LNDN07003 Introduction to Business

RESIT 2023/24– Term 2

Assessment Element 1: Essay

Name of Student

ID of Student

Date of Submission
Description of Chosen Organization and Justification of Choice:

Multinational consumer goods company Unilever plc a British and Dutch company offers strong research
options due to its wide range of products and high global reach Unilever was founded in 1929 because
of merger as a result has expanded to become one of the world’s largest FMCG companies It highlights
the nature of proper testing in the British business model. The industries in which Unilever operates
include food and beverage personal care home care and snacks. Its extensive brand portfolio appealing
to diverse consumer needs and preferences includes popular brands such as Dove Knorr Lipton and
Magnum Unilever is the largest company in the consumer goods industry with a large market
capitalization and global presence. Unilever is a publicly traded company with its ownership structures.
Its shares are traded on major stock exchanges such as NYSE, LSE and Euronext Amsterdam. In terms of
finance Unilever routinely posts annual revenues of tens of millions of pounds demonstrating its strong
performance and ability to deliver value to investor’s significant profitability demonstrates how
profitable it is and shows strong business efficiency and competitiveness in the market. The verdict of
that assessment is strengthened by the many reliable and accurate data on Unilever that are now
accessible. The reliability and depth of the available data is improved by regular corporate financial
disclosure and transparency of corporate governance practices. Unilever PLC is a prime candidate for
successful analysis due to its extensive global reach diverse business activities and complex financial
results The challenges of managing a multinational company in the current challenging business
environment we can better understand by analyzing Unilever’s strategies challenges and responses to
the external world

External Environment Discussion:

The external environment includes factors that are beyond a company’s control and have the potential
to significantly affect productivity and performance. Organizations like Unilever Plc need to understand
these external forces in order to better identify opportunities, anticipate change and mitigate threats. A
range of frameworks and models can be used to analyze Unilever's external environment and provide an
insightful analysis of the complex interplay between political economic social technological
environmental and legal factors between objects

PESTEL analysis

 Political factors play is main role in designing the organizations environment in which Unilever
operates. The Company’s operations product offerings and market access may be impacted by
 events and geopolitical issues such as changes in government needs and regulations Changes in
trade policies or taxes for example by Due to Brexit or global trade disputes Unilever’s
international operations and profitability may be impacted.
 Unilever’s performance is also influenced by economic factors including macroeconomic
indicators such as GDP improved inflation and exchange rates evident recessions or currency
fluctuations in major important markets will affect client spending. Requirement for Unilever
products and investments influence the growth and profitability of the organization.
 Social factors such as demographic trends environment preferences and social norms through
their influence strongly influence client and market nature. With changing lifestyles increasing
health consciousness and increasing environmental knowledge client preferences have shifted
towards sustainable ethical and healthy products For Unilever to remain competitive in the
market is there a requirement for the organization to adapt its supply chain and marketing
strategies to the changing behavior of its clients.
 Technological advances present both opportunities and challenges for Unilever. Digital
technologies self-moving and technical professionals have changed in various aspects of
consumer goods from construction systems to marketing systems Digital marketing and a unity
inclusive choice of offering in addition. to deepen the wound to correct the customer
association in a faster movement It will also drive growth in a digitized market environment
 Environmental factors particularly climate change and resource scarcity pose significant
challenges to Unilever’s sustainability strategy. As consumers and regulators demand
sustainable environmentally friendly products Unilever faces pressure to reduce its
environmental footprint reduce waste and embrace renewable energy the atom in all its worth
reflects its beliefs.
 Laws and regulations also shape Unilever’s business environment, covering areas such as
product safety standards advertising laws and competition laws. Compliance with regulations
and standards in markets as well as managing legal risks and liabilities are important
considerations for Unilever to protect its reputation and ensure business continuity

Unilever uses strategic planning and adaptable strategies to effectively navigate the complex external
environment seize opportunities and manage threats These include new products markets strategic
alliances policies promoting sustainable development aimed at enhancing growth, improving resilience
and delivering long term benefits for all stakeholders Unilever's ability to understanding and responding
to the dynamic forces at work that may include is critical to success in managing its external
environment. Unilever seeks to position itself as a leader in global consumer goods making the most of
the challenges of the external environment through forward looking strategic innovative products
production and sustainability control

Evaluation of Business Adaptation:

