Small Business Success Factors

This assignment delves into the key factors that contribute to the success of small businesses. It examines various aspects such as financial management, access to funding, the role of innovation in driving business performance, and effective communication within small enterprises. The provided sources offer insights into these topics, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses.

MANAGING
COMMUNICATION

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1 ...........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Discuss the range of decisions to be taken.......................................................................3
1.2 Examine the information and knowledge needed to ensure effective decision taking.....4
1.3 Assess internal and external sources of information and understanding..........................4
1.4 Justify recommendations for improvement......................................................................5
TASK 2 ...........................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Identify stakeholders for a decision-making process.......................................................6
2.2 Make contact with those identified and develop business relationships..........................6
2.3 Involve those identified in the decision making as appropriate.......................................7
2.4 Design strategies for improvement...................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Report on existing processes of communication in an organisation................................8
3.2 Design ways to improve appropriateness.........................................................................8
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Report on existing approaches to the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of
information and knowledge..................................................................................................10
4.2 Carry out appropriate changes to improve the collection, formatting, storage and.......10
dissemination of information and knowledge......................................................................10
4.3Implement a strategy to improve access to systems of information and knowledge......11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12
.......................................................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Communication is a medium through which higher authorities can share or exchange
their ideas with their employees. The communication management is a process that is used to
plan, design, implement and monitor the ways through which different department communicate
with each other. Through this, relationship among all the staff members can be improved and
that will lead towards the higher productive workforce. The manager can use different kinds of
communication channels in order to increase the transparency at the workplace. Through this
they will be able to enhance the satisfaction level of the employees (Laudon, Laudon and
Brabston, 2011). The present report is based on Ledbury food company which expand their
business in Denmark. They provide high quality food to their customers so that high revenue can
be generated. In this context, Ledbury food company focuses on the information and knowledge
that are required to make an effective decisions. Along with this, it explains the role of
stakeholders in the business organization so that strategies can be implemented in an efficient
manner. Further, communication plan is prepared by the enterprise in order to improve the
system related to information and knowledge.
TASK 1
1.1 Discuss the range of decisions to be taken
Managers are responsible to make the decisions on the behalf of company. Decision is a
kind of process that is important for the planning, organizing, staffing and controlling activities.
When manager of Ledbury food company perform this kind of activity then they have to make
their decisions on the basis of organisations goals (Vargo, 2011). There are three types of
decisions that have to be taken: Strategic decisions: These decisions are made by the higher authority of organization
such as board of directors and top executives. They make such kind of decisions in order
to accomplish the long term objectives. Some policies and targets are set by the top
management and they communicate these to line managers. For example, here directors
of Ledbury food company are responsible to choose the country where they can establish
their business. Tactical decisions: Tactical decisions are made by the middle level managers who are
responsible for allocating the resources and formulating the strategies in order to

accomplish the objectives that are made by executives. Managers communicate these
decisions to their workers so that overall performance can be improved. For example,
manager can take decision that how companies brand image can be improved in another
country.
 Operational decisions: These decisions are related to the day to day activities that are
made by the lower level management of Ledbury food company. These people are
responsible for solving the issues of customers that they are facing related to the products
of firm (Lovejoy, Waters and Saxton, 2012).
1.2 Examine the information and knowledge needed to ensure effective decision taking
When manager and leader make any decision then for this information and knowledge is
required in order to accomplish the goals of Ledbury food company. Information can be related
to the market and other competitive firm. This can be distinguish at three levels such as strategic,
tactical and operational.
 Executives should have knowledge about the trends in market so that they can predict the
future outcomes, market share and the growth of sales in the market. On the basis of their
knowledge, they make effective decisions and strategies in order to get success.
 At the tactical level, manager should have information and knowledge so that overall
pricing of the products, resources and operations can be controlled in an efficient manner.
They should know about demand of their customers and employees so that their level of
satisfaction can be increased (Song and et. al., 2012).
 In the last level, all workers made their report on the basis of their work that they
performed in the organization. They should know how to handle the customers
grievances so that their demands can be fulfilled.
When management made their decisions then they should know the objectives of making such
decisions. Here, Ledbury food company can make information management system and
transaction process system in order to make an effective decision (Yates and Paquette, 2011).
1.3 Assess internal and external sources of information and understanding
Organizations can use internal and external sources of information in order to make an
effective decision. Ledbury food company can use these sources when they are expanding their
business in Denmark.

