business plan - e-knowledge
DESCRIPTION
This is a sample business plan based on a practical scenario. The plan includes all aspects of business contents and interesting market studies in the country of Sri Lanka.TRANSCRIPT
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Business Plan
E-Knowledge Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
“New Wave to Sri Lankan learning Community”
Date – 21st April 2008
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Table of Contents
1.0 Executive Summary 2 1.1 Overview of the Market 2 1.2 Technical and key personnel 2 1.3 Financial Overview 3
2.0 Detailed Business plan 2.1 Industry Analysis 4
2.2 The future success 5 2.3 Back Ground of the Business 6 2.4 The functional areas of the business 6
2.5 Sources of competitive advantage of the business 9 3.0 Marketing Plan 11
3.1 Market Analysis 11 4.0 Pricing Strategy 13 5.0 Advertising and promotional strategy 15 5.1 Advertising 15
5.1.1 Offline 15 5.1.2 Online 15
5.2 Personal selling 16 5.3 Predicted Media Cost 16 6.0 Service Strategy 17
6.1 Advisory services 17 6.2 Orientation Program 18 6.3 E-Learning materials 18 6.4 Online seminars 19 6.5 Advertising from institutions 19
7.0 External Market Influences 19 7.1 Technology and the Business 19
8.0 Competitors 20 9.0 Strategic analysis 20
9.1 SWOT for the Business 21 9.2 Segmentation Targeting and Positioning 21
10.0 Operational Plan 22 10.1 Daily Operations 22 10.2 Location 23 10.3 Management and Organization 23
10.4 Personnel 24 10.5 Structure of the Organization 25
11.0 Financial Plan 26 11.1 Income and Expense forecast for 3 years 27 11.2 Balance Sheet Forecast for 3 years 28 11.3 Cash Flow Forecast for 3 years 29
Our Team Appendix-1
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1.0 Executive Summary
The business “e-Knowledge Lanka” will help those who are interested in obtaining
knowledge in Sri Lanka. The business could be based on online and offline but most of
the functional areas contain online business. The web domain would be
www.eknowledge.lk.
The business is totally focused on Sri Lankan Education industry. This is both free and
paid service for the students. The E-Knowledge will help Sri Lankan institutions to
promote them.
This business can be divided into two major areas such as education and other related
services through online and offline. The business consists of approximately 80% online
and 20% offline activities.
1.1 Overview of the Market
The Sri Lankan education industry is a fast growing field. At present all are aware about
the value of solid education. There are institutes and individual persons who offer
education service for the people. But they fail to maintain the quality at a certain level.
They only focus on making profit or money. But if the market can be studied well and
provide valuable services to the students this will bring a better prestige and help the
organization to make money as well. Also the market consists of separate players eg-
tuitions, higher education institutes but the market doesn’t carry any of the players who
concentrate at a wide range of services through virtual world. The market has a better
potential because in future we are going to live in a virtual world. All the activities will
be undertaken through virtual life.
The business strategic actions which will take the business to success are totally the effort
made on branding. Also the strategic decisions made on the following areas such as
marketing mix, segmentation targeting and positioning should be the key factors to
achieve a successful business. There are web sites in Sri Lanka with good contents and
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information, but they are not successful due to lack of concentration on branding and
promotions.
1.2 Technical and key personnel
In this business there are more managerial key players. The marketing manager should
focus on capturing the market. The technical manager is responsible to look at the
technical stuffs such as data bases, site functionality. There should be a manager for
accounts and finance. The key personnel chart could be as follows;
Post Areas to looked at
Directors Monitoring all the business area
Manager – Marketing Getting clients, students, career guidance offers,
advertisement etc
Manager – Web site Designing, developing, checking the site
Manager- Accounts and Finance Responsible for the cash flow
Manager – Technical Date base, proper development and site functional
Panel of Professionals Handle all kind of educational activities- contract
basic
1.3 Financial Overview
This is a medium scale business that requires 6 million initial starts up cost. Since this is
highly depend on the technological aspect we have to invest much on computer
equipment and accessories We assumed/hoped this 6 million amount of capital can be
raised through the issue of shares among individual or through the investment of a highly
established organization. This capital requirement could be attained by the way of Bank
loan too, but we have not considered that option in our evaluation. If we have
successfully broadened the business in the first year we could expect a 15 % and 20%
growth in the first and second year respectively. This could lead the organization to
manage the cash –flow in an efficient manner and offer a better return on the capital
invested.
