PhD Thesis Writing on Business
1.0. Summary
1.1. Aim
The aim of this PhD thesis is to provide an overview on the business environment and current operating processes at Woolworths Ltd. It is intended to analyze details on the businesses background, organisation, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have occurred within the business. It is also intended to evaluate the Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices implemented by the business and impacts incurred as a result.
1.2. Scope
This report is intended to evaluate all the key factors associated with running the business as well as required knowledge necessary in their operations. It concerns the businesses background, organization, structure, manuals, areas of change and the Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices. Through strict analysis, the basis for future decision making can be established.
1.3. Methods of Research
Methods of research have included first hand observations of the current operating processes at Woolworth's Victoria Point. In addition, an interview with the Store Services Manager, Petina Fuller, has been undertaken. A variety of current manuals and marketing statistics have been used to ascertain an understanding of the businesses organization. Various reference materials including textbooks and dictionaries have also been consulted to gain further understandings of key business concepts.
2.0. Introduction
This PhD thesis has been compiled to provide an overview of the firm's current operating processes. In association with this, the areas focused upon include the businesses background, organization, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have previously occurred in the business. Also, key factors affected by the businesses environmentally sustainable work practices are evaluated. Therefore, profitability can be improved in both the short and/or long term.
3.0. BUSINESS BACKGROUND
3.1. COMPANY HISTORY
Woolworths Limited was founded by Mr Percy Christmas in 1924. His idea was to launch a retail operation based on low prices, featuring open display counters (as oppose to the traditional across the counter service). In 1958, the Company purchased its first food outlets. The 1960s then saw a period of rapid expansion into food with the first supermarket opening in 1960 at Warrawong in NSW. Since that year, Woolworths has opened supermarkets across every state in Australia.
3.2. LOCATION OF INDUSTRY
Today, Woolworths Limited consists of over 1000 stores which are divided into several divisions (See Appendix B). Within the Bayside region, Woolworths provides a monopoly of stores in nearly every suburb. The store being analyzed in this report is located at Victoria Point on Bunker Road. Established on September 2001 and running for 18 months, the business is still in its early stages of development. The Company is also one of the leading competitors against three major adversaries within retail, including Coles, Bilo and Action.
3.3. TYPE OF INDUSTRY
As one of the largest retail operation company within Australia, it is dedicated to providing customers with quality, range, value and everyday low prices. Woolworths is built on passion for retail, attention to detail, hard work, ensuring the safety of customers and staff as well as having fun at the same time. The key area focused upon within the company, is to continuously refresh and improve both the business operations and staff attitudes and motives.
3.4. EMPLOYEES
Supermarkets are the largest operating divisions in Woolworths. Today, over 100 000 people are employed across 700 stores operating within Australia.
Woolworths at Victoria Point, currently hold 177 employees throughout the eight departments available. These departments consist of Perishables, Deli, Meat, Bakery, Produce, Frontend, Non Trade and Longlife which is divided into Grocery and Variety. The most demanding department would be the Frontend. There are also a number of multi-skilled staff who having been previously trained, work between the departments listed. Of these employees, 53 are permanent and require up to 38 hours of work, 31 are part-time with a maximum of 36 hours and a minimum of 12 hours and the final 93 are casual, rostered on a day to day basis with a maximum of 38 hours permitted per week. The companies plan to increase the number of employees working is ongoing, depending mainly on staff turnover and business trend. Woolworths is also one of the largest apprenticeship employers in Australia, making available vast opportunities within the retail sector.
4.0. BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
Woolworths is a public incorporated organization officially listed under Woolworths Limited. As a business with limited liability, "Any five or more people may apply for incorporation as a public company and then invite the public to invest in shares," (Kirkwood, 1999: 268). An evident feature of the public company is that management and control are left in the hands of an elected board of directors, while the ownership lies with the shareholders. Currently, Woolworths provides more than 280 000 shareholders with the greatest possible return on their investment. Therefore, if the company should fail, shareholders are only liable to the extent of their share holdings incurred.
5.0. BUSINESS STRUCTURE
"Most medium to large organizations operate within three main levels of management - top, middle and supervisory,"(Beck, 2002: 14). This is seen evident in the flat or rather more functional structure displayed through the Woolworths' organization. (See Appendix C). The hierarchy of the company begins with the Store Manager at the highest level, followed by the Duty Manager, Store Trading Manager and Store Services Manager. Branches further followed lead to the supervisory level of the store. These levels are usually structured in such ways to suit the companies operations based on a broad and varying range of reasons.
6.0. MANUALS
6.1. OVERVIEW
Handbooks and manuals are distributed to employees as guides to company policies and procedures. They are designed to help and train staff to understand the basics of the business. Manuals are also used as a reference guide to company procedures. Stored in the appropriate office or area, they are readily accessible to staff who need to use them.
