Kudler Fine Foods - Problem Statement

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Individual Assignment – Create a Problem Statement

While reviewing the issues with Kudler Fine Foods and discussing them with our team, it became evident that most of us believe that the way that Kathy Kudler has chosen to run her business is centralized and concentrated, without much delegation at all.

Therefore, I believe this to be the most significant problem with Kudler Fine Foods.

Situation Description:

Kathy Kudler manages KFF from her position as the founder and president of the company. Almost all significant decisions are made through her, such as employee hiring and firing, inventory ordering as well as financial decisions regarding the future of the company.

Kathy Kudler enjoys running the stores and direct contact with customers the most. This was one of the main reason why she decided to open her store.

As time goes by without expanding the management team, decisions on key issues such as inventory supply, store expansion and profitability are being delayed. This leads us to believe that the firm could be developing at a much faster rate if the management team were expanded.

Problem Statement:

Kathy centralizes all of the key decisions related to the management of KFF. This decision model limits management’s capacity to dedicate time and effort to developing the company’s long term strategies and keeps attention focused on the tactical requirements of the company.

This vertical decision making process has to be redesigned to a model that better adapts to the needs of Kudler’s Fine Foods.

End state vision:

Kathy Kudler’s vision is to continue to expand the business for a period of approximately 15 years and intent to sell it when she reaches retirement age.

KFF is in a position to capitalize on current results and maximize it’s expansion potential to the complete western coast of the United States. Kudler Fine Foods can become the leading premier and organic foods retailer in the region, and could be sold for a...