...Unsolved Opportunities at Kudler Fine Foods The purpose of this paper is to identify one of the problems within the Virtual Organization of Kudler Fine Foods (KFF) and provide goals to resolve that problem. The goals themselves will be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound (SMART).The end state vision of the goals for approximately one year out is also presented with a proviso of management action and implementation. The problem for KFF is that they have stopped doing the organizational and customer oriented stategies that made them successful when the company started. In order to accomplish this, ownership can make a commitment in the areas of needs assessment, advertising, and customer interaction for all future markets over the next year. Research for the first location of Kudler Fine Foods began with a needs assessment. Ms. Kudler opened her first store in 1998 in La Jolla, California. This location met the owner’s initial needs assessment. La Jolla’s population was 44,424 and growing. The average median house price is just over $2 million (University of Phoenix, 2007). Ms. Kudler chose her first location well. It has supported the other two stores opened to date. Neither the Del Mar nor Encinitas stores have similar demographics to La Jolla. The populations and the household incomes appear to be much smaller in the newer locations. This may be part of the reason that the last two stores are approximately break-even...
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...System Integrity and Validation ACC 542 August 12, 2013 Milan Havel Abstract Kudler seeks to improve their audit process by allowing changes implemented to their audit documentation process. It is important to implement changes reflected by computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATs). These changes will offer a variety of benefits to Kudler as well as the auditor. The use of CAATs will allow auditors to use the software for improved analysis and application of security. Auditors will also be able to extract and analyze data to foresee any potential threats, trends, fraud issues, or foresee expectations. The use of validation tools will also allow Kudler greater success in their audit. Using test decks, integrated test facilities (ITF), and parallel simulations will allow auditors to verify and test data quickly and effectively. The functions of this software will improve greatly not only the speed of the audit, but also accuracy as well. Auditors will be able to analyze a vast amount of data and verify balances, again information, and verify any duplicate information. Kudler should choose a custom audit software suitable to their organizational needs. More specifically, they should focus on accuracy, reliability, and compliance as their key goals for the audit. The distinct audit software should be in connection with their AIS and will offer numerous benefits. Kudler and the auditor will be able to manage current or past transactions, history, reporting...
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...Introduction Kudler Fine Foods is a specialty gourmet food shop, created by Kathy Kudler in 1998. Over the years Kudler has made changes to improve the business and her latest idea is to contract organic produce from local gardeners in the area. There are business processes that can be affected by Kudler’s decision and it will be explained how they will be affected. The supply within Kudler will also be affected and an evaluation will be made to discuss how and why. Lastly it will be determined what quality control tools and performance standards may need to be put in place on order to monitor the success of the innovative idea. The Process Analysis Kudler’s plan of purchasing organic produce will expand the company further as the company already specializes in quality food items. However with ordering organic produce from local gardeners comes the need for close monitoring. There are three steps used in operations management which are acquiring inputs, controlling the conversion processes and delivering the product (Gomez-Mejia & Balkin, 2002). The customer’s needs have to be analyzed to determine whether the organic produce will be sold and profit will increase. Planning consists of monitoring how the customer’s needs and wants change and making a decision to implement the changes. Because the local growers are closer, this will cut the shipping costs while also providing fresher produce to customers more frequently. This could also affect Kudler negatively if produce...
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...2012 System Integrity and Validation Kudler Fine Foods has three different locations that carry domestic and imported foods that are in five different departments. Kudler Fine Food management decided to have an accounting firm come in and look at the computer system that they are using. Kudler Fine Food is looking to successfully improve the system for possible expansion in the local area or in different states. The accounting firm has given Kudler Fine Foods six weeks to let them know what the strengths, weaknesses, and what improvements need to be done. The accounting firm took the first week to look at the type of system that Kudler Fine Foods have and how to make improvements. What the accounting firm discovered is that Kudler Fine Foods has installed the comprehensive modular Retail Management System which is a point-of-sale that may or may not have a web-based program. During this time the accounting firm discussed the improvements to the module to reduce the manual transactions and make the system more effective. The accounting firm also discussed the possible threats and ways that the threats can be prevented. The next step that needed to be discussed is the type of software for Kudler Fine Foods. The accounting firm made a suggestion of industry-customizable financial software that would replace the current processes. Once the accounting firm decided that the industry-customizable financial software would benefit Kudler Fine Foods there were flowcharts produced for the...
