Q Company Summary The material in this section is an introduction to the firm. A. Company Background What does your business do? Who were the founders of the business? What were the important milestones in the development of the business? B. Resources, Facilities and Equipment With what do you produce your products or services? What are the land, equipment, human and financial resources? Who provides them? How are resource providers rewarded? C. Marketing Methods What is your annual sales volume in dollars and units? Explain how you work with others to improve returns. This may include a strategic alliance with suppliers or customers that you can leverage. Do you use forward contracting, options, or futures? If so, how? How much does it cost to produce and deliver your products and services? How is contracting used? D. Management and Organization Who is currently on the management team? How have management responsibilities been divided among the management team? What are the lines of authority? Who acts as the president/CEO? spokesperson? Chief Financial Officer? Who determines employees’ salaries and conducts performance reviews? What is the educational background of the management team members? What is the management team’s reputation in the community? What special skills and abilities does the management team have? What additional skills does the management team need? Who are the key people and personnel that make your business run? Who do you go to for advice and support? Do management and employees have avenues for personal development? Sketch a diagram of lines of authority for your operation. E. Ownership Structure Who are the primary stakeholders in your business? Describe the legal form of your company, such as partnership, proprietorship, or corporation. Do you need special permits to operate, or a record for inspections? If you do, please describe them. F. Social Responsibility What environmental practices do you follow? What procedures do you use for handling chemicals? What noise/dust/timing/odor policies do you have? What will be the roles of management and employees in community organizations? What will be your involvement at the local/state/national level in commodity organizations? What training and new employee orientation practices will you offer to insure proper handling of hazardous materials and safe operation of equipment? G. Internal Analysis What are the strengths and weaknesses of your firm? What are the relative strengths of each enterprise or business unit within the firm? What are the core competencies (things you are doing better than others) of your firm? What things can you build on? Think only about the things that you can control. Suggested areas to consider: • knowledge and work • financial position • productivity • family • lifestyle • location • resources What enterprise or business unit should be exited? What enterprise or business unit shows promise?