The Stark Design company in Baltimore, Maryland designs, manufactures, and sells personalized planner-style calendars. It began as a small family business that operated out of the owner's garage. Early on, ?the company gained a loyal following of customers that loved the unique designs and color combinations that Stark Design created. Through word of mouth recommendations and social media, the Stark Design company has grown exponentially over the last five years. Popularity of the calendars led Stark Design to increase their product line to include other personalized items such as: picture frames, address books, and cell phone cases featuring the same unique designs of the original personalized planners. In addition, the company has a partnership with a local university to provide exclusive designs featuring the school logo and mascot. As a result, the Stark Design company has grown to 35 ?employees ranging from Senior Designers to Customer Service Representatives. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of their products, Stark Design struggles to meet consumer demand with their current employment staff.

All previous hiring decisions were made by the President and owner of Stark Design, Michelle Stark, when there was a need for additional employees. Generally, the hiring decisions were made during times when production was falling behind. Employees expressed concerns that they were working overtime and were still unable to fulfill product orders in a timely manner. Production is steady throughout the year, however spikes in orders occur around holidays, the end of the calendar year, and in the fall before students start back to school.

Recent market research, conducted by an outside firm, indicated that customers would also be interested in purchasing personalized mugs, office supplies, and wallets as well as other items that feature the unique designs that the company offers. Currently, all products are ordered and sold through the company website. Michelle Stark has committed to introducing 20 ?new products to the company website within the next 6 ?months. Additionally, the top management team is researching the development of a retail store which will showcase the company's products and offer items without personalization. The management team believes this will require a 20-25%?expansion of their labor force to ensure estimated production levels.

Stark Design current staffing level Jr. Designer Product Manager Project Manager Order Filler Production Assoc. 2 Customer Svc Rep s o