Sainsbury's Case Study: Impact Of Multinational Companies On Host Destination

Question

Unit Learning Outcomes
LO 1: Establish project aims, objectives and time frames based on the chosen theme

LO2: Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection, generating knowledge to support the project

LO3: Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis

LO4: Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support sustainable organisational performanc

Assignment Brief: The OECD defines globalisation as the following. ‘

‘’The geographic dispersion of industrial and service activities, for example research development, sourcing of factor inputs, production and distribution, and the cross –border networking of companies, for example through joint ventures and the sharing of assets.’’

The key implications of globalisation for business include:

• increasing trade across borders of goods and services,
• increasing levels of labour migration between countries,
• the emergence of global brands,
• greater outsourcing and offshoring of production,
• expansion of foreign direct investment.

Globalisation has also led to increasing competition and an economic and financial shift from developing to emerging economies. It promotes a sense of cultural awareness, international co-operation and global economic inter-dependency. Those multinational companies that are successful have had to devise and customise new strategies for doing business in emerging markets and implement new business models to stay ahead of the competition.

Topic: The topic for your assignment is given below:
“How do multinational companies impact the business environment of the host destination e.g. a country, region, city?”

Select a multinational company you know well and can obtain information on. Chose one host country this multinational company operates. You project is to examine how this multinational company has impacted the business environment of the host destination e.g. a country, region, city.

In your project report, you should:

• Identify the aims and objectives for the project.
• Produce an appropriate project management plan that includes relevant actions to meet objectives and timeframes.
• Conduct research to generate knowledge which will form the basis for analysis of the scenario posed in the brief.
• Analyse your findings and draw conclusions to form the basis for recommendations.
• Present and produce your project in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.
• Communicate your recommendations in an appropriate manner for the intended audience.
• Complete a performance review that addresses the following:
• The success of the project and its usefulness in supporting organisational performance.
• Your own performance.

Answer

Introduction
Although all the companies are currently running their business in a highly globalised environment, however, the impacts of globalisation on the entire nation and the business world might vary according to several internal and external factors. Besides this, the larger globalised companies operating in different countries often influence the growth and development of the nation, either positively or negatively. The current Sainsbury Case Study aims to investigate about the impacts of globalisation on the business environment of UK. This Sainsbury Case Study includes an aim and a specific set of objectives, along with a specific data collection method for collecting real life evidence about the roles played by the globalised company, Sainsburry.

LO1
Devise project aims and objectives for a chosen scenario
Aim of the research: The Sainsbury Case Study aims to investigate about the positive and negative impacts of Sainsburry operations in the globalised corporate environment of UK.

Objectives of the research: The objectives of the research are as follows-

• To understand the role of globalisation in the current business operations of Sainsburry
• To identify the internal and external driving factors affecting the aspects of globalisation
• To evaluate the impacts of globalised business trends and facets on the overall corporate environment of the host country UK

Produce a project management plan that covers aspects of cost, scope, time, quality, communication, risk, and resources
Cost and time Consideration

Table 1: Cost and Time Objectives

Risk Log

Table 2: Risk Log

Scope of the project: There are two distinctive types of research scopes in this Sainsbury Case Study, such as included scopes and excluded scopes, which are as follows.

Included scopes

• Identification of the influence of Sainsburry operations on UK corporate environment along with highlighting the range of globalisation factors
• Assessment of the challenges created due to the globalisation of business environment

Excluded scopes

• Intensive or broad-scale research on the Sainsburry business environment for understanding the impacts of different factors on different business departments and sectors of UK

Communication Plan

Table 3: Communication Plan

Produce a work break down structure and a Gantt Chart to provide timeframes and stages for completion
Work Breakdown Structure

Figure 1: Work Breakdown Structure

Figure 2: Diagrammatic Representation of WBS

Produce a comprehensive project management plan, milestone schedule, and project schedule for monitoring and completing the aims and objectives of the project
As per the statement of Creswell and Clark (2017) whose work are referred in this assignment, an accurate project management planning is required for supporting the project team members in completing the project research along with a systematic and methodical manner. Additional to this, it is also necessary to perform the tasks according to the time schedule for managing the stipulated period. Besides this, in order to manage the projects, the project team also require comprising the research plan formulation, implementation, and evaluation for completing the entire project.

