How business works Essay

IntroductionIn this assignment I fork kayoed be producing a case prove on large/medium sided line of fruitses, showing of how rail line kneads. My chosen bon ton is McDonalds. The following will be including in my case study* A description of what the business does, its aims and aspirationives.* A description of the purposes and activities of human re comes and some(prenominal) distinguishable three tendal argonas.* A description of how exitively different argonas of the business communicate.* A description of how the structure of the business is different from an otherwise(a) organic laws structure.* A record of my rises study.McDonalds RestaurantOverViewMcDonalds is a large firm pabulum chain of eaterys operating world wide, started in America and has bug outlets in other gravels such as, India, Cyprus. In m both countries McDonald s sells variations of its food to cater for local tastes. They argon excessively known for universe multicultural beca utili ze of the different cultural foods in their eating places. Because of their huge volume of sales McDonalds has strong purchasing power with its suppliers and is therefore able to sell food very competitively. By the end of 2001 their was 1,184 eaterys in the UK al tout ensembleness. They had a tar break pull down to get anyplace 80 upstart restaurants opened by 2002, and that was maked. By disruption oer 80 new restaurants they employed 4,800 new employees.ACTIVITY, AIMS & OBJECTIVES (P1, D2)Main exerciseThe main(prenominal) action of McDonalds is merchandising fast food. They aim to go away a guest obligation, there ar 1.5 million employees doing for McDonald restaurants in the 119 countries, which totally(a) seduce the same daily activities which involves the reckoningg in greeting, serving and fate customers with any enquiries or problems. They are the largest food supporter conjunction in the world, so its definitive that all employees pee unitedly t o watch everyplace their aim.Main AimMcDonalds main aim is to provide customers with a fast food service in order to obtain a clams for its shareholders. McDonalds are perpetrate to conducting their business with the environment in mind.McDonalds mission dictation is To be the worlds best quick service restaurant. This is world come upond through five strategies such as* Development widen the quick service restaurant market by a broadcast of site development profitable restaurant openings.* Our People Achieve a competitive advant fester through heap who are high calibre, effective, wellnessy motivated and flavour part of the McDonalds team in delivering the companys goals.* Restaurant Excellence Focus on consistent delivery of flavour, service and cleanliness through excellence in our restaurants.* Operating Structure Optimise restaurant performance through the selection of the most appropriate operating, worry and possession structures.* The Brand Continue to build the dealingship between McDonalds and our customers in order to be a genuine part of the fabric of British society.ObjectivesMcDonalds objective is to be the bests quick service restaurant and believes and believes that this involves avoiding damage to the environment at a local and global level. The company aims to hold bottom that its operations today do not curb an effect on the lives of future consumers. McDonalds is involved in an on red ink course of study with the aim to improve the environment, they do this by reusable packaging and recycling. useable Areas inwardly McDonalds (P2, M1, D2)HUMAN RESOURCESThe valet Resources incision concentrates on employees who grow for the McDonald restaurants. serviceman Resources department embarrass managing faculty and their welfare, so the resort of their staff is pickings very seriously, this all comes under Health and galosh. Staff reserve to be careful not to use computers/tills for bulky periods of time because they no oky drop off from eyestrain, tiredness or stress. McDonalds is improving talk clays by installing dread buttons for the preventative once against violent customers.McDonalds employees give up to serve together to ensure a hazard apologize zone, by adhering to the health and safety regulations. McDonalds puts new employees on to a training dust, to make sure if an accident happens which involves each a member of staff or a customer get hurt, then(prenominal) the employee will be able to handle the situation effectively.McDonalds restaurants work to high standards, which meets and mostly exceeds the rules and regulations. The company al focal points aims for the highest standards given in guidelines because of health and safety regulations and to expand the business. If McDonalds didnt meet the requirements than they would be closed down by the health and safety executives.The Human Resources department heads to McDonalds employment by making sure* They employ the righ t staff* making sure the store is a hazard free zoneThese things contribute to the exercise of McDonalds because without them they wouldnt be able to strike their aim, so its substantial that all the different departments work together to succeed it.Recruitment, Training and DevelopmentWhen recruiting staff McDonalds grimace for people who imbibe a positive attitude towards customers, themselves and other employees, and who are capable of delivering the highest standards of quality, service and cleanliness to our customers. Then emf employees are trained, move ond and treated on the basis of their pertinent skills, talents and performance and without reference to race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital perspective, age and check.McDonalds management development curriculum defecates new recruits form trainee coach-and-four to restaurant manger. They pose on-the-job training and open learning development modules, backed up with course s and seminars at the companys national and regional training centres. hourly p uphold staff receive continuous on-the-job training by computer based training and other training materials. When employees complete their sign training staff members are trophyed a basic certificate in food hygiene.EmployeesBelow are the figures of the staffs gender and age status.By the end of 2000 McDonalds employed 49,726 members of staff* 46, 207 restaurant conclave* 2, 974 restaurant management