Coffee Shop Business Plan Essay - 1704 Words

Integrative Case, HannaH page 1 Integrative Case, HannaH By; Kimberly King-Mahaffey Professor Toiya Evans Finance 100 May 30, 2010 Integrative Case, HannaH page 2 Hannah Eisenstat had a business plan to own and operate a small business to sell coffee to patrons. The business started out with one owner Hannah being sole proprietorship venture. The business started out a bit weak while Hannah found once it was up and operating that the coffee did not produce the flavor she had anticipated and envisioned. A regular customer made an offer to become an investor offering an idea that would eliminate the small business into a larger company that would offer a better quality of coffee, but by doing this the owner would have†¦show more content†¦(www.go4funding.com, 2010) When investing into a business that needs more than a million dollars if the owner needs an investor then a Venture Investor Capital would be an option. Hannah found Dixie Partners, a local venture capital firm. The firm agreed to invest $3 million needed to finance the construction of the facility large enough needed to roast the coffee beans for production. The firm i n exchange would receive 50% share from the business. HannaH’s operations were strong enough in production that in eight years the company grew and had employed around 200 more people. Expansion was again needed, so Dixie again invested $4 million for $1,200,000 shares in 2003, and again $8 million for $1,500,000 shares in 2006. Having to make this decision also caused to have a loan term for renewal of five years, which was due in 2004, then again in 2007, additional shares of $400,000 were issued to the employees. What started as a small business vision turned into a large corporate type business having board of directors to Integrative Case, HannaH page 5 What started as a small business vision turned into a large corporate type business having board of directors to expand the distribution of the coffee through out the U.S. the financing would come through on IPO. The plan was to raise $20 million in new capital atShow MoreRelatedCoffee Shop Business Plan8541 Words   |  35 PagesTable of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. General Company Description 3. Products and services 4. Marketing Plan 1. Market Research 2. Economics 3. Product 4. Customers 5. Competition 6. Table 1: Competitive Analysis 7. Niche 8. Strategy 9. Promotion 10. Pricing 11. Proposed Location 12. Distribution Channels 5. Operational Plan 1. Production 2. Location 3. Legal Environment 4. Personnel 5. Inventory 6. Suppliers 7. Credit PoliciesRead MoreBusiness Plan On Coffee Shops1425 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Plan On Coffee Shops Business Name : Rio Coffee Comapany Name: Well Food Name of the founder: Abdus Salam Problems The coffee shop isn’t truly a restaurant and it isn’t strictly a retail establishment. There are also several real business issues that are somewhat unique to the coffee shop industry as a whole.   †¢ Rising supply cost: Profit margins in the coffee industry are relatively hefty ( about 85%, give or take), but the overall profit per cup is small. And making margins is evenRead MoreCoffee Shop Business Plan8552 Words   |  35 PagesContents 1. Executive Summary 2. General Company Description 3. Products and services 4. Marketing Plan 1. Market Research 2. Economics 3. Product 4. Customers 5. Competition 6. Table 1: Competitive Analysis 7. Niche 8. Strategy 9. Promotion 10. Pricing 11. Proposed Location 12. Distribution Channels 5. Operational Plan 1. Production 2. Location 3. Legal Environment 4. Personnel 5. Inventory 6. Suppliers 7Read MoreMarketing Plan For Coffee Shop Business Essay1228 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Coffee is one of the most popular world’s most popular beverages. Almost every person loves coffee. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world according to Huffington post. If you are a coffee addicts or coffee lover, most likely you will begin every day with a cup of coffee. It’s not a doubtful guess, given that 68 percent of coffee drinkers have a cupRead MoreMarketing Plan For Coffee Shop Business Essay2015 Words   |  9 Pages Coffee is one of the most popular world’s most popular beverages. Almost every person loves coffee. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, equivalent to 146 billion cups of coffee per year, making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world according to Huffington post. If you are a coffee addicts or coffee lover, most likely you will begin eve ry day with a cup of coffee. It’s not a doubtful guess, given that 68 percent of coffee drinkers have a cupRead MoreSample Business Plan of Coffee Shop13076 Words   |  53 PagesSource: www.bplans.com Following is a sample business plan of a coffee retail chain. Although Mekong Capital is not demanding a similar standard, qualified business plans are expected to cover most aspects of the sample. More samples and information are available on Bplans website (www.bplans.com). Page 1 of 34. Source: www.bplans.com TABLE OF CONTENT 1.0 Executive Summary ......................................................................................................... 