Impact of Globalisation on Trade: A Study of Vodafone PLC

This research project investigates the impact of globalisation on the trade of Vodafone PLC, a British telecommunications company. The report begins with an introduction to globalisation and its effects on businesses operating internationally. It explores the research aim, objectives, and questions, followed by a literature review that defines globalisation and examines its impact on Vodafone PLC's sales, revenue, and market position. The study then identifies and analyses issues arising from global operations, such as accounting differences, legal regulations, and political risks, while also suggesting strategies to overcome these barriers, including cultural understanding and consumer demand analysis. The methodology section outlines the primary and secondary research methods used, including questionnaires and literature review. The data analysis involves thematic analysis of collected information, followed by findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding globalisation's effect on Vodafone PLC's trade and potential strategies for future expansion. The report emphasizes the importance of adapting to market changes and understanding consumer behavior in the global telecommunications landscape.

Research
Project

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................3
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................7
CHAPTER 3 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION ....................................................10
DISCUSSION ...............................................................................................................................20
CHAPTER: 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................22
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................24
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................................25

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Globalisation refers to the process under which individuals, company or organisations,
trade groups or association work in more then one country. There is improvement in trade
because of increment in number of consumers. It is essential to understand changes which are
taking place in external environment through which they can outshine at global level (Cohen and
Kietzmann, 2014). These days, there is more trends of increasing operations which gives positive
impact on sales, profitability and productivity of association. This research is based on Vodafone
PLC which is British telecommunication organisation having head quarter in London, UK. This
association has operations in many countries because they provide better services and launches
new services.
When operations are performed at international level, then consumer base gets improved
and at the same time, managers of Vodafone PLC has to consider changes taking place in
external environment. Role of workforce is also important while operating in more team one
country because they are representative of association. There is requirement of proper
communication technique through which they are able to communicate about change in trends,
consumer query, etc. This makes quick and fast resolution of consumer demand and make them
satisfy (Costinot and Rodríguez-Clare, 2014). Technological changes at international level is
much more then national level, so in this case managers of Vodafone PLC has to implement
changes and provide training to employees to work under it.
Reason behind selecting this topic is this is vast and interesting, so it is easy for collecting
information. If researcher wants to expand business at international level, then they have
knowledge about issues which arise and strategies through which it can be resolved. Reader is
also able to gain impact of globalisation on sales and profits and role of management in getting
positive impact.
Research Aim
To understand the impact of globalisation on increment of trade across borders of
goods and services of an organisation. A study of Vodafone PLC.
Research Objectives
 To understand the concept of globalisation.
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 To evaluated the impact of globalisation on trade of Vodafone PLC.
 To analyse the issues which arise while operating at global level. Recommend the ways through which barriers of globalisation can be resolved.
Research Questions
 Do you understand the concept of globalisation?
 What is the impact of globalisation on trade of Vodafone PLC?
 What are the issues which arise while operating at global level?
 What are the ways through which barriers of globalisation can be resolved?
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CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of globalisation
According to Williamson. J., (2019) globalisation refers to integration of market in global
economy. There is integration of financial resources such as capital, credit assistance, insurance,
commodity, etc. With working at global level, there is difference in working style which is
specific and relevant in context of payment systems, mobile pay apps, etc. There is advantage of
competition because many international brand are available at global level. There is advantage of
economies of scale which maintains ratio between cost and profit in order to understand changes
in better and effective manner. With globalisation of business operations, there is positive as well
as negative aspects to country as well as company. Vodafone PLC is the organisation which
deals in telecommunication services, with globalisation of business operations there is increment
of sales and profits (Croucher, 2018).
With the help of globalisation of business, sales and revenues of Vodafone PLC gets
enhanced because of enhanced consumer base. Therea re amny changes taking aplce in external
market, hence managers of Vodafone PLC has to accept changes to take good brand image.
Employees are the main sources through which business can expand business and perform
operations smoothly. With expanding business, product and services also have to be up to the
mark because there are many competitors in industry. It is important to analyse policies of
competitors so consumers may not get attracted towards them. Managers of Vodafone PLC has
to analyse complete knowledge about legal laws and regulations so they can expand in
geographical region.
Impact of globalisation on trade of Vodafone PLC
With performing activities on international level, there is positive impact on operations of
organisation because of change in trend, consumer preferences, etc. But there are possibilities of
negative impact as well, if managers of Vodafone PLC does not give importance to current
market change. As per view of Arpita Sharma (2018) there will change in investment pattern,
acquisition of raw material, etc. It is important to plan about taxes and other important duties
through which they can successful launch their operations. With expanding business in more
than one country, there is improvement in profits because consumer base gets improved. It is
essential to analyse suppliers through which telecommunication services can be provided to
consumers. As there is launching of 4 G services by competitor, then managers of Vodafone
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PLC has to plan through which they can also launch new and innovative services. At
international level, there is more competition, so it is essential to improve marketing activities
through which consumers are aware about new arrivals. There is positive impact on revenues and
sales of Vodafone PLC with understanding demand of consumers. There is requirement of
different discounts, offers, combo offers for consumers through which consumers are ready to
avail services from them. But with change in geographical region, there is requirement of
different offers as per type of consumers such as corporate consumer have different demand as
per college going students. So in order to enhance consumer base and revenue managers of
Vodafone PLC has to analyse it.
