Kudler_Fine_Foods_Statement

MGT/52 Kudler Fine Foods Problem Statement Kudler Fine Foods, a company established in 1998 with a vision set by it’s owner Kathy Kudler, to provide gourmet foods for the “savvy shopper”. It was discussed in group A , that KFF is an up and coming gourmet grocery store with a few problems that should be identified now to help with the future growth and expansion. Some issues that seem to surface are the constant turn over of organic produce, the managers responsibilities are limited, the lack of employee responsibility ,the need for an updated inventory system, high payroll of employees . (University of Phoenix, 2009) Overall the company looks great on the books, but to move effectively into the next level of growth and expansion, KFF must consider a different approach to management duties, employee knowledge and responsibility, and time constraints. I have developed the following problem statement: To recognize that to become an expert in the current market, Kathy will implement various aspects of management to include employee empowerment, mentorship and specialized training. To get further involved in KFF current situation one must take a deeper look into the human relations (HR) issues of this company as well. Kathy Kudler juggles all of the responsibilities of a first or entry level manager. She handles all of the financial duties and responsibilities. She devotes majority of her time in the back office due to the work load she takes on by herself. This usually restricts her from working on the sales floor and interacting with her staff and customers. It also leaves little room for employees to gain more training from Kathy. Currently she has managers to work day to day operations at the stores but their duties are limited. If the owner was to become sick or had an unexpected emergency, the store is left idle in replacement of inventory and other business related issues that arise. Currently KFF has three locations and are looking to expand in Carlsbad, an area that should render better profits for the company than the failing one in Del Mar. The failure of the Del Mar location was due to the demographics . Had the research and development drilled down a little more, they would have advised Ms. Kudler of the clientele that lived in the area. Thus a contingency plan would have been put in place. End State Vision To become a visionary, strategist and planner of Kudler Fine Foods. In order for Kathy to mover her company to the next level; Kathy Kudler’s thought process must change. If she continues to work as a entry level manager her development as the visionary and strategist is limited. To become all of the aspects stated previously some different strategies should take place. For example the employees of KFF consist of wine stewards , butchers and bakers, etc each with specialized training in their respective areas. To make inventory more accurate Ms. Kudler must delegate responsibilities to the employees in each department. It would to be to Ms. Kudlers advantage to let managers have some authority in delegating other tasks to employees, and the assistants to enable a sense of inititave. This would ensure day to day business transactions are constant while she is out of any of the stores. Before the end state is reached, some goals , which are attainable, should be put in place to gain desired position Ms. Kudler should be in.