Running head: Operations Management: Kudler Foods
Operations Management: Kudler Foods
University of Phoenix
Abstract
Kudler Fine Foods is leading the way in the local gourmet food market; pairing food with
good experiences has proven success. In order to add to this success, Kudler is adding
organic produce from local growers. Fully developing this opportunity will include
updating the marketing process as well as updating the current purchasing process by fully
utilizing the purchasing manager in order to streamline the supply chain. This streamline
process will include Kaizen ideas as well as a just-in-time inventory supplied directly from
the field. Doing will increase the overall value of Kudler to the market in which they
operate.
Operations Management
Buy organic! That seems to be the mantra of the day and a growing trend. The benefits of
organic foods have been studied by the US Department of Agriculture and the US food and
Drug Administration. These studies have shown that organic foods contain on average
30% more anti-oxidants than conventionally grown food (Hancock 2007). The benefits of
choosing organic foods have caught on and Kudler Find Foods does not plan on letting
those benefits pass them by. In order to make the most of the organic market, Kudler will
need to look at their marketing plan or processes and purchasing process, identify
weaknesses in their supply chain and implement new quality controls in order to see
success.
Business Processes at Kudler
Kudler Fine Foods has seen success. They have expanded from one location to three. They
have shown growth in each market as well as gained customer loyalty. They have
developed a strong marketing plan set at identifying their company with the issues of
self-actualization in Maslow Hierarchy of Needs by offering value added services like
cooking classes with celebrity chefs, frequent flyer miles for purchases and other high end
perks, but is something missing from their marketing process? Yes! Organics.
The pinnacle of a marketing plan that relies on self actualization motivators in the grocery
business is organics. The super markets supply the basic need, food. Kudler will supply a
higher need, organic food. Organic food expresses that not only do people need to eat; they
need to eat well, recycle, save farmland and feel good about themselves doing it. This is
not said to be trite, only to show that the marketing process will need to be adjusted to
enter this market. According to the text, “a process takes inputs and transforms them into