Issues which arise while operating at global level
It is not easy to expand at international level, because there is difference in preference of
consumers as per change in geographical region. According to Reynolds, K., (2018) there are
some issues such as political risk, currency change, cost calculation and pricing strategies, etc.
which affects performance of organisation if not taken in consideration. Some challenges are
discussed as under-
International accounting- There is difference in accounting policies of countries, as per
change in geographical region. As Vodafone PLC operating in more than one country, so
accounting system of different countries has to be considered. With the help of accounting
system, financial position of country is shown to shareholders. Sometimes, there is issue in
publishing overall performance of Vodafone PLC because of change in accounting policies.
Foreign laws and regulations- There are some laws and regulations which are related to
establishing business such as employees protection act, minimum basic pay, etc. There is
difference in laws and regulations, so due to lack of knowledge about these laws there is issue in
successful running of business (Docquier and Rapoport, 2012).
POLITICAL RISK- There is crucial role of political parties in country to operate in
international land, so in this case if there is change in political policies, issue is faced by
managers of Vodafone PLC regarding it. Due to frequent change in political policies, managers
can not focus on core operations due to which their success rate might get affected.
With considering these issues, performance of Vodafone PLC is able to expand in
international market and provide services to consumers as per their preferences. Managers have
complete knowledge about legal terms and conditions, taxes, etc. so they can perform actions in
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better and effective manner. There is less government interferences and organisation can focus
on their core operations.
Ways through which barriers of globalisation can be resolved
There are some ways which assist in resolving barriers which arise while working at
international level. According to Jennifer Blanke (2019) It is important to proper planning
activities, positive results can be achieved. Some measures to deal with barriers are as under-
Knowledge about culture- Managers of Vodafone PLC has to collect knowledge about
culture of country in which they are planning to enter. This is easy and understood to understand
what has to be done which are specific and relevant in order to expand. Marketing has to be done
as per cultural and ethical values of consumers.
Understanding demand of targeted consumers- These days demand of consumers are
changing frequently, so in this case it is responsibility of managers to understand targeted
consumers and their mindset. Vodafone PLC is the organisation which deals in
telecommunication sector, so in this case offers, discounts have to be farmed according to
consumers and their uses (Epifanova and et. al., 2015).
With the help of above mentioned points, managers of Vodafone PLC is able to
understand difference in demand of consumers and making policies to accept it. There must be
dynamic environment through which employees are ready to accept changes which are taking
place in external environment. Employees are also satisfied that their knowledge is up to the
marks as current market, so there is less employees absenteeism and turnover.
Data Analysis
Data analysis refers to the process of collecting, gathering and interpretation information
to give correct and relevant recommendation. Thematic analysis is used for data analysis is done.
In this method, there is brief information about questions under different themes in order to
acknowledge reader about what is asked in question.
Findings
On the basis of collected information through primary and secondary sources findings are
provided. Interpretation of questionnaire is discussed in brief and gist of literature review is
provided. This is the best way to know what is discussed and gathered through different sources.
Hence findings is summary of literature review and interpretation of questionnaire.
Conclusion and Recommendations
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At last conclusions and recommendations are provided on the impact of globalisation on
increasing trade across world. With the help of conclusion, it is easy for reader to know what is
concluded, it has positive impact or negative of business operations of Vodafone PLC.
Recommendations are provided on the basis of findings and issues which Vodafone will face in
enhancing operations across border. Some issues are discussed under primary information which
can be resolved through provided recommendations. This assist in further to Vodafone and
positive results can be analysed.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Primary and secondary research is essential for a researcher to collect reliable and in-
depth information about the impact of globalisation on increment of trade across borders of
goods and services of Vodafone Plc. For collecting primary information, questionnaire will be
applied whereas for accumulating secondary data, books, magazines, journals etc. sources will be
applied (Abrol, Prajapati and Singh, 2017). Therefore, both types of research are essential and
important for an investigator to gather accurate information about the study. In order to do
primary and secondary research, there are some useful methods and techniques which are
determined as under:
Research is the in- depth systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data on the
behalf of which interpretation and conclusion is provided. So there is requirement of some
technical aspects which makes in reliable for future consideration. Research methodology is the
study of tools and techniques which makes study absolute and appropriate. There are two
methods of conducting research qualitative and quantitative method.
Quantitative research method refers to the quantification of problem with use of numbers
and use of technical aspects are there. This information uses scientific and mathematical aspects
which is collected from larger number of respondents. Kiosk survey, telephone interview, online
survey, etc. are part of this quantitative research. There is systematic observations and polling
which able to make clear understanding about research topic (Eriksen, 2014).