3 1.1Read MoreBusiness Plan for Opening a Coffee Shop1600 Words   |  7 PagesOpening a coffee shop In today’s China, the development of coffee market growth rapidly. Many people try to take part in this business market. However, it had a successful coffee shop is not an easy task. There are few points we must focus on when we decided to open a coffee shop. First of all, the most important thing is choosing a good location. We cannot make the decision recklessly. Owners should analysis to the different situation with surrounding areas, including: surrounding people’sRead MoreBusiness Plan For Vanilla Bean Coffee Shop1091 Words   |  5 PagesBusiness Plan Vanilla Bean Coffee Shop Executive Summary Recognition to major coffee chains, in the last two decades the coffeehouse has become a familiar portion of American life. Every day, millions of Americans stop for a specialty coffee. These consumers who would not have dreamed of spending more than fifty cents for a cup of coffee a few years ago now joyfully pay three to five dollars for their specialty flavored hot and ice blended javas. The specialty coffee business is growing at a robustRead MoreMarketing Plan For A Successful Coffee Shop1105 Words   |  5 Pagesthemselves if someone wants to start a business they have to be prepared. They can not just start a business without a good strategy; they have to have preparations in place in order for the business to become very successful. For example, the Starbucks Company started with one store in Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington in 1971. Starbucks now has over 21,000 stores in 65 different countries. To achieve this level of success, one must have a good business plan, excellent marketing materials, andRead MoreCoffee Shop1526 Words   |  7 PagesSample coffee shop business plan A sample business plan for a coffee shop which can be used to create your own business plan or help you assess the risks and benefits of opening a coffee shop or similar business. Sponsored Links [pic][pic]    |If you are planning to open a coffee shop, the very first thing you need to do is write a business plan. This is useful in many | |ways: it will allow you time to consider all your options before committing as well as put down on paper your goals

Plastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society - 844 Words

Real-Life Photoshop Plastic Surgery is defined as the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body, either in the treatment for injury or cosmetic reason. Just like any other topic, plastic surgery has both negative and positive attributes. Depending on the opinion, there may be more of one than that of the other, but in the case of this paper there are more negative. Plastic surgery has been deemed acceptable by countless celebrities and television shows, and has left a huge not so positive impact on tons of people, especially those who are genuinely self-conscious. The risks of all types of plastic surgery are very rarely discussed or made known by these celebrities or TV shows and more times than not, are swept under the rug. The lesser famous, more acceptable type of plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery. Although it may be easier to focus on all the bad things involved with plastic surgery, there is still some good to be said. It is extremely challenging these da ys to find a celebrity that has not had some type of plastic surgery done. It is even harder to find a teenager that doesn’t watch television. Although teens may not be engrossed in shows focused on plastic surgery, they will encounter them eventually. Whether their mother or older sister watches them, or they stumble upon it on their own, they will discover at last how their favorite movie star looks oh so perfect. Celebrities obviously receive plastic surgery for their own reasons but theyShow MoreRelatedPlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society1363 Words   |  6 PagesAs of recent plastic surgery has become extremely popular, so popular to the point that it has gotten out of control. Although it has been around for many years, the high standards of beauty in today’s society has recently led both women and men to resolve their so-called imperfections with plastic surgery, making plastic surgery the new norm. Sadly, in this day and age all you see when turning on t he TV, flipping through a magazine, or simply going on social media, is models creating an ideal imageRead MorePlastic Surgery And The Effects On Society1897 Words   |  8 PagesPlastic Surgery and the Effects on Society Have you ever wondered how plastic surgery really works? What are the added benefits to having this surgery, and what are the dangers? How many people actually partake in these procedures every year? These are questions that many have and I would love to answer. What is plastic surgery you might ask? Plastic surgery is a surgery that improves or repairs parts of the body. Plenty of people think that this is the way to go, but I feel otherwise. There is moreRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society956 Words   |  4 PagesAs time progresses, plastic surgery becomes a lot popular. Plastic surgery isn’t just what’s seen on TV and on social media; plastic surgery is much more than facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast enhancements. In fact, â€Å"plastic surgery is anything that undergoes the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body.