Business Plan

Kudler's Strategic Business Plan

Kathy Kudler was an executive manager of a different company that developed a strategic plan to increase revenue for Kudler Fine Foods. Kudler has previous experience in marketing for a large defense contractor and developed the idea of a fine food grocery store. She played a key role in getting the business started by having a strategy that was prosperous. She used her experience in management and made some smart decisions to build a franchise. Kudler currently has three successful stores. Kudler's Fine Foods became successful due to a controlled leadership plan that was organized. With the experience of Kudler, she has developed a plan that will support the increase of business at Kudler Fine Foods.

The Strategic Information System (SIS s) "is focused on enhancing the competitive position of the firm by increasing employee's productivity, improving teamwork and enhancing communication (Turban, Rainer & Potter p. 3). In order to achieve maximum success the use of technology has been an asset. Before technology everyone had to achieve success by doing everything by hand. Now, Kudler has the ability to advertise in the internet and use computers to calculate success. She uses technology to keep track of sales and inventory. The Finance and Accounting Director is responsible for making sure the data is profitable. She also uses technology and managers to keep track of money in and out of the cash register. "Data transmitted to the Purchasing Function automatically prepares invoices for merchandise based on business rules" (University of Phoenix). By having technology Kudler saves money on labor.

Provided in the intranet Kudler's mission is to provide the finest service and products for all companies offered. Kudler stated, "We will provide this service because we shop the world for our products; purchase only the finest of products; are highly selective in acquiring our team members; and will go to extensive lengths to assure that Kudler's is the purveyor of choice for customers aspiring the purchase the finest epicurean delights" (University of Phoenix). Kudler generic strategy is to provide the excellent services for customers and offer perfect opportunity for a substantial work experience. "Within the next 12 months, Kudler plans to increase customer loyalty by offering added high-margin services, leveraging the firms better understand of customer purchasing patterns and providing more efficient operations" (University of Phoenix).

"The initial Business Plan for Kudler's included funds in excess of $50,000 to hire a consulting firm to assist in the selection and installation of a comprehensive Retail Enterprise Management System (REMS)" (University of Phoenix). REMS is a wonderful program that would keep the threat of entry of new competitors. According to the Competitive forces model competitors could be the downfall of a company. Having a consulting firm that specialize in business develop is a wise idea. The plan was organized and efficient; they rehired the firm every year. "This involves clearly communicating organizational goals and their importance, inspiring and motivating employees, providing an example for others to follow, guiding people, and creating conditions that encourage people from diverse backgrounds to work well together to achieve maximum success" (Gomez-Mejia & Balkin).

Regarding numbers 2, 3 and 4 of the Porter's Model, Kudler used the bargaining power of the suppliers and customers. Providing impact on quality and performance can control the deals with the suppliers and customers. By providing assurance of the product, that shows a bargaining power of the supplier. Kudler trust the supplier enough to offer free products if it is not enjoyed. By offering free products that shows no threat of substituting products or services. Kudler does not want to loose money. The website was easy to read and follow which is important so the consumer can find what they need and want. At this time the internet is widely used and is an important tool to reach new costumers.

The internet is designed to catch the consumer's eye whereas the internet is designed for the employee. The intranet is designed to engage the employee about the company. On Kudler's intranet the worker would find out how the start of the company, the mission of the company, forms, budget and the job duties. Just to name a few. This program can help focus the employees on the direction of the company. They have access to the budget and future goals. According to Porter's Model, the rivalry among existing firms in the industry needs to be controlled in order to gain a successful company. The employees could have a huge impact on the rise or fall of the budget. If the management is respected then the rivalry among existing firms in the industry would not be a problem. Employees would work the best to of their ability to increase the development of the company. It is important for Kudler to keep her company; it is important for employees to stay employed.

Kudler's strategic plan to expand services, increased efficiency and provide a frequent shopper program is a way to offer a growth strategy for the company. The idea of starting a catering company and using local farmer markets shows that she has an innovation strategy by providing new services that could reflect on Kudler Fine Foods. One of the major strategic plans that Kudler offers is the customer-oriented strategy. Kudler's main focus is to concentrate on stratifying the customer and realizing that they are the major stakeholders in a business. "A firm that is clear about where it wants to go (effective strategy formulation), how to get their (effective strategy implementation), and what works (feedback from implementation used in strategy formulation) is more likely to achieve strategic competitiveness and sustained superior performance" ((Gomez-Mejia & Balkin p. 28). According to Tsiros and Heilman to have an effective promotional strategy a food business would have to respect the expiration dates provided on the food/produce. Kudler shows that she respects the expiration date of food/produce because she advertise that she only sells the finest and freshest product offered.

By this being their strengths, Kudler must also realize their weaknesses.