Problem_Statement_Paper

Abstract In this paper we will identify and discuss one of the issues surrounding Kudler Fine Food (KFF) as to how it impacts the business, possible efforts to resolve the issue and the opportunity available to KFF. We will use the UoP problem Solving model and Defining the problem materials in order to thoroughly consider all possible option for KFF to rectify the situation. Finally we will discuss Kudler Fine Food’s end goals and vision of the open opportunities where the business can develop and grow. Problem Statement Paper Kudler Fine Food needs to evaluate how the business is currently structured and restructure the business in a more efficient manner in order to meet the company goals. Situation Kathy Kudler is the owner and founder of Kudler Fine Food which has three locations in California. Kathy has adequate staff at each location including a manager and assistant manager for each store. Even though Kathy has hired employees from Managers to clerks it seems that no individual position has assumed responsibility for the position or shown signs of professional growth. Kathy will need to evaluate each position and retrain employees in order to provide her with the time she need to focus on the company’s goals and ensure each location is able to operate day to day with out her assuming the responsibilities. Framing the problem Kathy has taken on the responsibility of being the sole individual to track the inventory and place the orders in order to buy in bulk for better discounts. Kathy needs to evaluate the Manager and assistant managers responsibilities in order to determine if any of the individuals can fit into this role and assume the responsibilities of inventory and purchasing for all three locations. End State Goals Kudler Fine Food is researching a possible expansion into Carlsbad, California, however with Kathy’s current responsibilities she does not have enough time to properly research and begin to acquire and new site. The steady growth of the company is critical to Kathy’s vision of establishing the company and growing large enough to eventually sell as she is ready to retire. In order to have enough time to research the expansion Kathy need to free up some of her time and focus on overseeing the locations instead of actually being one of the employees. Alternate Goals To provide Kathy with adequate time to focus on the Del Mar store in order focus on rectifying the situation either go back and determine the internal issues or determine if this location is no longer desirable in the area and decide if closing the location is the best alternative. Evaluate Alternatives New marketing research would have to be preformed in order to identify if there is still a need for this location based on the current population and demographics. The research can be preformed to determine if the two locations can merge and if this would be more beneficial and profitable to the company or determine if there is a price or inventory issue at this location. Kathy needs to ask Do we carry what the customers are looking for' Do the residents of the neighborhood know we are here' How are our current prices in this area' Too high' Have we marketed to the residence well' Once these basic questions can be answered Kathy can determine if this location should close, merge, or remain open. Identify and Asses Risk Kathy will need to train and empower the employees to perform the new tasks and become decision makers. Kathy will have to give up some of the control to her employees and have trust in her employees and her own manager skills that the employees can handle the responsibilities without Kathy being the sole person able to complete the tasks. This means It is possible that Kathy may not find an employee who is qualified or willing to track inventory and do the purchasing in this case Kathy will have to consider hiring a new employee for this position which could affect the profits and force Kathy to reevaluate the current positions and employees as to if they are all necessary. End Goals and Vision Kathy’s main vision and company goal is to expand into other locations however rectifying the situation in the Del Mar store would also provide Kathy with the additional funds that will be needed for expansion. When Kathy can hire or promote and properly train an internal individual to take over the inventory and purchasing responsibilities Kathy will have more time to devote and focus on her long term goals and company vision of expansion. Performing the research on the demographics and location in this area will be key to the success of the site. Should Kathy decide to resolve the issue within the Del Mar location this will also provide additional funding for KFF once the new location for expansion is determined as this location is currently only breaking even and not showing any profits' Conclusion Kathy will need to be a leader “creating a vision for the organization and communicating, guiding, training, and coaching” (Nickels, McHugh, and McHugh, 2008) in order to successfully empower her employees to accept the new responsibilities associated with restructuring the business. In a successfully restructure and filling the voids in management of the daily duties Kathy performs will allow Kathy to focus on the long term and short term goals of Kudler Fine Food as well as getting the employees involved and supporting the business goals.