Organisation Structure & Employees (Edexcel IGCSE Business): Exam Questions

Raft is an outdoor adventure equipment retailer with 45 stores across the UK and Ireland. It sells a wide range of products, including hiking gear, camping equipment, climbing supplies and water sports kit. Each store employs a team of specialist staff with expertise in different outdoor activities. Raft's head office is based in Edinburgh.

Alloy is a UK-based manufacturer of precision metal components used in the aerospace and automotive industries. It employs 800 workers across three large production facilities. Alloy is known for the high quality and accuracy of its products and has strict quality control processes in place at every stage of production.

Hearth is a growing restaurant chain with 60 restaurants across the UK, founded in 2010. It serves a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients. Each restaurant has its own head chef and management team who are encouraged to adapt the menu to reflect local produce and customer preferences. Hearth is planning to open a further 20 restaurants over the next three years.

Pillar is a UK construction company founded in 1995. It employs 2,500 workers, including site managers, engineers, surveyors and labourers, across 30 active construction sites nationwide. Workers range from highly experienced engineers and surveyors to newly recruited labourers who require close guidance. Each site operates independently with its own management team responsible for ensuring projects are completed safely, on time and to specification.

Construction work is subject to strict health and safety regulations, and errors on site can be costly and dangerous. Pillar has recently won several major contracts to build new housing developments and office complexes, significantly increasing its workforce and the number of sites it manages. Senior managers at Pillar's head office are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain oversight of all 30 sites and are considering changes to the way the business is structured and managed.

Mosaic is a creative design agency based in London, founded in 2016. It employs 35 designers, copywriters and project managers who work on branding, advertising and digital campaigns for clients across the UK and Europe. Staff are highly skilled professionals who value creative freedom and the opportunity to take ownership of their work. Mosaic prides itself on its collaborative culture and has won several industry awards for its campaign work.

The agency has grown rapidly and is currently managing more client projects than ever before, placing increasing demands on its staff. Employee feedback has suggested that some staff feel undervalued and are considering leaving for rival agencies that offer greater responsibility and recognition. Mosaic's directors are keen to find effective ways to improve motivation and retain their most talented employees.

Vesta is a UK estate agency founded in 2008. It now has 55 branches across England and Wales, each employing a team of sales negotiators, valuers and administrative staff who work with buyers, sellers and landlords in their local area.Branch managers have strong local knowledge and well-established relationships with clients in their communities.

Vesta has grown quickly in recent years, and its directors are finding it increasingly difficult to make all key decisions from head office while also planning for future growth. Vesta is planning to open a further 15 branches over the next two years.