† (Reconstructive Surgery) The facelift Kris Jenner recently just had done is equally considered plastic surgery as an ordinary person removing an extra finger they were born withRead MoreEffects Of Plastic Surgery On Today Society1483 Words   |  6 PagesPlastic surgery has been around for decade, but now it making a real impact on today society. Many experts believe that it’s the influence of the media or the influence of people around us, which portrays the idea of self-image. There are many views of where plastic surgery makes a big impact like adolescent to middle age years and the media. Self-esteem is major factor of why many women and men receive surgery, however some experts say that this procedure doesn’t boosts confidence, while othersRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effects On Society959 Words   |  4 PagesOver time, plastic surgery has become a lot more popular. Plastic surgery isn’t just what’s seen on TV and on social media; plastic surgery is much more than facelifts, rhinoplasty, and breast enhancements. In fact, â€Å"plastic surgery is anyt hing that undergoes the process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body.† (Reconstructive Surgery) The facelift Kris Jenner recently had done is equally considered plastic surgery as an everyday person removing an extra finger they were born with. TheseRead MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effect On Society1169 Words   |  5 PagesIn today’s society has paint a picture in which beauty is curvaceous goddess with fare complex and sex appeal. This portrayal of the standard of beauty has convinced and blind society to believe that on must achieve such look to be happy or feel good about them. These standards of beauty are projected through the media, magazines, advertisements and the ideal beautiful portray. Many people feel that the only way to achieve such looks is through the process of plastic surgery, women especially. Read MorePlastic Surgery And Its Effect On Society1995 Words   |  8 Pagesdoing plastic surgery. With the strong development of medical equipm ent and technology, there is no doubt that a person could easily get access to information about plastic surgery and eventually go under the knife in the future. But the most important question for this controversial issue is â€Å"Will plastic surgery promote or destroy beauty?† which could be a challenge to answer for many people. However, by discussing two aspects of the problem, the benefits and drawbacks of plastic surgery, thisRead MoreHow Plastic Surgery Affects Society1551 Words   |  7 Pagescontroversial; plastic surgery has the capability to change lives of various individuals from diverse socioeconomic levels. Plastic surgery covers a broad spectrum of services which are included in reconstructive surgery, as well as, the popular aesthetic appeal of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery affects society both physically, psychologically, and emotionally. From Operation Smile to botox, accident victims to breast augmentation, and Little Baby Face Foundation to facelift s; plastic surgery can giveRead MoreSocial Media On Teen Plastic Surgery1177 Words   |  5 PagesI) Introduction a. Understanding plastic surgery. b. Knowing the reason why people would most likely operate plastic surgery. c. Knowing whether plastic surgery is a way to promote beauty or destroy it. II) The Main Conflict a. Knowing how plastic surgery destroys beauty rather than promote it. b. Many people go overboard with surgery to look MORE beautiful. c. Lack of self-confidence guides people into fakeness. III) Plastic surgery in a developing teenager a. The influenceRead MoreTaking a Look at Plastic Surgery1016 Words   |  4 PagesLiving in a judgmental society and a demanding workplace, people are prompted to do whatever it takes for them to maintain their inner pride. Low self esteem and lack of confidence are great factors which push people to change themselves into what they think is better. They are willing to put themselves under the knife just to accomplish their dream of extraordinary beauty. Plastic surgery is an easy road to the illusion of what people refer to as perfection. This subject is more closely related

Scenario planning †Industry scenarios Free Essays

Before embarking on the discussion, there is one question or so we need to ask ourselves. What is a scenario? What is scenario planning all about? What constitutes industry scenario planning? Straight away, a scenario is a story or a descriptive narrative about the future which aims at sketching the boundaries of the probable and it is assembled on a methodical scrutiny of various factors bearing in mind those alternatives which are credible and somewhat measurable. These factors are: – social, political, economic, environmental and technological. We will write a custom essay sample on Scenario planning – Industry scenarios or any similar topic only for you Order Now Future environment of a given business, region or policy area could be shaped by these very factors. According to the World Economic Forum, the scenarios explore three or four dissimilar eventualities of how the world might look if the most uncertain and important drivers unfold in different ways. The same source elaborates further that good scenarios are not just dry, analytical descriptions of possible future outcomes. No matter how meticulous they are constructed, they should also be well inspired and highly compelling enough to engage the imagination. They challenge postulations wile at the same time raising awareness of fundamental factors and inspire participants into fresh thinking about what could happen and what it would mean for them. They offer both a new perspective on events and a scaffold for