week 7 Journal

Week 7

PESTLE Analysis Report on Big Mart store (Nepal)

                                                                                                           

Introduction:

Big mart Supermarket stands out as one of the most valuable brands in Nepalese supermarket industry in a very short span since its inception. The first store was launched on 10th July, 2009 in the finest mall of the country - City Centre Mall, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu. It has been recognized for its innovation in introducing super marketing to the Nepalese market with a very different and organized approach. It stands out as being the first in Nepal to provide the VALUE & SAVINGS concept to its shoppers.

About Big mart

·         The big mart department store was established in 2009 by Mega Mart.

·         It currently maintains stores at City Centre, Kamal pokhari and Lazimpat in kathmandu

·         With in short period of time big mart has become one of the well known retail stores and serving general public with their daily necessities.

·         Currently the marketing and branding manager of big mart store is Antim Ranjit.

·         The store is planning for major expansion and makes the tally up to 7 by the end of 2013.

Mission statement: Offers the best quality national and international products in their entire store with affordable cost.

Vision statement:  Shop smarter, Live better.

Pestle Analysis:  Pestle analysis report will look at the macro environmental factors (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental) and its impact on big mart department which operates in retail sector.

Pestle Analysis of big mart store

Political: The political factors focuses on government policy and meticulously takes into account items such as government intervention in the economy, taxation policy, interest rate and monetary policy, consumer protection right, competition regulation, political stability etc. As in our country political stability is very poor and government changes within short period, this has adversely affected the economy and retail industry sectors like big mart. There is lack of government inspection and government regulation which has increases the inflation in country. High inflation decreases the purchasing power of people which in turn affects the sales of store. At current period our country is at transition period so all the industry including retail are affected but soon this transition will end and the retail store like big mart will boom in their business.

The overall potential impacts of political factor on big mart store is medium the store is still expanding its branches and services in many location though the political situation of country is worsening day by day.

Economic: The economic factors focus on the economic growth, government spending, unemployment rate and policy, taxation, tariffs and subsidiaries, production level etc. The economic growth of our country is very less about 2.98%comparing the neighboring country India about 5.8%. The government spending on the development of infrastructure of country is very poor and this has affected the overall industrial sector. Big mart stores are mainly affected by government taxation policy, unemployment and low production level. The unemployment rate of country is very high and people consumption capacity is very low. There is lack of skilled labor and due to the lack of skilled labor the industries are closed. The country is importing more finished goods than exporting due to this domestic products are less competitive in market. Due to poor economic condition, stores like big mart have not capitalized the resources like labor, capital and technology in full gear which has reduces the potential market value and competences in the market.

 The overall potential impact of economy factor on big mart store is very high. With poor economic condition of country the products and services of big mart cannot be delivered up to the low income level people and majority of people in our country are low income earners so the development of economic sector is most for the retail stores like big mart.

Social: The social factors include demographics, population growth rates, labor and social mobility, education, lifestyle changes, ethnic diversity, living standard, fashion etc. The social factor has great impact on stores like big mart because the big mart has to adapt according to society. The store should target its services and product to every people living in the society and maintain healthy relationship with society. The demographics, living standard, lifestyle, fashion consciousness, occupation have direct impact on the business of store. Without the help of society it is impossible to run the business because the society not only provides the customer but also provides labor work force, supplier and market.

The overall impact of social factor on big mart is high. As social factors influences the daily activities of business, big mart should include people from all ethnic group and focus on upgrading living standard of people by providing quality products and services.

Technology: Technological factors influence a business of big mart in a major way. It affects the business ability to produce, to sell, expand and to maintain demand. The technological factors include the government spending on technology research, new inventions and development, life cycle and speed of technological obsolescence, global communications, and manufacturing advances, internet etc.

With technological advances system the operating cost and inventory cost of big mart store has been reduced which also help in reducing the cost of product but big machines used in stores like wet umbrella dispenser, store equipment have to be imported from India which is very costly.  The government spending on technology is very low and due to limited MNC`s technology advances is poor. The overall potential impact of technology on big mart stores is medium because the store is not competing in global market.

