Where next for Grant Garden Centres Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Where next for Grant Garden Centres - Essay ExampleThe centre as well had a single operating location, in the South East region of England. After taking over, Grant reinvested virtually all profits back into the company, opening two additional branches (Westgarth, 2012). He also renamed the garden centres to Grant Garden Centres. Grants passion for gardening makes him adhere strictly to the traditional form of garden centre management, where the head nurseryman makes all the relevant business decisions and the rest of staff follows. Grant also expects his children, Jane and Malcolm, to toe the line, without any compromise (Pepper, Jackson and Uzzell, 2009, pp. 126136). The authoritarian management style is cost the business numerous opportunities. For instance, there is a high labour turnover, since workers are non given an opportunity to contribute. Additionally, the firm still uses conventional advertisement methods and it does not have up-to-date technology systems, making it l ag behind competitors. To remedy the situation and set the business on a path towards development and profitability, radix changes must be made in the different business functions. External Environment Analysis Technology Technology is one of the principal factors to consider in running a contemporary business setting, failure to which a business is left behind by competitors (Patterson, 2011). This is one of the principal factors negating Grant Garden Centres graceful performance, in a highly competitive environment. The Establishment lacks an up-to-date IT system, an aspect which hinders proper control of stock. The poor technological capacity also inhibits proper financial management. Development deterrence stems from the fact that, virtually all company operations have to be done manually for each centre, making financial valuation and stock regulation a highly difficult task. Another technological aspect, viewing gardening centres, is utilization of affectionate media and websites as advertisement platforms. This is barely apply in the case of Grant Garden Centres, thus dragging the establishment behind its rivals (Burke, 2009, p.72). Socio-cultural Aspects The other crucial external environment factor likely to affect the gardening business is the socio-cultural environment. This is because the Centres have to interact with customers, especially due to the services segment of operations. Evident from the business profile, Grant Garden does not take social aspects of society into consideration, while carrying out its operations. This is an aspect attributable to Grants perception that, customers solely care about the plants that the Centres supply. One of his children, Jane, is largely opposed to this idea and her principal fill is in developing an establishment that plays a significant role in the community, as well as, works with stakeholders to guarantee each disciples benefit. If the Company were to adopt Janes proposal of enhanced engagemen t in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) then the Centres popularity among community members and other individuals would be propelled to great heights. For instance, Grant Garden Centres could formulate and execute educational programs that focus on increasing peoples awareness of gardening. Such programs would foster individuals interest in plants and landscaping concerns thus broadening the Companys customer base and even appealing to the younger generation. Strengths and Weaknesses Marketing Just like everything else in the Company, marketing methods are dictated by Grant. It is Janes responsibility to focus on the stipulated marketing strategies, which principally entail advertisement in the