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Detailed Business plan
2.1 Industry Analysis
Sri Lankan education sector can be divided into the following categories.
� Primary Education
� Secondary education
� High School
� Professional Education
� Degree Programs (Local and foreign)
� MBA
� PHD
The sector consists of following activities. Primary education will be from year 1-5.
Secondary education starts from year 6 to Ordinary level and the high school represent
Advance level in Sri Lanka. The above mentioned are based on local education system, if
we consider the international system the same can be applied but the way of teaching
could be different. The scopes on the primary and secondary education are low for the
local education system. But for International schools the size of segments are low but can
be targeted well.
Both International and local higher school studies can be considered as a good target
because those are the stages people look for better potential advices to grow. The student
will be happy if they can get good guidance from a recognized professor or lecturer.
Then the next could be the professional education sector such as CIM.CIMA, ACCA.
Etc. The graduate schools contain of local and foreign universities and also the MBA
programs. At present the 0rganisations focus on the training and development at the
working point. Also apart from education the sector has a demand for better student
consultant and advisers the education related career guidance also comes to play a major
role.
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The trend is always growing. These days’ people know the value of education. Education
and other related fields are growing. The education level of women had increased. People
live in rural areas are more concerned on education these days. Number of tutorials are
increasing, the level of personal classes growing, the professional education field
increases. Students are seeking for knowledge and guidance. So the industry always
shows a good growth rate.
There are firms who carry orientation, training and development program for their
employees. Most of the Sri Lankan organizations realize the value of knowledge
management and learning culture.
2.2 The future success.
Currently Sri Lankan online market doesn’t show a better growth rate but in future it will
.People are going to live in a virtual life. This is already adopted in foreign countries but
in Sri Lanka it is still growing. In future the knowledge seeking will happen online in Sri
Lanka. These days people more aware about online studies. The organizations are started
to practice e-learning. In future the trend for the following will definitely take place.
Internet penetration in Sri Lanka is increasing and most of the Internet service providers
target with more broadband facilities. So home connection will grow in future, which will
make a good path to the virtual businesses.
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2.3 Back Ground of the Business
Mission Statement of the business
“To be the prominent virtual organization to add value to all learning citizen”
Goals and objectives of the business
Goals
• To position ourselves as a number one e learning provider in Sri Lanka
• Connecting all the people who seek for knowledge and guidance
• Building a strong e-learning community in Sri Lanka
Objectives
• Getting at least 200,000 people to use our service
• Capture minimum number of 100 organizations in Sri Lanka as our clients in
T&D, orientation programs
• Set up our unit in Sri Lankan schools - 50 local and 10 international schools
2.4 The functional areas of the business
The functional areas of the business can be the followings
1- Student advisory services
Through online students can request for advices from the professionals employed
by us. The advisory services can be divided in to the following areas such as
school level, Graduate schools and others. Students those who are facing
difficulties in their education can request for guidance through our web. They can
book a time when they need the service. Using online teleconferencing method
they can talk to our expertise. If the students need to get common guidance can go
through and frequently asked questions. Also every week there will be online
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seminars for students which they can watch and listen live or can watch the
recorded version.
Eg- If a student who completes A/Ls and looks for a better guidance for his/her
future then through our web he need to select the adviser he preferred and select
the area of advice and then book a time. If more students prefer to book a
particular adviser, the interested parties could be placed on one category for the
advice teleconferencing.
At this service level we need to assure the quality and the education of the
advisor.
As part of an offline strategy we can make our guidance unit separately in every
school. For schools the service could be free of charge based on the sponsorship
we collect. Using this offline strategy we can target rural areas as well.
Also people who look for professional’s advices can be given like how to face and
interview, brain storming session, selecting your future career, the better
education you can follow etc. we can Offer the viewers a maximum number of
articles to go through. If it’s a better article which has more value the member
could create online membership system to read it.
Eg- Those who get a premium membership can have unlimited access to
e-education resources.
2- Online seminars.
