Overview of Management at Kudler Fine Foods, Virtual Organization Essay Example

the stores, an Administrative Assistant named Arthur Stepka, who joined the company in 1999, provides support by scheduling appointments, answering calls, and assisting with recruitment. There are three store managers (Kent Vesper, Laurie Priest, and Juanita Lopez), all hired in 1998, to supervise employees, budgets, operating procedures, work schedules, merchandise pricing policies, sales promotions, and all operational work within their respective stores. Additionally, there are Directors (Harvey Stephens, Yvonne Reynolds, and Brenda Wagner) who were also hired in 1998. Stephens is the Finance and Accounting Director, Reynolds is the Store Operations Director, and Wagner is the Administration and Human Resources Director.In his role, Harvey Stephens is responsible for leading and managing finance and accounting activities. This includes setting goals, policies, priorities, and procedures related to financial management, budgeting, accounting, and payroll. He oversees the preparation of financial statements, reports, accurate records of receipts and expenditures, general ledgers, consolidated results, and other related tasks within his area of responsibility.

Yvonne Reynolds manages the operation of three stores. Her responsibilities include inventory management, purchasing, logistics, store safety, facility maintenance, security, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Brenda Wagner is responsible for developing policies and directing administrative and human resources activities such as employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, training and employee services. These employees work together to achieve the mission of providing clients with the finest foodstuffs, wine and related needs in an exceptional consumer environment at Kudler Fine Foods. The company employs two computer support specialists who are responsible for addressing minor software and machinery problems and reporting major ones to Smith System Consulting. This team creates an environment where the strategic information system works to help

management make informed decisions by keeping track of the best practices in the market and developing plans to retain current clients while attracting new ones constantly. Managers should analyze Porter's competitive forces model to increase their competitive edge.

Within the industry, various factors can pose a threat including new competition or substitute products/services, as well as supplier and customer bargaining power. Furthermore, there is rivalry among existing firms. Kudler Fine Foods has adopted a strategy to enhance customer loyalty through high-margin services, utilizing their extensive understanding of consumer buying habits and streamlining operations. In addition to this, the company seeks to boost profitability by reducing costs through supplier partnering programs and acquiring new clients through social network marketing and word of mouth. Each department collaborates to implement new customer-centric initiatives, while improving information management, creating targeted awareness, and enhancing efficiency. Ultimately, these actions will increase revenue and reduce expenses.

Previously, the company monitored data regarding the dollar value and profit margin of each transaction, as well as the dollar sales and profit levels for each day and item. However, they have now implemented a system to track customer purchasing behavior over time in order to cultivate a more personalized relationship with their clients. The marketing team is spearheading new initiatives such as developing and launching new programs, hosting cooking classes to increase store traffic, and initiating frequent buyer points programs. They are also broadening their reach through various advertising channels such as radio, newspapers, and television ads, as well as conducting public relations events both in-store and off-site and pursuing sponsorships. Additionally, their research efforts are focused on analyzing market size and potential opportunities, food marketing trends,

and benchmarking services.

To enhance their services, Nordstrom Department Store plans on expanding their offerings, implementing frequent shopper programs, and focusing on quality and specialized items, not just price. They will also aim to increase efficiency through internal process improvements and benchmarking. Additionally, the company will develop employee-training programs and leverage new software systems to reduce food ordering costs and minimize inventory. Finally, Nordstrom will work with the purchasing department to establish a supplier relations program and roll out these initiatives with support from the marketing team.

By implementing those measures, the company will address all aspects of Porter's competitive model and achieve their objectives over the next 12 months. Depending on the market and company conditions, additional tactics may be developed to maintain the company's security and continual progression. Sources: Apollo Group, Inc. (2003, 2005).

On April 05, 2008, Kudler Fine Foods' intranet homepage for its MBA/502 course on Managing the Business Enterprise was accessed.