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Koi and Lilies Kathy Bernard\'s hobby of raising koi and goldfish became a busin

ID: 377327 • Letter: K

Question

Koi and Lilies Kathy Bernard's hobby of raising koi and goldfish became a business because she wanted to share her passion and educate the public on the proper care and maintenance for both fish and ponds. Bernard did not become an expert overnight: she learned about diseases, stressful environments, ph factors, and much more. She learned that even if none of these signs was visible, the fish were not necessarily healthy Kathy found ten acres of land, five minutes from the interstate and one mile from a major intersection. She took out a bank loan and it began. Bernard was already working as a nurse consultant for insurance companies, so she hired a manager and three full-time employees Koi and Lilies breed and sell koi; they also make house calls and carry medical supplies to assist owners in extending the life of their fish. They carry kohaku koi, oranda koi, and comet goldfish, several varieties of lilies as well as fountains and garden ornaments Koi and Lilies came close to closing in 2011, due to the downturn of the U.S. economy, but held on and had the best year ever. However, a couple of years later, even their focus on customer service did not help. Kathy Bernard discovered that an employee had been stealing everything he could lay his hands on. So much so, that when the inventory was gone over, too much was missing to be able to operate and Koi and Lilies closed. In October 2015, Kathy Bernard hired new management restocked koi and green- houses, and began work on new ponds and a gift shop. Koi and Lilies plans a grand opening in 2016.25 Questions 1. What could Kathy Bernard have done to prevent theft? 2. Do you think Koi and Lilies needs more hands-on management?

Explanation / Answer

1. Kathy Bernard could have taken the following steps:

a. Create a control system such as the weight of the consignment sold and cross check them at every point where the exhange of hands takes place.

b. Manage the inventory.

c. Keep accountability of every employees.

d. Keep the employees motivated either through rewards and recognitions or through fear of termination and penalty.

2. Yes, Koi and Lillies should have had more hands-on management to understand the nuances of the process and identify loop holes that can be plugged. Employee motivation can also be affected through periodic incentives.