Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 10 credits / 15 HE credits
This paper addresses the two opposing extremes of standardisation in franchising and the
dynamics of sales in search of a juncture point in order to reduce franchisees’ uncertainties in
sales and improve sales performance. A conceptual framework is developed based on both
theory and practice in order to investigate the sales process of a specific franchise network. The
research is conducted over a period of six weeks in form of a customised sales report
considering the sales funnel concept and performance indicators along the sales process. The
received quantitative data is analysed through descriptive statistics and logistic regressions in
respect to what variations in the sales process can be discovered and what practices yield higher
performance. The results indicate an advantage of a prioritisation guideline regarding the
activities and choices to make as a salesperson over strict standardisation. Defining the sales
funnel plus engaging in the process of monitoring sales in itself has proven to be a way of
reducing uncertainty as the franchisor and franchisees alike inherently gain a greater
understanding of the process. The extended knowledge gained from this research allowed for
both practical as well as theoretical implications and expands the knowledge on standardisation
of sales and the appropriateness of the sales funnel and its management for dealing with the
dilemma between standardisation and flexibility of sales in franchising contexts.
2016.
Standardisation. Selling Process. Sales Performance. Sales Funnel Management. Performance, Indicators. Conversions. Quantitative Research. Logistic Regression