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M&S Change Management Strategy: Digital Transformation and Future Growth Case Study By Native Assignment Help.
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This study will look into how M&S, a business with a long history of success in the retail sector, manages and implements workplace change. The report will discuss a recent project for change that will be looked into and examine the effects of outside variables, such as the COVID-19 epidemic, on the organization.
Figure 1: Marks & Spencer announce eight more UK stores
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The assessment contained a brief overview of the present situation of the company which is Marks and Spencer; it is the most important British worldwide retailer company with headquarters in Paddington, London, the United Kingdom, and that was established in 1884. Previously, it was acknowledged for its excellent clothing and foodstuffs. But, the organization has bearded with major challenges in current years caused by changing customer pReferences and enhanced rivalry from online vendors.
Regarding financial performance, the organization has struggled in the modern years. In the financial year 2020-21, M&S addressed a debt of £201.2 million, and its income decreased by 11.9% because of the COVID-19 pandemic. M&S Company’s current revenue is $13.3 Billion and presently has 959 shops across the UK. Although, it includes 615 shops that only trade food products and its TV marketing, contends the entire nature and amenity of its food or liquid refreshment.
To deal with its challenges, the organization has experienced a transformation preparation, which involves closing some outlets, decreasing prices, and putting money into online potentiality (Gould, et.al, 2020). The company also has been concentrating on sustainability action and increasing its product offerings. Generally, the current situation of M&S is facing important challenges yet it is keenly working to adjust and continue competing in the recent retail background.
I worked as an operation coordinator for 4 years in the M&S Company. As an Operation Coordinator, usually, I supervise the regular operations of a company. I was liable to make sure that every operational duty and procedure was running easily, efficiently, and successfully (Goodermote, 2020). In the case of M&S Company, as an Operation Coordinator I was responsible for maintaining the operations of their outlets or delivery centers. This might include integrating with the dealer to make sure timely transporting of products, controlling inventory stages to make sure that the shop or distribution core has the correct products handy at all times, furthermore supervising the work of further workers to make sure which operational projects are finished in a timely as well as efficient manner (Berenguer, 2020). Finally, the particular job of an Operation Coordinator in the M&S intends to depend on the particular work responsibilities defined in the career description and the requirements of the company all the while.
The current change initiative of the report discussed that the M&S Company had newly begun an initiative d "Never the Same Again', which purposed to increase the speed of the organization’s transformation into an additional digital platform, agile, and to make sustainable trader (Beyne, 2020).
Below this initiative, an organization announced various changes, involving the termination of some material stores, the extension of its digital power, the development of its supply chain, furthermore the beginning of highly sustainable practices over its operations. The organization had also set an aim of attaining carbon neutrality greenhouse gas by 2040.
The company has been impacted by various exterior environmental changes. Here are some of the major changes which are described below-
By analyzing the current history of the company the changes due to covid-19 pandemic have impacted the M&S that are discussed below:
In its 2021 annual report, M&S talked about how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way it ran its business (Marks & Spencer Group plc., 2021). The company had to quickly adjust to the changes caused by the pandemic, such as the closing of stores, problems with the supply chain, and changes in how people behaved. According to the report, the pandemic had a big effect on the company's finances. It caused sales to drop by 11.9% and the business to lose £201.2 million before taxes.
The study also talks about how changing consumer trends affect how the company does business. M&S has started its "Plan A" sustainability program to meet the demand for items that are made in a way that is good for the environment and people. M&S has also put a lot of money into its online profile and ability to do business online. The study says that the company's online sales went up by 53.9% in 2021. This shows that people are buying more online because of the pandemic.
To acknowledge these threats, M&S Company had to transform and create modifications to its business model. Although, this has involved growing its online benefaction, raising its concentration on crucial items, and decreasing prices where possible. M&S has been researching fresh partnerships and collusion to support its navigates to the developing retail site.
Marks and Spencer might consider utilizing an array of change management theories, techniques, and models, depending on the particular framework of the change as they are executing. There are 2 alternative change management models that the company could consider which are discussed below:
Figure 2: Kotter's 8 step model
Lewin's change management model: Organizations are helped by Lewin's three-step change management paradigm in successfully implementing changes. Three steps make up Lewin's model: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. The M&S Company might put Lewin's change management concept into practise:
Prosci's ADKAR Model: This model focuses on a particular change, and includes 5 stages that are awareness, appetite, knowledge, skill, and reinforcement (Shahzad, et.al, 2020). The M&S Company could utilize this model to concentrate on how these individuals inside the company are affected by the change and also what particular steps are required to help them during the change procedure.
Figure 3: ADKAR Model
Derived from the specific requirements and framework of M&S Company, it would also grow its change management model. A possible model for M&S can involve the following steps:
It is essential to note down that this is one possible change management model, and the company must adapt its strategy to fit its particular requirements and context.
Even if each of the aforementioned change management models has advantages and disadvantages of its own, it is crucial to assess each one carefully before deciding which to use at M&S. Here are some things to think about:
One of the strengths of this approach is its clear and structured methodology for managing change, which places significant emphasis on creating a sense of urgency and building momentum to facilitate the change process.
