Sandwich Shop Crisis Case Study

1.0 Identifying the Problem

1.1 Primary Problem

Tom hired Alyssa to manage one of his stores, so he could work fewer hours, spend more time with his wife and possibly start a family. Over the past three months, sales have dropped. Tom hasn’t stopped by Alyssa’s store to check in because he is busy managing his two other stores and doesn’t have the time.

1.2 Secondary Problem

Alyssa has been running the store for three months independently. Her performance is lacking. Since she has started working sales have dropped significantly.

1.3 Immediate Problem

At Alyssa’s store, her staff members have been complaining about other staff members as well as complaining about the lack of hours.

2.0 Listing the Alternatives

2.1 Primary Problem Alternatives:

i) Creating a strict schedule for Tom

ii) Hiring General Manager to assist Alyssa

iii) Close one store.

2.2 Secondary Problem Alternatives:

i) Having a meeting with Alyssa and laying out expectations

ii) A Review of hiring practices

2.3 Immediate Problem Alternatives:

Terminating Alyssa’s sisters

3.0 Evaluation of Alternatives:

3.1 i) Creating a strict schedule for Tom

It seems that Tom has trouble managing his time with the two stores he’s managing and the store he has handed over to Alyssa. A strict schedule will benefit Tom and assist him in managing his time between managing his two stores and checking in on Alyssa and her store. This would benefit Alyssa and her employee’s because Tom would be coming in on a regular basis to make sure everything is running smoothly, and making sure all their needs are met. If Alyssa has an issue running the store or with the employees, she could schedule a time when she could talk to Tom that would fit into his schedule so he and Alyssa can work out the issue. If any employee had an issue with Alyssa, any other employee or the way the store is being run they could do the same and schedule a time to speak with Tom. The disadvantages of this are it might not be a complete fix if Tom doesn't follow the schedule. Things might follow back into their old ways if the schedule isn’t followed correctly.

Tom’s new schedule

Mon.

Tues.

Wed.

Thurs.

Fri.

Sat.

Sun.

8 am

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Tom has the day off

9 am

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

10 am

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

11 am

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

Store #1

12 pm

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1 pm

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

2 pm

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

3 pm

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

4 pm

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

Store #2

5 pm

Visit Alyssa’s Store

Store #2

Visit Alyssa’s Store

Store #2

Visit Alyssa’s Store

Store #2

3.2 ii) Hiring General Manager to assist Alyssa

This alternative would be effective if the schedule failed or Tom doesn’t want a new schedule. Tom would hire a general manager with formal training to lead Alyssa so Tom wouldn’t have to visit her store as much so he can spend more time with his wife and less time