feasibility and business planning 1 discuss the importance of defining a prospective business by...

Feasibility and Business PlanningFeasibility and Business Planning

1

Discuss the importance of defining a prospective business by writing a clear and concise business concept.

Describe how a feasibility study can be used to test a concept in the marketplace.

Section 5.1 Feasibility Analysis: Testing an Opportunity

5.1


2

Developing a Business Concept

Once you have a idea for a new business, define it by writing a clear and concise business concept.

business concept a clear and concise description of a business opportunity; it contains four elements: the product or service, the customer, the benefit, and the distribution



3


In developing a business concept, consider the features and benefits your product or service offers.

features distinctive aspects, qualities, or characteristics of a product or service


benefits things that promote or enhance the value of a product or a service to the customer


4


When developing a business concept an entrepreneur must ask the following questions:

What is the product or service being offered Who is the customer? What is the benefit that is being provided? How will the benefit be delivered to the

customer?



5

Testing the Concept in the Market

An entrepreneur can use a feasibility analysis in order to decide if there is enough demand for a product or service.

feasibility analysis the process that tests a business concept; it allows the entrepreneur to decide whether a new business concept has potential


Should I proceed with

this business?


6

Testing the Industry

The broadest level of feasibility analysis looks at the industry in which the business will operate.

industry a group of businesses with a common interest



7

Testing Product or Service Requirements

To consider all the requirements of a product or service, you may opt to create a prototype.

prototype a working model used by entrepreneurs to determine what it takes to develop their products or services



8

A business can analyze its:

Strengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Threats in the marketplace using a process called a SWOT analysis.

This procedure helps because it:

• prepares a company for competition or a changing marketplace.

• provides guidance and direction for future business strategies.

SWOT analysis

An assessment of a company’s strengths and weaknesses and the opportunities and threats that surround it; SWOT: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats.


9

Internal Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors that affect a business operation. The analysis centers around three Cs:

•Company

•Customers

•Competition


10

Internal Strengths and Weaknesses

When evaluating itself, a company must analyze these areas:

•Company staff

•Financial situation

•Production capabilities

• Company


11

Talking to Customers

The most important part of the feasibility analysis is testing customers to measure interest and identify the target customers.

Companies study customer buying patterns using surveys or conducting interviews with people in their target markets.

target customers people most likely to buy a business’s products and services


• Customers


12

A company may find that it has certain strengths and weaknesses when compared to its competitors. Questions that help a business to analyze its competitive position are:

• What market share does the company have?

• What advantages does the company have over its competitors?

• What core competencies does the company possess?

• CompetitionStudying the Competition


13

Studying the Competition

An easy way to evaluate the competition is to create a competitive grid.

competitive grid a tool for organizing important information about a business venture’s competition


Competitor Customer Benefits Distribution Strengths Weakness


14

External Opportunities and Threats

Businesses must always look for opportunities to create competitive advantage if they are to succeed in the marketplace.

Marketing Essentials Chapter 2, Section 2.1


15

Competition

Companies need to know what their competitors are doing at all times. Changes in other companies’ financial situations affect the marketplace, and conducting a SWOT analysis helps a business react and adjust to these shifts.


16

Environmental Scan

Often, a business will conduct an environmental scan to methodically examine four main areas of the marketplace. The acronym PEST refers to each of the four factors evaluated in the scan:

•Political

•Economic

•Socio-cultural

•Technological

environmental scan

An analysis of outside influences that may have an impact on an organization.


17

Political

Political issues center around government involvement in business operations, such as:

•Laws

• Regulations

Global companies need to know the political structure and regulations of each foreign country in which they conduct business.


18

Economic Businesses are always interested in the economy because if it is healthy, people will be more likely to invest in products and markets. If the economy is in recession, companies need to be more cautious in their decisions.

The economy is affected by factors such as:

• Unemployment rate

• Inflation

• Retail sales figures

•Productivity

• Consumer confidence


19

Socio-Cultural

A socio-cultural analysis is based on customers and potential customers. It focuses on their:

• Attitudes

• Lifestyles

• Opinions

And also considers:

• Age

• Income

• Occupation

• Education level

• Marital status


20

Technological

Changing technology may be a threat for one industry, but an opportunity for others. Companies develop completely new products or capitalize on new developments by making products to support them.


21

Looking at Start-Up Resources

A strong business model is important to investors.

business model a description of how entrepreneurs plan to make money with their business concepts



22

Let’s Practice

Write a compelling, clear & concise business concept statement for your proposed business. Be sure to refer back to your

notes on questions to address.

Here is a sample of one:“Eastside Sports offers sporting equipment and

apparel to local teams and people who play sports. It provides the convenience of one-stop shopping at a retail outlet in the customer’s own neighborhood.”