15 Pages
3810 Words
Introduction Of The Importance of Management Structure in the UK Construction Industry
Maintaining a proper management structure plays a very important role in company functioning formations. The main functions of management like marketing, HR and finance are all connected with each other and help in forming a proper management structure. Thus, it can be clear from the discussion that one of the main purposes behind conducting this study is to provide a focus point on the subject of management structure and to present an essay on the selected construction company named as Mears Group Plc. As the entire assignment is related to the construction industry, thus it will be important to first get an overview of the UK construction industry.
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An estimated 3 million people have been employed by the UK construction sector in the year 2021, and it will produce around £118 billion in production in the coming 3 years, according to the ONS (ONS, 2022). Construction of new buildings, repairs and maintenance, civil engineering, and demolition are just a few of the varied operations that make up this industry. The sector has recently encountered a number of difficulties, such as a lack of trained labour, increased material costs, and delays brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic. The government's dedication to funding affordable housing and infrastructure initiatives has helped the industry to stay resilient. The Construction Products Association (CPA) projects that increasing public and private sector investment would cause the construction industry to grow by 5.3% in 2022 (CPA, 2022). In addition, the sector is seeing an increase in the use of digital technologies and sustainable building methods. Despite the difficulties, the UK construction sector continues to be a crucial component of the economy, supplying houses and key infrastructure while also promoting job development and economic expansion.
The essay has been divided into many parts where a brief about the company, management structure of the company, 4P's of the marketing mix and the HR functions of the company will be discussed in detail.
Body
Provide a background of the selected organisation
Provide a background of the selected organisation
A UK-based business called Mears Group Plc offers a number of housing and social care-related services. Gloucester, England serves as the company's headquarters. It was established in 1988. Despite having businesses in Canada and the Middle East, Mears Group's primary market is the UK. Around 10,000 people were employed by Mears Group as of 2021 (Mears Group, 2021). The company's employees are dispersed around the UK in cities including London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Birmingham. Mears Group has endorsed the Armed Forces Covenant and the Race at Work Charter as part of its commitment to advancing diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Housing and Care are the two primary segments that the business works via. The housing section offers services gas servicing, maintenance and renovation of social housing. For the aged and disabled, the Care division offers home care and assistance services. Mears Group is well-known in the UK's social housing market and has agreements with more than 30 local governments and housing associations. The business has about 30 depots spread out across the nation and works through a network of regional offices.
Mears Group has participated in several charity endeavours in addition to its main business. For instance, the business established the Mears Foundation in 2020, which offers financial assistance to charities and community organisations in the UK (Mears Group, 2020).
Mears Group, which has a sizable and varied staff and places a high priority on sustainability and corporate responsibility, is a significant participant in the UK housing and social care industry overall.
I selected Mears Group Plc because it is a major participant in the UK housing and social care industry and because it works in a crucial industry for societal well-being. I am interested in knowing more about how the business strikes a balance between its profitability and its influence on the community and the environment since the company's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility is in line with my own ideals. I was drawn to Mears Group's varied staff and efforts to encourage inclusion and diversity because I think a company's performance is intimately related to its capacity to tap into the different viewpoints and experiences of its personnel. In general, I think Mears Group is a company that positively affects society and is dedicated to ethical and sustainable business practises, making it an intriguing and useful company to research.
State the management structure of the selected organisation
Management structure of the company
Mears Group Plc's management structure is hierarchical, with a distinct chain of command and reporting lines. The organisation is run by a Board of Directors, which is in charge of determining the company's overall strategic direction and making sure it serves its shareholders' interests at all times (Mears Group, 2021). The organisation is split into two primary departments under the Board of Directors: Housing and Care. The Managing Director of each division is in charge of managing the day-to-day operations of that division's specific business unit (Mears Group, 2021). There are several departments and teams, including finance, operations, and business development, inside each division. According to the divisional Managing Director, each department is controlled by a senior manager (Mears Group, 2021). The utilisation of regional offices and depots is one management structure connected to Mears Group. The business runs through a network of regional offices and depots located around the UK, enabling it to offer localised customer care and react swiftly to any problems or complaints (Mears Group, 2021).
Figure 2: Hierarchical Management Structure
![Hierarchical Management Structure]( "Hierarchical Management Structure")
A Regional Director or Depot Manager is in charge of overseeing the local operations and ensuring that the company's standards and procedures are followed at each regional office and depot (Mears Group, 2021). Overall, Mears Group's management structure is built to support localised decision-making and customer service while ensuring clear responsibility and supervision at every level of the firm.
How does this structure help the company achieve its goals?
