Project Management of Marks&Spencer Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Project Management of Marks&Spencer - Case Study Example Project Management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time and quality and participation satisfaction. In order to meet the organizational objective of providing increased satisfaction to the customers by offering products of superior quality and an efficient service in more attractive surroundings that are comfortable to the customers a continuous stores development programme on the part of Marks & Spencer is the most important factor to decide on the expansion and modernization of their stores locations. Apart from the customer satisfaction from the commercial angle also when there is an opportunity for increased profitability resulting from such relocation the company would as well take it up to get the advantage. In the instant case the new location Kendal being a busy market town as well as a popular tourist area in Cumbria offered excellent prospects of increased sales activity. Existing sales performances, proposed selling space available, local customer profile, size of the catchment of the population and local competition are some of the other deciding factors that will infl uence the decision about the project. The major obstacle was the climatic factor as the n... The initial preparation of the site by the contractor may also pose an issue though not a major one. It was necessary to get all the statutory clearances by giving notices abiding by the requirements of public notice periods so that if there are any objections from the public. Another issue in the way of the progress of the project was the important building regulations approval required was for the changes in the elevation involving design changes and relocation of entrances. One of the major obstacles faced was in the issue of the opening dates so that the sales during the festive season were not missed. However the project team did not want to rush up and end in doing wrong things. Discussion and Evaluation: As outlined earlier the organizational objective of Marks & Spencer in improving customer satisfaction and thereby achieving enhanced profitability was aimed to be achieved through this relocation project. The major deciding factor in favour of the project is the location of the new site which is a business town as well as a tourist spot which offers a twin advantage for improving the sales of the company. Moreover the geographical location also went in favour of the decision to relocate. As explained by the Stores Planner the customer satisfaction can be improved not only by offering quality products to the customers but also by providing an attractive and comfortable stores environment. When both these factors are combined in any retail store relocation, the project is bound to result a remarkable success. Moreover efficient stores design also result in an effective cost minimisation. A lot of inputs in the form of studying the existing

Linkage among Environmental Opportunity, Competency and Organizational Essay

Linkage among Environmental Opportunity, Competency and Organizational Success - Essay Example 1 The technological environmental represent the application to marketing of knowledge based on discoveries in science, inventions and also innovations new technology will results in new goods and services for consumers. Improved existing products better customer service and care and often lower prices through the development of more cost-efficient production and distribution methods (Louis, 1992) Though technology can quickly make products obsolete for example calculators wiped out the markets for slide rulers. It can quickly open up new marketing opportunities. It has led to spawning of new industries for example computers, laser and xerography industries. Marketing managers might closely monitor the technological environment for a number of reasons. This may be the means by which a firm introduces major products breakthrough giving of a competitive edge. For example after years of technological research, Procter and Gamble scientist succeeded in perfecting a formula for a combination of shampoo and conditioner which was introduced in the market place as part plus, this brad become the leading shampoo in the united states and captured twelve percent of the market keeping in mind that it competes with more than 1,100 other products. 2 By the application of new technology marketing managers have greatly improved services to their customers. Electronic communication has brought consumers the convenience of in home shopping and also twenty-four hour banking at the automated teller machines. The more competent he becomes in the organizational competent. According to Louis (1992) new technology can greatly help marketing managers in making decisions that will result in increased productivity and overall efficiency in its operations. Computer aided designs super workstations, and computer aided manufacture tends to speed up the process of bringing new products to the market. Designing products by computers allow firms to thorough test products for potential problems, which increase their competitive ability by eliminating costly errors before the products go into manufacturing. This not only assures business survival but also ensures the continued success of a business. Computerized mapping systems will give marketing managers instant geographic and customers information. Computer maps will also help markets in targeting markets, planning advertising analyzing competitors and distributing their products. Advancement in communications technology will help creating computer networks that allow marketer to share information with dealer's distributors and co-workers in such areas as finance, research and development. Laptop computers and cellular phone technology will definitely increase sales force productivity since the salesman will do less paperwork hence spending were time with clients and prospects. Technology can not be separated with competency and success of the business since for any organization undertaking its business technological rate and level has had great implications especially in areas of new products development customer satisfaction and also its role in controlling and standardizing quality of products. 3 Marketing managers understands that economic environmental influence consumer buying power so as to achieve success. The health of an economy will influence consum