At present Sri Lankans are less aware about online seminars. But in future the
need for online seminars is going to be increased. Using expertise we can
undertake online seminars and charge the people who view it. The membership
might be premium, normal. Those who get premium membership can access
online seminars unlimited.
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This can be targeted for International school students as well. They are well aware
about internet study. Using contracts with International schools the teachers can
recommend us as a learning tool for their study. Example if a London O/L comes
we can arrange online seminars for the students who take exam at that time. Or
else there is another way to conduct this seminar
Eg- Arranging an online seminar in a school hall which will enable the students to
hear and see our expertise who is conducting the seminar. Also the students can
use our technology and raise questions and obtained the answers for same from
the expertise.
3- Orientation program
Organization can create their profile with us. If they need us to make orientation
program for them we can make the arrangements. Using the personalized areas
pages they can request for orientation and training programs for their employees.
The orientation can be done by our expertise in whichever field requested by
them.. For this we should have the base of all professionals in Sri Lanka. Even if
any universities wish to arrange orientation program for the new intakes, this
could be organized by us.
4- Foreign Contacts
We can make agreement with foreign universities in order to give more
opportunities for the Sri Lankan students. By using organization sponsorship we
can send the top Sri Lankan students to the foreign universities. Eg- Top
university student. Also for students who wish to follow foreign education can
contact us regarding the courses. A separate consultancy can be done for them.
We should include all the foreign university bases in our date base. So we can
provide people valuable information.
5- Study articles and e-resources for students.
We can publish Sri Lankan books, articles, research papers, news and other
educational stuffs for viewers. Eg- Like emeraldinsights.com, marketingprof.com
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etc. We can publish articles on current market trends and the education trends in
the web site.
6- Advertising
Sri Lankan institutions who want to advertise with us can do so. They can
advertise the courses they provide and a completed profile about them. Students
who seek for education can go through the details from our web and apply or
contact through online. An online customer care executive can answer questions
from the viewers through chat system or by requested call number. Even if we are
on offline the viewer can leave messages to take a call back for them.
2.5 Sources of competitive advantage of the business
In Sri Lanka there is no business exist which targets Education sector. The sources of
competitive advantage of the business are
1- Professionals we contact (University Professors & lecturers, Industry experts,
consultants etc) we should try to capture all the well known professionals in Sri
Lanka.
2- The high technical website connected with data base
3- Service excellence
4- Search Engine Optimization
5- First business in Sri Lanka.
The service is totally giving high value to the users. The service should be in high quality
and should keep up the time. The ways in which the business create values are
• More feature in the web site.
Eg- Online customer care, good site functionality, quick loading and downloading
• High Security online payment system.
• As a virtual business there will be continuous innovation which increases the
customer value.
• Promised service on promised time.
• Increase the possibility of e learning in Sri Lankan students.
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• Create an edge in organizational level training and development.
• User preferred methods of services
The business is depending on more factors to get it in the success point. The major
factors which will make the business success are
• Attractive professionals web site
• Recognized individuals ( Professors, lecturers etc)
• Technology
(Database, tracking, etc)
• The price we charge
• The service quality
• The marketing communication
When taking the key success factors generally the product web site play a major role. The
web should load quickly; the viewer’s should be able to access the web very easy, trusted
purchase, quick downloading and the physical appearance of the web. The service is
again depending on the professionals we have. The people like professionals, university
lecturers, experienced industrialists etc. Also the proper internet development is
important for the business success for tracking the details of visitors, sales, visitors’
segmentation etc.
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3.0 Marketing Plan
3.1 Market Analysis
The business marketing can be divided into two. One is individual marketing and the
other organization marketing. The target market is shown in the following diagram.
e-knowledge.lk
The market contains all categories of students in Sri Lanka.
If we take the students market, special target would be the people who complete O/L and
A/L. The scope of targeting less than the above grade is low because the need for 3rd
party guidance is low. The parents provide the fullest support for their children. Student
consultancy is very important in the age mentioned above. Because sometimes student do
not express their problem and questions to their parents freely and this is the age most of
the students struggle themselves. The principle is the same for both local and
international students. At these level students who seek for online material is less except
in an International school.
