ASDA Company - Assignment Example

?Introduction The considerations that are related to business are based on the responses which are created from the environment and the way in which this is associated with other factors. When looking at businesses such as ASDA, it can be seen that there are differences in strengths and weaknesses, dependent on the responses to the external and internal environment. The main ideology of ASDA is to create green shopping, in which individuals can find anything needed through an online shopping portal. The ideology is to offer low prices; however, this is done by cutting down on basic components, such as energy and uses of materials. The ideology is linked directly to Walmart with the concept of low prices; however, the new brand name and component of being a green company is offering strategies that are based on sustainability. This brand name began in 2005 with the concept of keeping what worked with the Walmart brand while upgrading to different needs for being green and offering a stronger structure to the business in terms of employment and work structure (ASDA, 2011). Examining the strengths and weaknesses of this further defines the main components that are now driving ASDA forward. Political Analysis of ASDA The political changes which are currently associated with businesses are based on finding ethical and legal ways to approach those that are requesting trends and changes. The main political agenda is based on fair practices of businesses while ensuring that fair employment, work strategies and structures for high quality products and services are made available. The regulations which are associated with this are based on corporate overhauls that are causing most to be looked at by the federal government and from other ideologies, specifically in association with how one should confront the environment and needs of the time. Most businesses are now being looked at in terms of politics with pressures to change because of government trends with fair business (Wagner, 2011: 1). For ASDAs, the approach has been to make the main statement based on a business that has fair practices and complies with the current trends associated with corporate standards and ethical practices. This main advantage is one which has been developed by branching out of Wal – Mart which is known for unfair practices. By doing this, there is the ability to create an association with the political trends while making the statement of compliance as a main regulation associated with the federal government. Economic Analysis The second major change that is being noted is with the economic changes and trends which are occurring. This began in the year 2008 with the real estate crash that led several banks into financial distress. The economic crisis continues to cycle with smaller crashes and recoveries that keep taking place. This is leading to job loss, problems with sustainability with demand and supply as well as difficulties with many being able to spend excess money on different options. It is noted that the industrial sector has begun to rise from this problem; however, there are some smaller downfalls that are leading businesses to continue to have smaller problems in terms of economy for employees and with changes in demand by consumers (Reuters, 2011: 1). The approach which ASDA has taken to this is to offer lower prices without other costs. The main initiation is to attract individuals that need flexibility with the economy while making sure that the overall system doesn’t use as many options for costs, specifically to save within the internal environment while offering lower prices. Social Trends and Changes The associations with social trends that are now in the market are based on conscious consumption. Most in society are interested in corporate governance and ethics that cause the corporations to be responsible. If this is not withheld, then many will stop using or supporting the business. The concept of social responsibility involves looking at knowledge with the corporate structure and functions of the internal environment as well as an understanding of the quality of products and services available. If these are not up to a standard that is expected with those in society, then most will find other methods of consumption (Fortuna et al, 2011: 1). This particular approach is one that ASDA has created with the main statements based on going green and offering low prices without the cost. The main initiative with the business is based on holding responsibility while offering quality and low prices. These are the main trends that are currently within society, which creates the main appeal. However, if an individual knows that the brand is associated with Wal – Mart, then questions begin to arise about the initiative. The challenge with ASDA is to create a completely different brand identity without associations with Wal – Mart and the different standards which it has created. Technological Assessment The current developments with technology are one of the main considerations for those in business specifically because it is now a driving force for gathering information and shopping. The technology includes an increase in e-commerce as well as many that are interested in finding most of their materials through online sources. The technology also consists of looking at reviews and feedback, specifically with the emergence of social media that is driving business forward (Zweig et al, 2006: 51). For ASDA, this is an advantage because of the initiation of e-commerce that was placed with the technology. This is one of the main concepts of going green that has been used for shoppers. The area that needs to be enhanced is based on the reviews and feedback as well as meeting the expectations for newer and emerging technology with the company. Legal and Ethical Considerations The legal and ethical concepts which are associated with business are now inclusive of being online and holding corporate responsibility. There is more information that is available in terms of legality and ethical concepts, specifically with many believing in concepts of social responsibility. This is combined with the e-commerce and other expectations with fair trade with consumers. This is inclusive of security and safety which is expected for consumers as well as offering fair deals not only with the external environment and the products, but also in terms of fair treatment for employees (Ang, 2011: 5). For ASDA, there is an association with being a better business with the ethical concepts of going green and offering fair deals with consumers. The legal implications are also based on corporate responsibility as a priority for those interested in the business. This is inclusive of a sustainability strategy, charities and concepts which are associated specifically with offering more in terms of legalities and ethical claims. Conclusion The concept of ASDA is one that has built and grown from the initial Wal – Mart concept. The brand of Wal – Mart was known for lower prices; however, it was also one which became represented by unethical practices. The emergence of ASDA has worked with the changes and trends in politics, society and the emerging cultures. This has been done by keeping the low prices to respond to the economy while developing a heavier emphasis on corporate responsibility, political responses and ethical concerns for the environment and in terms of the products and services offered within the company. The associations which ASDA has built from the known associations with the emerging trends are offering a new and improved way to offer the systematic needs with the business. References Ang, R. (2011). “The Spillover Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility and the Decision Makers.” Corporate Governance and Management eJournal 15 (4). ASDA. (2011). About Us. Retrieved July 21, 2011 from: http://your.asda.com/sustainability. Fortuna, Marianne, Deborah Robinson, Joe Krupka, Karen Loch. (2011). “Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility Trends: An Empirical Analysis of Drivers, Success Measures and Competitive Value for Multi – National Corporations within the Information and Communications Technology Industry.” Social Science Research Network (13). Reuters. (2011). “WRAPUP 2- US Regional Factory Rebound, Jobless Claims Up.” Retrieved July 21, 2011 from: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/21/usa-economy-idUSN1E76K0BE20110721. Wagner, Daniel. (2011). “New US Consumer Protection Watchdog Opens for Business.” Associated Press (July 21). Zweig, P, K Kaiser, C Beath, C Bullen. (2006). “The Information Technology Workforce: Trends and Implications 2005-2008.” MIS Quarterly 81 (2). Read More