Part (a) - 200 words
Dear Patricia,
Having read about your current situation in relation to your Lodge Bistro chain, I have identified several problems including:
Inconsistency in the approach of managers
High staff turnover
Decor and furniture
Training
Stakeholder concerns
Targets
The high turnover of staff is costing the company valuable time and money, recruiting new staff and having to carry out training to enable them to be able to work in the Bistro. This is leading to an inexperienced workforce as no one is staying long enough to gain on the job skills.
Head office is only focused on targets being met and is not concerned about how they are achieved. This lowers the standards of the Bistro further as short cuts are being made to meet the requirements of head office. …show more content…
The dated appearance of the chain is popular with the older generation however they tend to have less disposable income than young professional adults and will be the first to cut back when recession strikes.
Part (b) - 168 words
The concept I have chosen to use is SWOT analysis. It can be used to identify the positives and negatives of the internal environment (strengths and weaknesses) and the external environment (opportunities and threats). SWOT analysis is an easy way to interpret large quantities of information and it enabled me to gain an overview of the businesses position in relation to the exterior factors. SWOT is useful specifically to Lodge Bistro as it will allow Patricia Lodge to explore the possible solutions and then prioritise them.
Strengths
Well established history of over 20 years
Computerised financial reporting