Legal: Legal factors include rules and regulation of governing bodies and this factor try to understand the impact of rules, regulation and laws on the businesses. It mainly includes the regulatory bodies and processes, employment law, consumer protection, industry specific regulation etc. Sound legal system is basic requirements for running of the business operating but at present our country`s legal system is worse, the political parties are unable to make constitution which has affected the business environment of country. There has not been a regular regulation and inspection of consumer protection and employment law which have created problem between employee and employers.

The potential impact of legal factor on big mart store is moderate as government of Nepal is trying to enforce some new rules and regulation on retail industry.

Environmental: Environmental factors include ecology and geographical factor areas such as, natural resources endowments, weather, climate conditions, and also include the environmental issues. Big mart should implement the environment friendly policies and their business activities should not degrade the environment.

The potential impact of environmental factor on big mart store is low.

References

·   James Cadle; Malcolm Eva; Keith Hindle; Debra Paul; Craig Rollaston; Dot Tudor; Donald Yeates (2^nd  Edition, 2010).Business Analysis . British Information Society Limited.

·   Online available at http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/08/01/business/big-mart-to-open-seven-stores-in-kathmandu-by-2012/358057.html [Accessed on, 13 Jan 2013]

·     Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (9^th Edition, 2011). Exploring Strategic Environment: Text and Cases.  Publisher, Financial Times/ Prentice Hall

Week 6 Journal

Bipin lamichhane

Strategy choices and impact

Week 6

Assignment question

a)      What is meant by the term “External Analysis”? What is the purpose of `PESTLE` analysis?

b)      Read the article about Big Mart Super Store- what external issues are the Super Markets would have to consider at this time to have competitive advantage over others? http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/08/01/business/big-mart-to-open-seven-stores-in-kathmandu-by-2012/358057.html

c)      Discuss your preparations for the Activity Week field work. Have you arranged to meet your group? Have you been to the Big Mart before? How are you planning to record your data? http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/08/01/business/big-mart-to-open-seven-stores-in-kathmandu-by-2012/358057.html

 Answers

a)      The company manager has to deal with the various factors either it is internal or external. Internal factors come within the organization and to cope with it managers do internal analysis. Internal analysis can be identifying the business strengths and weakness by analyzing its competencies. In other hand external analysis is the analysis made by managers to identify the threats and opportunities in market or environment. Both opportunities and threats exist independently of the firm. External analysis generally includes two factors, macro and meso.

Macro factors consist of the broad trends and pattern in nation and world beyond the firm. These factors include government regulations, economic indicators, and demographic factors.

Meso factors are more likely to industry analysis. These factors generally talk about the industry, the new entrants i.e. competitors, substitute products and markets and costumer.

The PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental analysis, which is done to grab the opportunities’ and responds to the threats that are posed in certain market or environment. OR

PESTLE is an analytical tool which considers external factors and helps strategists to think about their impacts.

b)      As Big Mart store is planning for major expansion in valley, there are various external factors that the company should consider in this stage of transition to gain a competitive advantage over the competitors. The major concern I think will be in social, economic and environment factors.

The department stores have to compete with the local markets which have been established for many years. I think at first, they should target certain group of families and individuals. They should motivate people by offering quality products at reasonable price. Store should understand the needs and demands of local people. They should adopt with culture, trend and taste of people within the locality.

Store should implement new economic policy as they are entering in new market. They have to minimize the labor, inventory and petty costs so they can reduce the cost of product. Reducing the cost will help to gain competitive advantage and attracts more customers. As they opening new branches the store can offer new job to local people and gain the publicity. The store can organize environmental awareness programs on quarterly basis so the people might have positive attitude towards the store. This will help to understand that store is doing much more than selling products.

I think considering above mention factors will help to gain the gain competitive advantage to Big Mart Store over competitors.

c)      We are scheduled to meet at City centre sharp at 9:00 am. We have four members in our group and we all are really excited.  All group members have decided to meet before one hour from the scheduled field visit so we can discuss and be prepared. Big Mart is near our college so it is not new place for us. I have been there for like 12 times. Our members have decided to record all data first in recording book and later to put in laptops. We have purchased four recording books for each of the member.

References

·     James Cadle; Malcolm Eva; Keith Hindle; Debra Paul; Craig Rollaston; Dot Tudor; Donald Yeates (2^nd  Edition, 2010).Business Analysis . British Information Society Limited.

