case study

Three years ago, Yolanda started a home decorating business. Most of her customers are homeowners. Her business has been so successful that six months ago she hired an employee to help her. She was lucky enough then to find someone who was experienced and fast

Last month, Yolanda hired a second person when she found that deadlines were not being met. The second employee is not experienced but is eager to learn and, in fact, seems to be a quick study. However, because of all the rush projects, Yolanda has not had much time to train her, so the employee has spent a good deal of time standing around and watching Yolanda work. Yolanda feels overwhelmed. One of her vans has been malfunctioning, resulting in downtime. Her staff frequently runs out of needed supplies in the middle of a job. Another problem is that the local supplier she uses does not keep needed materials in stock. Additionally, Yolanda has not promptly responded to those seeking quotes, ultimately losing business. Currently, Yolanda is trying to handle quotes, consulting with customers, overseeing the work, and completing the bookkeeping herself. Unfortunately, she does not have sufficient cash flow to hire new employees.

1. Identify Yolanda's problems, possible solutions, and how they would be implemented. Do this on your own without consultation with others.
2. Then, share your work with your class: the identity of the problems, the possible solutions, and how they should be implemented. You may share in your group on Canvas via announcements or you can use email or a Google Doc. It doesn't matter but you must compare with your group and then submit your own work and your answers to 1 and 3.
3. Compare the results of all your group members. Did someone in your group have a great idea you hadn't thought of or one you could combine with one of yours for a better solution? Do you feel the outcome would be better had you met together? Why or why not? What value do you see in group participation?