subjects you
are studying, personal interest, future plans, knowledge/skills you
want to improve, why the topic is important):
 The potential reason for choosing the topic is to explore the knowledge base of learner
in the area of globalisation how it influences business success.
 An another reason for selecting the research is to develop some research skills in
respect to increasing career base in the area of globalisation and corporate structure of
large multinational companies and the major challenges they face.
Section Three: Literature sources searched
Use of key literature sources to support your research question,
objective or hypothesis:
In this particular exploration work data and information has been gathered through secondary
source like books, journals, newspapers, past research projects.
The concept of globalisation.
As per the views of John Willamson, 2019, In current world everyone is well known by the
word “globalisation” as it plays a significant role in world's economy. In simple terms,
globalisation refers as the process of preparing a single platform for all markets i.e. whole
world is considered as one family. In this concept, it is not only concerned about world's
economy but also adapting the culture, beliefs of countries which makes the business more
flexible. It impacts positively on economy in aspect of growth in FDI (Foreign Direct
Investment), increase in world trade with no barriers.
The effectiveness of corporate structure in the globalised operations of multinational
companies.
As per the views of Bert Markgraf, 2018, The organised multinational companies
follows corporate structure to manage their internal environment of an organisation. They uses
corporate functions on the basis of organisational structure. Their all management functions
will be based upon home country and the employees will be working for national markets.
These kind of markets will not be having much trade across the globe as they have to handle
only national markets.
The influence of globalisation on the corporate structure of Unilever Plc
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At presently, Unilever is one of key brand that is founded in every household in the
world. It was noteworthy that the corporate picture of a firm that brands were so familiar and
operations were widely spread. There was a time among 1960s and 1990 when Unilever
seems to become amorphous. It was also the expansion and growth of businesses, which was
owned beyond packaged consumer products.
The challenges faced by Unilever Plc in its global business operations.
As per the views expressed by Malcolm Wheatley, 2012, Unilever Plc is a large
British transactional consumer goods company which has definite attraction of large number
of end users in globally. The major focused are of the firm is to grab the attention of
customers in order to obtain higher growth and success within the commercial centre. There
are various challenges which are faced by Unilever Plc. in its globalised business operations,
some are associated as below:
Risk Management
Customer relationships
Section Four: Activities and timescales
Activities to be carried out during the research project
(e.g research, development and analysis of ideas,
writing, data collection, numerical analysis, tutor
meetings, production of final outcome, evaluation,
writing the report):
There are various activities are going to involve in this project which need to
identify appropriately so that better results lead to get drawn. Various
activities which will going to include for the project are:
 Determine the topic
 Creation of aim and objectives with questions
 Literature review
 Research methodology
 Questionnaires preparation
 Data Collection
 Data analysis
 Conclusion and recommendation
How long
this will
take:
This research
take 2 Month
and 10 days
for
completion in
effective
manner.
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Milestone one: _________________
Target date (set by tutor): ____________________
Milestone two: _______________________
Target date (set by tutor): ______________________
Section Five: Research approach and methodologies
What type of research approach and methodologies are you likely
to use and why?
Type of investigation
The major obligation of the researcher is to select the type of research in respect to carry out
the investigation activities in appropriate direction. A research is either qualitative or
quantitative in nature. The present research work is based on qualitative investigation as in
this data has been gathered on qualitative base, thus to creating an appropriate theoretical
frame work for addressing the research issue with proper conduct of investigation activity.
Research Approach:
This is the most specific part of the research methodology, which consist on the type of
research as to providing support to the exploration work. This section is categorised among
two parts i.e. deductive and inductive research approach. Inductive research approach has
been applied by the researcher because it is most suitable tool for analysing qualitative
investigation and based on discussing research questions. Along with this descriptive research
design has been used because it is effective in detailed analysis of qualitative research.
Research Philosophy:
This section is segmented among interpritivism and positivism research philosophy. In this
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existing investigation work, interpritivism philosophy can be applied through the researcher.
Thus it is effectual for analysing the review of literature through discussing the perspective of
various authors or writers.
Data Collection:
In an investigation work data collection is an essential aspect, as to carry out the whole
investigation work in right manner proper source of data is required. This section is
categorised among primary as well as secondary source of data collection. In this existing
investigation work both primary as well as secondary source of data collection are applied by
the researcher. Primary source are applied for conducting preliminary research with the
support of questionnaire. On the contrary, secondary sources like books, journals, newspapers,
published sources, articles etc. are effective for executing the part of literature review by
analysing the views of different authors and writers.
What your areas of research will cover:
This particular research will cover the area of, the conceptualisation of globalisation and how
it works for the growth and success of an organisation and the corporate structure of a
multinational company and the major challenges they face.
References
Books and Journals
Rahimnia, F. and Hassanzadeh, J. F., 2013. The impact of website content dimension and e-
trust on e-marketing effectiveness: The case of Iranian commercial saffron
corporations. Information & Management. 50(5). pp.240-247.
Tiwari, R. and Herstatt, C., 2012. Assessing India's lead market potential for cost-effective
innovations. Journal of Indian Business Research. 4(2). pp.97-115.
Zimmerman, A. and Blythe, J., 2013. Business to business marketing management: A global
perspective. Routledge.
Online
Wheatley, M., 2012. Biggest Risks Facing Unilever. 2019. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.fool.com/investing/international/2012/11/21/the-3-biggest-risks-
facing-unilever.aspx>.
Williamson, J., 2018. Globalization: The Concept, Causes, and Consequences. [Online].
Available through: <https://piie.com/commentary/speeches-papers/globalization-
concept-causes-and-consequences>.
Markgraf, B., 2018. The Organizational Structure of a Multinational Company. [Online].
Available through: <https://smallbusiness.chron.com/organizational-structure-
multinational-company-61542.html>.
Comments and agreement from tutor
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Comments (optional):
I confirm that the project is not work which has been or will be
submitted for another qualification and is appropriate.
Agreed: ________________ (name)_______________ Date ______________
Comments and agreement form project proposal checker( IV
sampling)
Comments (Optional):
I confirm that the project is appropriate.
Agreed /Disagree: (Name of the IV)
Date
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