Unilever PLC has demonstrated exceptional responsiveness to the ever-changing external environment,
marked by consumer behavior, technological developments regulatory scrutiny and sustainability
requirements for Unilever opportunities were successfully exploited by strategically aligning its business
efforts, products and activities with new products and disruptions, reducing risk The most important
changes that Unilever had to face three days one of these is a greater focus on sustainability and
corporate social responsibility. Businesses are under increasing pressure from investor’s regulators and
consumers to operate in a more socially and environmentally responsible manner. Recognizing this
trend, Unilever has established a strong sustainability journey with lofty goals to combat social injustice,
environmental degradation and the atmosphere changes

Unilever’s sustainability initiatives are multifaceted, encompassing its operations, supply chain and
manufacturing strategy. A key area is to reduce the environmental impact of its products and services.
Unilever has committed to achieving zero carbon emissions in all its value chains by 2039 and
implementing strategies to reduce energy consumption, reduce waste and transition to energy updating
e.g. panels has made investments that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs Unilever has
made great strides in promoting sustainable sourcing and greater exposure to and in the supply chain.
The company is committed to sustainably sourcing 100% of its agricultural raw materials by 2023 and
has implemented a circular palm oil and fair trade certification program to ensure sustainability to
develop measures to achieve appropriate responsibilities to work in partnership with suppliers NGOs
and governments to address human rights issues as well

To ensure environmental sustainability Unilever has prioritized social impact and inclusion in its
operations. The company has launched initiatives to promote gender equality empower women
entrepreneurs and improve lives in the communities where it operates. The Unilever Sustainable
Livelihoods Program for example includes commitments to improve the lives of smallholder farmers
provide access to safe water and sanitation and promote sanitation education in underserved areas. The
company has introduced a range of sustainable products such as plant based environmentally friendly
packaging and water-saving storage solutions to meet the needs of customers in about green and
healthy products through marketing campaigns and labels Unilever communicates its sustainability
efforts to consumers sustainability Uses its brand name to raise awareness and practices are recognized
Despite its active sustainability strategy Unilever faces challenges and criticism in its journey to greater
environmental and social responsibility. The company’s ambitious goals and commitments require
significant investment operational change and stakeholder cooperation. In addition Unilever operates in
a complex global supply chain where ensuring sustainability standards are met and issues such as child
labor and workers’ rights are addressed can be a challenge

Unilever's sustainability initiatives must be balanced with business considerations and shareholder
interests. As consumers place a higher priority on sustainability, they also look at prices and demand
quality. Unilever must navigate this delicate balance, ensuring that its sustainable products are
affordable accessible and in line with consumer expectations in terms of performance and value
Unilever transformation with the demand for being consistent with sustainability underscores its
commitment to responsible business practices and long term value. By integrating sustainability into its
operations supply chain and manufacturing processes Unilever aims to create a positive environmental
and social impact while maintaining a competitive position in the global consumer goods market.
However the company faces challenges in the implementation of its sustainability strategy and must
continue to innovate and collaborate with stakeholders to overcome these obstacles and its
sustainability objectives have been achieved.

References

Wang, T. (2023) The Impact of Board Characteristics on Corporate Performance: A Case of Unilever PLC.
Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science, 7(8), pp. 1648–1654.

“Shanks v. Unilever Plc & Ors.” (2017) IIC - International Review of Intellectual Property and Competition
Law, 48(4), pp. 466–467.

Gunasekera, V. (2020, March 29) The External Factors of the Unilievers PLC LTd. Available from:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/external-factors-unilievers-plc-ltd-vasana-gunasekera/

Challenges and Opportunities of Cloud Adoption in Supply Chain Management: A SWOT Analysis Model
(2021), Journal of System and Management Sciences. DOI:10.33168/jsms.2021.0311.

Qin, W. (2022) SWOT analysis of challenges and opportunities for the company’s human resources in
COVID-19, BCP Business & Management, 34, pp. 754–760. DOI:10.54691/bcpbm.v34i.3093.
Sachsenröder, D. (2023) Unilevers ungeliebte Kinder, Lebensmittel Zeitung, 75 (51–52), pp. 2–2.
DOI:10.51202/0947-7527-2023-51-52-002.

Topal, İ. H. (2024) CHATGPT: A CRITICAL EVALUATION, TESOL Journal. DOI:10.1002/tesj.810.