The more quickly the external environment is changing and the greater the uncertainty within it. The greater the need to speed decision-making and communication so that scarce resources can be obtained. In today’s marketplace, increasing competition is putting pressure on managers to find ways to structure organizations that allow people and departments to behave flexibly. Managers need flexible structures and functions that allow them to respond quickly to unexpected
situations.

3.6 Using the mechanisms outlined below, how can managers create a flexible organizational
structure that enables rapid responses to unforeseen circumstances?

3.6.1 Strategy (2)
3.6.2 Technology (2)
3.6.3 Human Resources (2)
3.7 Several challenges exist for management not only within the Southern African region, but globally as well.
List and discuss two major challenges to management in the Southern African region.
(5)
3.8 Every company needs an organisational structure to help define the elements the business needs for it to run properly.
Discuss two organisational structure elements and provide recommendations on how they can benefit a retail organisation.