Write a Report -- 2

BUSINESS PLAN COMPONENT REQUIREMENT: About 20-25 Pages:- As indicated in your course outline, each group is required to submit a business plan based on an idea that was developed by the group. The first step in this process is for each group to develop a business plan proposal. The proposed business will be based on a unique idea (a new product or service or new business). Our focus this term will be on the sectors discussed in class, as well as any other areas that you think have opportunity. A one to two page submission is required from each group. Students will be then be asked to prepare a business plan for a company. Support material will be made available through the text, on reserve in the library, and handouts in class. Understanding of the value chain is key in the successful development of a business plan. The finished reports will not be returned, so students intending to make further use of the information should make copies before submitting the assignment. The format of each report may vary from group to group, but should be consistent with the formats that have been made available to you. You can request guidance from your instructor. Resource materials are available from the library including some on reserve for this course. Each report will be evaluated in terms of its originality, thoroughness and exposition. Reports must be submitted using Turnitin. The completed report must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30th. A late penalty of 5 marks per calendar day will be in effect. CRITERIA USED IN ASSESSING BUSINESS CASES, PLANS AND SIMILAR WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS: Appearance (the report effectively used) 1. Headings 2. Page numbers 3. A title page 4. A table of contents 5. Footnotes and/or references 6. A cover 7. Tables or display panels 8. Charts and diagrams 9. Proper Labeling Expression 1. The sentences express ideas clearly. 2. There is proper spelling and agreement of subject and verb. 3. There is a logical flow to the account. 4. The outcome is a report that is both readable and informative. 5. The report exhibits a good command of language. Thoroughness 1. Sources of information are identified. 2. Information is presented in professional form, for instance, using financial statements. 3. Connections are made between qualitative and quantitative elements of the analysis. 4. A clear recommendation/conclusion is reached. 5. An analysis of different scenarios was presented and their impact on projections was developed. 6. The factors incorporated into the analysis were relevant and complete, that is, there were no glaring omissions. 7. The report avoids recommendations that lack specificity such as: 1. I would recommend market research or 2. I would recommend financial analysis. 8. The report avoids vagueness and waffling. Correct Analysis 1. Calculations correctly represented the ideas and were accurate. 2. Links among elements of analysis are clearly drawn and helped to move the reader to a conclusion. 3. Limitations of data and analysis are identified without abandoning meaningful conclusions. 4. Charts and statements are correctly linked to the conclusions of the analysis. 5. The report made relatively complex calculations accessible and meaningful to readers who lack technical backgrounds. Overall excellence 1. The work showed above average care and a genuine attempt to do the best job possible. 2. The students showed an ability to synthesize material learned in previous courses and brought that knowledge to bear on the issue at hand. 3. The work demonstrated insight into the problem that would be valued by the client. 4. The work would be superior to or at least on a par with the best work of students attending other universities in the Maritimes. 5. I would have a sense of pride in showing this work to professors from other universities.