Individual Organization
1- Students ( O/L, A/L both local and international)
2- School leavers 3- Undergraduates 4- Graduates 5- MBA followers 6- PHD Education
Seekers 7- Foreigners
1 – Organizations (Those who concentrate high on employee training and development) 2- Firms seek for orientation program 3- Schools (International) 4- Universities
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Also when ever people complete their A/L definitely they look for better guidance. The
value of guidance is very high if it has been given by a talented and recognized advisor.
The increased concern on education creates demand for better education consultancy and
advisory service. The scope exists for online because the professionals will not be able to
visit the particular school during their busy schedule. But if the student books the service
on online he/she can view it through online in the night as well. The professional we
recruit may give the guidance by staying at home.
Also if we take the school leaver market the chances of targets are high. There are people
who struggle to take a decision on their professional studies, some look for work advices,
some people seek for foreign chances, and some are undecided what to do. What ever the
education even it’s local or foreign definitely people look for their future guidance. This
level market contains the activities like looking for foreign universities, works,
professional courses etc.
Undergraduate market contains greater opportunity for us. They are the highest
information seekers. The number of Sri Lankan webs who provide information related to
Sri Lanka is very low. Also undergraduate greatly look for career guidance in most of the
instances. The online seminars will be very useful for them. The seminars can be
conducted in all the education area. They also can be targeted with job opportunities
based on our client base.
Graduates are people who seek for MBA programs and future career guidance. Most of
the graduates those who just passed the universities generally look for better advice and
consultancy. Because they are not sure which filed of work they have to actually target.
MBA and PHD followers are small target but they can also be attracted with research
papers. They can upload their researches and other stuffs to their member page. If they
want to levy a charge for their papers, this can be done. A charge could be levied from
the viewers and this amount could be remitted to the owner of the article.
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If you take the business sector the opportunity lies in the training program level. At
present most of the organizations highly concern on giving training for their employees.
These training programmes could be arranged by us at the request of the employers and a
charge could be levied for this service.. This is a kind of Offline activity. But all the
contacts will be done through online. At the final confirmation the representatives will
visit the organization and make further arrangements. (Foreign Contact)
There are universities who seek for student orientation but lack in arranging suitable
person. Like an intermediary we can connect them with our top professionals.
4.0 Pricing Strategy
Advisory Service Charges
Primary Education
Local Schools 1500Rs
International Schools 3000Rs
Secondary Education
Local Education 1500Rs
International Schools 3000Rs
Higher Education
Local Education 2000Rs
International Schools 4000Rs
School Leavers 5000Rs
Undergraduate
Local University 8000 Rs
Foreign University(
Situated in Sri Lanka)
12000 Rs
Graduates and MBA seekers 15000Rs
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Advertising Charges
Banner in Our web site 5000 Per Month
Business Profile – If it has a profit focus 100,000 Rs Per Semi
Sponsorship Vary
Sub Domain 10000 Per Month
Links 3000 Per Month
Online Seminars Charges ( annually)
Premium Membership 20,000 Rs
Platinum Membership 10,000 Rs
Silver Membership 8,000 Rs
Orientation Program Charges ( Per Program)
Full Service 200,000Rs
Half Service 100,000 Rs
University services – Local 20,000 Rs
Foreign 50,000 Rs
Articles Access Charges
Premium Membership 20,000 Rs Per year- Unlimited access
Month Membership 2000 Per Month – Limited access
Foreign Education Guidance Charges
Full Service- With Registration Based on the total cost
Consultancy Services 25,000 Rs
Note- the price mentioned here might depend on the individual or professional as well.
The quality, the education level also play a role when determining the price.
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5.0 Advertising and promotional strategy
This can include both above and below the line strategy. The promotional mix could
contain both online and offline activities.
5.1 Advertising –
5.1.1 Offline
News Paper advertisements can be published. The print media should be targeted with all
the with education section, business sections etc. The print media advertising could be
targeted with the followings publications such as The business weeks, LMD, university
publications, newspapers education weekly attachments, Organizational publications etc.
Also when targeting the firms with advertising program we can publish our leaflets in
their notice board. Street bill boards and banners near our targets can be hanged.
