Task 2

P.E.S.T analysis

(Political, Economical, Social, Technological)

First example:

The coffee shop in Headingly-

POLITICAL:

Fair trade has become increasingly big over time as it started off as just a small campaign. The idea behind fair trade, is to give the producer in the country of origin a fair price for their crop.

''To be certified for Fair Trade, the importer must follow the regulations. This means meeting a minimum price and ensuring conditions for the small time farmer to be able to operate fairly. Fair Trade involves growing organically, and some farmers may need help to switch to this system.''

Starbucks, as well as other companies, is one of the most popular cafes which support fair trade.

''The USA drinks a staggering one fifth of the world's coffee production, so it's heartening that more than a hundred companies have registered to be F.T. coffee suppliers.''

ECONOMICAL:

People are cutting back when it comes to eating out, unless they're reeeally full of monies. These days, it's a lot cheaper to eat at home and make food from scratch than it is to take regular visits to cafes.

''Eating out is a luxury many people are cutting back on, cafe owners say. (ABC News: Cate Grant)''

SOCIAL:

Cafe's are an extrememly social place. Whether you've been invited for a coffee to catch up with some old friends, or if you simply fancied getting out of the house, cafe's have endless uses, most of which include socialising at some point.

It's always interesting meeting new people, and becoming a regular customer in a particular cafe can also build relationships with the staff. Doing this can also have an effect on the prices. Regular custom could potentially make your coffee 20p cheaper. Bonus!!

TECHNOLOGICAL:

Free internet access is given in most larger cafes. These days, people go to cafes purely for this. Although free internet is a bonus, it's been highly taken advantage of, therefore decreasing social activity.

Second example:

Asda supermarkets-

POLITICAL:

Asda is in a very competitive industry, what with Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons etc.. constantly in battle with prices.

There are so many stories saying Asda are the cheapest supermarket out there. 'ASDA is still the UK's cheapest supermarket, a 'shopping basket' survey says today.' However, there are also stories demanding asda is no longer the cheapest.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

''Asda's newest trolley promises to be more environmentally friendly and much easier to steer.

Asda is rolling out a new trolley which it claims is more environmentally friendly and much easier to steer.

The trolleys, designed in partnership with its German supplier Wanzl, feature an independent suspension system and "softsteer" front castors giving a smooth, quiet ride and making the trolley much easier to steer even when fully loaded. The new design also reduces trolley vibration over rough or uneven surfaces so cutting noise levels by up to 75 per cent.

Howard Willis Asda's customer services innovation manager said at the launch: "Noise pollution is something we take very seriously at Asda and with hundreds of trolleys in use in our car parks, anything we can do to reduce local disturbance to the environment is welcomed - especially at night."

SOCIAL:

Although supermarkets, especially Asda, are extremely busy, they're also a very social place. There are constant discussions about products between colleagues and customers, debating whether or not to buy those crips, or get that butter. Endless amounts of branding help.

Although shopping can be tedious and boring for some people, it can also be a good way to bond with family members. Taking the kids out can be stressful, but it also gets them out the house, and can also be educational as they learn about prices and the importance of money.

TECHNOLOGICAL:

Supermarkets are growing, constantly when it comes to technology. Checkouts are becoming touch-sensitive, lottery machines are becoming easier to use and also touch-sensitive. Some shops have also introduced a price reader in the occasional isle.

Technology these days are trying to make things a lot easier for people these days.

I have become more aware of what P.E.ST actually means now I have analysed a particular profession. I think it's important to know about the political, economical, social and technologial side when it comes to jobs in the industry. They all differ in each job, which makes it interesting to explore.