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...Kudler Fine Foods: Operations Management MMPBL/502 MMPBL/502 – Managing the Business Enterprise 9/6/10 University of Phoenix Kudler Fine Foods: Operations Management Kudler Fine Foods is an upscale specialty gourmet food company. Their goal is to provide every customer with the best food products from wines, domestic products, and fresh organic foods. Kathy the CEO of the company wants to expand their business by contracting with local growers so they can provide Kudler Fine Foods with the best available organic products out there. By being able to have a huge organic section in all three stores will increase the company’s operational efficiency and retail sales. These changes will affect their supply chain with the local growers. This will also allow Kudler Fine Foods to develop a healthy relationship with the suppliers (local growers). They will be able to have better control over their quality and performance measures. They will be able to set quality standards and to provide good quality product to the customers that will allow them to increase their business and customer base. Kudler Fine Foods is in a position to be a competitive company against other similar companies that have not made the necessary changes to grow as a company. Kudler Fine Foods objective will be to offer the best of organic products to the customer so they can build a loyal customer base and to be able to build a long and strong relationship with the local organic growers, but...
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...Kudler Fine Foods is a company that uses a significant amount of electronic data and information to flow through their system on a daily basis. The company relies on this data to be accurate and trustworthy. Considering the dependency and importance of the electronic data flowing through the system in such a high volume, they would benefit from computer assisted audit techniques (CAATs). A CAATs audit is focused on testing the computer systems for data integrity and security of the company’s information data processing. CAATs provide a 10 step process made available to the auditor for use as guidelines in conducting an efficient audit. The guidelines will reduce the time to complete the audit, save money and ensure a high degree of confidence in the audit results. The CAATs audit will provide the owner of Kudler Fine Foods with assurance that the systems are operating with accuracy and the data is secure. To initiate the audit procedure, the auditor will first collaborate with the owner of Kudler Fine Foods to define the intents and desired end results of the audit. The auditor will review the computer systems, processes, types of data and process controls with Kathy Kudler to ensure that she thoroughly understands the system. Through this collaboration, the auditor will determine the best strategies for assessing the risks associated with the system and current processes. He or she will also determine the optimal strategy for collecting and testing data. Once...
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...Kudler Foods The change in technology creates business opportunities in every market. Technology can change the ways businesses measure competition and behavior. Technology also allows businesses to conduct every day processes. To maintain the Kudler Fine Foods mission and the growth of the company, Kathy Kudler and her management team have to keep up with current market trends and technology to sustain their place in the upscale specialty food market. This text will provide an assessment of how changes in technology have created business opportunities for Kathy Kudler and Kudler Fine Foods, give an analysis of the generic strategy Kudler Fine Foods, and provide an analysis of how the management can continuously scan the grocer industry for ideas to update its strategy. Technology and business opportunities For most businesses seeking expansion, information technologies are a key element to consider when refining operations and enhancing customer service. According to Turban and Potter (2001), Strategic Information Systems can strengthen competitive advantages. For example, British Airways implemented customer service online and self-checking at the airports. Though the reorganization of the stores and operations, the company can increase its operating efficiency and cost management. To gain a competitive advantage in the upscale specialty food market, Kathy Kudler and her management team decided to start with a basic site and add electronic commerce capabilities...