5.1.2 Online
In Sri Lanka search for education materials and related stuffs are high. So we can run
PPC campaigns in Google, Yahoo and MSN. When ever a search comes based on Sri
Lankan education or topics we can be display our web in the top result. Also in the online
PPC advertising bidding is generally low. With reasonable bidding we can come up in the
position. Eg- 0.8 $ per click. If it costs more for us can adopt to pay per click action and
we have to pay for the Google or Yahoo if there is any action happen in our web site.
The targeted key words could be Sri Lankan education, education Sri Lanka, education in
Sri Lanka and all the words related to education. Our results can be displayed when some
one makes search regarding Sri Lankan education and learning.
Sri Lanka is in a boom in the social networking sites. People regularly go for Facebook
and other social Medias. We can send Facebook flyers to capture Sri Lankans, which we
have to pay when an action happen in our web. When targeting we have to make sure that
we set the flyers to people who belongs to Sri Lanka network.
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There are Sri Lankan direct marketing companies with email addresses of Sri Lankan
professionals, lecturers and students.. We can send direct mails informing them about our
service. Eg- Inotrend International contains 70,000 emails in their base. Once we develop
our customer base we can send the promotional mail through our technical stream.
5.2 Personal selling
We can send our representative to Sri Lankan schools (both local and international),
Universities (Private and government), firms (multinationals and larger firms specially)
and canvas about our service and the web site.
As a public relations activity in the initial stage we need to publish our web and service
launch in the news papers and online press Medias, which will create awareness about
our brand at the initial stage.
Also as a promotional strategy we can concentrate on Search Engine Optimization as
well, which will get us in the first result (Organic Position). So in future we can be able to
save our cost. The web site can be optimized to search engine friendly. So who ever
search any education key words, our web results will appear in the first ten lists.
5.3 Predicted media cost
Advertising Cost for first year
Ad words (google, yahoo,
MSN)
1,000 $ yearly budget – Spend based
on clicks
News papers 1,000,000
Print Media 500,000
Search Engine Optimization 200,000
Public Relations 50,000
Direct Mails 50,000
Face Book Flyers 500$ per Year – Spend based on
clicks
Magazines 200,000
Banners 30,000
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6.0 Service Strategy
6.1 Advisory services
To get an expert advice the student should get register with www. eknowledge.lk. Once
they get registered then there will be a personalized page created for them. After that they
can be able to select their services they need. If a student wants to get advices regarding
careers he can select the desired advisor and first make the payment. Then can select the
desired date for the advice. Those who don’t have video cam at home and to get the
online advice, can access it through the web site video cam which is connected to our
own server.
If the student wants to access the online seminars then can access it by logging in. But
except advisory services if the student wants to download papers, view online seminars
the membership services can be applicable. The member should pay a premium
membership and access all the material of eknowledge.lk also there will be free articles,
download and seminars which can be accessed too. This is depending on the importance
and the copy rights.
Also we have to get links from foreign universities and colleges. Students those who are
seeking foreign education can access all the relevant information about foreign
universities and colleges. They can apply through us. For this we have to get connected
with foreign universities and colleges.
Eg- If an International school student need to get an advice from a well known
professional then he need to login to our web site. Using the profile section can select the
desired person from who he would like to get the advice. Then select the time and date
and make the payment, which will automatically notify to the professional. Then the
student can contact him at the selected date and communicate with video conference
system. For this if the student has a web cam can communicate by looking face to face. If
not he/she can only see the professional in the set up video stream. For this we have to set
up technology at every professionals house we make contract. Also most of the Sri
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Lankan top professionals are available during the night. So he can make available at their
desired time. If the students do not have internet facility at home then he can make the
appointment at our office and meet him personally or directly. This might be the option
for the time being.
The service can be applicable for all individuals who seek for advice related to education.
6.2 Orientation Program
Generally this is an offline activity. If any organization needs to arrange an orientation
program for their employees they can send the request to us through the web. They can
create a business page in the web and send a request to us. All the arrangements will be
done by us including arranging the experts, program arrangements etc. Apart from
orientation if the organization needs to get training and development services all the
services will be arranged with greater service excellence. We can take the responsibility
from the start to end of the Training and development program.
There are universities in Sri Lanka arranging various kinds of orientation program for
their new comers and students. This can be arranged by us. The orientation will be
provided by our professionals. They may be industrial experts or the education expert.