Weaknesses: Not all sorts of change may be appropriate for it, as not all changes necessitate following all eight processes. Additionally, it might not address how people inside the organization feel about change.
Strengths: It offers a straightforward, uncomplicated foundation for handling change. It also underlines how crucial it is to get ready for change and reinforce new habits in order to make them stick.
Weaknesses: Given that it places more emphasis on little adjustments, it might not be as appropriate for complicated or extensive changes. Additionally, the emotional aspects of transformation might not be appropriately addressed.
Strengths: It emphasizes how each person experiences change, which can help to resolve change resistance. Additionally, it offers a precise framework for handling the various phases of change.
Weaknesses: The organizational and cultural dimensions of change, which are crucial for more significant changes, could not be covered. It might also be less appropriate for modifications that call for a substantial level of technical or procedural knowledge.
The suitability of a change management model is contingent upon the specific contextual factors and needs of the organization.
Incorporating issues referred to as a tactical change in Marks and Spencer organization includes identifying the requirement for change and also developing planning to execute the change successfully. Here are several steps which the company could take to absorb problems related to tactical change:
Although, by these steps, M&S Company can successfully react to changing market situations, manage its competitive advantage, and also attain its long-term goals.
Marks and Spencer have experienced several considerable changes in current years, and also the accession to change management and management style has varied depending on the certain change plan. Here are various steps of how change was handled and the leadership style in the company was discussed below:
Transformation plan in 2016: In 2016, the company released a transformation plan which involved reorganizing the company, decreasing prices, and improving operational effectiveness. The change was handled in a centralized way, by CEO Steve Rowe preceded with a direct leadership style, sharply lookout the growth of the transformation plan (Hendri, 2019).
Digital transformation: In modern years, an organization has spent a lot in digital transformation, involving the initiation of a new website and cell phone app, besides improving their digital shopping action.
Sustainability initiatives: An organization has made major efforts to get better their sustainability and to decrease its greenhouse effect. This change was handled through a collaborative style, with the company engaging with diverse investors, involving suppliers, consumers, and NGOs, to build up and apply sustainability initiatives (Powe, 2020). In this case, a leadership approach was extra participative, with a focus on attracting investors and building agreements around necessitated sustainability.
In comprehensive, the leadership technique in the M&S organization has diverse depending on the particular change initiative, with many changes being handled through an extra centralized method and others are being decentralized or collaborative approaches. Yet, there is a logical emphasis on interaction, collaboration, and including workers in the change practice, any way of the leadership method.
Critically evaluation of evidence, arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts, and data relating to the necessity of change in organizations
The present situation of Marks & Spencer Company might have changed afterward, and new facts or data could have emerged (Mirzoyan, 2022).
Brand image or status: Marks & Spencer business has a long-lasting brand and status for quality and belief. Every change made to its products or services, and industry model must support by its brand ethics and keep going to increase its reputation.
Organizational culture: the business has its different organizational culture, which can impact the achievement of change initiatives. Shifting the organization’s culture might be challenging but compulsory to make a significant change (Gustafsson, et.al, 2021). It can include aligning business ethics, attitudes, and practices to help the preferred changes.
Stakeholder engagement: the business has diverse stakeholders, involving workers, consumers, suppliers, and investors who could have dissimilar perspectives and interests. Successfully appealing to these shareholders and maintaining their expectations can impact the achievement of change action.
The concept of change management plan supporting members of M&S is to adapt these changes inside the organization. There are some steps to build up a change management plan with continued arguments that are discussed below:
By making sustained arguments, without a clear interpretation of the change, it is not possible to handle it effectively. Making the change supports setting up the goals and targets, this in order helps to lead the change management procedure (Cameron, 2019).
By recognizing the stakeholders' assistance to make sure that their requirements and concerns are marked throughout the change management procedure (Chebbi, et.al, 2020).
Effective communication is important for the success of whichever change management plan of the company. It also helps to make trust in the change and make sure that every person is aware of what is occurring in the company.
By assessing threats and opportunities, it is feasible to build up tactics to mitigate the threats and take favor of the opportunities. This supports checking that the change is handled effectively as well as the desired results are attained.
Training is also important for the victorious execution of any change to the company. It makes sure that workers have the knowledge and skills they require to work in a fresh environment that supports decreasing resistance to change.
Monitoring and estimating are vital for assuring that the change is victorious in the long haul. It helps to recognize any problems or difficulties that can arise and permits improvement to be made as required (Dykes, et.al, 2019).
The company Marks and Spencer is a popular UK retailer that has gone through major changes in latest years. These changes have involved organizational revolution, supply chain development, and improvements in the consumer experience. On this basis, it is vital to critically evaluate the current research and execution of workplace change in M&S. One of the major changes executed in the company was a move to an extra-agile style of operation. The company acquired agile techniques to enhance its momentum of delivery and get better consumer satisfaction (Sunarsi, 2019). The agile method included collapsing work into minor, controllable chunks, and concentrating on repetitive development and constant feedback. M&S retained greatly in training its workers in agile techniques, also this was an important success aspect in the acceptance of this fresh approach to working.