positive deliberations. Scenario planning on the other hand can be used by distributors as a tool of management to predict and benefit from change. In this article, we shall briefly introduce scenario planning, its relevance in connection to distributors and we shall also look at its application as a valuable tool in the industrial sense. As we have said above, that when we think of scenario planning, one great point that has to cross our minds is that a range of alternative futures has to be put into consideration, each of which is considerably diverse and varied from the present operating atmosphere. It would be better to compare and contrast alternative views on how the industry may evolve rather than pinning ourselves on a single forecast which we have assumed to be most probable. Scenario planning is externally oriented and therefore very effective at identifying growth strategies for the company as well as impending threats to its market positions. Scenarios can also help us identify the specific external industry changes that might be causing the company to lose market share or margins. In his article, Scenario Planning Basics for Distributors, Fein Adam presents ways in which distributors are using scenario planning to the betterment of the company. Distributors, he says, should make sure that the management of their company does not erroneously presuppose that changes will not place in the future. In other words, they should explore all the possibilities the company can face and, not only that but, come up with viable alternatives. In connection to this point, they should also assist the management to identify and understand possible threats comprehensively. They should point out growth strategies for the company and test the success of its current strategy in various possible futures. Lastly, they should understand and appropriately react to new customer buying behavior since the customer is the basic unit of the industry and the satisfaction of the customer should be the prime objective of any decision made by the company. Facing the Forces of Change has suggestions of four possible scenarios for distributors to consider. The first scenario is that which stretches into the future and here distributors have entirely incorporated technology into their companies. Given the high level of information development, customers expect distributors to work with them impeccably across numerous communication interfaces. Distributors have effectively achieved this due to rapid rates of developments. These distributors still remain the prime route to market for manufacturers. Coordinated Channels is another scenario where customers seek more information directly from manufacturers. Here, manufacturer Web sites give existing product specifications, comprehensive technical data and also appropriate product feature are selected by the customers who want such information. This information can be accessed by the customers both directly and indirectly. Directly they get connected to the manufacturer Web site and indirectly through an allied distributor’s Web site. Product collaboration between manufacturers and distributors is undertaken on the internet with marketing and inventory management also being done in the channel. However, it still remains the role of the distributors to provide information back to the manufacturer and ensure new performance qualifications are met The third scenario is the one describing a world where consumers and producers pay for the specific conduit activities they may be in need of. This Unbundled Supply Chain has distributors competing directly with supply chain organizations and intermediaries in this scenario are rewarded according to their rate of activity performance. That is, what they have done on behalf of their customers and producers. In the fourth scenario, there is a world with a cluster of consumers forming open and non-profit online exchanges. These common platforms handle the data among supply chain partners. Scenario planning requires a few guidelines to be followed. One must establish a core planning team because analysis of the strategic implications is best in groups. Secondly, a cross section of expertise should be availed, and this includes the heads of the all functional areas of the company. Bringing the ideas of the thinkers the company is endowed with is such a feat worth the take. It is worthwhile to include the outside people by incorporating information gathered from them into the whole system. The focus here should be on infusing appealing and challenging perspectives into the discussion. Outsiders include customers, suppliers, consultants and competitors who hold a vital position in the success of the company. There should be great care in selecting the person to facilitate the scenario planning strategy. An employee of the company should not be part of the choice, neither the senior executive officers. This is because the facilitator should be someone who is focused on planning processes and the two do not appear in this category. Implications scenario planning, just as other forms of business planning, needs an extensive spending of resources from all the individuals of the company. Therefore, the support of top management is a very important determinant of success the company’s planning capability. What this implies is that there should be readiness from every corner of the company in order for this planning strategy to work in the success and goodwill of the company. An