Operations Plan for Wedding Management
Wedding Planning and Management business is part of an Event Management Business. Event Management business is gaining popularity because of the growing culture of getting better experiential service during celebration of any event as well as the willingness to spend on novel experiences. This paper discusses the operational plan of a Wedding Management start up business which pursues the mission of extending a memorable experience to its customers.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
The Operation strategy outlines the plan for starting and developing the business in such a way that it aligns with the mission, vision and core values of the organization. An operations plan gives a clear picture of how the business will be performed and what is expected from the staff ( Fontinelle, 1). The mission statement of the company is: “Providing complete consultancy and event management services for matrimonial unions and anniversaries by making the events most memorable throughout the rest of their lives since a man and woman decide to become one through the divine institution of marriage.” The vision statement is “Facilitating memorable holy unions.” And core values include listening to the dreams of clients, partaking in their happiness and working together with them to make the event more special and unforgettable. Since the operations include consultancy as well as facilitating locations, grooming, decoration, wedding services and honeymoon, it must concentrate on building a network of service providers that are equally committed towards making an event memorable through quality experience. Operations Management function will be responsible for coordinating between the service providers and the customers such that high quality service will be delivered to the client at the stipulated time. The service providers consist of hotels and resort owners, catering services, interior decorators, florists, hospitality managers, tours and travel agents, orchestra etc. The strategy to achieve a competitive advantage must be realized by providing a unique and novel experience and the service providers must be selected consistent with this goal. Next, Operations management will hire a professional website development services to design a website that highlights the services offered by the firm as well as the factors that distinguishes it from similar firms. The website will include online booking, consultancy and financial transaction services to facilitate easy and quick service. There is provision for assigning a company representative for each potential client who discusses and notes down the date of the event, client’s preferences, suggests options to him according to his budget and follows up the process. Once the order is finalized and all requirements of the client noted down, the representative will confirm the final plan with the client and incorporate the changes suggested. The final plan is drawn after confirming with the service providers about availability of venue and other services on a particular date. An advance is deposited in the company account after confirmation of the plan. The operation strategy focuses on giving a good quality experience to the customers that would be cherished throughout their lives thus fulfilling the core value of complete customer satisfaction. It achieves this objective by coordinating between functions so that resources are available at the right time in the right place.
Projected Personnel Plan
A Personnel plan is a detailed description of estimated human resource in various positions. It constitutes development of job descriptions, recruitment, selection and training procedures at various stages of the business. For a wedding management business at its start up stage, personnel must be recruited to fulfil requirements like accounts, marketing, purchase, sales and operations. All these functions will need a manager and staff. The managers will directly report to the owner at the start up stage. However, after growth of the business, there may be additions to the structure with the number of executive positions increased.
Since a wedding planning and management business needs intensive interaction with clients so as to understand and fulfil exact requirements, the operations management executives and staff must have excellent communication skills. He must possess the ability to grasp and understand the client’s tastes and preferences so as to enrich his experience. Thus the personnel plan must realize operations management strategy of obtaining more business from satisfied clients who will recommend the services of the company to other potential candidates.
Physical Locations and Facilities Plans
At the start up stage, the company will locate its Head Office in upscale Los Angeles, with four branch offices at the four zones of California. The four branch offices will focus on procuring orders, coordinating with local service providers and customers. All matters regarding receipt and payment of money will be directed by the HO. Since almost all physical services will be outsourced, it is not necessary to maintain an inventory decoration, furniture or catering. However, some essential items must be stored to provide for contingencies. A makeshift store will be maintained at the back of all offices.
Operations and Quality Assurance plan
After an order is finalized and resources are mobilized by coordinating with the service providers, the company will ensure customer satisfaction and further interactions by formulating a quality assurance plan. All requirements will be documented by the representative and confirmed with the customer to avoid any discrepancy .This plan will include feedback from the customers regarding service quality, speed and involvement so that its services are consistent with the firm’s mission, vision and core values in future also.
The company will focus on vendor development so that their service is in alignment with the company’s mission. Regular feedback will be provided to them so that they can rectify complaints if any.
The company shall further reaffirm customer’s trust by promising to refund payments if the services are not delivered on time or are of sub standard quality and not as promised by the company.
Works Cited
“Business Plan: Your Organizational and Operating Plan.” Investopedia. http://www.investopedia.com/university/business-plan/business-plan6.asp. Accessed 9 Jan. 2017
