Pandemic Major Effects On Planning For Smithfield Custom Fur ✓ Solved

When it comes to the planning cycle, there are several steps and actions taken. The number one area of concern during a pandemic is to identify resources, a step that requires management to plan the resources required to meet the demands of the organization. Additionally, it is vital to review the current resources already held by the organization to create a priority list. Once this list is generated and there is an understanding of needed resources, sourcing these resources becomes critical. Resources can include skilled personnel, equipment, technology, and financial resources. The final aspect of this process is continued assessment of expenses and resource accessibility, as a pandemic can create uncertainty regarding resource availability.

A significant planning action for Smithfield Furniture Company involves a comprehensive review of the resources at all 411 stores and the requirements for each of the 24,000 employees. This includes the 51 stores focusing exclusively on the You Figure it Out brand. The organization must consider potential disruptions at seaports which may impact the 16 overseas stores reliant on shipments from US manufacturing plants. Following this review, an inventory capable of sustaining operations for 12 to 18 months may need to be established, depending on sales dynamics. The expectation is that during a pandemic, there will be a notable decline in discretionary spending; therefore, resources should be allocated to ensure survival over the next 18 months, potentially leading to temporary closures of less profitable locations.

Major Effects on Organizing for Smithfield Custom Furniture Company

Organizing is deeply intertwined with planning, particularly regarding coordinated effort. This focuses on managerial roles in driving collaboration among employees to maximize resources with shared objectives. Effective management involves leveraging employees’ skills, experience, and capabilities to enhance overall performance.

During a pandemic, employee morale and focus are at risk; thus, managers must be adept at maintaining team focus and productivity. The leadership role will be crucial in optimizing resource use, particularly when resources are limited. Establishing a clear mission and vision is essential in rallying the team toward common goals, especially amid uncertainty. Additionally, organizational flexibility will enable the company to navigate both known and unknown challenges that arise.

Major Effects on Leading for Smithfield Custom Furniture Company

Leadership plays a pivotal role in navigating a company through the upheaval of a pandemic. Different leadership styles will face unique challenges in this environment. Employee-centered leadership, which prioritizes interpersonal relationships over task completion, may struggle when rapid problem-solving is required. Such leaders focus on nurturing team qualifications and productivity; however, the unpredictability of a pandemic may hamper their ability to effectively guide their teams.

Furthermore, laissez-faire leadership—characterized by minimal intervention in employee decision-making—can lead to decreased productivity when team members lose focus amidst crises. It is crucial for the company to assess its leadership styles and discuss possible temporary adaptations to leadership approaches. The organization must ensure all managers are aligning with new directives and policies shaped by ongoing situations.

Major Effects on Controlling for Smithfield Custom Furniture Company

The control processes within the organization will face significant challenges during a pandemic, especially steps involving analyzing deviations and taking corrective actions. Managers must determine why performance standards are unmet and what adjustments are necessary to realign with organizational goals.

Concurrent control, which monitors real-time progress and addresses issues promptly, will be especially significant. By identifying problem areas early, the company can take preemptive measures to avoid widespread operational issues. Managers must conduct thorough analyses to understand which deviations stem from pandemic-related factors versus internal procedural failures. Prioritizing the elimination of non-pandemic related issues is essential to streamline corrective actions and maintain operational stability during unpredictable circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pandemic poses substantial challenges across all aspects of management for Smithfield Custom Furniture Company. Proactive planning for resource identification, effective organizing, adaptive leadership, and stringent control measures are crucial for navigating the complexities brought on by the crisis. By focusing on these critical areas, the company can enhance its resilience and position itself for sustainable recovery and growth in the post-pandemic business environment.

References

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