Abdullah Gaffar
Unit 8
Recruitment and
Selection Process
1
, Introduction
Within this report I will be producing a case study that analyses and evaluates
the recruitment and selection process, drawing reasoned conclusions on how
these processes contribute to the success of Tesco PLC.
I have been asked to write a case study of a large business that has 250+
employees. I was given the option of selecting any business I desire, so I have
chosen Tesco PLC, one of the largest supermarket chains in the world. The case
study will include of a synopsis of Tesco PLC including the size of the business,
the scope of the business the activities of the business, a demonstration of
their workforce planning and the recruitment methods used by the business
and ethical and legal considerations taken into account by Tesco PLC. I will
then be considering the issues that impact Tesco PLC resulting from ineffective
recruitment from staff shortages. Before I begin evaluating the recruitment
and selection process of Tesco PLC, I will be giving a brief overview the
business.
Overview of Tesco PLC
Tesco PLC is a British multinational retail corporation and one of the largest
supermarket chains in the world. The company was founded in 1919 by Jack
Cohen as a group of market stalls in London. The name "Tesco" was derived
from the initials of the founder's tea supplier, T.E. Stockwell, combined with
the first two letters of Cohen's surname. Over the years, Tesco expanded its
operations and became a major player in the retail industry. They opened the
first self-service store in 1947 and continued to innovate and introduce new
concepts, such as the supermarket format and the loyalty card program. Tesco
was one of the pioneers of the "pile it high, sell it cheap" strategy, offering a
wide range of products at affordable prices.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, under the leadership of CEO Terry Leahy, Tesco
experienced significant growth and international expansion. The company
diversified its offerings to include not only groceries but also non-food items,
such as clothing, electronics, and household goods. It also expanded into new
markets, including Eastern Europe and Asia.
Tesco's growth was fuelled by various strategic initiatives, including the
development of its own-brand products, the introduction of convenience
stores under the Tesco Express brand, and the acquisition of other retailers.
2
,The company also embraced e-commerce and established Tesco.com as one of
the leading online grocery platforms in the UK. However, Tesco faced some
challenges in the late 2000s. In 2014, an accounting scandal emerged,
revealing that the company had understated its profits. This event led to
significant changes in senior management and a renewed focus on rebuilding
trust and improving corporate governance.
In recent years, Tesco has continued to adapt to changing consumer
preferences and market conditions. The company has prioritised sustainability
and launched initiatives to reduce food waste, promote healthier products,
and improve its environmental footprint. Tesco has also invested in technology
and digital transformation, aiming to enhance the online shopping experience
and leverage data analytics for personalized customer offerings. Tesco
operates over 6,800 stores across 12 countries and employs more than
440,000 people worldwide. The company's headquarters are located in
Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England.
History of Tesco PLC
- First steps (1919)
Tesco was originally established in 1919 in the East of London by Jack Cohen
who got struck with an idea to launch a grocery chain just after having
resigning from the Royal Flying Corp (The Air Arm of the British Army before
and during WWI) as the dawn of the Great war (World War I). Jack utilized his
money to purchase surplus groceries and sell them from a market stall located
in East London.
- Expansion and Growth (1947-1980s)
In 1947, Tesco Stores (Holdings) Ltd. was established as a private limited
company. The first Tesco self-service supermarket opened in 1956 in St Albans,
Hertfordshire. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Tesco expanded rapidly,
acquiring other retail chains, and diversifying its product range. It introduced
its own brand, "Tesco Value," in the 1970s, offering lower-priced alternatives.
- Transformation and International Expansion (1990s-2000s)
During the 1990s, under the leadership of CEO Terry Leahy, Tesco underwent a
significant transformation. It focused on customer loyalty and launched the
3
, Clubcard, a loyalty program that offered personalized discounts and rewards.
This move helped Tesco gain valuable customer insights.
Tesco also expanded internationally, entering markets such as Central Europe,
Asia, and the United States. However, its U.S. venture, Fresh & Easy, faced
challenges and eventually closed in 2013. Nevertheless, Tesco's international
operations continued to thrive, particularly in countries like South Korea and
Thailand.
- Diversification and Challenges (2010s-2020s)
Tesco continued diversifying its product offerings by venturing into areas like
banking (Tesco Bank), telecommunications (Tesco Mobile), online retail (Tesco
Direct), and fuel services (Tesco Petrol). It also focused on sustainability
initiatives and reducing its environmental impact not just nationally but also
internationally.
However, Tesco faced challenges in the early 2010s. In 2014, an accounting
scandal revealed that the company had overstated its profits. This led to
changes in senior management and a period of restructuring. Under new
leadership, Tesco focused on improving its core operations, enhancing
customer experience, and streamlining its business.
In recent years, Tesco has strengthened its position in the UK market and
invested in its online operations. It acquired the wholesaler Booker Group in
2018, expanding its presence in the foodservice and convenience sectors.
Tesco also launched its own discount chain, Jack's, in 2018, aimed at
competing with discount retailers. Throughout its history, Tesco has adapted
to changing market dynamics, embraced technology, and focused on customer
needs to maintain its position as one of the leading retailers globally.
Ken murphy – CEO (chief
Tesco PLC currently executive officer) of Tesco
PLC
When compared in terms of gross revenue, in 2011 Tesco
PLC were the third largest internationally. The current
CEO Ken Murphy became the chief executive officer of
Tesco on the 1st of October 2020 whose role consists of
building and maintaining an effective top management
team, identifying, and implementing new business
opportunities, managing Tesco Bank's risk profile.
4
