Admn 232 Assignment 1

Monica Elfstedt’s job as Controller of Norstar is one that allows her to draw on past work experiences and her expanding skill set.

In order to understand the complexity of Monica’s job as Controller, an explanation of Norstar`s business operations is needed.

Since 1999, Norstar has been a supplier and exporter of top grade animal feed and Canadian softwood products. Throughout its first eight years of operation, the business has expanded its product offerings. They have also added a transportation network for delivery throughout Canada and the United States, and increased its customer base twofold. Quality control of Norstar’s products includes tight supervision in mill selection, packaging, transportation, and most importantly, customer feedback. Distribution and sales of the bagged wood shavings requires carrying out requirements that fulfill Canadian and U.S. laws regarding exporting. The company must also keep up with the increasing competition, and does this by monitoring prices and further developing customer relations. A well thought out strategy is necessary to stay competitive in today’s complex external environment. Unfortunately, Norstar was drastically affected by the recession, the company was forced to downsize from over forty employees to just six. Monica was responsible for organizing people, projects and processes, to be able to keep the company afloat during a time when staffing was very limited.

Although Norstar Industries’ is limited in what it has to offer, there are several stakeholders that influence the business’ activities. The primary stakeholders are the customers, those who are in need of animal bedding, as well as Norstar’s employees and investors. Secondary stakeholders include the farming community, special interest, and advocacy groups, such as environmentalists and tree-saving groups, who can impinge on public perception of Norstar’s social responsibility.

It is important to understand Norstar`s current situation to...