The management structure of Mears Group assists the business in achieving its objectives by establishing clear accountability and supervision at every level of the organisation. With distinct reporting lines and a defined chain of command, the hierarchical organisation enables efficient and effective decision-making. This makes it easier to guarantee that all levels of the organisation continually align with the company's strategic objectives(Mears. 2021). The usage of regional offices and depots helps Mears Group achieve its objective of giving localised service to its clients. The organisation is able to respond swiftly to consumer requests and offer a personalised service that fits the unique needs of each local community since it has a local presence throughout the UK. It also ensures that each part of the business receives the proper degree of attention and resources thanks to the company's divisional structure, which includes distinct units for Housing and Care(Mears,2021) As a result, Mears Group may concentrate on the distinct possibilities and challenges within each business unit and adjust its strategy as necessary. Finally, the management structure of the Mears Group reflects its dedication to diversity and tolerance. A variety of viewpoints and experiences are represented at every level of the organisation because to the company's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusiveness among its workforce(Goodwin, 2018) Due to the fact that a varied workforce is more likely to bring a variety of talents and views to the table, this can result in better decision-making and greater performance. Overall, Mears Group's management structure is built to support the organization's objectives by focusing on diversity and inclusiveness among the workforce, clear responsibility and supervision, and localised customer service(Bowers, 2019).
How the management structure benefits the company
The management structure of Mears Group offers the organisation a number of advantages. The first benefit of a hierarchical structure is that it enables unambiguous responsibility and supervision at every level of the business, which may assist guarantee that the company's strategic objectives are constantly aligned across all levels of the organisation (Mears Group, 2021). Second, the firm may offer a more personalised service to its clients and react swiftly to their demands thanks to the usage of regional offices and depots (Mears Group, 2021). This can enhance client satisfaction and loyalty. Thirdly, the workforce's diversity and inclusion may foster new viewpoints, strategies, and methods that can spur innovation and boost productivity (Buheji & Goodwin, 2018). There are, however, a few possible drawbacks to the organization's managerial structure. Because there are several levels of administration and reporting that must be negotiated, one possible drawback is that decision-making can be sluggish (Johansson, 2020). Second, there's a chance that there may be communication failures at various organisational levels, which can result in misunderstandings and mistakes (Hodges, 2019). Finally, because each department and team is rigidly defined, the management structure may not be flexible enough to respond to changes in the external environment (Hodges, 2019). Notwithstanding these possible drawbacks, it seems that the management structure of Mears Group has more benefits than drawbacks. Performance may be improved and long-term success can be promoted by the company's emphasis on responsibility and supervision, localised service, and diversity and inclusion among the workforce.
Briefly discuss the 4Ps of the Marketing Mix in relation to the selected organisation
Definition of the marketing mix
A marketing mix is a collection of tools that may be used to form a comprehensive strategy and comprise a number of areas of concentration. The phrase describes a categorization that was formerly known as the 4 Ps: product, pricing, location, and promotion.
| Product |
Mears Group offers a variety of services in the housing and care industries, including as care and support services, building and renovation, repairs and maintenance, and housing management (Mears Group, 2021). The company's main goal is to deliver high-quality services that are customised to fit the needs of its clients, with a focus on addressing the needs of individuals who are vulnerable and have complicated demands (Mears Group, 2021). |
| Price |
The pricing tactics used by Mears Group might vary based on the type of service being provided in the housing and care industries. In general, aspects like service quality, timeliness, dependability, and customer support are likely to have an impact on how valuable a product is to a customer or buyer. Customers may benefit and higher fees may be justified by Mears Group's emphasis on offering customised services that cater to various consumer groups (Kotler et al., 2017). Mears Group may take into account a variety of pricing techniques based on the market environment and the particular requirements of its clients. For new markets or services where the firm wishes to gain market share fast, a pricing penetration approach could be acceptable. As an alternative, a competitive strategy might be employed to keep or gain market share in mature markets (ProfitWell, 2021). All things considered; Mears Group may profit from implementing a value-based pricing approach that is closely in line with the requirements of its clients. Instead, of only seeking to equal or undercut rivals' pricing, this strategy entails determining prices depending on the perceived value of the good or service to the client (Hinterhuber & Liozu, 2014). Mears Group may build value and charge more by concentrating on providing high-quality services that satisfy its clients' expectations. |
| Place |
Mears Group serves consumers in-person, frequently in their homes or care facilities, in the housing and care areas where it works. With a presence in the UK, Ireland, and the Middle East, the company's distribution channels are hence predominantly targeted at local or regional markets (Mears Group, 2021). The requirement for prompt and dependable delivery of supplies and equipment to construction sites is a potential vulnerability in Mears Group's supply chain. This may be particularly difficult in the building and renovation industries since delays or interruptions can significantly affect project costs and timetables. Mears Group may think about collaborating closely with suppliers to create stronger supply chain procedures, including just-in-time delivery or vendor-managed (Narasimhan et al., 2018). Mears Group may gain from utilising digital technology to expand its audience and streamline its operations in terms of distribution channels. For instance, the business may create online portals where clients could make service requests or monitor the status of maintenance or repair projects. To broaden its reach and get access to new clientele, Mears Group may also look towards joint ventures with other service providers or online marketplaces (Zhu et al., 2020). |
| Promotion |
Through a variety of marketing platforms, including web advertising, email marketing, and trade shows, Mears Group advertises its goods and services. The company's website acts as the focal point for its marketing initiatives, including details about its services and areas of specialisation, as well as case studies and client feedback. Mears Group uses social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to interact with consumers and market their brand. Mears Group exhibits its services and knowledge at industry events and conferences in addition to using Internet marketing methods. For instance, the business has participated in conferences hosted by the National Housing Federation, the Chartered Institute of Housing, and the Healthcare Estates Exhibition & Conference. Mears Group is able to network with new clients and business partners at these events, as well as exchange ideas and best practices with other professionals in the field. |
Definition of HR
The department of a company tasked with locating, hiring, screening and training job applicants is known as human resources (HR). Employee salaries, benefits, and terminations are all handled by HR departments. The laws that may have an impact on the business and its personnel must be kept up to date by HR departments.
