MANAGING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PROJECT

Topic: How do multinational companies impact the business environment of the host
destination e.g. a country, region and city? A case study of Vodafone in Australia
 Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

LO1 ................................................................................................................................................. 4

LO2 ............................................................................................................................................... 13

LO3 ............................................................................................................................................... 16

LO4 ............................................................................................................................................... 32

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 35

Reference List ............................................................................................................................... 38

2
Introduction
The research project will emphasise on the significance of globalisation and their impact on
business organisations, which are working in host countries. Globalisation has intertwined many
of the working culture and ethnicities to perform for the expansion of the business. The study
will make an understanding on the expansion of the telecommunication company, Vodafone and
their impact on the Australian business environment. It will assess the factors that have
influenced the organisations and their impact on the political, economic, cultural influences that
would be impacted upon the organisation. Vodafone is a British multinational company, with its
headquarters in London and Newbury. The customers know the company for the provision of
telecommunication services globally, such as Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe. It is also known
as the ninth largest telecom service companies with its services all over the world. Ernest
Harrison established it in the year 1991.

Hence, the emergence of globalisation will be taken into account for the proper functioning of
the business. The driving forces and barriers that are subjected to the growth of the company will
be analysed for the comprehension of the internal and external forces regulating the market.

3
LO1
Establish project aims, objectives and timeframes based on the chosen theme

Project Definition

Globalisation has played a pivotal role in the economies globally by bringing in newer trade
operations for business. This has brought in profits for the company and influenced the
entrepreneurs to make the use of trading operations for the business. The scenario is to evaluate
the impact of the multinational telecommunication company Vodafone, in the Australian
business market. The business environment of Australia will be analysed and taken into
consideration for the research. The scope of the project is to integrate and align the critical
objectives with the research with the project management plan.

Project Aim

The aim of the project is to elucidate an understanding on the impact of the UK based
telecommunication company, Vodafone on the business environment of Australia.

Project Objectives

The objectives of the project will be elucidated below in the form of smart objectives:

SMART criteria for objectives of research

Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time Period

 To identify This can be It can be It is relevant as it 2 weeks
the measured though attained through would help in
positive the use of the use of establishment of
and understanding critical research the
negative the business telecommunication
impact of environment of company
Vodafone Australia
on the
business
market of

4
 Australia

 To These can be Attainable This is relevant for 2 weeks

evaluate measured through achieving the
the through interviews objectives of the
challenges execution of a research.
faced by market research.
Vodafone
with its
business
operations
in
Australia

 To This can be This is This is relevant as 4 weeks

comprehen measured attainable it would help in
d the through the through the establishing a
driving execution of the utilisation of knowledge of
forces of PESTLE critical research trends present in
Vodafone analysis of the company
on the Australia
political
and
economica
l scenario
of the
Australian
market

 To procure This can be This can be It is relevant for 1 week

comprehen gained through attained through the process of the

5
 sive an understanding marketing research in a better
understand of the concepts tutorials manner.
ing of the of marketing
Australian
market as
contrasted
to UK
market

 To identify This can be This is It is relevant to 3 weeks

the cultural measured attainable by execute the
influences through an reading books research
that would understanding of and journals
be induced the culture of the
by research
Vodafone
through its
entry in
the
Australian
market

Table 1: SMART criteria for research objectives

(Source: Created by Learner)

Project Management Plan

The project management plan plays an integral role in the research, as it gives in to the
expectations that are set by the researcher to fulfil the cost scope time and quality of the research

6
(Kerzner, 2018). The project management plan is a temporary set of activities for fulfilling and
coordinating the important services of the research.

Project Structure

The project structure will be functional in nature, as it is being done accordingly and fulfils, the
basic agendas, which are associated with the research. These agendas are fulfilled as per the
divisions, which are a part of the research (Heldman, 2018).

Project Scope

The project scope takes into consideration the included and the excluded scope. The included
scope of the project takes into consideration the utilisation of the primary research. This will
take into consideration the use of the qualitative and the quantitative data collection and
analysis. The excluded part of the research portrays the exclusion of the secondary research into
the findings of the research.