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...Definition of Marketing MKT/421 Marketing Research Analysis: Kudler Fine Foods Kathy Kudler started Kudler Fine Foods in 1988 because she had a passion for cooking and gourmet foods. Kathy Kudler has three locations, they are in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas, the stores have all been successful. Kudler Fine Foods stores sell gourmet and quality foods, they sell baked goods, meats, seafood, fresh produce, dairy products, and a variety of fine wines. With their great deal of success they will likely be able to expand to new locations in the future. Kudler Fine Foods mission is to “provide their customers with the finest selected foodstuff, wines, and related needs in an unparalleled consumer environment (University of Phoenix, 2008).” Marketing research will aid in helping her find the right marketing strategy to help the business in the future. Importance of Marketing Research People who start businesses “need information in order to produce products and services that create value in the mind of the customer (Internet Center for Management and Business Administration, 2010).” Market research considers the business, competitors, and customers. Kudler Fine Foods needs to do market research to ensure they have all of the information about their competition and target market. When market research is done correctly, businesses minimize their risk. There is five steps involved in Marketing research. The first step is to define the problem, analyze...
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... Marketing Research Analysis: Kudler Fine Foods In marketing we learn the various variables that companies use to market and strategize products or a message to a large base of individuals. The difference between selling a product and advertising a product is the amount of research that goes into determining who will buy the product. The most unique component about marketing is the target demographics such as age groups, gender, culture, ethnicity, and various other target audiences are the areas a marketing strategy would have to consider to be effective. With Kudler Fine foods you come to found that you have an organization that has adopted a simple motto, which has reflected in its overall success, which is “Provide their customers with the finest selected foodstuff, wines, and related needs in an unparalleled consumer environment” (University of Phoenix, 2008). As we have seen the Kudler Fine Food organization has branch into a three location in the California area. With a successful marketing strategy the Kudler Fine Food business with see a substantial increase in its business and expansion to more individuals informed of their business or products. Importance of Marketing Research Marketing research is the key component...
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...Tran March 1, 2014 Marketing Research Analysis: Kudler Fine Foods Kathy Kudler has a passion for cooking and gourmet food, and so she started Kudler Fine Foods in 1988. She has successfully opened three locations for her store, in La Jolla, Del Mar, and Encinitas. Kudler Fine Foods sells gourmet-quality foods, like baked goods, seafoods and meats, fresh produce, cheese and other dairy products, and fine wine. They are achieving a great deal of success, and they will likely be able to expand. Kathy wants her business bigger, and now she is looking for the right place to put her new shop. Kudler Fine Foods says that their mission is to “provide their customers with the finest selected foodstuff, wines, and related needs in an unparalleled consumer environment (University of Phoenix, 2008).” Market research will help Kathy find the right marketing strategy to help her business do even better. Importance of Marketing Research Like Kathy, people who start businesses “need information in order to produce products and services that create value in the mind of the customer (Internet Center for Management and Business Administration, 2010).” Market research considers the business, their competitors, and their customers. Before they expand, Kudler Fine Foods needs to do market research to be sure that they have all of the information about their target market and the competition. When...
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...Marketing Research Kudler Fine Food’s is an upscale gourmet food store located in the San Diego metropolitan area and has three locations. Each store is stocked with the finest bakery, meats, produce, cheese and dairy products, and many domestic and imported wines (Kudler Fine Foods). This composition will discuss the importance of marketing research in the development of Kudler Fine Foods marketing strategy and tactics, and will identify the areas where additional market research is needed. The author of this paper will also analyze the importance of competitive intelligence and analysis in regards to the development of Kudler Fine Food’s marketing strategy and tactics. Importance of Market Research Armstrong and Kotler (2011) stated, “Marketing research is the systematic design, collection, analysis, and reporting of data relevant to a specific marketing situation facing an organization” (p. 106). The ultimate importance of marketing research is to determine what the consumer wants, prime location, and who the competition is. Companies that invest time in conducting a market research increase their chances of succeeding. Market research plays an important role in every aspect of an organization’s strategy of expansion and diversification. Due to Kudler Fine Foods expanding their services, they need to know more about their competition by conducting a market research. The market research will assist Kudler Fine Foods in determining the areas or location potentially weak...
