You are a manager for a grocery store chain and have recently been transferred to an older location that is on the brink of failing. The home office has assigned you the task of improving the store’s processes, such as stocking and staff schedules, to try to make it profitable. Although there are normally pretty strict systems in place for managing inventory and staff hours according to specific rules and algorithms, the home office has given you extra leeway to try to figure out what needs to be fixed at this store.
You are pleased that the staff, in general, seems fairly happy with their jobs. Many of them routinely ask for, and have received, overtime hours. You know that reviewing staffing and overtime will be a big part of making the store more profitable.
To make a positive impact, you will need to make some important decisions. Each of these decisions will need to be based on information you learn about the store. You will also need to take into consideration the people who work there. Think carefully about what kinds of information systems will be most helpful to you as you explore your options.
Question:
Looking at the payroll records, you decide that reducing overtime hours will dramatically cut your staffing budget. You roll out the new restrictions on overtime, but with fewer employees on the store floor at any given time, the checkout lines get longer. Customers start complaining, and one frustrated cashier quits at the end of her shift. Over the weekend you read on a local blog that a three-day country music festival is coming to your city next month. The event features a few headline acts, and lots of other local bands and performers. You anticipate that this type of event might bring a lot of foot traffic into the store for snacks and convenience items. You decide to place some extra snack orders, and place an advertisement in the event program with a 10% off coupon valid for event-goers.
How should you choose what types of items to order?
A) check the sales records from this time last year.
B) Last week, the assistant manager wore a t-shirt from last year's event, so you ask her what items would be popular.