6.3 E-Learning Materials
We can upload enough e resources to student to improve their learning. But if it’s a
premium article like research papers and publication by top professionals then the viewer
need to pay for it. It depends on the article they select. They can be able to view the
unlimited article in our web site by paying a premium membership. We can take the
responsibility through the online credit card system, But for the time being they can make
the payment to our branch as well. Also if a person need to view a research paper
uploaded by the professional then he has to pay for him through us. The learning
materials will contain all the resources. The articles could be based on areas such as
Commerce, Science, technology, arts, economics, marketing, accounting etc. If a Sri
Lankan professional need to publish his/her finding to all then he/she need to create a
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personal profile and can upload all the materials through our web site. If she/ he think
that it has to be paid for viewing, then the viewer need to pay.
6.4 Online seminars
We can publish online seminars for the people. We will be notifying the seminar time in
the web. If the organization or individual need to access it can go online and listen to it
live. Or else they can view the recorded version. For this they will be charged.
Eg- Marketingprofs.com, seochat.com
6.5 Advertising from institutions
Sri Lankan education institution can make advertisement with us. If they have courses
and degrees to promote they can create their profiles in our webs site and promote their
services. For this they have to pay us as advertisement charge.
7.0 External Market Influences
There are external market influences for this business which can be classified in to the
followings. They are Economic, social and technological
The impact of economic factors may not influence much on us. When it comes to
education these days people are willing to spend if it has a good value. They spending
rate will be higher in future.
Social market might influence us in more ways such as attitude towards online purchase,
their income, and willingness to spend time on internet related education. But here also if
the business can provide a better value for them then influence might not impact much on
us.
Technology is our heart of business. So when ever the technology changes we need to
adapt our selves. Example – hosting servers, change in video stream communication, data
bases (Data mining) integration of new operating system, updating technical personal etc.
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7.1 Technology and the Business
Since our business is highly depend on the virtual operation we have to give more
attention to the technical advancement. The technology we use should be updated and
capable enough to attract our customer base. To make our promises true, we should have
to use the effective Unix system technology. We propose to use a mix of Html, Java
Script, MySQL and PHP language to design the website and the related functions to cater
the all kind of customer expectations. In order to facilitate our learning citizens in the
way of audio/ video communication format, we have to use Flash Streaming technology.
Apart from that we have to maintain large databases and CGI’s in prominent manner to
fulfill the database marketing needs and advantages. Our attention towards technology is
high in rapidly changing technological environment.
8.0 Competitors
As a first business still no direct competitors exist for the business and there is no strong
brand names related to e learning in Sri Lanka. Also private institutions, personal
consultant for students can be the other part of competitors. But these cannot be a threat
when we attract high professionals for our business.
9.0 Strategic analysis
The strategy could be focused strategy because we target the particular industry which
comes under learning industry. In Sri Lanka the industry has sufficient market size and
growth rate and no existence of competitors. Once we build up the business we can go for
market development by using our current portfolio and target other geographic countries
which have high demand for Sri Lankan professionals. Eg- India
We can focus the market with differentiation in services we provide and get the first
mover advantage. But anyway this business can be copied by others but the branding we
do will make success for us in future.
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9.1 SWOT for the Business
Strength of the business
1- Expert Professionals
2- Technology enabled
3- Learning resource databases.
Opportunities
1- Increasing internet penetration will tend to grow
2- Awareness of education increases
3- Increase number of Foreign education seekers
4- Organization needs on T&D increases
5- The search on Internet
9.2 Segmentation Targeting and Positioning
Segment is based on the variable mentioned above on the customers. The segments could
be
1 – Schools segment
2 – Professional education segment
3- University segments both foreign and local
4- Organization segments
5- MBA Segments
6- Foreign education
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The desired positioning map for the business
10.0 Operational Plan
10.1 Daily Operations
The operation and process of the business happens daily online and offline activities.
The web process is totally depending on the servers and databases. Daily web operation
will be done in the office which could be rented out in Bambalapitiya. The web process
daily includes
1- 24 hour customer service – online toll free calls and chat ( one customer service
will be appointed per day in the first year of operation)
2- Site maintenance and checking – Checking for errors and technical problems
3- Server restarts every day to make effect new uploads
4- Database maintenance
5- Monitoring networking with the house connection of professionals and units
6- Editing ad words in Google yahoo and msn and monitoring the cost.