·     Online available from http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/08/01/business/big-mart-to-open-seven-stores-in-kathmandu-by-2012/358057.html [Accessed on, 13 Jan 2013]

Week 5 Journal

Bipin lamichhane

Strategy choices and impact

Week 5

Assignment question

a)      Post 3 recent strategy job adverts on your learning journal. You can do these as one entry or three separate journal entries.

b)       Discuss these jobs (or you can think about all the jobs from today). What kind of skills and traits do you need to get a job as a strategist? Were there any jobs that you would consider applying for in future? (Explain why, or why not)

c)      What do you want to do when you have finished this course? What skills do you want to improve in the next year in order to help you reach your goals?

d)     Try and post one advert to the blog – try to make sure it’s new and not already posted. Put a note in your learning journal entry if you managed to do this

Answers

a)      Three recent strategy job adverts are:

1

Marketing Analyst (Integration and Segmentation)

About the Job                                                                                                                                   

Our client, major Telco company is looking for a Marketing Analyst (Integration, Segmentation) for a 4 month contract to be based in Bracknell or London.

Key Deliverable:

Analysis of customer opportunities within the segments from the 3 organisations.

Identification of overlapping customers across the 3 organisations and recommendation for reallocating customers within the segments.

Alignment of definitions and criteria for the recommended segments.

Presentation pack in PowerPoint for & stakeholder review of customer segments & segmentation strategy.

Flagging any risks/impacts for customers during segmentation modelling.

Support in aligning sales structure to segmentation strategy.

Required Skills:

Experience within segmentation strategies and customer targeting.

Experience of developing and using market analysis tools.

Telco experience.

Alexander Mann Solutions, a Recruitment Process Outsourcing Company, may in the delivery of some of its services be deemed to operate as an Employment Agency or an Employment Business.

Job Summary

Company

Alexander Mann Solutions

Location

Bracknell, HC RG422LE

Industries

Telecommunication​ Services

Job Type

Full Time

Temporary/​Contract/​Project

Job Reference Code

702844_13511552​15

Contact Information

Justyna Zuchowicz

Alexander Mann Solutions

2

Finance\Pricing Analyst

About the Job

Hudson is recruiting a Finance\Pricing Analyst to join a well known blue chip organisation in the West Midlands. The role is ideally suited to a numerate graduate with 1-2 years commercial experience and advanced Excel skills.

In this varied and fast paced role you will be responsible for operational price changes and ensure customer pricing is accurate.

Working closely with both Finance and Marketing you will ensure prices are applied correctly and assist in the development of new price related initiatives which will include system developments and scenario modelling. Other key elements of the role will include:
-support in the set up of new product propositions and pricing set up
-support in the management and auditing of pricing calculations
-support in the development of system changes to support the delivery of pricing strategy
-providing meaningful insights and commentary to explain any changes to portfolio performance
-define test parameters together with the Insight Team to ensure tests are unique and deliver statistically significant results
-support the business by translating analysis of multiple factors into a set of firm recommendations for future price changes
-support front line business areas with price related queries and support projects on behalf of the Pricing Team.

The ideal candidate will have:
-a strong Degree in an analytical subject
-excellent numerical and analytical skills
-advanced Excel skills including vlookups and pivot tables
-proven problem solving skills and a methodical approach
-an interest in systems and how they work
-a desire to work as part of a team and develop a long term career in a fast paced organisation.

This is a superb opportunity for a high calibre graduate searching for a role that will lead to excellent future opportunities.

Job Summary

Company

Hudson

Location

Birmingham, MID B46UD

Industries

Accounting and Auditing Services

Job Type

Full Time

Permanent

Salary

20,000.​00 - 25,000.​00 GBP  per year
benefits

Job Reference Code

UK674876_135489​7287

Contact Information

Cassidy Bishop

Hudson

3

Insights and Strategy Manager

AirAsia - LCC Terminal, Sepang (Selangor, Malaysia)

Job Description

You will be joining AirAsia, Asia’s #1 low-cost carrier and a major LCC in the global aviation industry (Skytrax World’s Best LCC 4 years in a row, Aviation Week #1 Top-Performing  Airline).  AirAsia Group comprises of airlines based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and also major presences in Singapore, Greater China, Australia, and Korea.  Rapid growth defines AirAsia: the fleet has grown from 2 planes to over 100 planes in 10 years and another 400 planes are on order.  Befitting the airline’s rapid growth, the company culture is dynamic, entrepreneurial, meritocratic, youthful, and results-oriented.  The company has a fantastic track record of recognizing talent regardless of age, sex, nationality, or race.