Resource and Cost Considerations

The project will take into consideration the use of the resources and the cost that would be
required for the initiation of the research project.

Main activities Hours Cost per hours Total Cost

The collection of data 24 10 240
analysis
Transportation 24 20 480
Materials and other 48 10 480
resources
Technical inputs 24 10 240
Data Collection 24 20 480
instruments
Costs for surveys and 48 10 480
questionnaires
Total amount = 2400

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 Table 1: Resource and Cost Considerations

(Source: Created by the Learner)

Project Limitations

The limitation of the project takes into account the exclusion of the secondary research
materials. Hence, the project is taken into account the utilisation of primary questionnaire and
collected data for bringing in vital information to the business.

Deliverables

The deliverables, which are associated with the research, is the utilisation of critical and through
research on the telecom company Vodafone and its business operations in Australia. Hence, a
viable research will be given on the significance of the UK market on the market scenario of
Australia (Kliem et al., 2019).

Project Communication Plan

The communication plan will be addressed to the stakeholders and the team members who are
associated with the growth of the project.

What Why Who When How

Communication To include and To the Project During the One on one
of the project develop suitable manager commencement meeting with the
aims and aims and of the project manager
objectives objectives
suitable for the
research
Setting of the To collect the The employees Post the Interviews,
surveys and authentic data, and the managers commencement surveys and a list
questionnaires which would would be taken of the research of questionnaire
that are support the in for the data project
associated with findings of the analysis
the research research

8
Analysis of the To analyse the Team member During the Through the use
collected data data in a proper and the project process of the of the use of
manner managers of the primary and discussion with
company secondary data the client on the
resources and collected
collection analysis and data
Putting forward This would be Team member After, the This will be done
conclusion and useful in putting and manager process of data prior to the
recommendations forward analysis and discussions, that
conclusion and research to put in are associated
recommendation the conclusions with the
vital for the researcher
research
Final Submission For the Project manager After the Discussion with
accomplishment managers have project manager
of the aims and conveyed the and the team
the objectives of message to the member
the research stakeholders
Table 2: Communication Plan

(Source: Created by Learner)

Risk Log

Identification of Chances of Impact on the Probable Risk mitigation

the risk occurrence research Consequences
The choice of High Medium The research This can be
inappropriate manager might corrected
aims and mislead the through the
objectives research better use and
analysis of the
topic of the

9
 research
No proper Medium Low This would result This could be
collection of the in improper data mitigated
data results through a proper
use of the survey
for the
questionnaire of
the result
Improper High Medium This can affect This can be
conduct during the team mitigated
the process of the members who through the use
research are a part of the of behavioural
research process checks on the
researcher
Lack of technical High High This would lead Proper technical
inputs to the improper products should
conduct of the be available for
research the research
Lack of financial High Low This can stop the Proper
resources research and management and
become a planning should
midway crisis for be done for the
the research improvement in
financial
resources
Misguidance of Medium Medium Misguidance can Proper planning
the research lead to the and research
project improper should be done
conduct and before indulging
behaviour into the research

10
 associated with
the research
Table 3: Risk Log

(Source: Created by Learner)

Quality Management

Therefore, in order to mitigate the above stated risk, the project manager will be dealing with the
risks, that are associated with the research. The researcher will sustain and maintain the project
using the better quality management of the research project.

Produce a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart to provide timeframes and stages
for completion.

A work breakdown structure will be presented outlining activities, which were used by the
researcher for the formulation of the research. Therefore, the researcher will make the use of
Gannt Chart for the completion of the research in a period of 2 months.

Activities Start Date Duration End Date

Starting the project 1.6.19 1 2.6.19
Development of the project aims and objectives 2.6.19 6 8.6.19
Research methodology selection 8.6.19 9 17.6.19
Collection of the data analysis 17.6.19 10 27.6.19
Analyzing the collected data 27.6.19 15 12.7.19
Putting in conclusion and recommendations 12.7.19 11 23.7.19
Final Draft 23.7.19 8 31.7.19
Project Submission 31.7.19 1 1.8.19
Table 4: Gantt chart

(Source: Created by Learner)

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 25/04/19 15/05/19 04/06/19 24/06/19 14/07/19 03/08/19

Starting the project

Development of the project aims and objectives

Research methodology selection

Collection of the data analysis

Analaysing the colleceted data

Putting in conclusion and reccomendations

Final Draft

Project Submission

Figure 1: Gantt chart

(Source: Created by Learner)

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LO2
Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection, generating
knowledge to support the project

Research Methodology

Research methodologies are of two sorts, namely quantitative method and the qualitative
method. These two methods of data collection are largely different from that of one another and
have their own pros and cons.

