BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS 2.1 Name any TWO types of integration strategies - NSC Business Studies - Question 2 - 2020 - Paper 1

The steps in strategy evaluation include:

1. Examine the underlying basis of a business strategy.
2. Look forward and backwards into the implementation process.
3. Compare the expected performance with the actual performance to determine the reasons for deviations and analyze these reasons.
4. Take corrective action so that deviations may be corrected.
5. Set specific dates for control and follow-up.
6. Draw up a table of advantages and disadvantages of a strategy.
7. Decide on the desired outcome.
8. Consider the impact of the strategy implementation in the internal and external environments of the business.

Three challenges for GTE are:

1. Inability to export products to other countries due to lockdown.
2. Essential employees requesting to work from home due to COVID-19 impact.
3. Delay in the distribution of personal protective equipment by manufacturers.

The challenges can be classified into the following business environments:

1. Economic Environment: Inability to export products.
2. Social Environment: Employees requesting to work from home.
3. Market Environment: Delay in distribution of equipment.

Extent of control for GTE:

1. Economic Environment: Little or no control over export regulations.
2. Social Environment: Limited control over employee requests due to external factors.
3. Market Environment: Limited influence over suppliers' actions.

Management control implies that businesses must ensure effective transformation at all levels. This includes:

1. Appointing black individuals in executive positions to management.
2. Involving black people in strategic decision-making processes.
3. Ensuring that black members are represented in management to comply with BBBEE guidelines.

Skills development entails that businesses should:

1. Engage black employees in skills development initiatives.
2. Provide learnerships that contribute towards developing skills in marginalized communities.
3. Ensure that training programs are made available to enhance the skills of the workforce.

The applicable Act is the Labour Relations Act (LRA). This is evidenced by Martha referring her dismissal case to the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), which is an action stipulated under the LRA.

Actions that could be regarded as discriminatory include:

1. Dismissing employees without valid reasons or due process.
2. Treating employees differently based on personal issues such as late coming, especially when they are related to external factors like road closures due to protests.

Businesses can address technological challenges by:

1. Conducting continuous research on the latest technology and equipment in the market.
2. Training staff to maintain and effectively use new equipment.
3. Regularly reviewing supplier options to secure competitive prices.

To deal with environmental challenges, businesses should:

1. Clearly label all chemicals and ingredients in products to inform users.
2. Engage in sustainable practices that align with environmental regulations.
3. Monitor their impact on the environment and adapt practices accordingly.