Discussion 1: "Goods and Service Design"
Respond to the following:
• From the e-Activity, examine some of the steps that are involved in designing goods and services. Select two services or two products that are currently on the market. Use Exhibit 6.1 from Chapter 6 of the text to compare and contrast each step, and determine the similarities and areas where they differ.
• From the e-Activity, suggest at least two changes to specific areas of the process design phase that may lead to improvement in operations. Provide a rationale to support your suggestion.
Discussion 2: "Service Positioning versus Product Process"
Respond to the following:
• Compare and contrast the service positioning matrix and the product process matrix in terms of their differences and similarities.
• Provide at least one example currently used in business for each of the matrixes and evaluate their benefits and limitations within the industry you chose.
• Evaluate how each matrix is unique in the way it addresses the needs of the customer.
Discussion 3: Creating a Solid Financial Plan
Respond to the following:
• Discuss the best way to leverage a breakeven analysis when defining a business strategy.
• Analyze the 12 financial ratios mentioned in the textbook and determine which is the most useful to the greatest number of small businesses. Explain your rationale.
Discussion 4: Managing Cash Flow
Respond to the following:
• Analyze the steps involved in preparing a cash budget and determine which steps presents the greatest number of obstacles to the greatest number of small businesses. Explain your rationale.
• Analyze the steps involved in avoiding a cash crunch and make at least one additional recommendation for doing so. Provide specific examples to support your response.