简介-IntroductionKwakumey Group is a large Ghanaian family-run pottery business founded in 1929. It is currently managed by three Kwaku brothers - Michael, Stephen and Andrew - whose grandfather established it. The business which employs 500 persons has three divisions namely the hotelware division, mug making factory and mass-market tableware division.The case study recounts how the group in 1989 acquired the services of John Jones to carefully analyse its operations and outline punitive actions to be taken. Although the hotelware division racked in profits, the study showed the tableware section faced major problems with sales, personnel, costs and advancement. He therefore prescribed changes and solutions which were implemented and proved successful on his next visit in 1996.问题的定义-Problem DefinitionKwakumey Tableware faced major problems with its operations which affected the effective running of the business. This section was established to produce low-cost ceramics dishware for the large end of market tableware. However, it showed a steady decrease over a ten year period with a low 2% in 1989 which affected its sale forecast of a least 10% per annum. These led to an increase in both production and labour cost. Also, the brothers had run a conservative investment policy leading to zero debts. This practice was inhibiting capital spending in the factory especially in the areas of designs and automations. Lastly, the three brothers were faced with the challenge of seeding control of the day-to-day management of the entire business and taking oversight roles.建议了一个解决方法-Proposing a SolutionMoving on from this current condition and reverse the decline in costs, the Kwakumey Tableware had to initiate a thorough study into its operations. After the study done by John Jones, he recommended solutions to address the prevailing pressing needs of the division. Firstly, he analysed the limitations of supplying low-margin tableware to the mass market and suggested moving up-market to deliver specific ware to a focused group as an alternative to increase profits.Furthermore, there was also the need to investigate and decide how to reduce production and labour cost, make right investments and devise a marketing plan to keep the business profitable. John Jones advised the three brothers to distance themselves from the daily tasks of management and take on supervisory roles of setting strategic plans, objectives and decisions for their managers. Similarly, his aim was to change the entrenched organizational culture and thinking that existed in the business.