 Internal sources: The manager can get the information from the different departments
such as production, finance, marketing and Human resources (Rossetto, 2013). On the
basis of balance sheet, cash flow statement, sales report company get the data that will
help in establishing their business in another country. Along with this, Ledbury food
company can use self evaluation in order to identify their own strength, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats. So, the manager can use their strength and adopt the
opportunities that will help them in improving their growth in Denmark. Along with this,
they have to reduce their weaknesses and threats so that competitiveness can be achieved.
 External sources: The food company can get the information from the external sources
such as government policies, financial business group, market research. From the
government policies, the firm will be able to get the data about the rules that are made by
the government and through this they can get the current information. The manager of the
organisation can conduct a survey in the market of Denmark. Through this, they will be
able to collect the information about the needs of people and current trends in the country
(Sayah, 2013).
1.4 Justify recommendations for improvement
Ledbury food company have to improve their information and knowledge system so that
they can perform well in the country. For this, the manager can conduct a information audit in
order to identify the required data that is mandatory to make an effective decision. Along with
this, they can conduct knowledge audit so that resources can be examined that can help an
enterprise in accomplish the objectives. So, by using these tools manager can improve their
information and knowledge system.
The manager can get the ideas from their workers so that their satisfaction level can be
increased (Reda, 2013). For this, they can involve them into the decision making process in order
to make an effective idea. Along with this, Ledbury food company can use modern technologies
and store all the information of the firm into the data base. Through this, organisation can
prevent their data from the unauthorised users who can use that information in wrongful way.
Through the modern technology system, manager can conduct a video conference with their
partners in order to make the communication effectively.

Along with these, the manager can provide training and development to their staff
members so they can improve their core competencies. When their skills an knowledge get
enhanced then they will be able to provide quality food to their customers.
TASK 2
2.1 Identify stakeholders for a decision-making process
Stakeholders are the person, groups and organisation who have some interest in the
business activities (Lee, 2010). These people can affect the performance of company and they
also get affected by their operations. There are some internal stakeholders such as employees,
executives, managers who help the firm in attaining their objectives. On the other hand,
customers, suppliers, government, competitors are the external stakeholders.
When the higher authority of Ledbury food company make any decision then they have
to focus on their stakeholders so that effective decision can be made. For this, the manager can
conduct a survey in order to identify the demands of the customers and trends in the market.
Through this, the enterprise can increase the satisfaction among their service users and that will
lead towards the competitiveness. Apart from this, they can conduct a interview and observation
method within the business environment in order to identify the expectations of their workers
(Ochieng and Price, 2010).
Ledbury food company have to follow all rules and regulations that are made by the
government of Denmark in order to ensure the smooth functioning at workplace. So, when
policies are made by the firm then they have to focus on the legislative laws so that healthy and
safe environment can be created. Suppliers are the one who provide raw material to the business
organisation so manager has to consider these while making the decisions.
2.2 Make contact with those identified and develop business relationships
Organizations have to make satisfy their stakeholders and maintain relationship with
them so that overall performance can be improved. It is the responsibility of manager to improve
the relations with their internal and external stakeholders. For this, the firm have to follow
corporate social responsibility so that they can build their relations with other companies of
Denmark (Griffin and Moorhead, 2011). Along with this, some of the strategies can be followed
by the manager are:

 Quality rather than quantity: The manager of Ledbury food company have to focus on the
quality of the products rather than quantity. Through these, they can attract number of
customers towards their services and competitiveness can be achieved in the market.
 Two way communication: The firm should focus on the two communication process as
through this manager will be able to get the reviews from their service users. So, the
overall growth of food company can be improved.
2.3 Involve those identified in the decision making as appropriate
Decision making is the process that is used by the organization in order to make the plan
and design the strategies in an appropriate manner. So, first the manager have include their
customers in the decision making process so that their overall performance can be improved. For
this, they have to identify the needs, taste and preferences of the people so their needs can be
fulfilled. If consumers are not satisfied with the services of Ledbury food company than manager
can take reviews in order to make an effective decision (Coombs, 2014).
Employees are the one who help the organisation in achieving their goals and they take
the decisions related to the productivity of the services. Along with this, they are making the
strategies that can help them in enhancing the satisfaction of the customers. Suppliers are also
help the organization in making the decisions related to the quality of the products. Further,
government also help an enterprise in making the laws related to employment laws and so on.
Through this, the overall performance can be improved in an efficient manner.
2.4 Design strategies for improvement
As far as Ledbury is concerned, it has been ranked among the top 50 restaurants of UK
because of their best strategies. But the thing required with the strategies is that they need to be
modified and updated now and then as per the current needs. This is the part which is dealt by
the marketing and customer service department, they are in direct dealing with the customers ,
they are the face of the organisation so they should be conducting surveys and keep an eye on the
reputation of their restaurant (Gronum, Verreynne and Kastelle, 2012). For improving the
strategies they must keep following points under consideration:
 Quality of food : Every now and then quality checks are must for every restaurant. They
should check supply chain so as to look from where the raw material, ingredients are
coming to take care of hygienic issues.