You will be a part of the Commercial Department, which covers nearly all functions related to core airline revenue, including marketing, sales & distribution, network planning & scheduling, revenue management, business development, and airport negotiations.  The job scope involves all airlines within the AirAsia Group.

This is wide-ranging, critical, and exciting role, with responsibilities including driving new product and business development, conducting market and competitor landscape analyses, and monitoring business performance and recommending strategic actions. You will have significant exposure to day-to-day commercial management.  You will manage a team of 2 analysts and be responsible for their work and development.  The team has potential to grow over time under your leadership.

Compensation is highly competitive and will be considered relative to your skills and experience. Career advancement options include promotions and transfers.

Your Key Responsibilities:

·         Work with Commercial leadership team to develop strategy across the AirAsia Group

·         Lead and manage small team of analysts

·         Conduct market and competitor landscape analysis

·         Monitor performance of Commercial departments, including routes, ancillary products, marketing, and others

·         Develop further ad-hoc reports and recommendations

·         Establish standard reporting templates and processes

·         Provide training and guidance to team on core analytical skills

Desired Skills & Experience

Your Merits:

·         Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

·         Minimum 3 years of work experience, preferably in business analytics, corporate strategy, or finance.  Experience with aviation industry also a plus

·         Strong analytical ability and investigative skills

·         Proficiency in strategic planning concepts

·         Commercial acumen

·         Experience leading junior analysts

·         Ability to independently manage analytical projects end-to-end

·         Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

b)      The first job is for Marketing Analyst. Telco Company is looking marketing analyst. The desired candidate should analyze the customer opportunities, identify customer’s overlaps and recommend for reallocation of customer, flagging any risk impacts and for customers during segmentation modeling. Candidate must have work experience within segmentation strategies, customer targeting and Telco experience.

Second job is for pricing analyst in blue chip organization in West Midlands.  The desired candidate should work with both finance and marketing department and ensure price are applied correctly and assists in development of new price related initiatives. The role is ideally suited to a numerate graduate with 1-2 years commercial experience and advanced Excel skills.

The last job is for strategy manager in Air Asia. The desired candidate responsibilities includes driving new product and business development, conducting market and competitor landscape analyses, and monitoring business performance and recommending strategic actions. The job holder will manage a team of 2 analysts and be responsible for their work and development.  The team has potential to grow over time under your leadership. The desired candidate should have bachelor’s degree and minimum three years experience in related field.

Talking about skills and traits, I think to be a strategist first we need to build and develop creative and innovative skills. Creativity helps to generate new ideas and work uniquely than the competitors. Analytical skills, communication skills, leadership ability, decisiveness, research skills, problem solving ability are important skills needed to be a strategist.

I don’t think these companies will hire fresh graduates like me because we don’t have experience which these companies asked for. So at first I think I will work as trainee or find job that suit for fresh graduates like me.

c)      I would like to work as a financial analyst in private organization when I have finished my course. In order to achieve my goals I think I have to work on developing skills like analytical skills, communication skills, leadership ability, decisiveness, research skills, problem solving ability and learn much more from real life experience.

d)      New Job Advert

Market Analyst

New soap company Puja is recruiting market analyst. The role is ideally suited to a numerate graduate with 1-2 years commercial experience (optional) and advanced Excel skills.
Roles and responsibilities

·         Understanding new market conditions

·         Develop market strategy working with finance and accounting department.

·         Develop efficient advertisement campaign.

·         Flagging any risks/impacts for customers during segmentation modelling.

·         Support in aligning sales structure to segmentation strategy.

Suitability

·         Desired candidate should have bachelor`s degree in marketing specialization.

·         Should have 1-2 years commercial experience.

·         Should have knowledge on Microsoft excel and Microsoft word.