honest assessment must be carried out to ascertain as to whether the senior decision makers in the company are not only involved but also dedicated to the scenario planning process. Should the company be unready to work with the process, then even the most sophisticated techniques of a manual or outside consultant are destined to fail. In addition, if the company is faced with a threat of financial insolvency, then it must suspend the identification of long-term threats and other prospects until business stabilizes because this kind of planning is not suited with survival planning. Disruptive innovation is one of the revolutionary theories of technological change used to describe the impact of new technologies on firm’s existence. (Nauosa Hirotta). Combining scenario planning with disruptive innovation is unavoidable in this era of high level of technological embrace. It is sure and straight that a company which does not embrace technology in its strategic plan is left behind. Disruptive technology which initiates the advent of disruptive innovations for example e-marketing is a vital tool but has to be fused with industry scenario so that the company does not lose its clients for the companies. Summary There must be clear repercussions for the company and its strategy if at all scenarios planning is intended to be meaningful. Each scenario can be viewed as a playing ground in which the company finds itself competing in the future and this allows us to apply all of the apparatus of competitive analysis within a given industry setting. The same tools can then be applied in a totally different future. For us to have the best out of scenario planning, a scrutiny of the company’s position must be known. The company may be one which can manipulate how the future evolves by virtue of actions and investments of its members. On the other hand, if it is too small or insufficiently influential, it becomes a scenario taker and in this case its must carefully examine its line of trade and customers so that it is prepared to react and adjust quickly to changes. Such scenario takers will find it wise to rapidly imitate and adopt to survive; they must do what good companies do. Bibliography: http://www.12manage.com/methods_christensen_disruptive_innovation.html Olaisen J, A Johannessen, B Olsen, – International Journal of Information Management, 1999 – Elsevier Page 15 Fein Adam. â€Å"Scenario Planning Basics for Distributors† Accessed last on February 27, 2008 from URL: Accessed last on February 27, 2008 from URL: http://www.mdm.com/stories/fein3206.html International Journal of Information Management, Volume 19, Issue 4, August 1999, Pages 263-275 Jon-arild Johannessen, Johan Olaisen and Bjà ¸rn Olsen Disruptive Technology May 3, 2007, Accessed on February 28, 2008 from URL: http://www.changemakers.net/competition/disruptive/definition How to cite Scenario planning – Industry scenarios, Papers

Report on Employee Engagement at the Sydney Opera House

Question: Wrirteabout theReport on Employee Engagement at the Sydney Opera House. Answer: Introduction The success of a given organization is based on how the organization is able to realize that its strategies and the strategies of the talents of its employees are intimately connected as well as on a realization that leadership and the level of employee engagement among its employees are essential for the success of the organization. Best companies in the world put great emphasis in building and sustaining a culture of engagement among their employees (Rich, et al. 2010, pp. 617-635). Such companies are managed by CEOs who appreciate the fact that employee engagement is essential to the organization and helps in the achievement of set goals. Employee engagement in any organization boosts the morale of the employees and drives them to achieve the goals set by the organization. Through implementation of strategies and techniques geared towards increasing the level of employee engagement, the organization is able to improve the way the employees feel about their job, adapt a positive attitude towards the job and hence help the organization achieve its objectives. Employees who are adequately engaged by the organization are able to understand the goals of the organization while at the same time understand their personal roles within the organization and hence are a great a set to the organization in the achievement of the goals of the organization (Christensen Hughes, 2008, pp.743-757). Properly engaged employees appear happier, enthusiastic, motivated and hence more productive that those who are not properly engaged. An organization can promote employee engagement by developing surveys, implementing rewards programs as well as conducting outside activities aimed at making its employees to be more involved in the organizations activities. Through the use of employee engagement metrics, the organization is able to measure the percentage of its employees who are satisfied against those who are dissatisfied with their jobs (Bassi McMurrer, 2007, pp.115). Conducting this analysis helps the organization determine its employee engagement level. An organization is likely to encounter decreased productivity as well as low employee retention rates whenever it records low employee engagement levels. This is a report that focuses on people practices as well as employee engagement levels at Sydney Opera House. The report further recommends initiatives that should be put in place by the management of