Technical Factors:
Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. What was once state-of -- the art, is quickly outdated. With these advancements, comes an increase in efficacy and efficiency for all organizations, in addition to a continued removal of geographical borders for transnational trade. For the fashion industry, technological improvements can be found in every step of the product lifecycle. From the developing of the design, to raw material delivery, to customer ordering, to delivery, technology has facilitated business growth in the path and likely will continue to do so. With technological advancements, there is also, as mentioned, the increasing concern for the environment.
Environmental Factors:
Environmental concerns have been a concern for organisations for generations. Regulations concerning the environment and organisations's effect on the environment continue to be developed. Consumers too want to see corporate social responsibility in the form of taking care of the environment and minimizing an organisations carbon foot print. Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned those attending the Major Economies Forum in London that the U.K. will face a major catastrophe that will involve floods, droughts, and killer heat waves, if an agreement can't be reached about climate change, with world leaders ("British PM," 2009).
Legal Factors:
One of the most significant legal factors that could affect the decision to make the acquisition of PRPR is plans to repatriate employment legislation from the European Union. David Cameron is quoted as stating that if the conservatives will the next general election, one of their primary objectives will be to "negotiate the return of powers over employment legislation to the U.K. And would introduce a sovereignty bill to ensure that ultimate...
Parliament" ("Cameron," 2009). This could significantly benefit all organizations, in every industry, in the U.K.
Conclusion:
The decision to acquire PRPR must be made on several factors. Of considerable importance is the environment in which the fashion industry, as well as the marketing consultancies and media industries, have to operate. Politically, economically, socially, and environmentally these are challenging times for any business. Technology has assisted organizations in their pursuit of growth and profitability, and legal potential developments, such as repatriating employment legislation, are also helpful. However, the current fiscal outlook for both the U.K. And abroad would be a significant deterrent in any acquisitions, at this time.
References
Astley, M., Smith, J., & Pain, D. 3rd Quarter 2009, "Interpreting recent movements in sterling," Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin vol. 49, no. 3, pp. 202-214.
"British PM warns of climate catastrophe," 19 Oct 2009, International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center.
Cameron promises to reclaim employment law powers transferred to Europe, (5 Nov 2009), [Online]. Available: http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2009/11/05/52865/cameron-promises-to-reclaim-employment-law-powers-transferred-to-europe.html [09/11/09].
"G-20 summit decides not to withdraw global stimulus package," 26 Sept 2009, The Times of India, [Online]. Available: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/G-20-summit-decides-not-to-withdraw-global-stimulus-package/articleshow/5058451.cms [09/11/09].
Walker, M. 10 Mar 2008, "Walker's world: The U.K. Economy flaters," International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center.
