1. Southwest Michigan Business Services
Impuesto de Libertad Servicio y de Ocupacion de Suroeste Michigan
Franchise opportunity with
Liberty Tax
By
Daniel Cosgrove
2. Table of Contents
1.0. Executive Summary……….……………………………………………………….3
1.1. Personal Background................................................................................…3
1.2. Products and Servcies……………………………………………………..5
1.3 Financing………………………………………………………………….6
1.4 Team Establishment...................................................... .............................7
2.0. Marketing Audit……................................................... .......................................….9
2.1 Company Information…………………………………………………….9
2.2 Sales Forecast……………………………………………………………..9
2.3 Information Resources…………………………………………………...11
2.4 Time Frame………………………………………………………………11
2.5 Challenges………………………………………………………………..12
3.0 Location and Market Analysis…………………………………………………...13
3.1 Location………………………………………………………………….13
3.2 Economic Outlook……………………………………………………….13
3.3 Developing Right Shareholders………………………………………….14
3.4 Maintaining a good market structure…………………………………….16
4.0 Marketing plan…………………………………………………………………...17
4.1 Improving on efficiencies………………………………………………..17
4.2 Using technology to our advantage………………………………………20
5.0 Industry Analysis………………………………………………………………...27
5.1 Managing risks…………………………………………………………...27
5.2 Leadership………………………………………………………………..28
5.3 Human Resources role…………………………………………………...29
5.4 Role of ethics and corporate culture……………………………………..30
5.5 Project to benefit the economy…………………………………………..31
6.0 Corporate relationship with franchisor…………………………………………..34
7.0 Project to Benefit the Economy………………………………………………….36
8.0 Products and Services…………………………………………………………....37
9.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….35
3. Table of Contents, Continued
10.0 Cover letter………………………………………………………………………38.
10.1 Resume…………………………………………………………………..39
11.0 Biography………………………………………………………………………..41
4. Southwest Michigan Business Services
1.0. Executive Summary
The purpose for this business plan is to establish a franchise with Liberty Tax Service and
a retail outlet, such as Goodwill or one from my previous employers. The Liberty Tax
franchise would operate as a staff member meeting place to collaborate staff job
responsibilities. Liberty Tax would offer the human resources activities for the staff
members to receive the appropriate career tenure. I will show projected financials and
operation over the next three years. This Liberty Tax franchise would be operated under
the name; “Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Services and operated by Daniel
Jerome Cosgrove in projected city of Battle Creek, Michigan, Springfield, Michigan,
and/or the township of Harper Creek, Michigan.
1.1. Personal Background
I have established an employment history within the retail industry through my
employment with Burger King on West Columbia Ave, Battle Creek, MI and West
Columbia Shell Food Mart in Battle Creek, MI. As my employment contiued from the
period of 1995 to the end end of the first qaurter of 2009, an early terminated due to lack
of communication with supposely "senior management." As a result for my employment,
I have endured an academic undergraduate training starting in the summer of 1995
semester through the end of the fall semester of 2002. I have balanced my work
experience and undergraduate academic tenure in Business Administration, focusing in
management and accounting. I have also worked with Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
partially during the year of 2006 and 2007, which was also early terminated. My
employment experience with West Columbia Shell and Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, has
given me the opportunity to work on my customer service skills and improve on my data
entry skills. I know I have conducted some wrongful acts, but in my defense, these are
not my fault entirely and result from situational factors.
5. My undergraduate educational achievement started at Kellogg Community College from
the summer semester of 1995 through the summer semester of 1998. I then transferred to
Western Michigan University in the fall semester of 1998, which continues until the Fall
semester of 2002. I received my Bachelor of Business Administration in the summer of
2001, without going through any ceremonies. I continued to take upper level courses via
Western Michigan University beyond my completion for my bachelor degree, but did not
finish do to frustration. I have conducted some academic review via Davenport
University and the University of Phoenix, which resulted in a Bachelor of Management
from Davenport University and a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix.
During my academic review, I have conducted various researches on specific topics
which allowed me to develop marketing research papers. In addition, during my
unemployment period, I have conducted academic review by trying to regain
employment by submitting disclaimers to the unemployment agency and various
financial obligation creditors. Also during my unemployment period, I have conducted
additional research for my academic achievement, which helped me realized that I have
some minor weaknesses that I need to make some improvement, such as: minor variation
of Autism. These condition does not hinder my performance for performing the job tasks,
needs some consideration for determining an effective relationship on an interpersonal
level and professional level.
An effective organization management, should function on a mix between centralized and
decentralize structure. This entails functioning on a decentralized structure focus the
organization to develop a control measure which senior managers act as human resources
agents assistants to ensure entry-level positions comply with proper business procedures.
This measure allows everyone within the organization to develop the proper tenure
achievement based on their work experience, academic level, and relationship among
other stakeholders. Functioning on a centralized structure, gives internal stakeholders
ability to perform their assigned tasks at a level which is appropriate to their abilities. In a
decentralized and centralized organizational structure, senior management should not
allow internal stakeholders to take more than the qualified length of time to conduct
business operation task. When this happens the organization gives too much control on
6. lower level internal stakeholders. In addition, the organization functions on low
efficiencies status, underemployment/over employment, and results in waste resources
management.
1.2. Products and Services
Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Service franchise will offer tax preparation
to individual taxpayers as well as to small business clients. The client has choices in tax
preparation; however we will stand out as an affordable solution that incorporates
certified industry knowledge, a professional and courteous staff, and an invaluable
guarantee. We will grow the business from initial start-up by providing outstanding
customer service and keeping solid customer retention. This will ensure steady sales
growth each year for all co-owners and/or investors. As a business organization, we will
be dependent on the products and services we manufacture. In this business opportunity I
would like to focus on the products offered; such as tax preparation, tax training,
inventory management services, EBay on-line auction, estate whole-sale, accounting
services, and financial management services.
Liberty Tax of Southwest Business Services would have the support from Liberty Tax,
Inc to provide incentives to promote good customer service relationships. Any retail
operation requires good customer service skills and interacting with the public to promote
products and services in an efficient and effective manner. Adding the option to promote
and sell items under an organization’s guidance will help a community of other business
function in a professional manner.
Employees would be required to submit a report for their activities during their assigned
shift. Each report would provide a base for their productivity; determine their vacation
time, wage increase, and other incentives. Adequate reports are important to the
development of a successful business as they determine an organizations tax structure.
Reports provide government a way to determine benchmarks for an industry for which
businesses operate.
7. 1.3 Financing
Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Services would like to acquire a twenty-
five year, either a secured or unsecured small business loan in the amount of $150,000. I
would expect the interest rate to be an adjustable-variable rate with a twenty-five year
term. As stated in figure 1, I have presented the initial start-up costs for the first year of
operation and if necessary part of the second year of operation.