the Sydney Opera House to improve the level of engagement among employees of this organization. Sydney Opera House The Sydney Opera House is an iconic structure in Australia boasting a long history of innovation in information management. The building, opened in 1973 has houses multiple venues for performance. A part from acting as a performance arts centre, this building also acts as a tourist site receiving both local as well as foreign tourists. The house hosts over 1500 performances with an average attendance of 1.2 million people from across the world annually. Some of the performance venues in the Sydney Opera House include Concert Hall, Joan Southerland Theatre, Drama Theatre, Playhouse, Utzon Room, a recording studio as well as Outdoor Forecourt (Baumruk, 2006, pp.24-27). The house has in the past hosted some of the worlds major events such as the 2000 Summer Olympics where the venue hosted triathlon events. To enable the busy schedule of activities running, Sydney Opera House has employees in various departments ranging from the tourism department, management as well as administration department. Since, 2012, Sydney Opera House is managed by a female CEO, Louisa Herron. Under her reign, the house has seen an increase in revenue collection through the promotion of the Western Forecourt among other arts events. The Business Strategies used at the Sydney Opera House Since its official opening in 1973, the Sydney Opera House has grown to be recognized as the most successful performing arts and tourist centre in the world due to the concept of employee engagement that has over the years been at the heart of its business strategy. The top leadership of Sydney Opera House believe in the concept that employees who are happy and satisfied with their job is the most crucial starting point to the success of any business. The Sydney Opera House in its operations does not only focus on profit maximization but also on ensuring the attainment of various sustainability policies (Saks, 2006, pp.600-619). The key sustainability policies set by the house include, Child Protection Policy, environmental sustainability, Artworks management policy, Asset management Policy, Community Donations Policy, Event Support Policy, Risk Management Policy as well as Commitment to Customers Policy. The driving force behind the formulation of these policies was the need to ensure that the employees as well as the clients who visit the house were kept safe from any harm while at the same time the policies ensured that people at the house engaged in responsible activities that would see the environment protected from any harm. Due to the raft of activities at the house, employees have a lot to do in ensuring that the top objective of the house which is sustainability is achieved. In order to ensure that its employees are happy and motivated in performing their duties, the Sydney Opera House has put up strategies aimed at ensuring that there is an increase in the level with which the employees are engaged in a manner that can increase their enjoyment and hence increase the level of productivity (Hoon, et al, 2012, pp.65-101). It is the top priority of the Sydney Opera House to inculcate in its employees the culture of ensuring sustainability in all the activities at the house. To ensure that this is achieved, the top leadership at the house has embraced various employee engagement strategies. Evaluation of the People and the HR Policies that Exist at the Sydney Opera House Recognition To increase the level of enthusiasm among the employees and boost their performance rate, the Sydney Opera House recognizes employees who perform exceptionally well. Such employees are rewarded with gifts as well as job promotions. The recognition is done openly as a way to motivate others to also work hard with the aim of being rewarded too. Recognition makes employees feel appreciated while at the same time making them realize how their efforts have an impact on the organization (Attridge, 2009, pp.383-398). Sydney Opera House in its attempt to promote innovation among employees has taken its level of employee recognition a notch higher by setting up initiatives of rewarding employees who come up with suggestions for improving the operations at the house which saves the house resources and money. Motivation To ensure high performance among employees at the Sydney Opera House, the management has come up with strategies of motivating high performers whereby top performers are rewarded being recognized for their expertise. Some of the motivation strategies employed at the Sydney Opera House includes creation of opportunities for leadership roles for good performing employees. Relationship Building The top leadership at the Sydney Opera House pays attention to the fact that workplace relationships between the top management and the employees affect to a great extent the confidence of employees and thus impact on their overall performance. In an attempt to improve the level of employees engagement, the leadership at the house has invested great effort in rebuilding the employee trust and confidence in the top leadership of the company (Armstrong-Stassen Ursel, 2009, pp.201-220). The house leadership has built employer-employee relationship that is based on trust and confidence in an attempt to improve the level of interest that the employees have in the activities and the goals of the house. In some cases, the management at the house engage in activities that put them in the