Impact Of External Environment On Business

Introduction

This paper will present a general idea about small and medium size enterprises in goods or services. Marriot Hotel in Melbourne is chosen as an example of discussion the following sections. The discussion will cover the following points: a profile and nature of Marriot Hotel, rationale for selecting this hotel, illustration of how changes in external environment factors have impacted on business over the last 5 to 10 years. Also, this paper will examine the environmental forces that are relevant to the business and discuss the rationale behind the environmental forces. Moreover, it presents an outline why other factors and forces may not be relevant to this business. Finally, this paper will identify and discuss the forces that may effect on business over the next decade or so supplemented with a proposed marketing strategy.

Small and medium size enterprises

Definition

There is no single definition of a business, or of a firm or enterprise which are often used to mean the same thing. Generally, it means a legal unit, person or group of people producing goods or services under their own control and with their own legal identity. A branch or office of a larger organisation is not in itself a business.

There are many definitions of a small and medium sized enterprise. However, the best to be found is the European Union definition. They define a small enterprise as one with under 50 employees, and a medium enterprise as one with at least 50 but under 250 employees.

Characteristics of small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises are characterized as:

* Sole proprietorships, run by one self-employed person;

* Partnerships run by two or more people; and

* Companies in which the working directors, are counted as employees.

http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:NCBCGbm7N0oJ:www.sbs.gov.uk/content/analytical/statistics/methodology

Role of small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) take the role as majority of companies in most countries, and are also a major engine of job creation. Unfortunately, many SME owners and managers are concerned, mostly due to the lack of appropriate information, that is implementing environmental measures in their companies requires significant investment, and that they will not obtain an adequate return on their investment. http://www.inem.org/htdocs/inem_casestudies.html

Lovelock et al (2001) argue, "...the Internet will revolutionise the processes of international marketing, its greatest impact may be for SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises)". They cited Quelch and Klein (1996) and said, '...competitive advantages of economies of scale (for large organisations) will be diminished, advertising costs will be lower and small niche marketers will find enough customers globally via the Internet'. Moreover, Lovelock et al (2001) have indicated, "It will be, in effect, a low-cost gateway to global markets for SMEs" .

Profile and nature of Marriot Hotel

Location

Melbourne Marriott is an AAA Five-Diamond boutique hotel situated in the centre of the theatre, shopping, and business districts, approximately 14 miles from Melbourne International Airport. Local attractions Botanical Gardens, Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex, Luna Park, Melbourne Aquarium, National Gallery of Victoria, and Telstra Dome.

Melbourne Marriott hotel boutique

The boutique Melbourne Marriott Hotel exceeds the expectations of today's business, leisure and meeting guest with warm, friendly service, comfortable and stylish decor along with Marriott's world-renowned spirit to serve. Boutique in size, but grand in style the hotel boasts 185 spacious guests rooms and suites, dedicated executive services, superior meeting and event facilities with wireless Internet access and contemporary dining.

Services provided

The hotel provides services such as mini bar, laundry service,restaurant,24-hour room service, television, bureau de change, parking, safe deposit, bar, computer facilities, Internet access, swimming pool, disabled access, business facilities, childcare facilities, air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, fitness club.

Room features

The hotel room has special features such as work desk with lamp, two-line phone with speaker and data ports, high-speed Internet access, satellite/cable TVs, in-room movies, voice mail, in-room fax, weekday newspaper delivered, coffeemaker, iron and ironing board, trouser press, bathrobe.

Conferences

The hotel has conferencing facilities to conduct seminars, executive meetings, and special functions such as graduation ceremonies. It can accommodate up to 200 people. Moreover, it provides catering and audio/visual services.

http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage.mi?marshaCode=MELMC

Rationale for selecting Marriot Hotel

The rationale behind choosing Marriott hotel Melbourne, is to describe all aspects of the industry and try to give direction, advise and as well as new plan and strategies that could improve the position on the market chain of hotels. Also, to try to find out which type of factors and forces may or may not be relevant to this business.

Changes in external environment factors

Hotel industry is sensitive to any factor which affects travel by international visitors to Australia, travel by Australians within Australia. This industry has been seen to be sensitive to changes in the world over the last decade. Regional or domestic economic growth, changes in business and consumer confidence, changes in household disposable income, changes to fuel prices and to domestic and international airlines, major travel agency financial collapses and more recently to war and actual or perceived terrorist attacks or threats and fears about the spread of diseases (such as SARS), either regionally or across the globe are believed to be