6.2. TYPES
Throughout Woolworths, hundreds of manuals are in use for numerous reasons. Located in all departments and office rooms around the store, they provide a basis upon which reference can be made if uncertainty upon a subject should arise. Manuals are categorised into three main areas. The first area includes the Training manuals, one of the largest and mostly frequently used. The second area incorporates the Store Managers Manual. The Store Managers Manual which consists of only one handbook, is a compacted version of every other manual available at the store. It is the seen most ideal for reference by all because of this reason. The third category consists of all else excluding the Training and Store Managers manual. Examples of these include The Rehabilitation manual, Public Liability manual and Supermarkets National (& State) Policies manual.
7.0. AREAS OF CHANGE
7.1. NEW TECHNOLOGY
Technology is critical to the efficiency of Woolworths' businesses. As store numbers and customer base expand, systems must be enhanced to provide higher levels of performance and reliability. Currently operating systems enabling stores to run efficiently include the In Store System (ISS), Stock Status System, Deals and Promotions eg four cents off per liter at Woolworths Petrol over a thirty dollar purchase, Corporate Application Support System (ASS), Store Data Communications (SDC), Merchandise Planning and Control (MPC), Distribution Systems and Store Order Management (SOM).
Upgrades are introduced frequently within Woolworths' areas of technology. An example would include the Fresh Food Stocktake System as well as the most recent upgrade, The Automatic Teare Weight. These upgrades affect the businesses operations as new positions are being created to accommodate training. Also, it creates a more effective and efficient way of business operations and organisation.
7.2. CHANGING ROLE OF EMPLOYEES
The introduction of new technology not so much changes the roles of employees, but rather creates valuable positions for training purposes. In Addition to retraining in new areas, changes will also occur in the way record-keeping is performed and the protection of data is stored. For example, when the new Fresh Food Stocktake System was implemented in the business, a new position was temporarily created for training. This resulted in minor changes to the way record keeping was also performed.
7.3. METHODS OF RECORD KEEPING
7.3.1. DATA PROTECTION
Information is a valuable asset to any organization. Organizations store and process ever-increasing amounts of vital information on computer systems. Although the majority of data protection is computer based, manual paperwork still has its functions. This computerized information, together with the hardware, software and personnel needed to manage it, represents an immense investment, which demands the best possible safeguards and protection. The protection of data is therefore, extremely beneficial and compulsory in areas regarding record-keeping, security devices, passwords, money, important records and the privacy of information.
7.3.2. METHODS OF PROTECTION
Changes within Woolworths Victoria Point ensure continued improvements to the company. These improvements are made possible due to the increasing amount of reports concerning personnel records, sales information and customer and staff information. As the company abides by the current Privacy Legislation, changes in the business operations have and need to continue occurring. An example would include of the way Woolworths handled refunds and Ezy Banking due to the Privacy Act enforced. Such changes resulted in customer information being confidential to both the prying public and business itself.
8.0. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE WORK PRACTICES
8.1. TYPES
Belonging to an environmentally conscious world with good public relations, two types of environmentally sustainable work practices are implemented throughout the business. These include rubbish or wastage removal and recycling. The State Branch Services organizes each store's wastage/rubbish removal of garbage and fat and bone. Appropriate steps are then followed to ensure that persons/companies collecting waste for disposal, do so in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.
"Woolworths believes that recycling is one of the alternatives that best achieve waste minimization,"(www.woolworths.com.au). The business also aims to encourage and assist recycling collection interventions for all waste created as a result of the facilities and service provided to customers. These include products such as waste paper, cardboard, computer paper, chicken fat from rotisseries, plastic "shrink" wrap and polystyrene produce boxes. Therefore, the impact of such implementations can only be seen as advantageous.
9.0. CONCLUSION
This report was compiled to provide an overview of the companies business environment and current operating processes. Providing this, a focus on the area of the businesses background, organization, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have occurred in the business was investigated. Also, key factors affected by the businesses Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices and effects were recognized. This provided a basis upon which current operations were strictly analyzed so changes could be implemented, if need be, to improve profitability both in the short and/or long term.
10.0. RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to the current operating processes at Woolworths in Victoria Point, the following considerations have been put forward, for consideration to improve profitability.
- To continuously refresh and improve both the business operations and staff attitudes as well as motives.
- To remain the leading competitor within the market place for profitability purposes
- To continue the introduction of new technology within the business for more effective and efficient organization.
- To maintain and implement further promotions such as the four cents off a liter at Woolworths Plus Petrol when a purchase is made over thirty dollars, at the store as a marketing strategy for a higher rate of attraction.
