About ValleyView ValleyView Publishing was established in 1990 by Angus Smissen and Alexander Sorensen. With five staff, they began a small backyard publishing enterprise focusing on local tourist guides. As the tourism industry grew, so did ValleyView. Now, more than 10 years later, with a staff of 20 and a list of over 50 titles published mainly in print. ValleyView Publishing has carved a name for itself in the national market, producing specialist guides for visitors to regional and national attractions around Australia. ValleyView continues to keep pace with the burgeoning interest in environmental tourism and the exciting opportunities offered by new technology. New titles are launched regularly and readers can choose from a range of titles in print. There are documents to more details about our ValleyView Publishing. [Document 1] Memorandum
To You
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From Angus Smissen, General Manager Date Monday XX April 20XX 1.57 pm Records ref. no.
Subject Work space innovation Remember we need a new office set-up and design that really encourages and supports innovation and cross-department collaboration. Can you get me a plan or proposal by next week? Of course, I expect you’ll talk to other staff about this and get their ideas and input. I suggest you put a small team together to work on this. Thanks, Angus [Document 2] Read the script below from the General Manager of ValleyView, Angus Smissen, to Greg Murphy, his Executive Assistant. Then, carry out Angus' request. SCRIPT: ANGUS: 'Greg, I'm going to need some information to convince the shareholders that ValleyView really has to get into the e‐commerce market. Can you please draw up a list all of the outside forces that are pushing us in this direction? Say why you have listed these particular forces. You can give this to me as a diagram if you prefer.' [Document 3]
Expansion project - New office for multimedia operations Background Since its establishment, ValleyView Publishing’s main business has been the production of print-based tourist guides. However, as a result of the company’s strategic planning and market research, ValleyView is preparing to expand into the production of web-based and multimedia guides. The company’s Board of Directors has decided to use this opportunity to expand the company’s profile by establishing the new multimedia operations in another state, keeping print-based operations in Victoria. Objectives The objective of this project is to establish an office for ValleyView Publishing’s new multimedia operations and to manage the office for a start-up period. Outputs The following outcomes will be achieved:
a suitable location for the new office will be determined administrative systems will be established
an administrative staff base will be established
an appropriate staff training and professional development program will be developed the new office will be managed for a start-up period. How will the success of the project be measured? The success of the project will be measured by the delivery of the proposed outcomes within the appropriate timeframes and resource commitments. Budget Category Budget Employee cost Not for public disclosure Information technology Not for public disclosure Consultancies Not for public disclosure Travel Not for public disclosure Office establishment costs Not for public disclosure Total cost of project Not for public disclosure Governance The Project Manager will report to the General Manager. The Project Manager is authorised by the General Manager to manage and coordinate this important phase of the company’s development. The Project Manager is authorised to issue directives relating to the project. A steering committee will be established to provide overall policy advice and to resource project decisions. Project team members from other departments will be responsible for managing project activities so they are completed under the Project Manager’s direction within the agreed scope, schedule and resource commitments. Resources The Project Manager will be provided with the necessary resources, support and direction to ensure the project meets the objective. A project team will be established following recommendations from the Project Manager. The Project Manager will form working groups from within the company if and when the need is identified. Reporting The Project Manager will report to the General Manager on a weekly basis and provide written monthly reports to the Board of Directors. Major risks Major identified risks are: 1. availability of suitably skilled project staff 
 2. inability to source suitable office accommodation 
 3. maintaining ongoing commitment and support from internal and external stakeholders 
 4. constraints of time and budget. 
 Risk minimisation strategies The following strategies will be used to minimise identified risks: 1. early appointment of key project staff 
 2. development of project methodology 
 3. implementation of a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan 
 4. tight budget control by the Project Manager, Human Resources and Finance Manager and the General Manager 
 5. regular liaison between the Project Manager and the General Manager, and reports to the Board of Directors will identify any likely impingements that could prevent the project being completed within the time frame and budget. 