LO2
Carry out small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives
In order to carry out a small-scale research, it is necessary to focus on developing a systematic and framed research methodology, through which the project team can positively conduct the research and obtain desired outcomes from the process. Therefore, in this section of this Sainsbury Case Study, it is discussed about all the necessary elements required for conducting the research successfully.

Research Philosophy: Among the three distinctive research philosophies, it can be stated that the most suitable element for this research would be positivism philosophy. According to the statement of Flick (2015), positivism philosophy is more applicable in case of understanding the logical reasoning behind any research topic, through considering the existing concepts and theories related with the topic. Therefore, since the study undertakes the topic of MNC influence on business environment, thus, the logic behind such aspect can be appropriately described through positivism philosophy.

Research Design: There are three distinctive research designs, which are used by the researchers for meeting different research objectives or hypothesis. As per the current research requirements, the most accurate research design is explanatory. As per the viewpoint of Eriksson and Kovalainen (2015), this research design is effective for explaining the cause-effect relationship among the chosen variables. In this topic, the MNC operations can be considered as a cause and the research aims to study its impacts on the business environment of the country.

Research Approach: The two distinctive research approaches taken in this Sainsbury Case Study applies in two opposite types of research methods. The current project would be dependent on the applications of deductive approach, as it can explain the existing theories, models, and concepts for obtaining an appropriate and suitable conclusion from the evaluation result (Mertens, 2014). Therefore, through using this approach, the project team can apply different theories or frameworks while trying to evaluate the whole topic as well.

Data collection method: Since the Sainsbury Case Study requires effective real-life evidence from the chosen organisation, therefore, the study requires inclusion of primary data collection method. In order to acquire authentic and reliable data from the study participants, the project team would include both primary qualitative interview and primary quantitative survey of the selected candidates. As per the project requirements, Brannen (2017) mentioned that it is necessary to include both managers and employees of the chosen organisation; here it is Sainsburry, for understanding the roles of globalisation on the business environment.

Sampling Technique: In this sainsbury project management, the project team focuses on implementation of two distinctive sampling techniques, for the qualitative and quantitative data collection method, which are purposive sampling and simple random probability sampling, respectively. The purposive sampling is applied, in which the project team can choose the participants as per their requirements, based on such pre-selected inclusion and exclusion criteria. Apart from this, the random probability sampling provides the opportunity of selecting sample participants randomly. Therefore, through this process, the project team has selected 2 managers of Sainsburry and 100 employees, for the interview and survey.

Ethical consideration: The following ethics are maintained during the sainsbury project management

• Providing informed consents
• Maintaining participants’ rights and dignity
• Incorporating Data Protection Act 1998
• Maintaining privacy and confidentiality (Harrison and Lock, 2017)

Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of different research methods applied
In this research process, the project team members follow the primary qualitative and quantitative data collection process, along with definitive process of sampling. As per the statement of Hornstein (2015), it is necessary to include primary research process in this case, as the project could not be fulfilled through using secondary research methods. The collected primary information would support in accessing unbiased, authentic, and updated information from the sample participants, which could not be performed by the secondary data collection process. Apart from this, it is also evident that the application of positivism research philosophy provides the opportunities of developing a scientific conclusion based on the project outcomes.

Critically evaluate the project management process and appropriate research methodologies applied
It is necessary to control the entire project management plan and process, for effective identification of the weak areas of project, based on which the project personnel can develop some improvement strategies. The project team members need to create some suitable training and orientation program for exploring the project requirements and allocating the tasks. Along with this, the project heads need to maintenance some contingency plans for the project, in order to prevent the consequences like monetary loss. Furthermore, it is also necessary to monitor the progress level after completion of each stage, for ensuring the project is going towards the right way in order to achieve the project aim and objectives. ?