crew* 545 office staffHealth and SafetyMcDonalds always aims for the highest standards (and mostly exceeds), so they flock achieve its aim and be the best quick service restaurant. If McDonalds didnt meet the requirements of the health and safety act 1974 than they would be closed down by the health and safety executives.The most common hazards which occur in a work place are1. expiration the work place untidy and dirty2. Leaving floors wet and stairs3. Leaving wires to trial across passageways4. Frayed carpet or unclouded tiles5. Equipment just left all oer work surfaces6. Too many plugs inserted into only one electric socketThe human resources department has to make sure that all health and safety regulations are met. If they are not met then it back end be closed down, to a fault if the restaurant is unclean then it could loose customers and wouldnt financial backing up their activity to be the best selling fast food restaurant. Customers wouldnt destiny to go to a dirty restaurant, where there are a administer of hazards going on such as wet shop floor, bins over filled, dirty tables and a unclean kitchen area. If any of these hazards occurred in any McDonalds restaurants customers could grow ill or hurt, which would conclusion in McDonalds going to court or having to closed the McDonalds restaurant down.Management training includes coping with emergency situations that could stand in a restaurant. This is because it decreases the risk of people being injured or the b uildings being damaged in the McDonald restaurants. When an accident has occurred the manager then has to make unnecessary out what happened and then investigate on the matter.Training is the main priority to ensure the consistency of the restaurant operation, and the highest levels of customer service and care. Every McDonalds franchi wait mustiness no-hitly complete a training programme which bows on just nine months to complete.Trade UnionThe workers are represented by spousal relationship of shop, distributed and allied worker. stage business Roles In Human ResourcesJob Roles In the Human Resources functionCarmel Flatley, Human Resources managerI am the human resources conductor of McDonalds and I sine qua non the overall decision of anything that happens in this department. I likewise have got to make sure that the human resources department get dressedt go over their budget.Paul Smith, Human Resources ManagerI look after the whole HR department and staff, involved with industrial relations and trade unions negotiations, implementing the organisations HR policies.Gemma Wilson, Recruitment officerI deal with recruiting people, thats sending out application forms, making interviews for potential employees. Potential employees usurpt need to be experience in any way, because McDonalds is committed to training their staff and improving the skills of staff.Matthew Lawrence, Health and Safety OfficerI deal with all health and safety matters, accident monitoring and staff welfare. That involves making sure that the shop floor is a hazard free zone for customers and clean and tidy, making sure the kitchen is clean enough to work in. I am well trained in first aid so that if any accidents happen, I will be their to help. I similarly have to deal with complaints and try to solve them.FINANCEThe finance is one of the most important functions as they record all the money going in and out of the business, they give a budget for each other department to s pend to make sure they keep their level of income and expenditure. They would on a regular basis check the amount of money each department has spend and make to see if they are on target or not. If a department has gone over their budget then the finance dept would check to see if there is enough money to lend those more(prenominal).So the purpose of the monetary function therefore is to* Keep all the financial records required by the organisation, detailing all the receipts and payments that have been made* Prepare last(a) accounts from these records as required by law* Monitor the income and expenditure of different departments against their budgets* Provide continuous, up to date financial information for managers almost business performance* Pay salaries and wages to the staff* Pay amounts owing to suppliers* interpret the levels of debts owed to the company* Obtain additional finance when required, from the most appropriate source* Advise elderberry bush managers on the f inancial implications of major decisionsThese contribute to the McDonalds activity by being apart of providing a good customer service by, paying the employees their salaries/wages, if they werent gainful they wouldnt be no staff or it could result in the staff withdrawing their labour. mathematical intersection will cease and the employer will lose revenue. By McDonalds receiving more capital they shtup improve the quality of the store or products so customers would be more pleased of the in store environment or pleased of what they have purchase. It would result in consumers returning to the store because of the good service and also bringing more money to the business which will also achieve their aim which is to be the best selling fast food restaurant.Job Roles in Finance DepartmentJOB ROLESGeorge Mackay, Finance DirectorI am the finance director and I am in bitch of the whole finance department. It involves information services, new product development, quality dominance and supply chain. I have to make sure a product which is purchased has the right quality that is expected from consumers, and then have to put a price to it. The most important part of the finance department is the money flow which is the movement of cash going in and out a business. As a finance director I have to gives advice to senior managers on the overall decision on financial matters. And also as a director I have the last say with what happens within the finance department.Christopher Bateman, Financial ManagerI looks after the finance function and the staff. Advising on financial resources. As a manager I have to make sure that all work as been weare well. E.g. they have to monitor the income and expenditure of all departments to make sure they havent gone over their budget. So after the staff have analyze their cash flow I then have to then go threw it to make sure nothing has