Decisions in Paradise

Decisions in Paradise Part III

Dianne Schofield

University of Phoenix

Management 350

Instructor Linda Fisher-Lewis

February 19, 2008

Decisions in Paradise

This paper will be on the critical thinking case study assignment, Decisions in Paradise: How to Be, or Not To Be. The paper will be loosely based on a local company and use six APA approved references to support the proposed solutions. The paper will access the following University of Phoenix materials located on the Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making, Preparing Business Scenario Analysis form.

Ridgeline Shoe’s mission is to provide the highest quality, most cutting edge hiking, walking, and casual shoes for men and women while cultivating diversity and exhibiting social responsibility.

Ridgeline Shoes is a functional organization that works along the lines of a business function (Bateman & Snell, 2007). Ridgeline Shoes is departmentalized. A Senior Vice-President presides over a department that governs each of the company’s business components. The areas of Ridgeline Shoes organization include: finance, accounting, human resources, research and development, manufacturing, marketing and advertising, and logistics.

The positive impact of a functional organization is:

1. Uniform compliance: The Company adheres to what the department managers decide to do. Surprises rarely occur within a department.

2. Cohesiveness: Since occasionally minor deviation from the accepted norms occurs, anyone can go to any part of the company and perform at a high level.

3. Cost: Uniformity allows for volume purchasing for the manufacturing plant, thus driving the bottom line.

4. Innovation: Breeds a soft roll out, thus minimizing risk and potential cost.

5. Human Resources: Management and employee development are unified therefore, all employees are able to add their talents to the pool and rise in the company.

6. Operationally:...