Create_a_Problem_Statement

Running head: CREATE A PROBLEM STATEMENT Create a Problem Statement Zuzana M. Osburn University of Phoenix Create a Problem Statement Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) is a gourmet grocery store striving to stay competitive in the high-end meats, produce, cheeses, and wine market. KFF offers an extensive variety of locally grown organic products as well as an array of national and international cheeses, fruits, spices, and wine. The store founder’s, Kathy Kudler’s, mission was to provide her savvy shoppers with the highest quality gourmet products while delivering an outstanding customer service. She opened her first store in 1998 in La Jolla, California. This venture proved to be successful not only in generating sales, but also in producing enough cash for Kudler to open her second location. In 2003, she opened her third store in Encinitas and set out on a vision quest of expansion throughout California (Kudler Fine Foods Strategic Plan, 2003). However, with growth come new challenges. With her first store, Kudler was able to successfully manage all the aspects of grocery retail business herself. She hired and trained new staff, finalized daily inventory count, placed weekly orders, performed all the financial and accounting functions, and interacted with customers. She began to feel the pressure when the second location opened and became overwhelmed with the tasks at hand when her third store began operations. If Kudler wants to realize her vision to expand throughout California and possibly outside the state, she needs to focus on her strategic plan and get help with daily operations. She needs to hire a competent purchasing manager to supervise the inventory and place sufficient orders. Kudler also needs a bookkeeper or an accountant to oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, daily deposits, and proper financial statement preparation. She may also consider employing an experienced human resource administrator to perform hiring and training of staff as well as payroll and benefits functions. Hiring of qualified staff will free Kudler to focus on marketing strategies, advertising, scoping out new location sites, catering promotion, and store department development. By doing so, Kudler will achieve her ultimate goal of becoming “the premiere gourmet grocery store for those savvy shoppers who are searching for the finest meats, produce, cheeses, and wine” throughout California, Scottsdale, Arizona; Naples, Florida; and Greenwich, Connecticut (p. 3). Reference Kudler Fine Foods Strategic Plan. (2003). Retrieved October 17, 2009 from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/CIST/VOP/Business/Kudler/Admin/Stra tegicPlan2003.pd