BM2104
TASK PERFORMANCE
Business Plan (Firm's Overview)
General Guidelines
• Propose a business undertaking based on your preferred business category (as explained below).
• Think of an innovative product/service that has income potential, relates to your interests and
passion, or meets an unfulfilled need in the community (see tips in generating a business idea).
• For simplicity, the PROPOSED BUSINESS VENTURE FOR THE BUSINESS PLAN CAN BE THE SAME
WITH THE FEASIBILITY STUDY (FS). Some feasibility study requirements (i.e., Marketing Aspect) are
similar if not the same with the business plan sections (i.e., Marketing Strategy). Thus, submitted
requirements for the two (2) courses can be THE SAME to avoid repetitive tasks/activities.
• Note that the performance tasks in Entrepreneurial Management are interconnected, so always
keep a soft copy of the outputs for future references. The business plan (see the full outline on
Pages 3-5) shall be completed as the course progresses.
• Here are the detailed requirements (sections II and III of the outline) for this term's task
performance:
1. Craft a vision and mission statement for a proposed business venture. Specify the values and
principles of the business.
2. Present the company's product and/or service description, including features, customer
benefits, after-sales services (i.e., warranties), and unique selling proposition (USP).
3. Describe the production process/service design required for the proposed product/service
specifying required raw materials to produce a unit of output, their corresponding costs per
unit, and the production schedule (required time to produce a unit of output, handle the
inventory, and finally market the product, as applicable).
• Review guidelines and tips for the presentation, public speaking, and PowerPoint creation.
Business Categories
• Food and beverages. The food and beverage industry is comprised of a complex network of widely
diverse enterprises that produce and supply edible goods consumed by the world's population. This
industry cover management activities from production, conversion, preservation, transport, and
packaging of products. Currently, companies in this industry range from small family businesses to
global and capital-intensive corporations. The food industry comprises meat and fish processing, fruit
and vegetable preservation, milling, baking, biscuit making, pasta manufacturing, sugar processing
and refining, chocolate making and confectionery, and oils and fats processing. On the other hand,
the beverage industry includes brewing, milk processing, and distilling and manufacturing carbonated
sodas, water, and other beverages (Graham et al., n.d.). Firms such as Universal Robina Corporation
(URC) and Coca-Cola Company are examples of businesses that engage in the high distribution of food
and beverage products.
• Non-food commodities. These are often classified into two (2) main groups: routine consumables and
non-consumables. Routine consumables include soap, firewood, fuel, sanitary supplies, health
supplies, and education supplies. Non-consumables, on the other hand, are described as long-life
items that include mattresses, blankets, plastic sheeting, tents, building materials, kitchen sets,
sleeping mats, farming tools, among many others (Commodity Distribution, 1997). Unilever and
Procter & Gamble are some of the big companies that manufacture and distribute non-food
commodities.
• Service. The service sector produces intangible goods, more precisely services instead of goods. It
comprises various service industries, including warehousing and transportation, information services,
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professional services, health care and social assistance, arts, entertainment, and recreation
(Chappelow, 2020). Major companies within the transportation services sector include airlines,
trucking, railroads, and waterborne transportation (Hoovers, n.d.). Klook is an example of a booking
platform that transports tourists to various destinations globally. Sharing platforms such as Grab and
Uber (for general transport of passengers) and Airbnb (lodging service primarily for vacation rentals)
have emerged and provided additional income to practically anyone who has an available car for
sharing or an available house or condo unit for rental. The service design of these companies can still
be improved based on consumer's changing needs and evolving market conditions. Integrating these
with the latest technology by developing a mobile application as part of the marketing strategy can
be a good idea but not required for feasibility study purposes. Other examples of companies providing
services include hospitals, recreational spas and salons, and consultancy firms.
• Technology. Technology-based and highly innovative firms operate in the technology-based industry
and develop innovative value propositions (Almendros et al., 2019). Some examples of technology-
based companies include a business that engages in manufacturing and distribution of digital
electronics (simple appliances, energy-saving light bulbs, integration of solar systems and automation
for practical uses, development of simple hardware); software (simple mobile applications, game
development, etc.); and internet-related services (e-commerce website design, mobile applications).
This category also includes e-commerce that has changed the traditional ways of doing business.
Before the Internet, success in retail was said to hinge on the strategic location of brick and mortar
stores. Today, the Internet is a global marketplace affording even the smallest retailer a national, if
not a global, presence (Shaftoe, n.d.). Lazada and Shopee are examples of e-commerce platforms that
have thrived and become successful in the digital market. These companies continually develop and
expand their capabilities to further reach their customers more efficiently. The evolution of
technological innovations is quite impressive, from compact discs, cassette tapes, traditional cameras
to the digital smartphones that people enjoy. All these are the products of creative minds and
numerous studies that help developed and proved the viability of these ventures.
Tips in Generating a Business Idea
1. Personal skill set. Evaluate your marketable skill set and identify which skill is a potential business
venture. For example, if you are good at cooking, you may develop a new recipe for a particular dish
or dessert. As more people switch to healthy lifestyles and diets, perhaps you may create a healthy
alternative for some dishes.
2. Current events. Research market trends and industry news that may have business possibilities. For
instance, lockdowns brought by the COVID-19 pandemic transition a lot of business to online selling,
which can be an opportunity and a platform for the marketing aspect of your proposed venture.
3. Invention. Analyze an existing market need and position a product or service that will meet the
identified need. For example, back in 2004, Mark Zuckerberg recognized a need for a campus-wide
social networking website that would allow students and staff to share personal profiles and other
information. So, he went on to develop "Facebook," which turns out to be a multibillion-dollar
business.