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...Phoenix MMPBL 502 Michael Reynolds Sr. 09/12/2011 Kudler Fine Foods a fine cuisine market opened their doors in 1998, catering to customers who wanted fresh ingredients and a variety of gourmet meals. Kudler Fine Foods flourished into three separate store locations in California. Kudler Foods decided to expanded to expand their business and partner with organic farmers. In doing this Kudler Fine Foods was making a strategic move to attract new clientele and new generate new business for their organization. For this to be successful opportunity and venture for Kudler to work with the organic farmers, Kudler. [pic]In order to maintain success on the business enterprise to work with local farmers, Kudler must perform a strategic analysis of affected areas of their supply chain activities business processes, and the quality of control systems business processes The move to contract with local farmers will affect various business processes within Kudler Fine Foods.[pic] This will be accomplished by Kudler Fine Foods which include product forecasting and inventory management. purchasing, inventory management, and product forecasting. Each store of Kudler would have their own purchasing power and inventory, due to the fact the customer demands vary from each location. “They note in their 2003 strategic plan that gourmet foods (imported foods and organically grown food) cost just a little bit more than what you normally find in the grocery store. If...
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...Marketing Research MKT/421 May 21, 2012 Ron Rosalik Marketing Research Kudlers Fine Foods “Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought” (Szent, 2012). Kudlers Fine Food’s mission is to “provide their customers with the finest selected foodstuff, wines, and related needs in an unparalleled consumer environment” (Kudlers Fine Foods, 2008, para. 2). Kathy Kudlers, the founder of Kudlers Fine Food’s is enthusiastic about gourmet cooking. Opening for business, in 1998, since that date, continues to claim success with three accompanying locations, undergoing substantial growth by offering gourmet imported and domestic products. Operations proficiency is Kudlers goal, which in turn will increase profits. In order to reach objectives, Kudlers must focus on marketing strategies, tactics to promote the company’s new services. We will examine the marketing strategies and tactics, additional areas of needed marketing research, and identify the importance of competitive intelligence. Importance of Marketing Research Kudlers fine foods must focus on marketing research to introduce new products and find out customers’ needs and wants. Kudlers fine foods create a plan, accomplishing this specific task of creating a marketing strategy in a process of six steps. These include problem definition, developing an approach to problem, research design formulation, fieldwork, data preparation and analysis, report generation and presentation....
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...Running head: Overview of Management of Kudler Fine Foods Overview of Management of Kudler Fine Foods Nabil Joseph Srouji University of Phoenix Introduction The success or failure of an organization can be determined based on the a few aspects. The first would be the strength of the management team within. Managers who want to succeed must understand the importance of incorporating the primary functions of management. Organizations exist in markets surrounded by competition, and this is another factor that management must ensure to respond properly. Strategic planning is crucial to ensure the organization know how to respond to any potential competition. Incorporating Porter’s Five-Force Model can help organizations in any industry to recognize the potential threats that could affect the organizations profitability and position in the industry. Kudler Fine foods are an example of an organization that can apply...
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...information explains the importance of marketing research to Kudler Fine Foods. They will determine the best location to open a new store to add to the three already successful stores. It will cover the marketing strategy and tactics that will best benefit the company. This is determined from the advice found from Mark Vitale, PhD, William D. Perrault and the author. The author believes that following the five steps of market research, utilizing competitive intelligence and analysis, and determining consumers’ needs and desires through research, conversation, and a survey will allow continued success for Kudler Fine Foods. An expansion is inevitable as is success when following the allowed guidelines of marketing research and analysis. Introduction Kathy Kudler, the founder of Kudler Fine Foods, loved to cook gourmet foods as a way of relieving the stress from her position with a defense contractor. When shopping for ingredients to prepare her gourmet fare, she realized a business opportunity for which she had been searching (Apollo Group, 2011). Kathy went to work developing a business plan and obtaining financing. The first Kudler Fine Food Store opened in La Jolla on June 18, 1998. The store caught on quickly, and a second store was opened in Del Mar in 2000 and still another in Encinitas, in 2003. Kudler Fine Foods offers quality gourmet foods like bakery products, meat, seafood, produce, cheese, dairy, and fine wines (Apollo Group, 2011). With the proven success of...
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