Liberty Tax Franchise
Statement of Financial Funding Request
For Daniel Jerome Cosgrove
For Business start-up beginning January 1, 2015
For year ending December 31, 2014
Description Qty From To Actual
Initial Franchise fee
$
40,000.00
$
40,000.00
Initial Advertising
$
5,000.00
$
7,000.00
$
7,000.00
Travel/living expenses while training
$
100.00
$
2,500.00
$
2,500.00
Equipment and furniture
$
3,000.00
$
5,000.00
Signs
$
500.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
Rent
$
3,000.00
$
6,000.00
$
6,000.00
Miscellaneous (license fees, utility, supplies)
$
3,000.00
$
4,500.00
$
4,500.00
$50,000
Term 15yrs. Revolving
Figure 1: Financing statement
8. 1.4. Team establishment
The management team for this business plan would consist of a human resource agency,
which will provide tenure, work experience, legal compliance. The compensation for
human resource agents would range from $19.35 an hour to $29 per hour, depending on
experience, ethical behavior, and tenure. I would employ internal and external marketing
facilities for the support of marketing relationship for processing retail ordering,
promotion of business services, and maintaining a good corporate culture assessing any
risks related to corporate governance and governmental regulations.
Another management team would be an organization board of directors. The board of
directors would be not necessary be located in the state of Michigan, but the District
board of directors would have a location in Michigan. The board of directors would
provide assessment for approval of all transactions, business negotiations; provide
feedback on how the business unit is meeting the needs for the community and economy.
The staff for the board of directors would be members whom have acquired sufficient
work experience and tenure within the retail industry, whose age is at least age 55. The
board of directors would act as external auditors’, review the activities from location
business managers report.
A third management team would be the location staff. This team would consist of at least
two business managers, seven-to-ten retail staff members, internal human resource
managers, a labor relations manager, and an full service external janitorial service. This
business would provide tax service, on-line auction via ebay, possibly other business
services as seen suitable for the business unit.
9. Liberty Tax Franchise
Statement of Financial Funding Request
Payroll Statement
For Daniel Jerome Cosgrove
For Business start-up beginning January 1, 2015
For year ending December 31, 2014
Employees
Description Tenure Rate QTY
Hr
s wkly
total
wks. yrly.
Level I staff member 0 - 3 yrs.
$
13.25 7 15
$
1,391.25 16 $ 22,260.00
Level II staff member 3 - 10 yrs.
$
15.45 7 15
$
1,622.25 16 $ 25,956.00
Level III staff member > 10 yrs.
$
17.35 5 15
$
1,301.25 16 $ 20,820.00
Level I Staff Accountant 0 - 3 yrs.
$
17.36 6 35
$
3,645.60 52 $189,571.20
Level II Staff Accountant 3 - 10 yrs.
$
19.50 $ - $ -
Level III Staff Accountant
10 - 15
yrs.
$
23.35 $ - $ -
Level IV Staff Accountant 15 - 25 yrs
$
29.87 $ - $ -
Level V Staff Accountant > 25 yrs.
$
37.79 3 35
$
3,967.95 52 $206,333.40
Level I Human Resources 0 - 3 yrs.
$
15.89 3 35
$
1,668.45 52 $ 86,759.40
Level II Human Resources 3 - 10 yrs.
$
19.48 $ - $ -
Level III Human Resources
10 - 15
yrs.
$
25.12 $ - $ -
Level IV Human Resources 15 - 25 yrs
$
31.83 $ - $ -
Level V Human Resources > 25 yrs.
$
39.08 3 15
$
1,758.60 52 $ 91,447.20
Level I staff member 0 - 3 yrs.
$
13.25 7 15
$
1,391.25 36 $ 50,085.00
Level II staff member 3 - 10 yrs.
$
15.45 7 15
$
1,622.25 36 $ 58,401.00
Level III staff member > 10 yrs.
$
17.35 5 15
$
1,301.25 36 $ 46,845.00
Total $19,670.10 $798,478.20
Figure 2: Payroll statement
2.0. Marketing Audit – Liberty Tax, Inc.
2.1. Company Information
10. Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Services is a company whom thrives on the
customer service environment. We would provide services that would be suitable to the
existing market and future market. We strive to focus on providing adequate customer
service to our client in a professional manner. If we are accused for making a mistake, we
will work with the client and all third-parties to make sure the mistakes are fixed properly
and strive to focus on issues so that the mistakes will not happen again. We would require
at least a quarterly assessment from government officials, financial institutions, and
senior board members over the long-run, but during the first few years of operation, we
would require monthly assessments so that we can build a successful business
relationship within the community.
2.2. Sales Forecast
Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Services expects to have a steady growth in
revenue for the first three years of operation, with a more moderate growth during the
fourth year of operation. We expect to develop a customer base through out superior
customer service skills. Listed in Figure 2, is a revenue statement for the first year of
operation and should be consistent with the second and third years of operation.
Liberty Tax Franchise
12. Projected Profit and Loss Statement
For Daniel Jerome Cosgrove
For Business start-up beginning January 1, 2015
For year ending December 31, 2014
Dr Cr Balance
Revenue $1,036,775.00
Payroll - hrly – tax $ 69,036.00 $ 980,518.00
Payroll - hrly - gen. $155,331.00 $ 861,452.00
Payroll - Admin. $574,111.20 $ 471,067.80
Rent $ 36,000.00 $ 435,067.80
Supplies – office $ 40,000.00 $ 395,067.80
Insurance $ 8,400.00 $ 386,667.80
Franchise mortg. $ 18,000.00 $ 368,667.80
Advertising $ 5,000.00 $ 363,667.80
Investment savings $ 3,000.00 $ 360,667.80
Payroll hrly. Tax $ 12,779.00
Payroll hrly. Gen $ 36,265.00
Payroll admin. $183,727.00
FUTA $ 22,260.00 $ 338,407.80
SUTA $ 20,034.00 $ 318,373.80
Income tax $ 96,497.00 $ 221,876.80
Figure 3: Projected Profit and Loss
2.3. Information resources
An essential part to conducting a marketing audit is to gather enough information to
allow management and stakeholders to understand the success rate of an industry and/or
company. I will be providing weekly, monthly, and annual reports for Southwest
Michigan Business Services and our major competitors, types of promotions offered,
commitment to the economy and employees, and any recommendations necessary to the
success of the fuel industry.
Understanding the prospective of customers will involve analyzing their reactions to a
particular retail outlet and developing a more efficient environment and atmosphere for
the customers. The dedication to improving operations is critical to the oil industry in that
they must be willing to keep up with a changing economy, values, and culture.
2.4. Time frame
13. An adequate maintenance timeframe is necessary for getting information to the consumer
quickly so they can make the appropriate decisions. A quick timeframe is necessary for
introducing changes to a system so that consumers and other stakeholders do not get
discouraged or find that the changes are meaningless. Consumers need appropriate
information to ensure them that the improvements will benefit their shopping experience
and make their daily activities more convenient. An appropriate time frame would be to
analyze the current and past ten years to build the most effective marketing strategy.
Analyzing the past will allow management ot make appropriate reactions to the desired
market and to ensure any mistakes are not repeated. Repeating similar mistakes could
result in a reduction in market share and cause serious problems to operations.
