Arguably, starting and running a business is one of the complex tasks to undertake. In the contemporary society, there are many challenges that entrepreneurs face in trying to make profit, manage, and advance in business. Competition has become tremendously stiff, whereby every business either small or large struggle to achieve competitive advantage over those competitors operating in the same field. In the case study, Catherine is facing a lot of challenges in operating and managing her business. It is clear that things are not obtainable the right way.
Some of the main issues making Catherine unhappy include operations, service delivery, revenue, profitability, as well as employees. Additionally, the pressure she is facing has hindered her enjoyment in her field of expertise and her creativity (Slack & Lewis 2003).
In this case, there are various suggestions that could be of great help to Catherine. The business seems to be overwhelming for Catherine; hence, she is not in a position to design, control the supply of products, as well as overseeing the entire business. Catherine is not in a position to operate her business efficiently using the few available resources, in order to make a profit, which is directly related to meeting the requirements of the consumer. As a matter of fact, Catherine should go back and do what she use to enjoy and do best. This will blot the beginning of a successful business carrier. Based on the study, it is apparent that there is market for her products, and customers are at an increase. Therefore, quitting should not be an option at all. Additionally, Catherine needs to focus of the profitability aspect of business, this is because it makes no sense operate and manage a business that is running at a loss (McDaniel & Gitman 2008).
At the begining, Catherine Horton enjoyed the freedom to be creative in developing dishes, as well as being an expert in cooking. Moreover, Catherine should continue being creative, and employ modern ways of marketing her products. Operation management is also crucial in ensuring that the business achieves its intended objectives (Siegel & Shim 1999). Furthermore, Catherine needs to draw an excellent business plan, which will act as the guide in carrying out the business. Catherine’s business has two crucial factors, which is customers and will to be creative. For her to be successful, she should incorporate all business related activities, which include inventory control, managing sales, quality control, evaluation, logistics as well as storage. This will drive her towards achieving effectiveness and efficiency of business processes. Catherine also should reconsider working on what she enjoys in full-time basis.
Conversably, before making decisions Catherine need to draw a budget plan and analyze the logic of carrying out the business. If the business does not create any revenue, then there is no need of undertaking it. Analytically, there is a possibility that Catherine’s business is in a position to make a profit, but she needs to employ efficient employees who has the knowledge and skills to do business. Moreover, Catherine should reconsider looking for a good business venue of business, whereby it will allow the creation of economies of scale (McDaniel & Gitman, 2008). The creation process of economies of scale in Catherine’s case entails analyzing, evaluating, and observing her systems of operations so as to identify various areas where she can save money and time through consolidation. Perhaps, Christine need to make the decision after stating and analyzing the uncertainty of the business, complexity, high-risk consequences, interpersonal issues, as well as available alternatives. Moreover, she should list all the available business opportunities that she is best and enjoys doing, and then select the best option to undertake.
Generally, Christine needs to develop modern strategies that will satisfy the customers. In fact, she should move from traditional ways of advertising and utilize modern techniques. Additionally, hiring of personnel to help her should be efficient and well trained. Christine is not only spending a lot of time training employees, but also money; hence, she should hire professionals and ensure that they are working in full-time basis. Generally, it is crucial to adapt modern and dynamic management skills and techniques.
References
McDaniel, C & Gitman, L. 2008. The Future of Business: The Essentials. Cambridge: Cengage
Siegel, J & Shim, J. 1999. Operation Management. New York: Barrons
Slack, N & Lewis, M. 2003). Operation Management. London: Routledge
