Introduction Kudler Fine Foods (KFF), opened in 1998, is “committed to providing their customers with the finest selection of the very best foods and wines so that your culinary visions can come true” (Kudler Fine Foods, 2007). Kathy Kudler, President and Founder, “vision was to create one store that would stock a wide selection of the freshest ingredients as well as all of the tools a gourmet cook could ever want” (Kudler Fine Foods, 2007). She was certain that her company would be a great success if she combined the convenience of a one-stop shop with reasonable pricing. The purpose of this paper is to examine the primary management functions and its relation to KFF by describing who is responsible for each function, to explain how technology and the Internet are utilized and how it affects management, and cite an example using KFF organization that illustrates Porter’s Five Forces model.
The Primary Functions of Management
Planning and Strategizing
“Planning and strategizing and two sides of the same coin. For a company to be successful, the goals of individuals, teams, and management should be coordinated to support the firm’s mission” (Balkin & Gomez-Mejia, 2002). KFF mission is to “provide their customers the finest in selected foodstuffs, wines, and related needs in an unparalleled consumer environment” (Kudler Intranet, 2003, 2005, & 2008). Kathy sets the direction and guidance for KFF by planning for the future in accomplishing the mission and creating an environment that facilitates clear direction. Yvonne Reynolds (Director of Store Operations), Henry Stephens (Director of Finance & Accounting), Brenda Wagner (Director of Administration & Human Resources), Kent Vesper (Store Manager of La Jolla), Laurie Priest (Store Manager of Del Mar), and Juanita Lopez (Store Manager of Encinitas) works closely with Kathy to