LO3
Analyse research and data using appropriate tools and techniques
The responses obtained from the primary qualitative survey are as follows-

1. How far do you agree that Sainsbury has impact on buyers’ choice in UK?

Analysis: From the above graph and table, it can be stated that the globalised business operations of the giant MNC, Sainsburry, has higher impacts on the purchasing decisions of the UK residential population. The responses of Sainsburry employees represent that 34% of the participants agree with this viewpoint, however, 25% employees represent their denial against the statement.

2. How far do you agree that Sainsbury has incorporated the local cost workers of UK to their business?

Analysis: 42% workers state that Sainsburry management authority has successfully included the local cost workers in the business operations of UK, whereas only 8% workers reflect their disagreement with this point. Therefore, it can be assumed that the local employment rate of different UK regions becomes improved based on the current operational standards of the organization.

3. How far do you agree that Sainsbury has grown its business within the globalised business environment of UK?

Analysis: 38% employees agree with this statement that Sainsburry has grown their operations in the globalised business environment of UK, whereas only 8% of the employees disagree with this statement. Therefore, it can be stated that the company has experienced distinctive impacts due to the globalised environmental standards of UK.

4. How far do you agree that reducing the internal operational barriers of Sainsbury has positively influence the UK business environment?

Analysis: It is obvious that reduction in the operational barriers, like employee engagement, stakeholder issues, functional deficiency, or resource unavailability, might enhance the positive impacts of Sainsburry on the business environment of UK. Majority of the employee percentage, as 31% agree with this statement, whereas only 10% disagree with this question.

5. As per your opinion, is introducing employee outsourcing has resulted in decreased employment rate of local people, low wages and affected the business parameters of UK?

Analysis: In most of the cases, the larger MNCs like Sainsburry focuses on outsourcing their services, which might decrease the domestic employment rate of the UK. Therefore, based on this question, around 57% of the respondents state that they agree with this viewpoint, however, 33% of the employee state that they do not think outsourcing can affect the UK business environment.

6. How far do you agree that cultural homogenization of labour force in Sainsbury has negative impact on business environment of UK?

Analysis: Around 34% of the employees state that cultural homogenization in the labour force of the country results in the development of negative business environment. Therefore, around 34% of the employees agree with this statement, whereas 13% of the employees strongly disagree with this statement.

Apart from the above, the qualitative responses of the managers of Sainsburry are given in the following section

1. According to you, how globalisation has influenced the business environment of UK?

Manager 1: As per the perspective of manager 1, it can be stated that the aspects of internationalized economy as well as technological innovations are the most effective and positive drivers of globalization.

Manager 2: As per the opinion of the manager 2, the most effective and positive factors of globalization are production as well as market expansion, due to which the companies like Sainsburry becomes successful in accessing the overseas corporate world.

2. What are the negative impacts of globalisation, which can affect the business environment of UK due to Sainsbury’s business operation?

Manager 1: According to the response of Manager 1, one of the major issues of globalisation is the cultural homogenisation, as it might affect the workforce strengths as well as the employment rate of host country.

Manager 2: Based on the viewpoint of the manager 2, the primed impact of globalisation is rate of unemployment and rate of economic fluctuation in the global corporate world.

Communicate appropriate recommendations as a result of research and data analysis to draw valid and meaningful conclusions
In order to obtain evidence about the impacts of MNC operations on the globalised environment of host country, the project team focuses on the sole implementation of primary research method. However, through considering the versatility of the project topic, it can be stated that it is necessary to include secondary research methods, for obtaining various scholarly information from the previous researches. Besides this, the secondary information would also support in proving the credibility and reliability of the collected information, along with ensuring the quality of the project. Apart from this, application of different theoretical models and frameworks would help in understanding the relationship among the dependent and independent variables of the project topic (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017).

Based on the current analysis about the organisation, it can be stated that Sainsburry requires addressing the rate of employee turnover, through focusing on the employment percentage of the host country. Due to its multinational business presence and effects of globalisation, the company avoids incorporating local talent pools, which affects the UK business environment. Therefore, it is necessary to provide attention on improving their recruitment policies and other relevant employment legislations, through which it would be made mandatory to incorporate a certain percentage of workers from the native population.