One can be defining the qualitative research methodology as the kind of research that is
conducted through the means of dependence over non-numerical data (Taylor et al., 2015). It is
fundamentally a form of exploratory research, which is utilised for the development of an
understanding over underlying opinions, reasons and motivations on a specific topic.

Advantages

It provides detailed and deeper insights when recording behaviours, attitudes and ranks while
making evaluation possible with more detail.

From the different attributes, it has been found out that the main advantage of using quantitative
research is the subject materials gains the possibility of evaluating with some greater details
(Kumar, 2019). In addition to that, another advantage of qualitative research is it is quite helpful
as well as adequate towards making a fluid as well as extensive frameworks that is based into the
income or available data at certain extension. In addition to that, it also provides the advantage of
getting output based into the observation and human experience.

Disadvantages

The data gathered from it is more subjective and mining of data with this methodology is time
intensive.

On the other hand, the key disadvantages regarding using qualitative research is closely
associated with the proper subjective of research questions, that might mitigate the actual need of
framing the questionnaires at certain extension. In addition to that, another disadvantage of using
qualitative research is data rigidity is more complex as well as difficult to demonstrate and

13
assess. Moreover, it can also be described that mining the data that has been gathered from
qualitative research is more time consuming that it has been expected primarily (O’Hagan and
Sasamoto, 2016).

Quantitative research methodology

One could refer to the quantitative research methodology as the systematic investigation
conducted over a phenomenon through the means of gathering varying quantitative data while
performing the computational, mathematical and statistical techniques (McCusker and Gunaydin,
2015).

Advantages

Every step within the quantitative methodology is standardised in nature, while reduces biasness
while gathering and conducting analysis of data. The outcomes of it are valid in nature, along
with being reliable.

The main advantage of using quantitative research methodology is research gets anonymous
while thriving in the research technique, which is quite helpful towards eliminating the risks that
are associated with data collection methods at certain extension. In addition to that, research can
be performed remotely, which is also another positive aspect as well as advantage of using
quantitative research methodology (Hay et al., 2018). Moreover, since the research has been
done into a larger sample size, it is quite possible that the project manager will be able to get on
with the exact outcomes of the project. These are the key advantages of using quantitative
research methodology.

Disadvantages

The survey instruments of this methodology are vulnerable in nature to errors, for example,
mistakes of measurement or flawed techniques of sampling. The method is numerical based and
some phenomenon cannot be quantified in numbers.

On the other hand, follow up question and answer is not possible while using quantitative
research, which decreases the quality as well as viability of the research. It will ultimately lead
towards unsatisfactorily values. This is the key disadvantage of using this research method. On

14
the other hand, the viability of the answers cannot be cross-examined while using the research
methods, which has the possibility of decreasing overall research quality as well as research
outcomes at certain extension (Lee et al., 2016).

Survey techniques

In the field of research, there are varying sorts of techniques that a researcher can be adopting
and utilising for conducting a survey (Orcher, 2016). In case of collection of data for this
research, the survey technique that is going to be used is the personally administered survey
(PAS). According to Gnambs and Kaspar (2015), the personally administered survey, which is
also known as the self-administered questionnaire, can be explained as a survey that is conducted
through a specifically designed questionnaire that is to be completed without intervention of the
researchers or interviews involved in data collection. The advantage of using the technique is
that is its cheap and there are no chances of biasness while maintaining anonymity (Sakshaug et
al., 2017). However, its demerit is that there is no control of the researcher on the response rate
of this technique.