The expected completion of this audit will take approximately 3 weeks to complete, for
collection of data.
2.5. Challenges
A major challenge to developing an effective marketing plan is to relay the changes to the
consumers in a way to ensure we do not insult the intelligence of the American public.
Understanding the diversity of the market is a critical advantage to ensure the right
products, services, and company. Another challenge is the ability to match or develop
your own market advantage over major competitors. This is a major advantage. We
would face some competition such as: other Thrifts Stores in the area, tax preparation
store, and other independent hobby businesses. One advantage which I would like to
develop is a marketing rewards card such as the “Speed pass”, which is a "contact-less
payment system where the system remembers your personal information on a secured
network. This system allows us to monitor our customers a more secure than using
credit/debit card (Speedpass, 2006). Using this type of payment system would require
business managers and account managers to have adequate training and comply to the
highest ethical standards. Business managers and account managers need to ensure the
transactions comply with Generally Acceptable Accounting Standards (GAAP).
3.0. Location and Market Analysis
14. 3.1. Location
Liberty Tax of Southwest Michigan Business Services will be located either, if not
both in two locations; one on West Dickman Road in Springfield, MI located in the
Fort Custer Industrial Park and/or on B Drive in Harper Creek Township near Harper
Creek High School. The expected lease or rent for these locations would be in the
range of $2,000 to $5,000 per month per square foot. Our location size would be
10,000 to 20,000 square foot of retail space. These locations would provide ample
market share from the retail store in the area or the manufacturing market. The B
Drive location would gather market share from Wal-mart, Best Buy, Menards,
Lowes, Staples, Meijer, McDonald’s, Taco Bell customers. On the other hand, the
West Dickman Road market would consist of staff members from the manufacturing
facilities such as: TRMI, Denso, MAP, Hi-Lex, II Stanley, Yorshu, and other
subsidiaries of Denso.
3.2. Economic outlook: Introduction: Bringing the community together
A successful business is dependent on the right shareholders who are willing to work
together to accomplish a common goal. The most important common goal is to ensure
that every shareholder has the opportunity to be successful and can achieve
independence. In this report, I would like to develop a business service center with at
least four different retail operations, such as: tax preparation, online auction, retail store,
and other services. These business centers will help build a relationship within the
community that would provide opportunities for employment (retaining existing
employees) and acquiring new employees, and opportunities for community members to
have a place to relax and enjoy the art of socializing. I intend to develop an inventory for
staff members, layout for the business centers, location, and how the organization would
be set-up.
The development for this organization would be located within the Battle
Creek/Kalamazoo area. I intend to work with a Real Estate Agency which will conduct
15. the sale/lease agreement, provide necessary ongoing research for facility operation
maintenance, and provide the necessary property maintenance fees via governmental
regulations. As a way to bring in more revenue and reduce costs, business units need
properly trained staff members, to ensure the community that this entertainment facility
would strive to be within the top five most visited locations in Calhoun County over a ten
year period and beyond. Pricing strategy would provide incentives for our customers to
receive rewards for their dedicated commitment to our business opportunity.
3.3. Developing the right Stakeholders
A. A plan
Establishing the right group of stakeholders is not an easy task and is an expensive
endeavor. One of the most efficient techniques is to develop a measurement scale for
existing internal stakeholders so to reduce the elimination for people and increasing the
unemployment. When an economy increases the unemployment rate in a democracy,
businesses and government officials places potential taxpayers in a depression state and
reduces their self-esteem. Business activities and government control main purpose is not
to reduce current, previous, and potential taxpayers self esteem, but to help develop
individual effectiveness.
As a first step for developing this endeavor is to take a look at the records of all internal
staff members so that my team can ensure the organization can proceed in the path of
achieving growth within at least 5% yearly growth and provide a 12% to 20% yearly
return. Internal stakeholders’ productivity should contribute to at least a 3% to 9%
growth.
Achieving this goal would start by taking the proper employment assessments to ensure
that not only I meet the qualifications, but also all internal stakeholders are certified for
appropriate positions. I feel this economy has seen some unethical behaviors not only
during the current presidential administration, but the previous president's administration.
16. Just like the governmental organization, business organization needs to have some
control over their operations so that proper measures can be determined, stakeholders are
given the credit they deserve, unethical behaviors receive proper assessment of risk, and
stakeholders receive their full compensation. Managing a business entails understanding
how the tax system is determined, understanding the cost structure for an organization,
and maintaining appropriate records for all business resources.
As this business adventure progresses and my education attainment continues, I intend to
work with governmental organizations macro human resource agencies, suppliers,
gaining perspectives from other community members, and gaining perspectives from
internal stakeholders. I have conducted this objective through my previous employer
(West Columbia Shell). My work experience has helped gain more efficient customer
service ability. A good business administration skill involves interacting with the public,
pertaining to customer questions, acting as tour guide, and ensuring the facility is kept
maintained and stocked of appropriate resources are available for external stakeholders.
As working with various macro-human resource agencies, I have visited Accountemps,
Employment Group, Michigan Works, and Spherion.
B. Productivity measures
Productivity is a measure for determining the proper assessment for all internal
stakeholders' skills, time spent, maintaining the retail unit, promoting ethical standards,
and promoting business unit services. A productivity wage would be based on how the
business unit manages resources in an efficient and effective manner, revenue generated
by business unit, and how well spoilage is kept to a minimum. Productivity can be used
for external stakeholders, which provides rewards to customers for their continued
dedicated to the business, reaction to the business unit internal stakeholders, and how
they are willing and able to comply with applicable governmental regulations which
comply to keep the business unit maintaining ethical standards. Another way productivity
measures can be used are with the external stakeholders, such as the suppliers. Suppliers
play a major role in the development for a business, in that they must keep the business
17. unit inventory at appropriate levels to meet the necessary efficiency levels that will
satisfy the needs for the customers. These measures will give the stakeholders a means
for satisfaction to help them build their purchasing power.
3.4. Maintaining a good market structure
I would expect to provide audited financial statements, which would help to provide a
more balanced business future for all locations. My intention would be to develop a
NASCAR theme for location units. This theme would be an extension for the sport of
NASCAR with links to local tracks. Other themes for the venture would be to possible
include Tennis, Golf, and Indy cart Racing. Any advertisement must have tow important
purposes: to inform and to persuade (Palanisamy, 2003).
The operation for this facility would provide a place for the community to relax and
watch sporting events on television, political addresses, promote a meeting placed where
people can come together and discuss issues related to their personal environment and the
economy. Events will be planned to promote the successful for all business units.
The establishment for a good marketing structure entails providing services to customers
in a matter that is effective and efficient to the customer. As an added bonus, I would like
to offer the services for providing income tax preparation through the staff members for
the listed branch/express operations facilities. This tax preparation management would be
offered through an establishment such as Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. Tax preparation
would be combination for an interview based and form based delivering the necessary
skills for providing the most accurate tax return as possible. We would use the knowledge
we have been taught during our education training through a training program such as
JHTS and undergraduate education base.