Though, while the change to an agile method of operation was victorious, also there were difficulties. A few workers found the changeover difficult, mainly those who were utilized to operational in a further traditional style (Smith, et.al, 2020). This formed a possible barrier to the triumphant execution of the new method, and it was essential for M&S to concentrate on these concerns carefully. Another considerable change in an organization was a target on sustainability and behavioral practices. M&S recognized that consumers were becoming extra aware of ecological and ethical matters and that it required adapting to meet these shifting demands. Overall, the company had to defeat resistance from a few suppliers who were not utilized to gather these new principles. Moreover, there was a worry about the price of building these changes and if they would affect the company's productivity (Roscoe, et.al, 2019). But, M&S acknowledged that these developments were compulsory for the continuing success of the production, and it retained them in training and helped to make sure that its workers and suppliers were allowed to meet the new principles.
Marks and Spencer (M&S) Company is a famous retailer in the UK with an extensive record of success. Over the years, an organization has experienced important changes involving strategy, culture, and leadership changes. The impact of organizational culture on the change management program at the company can be classified as follows:
Struggle to change- the largest impact of organizational culture on change management is the stage of struggle to change. The company has a tough culture that is resistant to change. This made it complex for an organization to apply major changes earlier, for instance, shifts to digital retailing.
Worker engagement- A powerful culture can cause a high stage of employee commitment that could be advantageous when building change (Asbari, et.al, 2020). But, if the customs are not coordinated with the change, it can cause low worker engagement and a struggle to adjust.
Leadership- This style and ethics of the company can impact change management. In recent years the company has had some distinct leaders. Also, they each have their method and move toward change. A few leaders became successful in beginning change, although others have strived.
Communication- Organizational culture can also affect communication which is a vital feature of change management. Whether the culture helps open and truthful communication, it can support making sure that workers are up to date about the change and also recognize its significance. But, if the customs are more hierarchical and interaction is bounded, it can cause misunderstanding and resistance.
Innovation- lastly, organizational custom can affect innovation which is essential for a successful change organization (Aboobaker, 2021). The company has previously been recognized for its traditional and old-fashioned style, which can bound the talent to innovate and adjust to change.
Lastly, the effect of organizational customs on change management in M&S cannot be overemphasized. A helpful culture that considers open interaction, training, innovation, and management support could be a major driver of success. On the other hand, an unhelpful culture that is opposed to change could be an important barrier to applying every change management plan.
Change management is a procedure that helps M&S Company’s conversion from a present position to a preferred future position. Developing an appropriate change management plan includes several steps and considerations. There are some step-by-step points to developing a plan for the upcoming future:
By developing a suitable change management process for M&S needs cautious planning, communication, monitoring, and training. By acquiring these stages the organization can effectively navigate the change procedure and attain its desired results.
To understand why M&S changed, one must examine how the retail industry has been affected by external factors. These changes include client preferences, the economy, technology, and Brexit. Consumer tastes drove most M&S adjustments. M&S had to adapt their product line to suit client demands for ethical, eco-friendly, and durable items. The company's 2007 "Plan A" sustainability program reflected this. Due to the economy and COVID-19 pandemic, M&S has implemented changes. E-commerce platforms and technologies to improve consumer experience have changed the retail industry. To compete, M&S had to invest in digital capabilities like a mobile app and online ordering.
Finally, Brexit has changed purchasing. Brexit uncertainty has lowered consumer trust, hurting M&S sales. Taxes and customs regulations have forced the business to adjust.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Throughout this lesson, I have acquired a substantial amount of knowledge regarding the complex process of change management. The author's findings suggest that meticulous planning, clear communication, and collaboration with stakeholders are crucial components for achieving successful organizational change. The case study of M&S Company provides a useful demonstration of how a business can effectively implement change management strategies to respond to dynamic market conditions and achieve its strategic goals over the long run. This module encompasses various significant lessons, among which lies the significance of assessing the present situation prior to effecting any modifications. The utilization of a SWOT analysis has been found to be beneficial in identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that are integral to the development of an effective change management strategy.
The significance of engaging stakeholders in the process of change was also acknowledged by me. This involves engaging in collaborative efforts, acknowledging stakeholders, and maintaining transparent and regular communication with the employees. In order to increase the likelihood of success, it is advisable for the business to engage all stakeholders who will be affected by the proposed change and cultivate a culture of support and confidence. Ultimately, it has been determined that a steadfast commitment to ongoing enhancement is imperative in order to effectively execute transformative measures. The phenomenon of change is not a singular event, but rather a perpetual progression that mandates ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment. In general, this module has furnished me with a robust groundwork in change management that I can implement in my forthcoming professional pursuits. The comprehension has been attained that change is an inescapable facet of organizational existence, and its accomplishment necessitates meticulous preparation, proficient communication, and cooperation among all parties involved.
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