The project manager has also chosen the interview method for collecting the responses from the
managers at certain extension. Random sampling method has been considered for taking the
responses of managers. The key advantage of using managerial interview is it allows the project
manager to get on with some relevant example that is constant truth or close to constant truth. On
the other hand, the disadvantage of using managerial interview technique is it limits the
opportunity of taking responses while managing the controlling rates.

Data collection method or technique

For the collection of data of this project, the use of the quantitative methodology would be made.
A survey is a going to be conducted with the means of a questionnaire along with interviews and
the survey technique that will be adopted for the gathering of data via surveys is the PAS
(personally administered surveys). All the data for the survey took a time span of 2 weeks and a
total 80 respondents answered the survey questionnaire.

I personally went to the head office of Vodafone and asked employees to take active
participation at a survey. Firstly, the employees were not opted to participate but after knowing

15
that it will done via online methods and they do not need to waste much time, they were agreed
to participate. On the other hand, the managers were emailed for gathering their responses. Just
like the employees, the managers were also not opted for participating at the interview method.
They thought it would be used for commercial purpose. However, after knowing that it will be
used for commercial purpose, they were positively agreed to take on the interview process.

LO3
Present the project and communicate appropriately recommendations based on
meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis.

Findings of Primary Data Collection

In this study, quality and quantitative analysis have been implemented so that nature of the
respondents can be well refined. At the time of implementing survey, close-ended questionnaires
have been prepared and distributed among the respondents. On the contrary, while conducting
interview of managers open-ended questions have been implemented. Both of the questionnaires
have been distributed among respondents through the means of online communication such as
email. The process of interview has been conducted between two managers of Vodafone and the
survey has been conducted among 80 employees of Vodafone with the means of a PAS. The
questions that have been asked to the employees of Vodafone has been attached in Appendix and
below are the findings of the survey -

1. Specify gender

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

Male 50 40 80

Female 40 32 80

Gender 10 8 80

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 Table 6: Gender of the respondents

Figure 3: Gender of respondents

2. For how long you are working at Vodafone.

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

10 years 15 12 80

15 years 25 20 80

20 years 60 48 80

Table 7: Association

17
 Figure 4: Year of association

3. What factors are responsible for business expansion in different countries?

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

Culture of the 50 40 80
business venture

Variety of products

Profitability of the 25 20 80

organisation

High demand of 25 20 80

18
customers

Table 8: Factors of business expansion

Figure 5: Factors of business expansion.

4. What factors promote the growth of the company?

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

Knowledge 15 12 80
management

Balanced cash Flow 50 40 80

Scalability 5 4 80

19
Development 30 24 80
internal tool

Table 9: Factors promoting growth of the company

Figure 6: Factors of business expansion

5. What advantages Vodafone has gained after expanding its business activities in
Vodafone?

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

The business get a 75 60 80

scope to be expanded
in new market
condition

Talent Accessibility 10 60 80

20
Scope of foreign 15 60 80
investment

Table 10: Advantages of business expansion

Figure 7: Advantages of business expansion

6. What challenges are being faced by Vodafone after expanding their business in Australia
from UK?

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

Cultural difference 25 20 80

Low wage 50 40 80

Religion difference 15 12 80

Issues of market 10 8 80

21
analysis

Table 11: Challenges of business expansion

Figure 8: Challenges of business expansion

7. What steps are being taken by the management of Vodafone in mitigating issues related
to business expansion?

Viewpoint Respondents % Number of Overall number of

responses respondents

Training of the 50 40 80
employees

Constant 15 12 80
communication with
the employees

Launching offers in 30 24 80

22
the market

Quarterly market 5 4 80
survey

Table 12: Recommendations

Figure 9: Recommendations

The qualitative questions that have been asked to the managers of Vodafone have been
discussed below

Q1. Do you think that business expansion in Australia was a wise decision for you?