been missed out.Derek, Daniels, Ledger ClerkI have to assist the chief accountant in the recor ding of all financial transactions. So where the money goes or comes in I have to make sure the chief accountant has recorded it all effectively. If any mis snaps have been made I then have to correct the errors.Nita Negi, commendation Control ClerkAs a credit control clerk, I have to assist the credit controller in checking the credit status of new customers and live accounts, and also Reminding customers or overdue payment.PRODUCTIONProduction is all near the process of making something. Product life hyphen shows the stages of a product or a range of products. If it isnt successful it goes to decline stage.The activities of the employment department are listed below* Obtaining the resources required to fix goods or provide a service* Organising the resources to produce the goods or provide the service in the most appropriate wayFor the activities to be achieve they must consider the aim of the business which is to be the best selling fast food restaurant, so they have to fin d the best quality of food that suits them and then order it but first having to keep on target and not going over their budget by parliamentary law expensive items or ordering to much that it all cant be produced/sold. Another thing they must consider is if the resources can be set up to achieve the aims, doing this they have to think about selling it cheaper then their competitors or having an offer like buy on get on free. They do this so it sells more because people wouldnt to spend more they would go to the most cheapest place or giving the product an offer can be appealing to the customers.The production department contributes to McDonalds activity by finding the right products at the right prices. When good quality products are sold at low prices it pleases customers and make them want to return, it also brings in more people as when a customer is pleased with the emblem of service they have receive the consumer then tells several other people, which makes then want to try it out.Job roles in ProductionJob Roles in ProductionSteven Cornway, Production ManagerResponsible for the entire production function and its operations. What ever goes on has to be look into and authorised by me.Kim Karenga, Production PlannersPlan all production to maximise machine use and staffing, taking account of customer requirements.Chris Walker, Production ControllersTo check all production is going to schedule.Ted Osborne, DesignersI am responsible for the actual design of the blameless product. So if I dont like the way a product has been designed I can make remendments.MARKETINGThe object of market is to make sure that the right product is made and potential customers are persuaded to buy it.Market Research can be carried out through either primary or secondary inquiry. Primary look means conducting someone on their views or opinions. A way of asking potential customers of their views or opinions is to make sure a survey, having questions about a certain item. Aft er the survey has been completed they will then need to send out the surveys to potential customers, by either online, over the headphone, by post or giving out surveys (in stores. Postal surveys dont have much of a response as the others do as it takes more time e.g. sending it back, so when postal surveys are concerned their will usually have to be some resistant of incentive offered for completing the survey, so customers would be tempted to fill it out.Secondary research is known as desk research. It consists to looking up facts or figures in books, magazines, computer databases, company files. So secondary research is looking at information that already exists instead of creating your own. McDonalds keeps a large amount of information on their databases about their customers and their buying patterns, also companies buy information from administration statistics.Product The amount of products the customer wants, the quality wanted, the features and the styling that are pref erred, whether packaging is important, whether a guarantee or after sales service is required.Strategies Is a long term plan for future success or development.Place McDonalds are located on high streets or town centres.Marketing contributes to the McDonalds activity by market research (finding out what potential customers wants/needs), and improving existing products. Both of these improve the customer service, marketing contribute a divvy up to their activity to make McDonalds achieve their activity. All the functions work together to achieve it.The job roles of MarketingJob Roles in MarketingMatthew Howe, Marketing DirectorI am responsible for the overall marketing function and its aims and objectives. So if any ideas have been thought of they have to been checked with me before anyone goes ahead and makes a transpose.Ethan Farah, Sales ManagerAs a sales manager I am responsible for overseas agents and the attainment of sales targets overseas.David Frank, Market ResearchersMa rket researchers have to find out consumer opinions on current and proposed goods and services, if this is not done than they could bring out a product which isnt doesnt sell a lot and a loose the money they put in to produce the products.Advertising ManagerAn denote manager is in charge of advertising and liaising with agency staff over publicity campaigns. Advertising is one of the most important things in marketing as without advertising a product will not be known so their would sell as well as products being advertised.EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES (P3, M2, D2)In a work placement an employee has rights and responsibilities. Below are the rights and responsibilities of an employee.Rights as an employeeEmployees rightsHow to carry it outHaving safe working conditions reservation sure that the area your working is a hazard free zone, if not consult your manager or the human resources area. It is also your job to take care with anything you do to prevent any hazards happening.Getting paying the modal(a) salary/wageDepending on your age, experience and contract, employees get paid differently. You have to make sure that your getting a fair paid if not consult your manager. You should first read your contract because you might have signed for getting paid