While there is no blueprint or checklist that one can follow to guarantee the success of a business, much can be learned from analyzing those that have failed and those that have flourished during the same time period and under similar circumstances.
Part 1: Business Failure Analysis
Select a business that failed (Wesabe) and one that succeeded (Apple) within the last 5 years.
Identify each organization's objectives, vision, and mission.
Determine the indicators of the business failure and success from research. These may include aspects of the leadership style, communication, structure, and so forth.