Manager 1 Manager 2

“In Australia the service sector consists of “In 2019, the rate of unemployment has
61.1%. Therefore, I think that if business witnessed a downfall by 5.0%. So, it can be
ventures expand their activities in Australia mentioned, after expanding business activities
they have a chance to enjoy profit. in Australia Vodafone will be able to recruit
skilled employees for providing high quality
Further, the GDP rate of Australia has

23
 witnessed a rise of 79.2%. Thus, after service to customers. After reading different
expansion Vodafone can expand their financial news we have pointed that inflation
production for earning high rate of margin. rate of Australia has witnessed a boost by
High rate of GDP increases earning 0.4%. Thus, customers may face financial
opportunity among customers thus, they can crunch while purchasing Connections from
purchase higher volume of products. Thus, I Vodafone due to price rise. Thus, competitive
think that we have taken a right decision of position of our venture have experience
expanding our business in the market of deficit”.
Australia from UK.”

Table 13: Interview 1

Q2. What is the present trend of Telecommunication market in Australia?

Manager 1 Manager 2

“In Australia, the telecommunication industry “Presently, demand of 4G is increasing among

is experiencing a boom because of high Australian Customers. Moreover, We have
demand. In addition to that, Australian also launched 236 New 4G sites. Thus, we
Telecommunication industry has changed the expect that customers will prefer to use our
ways of interaction between individuals. The service. Hence our decision of expanding in
demand of cellular service is increasing in Australia has been beneficial for the
Australia. Thus, it is expected, we will earn company”.
higher profit rates after expanding in
Australia. The profitability earned by cellular
sector has witnessed a boost of 0.02%”.

Table 14: Interview 2

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Discussion and Analysis

Quantitative data Analysis

1. Specify gender

Figure 3: Gender of respondents

Analysis

In this research, the majority of respondents are male because they are competent to use
technology with perfection. Lowest percentage of respondents belong to others group. Thus, this
study has an effect on all genders.

2. For how long you are working at Vodafone.

25
 Figure 4: Year of association

Analysis

Here the highest percentage of respondents is associated to the organisation since last 20%. Thus,
it can be stated in Vodafone employees retention rate is high because timely salary, incentives
and appraisals are provided to them. However, 15% of respondents are working in the venture
since last 15 years.

3. What factors are responsible for business expansion in different countries?

26
 Figure 5: Factors of business expansion

Analysis

After expanding business in a different area cultural diversity can be promoted because
employees meet with customers belonging to different culture, religion and location. Further, due
to organisational diversity employees are hired from various culture and religion.

4. What factors promote the growth of the company?

Figure 6: Factors of business expansion

Analysis

In the research, 15% of respondents have mentioned that knowledge management is required for
business expansion. Management need to be well versed regarding business policies for
improving its position in the functioning market. 30% of individuals have said that business
growth depends upon development tools.

5. What advantages Vodafone has gained after expanding its business activities in
Vodafone?

27
 Figure 7: Advantages of business expansion

Analysis

Here advantages of business expansion have been surfaced so that the study is completed
mystically. Through business expansion workforce, get a chance to display their talent in new
market condition in order to satisfy the need of the customers. Hence, talent accessibility
increases through business expansion. After expanding in a new market environment hierarchy
invest huge sum of capital so quality and quantity can be maintained. Further, they also launch
training classes for employees so that their skill deficit can be mitigated. External stakeholders
also invested certain amount of their capital on new market so that they can enjoy certain share
of their profit.

6. What challenges are being faced by Vodafone after expanding their business in Australia
from UK?

28
 Figure 8: Challenges of business expansion

Analysis

Business expansion has both advantages and challenges. In this section, challenges of business
expansion faced by Vodafone have been discussed. After business, expansion employees think
that the members of host country are culturally harassing them. Hence, they have a tendency to
leave the organisation. They also need to bear huge load of work for the advantage of the
organisation. However, in the new scenario, low salary is being provided to employees. Thus,
they fail to meet their both ends. Therefore, it is suggested that business ventures need to follow
minimum wage rate so that labours can be treated equally. Religion issues also pose negative
effect on the companies. The preference of customers also keeps on changing thus, hierarchy
face difficulties while implementing market analysis. It is suggested that multiple religion needs
to be practiced so that diversity is maintained.