Job Summary

Company

Puja

Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

Industries

Manafacturing

Job Type

Full Time

Permanent

Salary

20,000.​00 - 25,000.​00NRS per month
benefits

Job Reference Code

NP674876_135489​7287

Contact Information

                        Pujasoap.com, Phone number: 4353321 \

References

·         Online available from http:/LinkedIn.com [Accesed 13 January 2012.] 

week 4 Journal

Bipin Lamichhane

Strategy impact and choices

Week 4

Assignment question

a)      Who is strategist? Describe the main types of jobs that have strong strategy element?

b)      What`s  the difference between strategic planners and a strategy consultant?(use your own words or referenced quotes)

c)      What were your answer to question 1 and 2 on the group exercise this week?

d)     You need to start preparing for week 5. See if you can find your own first strategy job advert right now and post it as a picture or attachment to this week’s learning journal entry.

Answers

a)      Strategist are the one who plans, innovates, judges, and finally execute the strategy for company, industry or any business sectors are strategist. The strategists are of mainly two kinds. One is internal and other is external. Internal strategist are the managers, CEO or any position holding body to the organization and external strategist are experts and hire by the company.

The main types of job that has strong strategy element are financial managers and CEO of Business Company, security head in military, ministers and political leader of country.

b)      Strategic planner is that personnel who plans strategy for their own company. They can be managers, top level supervisors or CEO of company. But strategy consultant is personnel external to the company. They do not hold any position in the company but are hiring to develop strategy for the company.

c)      For question 1,

Field                                     Name of Strategist

Business leader                  Suraj Baidyya(Owner of Baidyya organization and Chief of        Nepal chamber ocommerce )   

                                   

Sport manager                       Megraj K.C (Manager of Three Star Club)

Civil rights campaigner       Annuradha Koirala(Fight against sex slavery, CNN Hero 2010)          

Muscians/ Writer /flim maker    Danny Boyle (Director of” Slum dog millionaire”)     

For question 2,

I think I would I like work as financial strategist in bank or financial institutions. I think I have good knowledge about financial system and exchange rate policy which is very useful for making strategy. I have also knowledge about stock and capital market.

I think I need to work on gaining real life experience and studying more case studies about the financial strategy build in world top companies. I should acquire more information and knowledge about macro economics and their factors.

d)     I found a job in Alcoa`s Corporation and the details are mentioned below.

       *Manager, Corporate Financial Analysis and Strategy~

We are looking for a Manager, in the Financial Planning and Analysis group to provide Strategic Outlook and Business Analysis at Alcoa's Corporate Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

The position within the Strategic Business Analysis and Planning area provides an opportunity to be part of a key organization which specializes in dynamic and proactive analysis, working with senior management to drive sustainable improvements in business results.

Key responsibilities include:
* Develop, maintain and update financial and business models that forecast business performance under various economic conditions and market scenarios
* Synthesize business insights derived from analysis into high impact and targeted recommendations and presentations for senior management review and decision making
* Gain in-depth understanding of Alcoa's segments and business drivers and recommend improvements 
* Drive financial performance target setting through business and competitor analysis as well as external benchmarks
* Analyze markets, products, and customer profitability and recommend actions to improve business results
* Lead process improvement projects to achieve world-class performance 
* Critically evaluate capital requests for strategic alignment and bottom line potential
* Collaborate with Executive, Group and BU management on ad hoc analysis
* Work with BUs, corporate leaders and consultants to identify and solve emerging strategic and operational issues

INTERNAL EMPLOYEE NOTE: The job grade for the opening may be 20 or 21 depending on experience. 

* Strong Excel, systems & presentation skills 
* Excellent written and oral communication skills
* Strong interpersonal skills and team orientation
* Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
* Attention to detail
* Desire to build a strong understanding of the business
* Passion for leading positive change throughout the organization
* Proactive in identifying problems and recommending solutions 

                                                                          

Job Summary

Company

Alcoa

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Industries

Manufacturing - Other

Job Type

Full Time

Employee

Years of Experience

2+​ to 5 Years

Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Career Level

Manager (Manager/​Supervisor of Staff)

Job Reference Code

10605BR

References

·         Robert Kaplan and David Norton (3^rd Edition, 2000). The Strategy- Focused Organization. Harvard Business School Press.

·         Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes (9^th Edition, 2011). Exploring Strategy: Text and Cases.  Publisher, Financial Times/ Prentice Hall

·         LinkedIn