Argos: Issues Faced and Retail Theories Used to Improve Efficiency

ASSESSMENT: Think and Suggest
Module Title: Strategic RetailingAssessment Type(Initial) Individual Assignment 
Assessment Task  A good marketer should be able to critically analyse real-life scenarios, understand the dynamics behind specific situations, and provide suggestions to improve existing circumstances. This assignment gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of theories and your ability to critically apply those theories to real-life scenarios. You need to provide a detailed analysis of a scenario provided below. You are required to apply at least 2 of the theories discussed in the module. Duration N/A Word Count 1500Task specific guidance: 
Argos (owned by Sainsbury’s) is having some difficulties. Their sales and profits are impacted by rising inflation and new limits on disposable incomes (see here). They axed the ‘book of dreams’ catalogue after 48 years (see here). They are planning significant job cuts (see here, see here). Moreover, COVID-19 has a strong impact on the firm (see here). Based on what we have discussed in class provide research-based suggestions on what could Argos do to stay relevant to the UK market. You need to apply at least 2 of the theories discussed in the module. 
WORD COUNTS – Please note front cover/title page, reference list, appendices are excluded from the word counts.General study guidance:  

• Cite all information used in your work which is clearly from a source. Try to ensure that all sources in your reference list are seen as citations in your work, and all names cited in the work appear in your reference list. 
• Reference and cite your work in accordance with the APA 7th system – the University’s chosen referencing style.  For specific advice, you can talk to your Business librarians or go to the library help desk, or you can access library guidance via the following link:o APA 7th referencing
• The University has regulations relating to academic misconduct, including plagiarism. The Learning Innovation and Development Centre can advise and help you with how to avoid ‘poor scholarship’ and potential academic misconduct. 
• Do not exceed the word limit / time / other limit. 
Assessment criteria
• The Assessment Criteria are shown the end of this document.  Your tutor will discuss how your work will be assessed/marked and will explain how the assessment criteria apply to this piece of work.  These criteria have been designed for your level of study. 
• These criteria will be used to mark your work and will be used to support the electronic feedback you receive on your marked assignment. Before submission, check that you have tried to meet the requirements of the higher-grade bands to the best of your ability. Please note that the marking process involves academic judgement and interpretation within the marking criteria. 
• The Learning Innovation Development Centre can help you to understand and use the assessment criteria.  
Learning Outcomes 
This section is for information only. 
The assessment task outlined above has been designed to address specific validated learning outcomes for this module. It is useful to keep in mind that these are the things you need to show in this piece of work. 
On completion of this module, students will need to demonstrate:1. Critically demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the role of retail, and the theories, strategies and relationships that contribute to the creation and development of successful retailers.2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the consumer, their changing nature and the retailers responses to those needs3. Apply a retail strategy with a clear market and customer focus4. Critically evaluate the resources required to develop a successful retail operation and create competitive advantage5. Demonstrate thorough information searching and present justified, independent critical thinking and reasoned debate.
Please note these learning outcomes are not additional questions. 
Submission information Word Limit: 1500