7. What steps are being taken by the management of Vodafone in mitigating issues related
to business expansion?

29
 Figure 9: Recommendations

Analysis

This question has surfaced steps of mitigating business expansion issues. In this case, 50% of
participants have mentioned that training have to be indulged in the working scenario so that
employees can adjust in the new scenario. Further, employees need to be given time so that they
can understand preference of their targeted customers. Regular training will help the employees
to boost their professional skills. Some of the individuals have mentioned that high skill level
among employees improves overall production amount. 15% of participants have mentioned
constant interaction needs to be maintained among the stakeholders so that they can invest more
capital on the organisation for its financial endorsement. Discounts need to be given to regular
customers. For instance, Vodafone has launched 4G connection so that speed of communication
is fathomed. Quarterly market analysis can be conducted to predict customer’s preference level.

Qualitative data analysis

Q1. Do you think that business expansion in Australia was a wise decision for you?
After concluding the interview session, the managers have mentioned that they have taken a right
decision of expanding in Australia because of its stable economic condition. Further, the
managers have mentioned that in Australia, they have a high chance of improving customers’
base because rate if GDP is high. In addition to that, unemployment rate of Australia is 5.0%,

30
Therefore, after business expansion new talents can be hired within the business venture to
produce quality products and service. However, Vodafone may also witness a downfall in their
overall function because inflation rate has been increased to 0.4%. Thus, purchasing power of
customers may also witness deficit because price of service will be more than their income.
Further, in Australia people from various cultures live thus, the customer’s retention rate can be
well fathomed. Australia has ranked 13 positions out of 156 countries. Thus, Vodafone can
conduct its activities transparently due to less interference of political factors.

Q2. What is the present trend of Telecommunication market in Australia?

After completing the interview session, it has been noted that in Australia demand of Cellular
phone is increasing largely so that individuals can interact with their relatives and peers residing
in other part of the country. Customers have a notion of purchasing high-speed connections in
order to mitigate technological glitches. For instance, in Australia, Voda has a high scope of earn
competitive advantages because they have launched 236 new 4G connection to provide better
experience to customers.

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Recommendations

Reduce the inflation rate

The government of Australia need to adapt some steps such as controlling the flow of money in
order to improve purchasing power of customers so that they can purchase more units of product.
The marketing team of Vodafone can also provide certain discounts to customers for boosting
their motivational level (Aljazzar et al., 2018).

Equality of employees

In the above section, it has been pointed that after expanding business to a different country,
employees face plethora of issues because they get less salary as compared to their workload.
Thus, it is recommended that Vodafone need to treat their employees equally. As per minimum,
wage Act, of Australia Vodafone need to pay minimum of $18.93 per hour to all employees
(Brandth and Kvande, 2018).

Conclusion

Thus, after concluding this study, I have gained knowledge about globalisation and business
expansion. I have noted that, Business expansion is a stage in which it expands its activities to
another market scenario for earning more profit margins. During this process, team members
have interacted to their managers so that every activity is conducted with perfection. The overall
budget of the project has been represented through a tabular representation. After completing
qualitative analysis, it is pointed that Vodafone has a high chance of leading Australian Market
because they have launched 4G connections to mitigated communication glitches.

Linking with the objectives

Objective 1: To identify the positive and negative impact of Vodafone on the business market of
Australia- The research has given an account of the positive and the negative elements which are
associated with the market. It gave an account of the issues, which have an imminent impact on
the global business.

Objective 2: To evaluate the challenges faced by Vodafone with its business operations in
Australia- There were different challenges that were faced by Vodafone in the execution of its

32
business undertakings. This was acquired using the political, economic, social and other factors
that were associated with the research.

Objective 3: To comprehend the driving forces of Vodafone on the political and economical
scenario of the Australian market – The Australian market has been effectively analysed and
given with the understanding of the concepts that evolved in the market. There was no other
factor constant emphasis on the significance of the business research project.

Objective 4: To procure comprehensive understanding of the Australian market as contrasted to

UK market- The Australian market posit changes which are positive and negative on its
outcome and affect the functioning of the company. This has led to the comprehension of the
various factors that are useful for the research project.

Objective 5: To identify the cultural influences that would be induced by Vodafone through its
entry in the Australian market- The cultural differences were identified and give an
understanding on the types of issues, prevailing in the company. It is useful, as it gave an account
of the various ethics that were important for the execution of research project.