7- Quality Assurance Department every morning needs to ensure the assurance of
the web site.
High Quality service
Low quality service
Low price High Price
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Marketing operations daily include the activities of visiting organizations and universities
to capture new projects. Meeting up professionals and educational experts to make
contract with us, monitoring day to day operations and checking the related weaker
activities and overcoming the barriers and make sure marketing operations not contain
any error and look for new web marketing opportunities to promote the business.
10.2 Location
The location of the business should contain a one floor building in an industrial area in
Colombo. There should be a separate server and database room and Customer service call
center. Also the location of the building should be easily accessible by every one in the
beginning stage, because there may offline activities as well.
The needed technical equipments for the operation are computers, server monitoring
system, web video conferencing platform, web teleconferencing platform.
10.3 Management and Organization
The company should be registered as a private limited liability company under the new
company act No 7 of 2007. In order to incorporate the company we shall make an
application in a prescribed form to the registrar of companies signed by the initial share
holders of our company together with following documents.
1. Name of the company and a declaration that the name is
identical
2. The articles of association of the company which contain the
main objectives and other information.
3. The consent of the each person who has agreed to be director
of the company
4. Consent in a prescribed form who are to be appointed as initial
secretaries of the company.
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After receiving the certificate of incorporation which is treated as a conclusive evidence
of the business, we can start the operation officially. We proposed to issue Rs 10/= worth
of 1,000,000 shares to raise capital of 10 Million in order to fulfill the start up cost
requirement.
10.4 Personnel
The number of employees for the first year of operation includes approximately 20
employees.
Post Areas to looked at
Directors Monitoring all the business area
Manager – Marketing Getting clients, students, career guidance offers,
advertisement etc
Manager – Web site Designing, developing, checking the site
Manager- Accounts and Finance Responsible for the cash flow
Manager – Technical Date base, proper development and site functional
Panel of Professionals Handle all kind of educational activities- contract
basic
Marketing Executives Capturing new clients, monitor marketing
environment
The employees we recruit should be talented, and skilled. Our main asset would be the
professionals we are going to make contract. All are well known Sri Lankan professionals
like industry experts with high experience, professors, lecturers and consultants. We can
find and attract them by a personal visit to their place. The top management will be
responsible to get them first into the business.
For the technology department we should recruit qualified personnel’s with high benefits.
The marketing executives can be recruited from universities and through recruitment
agencies. All the marketing executives should contain knowledge on web sites and online
activities. There would be an added advantage if they have experience on virtual
organizations.
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Pay Structure
Directors – 70,000Rs each
Marketing Manager – 50,000Rs
Manager Product development / Web Master – 50,000 Rs
Database Handler – 40,000 Rs
Technology leader – 30,000
Technical staff 5 – 25,000 each
Marketing executives – Field 2 – Basic 10,000 + Commission based on their clients
Office 1 15,000
The salary structure will be for t 6 months operations during their probation period. Then
it will be increased. All the recruited employees will be on a 6 moth probationary period.
If they perform well the remuneration will be increased. Also detailed policy manual will
be given for them to follow. The common policy will be agreed in the first to
management meeting which will be held in the first year of operations.
10.5 Structure of the Organization
Directors
After the first year of operations the number of employees will be increased in every
department. Eg - Additional 10 technology staff, 5 marketing executives & an account
executive.
Web Master Marketing Manager Data Base Manager Finance manager
Technical staffs
Marketing Executives
Manager-technical
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11.0 Financial Plan
This is an Internet venture that, of course, depends on the developing financial prospects
of the growing Internet world. To make it work financially, we need to increase valuation
on schedule to bring in substantial additional assets. For that reason we have increased
the PPE time to time in order to fulfill the requirement of changing technology and
striving need. We are proposing to spend Rs.5 Million as a start up cost at the beginning
of the operation.
In designing the financial plan of the e-knowledge lanka ltd, we have considered the
following aspects.
