Summary of the Case Study: A Business Owner Seeks an Alternative to Seven-Day Workweeks

 

Summary of the Case Study: A Business Owner Seeks an Alternative to Seven-Day Workweeks

The case study titled “A Business Owner Seeks an Alternative to Seven-Day Workweeks” explores the challenges faced by a small business owner, Sarah, who is struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance due to the demands of her business. Sarah owns a successful bakery, but the long hours and constant workload have taken a toll on her personal life and well-being. She recognizes the need for technological solutions that can help streamline operations and alleviate some of the burden on her.

To address these challenges, Sarah is looking for alternative technologies that can support or enhance her business. This paper will discuss three potential technologies that can benefit Sarah’s bakery and provide examples of how other companies have successfully implemented them. The technologies are as follows:

1. Point of Sale (POS) System

A Point of Sale (POS) system is a technological solution that streamlines sales transactions, inventory management, and customer data. Implementing a POS system in Sarah’s bakery can automate many manual processes, such as cash register operations and inventory tracking. It can also provide valuable insights into sales patterns, customer preferences, and inventory levels, enabling Sarah to make data-driven decisions.

According to a study conducted by López-Nicolás et al. (2018), implementing a POS system in small retail businesses has led to increased efficiency, improved inventory management, and enhanced customer experiences. For example, a clothing store in the study reported a 25% reduction in stockouts and a 30% increase in customer satisfaction after implementing a POS system.

2. Online Ordering and Delivery Platform

In today’s digital age, an online ordering and delivery platform can significantly enhance a business’s reach and convenience for customers. By allowing customers to place orders online and providing delivery services, Sarah’s bakery can expand its customer base beyond its physical location and cater to busy individuals who prefer the convenience of online shopping.

Research by Gao et al. (2019) highlights the benefits of online ordering and delivery platforms in the food industry. A study involving various restaurants found that implementing such platforms increased order volume by 15-25% and improved customer satisfaction. For instance, a pizza restaurant reported a 20% increase in sales after introducing an online ordering system.

3. Employee Scheduling Software

Managing employee schedules efficiently can be a time-consuming task for business owners like Sarah. Employee scheduling software automates the process by allowing managers to create schedules, track employee availability, and handle shift changes seamlessly. This technology can help Sarah optimize staffing levels, reduce scheduling conflicts, and improve communication with her employees.

A study by Bondarev et al. (2020) examined the impact of employee scheduling software on service quality and employee satisfaction in the hospitality industry. The findings indicated that implementing such software resulted in improved service quality, reduced labor costs, and higher employee satisfaction levels. For example, a hotel in the study reported a 15% decrease in overtime expenses and a 20% increase in employee satisfaction after adopting employee scheduling software.

In conclusion, implementing technology solutions such as a Point of Sale (POS) system, online ordering and delivery platforms, and employee scheduling software can greatly benefit Sarah’s bakery business. These technologies have proven success in various industries and can help streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, expand the customer base, and improve work-life balance for Sarah as a business owner.

References:

López-Nicolás, C., Molina-Castillo, F. J., & Bouwman, H. (2018). The impact of POS systems on small retail businesses: Evidence from a field experiment. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, 42, 59-68.
Gao, L., Waechter, K. A., & Bai, X. (2019). Online food delivery platforms: How do they affect customers’ experience? International Journal of Hospitality Management, 76(Part A), 58-70.
Bondarev, N., Van der Heijden, B., & Velden, R. K. (2020). Employee scheduling software: Its impact on service quality and employee satisfaction in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102464.