Evaluate the selection of appropriate tools and techniques for accuracy and authenticity to support and justify recommendations
As mentioned in the above part, apart from the secondary research method, it is necessary to incorporate some broad scale research instead of short-scale one, as through the broad scale explanation, the managers of Sainsburry would understand and obtain substantial information about the research objectives and purpose of the research. This would help in carrying the future researches through addressing the recommendations.

LO4
Reflect on the value of undertaking the research to meet stated objectives and own learning and performance
As per my understanding and feeling about the research methods included in this sainsbury project management, I think that the research objectives are accurate for understanding the impacts of this project, based on which I have achieved range of information about the topic of globalisation and its connection with the modern business environment. During the initiation stage, I was very anxious, as I did not have much idea about the development of research aim and objectives. Therefore, in order to complete the tasks, I have started analysing my strengths through using the Gibbs Reflective Cycle, based on which I have utilised my learning experiences, along with the descriptive changes in the reflective cycle. I did not have many experiences about the conduction of survey and interview, and therefore, I became in a situational crisis while taking the survey and interview of the participants. Therefore, based on my evaluation about my interpersonal skills reflected in the expressive stage of the cycle, I think it is essential for me to attend communication classes for improving the interpersonal skills, along with modifying the procured data assessment.

Evaluate the values of the project management process and use of quality research to meet stated objectives and support own learning and performance
The process of project management supports the larger organisation in the development of a strategic value chain, which would support the company in gaining competitive advantage within the globalised market place. In this case, the higher competency level associated with the team members would contribute for achieving the optimum business condition. The consistent approach has helped the project personnel in obtaining measurable outcomes. The impacts of multinational business operations on the host country environment are highlighted through this project. Apart from this, Kumar (2019) mentioned that the members of the organisation have also acquired sufficient information from the project, such as possible risks, effective communication plans, and so on. The project team members can try to identify their gapped skills and improve them for their personal and professional achievements.

Critically evaluate and reflect on the project outcomes, the decision making process and changes or developments of the initial project management plan to support justification of recommendations and learning during the project
The research study in this sainsbury project management has conducted for understanding the distinctive roles played by different multinational companies in the currently developed corporate environment of different host countries. For example, the current project sheds light on Sainsburry, such as due to the impacts of globalisation, the company gets more talented and diversified workforce from the neighbouring regions, which can influence the employment statistics of UK, along with the global development in their economy. During this project, the project head managers, coordinators, and supervisors played the role of decision making, however, the project team members were also included in this project. The timeframe was maintained accurately due to the extreme coordination and cooperation of the team members. Besides this, they have improved their abilities of risk assessing and communication, through which they become capable of undertaking different proactive steps for completing further researches. However, inclusion of secondary data would be beneficial for obtaining more accurate, vast, and reliable results about the chosen topic of globalisation.

Conclusion
Therefore, after discussing the sets of questionnaire and other evidence during this project, it is understood that there are certain relationship among the globalisation concepts and the business environment of different countries. Apart from this, since MNCs play leading and controlling roles in different cases, therefore, it can easily be assumed that the operational process of Sainsburry affects the entire business environment of UK. The sainsbury project management includes primary qualitative and quantitative research process, through which credible outcomes have been generated. Apart from this it is observed in this sainsbury project management, the project personnel also focus on the understanding of the impacts after completion of the projects. Sainsbury project management assignments are being prepared by our project management assignment help experts from top universities which let us to provide you a reliable online assignment help service.

Reference List
Brannen, J. (Ed.). (2017). Mixing methods: Qualitative and quantitative research. 3rd Eds., Abingdon: Routledge.

Creswell, J.W. and Clark, V.L.P., 2017. Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage publications.

Eriksson, P., and Kovalainen, A. (2015). Qualitative methods in business research: A practical guide to social research. 2nd Eds., California: Sage.

Flick, U., (2015). Introducing research methodology: A beginner's guide to doing a research project. 2nd Eds., California: Sage.

Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach. Routledge.

Hornstein, H.A., 2015. The integration of project management and organizational change management is now a necessity. International Journal of Project Management, 33(2), pp.291-298.

Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.

Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications Limited.

Mertens, D. M. (2014). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. 4th Eds., California: Sage publications.