Assessment Description
Description of the organization
Woolworths Limited is one of the leading companies in Australia. The company came into the existence in the year 1924 by F.W Woolworth.The company is operating the business across 1000 stores, in Australia. Out of these 1000 stores 963 are supermarket stores.
The company is specialized in selling groceries but also deals in selling magazines, stationery, and DVDs.The strategy of the company is to offer maintainable performance for long-term with the help of company’s value.The company strategy is to focus on customers, operations, people and business journey.
Operational strategy
Woolworths Operational strategy is obvious and transparent.Operational strategy of Woolworth’s is aimed to provide the quality services and products to customers.The company has grown with changes in the preferences and demands of the customers and market. The company has faced the cut-throat competition which helped in enhancing the effectiveness of their strategy.The organization should analyze the external market that affects the existing strategy of the company.Considering the external factors the company should take the corrective steps for improvement in existing strategy.
Decision-making processes and innovation
In Woolworths, the strategic and operational decisions are formed by the Top-level management of the company and have a long-term impact.This decision involves the introduction of new rules and regulations.The company encourages innovation in the organization even the strategy formed by the company includes innovation.The decision-making include the concept of the Corporate Social Responsibility. Woolworths accept the responsibility of fulfilling the broader CSR and believes in long-term sustainability and growth.
Product and Service Design
Woolworths is mainly specialized in offering groceries products which include vegetables, fruits, packaged food, and meat. Along with this the company also provide stationery items, DVD, and magazines.The company has diversified range of products which include bags, furniture, and beddings.Customer service might be one of the operational challenges that can be faced by the Woolworths in context to the product. This issue might arise when it comes to fulfilling the needs of the customers.
The research and development function is concerned with the development of new products or processes. Along with that R&D brings the improvement in the existing services and products.The research and development team of Woolworths is properly resourced as whatever steps they took either to bring changes in existing services or introducing new products is done after conducting the survey and considering the demand for products.
Process Design
The business process is constantly being measured and evaluated by the Woolworths.The company is having a dedicated team who perform the activity of measuring and evaluating.The manufacturing and retail facilities are used by Woolworths properly to support the business process. This is clear from the growth and success achieved by the company.
Value Chain (Supply Chain)
Yes, Woolworths is an advocate of the value chain concept. The other competitors of the company (Aldi and Coles) admire the supply chain of the company.Due to this value chain concept, the company is able to form the connections globally which are helping the company to grow in the market.
Supply Chain Of Organization
Woolworths supply chain is complex and not easy to manage. This is the reason company deals with some issues.The company should appoint the leader who can keep the eye on the supply chain and helps in smooth working.The communication among the parties in the supply chain needs to be effective.
Planning and Control
The company is the biggest retailer due to proper planning and control.The company maintains four operational excellence- product, customer intimacy, strong online presence and overall network.Implementation of MRP helps the company to overcome glitches.
There is a linkage between the decision-making processes and long-short term planning. The operational strategies are formed by Woolworths after planning.Effective planning will lead to the effective decision making which leads to the success.There is a presence of appropriate feedback and control.
Quality Management
The company is making the use of the Six Sigma for the efficiency in IT functions.The quality management or improvement system is a continuous system which is required to manage for the long term so it is recommended to a company to make use of six-sigma tool for a long-term.
References
Australian Food News. (2015). Woolworths announces new strategies to win over grocery shoppers, AFN reveals full detail. Viewed on 5th January 2018.
Kenny, G. (2012). Strategic Planning and Performance Management. UK: Routledge.
Krajewski, L.J., Ritzman, L.P., and Malhotra, K.M. (20 13). Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains. 10th edn. USA: Publisher Pearson.
Woolworths Group. (2017). Strategy and objectives. Viewed on 28th August 2017 .
Woolworths Group. (2017). Woolworths Supermarkets. Viewed on 5th January 2018.
WoolWorths Holdings Limited. (2017). Our Strategic Focus Areas. Viewed on 5th January 2018.