 Training & Development of staff : They should be taught to be more soft spoken, make
eye contact with the customers, smile at them, greet them properly, Take proper care of
the customers see what they need bring it to them before they even ask for it .
 Feedback : it plays a major role in the improvement process. Ask for customer's
suggestion and recommendations (Altman, Sabato, and Wilson, 2010).
This helps the restaurant to take the corrective measures and remove the loopholes .
TASK 3
3.1 Report on existing processes of communication in an organisation
In today's scenario the organisations survival depends upon how well their
communication process is. A restaurant is made up of small small departments and their
combined efforts help organisation to achieve their goals and objectives. For the coordination
among the various departments there has to be a communication structure followed within the
restaurant so that they can communicate among themselves. It can be formal or informal. It is
needed so that their work can be coordinated and they can pass on the information at the time it
is required (Cowling, Liu and Ledger, 2012).
For the smooth functioning of Ledbury restaurant specific communication system should
be processed. The persons in various departments are needed to analyse the collected data for
improvement. On the basis of this the reports are prepared and handed over to the managerial
staff and then they make strategies which needs to be implemented by the staff members.
Business development team also gets the data and they are required to generate new business to
the restaurant through their selling techniques. Whole new plans have been made to stick to the
vision of the restaurant and latest technological modes of communication are used to stay
connected. Connecting modes can be emails ,phones, what's App, fax machines, video
conferencing, etc. (Islam, Khan, Obaidullah and Alam, M.S., 2011). Ledbury can even have their
internal system which is used only by the employees of Ledbury.
3.2 Design ways to improve appropriateness
This essential for a business unit is to make their communication process effective which
can help to enhance its efficiency and productivity. For this, The Ledbury required to to make
changes which can meet future needs of the company. A small enterprise required that to
determine internal and external factors which can affects a communication process. As a food

business enterprise so most communication takes place between the owner of the firm and its
associate which can make a suitable environment for effective communication. For this, a
intranet network system can be good solution for communication within the business
organisation (Forsman and Temel, 2011). In the present era. There are various innovations and
technology can be used which can make their communication process effective. These
communication tools can be Skype, Google Chat, and other chat facilities. Apart from that, start
up also can storage their various data and information at the remote place and used in the future
references. Making changes in the company culture also played a significant role in order to
improve communication of a business organisation. It can help to increase the interaction
between higher authorities and employees of the company. Promoters have to use easy language
in the meeting and try to motivate their staff which can help to enhance employees confidence
level. Language should be such that It helps employee to interpret actual meaning of the
message.
3.3 Implement improvements to ensure greater integration of systems of communication in
organisation
It is essential for a small business is to improve their communication system which can
enhance its integration. Therefore, it is the responsibilities of higher authorities of the company
to implementation all their changes which are required. The business promoters can use various
innovative tools such as yahoo messenger, Goggle application, what's up. Etc. which can provide
a facility to live chat with your clients or staff in the real time (Bellucci, Borisov, and Zazzaro,
2010). It can help to increase the effectiveness and productivity of their staff and also save the
time and money of the company. In order to improve departmental communication a company
can where they can allot email for each department so that they can share data and information
with each other. To make appointments can establishing deadlines online
calender tools can used. Meeting in the start-up Business can be formal and
informal (Forsman and Temel, 2011). The message in the meeting can be
communicated in a better and efficient way it the communication is made
through conferences, project meeting, video or teleconference. Food
company can easily integrate better communication process which would
help in enhancing the performance of the company.

