Operations Plan
| Activity | Timeframe | Individual responsible | Budget | Remarks |
| Identity of the locations or premises for the business | One month | The shareholders will outsource the function | $200 | The locations should be strategic to enhance visibility of the business. |
| Recruitment of the manager, sales and marketing and the operations manager | Three weeks | The shareholders will outsource the function | $500 | The individuals must have the requisite qualifications and experience. |
| Developing the company logo | One week | The operations and sales manager | $100 | The logo must demonstrate the mission of the business. |
| Identity and engagement ofthe suppliers of raw materials | Two weeks | Operations manager | $300 | The contractual obligations should be medium to long-term. |
| Purchase of the processing equipment | One week | Operations manager | $7000 | |
| Identity of the supplier ofpackaging equipment | One week | Operations manager | $2000 | The contractual obligations should be medium to long-term. |
| Development of the marketing messages and designing of the marketing platforms like social media pages and website for the company. | Two weeks | Sales and marketing manager | $300 | |
| Recruitment and training of sales representatives | One month | Sales and marketing manager | $500 |
Rationale for the competitive advantages
The business will attain competitive advantages by utilizing its ability to differentiate its product portfolio from the competition. For instance, the company will present the product in different flavors to ensure it appeals to a higher number of customer segments. Also, the company will utilize organic ingredients in the manufacture of the products to ensure they are aligned with the tastes and preferences of the customers as majority are health-conscious and prefer avoiding processed sugars and other ingredients required in the manufacture of the smoothies.
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By adopting the differentiation strategy, the company enhances value to customers as they are less exposed to health risks and attain higher levels of product enjoyment and utility (Shirazi & Ravindran, 2013). These outcomes also guarantee value for money for the customers.
The availability of the product in different flavors and being packaged in different sizes that are portable also enhances the levels of uniqueness of the product and suitability to different customer profiles. The capabilities will contribute positively in enhancing higher levels of customer satisfaction. It also enhances positive brand reputation that increases the switching costs of the customers to the competition.
The marketing of the products through online platforms like social media and the company’s website promotes customer engagement. The marketing personnel can directly engage the customers and clarify their concerns and also take note of their opinions. Since the company will not outsource its production activities, it will be easier to incorporate the views and opinions of the customers to further enhance the alignment of the products to their preference. Such engagement is vital in enhancing increased levels of customer attachment to the business.
The company will also purchase the equipment needed for the production activities like blenders, refrigerators, cutting boards, and juicers amongst others. The decision to purchase is necessary in reducing the incremental rental costs for such products in the long-term. The company will ensure each of the equipment has warranties to cover for any manufacturing defects and will also enter into service agreements with the suppliers. The cost savings that will accrue in the long-term by choosing to purchase the equipment will be directed to value-adding activities like market development and product research.
Some of the research and product development activities will include the generation of data analytics on sales to determine the relationship between sales volumes and aspects like the weather, pricing models and the period of the month. Such activities will enhance the adaptability of the company’s market activities with the market characteristics.
Technology plan
| Nature of technology/activity | Business area impacted by the technology | Budget | Timeframe |
| Developing a technology policy | All areas | $1000 | One month |
| Installation of business phone system | Every area | $1000 | One week |
| Installation of accounting software | Finance | $1500 | Two weeks |
| Installation of credit card processing software | Finance | $2500 | One week |
| Recruitment of systems analyst and a network engineer | All areas | $200 | One month |
The recruitment of the systems analyst is vital as he ensures the technical capabilities of the business are optimally integrated with the business processes and the skill sets of the available employees. He also interacts with the users of the system to ensure they are understand how their inputs impact on other areas of the business. The capabilities are vital as they enhance the efficiency levels of the business. The higher levels of efficiency are vital in improving customer service and employee productivity that are essential in boosting the performance of the business.
The recruitment of the network engineer is also crucial as he is in charge of monitoring and upgrading the local and wide area networks for the business. He will also ensure security safeguards have been implemented to prevent the exposure of company information to unauthorized personnel. The position ensures the networks and communication systems of the company work optimally. It eliminates the likelihood of disaffected workers or customers. The capabilities enhance the quality of service by the business in the market and also reduce the response times by the company to customer issues (Nelson, 2018). Further, the personnel play a critical role in ensuring there is secure and timely exchange of information and reports amongst the different sections of the business. Such capabilities enhance the quality of decision-making.
Management and organization
Management plan
| Activity | Objective | Strategies | Timeframe |
| Assigning employee duties through job descriptions. | Ensure employee capabilities are utilized fully in their roles. | Use of job descriptions | One month |
| Performance management | Ensure the goals set for every employee are attained. | Use of quarterly performance appraisals | Continuous |
| Compensation and reward management | Ensure employees are paid for their work and recognized for outstanding performance. | Use of performance appraisal reports | Continuous |
| Conduct risk assessment and management activities | Mitigate ant vulnerabilities that expose the business to risks. | Developing risk assessment plans | Continuous |
The hierarchy of the management is as follows;
Managing director
Operations manager
Sales and marketing manager
Finance manager
Network engineer and systems analyst
The management structure is flatter rather than hierarchical. The structure promotes the sharing of ideas and opinions amongst the employees at all levels. The structure promotes faster decision-making as the officials are easily reachable. Also, it promotes the rapid evolvement of innovative and creative ideas that are vital in enhancing the performance of the business in the market. The employees can collaborate and coordinate various activities of the business, especially the market activities and ensure the company’s actions in the market are responsive to the needs of the customers.
The responsiveness is vital in facilitating higher levels of customer satisfaction during the formative stages of the company in the market. The capability is essential in creating a positive image for the company and the brand in the market. The development of a positive image is vital in giving the company a competitive edge over rivals, especially due to increased levels of efficiency that are guaranteed through the structure (Banerjee, 2013).
The flatter structure also ensures the company can easily identify and exploit market opportunities. Due to the reduced reporting levels, the employees at the lower echelons can easily share their opinions with their seniors thereby facilitating prompt brainstorming as there are no procedural issues. The employees at the lower levels also feel recognized and appreciated as they can directly engage their bosses. It results to higher levels of motivate, morale and enthusiasm that increases their productivity.
References
Banerjee, A. (2013). Management essentials: A recipe for business success . Chicago. Sage Publications.
Nelson, W. (2018). Advances in business & management . New York. Pearson.
Shirazi, F. & Ravindran, A. (2013). Business review: Advanced applications . New York. Pearson.
