Matt and Grace own a small supermarket in a rural town with a large and growing elderly population. Because of their remote location, they don't have any competition from the large chain stores. A small private liberal arts college, with about 1,500 students, is also located in the town.
"I think we need a website for our store," Matt tells Grace.
"Why?" asks Grace.
"Everybody has one. It's the wave of the future," responds Matt.
I’m still not clear, Matt. What would be on our website?" Grace asks.
"Well, for one thing we could have a picture of our market with me and you standing in front of it," says Matt.
"What else?" asks Grace.
Matt answers, "Ah, maybe people could look up stuff and order it through the website. Yeah, those college kids would think that's great; they're into using computers all the time. That will increase our business. They'll buy food from our store rather than the pizza and burgers they always eat or get delivered from Sam's Sub Shop. And those people who live in the senior citizens' apartments would use it, too. I heard they're teaching them how to use computers. And maybe we can even set up a delivery service."
"Hold on," says Grace. "Those college students get pizza and subs from Sam's at all hours of the night, long after we're closed. And I think the senior citizens enjoy getting out. They have a van that brings some of them here each day to shop, and they really don't buy much anyway. And how will they pay for what they order through the website? I'm all for keeping up with things, but I'm not sure this makes sense for our little supermarket, Matt. What would we be trying to accomplish with a website?"
"I just explained it to you, Grace. It's the way all businesses are going. We either keep up with things or we'll be out of business," replies Matt.
"Does this have anything to do with that Chamber of Commerce meeting you went to in Big Falls last week, where you said they had some consultant talking about e-business or something?" asks Grace.
"Yeah, maybe," Matt says. "I think I'll give him a call and tell him to stop by and tell him what I want."
"How much is all this going to cost us, Matt?" asks Grace. "I think we need to think about this some more. You know we are probably going to have to pave the parking lot this summer."
Matt answers, "Don't worry. It'll all work out. Trust me. Our business will increase so much, it'll pay for itself in no time. Besides, it can't cost that much; this consultant probably does these kinds of projects all the time
Questions
1. What are the needs that have been identified?
2. What is the project objective?
3. What are some things Matt and Grace should do before they talk with the consultant?
4. What should the consultant tell Matt and Grace?