1.1. Aim
The aim of this PhD thesis is to provide an overview on the business environment and current operating processes at Woolworths Ltd. It is intended to analyze details on the businesses background, organisation, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have occurred within the business. It is also intended to evaluate the Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices implemented by the business and impacts incurred as a result.
1.2. Scope
This report is intended to evaluate all the key factors associated with running the business as well as required knowledge necessary in their operations. It concerns the businesses background, organization, structure, manuals, areas of change and the Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices. Through strict analysis, the basis for future decision making can be established.
We can write a custom PhD thesis on Business for you!
1.3. Methods of Research
Methods of research have included first hand observations of the current operating processes at Woolworth's Victoria Point. In addition, an interview with the Store Services Manager, Petina Fuller, has been undertaken. A variety of current manuals and marketing statistics have been used to ascertain an understanding of the businesses organization. Various reference materials including textbooks and dictionaries have also been consulted to gain further understandings of key business concepts.
2.0. Introduction
This PhD thesis has been compiled to provide an overview of the firm's current operating processes. In association with this, the areas focused upon include the businesses background, organization, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have previously occurred in the business. Also, key factors affected by the businesses environmentally sustainable work practices are evaluated. Therefore, profitability can be improved in both the short and/or long term.
3.0. BUSINESS BACKGROUND
3.1. COMPANY HISTORY
Woolworths Limited was founded by Mr Percy Christmas in 1924. His idea was to launch a retail operation based on low prices, featuring open display counters (as oppose to the traditional across the counter service). In 1958, the Company purchased its first food outlets. The 1960s then saw a period of rapid expansion into food with the first supermarket opening in 1960 at Warrawong in NSW. Since that year, Woolworths has opened supermarkets across every state in Australia.
3.2. LOCATION OF INDUSTRY
Today, Woolworths Limited consists of over 1000 stores which are divided into several divisions (See Appendix B). Within the Bayside region, Woolworths provides a monopoly of stores in nearly every suburb. The store being analyzed in this report is located at Victoria Point on Bunker Road. Established on September 2001 and running for 18 months, the business is still in its early stages of development. The Company is also one of the leading competitors against three major adversaries within retail, including Coles, Bilo and Action.
3.3. TYPE OF INDUSTRY
As one of the largest retail operation company within Australia, it is dedicated to providing customers with quality, range, value and everyday low prices. Woolworths is built on passion for retail, attention to detail, hard work, ensuring the safety of customers and staff as well as having fun at the same time. The key area focused upon within the company, is to continuously refresh and improve both the business operations and staff attitudes and motives.
3.4. EMPLOYEES
Supermarkets are the largest operating divisions in Woolworths. Today, over 100 000 people are employed across 700 stores operating within Australia.
Woolworths at Victoria Point, currently hold 177 employees throughout the eight departments available. These departments consist of Perishables, Deli, Meat, Bakery, Produce, Frontend, Non Trade and Longlife which is divided into Grocery and Variety. The most demanding department would be the Frontend. There are also a number of multi-skilled staff who having been previously trained, work between the departments listed. Of these employees, 53 are permanent and require up to 38 hours of work, 31 are part-time with a maximum of 36 hours and a minimum of 12 hours and the final 93 are casual, rostered on a day to day basis with a maximum of 38 hours permitted per week. The companies plan to increase the number of employees working is ongoing, depending mainly on staff turnover and business trend. Woolworths is also one of the largest apprenticeship employers in Australia, making available vast opportunities within the retail sector.
4.0. BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
Woolworths is a public incorporated organization officially listed under Woolworths Limited. As a business with limited liability, "Any five or more people may apply for incorporation as a public company and then invite the public to invest in shares," (Kirkwood, 1999: 268). An evident feature of the public company is that management and control are left in the hands of an elected board of directors, while the ownership lies with the shareholders. Currently, Woolworths provides more than 280 000 shareholders with the greatest possible return on their investment. Therefore, if the company should fail, shareholders are only liable to the extent of their share holdings incurred.
5.0. BUSINESS STRUCTURE
"Most medium to large organizations operate within three main levels of management - top, middle and supervisory,"(Beck, 2002: 14). This is seen evident in the flat or rather more functional structure displayed through the Woolworths' organization. (See Appendix C). The hierarchy of the company begins with the Store Manager at the highest level, followed by the Duty Manager, Store Trading Manager and Store Services Manager. Branches further followed lead to the supervisory level of the store. These levels are usually structured in such ways to suit the companies operations based on a broad and varying range of reasons.
6.0. MANUALS
6.1. OVERVIEW
Handbooks and manuals are distributed to employees as guides to company policies and procedures. They are designed to help and train staff to understand the basics of the business. Manuals are also used as a reference guide to company procedures. Stored in the appropriate office or area, they are readily accessible to staff who need to use them.
