SECTION B: (10 Marks) A dynamic brand under the Unicomer Group umbrella, Courts was first established in England during 1850. Founded in the region since 1959. Courts is the Caribbean's largest furniture, appliance and electrical retailer. Courts currently operates 93 stores in 11 Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and also on the South American continent in Guyana. In December 2006, Courts was acquired by Regal Forest Holdings under the Unicomer Group. This was the largest ever leveraged buyouts (LBO) for Unicomer Group by acquiring the publicly traded operations of Courts in the Caribbean (covering Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, various Eastern Caribbean countries, Belize, Guyana and Bermuda), and by acquiring the remaining operations directly from the holding, Courts ple, in the UK. Courts is well-known throughout the Caribbean, and its name is synonymous with quality, affordable, furniture and appliances, flexible credit options as well as innovative marketing promotions. It represents the world's most respected electronics brands such as Whirlpool, Sony, Panasonic, GE, DELL and Apple to name a few. The company has been a market leader since its inception and its bright yellow, red and blue buildings dominate major towns across the many Caribbean islands. A pioneer in the field of prize promotions, Courts has distinguished itself from its competitors. The company has developed a holistic approach to its marketing strategies and is renowned for its stimulating and flamboyant sales promotion, impressive prizes, creative advertising and a well-structured public relations campaign. The marketing strategies that have been employed over the years have brought with them millions of dollars in business and profits and added excitement. Courts has recently focused on the ecommerce platform shopcourts.com in the Caribbean territories, such as Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago Courts takes its social responsibility seriously and the company is committed to the development of the people and communities that it serves. Over the years the company has touched the lives of thousands, through its sponsorship of education, sports and health. In Barbados, Courts strongly supports education, mainly through elementary schools' spelling contests. To this date, it still remains the main promoter of the National Spelling Contest. In St. Vincent, Courts is the main sponsor of all the elementary schools of the country. Courts also sponsored the sports programmes of the St. Vincent Technical School. In Trinidad, Courts sponsored the local professional football league. In June 2013, Courts announced their sponsorship of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Moreover, Courts supports Humanitarian Institutions. In Trinidad and Tobago, for instance, Courts sponsored the construction of a school for handicapped children and also gave a donation to a nationwide foundation for the homeless. In Guyana, Courts sponsored a Habitat for Humanity housing project for underprivileged families. The chain also works hand in hand with the local food programme for most vulnerable children. Courts has been encountering keen competition from local and regional retailers. For instance, American Stores, Standards, etc. based in Trinidad and Tobago, are competitive furniture and appliance retail outlets, whereas PriceSmart Inc. is the largest operator of membership warehouse clubs in Central America and the Caribbean. In the Caribbean region, the Unicomer Group operates through its retail brand Courts. In responding to competition, Courts offers services focusing on two areas. These are: 1) ServiTech - This is a service provided by the Unicomer group where customers can include additional warranty on items excluding the manufacturing warranty on the products identified previously. 2) ReadyFinance - This is a service provided by the Unicomer Group where customers can take products identified previously on a loan contract for a period from six months to thirty-six months. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the Group's business and operations in the Caribbean, and particularly in Trinidad and Tobago in past two years. Question B1: You are to assume the role as an engineering management consultant, currently hired by the Managing Director of the Unicomer Group. Elaborate briefly any FIVE strengths and/or weaknesses of the Group's current business operations in the Caribbean. 15 marks Question B2: A 2-year business plan is to be developed for Courts' strategic expansion with the unexpected constraints imposed by the pandemic. You are asked to briefly describe the formulation and executions of strategies that could guide Courts to organise its operations and marketing efforts for the expansion in retail business. 15 marks)