Prepare a Business Development Proposal.
It also includes a brief discussion regarding the related Research Methods module, which is conducted in the second semester. If a successful submission is to be made within the time available, regular attendance at seminars and scheduled supervisory meetings, and a strict adherence to a clearly defined programme of work are essential. The procedures set out in this document are intended to provide maximum support to the student so as to ensure the successful submission of a Business Development Proposal that meets the University requirements.
The content of the Business Development Proposal seminars
Session 1
Review of the relevant University Business Development Proposal Guidelines
Session 2
Discussion / Explanation of a sample project. A presentation by each student of his/her project
Session 3
Market Research - Primary and secondary (proper identification of customer market, competition, sales potential).
Session 4
Financial Feasibility; Sales Forecasts and profitability; Forecasting Sales; Cost-Volume Profitability Analysis; Financial statements preparation; Planning capital requirements; Drawing up cash flow, P&L, Balance Sheets; Investment Appraisal; Project Implementation Schedule
Session 5
Progress reports on the process of data collection. Discussion of problems encountered.
Session 6
Open sessions for review of students' work and signing off.
Session 7
Open sessions for review of students' work and signing off.
Structure of the business development proposal
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Chapter
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Word count guide (approx):
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Introduction
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2,000 words
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Literature Review
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4,000 words
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Methodology
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3,000 words
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Data / Results analysis
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3,000 words
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Discussion, Conclusions and Recommendations
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2,000 words
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You will need to consider:
- The business idea -scenario chosen, aim, strategic fit, feasibility of idea and important assumptions for success, brief implementation plan
- The Business Idea explained - rationale for the business idea; scenario chosen; Aims and objectives of the work: structure of the work
- Primary and secondary market research - Feasibility (product/service, industry/market, organisational, financial feasibility issues; Resource requirement evaluation
- The Business Model - Strategic Analysis of the new business idea; identification of sources of competitive advantage and sustainability ; selection of strategies for success; development of appropriate Business Model
- The Business Plan - Business Plan schedule......from raising capital...stage by stage....setting out key events/ resource requirements for successful operation of the Business Model; Discussion of critical success/failure factors
Research reflective report
The Research Reflective Report is designed to support the student's self-critical consideration of the research and related business skills. Students are expected to demonstrate that they can:-
- Reflect and comment critically on what they have learnt during the MBA programme and during the process of conducting the research
- Carefully consider the research which they have carried out and critically comment on this
- Discuss the relationship of the research, research sources and evidence, and researching activities to the production of the dissertation
- Critically comment on the key areas, examples, sources of the research
- Consider the relationship of the research, and researching, to both the dissertation and possible future employment opportunitiesModule descriptor
AIM(S)
The module aims to:-
- Provide a critical overview of scenario planning contexts and Case Study Analysis and their application in the development of a viable Business Development Proposal to a "live", presentational, and business launch stage.
- Provide the student with specific opportunities to reflect upon and integrate the knowledge acquired in the modules forming the early stages of the programme within an employability and career development focused learning framework
- Provide the student with the opportunity to develop the skills to communicate proposed solutions and the rationale behind them to an audience of potential investors, peers, business professionals, and academic mentors;
Provide a formal experience in the preparation and delivery of a business venture and development proposal and presentation which is suitable for formal presentation to business investors and for submission for financial investment support.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
- Selection of scenario
- Statement of assumptions
- Review of current position
- Environmental analysis leading to SWOT analysis
- Statement of future desired position
- Gap analysis
- Bridging the identified gaps
- Requirements for implementation
- Outcomes for key stakeholder groups
- Resource implications
- The budget including investment and working capital requirements
Assessment Component 1
Coursework: - Research Reflective Report - 2000 words maximum
(In Formal Template Presentation Format)
Assessment Component 2
Coursework: - Business Development Proposal
12000-13000 words maximum