• Assess the business environment (Virtual Business –Asset Based company)
• Confirm the business vision and objectives ( Attain good return )
• Identify the types of resources needed to achieve these objectives
• Quantify the amount of resource (Work force, equipment)
• Calculate the total cost of each type of resource
• Identify any risks and issues with the budget set(Sector Under rapid changes)
Performing Financial Planning is critical to the success of any organization. In focusing
the financial plan here we have taken some assumption.
1. Finance have been obtain by the way of issued of share capital of 600,000* Rs 10 shares.
2. Inflationary factors not taken in to account
3. Taxation is at the rate of 15%
4. No any dividend is paid to the shareholders
5. All the surplus cash is deposited at the bank (No investment were made)
6. Since this is service organization and our operations are diversified, we could not predict unit basis sales forecast or break even analysis
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3.1 Income and Expense forecast for 3 years
E-Knowledge (PVT) LTD INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.12.2009 31.12.2010 31.12.2011 (All amounts in Sri Lankan Rupees)
Revenue
13,000,000
18,000,000
22,000,000
Cost of Sales
7,000,000
9,000,000
10,500,000
6,000,000
9,000,000
11,500,000
Other Operating Income
500,000
800,000
800,000
Administrative Expenses
(5,800,000)
(6,500,000)
(7,800,000)
Distribution Cost
(2,100,000)
(1,850,000)
(2,000,000)
Other Operating Expenses
(300,000)
(300,000)
(350,000)
Finance Cost
(100,000)
(150,000)
(150,000)
Profit / (Loss) before Taxation
(1,800,000)
1,000,000
2,000,000
Income Tax -
(150,000)
(300,000)
Profit / (Loss) after Tax
(1,800,000)
850,000
1,700,000
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11.2 Balance Sheet Forecast for 3 years
E-Knowledge (PVT) LTD BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31.12.2009 31.12.2010 31.12.2006 (All amounts in Sri Lankan Rupees) ASSETS Non Current Assets Property, Plant & Equipment 2,640,000 2,760,000 3,390,000
Current Assets Trade & Other Receivables 500,000 700,000 850,000 Cash in hand and at Bank 1,760,000 2,790,000 4,710,000
2,260,000 3,490,000 5,560,000
Total Assets 4,900,000 6,250,000 8,950,000
EQUITY & LIABILITIES
Capital & Reserves Issued Share Capital 6,000,000 6,000,000 6,000,000 Accumulated Profit / (Loss) (1,800,000) (950,000) 1,050,000
4,200,000 5,050,000 7,050,000
Non Current Liabilities Provision for Retiring Gratuity 300,000 550,000 800,000
Current Liabilities
Creditors & Other Payables 400,000 500,000 800,000 Provision for Taxation 150,000 300,000 400,000 650,000 1,100,000
Total Equity & Liabilities 4,900,000 6,250,000 8,950,000
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11.3 Cash Flow Forecast for 3 years
E-Knowledge (PVT) LTD FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.12.2009 31.12.2010 31.12.2011 CASH FLOW - OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit /(Loss) for the year
(1,800,000)
1,000,000
2,000,000 Adjustments :
Depreciation
360,000
380,000
370,000
Provision for Retiring Gratuity
300,000
250,000
250,000 Operating Profit before Changes in Working Capital
(1,140,000)
1,630,000
2,620,000
(Increase) / Decrease in :
Trade & Other Receivables
(500,000)
(200,000)
(150,000) Increase / (Decrease) in:
Creditors & Other Payables
400,000
250,000
450,000
Cash Generated from Operations
(1,240,000)
1,680,000
2,920,000
Income Tax Paid -
(150,000)
Net Cash from Operating activities
(1,240,000)
1,530,000
2,920,000 CASH FLOW -INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of Property, Plant & Equipment
(3,000,000)
(500,000)
(1,000,000) Proceeds from sale of Computer Equipment
Net Cash out flow from Investing Activities
(3,000,000)
(500,000)
(1,000,000) CASH FLOW - FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of Shares
6,000,000 - -
Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities
6,000,000 - -
NET INCREASE / (DECREASE)
1,760,000
1,030,000
1,920,000
CASH - BEGINNING OF THE YEAR -
1,760,000
2,790,000
CASH AT THE END OF THE YEAR
1,760,000
2,790,000
4,710,000
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