Consumer demand for tax preparation services will continue to increase due to the
following factors. First through complexity; tax law changes have consistently fueled the
18. growth of the paid preparer segment as filers have turned to professionals in order to
prepare accurate federal and state income tax returns ironically. Liberty Tax has found
that even tax law changes aimed at simplifying the tax code have added to the confusion
of many filers, thereby increasing their desire to utilize professional preparers. Second
through convenience; taxpayers have also turned to prepares in increasing numbers
because of the demands on their time. Then increasing number of dual income families
and demanding work schedules should continue to fuel this trend. Third through ancillary
services; paid preparers have developed services beyond tad preparation such as refund-
based bank products, including electronic refund checks (ERCs) and refund anticipation
loans (RALs). These services such as the ERC and RALs are purchased by low to middle
level taxpayers (Liberty Tax, 2014).
4.0. Marketing Plan
4.1 Improving on efficiencies
A. Business measures - Financial Analysis
Financial performance is valuable to an organizational development. Financial
performance allows stakeholders to understand their position within the organization,
gain independence, develop and improve skills, build relationships, and be part of the
process for providing economic enhancements to society. Revenue would be generated
through promoting products/services from the individual business units, providing
services using the most up-to-date technology; such as wi-fi and cellular services
These services will not be possible without the necessary for promoting this business
adventure are subscribing to a wireless server, tables, chairs, at least two 70" flat panel
televisions, at least 6 32" flat panel televisions, broadcast service, at least three laser
color/black/white printers, network server for printers, and other minor items. Every asset
placed in service for this business unit requires proper record keeping for use on a daily
basis. This leads to maintaining a log for how long the service assets are powered on and
how they are affected by the activity generated through the service assets. As a result, the
19. service assets needs proper security guards (computer information technicians) to develop
the necessary reports based on the activity flow.
B. Performance measures
The performance for the effectiveness of an Internet requires a strong commitment
among team members. Establishing a strong commitment among team members involves
creating a steering committee. A steering committee consists of executive management,
middle management, technical people, and individual contributors who work together to
ensure changes are implemented properly (French, 2004). Conducting frequently meeting
among the steering committee enable management to understand what is necessary to
ensure the change management plan is producing the outcome intended during the
development phase. The evaluation of the progress for this change plan would start with
an evaluation for how the change was introducted to key stakeholders. A second
revaluation would be completed by individual contributors for the effectiveness on how
the training session helped the contributors become familiar with the exchanges. As
stakeholders become more familiar with the change plan, an evaluation would be
conduced every quarter which will help management learn what changes need to be made
to ensure the process enhances the performance of key stakeholders.
An important ingredient for change management entails appreciative inquiry.
Appreciative inquiry helps to strengthening the system's capacity by highlighting the
positive (French, 2004). Enhancing the positive through the involvement of every
member within the organization will ensure that the change management plan is
successful. The effectiveness for highlighting the positive of a change management plan
is to develop a reward system. The introduction of a team based gain-sharing plan would
encourage cooperation, innovation, and higher levels of motivation among employees
(Sprinkle, 2004). A team based compensation plan should base compensation rewards for
how effectively and efficiently employees are willing to work together to produce quality
products and/or services. The components of a team based compensation plan are the
hourly wage, team standard and benchmark, and the relationship between pay and
20. performance (Sprinkle, 2004). Hourly compensation is a starting point in which
employees will receive if their performance does not show any improvement during the
pay period. Performance will be a major factor in determining the compensation for the
pay period. Performance measurement will be used on a quarterly basis which will
provide an additional wage rate known as the productivity wage.
As a result, internal stakeholders' require adequate coaching and evaluation to ensure
their performance reflect the satisfaction of external stakeholders. Retaining key
employees is critical for the growth of an organization. Providing adequate training
through the normative re-educative strategy will help eliminate sliders. Sliders are
employees who are well liked and show up for work and go through the motions (Welch,
2005). Energizing sliders by providing encouragement through their inbox will possibly
allow the employee to make the necessary adjustment to their performance. Sliders are
people who should have the highest control risk because they think the environment
evolves around them. This type of environment costs businesses money because sliders
only want to work with a select group of people. Businesses should not discriminate
against anyone, be willing to provide services to everyone, give everyone the opportunity
to be successful, and encourage all internal stakeholders to work together to accomplish
organizational objectives.
C. Example for measuring efficiencies
Establishing good relationships with your customers and suppliers is essential part for
any business adventure. Maintaining accurate inventory level with appropriate
distributions of products and services provides good measures for business performance
on both ends.
This simulation is designed to help maintain inventory levels within a consistency level.
The objective for this simulation is based on the game of solitaire with a minimum of
four games. Once the cards are dealt and played to the extent where there are no more
possibilities, you as the dealer (supplier) would tally up the cards first for the ones in
21. distribution, second for the ones in inventory, and third for the ones which has been sold
(placed in out board).
Once you have the tallies for all variables, the proper placement of tallied numbers are
placed according to rank, first place the dealer (distribution cards) on the bottom section,
above this section you place the returned (unused cards), third you add these two items
and place next to the distribution cards, and fourth you subtract step three from total
number in deck (52) and place in top left corner. Fifth step is to subtract top left corner
number from bottom right (supplier returns) and place in next column. Sixth step is to
tally up total number of card (inventory dealt) and place in next column. Seventh step is
to subtract total card dealt (inventory left) from total remaining inventory (card left after
any returns) and place in next column. Eighth step is to add total cards (inventory) from
previous week and place in next column. Ninth step is to take the mean of previous
column and place in next column. Tenth step is to tally up total points (card in outboard)
and place in next column. And finally subtract previous column from total number of
points possible
4.2. Using technology to our advantage
A. Intranet Development
As technology continues to improve the way we manage business activities, creating
Intranets helps businesses better manager resources and setting their selves apart from the
competition. When developing the right site there are five essential elements that will
determine how successful the launch of the site: the user, contributor, information,
technology, and governance (White, 2006). Taking into account these elements will help
ensure the site communicates to the visitor the right information that will allow the user
to make the right decisions. As shown in figure 1, web-sites provide a means, which the
user can gain, a better understanding of a particular business.
Management of a secure site such as an intranet involves ensuring the site is in line with
22. broad business objectives and also supports and contributes to organizations goals
(Chase, 2004). Staying focused during the development phase entails knowing how you
want the website to be communicated to the prospective user. As many consumers are
integrating the Internet into their lives, the possibility for improving sales is extremely
high.
Effective use of Intranets provides a means of communicating important information
among key stakeholders. When stakeholders have relevant information available to them
they are able to make appropriate decisions for the given situation. Developing the right
Intranet entails establishing a strategy for efficient use among users. Intranets without a
strategy is an Intranet not trusted and not used frequently (White, 2006). Effective
Intranets should allow users to “pull information” from the site instead of pushing the
information on the users (White, 2006). Information that is pulled by users enables users
to take appropriate actions to improve the situation.
