Introduction
Brazos Valley Food Bank, situated in Texas, is currently dealing with various non-profit sector issues, including the operational challenge of seasonal food availability. The study indicates that the food supply was inconsistent during summer. The organization’s second challenge was the operational inefficiencies caused mainly by the old manual distribution systems. For instance, picking up and delivery seems fraught, and the warehouse space available is not utilized in supporting other operations. Operational inefficiencies slowed down its progress, and the organization also faced inconsistency in planning and procedures. Identifying this problem is vital for the rest of the discussion.
Analyzing the Issue
From the case study, the flow of services was hindered during the summer months. For instance, there were inconsistent contributions and fewer inventories to support operations. Hence careful preparation was necessary during the winter months to continue summer operations. Few experienced individuals volunteered with little contribution, which resulted in fewer inventory updates. Moreover, the demand was also more remarkable as most schools lacked food services to depend on, which greatly affected operational efficiency.
The old manual systems caused the organization’s issues as sorting processes slowed down growth. More advanced networks might develop delivery methods and eliminate human resources (either by volunteers or paid staff) that could be used in other more strategic ways, such as fundraising or optimizing donations. Lastly, the scheduling of pick-up and distribution seems to have been overburdened by so much uncertainty and scrutiny. Revamping these procedures would cut down on the overhead as well. Another indication of discrepancy was that the storage room was open, specifically the refrigeration and freezer for perishable items. However, it was not utilized optimally to help operations.
The Expected Outcomes
Based on the case study, the organization is expected to experience failure due to poor service delivery. The poor delivery of services is closely linked with the internal management of the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Being a non-profit organization, the expenses exceed the organization’s money through funding, which affects the long-term operations. In situations where organizational costs overcome the available funds for application, then services are likely to operate at a low speed.
Possible Solutions
To ensure its survival, the company’s top leadership will need to revamp its business strategy. Revamping the business strategy would allow the company to cut down the unnecessary costs they were incurring, allowing more funds to be made available for food purchases, electricity usage, supplies, and fuel (Rastogi, 2016). Reducing the auxiliary cost would allow the company to adopt modern distribution systems in the distribution industry, enabling the company to increase its profit margins.
Recommended Solution
The most effective solution for this problem would be cutting down costs as it would allow the company to adopt modern and effective distribution systems. Cutting down costs would ensure operations are optimized by lowering the organization’s expenditure and allowing funds to be channeled into sectors that can increase its profit margins.
This solution can be implemented through the revision of the company’s strategy. The management has to examine their current expenses and develop ways of reducing or doing away with unnecessary costs that the company can do without. Both the company and the consumers would benefit from implementing this solution, as the company will increase its profit margins. In contrast, the consumers will be able to get better customer service with improved delivery mechanisms.
This solution’s expected outcome is a revitalized and sustainable organization that can achieve its goals and objectives using the limited resources at its disposal (Kerkhoff et al., 2009). Another outcome is happy consumers who are well satisfied by the company’s services that use a modern or automated distribution system that improves the customer experience.
Conclusion
Activities run smoothly in a company when there are enough resources for different services. In situations where an organization cannot perform its regular tasks due to financial breakdowns, it becomes vital to reorganize and rearrange activities based on priority and urgency. When there are many unnecessary costs incurred in the organization, then reducing them is the best option.
References
Kerkhoff, J., Eagar, T. W., & Utterback, J. (2009). A systematic strategy for optimizing manufacturing operations. Production and Operations Management, 7(1), 67-85. Web.
Rastogi, M. (2016). Production and operation management. Laxmi Publications.