Overview of Management: Kudler Fine Foods
Kudler Fine Foods is a gourmet food store founded by Kathy Kudler. There are currently
three locations and Kudler is looking to expand further. In this paper, we will examine the
organizational structure of Kudler Fine Foods; apply Porter Model of Five Competitive
Forces; and examine how the Internet and technology has impacted Kudler Fine Foods.
Primary Functions of Management
There are four primary functions of management: Planning and Strategizing; Leading;
Organizing; and Controlling (Balkin, 2002). Based on Kudler organization, it appears that
Kathy Kudler, President, is mainly responsible for the planning and strategizing, however,
each store manager and department head is responsible for their respective team planning
and strategization. Leading is primarily the responsibility of Human Resources; ensuring
employees are motivated and can work together for the greater good. The function of
organizing is mainly that of Accounting and Finance, however, Human Resources also
plays a role in this by defining the roles of the organization players. Finally, controlling is
handled by Store Operations and manages the daily tasks, as well as ensuring that each
store is performing to the best of their ability and has the necessary tools to do so.
Technology and its Impact
Technology can impact how a business conducts itself and can often lead to great
improvements, especially when branching out over the Internet. There area few initiatives
that Kudler Foods has undergone, which takes advantage of what technology has to offer.
First and foremost, Kudler has a well developed Intranet, which provides all of its
