WK2 Assignment

Details:

The purpose of this assignment is to conduct internal and external research to determine previously attempted solutions and potential solutions that could be implemented to solve identified problem.

For this assignment, you will need to create an Excel spreadsheet that summarizes the data collection you have completed. The spreadsheet should indicate the date on which particular data were collected, the source of the data collected, the type of data (qualitative or quantitative), and a one or two sentence summary of the data findings. Name the Excel spreadsheet as follows: lastname.firstname.datacollection.xlsx

Please note that as part of the research process, taking the initiative to speak with management and then requesting and reviewing business metrics and operations reports will allow you to find the data you need for the project while also showing your employer that you can be proactive and use critical thinking to solve problems within the organization.

Part 1:

The first step in data collection is to conduct research. You are looking for specific, measurable data (statistics and numbers) related how the problem is affecting the organization. This information should be recorded in the form of a chart or graph that presents the data so key decision makers can see the “cost” of failing to address the problem. Use the Topic Materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 2:

Next, conduct additional research to learn what has already been done to address this problem within the organization. Ask questions and interview individuals who assisted with the implementation of previous solutions used to address the problem. Prior to meeting with individuals, develop a list of questions about previous solutions. Consider factors such as customer importance, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness. You will want to make sure you ask questions that allow you to gather measurable data and include information about how successful previous solution options were in addressing each of the problems. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized using at least one chart or graph that represents the data you have collected. Use the Topic Materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

Part 3:

The last step in determining potential solutions is to conduct external research. Using Internet and industry resources, research ways that other companies have addressed this issue or one very similar to it. Look for specific information related to the customer response, efficiency, quality, employee satisfaction, and cost effectiveness of solutions others have implemented. Find at least five potential solutions you can consider for solving the problem you have identified. Your goal in conducting this research is to find practical examples and measurable data related to how other companies and related industries have resolved the same problem or one very similar to it. When you have completed your research, the findings should be summarized using at least one chart or graph that represents the data you have collected. Use the Topic Materials for assistance with creating Excel graphs and charts that can be used to illustrate your findings.

The data collection Excel spreadsheet and the three data summary charts/graphs you have created from the research you have conducted should be submitted to your instructor.

The three charts/graphs you create will be used again in your Business Proposal Presentation in Topic 7 and the Final Business Proposal you will submit in Topic 8.

Part 1 Charts

Part 1: Problems effecting the organization

Massage Therapist Employed from 8/2015-8/2016

Hired

33 Terminated

18

During the period of 8/2015 until 8/2016 there have been a total of 33 therapists that have been hired at Massage Envy. Out of the number, 18 are no longer with the company due to various reasons. This results in lost revenue from clients not being able to book a massage.

Part 1 Data

		Type of Data			Source of Data			Date data collected			Information Received
	Quantitative	Company generated reports		8/30/16	33 therapists hired from 8/15 to 8/16
18 therapists terminated from 8/15 to 8/16

Part 2 Charts

Part 2: Implementation of previous solutions

Costs of Enhancements in Dollars

Sugar Foot Scrub

2 AromaTherapy

2 Deep Muscle Enhancement

3

Reimbursement amounts per Certification

Hot Stones

40

PreNatal

40

Since January of 2016 Massage Envy now offers company trainings that will be reimbersed upon completion, in addition to a small bonus for doing providing enhancement services during a session. The two most services that are becoming more popular are Hot Stones and PreNatal. These certifications cost $60 of which Massage Envy will reimburse therapists $40; also, enhancements such as sugar foot scrubs or aromatherapy now earns a bonus of $2 apiece and deep muscle therapy (biofreeze) earns $3.

Part 2 Data

Type of Data Source of Data Date data collected Information Received
Quantitative

8/30/16

Employee Handbook	Certification costs $60
Reimbursement of $40
Enhancements Bonus
sugar foot scrub $2
aromatherapy $2
deep muscle enhancement $3

Part 3 Charts

Part 3: Potential Solutions

Massage Therapists

Higher Wage

30 More Training

18 Better Insurance

15 Performance Feedback

11 Longer Breaks

17

Out of 33 therapists that are employed at Massage Envy, there are 20 that are considered to be part-time, working less that 30 hours per week and the remaining 14 are full time. Each were given a questionnaire asking what could be done to not only lower attrition but for possible solutions to satisfy them to continue working at the Spa. More than half (30) reported offering a higher wage; 18 wanted more training; 15 wanted better insurance; 11 wanted performance feedback; and 17 wanted longer breaks between sessions.

Part 3 Data

Type of Data Source of Data Date data collected Information Received

Qualitative	Employee Questionnaire	8/29/2016 – 9/2/2016	30 therapist employed
20 part time, less than 30 hrs per week
14 full time
30 wants high wages
18 want more training
15 want better insurance
11 want performance feedback
17 want longer breaks