OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technicals in Business Introduction to Unit 1: Business Environment

Two very different businesses In October 1942, following the setting up of a national Famine Relief Committee, the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief met for the first time and Oxfam was born. Oxfam continues to support relief for poverty via direct action projects all over the world, often in areas of severe deprivation.

Two very different businesses These initials, along with ‘Co’ from Cohen, gave Jack the idea for the name of his own label – TESCO. In 1919, Jack Cohen started selling surplus groceries from a market stall in the East End of London. In 1924 Jack sold his first own-brand product. This was tea from a firm of tea suppliers of whom T E Stockwell was a partner.

Oxfam The purpose of Oxfam is to help create lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty. Oxfam uses a combination of rights-based sustainable development programs, public education, Fair Trade, campaigns, advocacy, and humanitarian assistance in disasters and conflicts.

TESCO Tesco’s vision is to be: a modern and innovative company and winning locally, applying their skills globally a growth company most highly valued by the customers they serve, the communities in which they operate, their loyal and committed staff and their shareholders

Oxfam TESCO Business Environment Oxfam and Tesco are both major businesses, but are very different. Has no commercial or financial aims in its vision statement Oxfam Oxfam International is a confederation of 15 organisations A public limited company with clear aims to grow its position in the market place TESCO Performance is measured by profit and revenue levels Works primarily in the retail sector A registered charity

Oxfam Business Environment Charity Relieve suffering of those in need No maximisation of profit Income from donations Retail Sector No shareholders Respond to worldwide emergencies/disasters

Public Limited Company Customer satisfaction Business Environment Growth Customer loyalty Fierce competition Value for money Retail Sector TESCO Maximise profits Public Limited Company Customer preferences Customer satisfaction Brand value Shareholders

Business Environment However both: Oxfam and Tesco represent very different organisations operating in very different business environments. Operate within a business environment where global economic uncertainty can have a major impact Have strong core values and strategies which are paramount to their success Are efficient and effective organisations that achieve their very different purposes

What will you learn? After completing this unit you will: Know how political, legal and social factors impact on business Understand how businesses are organised to achieve their purposes Know the range of different businesses and their ownership Know the impact of the economic environment on businesses

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