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Text 1 Waitrose is a supermarket chain with over 300 stores throughout the UK - OCR - GCSE Business - Question 16 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 16
Text 1 Waitrose is a supermarket chain with over 300 stores throughout the UK. Waitrose specializes in good quality food, targeted at customers with high levels of i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Text 1 Waitrose is a supermarket chain with over 300 stores throughout the UK - OCR - GCSE Business - Question 16 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
a) Explain what is meant by a focus group.
Answer
A focus group is a qualitative research method that involves gathering a diverse group of people to discuss a product or service. Typically, this group is guided by a facilitator who poses questions and prompts discussions. This method allows businesses to gather insights and opinions from potential customers about their products, services, or marketing strategies.
Step 2
b) Explain one advantage for Waitrose of using customer trials.
Answer
One advantage of using customer trials for Waitrose is the ability to gain direct feedback on new products prior to their full launch. This allows the company to identify any potential issues, make necessary adjustments, and tailor the product to better meet customer expectations, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Step 3
c) Explain one benefit for Waitrose of having good business communication between employees at its Head Office.
Answer
One benefit of good business communication among employees at the Head Office is the improvement in coordination and collaboration. Effective communication ensures that all departments are aligned in their strategies and goals, which can lead to more efficient operations and a quicker response to market demands.
Step 4
d) Explain one advantage for Waitrose of using external recruitment.
Answer
One advantage of using external recruitment for Waitrose is the ability to bring in new perspectives and experiences that can enhance the company's creativity and innovation. Hiring from outside the organization allows Waitrose to tap into a wider talent pool, potentially attracting candidates with specialized skills that the current workforce may lack.
Step 5
Step 6
f) (ii) Evaluate whether or not Waitrose should continue to offer profit sharing to its employees.
Answer
Profit sharing can be a strong motivator for Waitrose's 50,000 employees, potentially increasing job satisfaction and productivity. However, such schemes can limit financial resources, especially in less profitable years. On one hand, maintaining profit sharing might enhance employee loyalty and encourage hard work, reducing turnover rates. On the other hand, if profit sharing leads to higher employee expectations without guaranteed financial results, it could create dissatisfaction. The decision should weigh the benefits of enhanced productivity against the financial implications and the firm's ability to sustain this model in the long term.