About the assignment:

This individual assignment aims to help students get a better understanding of how Principles of Management are highly related to daily business issues. The following scenario represents a critical situation for a small business owner. Apply the knowledge you got so far in the course to analyze problem/s and suggest solutions based on available information.

Save Dream Steam Caf!

**Dream Steam" is a small homey-style caf that opened in a quiet local neighborhood more than a year ago. The caf has a limited menu of soft drinks and pastries. Prices are reasonable, the food is average, the staff members are friendly but they have partial practical experience.

Rana, the owner of the caf, noticed that the number of customers is decreasing, which means, her sales are not as good as her competitors. If the situation continues, the caf might not be able to make it for another year! The caf manager (who is rarely around, because he is busy with retail deals) thinks that the location is not suitable, and they would better open an additional branch at a luxurious shopping mall in the city center. Rana thinks that such a move would be costly and risky, she prefers to play it safe.

Day after day, the staff members see many customers leave and do not show up again, but no complaints were dropped in the wooden-old-style suggestion box by the entrance. (Unsatisfied customers means no tips for waiters). So the staff tried to discuss their low income with the caf manager, but he refuses to talk about salaries as long as the caf revenues are suffering, neither he wants to listen to employees' ideas to improve the menu, or share with them latest updates regarding the business-critical conditions.

As a management consultant, Rana needs your advice to keep her business running. Based on your knowledge and skills gained within Principles of Management (Chapter I & Chapter II), help Rana with the following:

Questions

4. Discuss: To what extent do you think the manager of the caf showed good managerial roles and skills? (4 elements at least, 1 point for each)