An Intranet site provides organizations a way to develop a continuous improvement
program. Continuous improvement has become a major issue in today’s business world
due to the interest of producing more efficient products and/or services. The short-run
projection of an Intranet system will provide the assurance for meeting the goals and
objectives of the stakeholders. Providing effective short-run projections involves
listening closely to key internal stakeholders who work closely with external
stakeholders. Internal stakeholders who work directly with customers, clients, and/or
vendors which give top management the advantage to understand stakeholders needs by
assuring that their presence within the organization is valued by management (Welch,
2005).
B. Benefits of Intranets
Intranets main advantages are the ability of time reduction and the unification of
members within the organizational structure both internally and externally. Listed below
are some additional benefits which Intranets have on operation activities (Reisman,
23. 1996):
Communication
• Internal communication and coordination
• Extended enterprise partnerships
Improved channel (franchisee) communications and
coordination
Improved supplier communication and coordination
Increased effectiveness of virtual enterprise
partnerships
• External marketing and service
One-to-one marketing, increased share-of-customer
Customization of product, collaborative product
development
Collaborative, semi-automated services and support
• Strategic flexibility: Project ROI plus "Option-based risk
assessment" benefits
• Purpose-driven, adaptive organization
Productivity (process efficiency)
• Faster, easier, more flexible, and open communication
• Just-in-time information pull
• More productive collaboration
• Better learning and knowledge management
Effectiveness (business results)
• Faster time to market
• Better, faster feedback, adaptation, correction
Cost reduction
• Meeting, travels, and telephone time reduction
• Training, corporate, administrative, and operational
24. communications cost savings
In addition Intranets increases productivity by 25% and reduce training costs by
50% (Begbie, 2002). Improving training is an essential ingredient that allows
employees to have access to any changes that might affect their performance and
what they must do to ensure the company remains competitive within the
industry. As a result members of the organization develop a better understanding
of their position within the organization. Leading the way through better operation
flow, accuracy plays a big part when developing and managing an effective
Intranet system. When the organization has accurate information the decision
making power improves by allowing management to reduce costs and increase
their profitability.
C. Description for layout of an EDI system - Intranet site
Identifer:Company Intranet
Name: www.libertytax/swmbs
linked to www.libertytax.net
Purpose:To allow stakeholders to acquire necessary information for managing resources
efficiently.
Triggering events:Access information about store or view current inventory level.
Brief DescriptionProvide necessary information to authorized stakeholders
Actors:Vendors, employees, accountant
Stakeholders:Vendors, store management, employees, accountant
Pre-cautions: Internet access, secured site authorization
Post-cautions: Store management must update inventory level periodically.
Flow of events: Actor System
1. User enters address in browser
1a. Displays site in browser
2. Enter authorized link
25. 2a. Grant access to authorized users
2b. Denies access to unauthorized user
3. Company information link
3a. Displays information about company
4. Vendor report
4a. Displays inventory level by vendors
4b. Authorized users only
5. Location link
5a. Displays link, which provides direction to store
6. User enters new address in address bar
6a. Browsers moves to another site
Exception conditions: Connection problems, data not updated, wrong user ID and
password
Figure 3: Website Use Case
D. Features of EDI system
Electronic data interchange (EDI) is an option that enhances an Intranet for
external stakeholders such as vendors and other financial representatives. An EDI
improve the retailer/vendor relationship by allowing vendors to have access to the current
inventory level and develop a sales analysis of their product line(s). An EDI system
allows organizations to move to a paperless system, which enables management to better
manage the operation of their business.
This is two-fold: sharing sensitive and secret inventory level with vendors and
reduces the inventory management activity of the retailer by allowing the vendor to
perform this activity more efficiently (Raghunathan, 2001). Maintaining an adequate
inventory management system allows retailers to provide real time inventory access,
adequately replenishes low inventory stock by reducing stock-out, and enables retailers
the ability to receive lower price for inventory item (Raghunathan, 2001).
In essence retailers are able to manage their inventory level on a just-in-time (JIT)
basis. Improving inventory levels on a JIT basis enables management to reduce carrying
costs by making available inventory when their customers require them. Refer to Figure 2
26. for how stakeholders will be able to access relevant information. A major feature to this
EDI system would benefit our carrier for fuel delivery. Allowing our carrier to have
access to the fuel inventory level will ensure that every location have adequate supply of
fuel. Currently the designated carrier must call each individual location for fuel levels and
make deliveries based on projected supply usage. An on-line real time system will give
the carrier access to information necessary to maintain adequate level of supply for each
location.
E. Description for layout of an EDI system - Vendor Reports
Identifer: User summary analysis
Name: Vendor report
Purpose: To allow users to have adequate analysis for their products within a particular
retailer.
Triggering events: Vendor requests data for order processing
Brief Description Electronic communication between retailer and vendors for ensuring
adequate inventory level.
Actors: Vendors and accountant
Stakeholders: Vendors, store management, accountant
Pre-cautions: Internet accesses, is authorized user
Post-cautions: Store management must update inventory level periodically.
Flow of events: Actor System
1. Mgmt. enters data - Updates current inventory level
2. User visit website User views company website via Internet access
3. User logs into secure site Protects other users information
4. Click on appropriate link to Transfer vendor to their authorized information
5. Click on unauthorized link Error message "not authorized user"
6. View inventory items Displays current inventory level
7. Enters ordered items Adjusts inventory level to desired level
8. Mgmt. approval Mgmt. accepts orders/authorize shipment
9. Print or save update Displays printing/saving status
27. 10. log out Exits vendor from secured site
11. Order delivered - No action
12. Payment method available - No action
13. Mgmt. updates inventory level Updates current inventory level
Exception conditions: Connection problems, data not updated, wrong user ID and
password
Figure 4: EDI Use Case
F. Challenges for the intranet
A major challenge to the creation of Intranet sites is developing an understanding of
needs and expectations (Chase, 2004). Technology changes the way users maneuver from
website to website. The ability to continuously modify an Intranet site accordingly to
current technology allows organizations to maintain the most efficient and effective use
by all stakeholders that will satisfy the needs by enhancing their daily activities in a
simplified manner. Another challenge for the development and maintenance is the issue
of malware and security issues. The proper maintenance of websites is to ensure any
information transmitted through organization sponsored website is not affected by
anything that could harm the prospective user’s computer, files, or the operation of the
website. This entails maintaining the accuracy of information on the website so that the
site will continue to be operational.
A third challenge to the development of an effective Intranet is the ability to pull together
the necessary information that would improve the productivity of all stakeholders. The
ability to allow stakeholders to have access to information will ensure they are able to
make the appropriate decisions that would produce optimal results desired by upper
management.