33
LO4
Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to support
sustainable organisational performance.

The reflection will be carried out using the Kolb’s reflective cycle. This learning model
emphasizes on the experiential learning that would affect the learning of the researcher when
making the use of their thoughts and feelings while catering to the research. This learning cycle
would affect the growth and the functioning of the research in a proper manner. The abstract
concepts and learning theory associated with the learning cycle will be elucidated below:

Figure 1: Kolb’s reflective cycle

(Source: McIntyre et al., 2018)

Concrete experience: I was given the role of managing the research based on the expansion of
the company, in the confines of Australia. This was done through the utilization of the research
articles and materials. I made the use of my research skills to proceed with the proper expansion
of the business. Therefore, my concrete research helped me to overcome all the research
problems that were a part of the research. I managed the analysis with the help of my team
members, who were supportive of my views on the work. Hence, this helped me to build in a
better experience and cater to the growth and productivity of the research. Therefore, through my
experience, as a researcher, I was able to make the utilisation of the aims and the strategies that
are important for conducting the research.

34
Reflective observation of the experience: My experience as a researcher was challenging, as I
was given the responsibility of doing my work in a responsible manner. Therefore, I made the
use of the primary research for putting an understanding on the response of the employees with
the emergence of globalisation. I was given in with the responsibility of giving in the experience,
as a researcher as it led me to believe that the research could be done in a proper and effective
manner. Therefore, I made the utilisation of my research skills, to reach the appropriate research
skills and output, which were beneficial for the research. Therefore, we organised the team
meetings and undertook the necessary risks management plan, to prevent all the issues, which
might affect the growth of the research.

Abstract Conceptualisation: Through the concepts that I underlined in the research I was able to
modify the existing abstract concept of the research. This gave me a proper understanding on the
issues, which are located with the issues, which are associated with the research outcomes and
objectives. There was no presence of divergence in the topic as I was able to assimilate the facts
that were required to conduct the research in the proper manner. Therefore, using the primary
and the secondary data analyses, I was able to come upon the conclusions, which would be
imperative for the functioning of the business.

Therefore, these were my experiences, that I garnered as a researcher and while undertaking this
task. I was able to venture into the possibilities of defining the market and contrasted between
the UK and Australian business components.

Active Experimentation: This stage was useful, as I was able to identify the drivers of change
that affects the research. I also made the use of ideas to experiment, with the ideas, which were a
part of the research. This also gave me an insight that I was able to comprehend areas, which
were related to the comprehension of the research. Hence, through my daily experience, and the
support, I got from my team members; I was able to build in a better and critical research.
Therefore, this helped me to identify the flaws, which are associated with my research and gave a
clear understanding on the aims and the objectives, which were a part of the research.

Reflection based on actual findings: Through the means of the detailed analysis of the findings
that has been gathered from the research conducted, it can be found that there are a number of
negative elements related to entrance within the Australian market. However, the positive aspects

35
are more than the negative ones and most of the respondents say that expansion into Australia
will be a good option for Australia. It also helped in finding out the various driving forces for
Vodafone in the Australian economical and political environment. It has been found that the
economic conditions of the country are stable while political interference is low, which would be
greatly benefitted Vodafone in the country. In spite of the presence of cultural differences within
the country, the findings show that various kinds of cultures are present within it, because of
which the customer retention rate in Vodafone will be considerable. Therefore, these are the
reflections based on the actual findings of the research and I would say that there is a high
chance for Vodafone to lead the Australian marketplace because of the launch of its 4G
connections for mitigation of communication glitches.

