Question

Read the following scenario and answer the question in 5–10 sentences. You are the manager of a medium-sized paper sales company. The paper market has been stagnant for the last several years. Therefore, you are analyzing the possible restructuring of your current staff to help improve efficiency and the quality of your services. Specifically, the supplier purchases team needs a fresh evaluation. Currently, Keeler Pansing is a rising star, known for her keen eye for determining the superiority of paper and finding great values. Her attendance of outside training and obtainment of multiple certifications in paper purchasing are primary contributors to her success. The present lead purchaser, Katie Lackey, has held the position for the last ten years and, at the age of 57, is 20 years Keeler's senior. Katie has always performed satisfactory work, but you feel that Keeler would give you an edge. Would you be concerned with making any changes in the purchasing group?

Answer 1

With the given scenario, certain changes definitely need to be made. This is to improve efficiency and the quality of the services. Keeler can be replaced with Katie for favorable outcomes. This is because Keeler is known for her keen eye for determining the superiority of paper and finding great values. She also has training and obtainment of multiple certifications in paper purchasing which act like a bonus point for her. Since she is younger than Katie, she has more knowledge and exposure to the new technologies and know hows of new methodology in the business than the others. To maintain the quality and improve efficiency, such young minds are required to work harder and put to efficient use.

On the other hand, Katie can be given some other work as she's been involved with the company for so long and would be comfortable with other sort of work as well. She can be assigned other important works related to the business so that her experience and knowledge with the company is not wasted. Though there would be some concerns regarding the changes in the purchasing group, it would in the end be profitable for the company.