The goal is to provide a business analysis document to assess several different factors of what other companies in the industry are doing.

The use of the document will be to leverage other companies’ experience in enhancing the current business model and determine if there are any strategic initiatives that can be undertaken.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on real-world business, competitor and strategic analysis, and to develop skills in business research and strategic analysis.

We hope to expand your skills and experience, and that as we grow in the future, you would consider potentially joining us as a member of our team.

1. Research companies from a list provided
2. Determine if any other companies should be added to the list
3. Using excel, collect data for each separate company, such as

• a) Description of business
• b) Strategic initiatives
• c) Key success/failure catalyst
• d) Key success/failure drivers
• e) Revenue drivers/information
• f) Expense information
• g) Development of ratios
• h) Financing events
• i) Target audience
• j) Marketing initiatives

1. Use creativity in determining what may be important
2. Analyze current industry practices
3. Analyze of different business models
4. Use quantitative and qualitative analysis of different variables
5. Analyze large sets of data
6. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
7. Extrapolate data
8. Use judgment as not all companies will have publicly available data, or the same data available
9. Organize Data
10. Develop relevant ratios

I will provide students with the starting plan of the project which will provide direction as the project progresses. I like to have short and frequent updates to ensure that there is no confusion and to provide feedback and guidance along the way. I am a big believer in the only stupid question is the one that is not asked, and I’m happy to share my knowledge and experience.