28. G Challenges for EDI system
When sharing private information with outside stakeholders, there is the issue of
installing security measures that prohibit these stakeholders from gaining access to
unauthorized information. As with the retailer/vendor relationship, developing a system
in which vendors are allowed to view and edit only information that is relevant to them is
essential to maintaining the privacy of other data that allows the retailer to remain
competitive within their industry. Along with this is the factor of the honor system. The
ability to trust representatives of a particular vendor is a major factor in a technological
advance economy. Another challenge is the ability to trust representatives by not abusing
their privileges of accessing unauthorized data. This has been a major concern due to the
2001 fraudulent scandals. These scandals proved that if given the right opportunity
people will try to abuse their privileges to make their selves look better. Countering
fraudulent activities requires continuous updating security measures often by ensuring
private information remain private.
5.0. Industry Analysis
5.1. Managing risks
A major concern in the information technology industry is the issue of security,
particularly the issues of security and identity theft. Detecting risks in projects and
business decisions has a major impact on developing the appropriate decisions or
managing a successful project. As the economy moves toward becoming technological
advanced, protecting investments and personal identity is a major concern for business
when they intend to improve operation procedures. Assessment of risks allows the project
to progress to an efficiently and effective to completion. Risk management eliminates or
reduces any pitfalls that can occur in the development, operation, and implementation of
the project objective. Focusing on critical issues are a major part in a successful operation
during and after the project life cycle allows the project manager to provide adequate
time and funding to ensure any problems managed as quickly as possible. Assessing
29. major risks with a higher value and placing a lower value to minor risks ensures proper
attention given to the project so that serious problems do not cause
delays in the period of completion. Prior experience with similar project allows the
project manager and team to schedule the completion and funding accordingly to the
project budget.
5.2. Leadership
Leadership provides the project a way to ensure a successful completion and a great
learning experience for the team members and other stakeholders. Teams fail for the lack
of commitment, knowledge, motivation, and leadership. There are several mistakes
managers should avoid. One mistake is to avoid not giving a clear vision for the project
or company. A seceond mistake is failure. A third mistake is not listening to team
questions and concerns. A fourth mistake is lack of leadership. A fifth mistake is poor
management of decision making. A sixth mistake is withholding praise and recognition.
And a final mistake is failure to add to the skills of the team members. (Messmer, 2006).
Avoiding these pitfalls will help improve the flow of information on the progress of the
project and contribute to adequate representation of skills of everyone involved on the
project completion. A clear vision is a major part of ensuring the project fulfills the
obligations. The communication of the vision to all team members and other stakeholders
allows the project can proceed in the most advantage manner. According to Jack Welch,
leaders must develop an environment where people willing to try new things and
knowing that “only the limits of their creativity and drive would be the ceiling to how far
and fast they reach their goals” (Welch, 2001). Effective leaders know maintains
effective operation of the project so that the project can proceed to completion without
restraints. Restraints lead the project in directions that deviate from the main objective
and goals. Building an environment where team members understand their role, active
contribution, stress-free, and the ability of members to grow into other opportunities.
When a project or team becomes under stressful circumstances there are resistance
between priorities, maintaining control over tasks and members and the ability to stay on
30. schedule. As a project manager or team leader, his/her main goal is to acquire the ability
to reduce the stressful issues and encourage participates to continue to proceed producing
their best effort to complete project or their obligations. If team members become
discouraged and pursuing, the option of disassembling from the team, then the leader
must be able to work out these issues. This streams from too much stress that has
developed in the performance of accomplishing the tasks of the project and managing
other priorities. Effective organizations of priorities allow the team to ensure they are
using their time in an efficient manner. Team members need the understanding of the
leader or project manager that he/she understands the commitment they encounter on a
daily basis. The proper management of priorities for the project, organization, and
members allows for a more successful project. Proper management of priorities also
allows the project manager to schedule meetings, performance obligations and review
maintaining adequate cost levels. The lack of understanding of priorities from other
members, projects, obligations can lead disgruntle participants and cause disassembly
from the team. When this happens the most optimal solution for the project manager is to
reevaluate the project operation. This entails gaining better communication with all active
and non-active participants to ensure successful completion of the project and flow of the
organizations operation. As an added incentive, effective communication and adequate
priorities allows the project manager to stick within budget parameters and schedule
completion dates.
31. 5.3. A. Human Resource Role
Human Resource Function within an Organization
Storages for staff members Storage for staff
Staff members report work history - current members work
work hours history - term
Staff members report
job duties performed
staff members report
work performed
Human Resources staff wkly.
1. assess staff members used time effectively
2. develop/conduct marketing eval. For staff members
3. assess quality of work performed
4. assess other staff members wkly. mktg. eval.
5. develop wkly. report for staff members performance
6. retain copy for HR department records
6a. Each level of HR sign reports
7. has read only access to staff members work history stored file
Board of Directors
1. send copy to senior (board of directors)
2. Review HR performance eval. For staff members
3. Conduct base salary calculation
4. Conduct productivity salary calculation
5. Develop satisfaction report
6. Board of directors sign reports
7. submit copy to HR department, via read only format from storage
8. has limited access to staff members work history stored file
Staff members
1. perform general job tasks
2. perform specific job tasks based on skill level
3. report job tasks report to Human Resources
4. report time spent performing job tasks
5. report unofficial base salary calculation
32. 6. receive HR wkly, monthly, qtrly, yrly. Evaluation
7. receive board of directors wkly. monthly, qtrly, yrly. Evaluation
8. receive either paper check or direct deposit statement
9. has read only access to their own work history stored file
5.4. Role of Ethics and Corporate Culture
The key to a successful organization is to have the best customer service relationship
(Chan, 2006). An unproductive work environment result from poor employee morale,
personnel conflicts, unsatisfactory compensation and benefits program, unrealistic job
expectations, perceived availability of better paying or more satisfying job opportunities
elsewhere, inadequate training, unsafe or stressful workplace conditions and inadequate
management of hazardous substances (Smith, 1990). Effective communication among all
stakeholders is essential to remaining ethical in the decision making process. Inadequate
communication among all stakeholders could lead to a critical issue among stakeholders
for implementing a change plan such as the concern for downsizing. Stakeholders need
the assurance that these changes will be for the benefit of improving operation and the
relationship with all stakeholders. Ethics plays an important aspect for a change plan in
that ethics guides the change plan in the direction intended by management. Ethics
provides a means for motivation key stakeholders to produce quality results and without
motivation stakeholders might indulge in an unproductive work environment. In an
unproductive work environment there is an increasing amount of down time,
absenteeism, and a decline in the quality of final output. This leads to a “loss of control
over the shop floor” (Videla, 2006).
Corporate responsibility primary interest should lean toward the support of key
stakeholders and maintaining resources relevant to an effective and efficient operation.
Management responsibility to sustaining corporate responsibility rests on aligning a
change plan with strategy. According to Mark Frigo, “85% of management teams spend
less than one hour a month discussion strategy”. Every quarter management must be
willing to adjust or reinforce current strategy to maintain the desired market potential.
33. This can be accomplished by stressing the importance of the strategy in a manner that
focuses stakeholders’ attention to building relationships among each other so that growth
enables not only the organization but also every stockholders ability to acquire the
necessary skills to enhance their position within the organization.
