Farmers Market Enterprise is owned and run by the Nsiah family and have over the years been known for their fresh vegetable products throughout the town. The employees of Farmers Market Ent. are mainly family
members and are not recruited based on their skills or qualification. Training is mainly on the job and is done
by senior family members with more years at the business. The business has been good and could be described
as a market leader in the town and they pride themselves in offering superior customer care. Whenever a
customer has an issue with their products they are always open to replacing the defective product at no cost to
the customer. The defective products are sold off at a discount.
Six months ago, a new shopping mall opened in the town offering fresh vegetables and providing stiff
competition to the Nsiah family business. Patrons of this mall rarely experience product defects and hence are
increasing their patronage of the mall’s products. Mr. Nsiah the head of the business is at his wits end and is
struggling to keep the family business afloat due to a decreasing customer base and rising cost of business. Upon
your return from the university you join your father, Mr. Nsiah in the family business and have to find innovative
ways to compete favorably.
i. Identify two causes leading to the decline of the business?
(5 marks)
ii. With the knowledge gained from your study of Introduction to Total Quality Management, discuss two
measures you would put in place to minimize the decline in the business.
(5 marks)
iii.
Analyze four business performance indicators you will suggest to Mr. Nsiah to help improve the
competitiveness of Farmers Market Enterprise.