1. IntroductionThis report will look at the UK retailer Marks and Spencer. It will analyze why decision making, planning and goal setting are important to the organization. Decision making is a process of identifying problems and opportunities and then solving them. Mission planning is how organizations aim to achieve their goals. All organizations have goals, these are the reasons why the company exists. Boddy (2005:178) states: “A goal is a desired future state for an organizational unit. Objectives provide a set of detailed goals for an organization's desired outcomes.” Within this report there is a brief description and history of Marks and Spencer. It will then examine the organization's missions and objectives and go on to critically evaluate the planning and decision-making processes the organization might use. Finally, the results will be summarized.2. Introduction to Marks and SpencerThe British retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) is a limited company, whose main objective is commercial in nature. It is one of the most iconic and widely recognized retail chains in the UK. They have 520 stores located across the UK and 240 stores worldwide. It is the largest clothing retailer in the country. (Source: M&S website)2.1 Key environmental factors affecting M&SThis part of the report will highlight the external environmental issues affecting Marks and Spencer. Before planning and decision making can take place, an organization must be aware of these issues. The key factors that impact all organizations are political, economic, social and technological. These factors are commonly referred to as PEST factors. Policy changes such as a change of government could affect the minimum wage paid to M&S workers. Economic factors such as inflation could affect the price of clothing. Social factors that should be taken into account are lifestyle changes and demographics, M&S should consider where their target market was located. Technological advances could also affect M&S's sales; recently their website was upgraded from a corporate site to a new website offering online shopping. Globalization is a huge environmental factor affecting M&S. Globalization is the increase in cross-border economic, social and technological exchanges. For organizations, competition and the search for cost advantages increases.