 Risk management Risk will be managed in accordance with a Risk Management Plan to be developed by the Project Manager. The Plan will also detail the frequency of risk review. The Risk Management Plan will be endorsed by the General Manager and the Board of Directors. All subsequent changes in risk will be reported to the General Manager by the Project Manager. Related projects The Board of Directors has determined that ValleyView Publishing’s new multimedia operations will be launched at the annual Australian Tourism Operator’s Association conference. The new office must be fully operational by the time of the conference. Capturing the lessons learned At the completion of the project a review and assessment process will be undertaken. The findings will assist in informing similar expansion projects in the future. Action plan Description Person responsible Milestone Commence project Develop project brief Appoint Project Manager General Manager Project Manager commences project Determine suitable location for new office
Organise meetings
Develop a business brief Business research
Present research findings professionally Project Manager Project Officer Consultant New office location determined Establish staffing base Determine staffing needs Recruit and select staff Induct staff
Manage payroll services Project Manager HR and Finance Manager All staff appointed Payroll system established Develop and conduct staff training and professional development Develop ongoing training program for new and existing staff Develop plan for improved work performance Project Manager Training and professional development program developed Performance feedback program developed Manage office for start-up period Conduct ongoing review and assessment of new and existing operational procedures Plan future directions Project Manager Launch of multimedia operations at annual Australian Tourism Operators Association conference Approval Approved and authorised by: Angus Smissen General Manager [Document 4] Minutes of the meeting held on 2 April to discuss change management Present Angus Smissen, Norta Diessen, Sophia Ksyu, George Van Heusen, Geoff Ryder, Elena Richards, Geoff Murphy Topic: Change Management Two key areas were identified for managing change in the future: 1. Two-way communication with staff, and subcontractors when appropriate, about upcoming changes. Strategies for improving communication included: o regular updates at staff and team meetings
o having a regular ‘open door’ time each week when staff are welcome and encouraged to call in on, or contact the General Manager and Managers to discuss change issues
o suggestion boxes
o a ‘change’ section added to the newsletter, Valley reView, which should be sent to subcontractors as well as employees o development of an email bulletin board. 2. Training Strategies included: Action: o a series of workshops for team leaders on how to bring all members of the team along in the change process o training in the new technologies to be provided well before they are introduced. At the next Senior Managers Meeting, each manager is to make a presentation outlining how the communication strategies will be implemented in their area of responsibility. This presentation should include: priorities and timelines budgets suggestions for ensuring the ‘open door’ time is spent on change issues rather than day-to-day distractions. Norta Diessen to put forward an action plan for introducing change management training with associated costs, priorities and timelines. Next Meeting: Thursday 13 April at 7.30 am in the conference room.   Board of Directors Mr Angus Smissen (Chair) Angus Smissen is the General Manager and co-founder of ValleyView Publishing. He has many years experience as a freelance writer on issues relating to conservation and the environment, and as an editor in publishing houses in Australia and overseas. He has a strong commitment to the Jewelbank and the Jade Valley region, where is a member of several community environmental and tourism bodies. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business from Murrigan University. Ms Lesley Nicholls Lesley Nicholls has extensive experience as a librarian and held the position of manager of the Jade Valley District Library from 1980 to 2000. She has a keen interest in birdwatching and is president of the Jade Valley Field Naturalists Association. She is also a member of the council of Jade Valley Secondary College. Ms Melanie Smissen Melanie Smissen is a well-known freelance writer and photographer with an interest in natural history and environmental issues. Her work has been widely published in magazines and books throughout Australia. Mr Nick Conastou Nick Conastou is a specialist in computing and Internet technology. He was the founder and chief executive officer of the highly successful Internet company, Conas, until 2002, and is currently pursuing his interest in international travel. Mr Gunter Freiberg Gunter Freiberg has served on the ValleyView Board of Directors since the company’s incorporation in 1990. He has many years experience as an investment adviser. (Mr Freiberg was appointed for a further term of office at the Annual General Meeting, but resigned from the Board due to ill health.) Ms Petra Gambol Petra Gambol has been the Secretary of the Board of Directors of ValleyView Publishing since May 2000. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Publishing from Murrigan University.   General Manager Angus Smissen The Chair of the Board of Directors and General Manager of ValleyView Publishing, Mr Angus Smissen, was a co-founder of ValleyView Publishing. In 1990, with friend and colleague Alexander Sorensen, Angus Smissen began writing and publishing tourist guides aimed at increasing interest in the sites of Jewelbank and the local Jade Valley area. With a small staff of five they soon widened their publication range to include local, interstate and national places of interest, and aimed their guides at a range of specific audiences. With titles such as Holing up: Golfing holidays around Victoria and Playing Around: A guide to Victoria’s best playgrounds, they began to cater for specialist holidaymakers. The growth in environmental tourism and pressure for improved access for groups previously neglected in the tourist guide market has seen ValleyView Publishing expand its operations to become Australia’s foremost publisher of specialist tourism and travel guides. Angus Smissen has a deep appreciation of the natural environment and conservation and is a keen birdwatcher and bushwalker. He has many years experience as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines, and has held positions as editor, acquisitions editor and managing editor for publishing houses in Australia and overseas. Angus Smissen holds a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from Murrigan University. He is a father of three, and lives in Jewelbank, Victoria.   Management profiles Angus Smissen, General Manager Angus Smissen founded ValleyView Publishing in 1990 and oversaw its development from a small backyard operation to a multimillion dollar publishing house. He has experience as a freelance writer, editor, acquisitions editor and managing editor. George Van Heusen, Acquisitions Manager Experienced in publishing houses in England and Australia, George Van Heusen has been with ValleyView since its establishment. He has worked with some of Australia’s finest writers, editing two Miles Franklin Award winners and three Premier’s Award winners. Sophia Ksyu, Manager Editing and Publishing Sophia Ksyu has a background as an English teacher, poet, performer and artist. She is an experienced author and editor of poetry and short stories and has a special interest in developing resources for people with disabilities. Norta Diessen, Manager, Human Resources and Finance Norta Diessen manages ValleyView’s investments, superannuation and insurance programs, and is responsible for the company’s strong capital base and sound investments. Geoff Ryder, Manager, Sales and Distribution Geoff Ryder has many years experience in retail sales, insurance and marketing. He is a driving force behind the company’s expansion and the current move into e-commerce.   Valleyview objectives for this year  To increase market share of tourism titles from 50% to 60% by December.  To capture a greater share of the 20–30 age group market.  To explore new products in tourism and ecotourism.  To cut costs of production and all overheads by 20%.  To seek funding for new initiatives.  To review the role of administration staff with a view to achieving more cost-effective service.  To produce innovative and high quality products by staying at the forefront of technological development.  To train and retrain staff as appropriate.  To ensure that all departments are responsive to change and innovation.  To encourage multi-skilling of all staff.  To develop and maintain a harmonious and productive work environment