3.4 Personal Plan to improve communication skills
Objectives Approach Time Period
Improvement of written skill There is various course
available in the market which
can help to improve written
skill.
With help enrolment of such
course minimise various errors
like spelling, grammar and
other aspects of
communication.
It will take 5-6 months.
Improving presentation skills Always speak confidently in
front of mirror without any
hesitation.
Try to understand other
aspects of public speaking.
It will take 3-4 months
Professional presentation skill Collecting various information
before present any topic.
Use expert’s opinions and
focused on factual
information.
1-3 months
TASK 3
4.1 Report on existing approaches to the collection, formatting, storage and dissemination of
information and knowledge
The Ledbury used both the sources of information viz., internal sources as well as
external sources. All the departments of Ledbury are closely related , they are in constant touch
with each other . All the functional departments like finance , administration, management,
marketing are linked together so as to letting the flow of information and knowledge smooth.
The employees working in all the departments collect the information and provide it to the

management. For predicting budgets and forecasting it for future periods , annual financial
statements are analysed and critically reviewed. All the department collaborate with each other to
provide data and make reports , like marketing department collaborated with finance department
and then they analyse it. And research and development department evaluate them and enhances
their performance (Islam,Khan, Obaidullah, and Alam, M.S., 2011). The marketing team makes
the plan according to the needs and preferences of customers like what cuisines they prefer or
what kind of ambience they like. So that the Ledbury can improve as per these requirements.
And leads to increase in revenue.
Then after all the analytical aspects are done then the finance team takes the accounts and present
them in tabular formats and income statements are made and balance sheets are prepared. As it
gives the whole summarised picture of the company. And would also predict about future trends.
4.2 Carry out appropriate changes to improve the collection, formatting, storage and
dissemination of information and knowledge
Ledbury has configured communication systems that are standardised and would be in
formal reports for various department as finance, marketing, HR, production . Company is
benefited and harmonised when they don't have any barriers within the department and does help
in collection of data by the employees (Cowling,Liu,and Ledger, 2012).
Ledbury arranges the training and development sessions for their staff so
that they can improve themselves and adapt to the updations in the market.
They also taught them the methods to collect the data and gather
information.
There are three ways to do that:
 Formatting : ledbury should be configured by the standards for the
current system and to provide clear information from the system.
 Storage: restaurant do require large storage spaces. They need big
warehouses, as they have to store their food products, their
ingredients, raw material.
 Dissemination: it means to have proper communication between
sender and receiver. The Ledbury have many options through which
they can communicate with the new technologies like Dropbox, google

drives etc to share their files for internal and external use .
Information technology plays a very crucial role in the organisations
as they make the task simpler and helps sharing files (Altman, Sabato, and
Wilson, 2010).
Ledbury can have their own intranet so that they can have more secured network ,that is not
shared by any other entity.
4.3Implement a strategy to improve access to systems of information and knowledge.
For a restaurant it is very important to have their information and knowledge strong for
day to day operations. It provides easy access to information. The information and knowledge
system must have information of all the stakeholders that are part of Ledbery's restaurant and it
should contain the discussions of progress, reviews. Updates, issues, and could be able to update
system using feedbacks and suggestions . The support of management is vital for operating this
system. They must use the technology that they are having to improve the communication among
them so as to achieve the desired results (Gronum, Verreynne and Kastelle, 2012).
So the management will communicate via proper channel and should have formal
communication. They could also use microphones to speed up their communications , they can
directly talk to whichever employee they want to with no difficulty.
CONCLUSION
So as to include this report it would like to say that an effective communication is very
important for a restaurant to grow and develop. The report has explained that communication at
every level and at every department, be it to take any decisions like tactical, strategical,
operational, for collecting information regarding preference of the consumers and market
conditions. And it gave the department the idea of expectation customer have.
Strong and effective communication can help achieve the goals and objectives of the restaurant.
It also briefs about how the use of internal and external information helps management to take
decisions and help improve the sales.
REFERENCES
Books and Journal

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Sage Publications.
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Ochieng, E.G and Price, A.D.F., 2010. Managing cross-cultural communication in multicultural
construction project teams: The case of Kenya and UK. International Journal of Project
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Reda, V., 2013. Managing communication in the Prime Minister’s Office, 1988–2012.
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Rossetto, K.R., 2013. Relational coping during deployment: Managing communication and
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Sayah, S., 2013. Managing work–life boundaries with information and communication
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Managing communications effectively and efficiently. 2017. [Online]. Available
through:<https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-communications-effectively-
efficiently-5916>. [Accessed on 25th February 2017].
The Essential Roles of a Manager Decisions Making: Strategic, Tactical and Operational
Decisions | Business Management. 2016. [Online]. Available
through:<http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/information-technology/decisions-making-
strategic-tactical-and-operational-decisions-business-management/10271/>. [Accessed
on 23rd March 2017].