Qualitative research refers to the under which reason, opinion are provided with reasons.
Hence there is proper justification through which there is proper use and development of ideas.
This focus on uncovered trends in thoughts through which they are able to collect opinion in
more deeper aspects. This is semi structured as compared to quantitative research. Interview,
personal interview, focus group, etc. are the methods through which there qualitative data can be
collected.
In this study, qualitative research method is used with the help of questionnaire.
Questionnaire is set of some questions related to research topic through which views of
respondents are collected for the purpose of giving conclusion and recommendations.
There are two methods of collecting information i.e. primary and secondary information.
Primary information refers to collecting information from one to one basis. This is the best way
to collect data under primary source because this provides absolute and correct information.
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Questionnaire is used to collect primary data. While in secondary information, data is collected
with the help of online sources, books, journals, etc. Under this method, concept of whole
research topic can be learned (Evans, 2012). This information is collected by someone else, so
possibilities of irrelevant data is more. But researcher select online sources which are up to date
and authentic.
Cost: It is most essential technique or method which is necessary for researcher. Without
appropriate amount of cost, researcher cannot complete each activities of research in systematic
manner (Baylis, Smith and Owens, 2017). There are different sources available for an
organisation about collection of appropriate amount of cost such as bank loan, Venture capitalist,
stock market etc. All these are essential sources for researcher to collect accurate amount of fund
and do research activities in proper manner.
Access: It is also identified as an effective method or technique used by researcher to
access accurate information about the research topic to respondents (Beck, 2018). For this,
researcher will used social media, e-mail etc. way to provide accurate data about the research
topic of aims to selected respondents.
Research strategy: There are different types of research strategy such as experiment,
survey, case study, grounded theory, action research etc. All these are consider essential kind of
research strategy which will help a researcher to accumulate accurate data about the topic (Dima,
2014). According to current research, case study and survey will be used for collecting
appropriate data according to the topic.
Time horizon: For this methodology, Gantt chart introduces as an effective and useful
methodology. As it will support an investigator to identify starting as well as ending time period
for completion of research activities (Jean-Yves and Loïc, 2013).
Data Analysis: Thematic analysis, inductive analysis, deductive analysis and regression
analysis are consider nest analytical tools used by researcher to analysis accurate and reliable
information about the study (Crane and Matten, 2016). According to the current research,
thematic analysis will be applied by researcher. In this case, different number of themes will be
made on each questions which will further help an investigator to analysis data in effective and
easily.
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Research type: Qualitative and quantitative are consider two significant type of
investigation. According to the current study, qualitative research will be applied because it help
an investigator by providing quality data about the topic (Lasserre, 2017). On the other hand,
quantitative research is not appropriate for this project because it require data in form of hard
facts.
Data collection methods: Primary and secondary are two types of data collection
methods. For collecting primary data, questionnaire will be followed by researcher. As it will
help them by providing accurate and quality information according to the study. For gathering
primary information, books, journals, magazines etc. are main sources applied by researcher
(Mangra, Cotoc and Dumitru, 2014).
Research philosophy: Interpretivisim and positivism are introduced two type of research
philosophy. Both types are essential but according to the current investigation, interpretivisim
philosophy will be used. As it will support an investigator to identify impact and achieve better
results for the study. On the other side, positivism philosophy is not useful according to current
study. As it require maximum time and cost of an organisation (Muscalu, 2014).
Ethical Issues: It is primary research which is utilized extensively to assure that output of
study are relevant. However, there are three principles which are adopted are, confidentiality,
anonymity and informed consent (Buckley, Doh and Benischke, 2017). In case of anonymity
details of participants were not included as well as not connected with other primary research.
Here, in informed consent researcher render reliable data about research objectives to each
contestant which aid in completing research in effectively manner.
Population: Employees of Vodafone PLC are identify main population for this project.
Sampling: For selecting sample size, there are two types of sampling method which is
probability and non-probability (Fagerberg, Laestadius and Martin, 2016). According to this
research, probability sampling will be applied by researcher because it does not require
maximum time and resources of an organisation as compare to non-probability sampling method.
Therefore, with the help of probability sampling such as random sampling, 50 employees will be
chosen for this project (Postelnicu and Dabija, 2015).
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CHAPTER 3 DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
Q1) Do you have any idea about the phenomena or concept of
globalisation?
Frequency
a) Yes 35
b) No 15
Q2) What are the ways used by Vodafone PLC in entering into
international market?
Frequency
a) Joint venture 15
b) Offshoring and outsourcing 10
c) Diversification 16
d) Market development 9
Q3) In what manner, globalisation impact on trade of Vodafone
PLC?
Frequency
a) Positive manner 40
b) Negative manner 10
Q4) What are the issues which arise while operating at global
level?
Frequency
a) International accounting 10
b) Foreign laws and regulations 15
c) Political Risk 9
d) Communication barriers 16
Q5) What are the ways through which barriers of globalisation
can be resolved?
Frequency
a) Knowledge about culture 16
b) Understanding demand of targeted consumers 15
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