Organization Behavior - Kudler Fine Foods

Abstract

Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale food store in the San Diego metropolitan area, specializing in fine foods and wines. This paper will explore the primary functions of management and who is responsible for each function. Also, how Kudler Fine Foods is utilizing the use of technology and the internet within the organization.

Introduction

Kathy Kudler, founder of Kudler Fine Foods, has a passion for gourmet cooking, which requires the use of gourmet ingredients. She was often tasked in finding the ingredients she needed to prepare the gourmet meals she desired. While out shopping one day she realized there was a great demand for a fine food store, one that could offer the finest ingredients and other specialty items at a reasonable price. Kathy had a vision; it was then that the first Kudler Fine Foods was opened in 1998. The store is driven by its mission statement - "our selections, coupled with our experienced, helpful and knowledgeable staff, merge to offer each customer a delightful and pleasing shopping outing." (Kudler Fine Foods Mission Statement, University of Phoenix Virtual Organization Portals, 2010)

Primary Functions of Management and Key Players

Kathy Kudler, the founder, owner and president of Kudler Fine Foods has built a management team that possesses the same goals, visions, and expectations transparent to her own. Kathy has a team of individuals assisting her in the strategic style of management at Kudler Fine Foods. This team includes Ms. Kudler's Administrative Assistant, which assists Ms. Kudler in the daily functions, such as preparing reports, scheduling meetings and travel, screening calls, and etc. Harvey Stevens is the Director of Financing. His job functions include planning and directing the finance and accounting activities for Kudler Fine Foods. Mr. Stevens is assisted by two accounting clerks and two comp specialists. Brenda Wagner is the Director Administer and Human Resources representative, and her job functions include developing policies and directs and coordinates administrative and human resources activities, such as employment, compensation, labor relations, benefits, training, and employee services. (Kudler Fine Foods Job Description, University of Phoenix Virtual Organization Portals, 2010) Ms. Wagner is assisted by an Administrative Assistant and a Human Resource Assistant. Yvonne Reynolds is the Director of Store Operations. She is responsible for managing the operations of all three Kudler Fine Food stores, including inventory, purchasing and logistics. Her responsibilities also include store safety, facility maintenance, security, and compliance with state and federal regulations. (Kudler Fine Foods Job Description, University of Phoenix Virtual Organization Portals, 2010) Ms. Reynolds has the assistance of an Inventory Manager, Purchasing Manager, and a Purchasing Assistant.

As with any organization there are other key employees that play a critical role in the daily operations. At Kudler Fine Foods other key employees consist of store managers, stockers, baggers, cashiers, computer specialist, and department managers. These employees are responsible for varies duties associated with their job titles. All employees must actively and consistently perform at optimum level to ensure the success of the store.

The Use of Technology and the Internet

"Because no firm operates in a vacuum, the firm's mission needs to be attuned to changes in the environment and competitive landscape. This involves a continuing assessment of the firm's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and threats (referred to as SWOT), so that appropriate strategies may be taken" (Gomez-Mejia & Balkin, 2002, p. 5) The current technology and internet utilized by Kudler Fine Foods is accessible in all three stores and by administrative personnel. The data appears to be stored on tables containing demographic information for each customer, including address, names, anniversaries, birth dates, and etc. The inventory table consists of components that make up an item. This is helpful for managing inventory and ingredients needed for certain products. The item table consists of products that can be purchased from a specific store. The order table is used to identify and record orders placed within a given store. The order