Company Background

Blue Water T-Shirts was founded right here in Macomb County several years ago by a group of graduates of the Macomb Community College School of Business. The company (BWTS) designs and sells t-shirts highlighting the areas water attractions (e.g. Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron). The shirts are sold wholesale to area retailers as well as an online store. Manufacturing of the t-shirts is done by a third party contract with a local screen shop. A portion of the firms profits are donated to local Blue Water initiatives such as the HEART Freshwater Center (www.heartfreshwatercenter.org). The business model of locally-produced items highlighting local features and support of water quality initiatives was an overnight success.

The companys recent strategy efforts have been very successful BWTS has added products such as string bags, water bottles and other items, and they are for sale in Blue Water Shops and online. As a result of the hard work of employees, BWTS has grown from just a few employees to over 100, and locations in 20 states!

Youve been on a tour of the locations interviewing employees and managers, and have been hearing some common themes:

Im not really sure exactly what my job is, I just do what my supervisor tells me to do. Its different every shift.

It seems that every time we hire a new employee, someone leaves. BWTS seems like a revolving door.

I think Im doing a good job, but Im not 100% sure. My boss doesnt really tell me anything.

After some additional research and meetings, youve discovered that managers at each location hire and train their own employees. Since there isnt a formal Human Resources department, there isnt any coordination or communication with the headquarters here in Macomb County.

Instructions:

Read, identify, and analyze the issues happening at BWTS. Answer the following questions:

1. What do you think could be causing some of the problems at BWTS?
2. How would you propose solving the problems? Describe your ideas in detail, using chapter 9 as your reference.
3. How should HR tasks be handled at BWTS? Be specific; describe what you think the corporate office should be responsible for, as well as managers at each location.