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Agricultural Marketing Resource Center

Business Management

Organizing the management structure of the business and hiring management personnel is a critical step in the success of the business.

You may want to consider the following points in preparing this section:

  • Describe the primary management skills that will be required for the business to be successful as an ongoing entity.  Describe the ongoing proposed management positions. 
  • Describe how the main functions of the business are divided (e.g. accounting, marketing, operations, etc.).  Prepare an organizational chart showing lines of authority and responsibilities. 
  • Identify the key management positions required for the business.
    • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
    • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 
    • Chief Operations Office (COO) 
    • Other management positions.
  • Describe the roles and qualifications needed for each management position and the process used to select each manager.  Describe any other management skills needed to make the business successful. 
  • Prepare job descriptions for these individuals. 
  • Outline the expected timing of the process for filling the management positions. 
  • If some key management positions have already been filled, provide a summary of their qualifications. 
  • Present expected salaries for key positions. 
  • What types of incentives will be used to motivate and reward management? 
  • How will owners assess the initial and ongoing performance of management? 
  • Describe any existing or proposed management contracts or contract terms. 
  • Will a stock option or ownership pool be assigned for operations management and/or employees? 
  • Describe the governance of the business and Board of Directors/Managers (number, term, etc.).  The Board of Directors function and its relation to management. 
  • What other management resources will be available (attorney, CPA, other)?


More information is available on Selecting and Rewarding Management.

More information is available on Governance.

 

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