5.5. Project to benefit the economy
The roads in Michigan are not up to standards for the Michigan environment. I developed
this presentation because I drove these roads for at least fifteen years and have not seen
any improvement in the way the roads have been handled. Michigan’s environment has
taken a huge impact on the roads.
As one of Michigan’s primary source of historical growth, which includes the automobile
industry and the cereal industry? These two industries deserve more efficient and
effective use of technology for the development of the roads.
Building and maintaining efficient and effective roads will be good economic growth for
this state as there will be job security for Michigan’s citizens, especially for the road
crew. The continuing support for effective and efficient roads will allow engineers to
develop roads, which would impact the Michigan environment. As I drive or ride in
vehicles on these roads in Michigan’s community, I see these roads are loosing the
comfort for a relaxing journey to our destinations. We need to develop roads, which will
help maintain the value in the vehicles, which travel on Michigan’s roads. These road
surfaces should change according to the climate. For instance, roads in the winter in
Michigan should have a heating element, which would reduce or eliminate ice and snow
from forming on the surface. This would reduce the amount of traffic accidents from
careless drivers who slide off the road due to the slippery conditions. On the other side, in
extreme heat conditions, like in the summer, the road surfaces should have a cooling
element.
The construction for maintaining effective and efficient roads should be composed of:
34. gravel, coal, heat/cooling coils, earth, and a solar generator. This is an expensive task to
develop and will require manpower, knowledge, and equipment to conduct in an efficient
and effective manner. Even this is an expensive operation to uphold for the state of
Michigan, Michigan should incur a great return on their investment every year if
managed properly. In addition, Michigan can receive a tax credit within a seven-year
period if the maintenance and construction shows at least a 20% increase in operation
effectiveness.
Not only will the construction for this new road create jobs for engineers, but also for
police officers and road crews. Police officers should monitor road conditions to ensure
that these roads are traveled properly. Police officers can monitor/ensure that these roads
are properly maintained and that they meet the standards for the driving conditions. All
maintenance will be performed at night to ensure the crew can gather the proper data to
calibrate the system based on the environmental conditions during the day travels. The
auto industry has developed efficient vehicles, which has made the ride more relaxing,
but can show some signs of deterioration’s based on the current road conditions.
The funding for these roads should be funded through the fuel price and property taxes.
Another option would be to fund the new roads via a productivity tax on the Michigan
population workforce. This productivity tax would help improve the indirect labor costs
based on the workforce population. The labor market deserves to be compensated for
their talents. The productivity tax can have a negative impact on the labor market based
on their maturity level in the work environment. This negative maturity level can create a
down payment for the development for a more efficient and effective traveling
conditions.
Effectively managing the talents for a well-balanced state, nation, country employs the
recognition for the talents based within the boundaries of this great country. Michigan is
a good place to live based on the scenery, which has many features to explore if given the
opportunity. This state can be an even better place to live if every member of this state
would effectively communicate, and involve each other in the decision making process
35. instead of destroying the reputation of others. We live in a country where we have
freedom to speak our minds in an ethical manner. If we break this code of professional
conduct we should suffer severe penalty.
6.0. Corporate Relationship with franchisor
More and more Americans are turning to Liberty Tax Service to help them meet one of
life’s ultimate deadlines. The company continues to firmly establish its growing presense
and increasing market share in the tax industry. There are 4,100 Liberty Tax Service
offices operating in the United States and Canada.
Liberty Tax Services has surged to the forefront of a constantly evolving and
technologically advancing tax industry, garnering many accolades in its climb. Liberty
Tax Service is the only top three tax company to demonstrate overall system growth
during the challenging economic climate of 2010. Throughout this decade, Liberty Tax
Service has demonstrated solid gains in an industry formerly dominated by tax giant H &
R Block and for eight straight years, has grown by more returns than both Jackson Hewitt
and H & R Block combined.
Liberty Tax Service was the only tax franchise on the Forbes “Top 20 Franchises to
Start”. Entrepreneur listed Liberty Tax Service as number one of the tax franchises in
their “Franchise 500”. We are the only tax service that was included on the elite lists of
“25 Top Franchises for Hispanics” in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 published by Poder,
formerly Hispanic Enterprise magazine. Black Enterprise has ranked Liberty Tas on
its :40 Best Franchises for African American” list in 2010. Black Enterprise magazine
has recognized Liberty Tax Service as one of the most affordable and best franchise
opportunities for minorities for a seventh time since 2001. Liberty Tax is number three
of seventy-five franchises ranked by Military Times Edge magazine as the “Edge Best
for Vets 2010 Franchises. Accounting Today magazine named Liberty Tax on its “Top
Tax Firms” list in 2010.
Founder and CEO, John Hewitt, has a nationally recognized name in the tax and
36. accounting world. He is a veteran of 44 tax seasons, the founder of two top tax
preparation firms and a former H and R Block regional director. Accounting Today has
named Hewitt one of the accounting profession’s top 100 most influential people seven
times. The International Franchise Association honored Hewitt as its Enterprenuer of the
Year in February 2006.
Liberty Tax Service started in Canada on September 1, 1997 when Hewitt acquired a
Canadian tax franchisor, U and R Tax Depor. In 1988, the company became Liberty Tax
Service and opened five offices in the United States. By 1999, Liberty Tax Service
operated 35 offices in seven markets across the country. Liberty Tax Service is
headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is simply the fasted growing international
tax service ever.
Experienced is the reason why Liberty Tax Service is capable of such remarkable growth
in a short period of time. The knowledge of the management team and headquarter staff
totals over 500 years of tax and franchise industry expertise. That;s a powerful resource
when it comes to developing systems, training programs, and marketing strategies.
For these reasons, Liberty Tax Service quickly established a brand name recognized for
quality computerized tax preparation excellences. Liberty Tax Service strives to set the
industry’s benchmark for customer service by exceeding their customers’ expectation.
Each Liberty office offers free checking of self-prepared systems, training, and marketing
strategies.
Liberty Tax Service is the fastest growing tax preparation franchisor in the industry.
Since the inception in 1996, Liberty has expanded to over 4,300 locations in the United
States and Canada. Liberty is the second largest tax preparation firm, with about 300
locations in Canada. Liberty has a goal to have a total of 10,000 offices by 2020 (Ponte,
2014).
37. 7.0. Project to benefit the economy
The roads in Michigan are not up to standards for the Michigan environment. I
developed this presentation because I drove these roads for at least fifteen years and have
not seen any improvement in the way the roads have been handled. Michigan’s
environment has taken a huge impact on the roads.
As one of Michigan’s primary source of historical growth, which includes the automobile
industry and the cereal industry. These two industries deserve more efficient and
effective use of technology for the development of the roads.
