Strategies and Influences on Operations

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (2021) Covid restrictions bring domestic airline
industry to a standstill, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Available at:
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/covid-restrictions-bring-domestic-airline-industry-to-a-standstill
(Accessed: 16 March 2024).

Government policies and legal regulations can cause significant impact towards business operations and
their decision making. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the government regulations it
accompanies, Qantas has faced forced flight cancellations. The government had implemented policies
such as travel restrictions, quarantine, and lockdowns with the intention of containing the spread of the
virus. However, this confinement has ultimately led to a detrimental effect on Qantas. Due to these travel
restrictions, Qantas were forced to halt the operations of many international and domestic flight routes. As
the restrictions on domestic travel were less significant, more consumers were seen traveling within
Australia and specifically close to their region of residence. Because of this, Qantas had shifted its
concentration to operating domestic flights. Demonstrating that ‘Qantas carried almost 9 in 10 people
between regional locations.’ Qantas’ business operations were severely affected due to the government
regulations placed upon travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Davis, A.B. (2021) New Amazon Program offers free career training in robotics, US About Amazon.
Available at:
https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/new-amazon-program-offers-free-career-training-in-robo
tics (Accessed: 16 March 2024).

Financial and psychological effects can indirectly or directly impact a business’ resistance to change.
Amazon has introduced a Mechatronics and Robotics apprenticeship program allowing for employees to
improve their skills and technical knowledge. This program encourages individuals to enroll and gain a
well-paid career. Amazon recalls that employees who enroll and fulfill the MRa program’s requirements
are expected to see a significant wage increase after their training. This highlights Amazon’s utilisation of
financial and career incentives for individuals completing the program in order to effectively aid in
encouraging individuals to actively participate. Amazon also demonstrates transparent and comprehensive
information about the program, communicating benefits, career prospects and opportunities it presents for
growth. Lastly, Amazon provides ongoing support and mentorship from specialists, guiding individuals
participating in this program. This support cultivates a supportive environment for apprentices, and
therefore, creating a sense of empowerment to succeed. Amazon utilises a variety of strategies in order to
encourage employment within their workforce. The ongoing development of Amazon’s employees has
demonstrated the business’ concentration on overcoming resistance to change. The retraining of their
employees for new and leading edge technologies further supports their ability to overcome inertia and
overall resistance to change. This strategy allows for businesses to better adapt to the ever changing
business environment and effectively gain a competitive advantage within their market.
Fawzy, M. and Olson, E. (2018) TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & APPLE SUCCESS, Proquest.
Available at:
https://www.proquest.com/openview/451a246bba7b00544ed85649f58206dc/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl
=2037614 (Accessed: 16 March 2024).

Quality management are the processes utilised within a business to ensure consistency, reliability, safety
and suitability of products. To ensure these principles are met, businesses use strategies such as quality
control, quality assurance and quality improvement. Apple continuously improves their leading-edge
technology through advanced research and development. This allows for enhancement of customer
satisfaction. Total quality management (TQM) is a holistic approach Apple uses within their business that
focuses on delivering quality products to their customers. Through ongoing commitment of improving
goods and services Apple encourages employees to identify opportunities in which they can enhance
quality and efficiency of their products/services. By taking opportunities presented with the intention of
improving Apple are able to maintain a competitive advantage over other businesses within the market.
Ultimately allowing for the company to strive for excellence, particularly in terms of quality as well as
meeting and/or exceeding customer expectations.

Marr, B. (2023) The metaverse and digital transformation at McDonald’s, Forbes. Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2022/06/22/the-metaverse-and-digital-transformation-at-mcdo
nalds/?sh=6d490363967b (Accessed: 16 March 2024).

Technology is utilised throughout businesses to perform functions efficiently when producing goods and
services. These can be highly beneficial towards a business, allowing them to gain a competitive
advantage within the market. The world’s largest and most recognisable food chain, Mcdonald’s has
demonstrated tech-driven advancements through the use of drive-thru and self-service kiosks. The
employment of artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics, enables Mcdonald’s to optimise its operations,
enhance customer experience and gain a competitive advantage through the insights of consumer
behaviour. Mcdonald’s has achieved efficient ordering through drive-thru, accounting for 70% of their
sales during the pandemic. They have also implemented AI-driven voice recognition ordering systems
within some of their establishments. This leading edge technology implemented by McDonald’s has saved
almost a minute from the total time it takes to receive an order. Therefore, these technology advancements
prove to be increasingly effective for the revenue of the business. Ultimately, technology, accompanied by
efficient implementation, allows for an increased chance of business success.

Unilever PLC (2023) Ben & Jerry’s plan to reduce dairy greenhouse gas emissions, Unilever. Available
at:
https://www.unilever.com/news/news-search/2022/ben-jerrys-plan-to-reduce-dairy-greenhouse-gas-emissi
ons/ (Accessed: 16 March 2024).

Corporate social responsibility demonstrates that the business’ reputation is significantly impacted by
their values and advocation for concerns within society. Ben and Jerry’s are held accountable for their
‘image’ within society. This is known as their corporate social responsibility. Therefore, this business is
responsible for contributing towards sustainable economic growth, being legally and ethically compliant,
as well as bettering the overall society. Ben and Jerry’s ensures they create a positive image of their
business through their intention to cut greenhouse emissions significantly from its dairy suppliers by 2024
in order to tackle climate change. By advocating climate change and taking on meaningful action to
contribute towards restoring nature, this business demonstrates environmental stewardship, social
responsibility and commitment to sustainability. Ultimately enhancing Ben and Jerry’s reputation and
creating a competitive advantage over other enterprises. Partaking in this corporate social responsibility
allows Ben and Jerry’s to improve the overall goodwill of their business. This helps significantly towards
the increased foot traffic within the business and therefore, increasing their revenue significantly.