MGT1FOM Foundations of Management
Question
Answered
Task:
Coles has continued to grow and adapt with technological innovations a hallmark of the company’s approach to business. In 1993, the internet provided a new opportunity for the business to explore value creation, and the flybuys program attracted 3.5 million members within its first year of operation. Coles was also early to market in trialling online shopping, with trials in Melbourne starting in 1999. Further market innovation came with the diversification to petrol stations, with Coles Express service stations forming parts of Coles market offering in 2004. Coles has continued to expand and break new ground under its new ownership. Acquired by Wesfarmers in 2007, Coles has focused on a mix of customer experience and sustainability initiatives.
Question 1
Based on the information available in the case, identify and describe the organisational structure that would best describe Coles structure after the rapid growth following WWII (but before 1993). In your explanation provide a reasoning as to why that structure was selected.
Question 2
Based on the information available in the case, identify and describe the organisational structure that would best describe Coles structure following the adoption of modern technologies (such as the internet) and diversified products (such as service stations). In your explanation provide a reasoning as to why that structure was selected.