6.2. TYPES
Throughout Woolworths, hundreds of manuals are in use for numerous reasons. Located in all departments and office rooms around the store, they provide a basis upon which reference can be made if uncertainty upon a subject should arise. Manuals are categorised into three main areas. The first area includes the Training manuals, one of the largest and mostly frequently used. The second area incorporates the Store Managers Manual. The Store Managers Manual which consists of only one handbook, is a compacted version of every other manual available at the store. It is the seen most ideal for reference by all because of this reason. The third category consists of all else excluding the Training and Store Managers manual. Examples of these include The Rehabilitation manual, Public Liability manual and Supermarkets National (& State) Policies manual.
7.0. AREAS OF CHANGE
7.1. NEW TECHNOLOGY
Technology is critical to the efficiency of Woolworths' businesses. As store numbers and customer base expand, systems must be enhanced to provide higher levels of performance and reliability. Currently operating systems enabling stores to run efficiently include the In Store System (ISS), Stock Status System, Deals and Promotions eg four cents off per liter at Woolworths Petrol over a thirty dollar purchase, Corporate Application Support System (ASS), Store Data Communications (SDC), Merchandise Planning and Control (MPC), Distribution Systems and Store Order Management (SOM).
Upgrades are introduced frequently within Woolworths' areas of technology. An example would include the Fresh Food Stocktake System as well as the most recent upgrade, The Automatic Teare Weight. These upgrades affect the businesses operations as new positions are being created to accommodate training. Also, it creates a more effective and efficient way of business operations and organisation.
7.2. CHANGING ROLE OF EMPLOYEES
The introduction of new technology not so much changes the roles of employees, but rather creates valuable positions for training purposes. In Addition to retraining in new areas, changes will also occur in the way record-keeping is performed and the protection of data is stored. For example, when the new Fresh Food Stocktake System was implemented in the business, a new position was temporarily created for training. This resulted in minor changes to the way record keeping was also performed.
7.3. METHODS OF RECORD KEEPING
7.3.1. DATA PROTECTION
Information is a valuable asset to any organization. Organizations store and process ever-increasing amounts of vital information on computer systems. Although the majority of data protection is computer based, manual paperwork still has its functions. This computerized information, together with the hardware, software and personnel needed to manage it, represents an immense investment, which demands the best possible safeguards and protection. The protection of data is therefore, extremely beneficial and compulsory in areas regarding record-keeping, security devices, passwords, money, important records and the privacy of information.
7.3.2. METHODS OF PROTECTION
Changes within Woolworths Victoria Point ensure continued improvements to the company. These improvements are made possible due to the increasing amount of reports concerning personnel records, sales information and customer and staff information. As the company abides by the current Privacy Legislation, changes in the business operations have and need to continue occurring. An example would include of the way Woolworths handled refunds and Ezy Banking due to the Privacy Act enforced. Such changes resulted in customer information being confidential to both the prying public and business itself.
8.0. ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE WORK PRACTICES
8.1. TYPES
Belonging to an environmentally conscious world with good public relations, two types of environmentally sustainable work practices are implemented throughout the business. These include rubbish or wastage removal and recycling. The State Branch Services organizes each store's wastage/rubbish removal of garbage and fat and bone. Appropriate steps are then followed to ensure that persons/companies collecting waste for disposal, do so in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.
"Woolworths believes that recycling is one of the alternatives that best achieve waste minimization,"(www.woolworths.com.au). The business also aims to encourage and assist recycling collection interventions for all waste created as a result of the facilities and service provided to customers. These include products such as waste paper, cardboard, computer paper, chicken fat from rotisseries, plastic "shrink" wrap and polystyrene produce boxes. Therefore, the impact of such implementations can only be seen as advantageous.
9.0. CONCLUSION
This report was compiled to provide an overview of the companies business environment and current operating processes. Providing this, a focus on the area of the businesses background, organization, hierarchy, operating manuals and changes which have occurred in the business was investigated. Also, key factors affected by the businesses Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices and effects were recognized. This provided a basis upon which current operations were strictly analyzed so changes could be implemented, if need be, to improve profitability both in the short and/or long term.
10.0. RECOMMENDATIONS
Due to the current operating processes at Woolworths in Victoria Point, the following considerations have been put forward, for consideration to improve profitability.
- To continuously refresh and improve both the business operations and staff attitudes as well as motives.
- To remain the leading competitor within the market place for profitability purposes
- To continue the introduction of new technology within the business for more effective and efficient organization.
- To maintain and implement further promotions such as the four cents off a liter at Woolworths Plus Petrol when a purchase is made over thirty dollars, at the store as a marketing strategy for a higher rate of attraction.
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