the amount youre getting.Provided information concerning your rights onwards starting your job you will be provided with information about the rights an employee has. (mainly in your contract) If youre not provided with this information you are able to ask for it.not to be discriminated on grounds of race, sex or disabilityIf you feel that your getting treated unfairly according to your race, sex or disability your able to take up action like consulting your trade union.To be consulted over matters which will significantly affect your terms and conditions of employmentIf you employer decides to change something, which affects the terms and conditions on you employment and does not consult you first, you can take action upon this.Responsibilities for an employeeEmployees responsibilitiesHow to carry it outTo be ready and automatic to workIts always good to be full with fanaticism in your work because it looks good for the company and make you happier in your workTo give a personal serviceYour contract will transmit you main job roles, but its always good to provide your own service like putting your ideas into your work, smiling and just any other little thing.To treat others how you would like to be treatedIf youre rude and dishonest than fellow staff would treat you the same. Its important to work as a team and communicating well with other people, this can only be done if you treat people well.To work towards the objectives of the business working towards the objectives of a business could look good on you and on the business, if the employer see s you are working hard than it could result in the employee being promoted.To work in good faithWorking in good faith consists of being honest, if youre honest it again can see that youre trustworthy and could get promoted. But hitherto if your seen lying than you could loose your job.COMUNNICATION (P4, M3, D1, D2)Most organisations have different ways of communicating, communicating is one of the most important things in a business, because without communicating you cannot run a business effectively. They are all types of communicating, below is a list of ways of communicating within a business.* Meetings* Group discussions* Tele phone* memorandums* Emails* Draft garners* Reports* FaxesThere are two main methods of communication which are oral and compose communication. Oral communication could be either face to face or the over the phone. If you cant get threw to the person you are calling then you can bestow a message which is still oral communication. Written communication could be sent by mail or transmitted electronically. This can include letters which is the most common one, text messages on mobile phones or notic es on notice boards.Below are the advantages and disadvantages about oral and written communication.OralWrittenAdvantages1. Its a fast way of communicating because you dont have to write things down.2. Its cheap, as if you phone someone you would have to pay for the phone call.3. Immediate feedback, you dont have to wait ages for someone to reply back to you as you would in a letter.1. Writing a message can be retained for future reference.2. Writing a message can also be copied for other peoples uses.3. Creates a outdo between sender and recipient useful for difficult communication, e.g. bad news.Disadvantages1. intelligibly Speech, you must speak very clearly so that other people can understand you, but yet when you write a letter people can just read it in their own pace.2. big or complex messages can be forgotten.3. You can be slowly distracted while someone talks to you, and then you could forget the whole message they just told you.1. When writing a letter it can take time to write, while if your talking to someone its faster.2. Keyed in documents need to be skilled and produced quickly and accurately.3. Delivery can take time, or could be delayed.McDonalds functional areas communicate with each other by a system called Intranet which was launched in 2000. The McDonalds intranet provides a fast and up to the minute source of information for the McDonalds restaurant management and office staff. McDonalds external communication is dont by a system called McNews which was launched in 2000. McNews is a award wining magazine which was published monthly for all restaurant staff, then in 2002 McNews was re launched as MDUK and is now a lively focused magazine. MDUK has activities and events from restaurants rough the country. MDUK is a showcase for best practice, recognising individuals outstanding practices and achievements, as well as highlighting internal and external awards.Apart from the Intranet and MDUK, McDonalds also has other ways of communicati ng within the business, they are listed below.1. An netmail system operates in all offices and company owned restaurants2. Regular staff communication sessions are held in the offices3. Employee satisfaction surveys for both office and restaurant staff are held annually.4. Meetings are held monthly.5. Memos send dailyAn e-mail system is to contact anyone within the business or outside the business, the email system is a fast and easier way to contact people. The email system is used by most companies and general people all over the world.Staff communication sessions are held to improve of employees communication skills. This is important because communicating with customers is one of the main things to do.Employee satisfaction surveys are handed out every year, so employees can write how they feel working in the McDonalds restaurants. This is a good thing to do because its important to keep the staff happy as it motivates the staff to work harder.Meetings are held every month to discuss the McDonalds performance. They also talk about how much they are making and see what can be improved with the money. McDonalds talks about new ideas and try to change or promote things that is not doing so well. This is a good way of communicating as you get to talk face to face to see the expressions on each other faces and its faster as you dont have to way for a reply if you do if you was writing an email.Memos are used daily in all of the departments. Sales manager might send a memo to human resources manager and ask if he has found a sales person. Memos are used daily because they are important little messages, and its also a fast way of sending.