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How External Factors And The Economic Environment Affect The Engineering Industry

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All businesses, including those found in the engineering industry (e.g. ‘Britannia refined metals’), need to pay attention to factors outside of the organisation, which are beyond their control. These factors can potentially have a large impact on business – thus, enforcing the need for management and control measures regarding such external influences.
The recognised acronym which spells P.E.S.T.L.E (political, economic, social, technological, legal and ethical/ environmental) highlights some of the key contributing external factors which can affect a business directly or indirectly. Proactive analysis and solutions to each external factor found in the acronym can prevent unwanted outcomes and potential ‘pests’ for any organisation.

(P4) Explain how external factors and the economic environment affect the way in which an engineering company operates.
Britannia refined metals (BRM) operates on a single site which manufactures/ refines metals such as lead and silver (base and precious metals) for various different customers. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glencore plc. - One of the world’s largest natural resource companies with production and trading facilities located worldwide, supplying metals, minerals, crude oil and related products. Due to the large scale of operation, the following external influences must be considered by Glencore- as well as Britannia metals;
Political
Political factors affecting business are of a paramount importance, as aspects

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