SYNOPSIS
Tom Burn’s is the owner of Tom’s Guitar Shack, a small, self-run business on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton. Tom opened the store with the intention of specializing in building, repairing and selling acoustic and electrical guitars. Tom is experiencing difficultly with keeping the company’s finances (both internal and external) and work processes in order. This has resulted in debt and disarray in the organization. Tom has been challenged to find new resources, due to environmental restrictions. He has gained notoriety from some individuals in the industry for his skill and new endeavors, but the current state of Tom’s Guitar Shack leaves customers doubtful of Tom’s abilities.

SYMPTOMS * The physical environment of the company is in disarray. The case describes the atmosphere as cluttered and littered. It further details the lack of organization apparent in the shop; the back room contains a few tools but lacks cleanliness and the front entrance is covered with paperwork to be dealt with. * Tom’s Guitar Shack has a large amount of paperwork that has not been addressed. This has led to customer invoices unpaid, equipment not picked up, and general disorganization. * Tom and the company are struggling financially. He has been forced to use all of his credit and has moved back into his parent’s home in an attempt to control costs. * The company is not covering the costs of material and labor through its sales profits. Tom has been forced to explore new materials and has not been able to break even, due to unpaid invoices and slashing the cost of the product. * Tom does not have the time or money to explore the use of new materials, which is required due to the endangered nature of resources that were used in the past. * Neighboring businesses have complained about Tom’s Guitar Shack, specifically regarding the noise levels and lack of