Emma’s Parlor Essay Example
Emma’s Parlor Essay Example

Emma’s Parlor Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (1050 words)
  • Published: December 30, 2016
  • Type: Case Study
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Emma's business achieved stability and rapid growth in March 2012 thanks to the rising trend of online connectivity and the emergence of online businesses.

To analyze this case effectively, it is crucial to adopt a generalist mindset instead of being a specialist. This implies having the capability to comprehend and excel in various areas rather than concentrating on just one specific area. Approaching the case as a generalist will allow readers to grasp an overall understanding of the company as a whole, rather than fixating solely on one specific aspect.

We will offer consulting services to Emma Lathbury to help her with the challenges she is facing in her tearoom and online business. She is currently feeling burnt out and puzzled, so she needs assistance from an external party who can analyze

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the situation and come up with innovative solutions for her business problems.

The text proposes that to improve business operations, it is important to maximize and utilize strengths and opportunities while eliminating weaknesses and threats. Additionally, addressing the root cause of the central problem mentioned in this case study is crucial for progress.

  • Emma Lathbury’s business was getting big for her to handle and because of this, she is experiencing burnout because handling it together with the internet business and workshops is already too much for her 52 year old body to do alone. It was too much for her to manage.
  • Because of this, she is torn between whether she would focus on the internet enterprise alone, the tea room alone, devise a plan so that she can
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still juggle both or totally let go of all the facets of the growing business by selling it outright.

  • The objective of this case analysis is to propose the course of action Emma Lathbury should take with regard to her business that is currently still on the rise. Given the fact that she is experiencing burnout as a result of handling too many business activities all by herself, she is confused as to whether to continue doing business or not.
  • In order to address Emma Lathbury's issue of losing motivation due to the growth of her business, this paper aims to offer the most effective solutions. Thus, it will assist Emma Lathbury in determining the optimal course of action and the necessary changes that accompany it.

    The strengths of the SWOT analysis include:
    a. The specialty teas industry experienced significant growth in the 1990s and continues to grow at a high rate.
    b. The web-based business is thriving and generates almost as much revenue as the tearoom.
    c. The business has gained a national reputation for receiving excellent reviews in various guidebooks.
    d. The establishment not only provides a place for enjoying tea but also hosts workshops, special events, and costume parties, leading to consistently high bookings.
    The weaknesses include:

    1. The continuous growth of the tearoom has become too much for one person to manage. •Opportunities a. The business’ national reputation makes them attractive for franchisees to invest on it opening doors for more branches within the country. b. If maintained strategically, the internet business may be able to further the scope

    outside the country. •Threats

    As the owner, Emma Lathbury must exercise caution in her decision-making to consider the impact on both herself and her employees. It is important for Emma to be mindful of potential consequences when undertaking tasks and depleting resources with new ideas. Proper execution and strategic allocation of expenses are essential to avoid wastage.

    Hiring Managers – Emma Lathbury has the option to hire managers to represent her in both the tearoom and online aspects of her business. Alternatively, she can choose to handle one side herself and entrust the other side to managers.

    E-Business Strategies – Emma can further study and research different e-business strategies and solutions. These strategies can help her effectively manage her business even when she is not physically present by allowing her to keep an eye on various aspects such as inventory, product pricing, and employee productivity through the use of intranet.

    Employee Training – Emma can train employees to discuss the efficiency and medical benefits of tea, eliminating the need for her to personally conduct workshops. She can train one employee who will then train the rest of the team.

    Regarding this case study, our recommendation as consultants is to hire managers as the first alternative course of action.

    The best way to solve Emma's problem is to provide training and hire managers for both sides of the business. These managers will handle the tasks that Emma delegates, allowing her to have more time for other activities and reducing burnout while still effectively managing the business.

    The implementation would be straightforward.

    1. On the month

    of April, Emma would look for potential managers afterwards teach them every detail of the business.

  • On the month of May Emma will let the managers do their tasks while she is still there, physically present everyday on the business so she can guide them if there would still be areas for improvement or development, this would be like the On-the-job training of the managers.
  • On the month of June, Emma can finally enjoy her life again without so much burden to do many tasks for her business. Not to mention that her business is still earning profit.
  • Implementing the recommendation may not be easy initially, as the new managers hired may not have the same dedication as Emma, the business owner. To address this, Emma can provide incentives to the managers based on the business's performance. The better the business performs, the higher the incentive given.

    The second scenario reveals that managers may face difficulty in controlling employees, resulting in a negative impact on operations. Previously, the employees had direct reporting lines to the owner, so the introduction of managers would fundamentally alter their work environment.

    To address this problem, Emma should educate her employees about the importance of teamwork and the need for a leader to coordinate and plan their work. By following their managers, the employees can contribute to the success of the business, which in turn will benefit them as well.

    In addition, it is recommended to educate managers about the organization's culture and facilitate team building activities to foster positive relationships and team synergy among

    employees and managers.

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