shoe of the employee as a way of learning and appreciating the experiences and feelings of the employees. Valued Input Employees feedback is encouraged and appreciated at the Sydney Opera House. Employees are encouraged to talk openly especially on issues concerning their working conditions as well as concerning their relationship with the management. The house leadership regularly conducts surveys aimed at getting feedback from employees in an attempt to inculcate the opinions of employees in running the operations of the house. Two-Way Open Communication System The management at the Sydney Opera House has adapted a communication policy that allows employees to freely voice their opinion concerning the operations at the organization that have an impact on their lives as well as that impacts the employers and the organization itself. The two-way communication system ensures that the employees are informed on the issues of relevance to them (Konrad, 2006, pp.1-6). Initiatives that I believe will Increase Employee Engagement over time The management at the Sydney Opera House has put up several strategies aimed at raising the level of employee engagement. However, there are initiatives that the management can put in place to increase the level of its employee engagement over time. They include; Focus Group In order to increase employee engagement, it is of essence that the management get adequate information from the employees on how they feel about the existing leadership styles and engagement strategies as well as getting the opinion of employees concerning the operations of the organization and their overall jobs. One initiative of achieving this is the formation of a focused group. I have chosen a focused group because it will discuss what is working and what is not working within the organization from the perspective of the employees. This group consists of a round table made up of employees who discuss the various issues within the organization that affect both the employee as well as the employer (Cabrera, et al. 2006, pp.245-264). The use of this initiative is significant since it encourages employee engagement through various initiatives such as; an employer asking the employees within the focus group to give their ideas and opinion on how to fix a given issue within the organization as well as employers involving the employees in the focus group in discussing policies of the organization and coming up with recommendations that might affect the operations of the organization (Thau, et al. 2007, pp.840). Team Building The organization can raise employee morale by setting up team building activities in an open space where the employees will be free to engage both amongst them as well as with the management. This is a good initiative to engage in since it will improve the level of teamwork as well as the level of confidence and commitment among the employees of an organization (Robertson Cooper, 2010, pp.324-336). This initiative enable the building of a positive relationship between the employees and their managers while at the same time increase the level of commitment towards the achievement of the organizations goals. Training and Development The organization can raise the level of confidence amongst the employees by subjecting them to internal training programs. Training enables the employees to interact with ease and confidence amongst themselves as well as with their managers and clients. During training sessions, employees get a chance to give feedback on issues affecting them and the organization at large (Gruman Saks, 2011, pp.123-136). Through trust build during training as well as confidence garnered as a result of the training, the engagement level of the employees is raised and hence their productivity rate as well as retention capacity is raised. Conclusion and Recommendation The level of engagement among employees of a given organization can either make or break the business. It is human nature to want to be in an environment where they feel appreciated. An employee at the workplace is no exception. In order for them to perform effectively, employees want to be exposed to processes, strategies and initiatives that make them happy and motivated. It is the duty of every organization that wants to succeed to ensure that its employees are exposed to strategies that makes them happy as this will increase their productivity (Kehoe Wright, 2013, pp.366-391). Some of the recommended areas that are of significant importance to employee engagement in an organization include; good quality line management, open communication line that is two way, effective co-operation within the organization, initiatives focused at ensuring employee development, commitment to the well-being of employees, HR policies and practices that are clear and acceptable by employees, ensurin g that there if fairness in relation to the payment systems and benefits as well ensuring the existence of a working environment that is harmonious (Salanova Schaufeli, 2008, pp.116-131). Bibliography Armstrong?Stassen, M. and Ursel, N.D., 2009. Perceived organizational support, career satisfaction, and the retention of older workers. Journal of occupational and organizational psychology, 82(1), pp.201-220. Attridge, M., 2009. Measuring and managing employee work engagement: A review of the research and business literature. Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health, 24(4), pp.383-398. 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