Building and maintaining efficient and effective roads will be good economic
growth for this state as there will be job security for Michigan’s citizens, especially for
the road crew. The continuing support for effective and efficient roads will allow
engineers to develop roads, which would impact the Michigan environment. As I drive or
ride in vehicles on these roads in Michigan’s community, I see these roads are loosing the
comfort for a relaxing journey to our destinations. We need to develop roads, which will
help maintain the value in the vehicles, which travel on Michigan’s roads. These road
surfaces should change according to the climate. For instance, roads in the winter in
Michigan should have a heating element, which would reduce or eliminate ice and snow
from forming on the surface. This would reduce the amount of traffic accidents from
careless drivers who slide off the road due to the slippery conditions. On the other side, in
extreme heat conditions, like in the summer, the road surfaces should have a cooling
element.
The construction for maintaining effective and efficient roads should be
composed of: gravel, coal, heat/cooling coils, earth, and a solar generator. This is an
expensive task to develop and will require manpower, knowledge, and equipment to
conduct in an efficient and effective manner. Even this is an expensive operation to
uphold for the state of Michigan, Michigan should incur a great return on their
investment every year if managed properly. In addition, Michigan can receive a tax credit
within a seven-year period if the maintenance and construction shows at least a 20%
increase in operation effectiveness.
Not only will the construction for this new road create jobs for engineers, but also
for police officers and road crews. Police officers should monitor road conditions to
ensure that these roads are traveled properly. Police officers can monitor/ensure that these
roads are properly maintained and that they meet the standards for the driving conditions.
All maintenance will be performed at night to ensure the crew can gather the proper data
to calibrate the system based on the environmental conditions during the day travels. The
auto industry has developed efficient vehicles, which has made the ride more relaxing,
but can show some signs of deterioration’s based on the current road conditions.
38. The funding for these roads should be funded through the fuel price and property
taxes. Another option would be to fund the new roads via a productivity tax on the
Michigan population workforce. This productivity tax would help improve the indirect
labor costs based on the workforce population. The labor market deserves to be
compensated for their talents. The productivity tax can have a negative impact on the
labor market based on their maturity level in the work environment. This negative
maturity level can create a down payment for the development for a more efficient and
effective traveling conditions.
Effectively managing the talents for a well-balanced state, nation, country
employs the recognition for the talents based within the boundaries of this great country.
Michigan is a good place to live based on the scenery, which has many features to
explore if given the opportunity. This state can be an even better place to live if every
member of this state would effectively communicate, and involve each other in the
decision making process instead of destroying the reputation of others. We live in a
country where we have freedom to speak our minds in an ethical manner. If we break this
code of professional conduct we should suffer severe penalty.
8.0. Products and Services
A business organization is dependent on the products and services they manufacture. In
this business opportunity I would like to focus on the products offered by the individual
business units, and possible add additional products and/or services. One additional
product I would like to include in the service station business unit is adding insurance
policy development. Insurance policy development would be offered via the retail agents.
The retail agents would have information to develop quotes for customer’s vehicles.
Information would be linked to the Insurance agency Intranet so that policies can be
submitted directly to the agency.
Another product or service I would like to offer is the ability for retail agents to post
items on e-bay for customers who wish to sell their personal items. This would help
provide incentives to promote good customer service relationships. Any retail operation
requires good customer service skills and interacting with the public to promote products
and services in an efficient and effective manner. Adding the option to promote and sell
items under an organization’s guidance will help a community of other business function
in a professional manner.
Employees would be required to submit a report for their activities during their assigned
shift. Each report would provide a base for their productivity, determine their vacation
time, wage increase, and other incentives. Adequate reports are important to the
development of a successful business as they determine an organizations tax structure.
Reports provide government a way to determine benchmarks for an industry for which
businesses operate.
39. 9.0. Conclusion
The development of this report is to help gain a mentor-ship so that I can become a
mentor to other individuals through a combination from either Liberty Tax or Jackson
Hewitt and a retail outlet, such as Goodwill or an outlet from one or both of my pervious
employers. An effective contingency strategy must be flexible to allow for competitive
shifts and at the same time lead an effective implementation (Chakraborty, 1996).
Becoming mentors is essential in a society managed through a true Democracy.
Democracy guides individuals to doing what is ethical, taking responsibility for your own
mistakes, building on your own strengths, eliminating your own weaknesses, and
allowing everyone the opportunity for independence. Independence is defined as the
ability to make your own decisions, acquiring material and non-material things to help
you maintain your strengths and eliminate your weaknesses (Management 250, WMU -
2000, 2001).
Leadership is a guiding aspect among several different stakeholders. A successful
business unit is not probable unless you have everyone within and outside the
organization chain working together to help build the necessary relationships necessary to
gain competitive advantage. Competitive advantage is a measuring stick for how well the
organization can guide internal stakeholders toward a common goal, maintaining the right
marketing strategy which will retain and create an efficient customer base, and providing
an environment which enhances governmental regulations. Governmental regulations are
an important aspect for business management. Governmental regulations provide
measures for how well businesses are maintaining adequate communication,
documentation, customer relation activities, and employee moral.
As the economy moves toward becoming more technological advanced, business
management requires business managers to have high ethical standards. Technology can
provide many advantages to enhancing a business unit, and should require about a third
40. to a quarter of the business budget. Even though technology provides means for
alternative communication, we still need to have face-to-face communication. Interacting
with others allows all members within the organization to gain a prospective for what the
individual consumer is willing to accept, like their purchasing abilities. In addition,
business managers must understand how risks are accessed and the impact they have on
the business as a whole, the community, and internal and external stakeholders. A
business is built on providing good examples through how efficient and effective their
products and services are manufactured.
In addition, to achieving this venture, I would like to manage or assist management of a
Junior High School. The school I would like to help manage and bring back is
Southwestern Junior High School located on Washington Ave, Battle Creek, MI. This
opportunity would help me ensure that the next generation of workforce individuals is
prepared to become ethical qualified labor for the job force. Becoming mentors in the
business world should provide a labor market, which promote ethical decision making,
ensuring people take action for any unethical behaviors, and providing relationships
within the community.
A final addition to this project is to have a manufacturing facility which is part of the
Department of Transportation which would monitor, construct, and maintain the
development for a new improved road system. This opportunity would have several
manufacturing sites scattered throughout the city which would monitor the roads at
various spots. Large cities could have around 10 small manufacturing sites, while smaller
cities could have at least one manufacturing sites. Some proposed manufacturing sites in
the Calhoun county area are: near exit 92 off I-94, the old Clark manufacturing site in
Springfield, at or near the WMU Kellogg Airport, Pennfield township vacant land,
Harper Creek area behind the Beckley Road retail outlet and Bedford township.
43. 11.0. Biography
Begbie, R., Chudry, F. (March 15, 2002). The Internet Chaos Matrix: A conceptual
framework
for designing an effective knowledge management intranet. Journal of Database
Management. 9(4). 324.
Chakraborty, S., T. Philip. (1996). Vendor Development Strategies. International Journal
Of Operations and Production Management. 16(10). P54.
Chan, Joseph O. (2006). A conceptual Model for Operations-Analytics Convergence. The
Journal of American Academy of Business. 9(1). P48-54.
Chase, E. (October/November 2004). Project managing website development. The
British
Journal of Administration Management. 22.
French, Bell, Zawacki. (2004). Organizational Development and Transformation:
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