Proposal to Create a Training and Reference Manual for the Convenient Store Business

Executive Summary Working in a convenient store business there lacks an employee manual that covers the day-today tasks associated with running the business properly. At the convenient store I manage there is a need for easy instructions on how to function the register system, lottery machine, and other equipment. Our staff requires a manual for easy access to quick answers and step-by-step instructions on operating the equipment. We could use this manual to train new employees and help speed up the learning time. It will consist of our stores policies and procedures on all aspects of the business including a safety section that the employees can quickly access. The labor and materials of creating this manual will cost approximately $495. Out of that total $430 is labor costs that I will not consider part of the expenses because the benefit is towards the business in the long run. Introduction The convenient store that I manage lacks a manual for new employees to follow and help guide them on understanding how to work the register system and other equipment. With managers trying to maximize cost by not hiring multiple employees to work the same shift, becomes a challenge for one person to operate a store that does high sales revenue each month. When hiring new employees its always a challenge to train them properly and have them remember the training and instructions while the manager is not present. This problem is solvable by creating a helpful manual for employees to follow and refer back to when in need of answers and instructions. Current Problems and tasks Running a convenient store is always a difficult task. There is a lot pressure on managers and employees to coordinate business the right way due to competition on every corner. The convenient store I work at is located on a street where in a radius of one mile, there are eight other convenient stores. The tasks that employees are responsible for knowing and executing are as follows: Operating the register system Changing gas prices from the system and on the sign outside Changing shifts after each employee Counting the cash for the shift Making a shift report; including lottery report, food stamp report, and payout reports Operating the lotto machine designed by G-tech Operating the food stamp machine Refilling the coolers and shelves from the back stock after each shift Refilling all tobacco products Doing a walk through the store: check fountain machine, misplaced items, and taking out the trash Making bags of ice from the ice machine Making sure ATM is functioning/filling ATM with money Keeping restrooms functioning

Proposal to Create a Training and Reference Manual for the Convenient Store Business
With all these different tasks that an employee must learn quickly, it can become difficult to remember certain procedures and functions to the register and lottery machines. For employees its vital to have some background information on the store and how it functions. Establishing a manual will give a better understanding of expectations the manager requires for his employees as well as easy access on how to function all equipment. There is a need for new employees to have a manual to study and follow when newly hired at our convenient store. It is a 24 hour store and open seven days a week, making it difficult for the manager to be present at all times. This manual will guide and teach new employees in an easy and effective way on how to work the equipment. Proposed Solution: A Training and Reference Manual Having a manual will speed up the time it takes employees to understand and operate all equipment. It can work as a study guide and teaching tool for employees to train with. I will write a training manual from my experience that will consist of the following sections: An operating section Illustrating step-by-step instructions for the register, lottery, and food stamps machines employees need to know how to function.

Procedure/task Section Highlight the different tasks the job demands along with step-by-step instructions that needs to be taken in order to be a successful employee.

Safety Section Will demonstrate the proper safety steps and precautions to take while on the job. Gas stations have a high robbery rate than any other business, so its important to have a safety section so employees are prepared incase their put in dangerous situations.

Work Plan To develop an easy readable manual that will assist employees into understand their role at work and answer possible question that may rise. Task 1: Collecting all information for employee responsibility Thoroughly examining every aspect and problem that may arise while an employee is on shift. Task 2: Separating jobs that require instructions versus those that require description Some of the tasks within the work place require step-by-step instructions such as changing gas prices while others simply need a small description of what the task is and when/how to execute it. Task 3: Developing through instructions Its essential to develop instructions that all readers can follow and complete including detailed pictures of the steps. Instructions such as ringing items up or placing money into an ATM need step-by-step instructions for an employee to understand better.

Proposal to Create a Training and Reference Manual for the Convenient Store Business
Task 4: Developing safety procedures Describing the right actions to take while on the job and an emergency occurs or in the worst scenario a robbery. Task 5: Constructing a code of ethics Working in a gas station an employee will be faced with counting a lot of cash. Developing a code of ethics and having the employees sign it will give them an understanding of what type of behavior is tolerated and the consequences of stealing.

Schedule Estimate this manual will take at least one month to construct fully. Working on it on and off will help develop other ideas that can be included in the manual. The step-by-step instructions will take a majority of the time but it will be fully developed and understandable.
Task 5

Task 4

Task 3

Task 2

Task 1 12/7/2013 12/2/2013 11/27/2013 11/22/2013 11/17/2013 11/12/2013 11/7/2013 11/2/2013 10/28/2013 10/23/2013 10/18/2013 Duration (days)

Qualifications I have been working in the gas station business for the past three years. I spent the first two years working as an employee in a family owned business that allowed me to learn from an owners point of view. Within the last year, I have been managing a gas station and in charge of many important aspects. Being in this position gave me an understanding of all the different work and knowledge necessary to run a successful business. I was in charge of tasks like reordering inventory, filling the ATM, and changing gas prices accordingly. I have my associates degree and am currently enrolled at the University of North Texas pursuing my degree in accounting. Cost Estimate I have broken down my budget for this project into components. I will print 3 color manuals each containing 20-25 pages each at a cost of $0.20 cents each sheet of paper. The estimated printing cost will be around $15. I will spend about 43 hours on this project spread out for the next

Proposal to Create a Training and Reference Manual for the Convenient Store Business
month. Each hour spent to me is worth about $10 an hour valued at about $430.Total my cost estimate will be around $445. Conclusion I am looking to create a manual to benefit my convenient store that surrounds most of my time. There is a need of some sort of document within my business to help guide employees resulting in higher revenues. Making the job more understandable for an employee helps the business generate more revenue and acquire more customers than the competition. If you have any questions regarding this project, please email me at mohammadsamad@my.unt.edu.