There were learning outcomes, which were associated with my research project. I was able to
conceptualise the various outcomes that led me to comprehend the research in a better manner.
There were also some limitations, which were imposed on me while undertaking the research in
a better manner. For example, one of the major limitations that I faced was budget constraint and
time constraint. The budget of the research was limited because of which the findings of the
research was also limited while time was a major factor because of which the quantitative
research conducted using the personally administered survey (PAS) was limited to 8 questions
and 80 participants only. I was unaware of the decisions, which were a part of the research and
helped me to conceptualise on the chosen articles for the execution of the project. The findings
of the project helped in understanding how decision-making is done within a company. For
example, the findings of the project helped in understanding that the decision that Vodafone
must take in expanding into the Australian market. In such a manner, decision-making can be
done through the means of a project’s findings. I was able to make the use of future
understanding on the process of the research. It helped me to comprehend my future actions and
take better measures. In the future for execution of the research, I will make the use of the better
analysis and research for the company. For example, the observation method can be used as an
alternative to the methods used for data collection in this project. The advantage of using the
observation method is that the method does not contain any kind of subjective biasness since it is
free of respondents’ willingness. However, it is also a time consuming and costly method.

36
Conclusion
The research has successfully provided a basic understanding on the factors that influence the
functioning of multinational companies from UK to Australia. It has taken into account the use
of the businesses, which are associated with the growth of the business environmental concerns.
A project management plan has been directed for the comprehensive understanding of the
researcher to the influence of the Australian market on the market to provide a better
understanding on the significance of the research. However, the researcher has been successful,
in catering to the project management plan that is vital for the functioning of the research in a
better manner.

Hence, a critical analysis has been undertaken for the proper approach of the researcher in
contributing to the research. The aims and the highlighted objectives have been fulfilled
successfully to meet the objectives of the research. Therefore, the company Vodafone has been
taken into critical analysis for the effective knowledge ion the theories significant for the
research.

37
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39
Appendix
Quantitative data collection

1. Specify gender?

 Male
 Female
 Gender

2. For how long you are working at Vodafone.

 10 years
 15 years
 20 years

3. What factors are responsible for business expansion in different countries?

 Culture of the business venture

 Variety of products
 Profitability of the
 organisation
 High demand of
 customers

4. What factors promote the growth of the company?

 Knowledge management
 Balanced cash Flow
 Scalability

5. What advantages Vodafone has gained after expanding its business activities in
Vodafone?

 The business get a scope to be expanded in new market condition

 Talent Accessibility
 Scope of foreign investment
40
6. What challenges are being faced by Vodafone after expanding their business in Australia
from UK?

 Cultural difference
 Low wage
 Religion difference
 Issues of market

9. What steps are being taken by the management of Vodafone in mitigating issues related
to business expansion?

 Training of the employees

 Constant communication with the employees
 Quarterly market survey
 Launching offers in the market

Qualitative Data

Q1. Do you think that business expansion in Australia was a wise decision for you?

Manager 1 Manager 2

“In Australia the service sector consists of “In 2019, the rate of unemployment has
61.1%. Therefore, I think that if business witnessed a downfall by 5.0%. So, it can be
ventures expand their activities in Australia mentioned, after expanding business activities
they have a chance to enjoy profit. in Australia Vodafone will be able to recruit
skilled employees for providing high quality
Further, the GDP rate of Australia has
service to customers. After reading different
witnessed a rise of 79.2%. Thus, after
financial news we have pointed that inflation
expansion Vodafone can expand their
rate of Australia has witnessed a boost by
production for earning high rate of margin.
0.4%. Thus, customers may face financial
High rate of GDP increases earning
crunch while purchasing Connections from
opportunity among customers thus, they can
Vodafone due to price rise. Thus, competitive
purchase higher volume of products. Thus, I

41
 think that we have taken a right decision of position of our venture have experience
expanding our business in the market of deficit”.
Australia from UK.”

Table 13: Interview 1

Q2. What is the present trend of Telecommunication market in Australia?

Manager 1 Manager 2

“In Australia, the telecommunication industry “Presently, demand of 4G is increasing among

is experiencing a boom because of high Australian Customers. Moreover, We have
demand. In addition to that, Australian also launched 236 New 4G sites. Thus, we
Telecommunication industry has changed the expect that customers will prefer to use our
ways of interaction between individuals. The service. Hence our decision of expanding in
demand of cellular service is increasing in Australia has been beneficial for the
Australia. Thus, it is expected, we will earn company”.
higher profit rates after expanding in
Australia. The profitability earned by cellular
sector has witnessed a boost of 0.02%”.

Table 14: Interview 2

42