Strategies the company uses
| Stage |
Process |
| Advertising |
Job vacancies are advertised through a range of channels, including online job boards, social media, local job centres, and community networks. |
| Screening |
Applicants are screened based on their qualifications, skills, and experience. Successful candidates are shortlisted for the interview stage. |
| Interview |
The interview process may include competency-based interviews, psychometric tests, and role-play exercises to assess candidates' suitability for the role. |
| Fairness and Non-Discrimination |
Mears Group takes steps to ensure that its recruitment process is fair and non-discriminatory, and that all candidates are treated with respect and dignity throughout. |
| Selection |
The company selects high-quality candidates who share its values and are committed to delivering excellent service to its customers. |
Hiring of workers
Depending on the demands of the company, Mears Group employs a combination of professional and unskilled labour. The business understands the value of talent management and makes investments in its workers through training and development initiatives to make sure they have the abilities and know-how required to do their jobs well. The company's personnel management strategy includes spotting high-potential workers and giving them chances for professional advancement. Along with encouraging staff to take on new challenges and advance their abilities through on-the-job training, mentorship, and other development programmes, Mears Group also promotes a culture of continual learning. A 2019 article in the Journal of Management Development claims that Mears Group's emphasis on talent management has allowed the firm to develop a highly competent and motivated staff, enabling it to provide high-quality services to its clients. Additionally highlighting the significance of people management in the construction sector, a 2020 Personnel Review article said that businesses that invest in their staff typically experience greater levels of production and profitability.
Career paths
Mears Group provides a variety of career pathways for workers, including engineering positions, graduate programmes, and apprenticeships. The business places a high priority on career advancement opportunities and staff development.
The Mears Apprenticeship Programme is intended to give young people the abilities and information necessary to excel in the construction sector. Apprentices get the chance to work on a variety of projects and gain expertise in many business sectors as part of the programme, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. For recent university graduates, Mears Group also provides a graduate programme that gives them the chance to obtain real-world experience and hone their talents. The programme is designed to expose graduates to various business sectors, with the goal of assisting them in identifying and honing their areas of speciality. Mears Group's emphasis on training and development, according to a 2018 article in Construction News, has aided the business in developing a highly qualified staff and luring fresh talent to the sector. An article published in Building magazine in 2021 emphasised the value of graduate programmes and apprenticeships in the construction sector and noted that businesses that invest in their staff often have greater levels of employee satisfaction and retention.
Employee relation schemes
Mears Group has a number of employee relations programmes in place, such as promotion, evaluation, and recognition activities. The business understands the value of forging close bonds with its staff members and offering chances for professional progress. The recognition programme at Mears Group is intended to recognise and honour staff members who exhibit excellent performance or go above and beyond in their duties. Additionally, the organisation performs monthly evaluations to give workers feedback and assistance, assisting them in identifying their areas of strength and development. Additionally, Mears Group offers a variety of promotion schemes to provide workers the chance to improve their careers within the business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mears Group Plc is a reputable building and home maintenance business that has had a big influence on the sector. The management structure of the organisation is well-built to meet its business goals, with distinct responsibility divisions and efficient communication routes. The company's pricing policy is competitive, and its product offerings, which cover everything from building to home care, are designed to match the demands of its clients. Mears Group employs a mixture of expert and unskilled people, and its hiring and selection procedures are comprehensive and equitable with an emphasis on finding the finest applicants for diverse tasks. The organization's personnel management strategy places a focus on employee growth and retention and offers career options including apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and engineering programmes. The business has a number of employee relations initiatives in place, such as assessment and promotion programmes, with the goal of inspiring and recognising employees' efforts. Mears Group, in general, has a well-structured human resource management system that supports its corporate objectives, encourages employee happiness, and facilitates the expansion and development of its workforce.
References
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