FunTime Snacks, Inc.

FunTime Snacks, Inc.

FunTime Snacks, Inc. has been successful for the most part of its 30 years of existence. While the founder (Bill Richardson) has accumulated a wealth of experience over the years, the organization is dragged down by the new employees yet to understand the operations of the market forces. Most of the decisions made by the founder have failed to address the need for business evolution in accordance to the changing times and market needs. This has diminished the firm’s competitiveness hence being surpassed by rivaling startups. Furthermore, the top-level management FunTime Snacks, Incorporation has failed to endorse the execution of periodic research to understand the market trends. The research would enable the business to devise innovative ways to cope with the fluid market situation and the soaring competition. The paper shall, therefore, discuss the applicable diagnostic model for FunTime Snacks, Inc. and a critique for Agnes’ intervention. Additionally, suggestions will be provided on ways to improve the long-term business performance.

            For a modern business entity to grow there is a need for diversification in product and service provision. Lack of diversification will lead to monotony by the loyal customers and the predictability by the business investors. Besides, non-diversified business likes FunTimes snacks can become a victim of numerous business risks including the business slump in the sector and the fluctuations in the market dynamics. Bill Richardson and the Firm’s management ought to realize that provision of quality and unique products earns a competitive edge to the business. Also, investment in marketing strategies is crucial to any firm’s success. These factors and the lack of proper understanding in the regional business operation have resulted in the evident deterioration of FunTimes Snacks Business performance.

Diagnostic Model

The management of FunTimes Snacks should consider SWOT analysis as a diagnostic model. It is true that the business have some areas of strength, given its survival in the tumultuous market for more than three decades. Thus, it is Bill Richardson's responsibility to drafts a list of strengths that can be exploited to the advantage of the business. The possible strengths include strong business networks, established infrastructure and the skilled management. On the other hand, the weaknesses that affect the business operations include the lack of proper communication channels, a poor chain of command, lack of demonstration of leadership by Bill Richardson and undiversified business.

The opportunities that should be taken into consideration include the large market population, the advancement in technologies, and the growing need for salty snack foods among the target population, the globalization of businesses and the easing trade restrictions. For the business to achieve a substantial positive outcome, these opportunities should be fully exploited. Lastly, there are various factors that threaten business survival—stiff competition is one of them. To combat this, funding for extensive marketing should be set aside. Also, the efficiency in business operations should be ensured by utilizing the latest business technology.

A Critique on Agnes Diagnosis

Agnes’ decisions did not address the business problems. From the case study, it is clear that Agnes offered a diagnosis of the symptoms of the business ailment rather than a treatment to the root cause of the FunTime Snacks, Inc. woes. Instead, she should have taken adequate amount of time to observe the business operations. This way, she would be able to detect the business flaws within the firm’s operations. Besides, Agnes worked solitarily; she did not consider the benefits of incorporating teamwork in sourcing for solutions to business problems. Agnes may be an expert in consultancy, but accommodating ideas from the business employees is paramount in ensuring the provision of a lasting business solution. Agnes should demonstrate her know-how by offering alternative solutions to the problems, should her initial plan fail to gather momentum. 

Agnes should bear in mind that the corporate leaders demand respect for their authority.  Thus, her quick intervention and her proposal for the corporate leaders to be answerable to her office proved ineffective. Given the multiple regions that the business operates, Agnes should understand the numerous challenges in establishing a reliable channel of communication. In fact, she should propose a variety of modes of communication including phone calls, fax, and face-to-face communication.  The timing for the experimentation of the new policy implementation was inappropriate. Agnes should heed to Mobley’s call for an implementation date pushback. In fact, any implementation of a new business policy should be executed in a low season to minimize on inconveniences and to avert possible losses. 

My Advice

There are unethical business practices conducted by some of the regional business managers. Over time, these practices will lead to managerial decay and cracks that can threaten the business operations. Besides, the extent of the illegality of these practices implies that sooner or later, the business authorities can withdraw the operation license from FunTimes Snacks. The development will wield a devastating blow and disastrous business consequences. To avert this, the top management should conduct extensive investigations on the raised concerns and unfair business practices. An option of termination of service to those violating ethical business practices should be considered. Though the solution may take years to be fruitful, it is undeniable that the business will pick up on its performance. In the short run, I will recommend stronger business relationship between the management and the junior staff. Also, the motivation of employees should be based on hard work and the service delivery.  My new approach would be better as it roots out the core cause of the business’ challenges.