4. Product improvement. Experiment and put a product through an additional process, add services to
a product, or combine an existing product with other products to increase its value. Some examples
of product-service hybrid are as follows: the iPod of Apple combined with the iTunes service, copiers
and printers bundled with maintenance or customer support services, and commercial establishments
that offer door-to-door, free delivery of items. Another example of product improvement is the Ariel
powder detergent and Downy fabric conditioner combined in a single product.
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Business Plan Outline
I. Executive Summary (not to exceed one [1] page)
A. Company name, address, and phone number
B. Brief description of the business, its products and services, the customer problems they solve,
and the company's competitive advantage
C. A brief overview of the market for the products and services
D. A brief overview of the strategies that will make the company successful
E. Brief description of the managerial and technical experience of key people
F. A brief statement of the sources of capital and how the money will be used
II. Organizational Background
A. Vision
B. Mission
C. Values Statement
III. Company Products and Services
A. Product Strategy
1. Product or service features
2. Customer benefits
3. Warranties and guarantees
4. Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
B. Description of Production Process/Service Design (if applicable)
1. Raw materials
2. Unit production costs
3. Production schedule
IV. Industry Profile and Overview
A. Market Analysis
1. Industry analysis
2. Environmental analysis
B. Outlook for the Future
V. Competitor Analysis
A. Existing Competitors
1. Who are they?
2. Competitors’ strengths
3. Competitors’ weaknesses
B. Potential Competitors (companies that might enter the market)
1. Who are they?
2. Impact on the business if they enter
VI. Business Strategy
A. Company Objectives
1. Marketing aspect
2. Management aspect
3. Operational aspect
4. Financial aspect
B. SWOT Analysis
1. Strengths
2. Weaknesses
3. Opportunities
4. Threats
C. Competitive Strategy
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1. Cost leadership
2. Differentiation
3. Focus
VII. Marketing Strategy
A. Proposed Target Market
1. Problem to be solved or benefit to be offered
2. Demographic profile
3. Other significant customer characteristics
B. Place Strategy
1. How large is the market?
2. Is it growing or shrinking? How fast?
C. Promotions Strategy
1. Media used (reader, viewer, listener profiles)
2. Plans for generating publicity
D. Price Strategy
1. Product demand
2. Comparison against competitors' prices
VIII. Location and Layout
A. Office and Plant Location
1. Lease/rental rates
B. Building and Facilities
1. Layout plan (illustration)
IX. Description of the Management Team
A. Project Originators/ Promoters/ Managers
1. Business proponents
X. Internal Organization
A. Form of Business Ownership
B. Organizational Chart
XI. Financial Forecasts
A. Statement of Assumptions
B. Projected Financial Statements
1. Projected statement of comprehensive income
2. Projected cash flow statement
3. Projected statement of financial position
C. Ratio Analysis
1. Liquidity, solvency, activity, and profitability ratios
2. Comparison of the results of the ratio analysis to industry averages
XII. Loan or Investment Proposal
A. Sources of Capital
XIII. Appendices (supporting documentation not limited to market survey results and other items)
XIV. Bibliography (American Psychological Association [APA] writing style guidelines;
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html)
Presentation Tips
1. Open strong. Grab audiences' attention by starting strong with a powerful quote, intriguing scenario,
or prompt for internal dialogue.
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2. Start with a mind map. Mind mapping involves creating a map of the presentation content. It is a
visual representation of the flow of the topics that can help the presenter see the big picture and the
important smaller details.
3. Edit the presentation. Some students make the mistake of including too much information in their
presentations. Instead of putting mind-blowing data, select the most important or relevant points.
4. Tell a story. People love stories — they capture interest in ways that figures and facts cannot. Make
the presentation relatable by including a story or presenting it in a story format.
5. The power of humor. Laughter will relax both the presenter and the audience and makes the
presentation more interesting.
Public Speaking Tips
1. Know your audience. Knowing the audience helps establish a connection, identify the right words to
say, and determine the appropriate tone of voice in delivering the message.
2. Visit the physical/virtual room beforehand. If the presentation is being held somewhere outside of
class, the presenter must visit the location beforehand to prepare his/her mind and get acquainted
with the environment.
3. Practice makes perfect. The only way the presenter will feel fully confident is by practicing many
times, both on his/her own and in front of others. Practice, practice, practice!
4. Observe other speakers. Adapt the strategies of famous leaders or co-students (who typically do well
in presentations) in delivering their messages.
5. Smile. Paint a smile to appear warm and inviting.
PowerPoint Tips
1. Use key phrases. Choose key phrases displayed throughout the PowerPoint presentation. These can
be phrases that illustrate the general idea or concept of the presentation and items that the audience
will likely remember afterward.
2. Limit the number of slides. Having too many slides may cause the presenter to rush through them to
finish on time. Simply include key points on a slide and take time to talk about them. Consider setting
one (1) slide per one (1) minute of speech.
3. Plan slide layouts. Plan how the information will be displayed on the PowerPoint slides. Titles should
be at the top and bullets underneath. The presenter may consider adding title slides when
transitioning to a new topic.
4. The right fonts. Choose an easy-to-read font such as "Arial" and "Calibri." Stick to two (2) different
fonts to keep the presentation clean.
5. Choosing colors and images. Use contrasting colors: light on dark or dark on light. Choose the main
color to use throughout the presentation. Select quality images and make sure to cite their sources.
6. Use attractive visual aids. Keep the presentation exciting and the audience awake by adding visual
aids to the PowerPoint. Add captivating photos, data representations, or infographics to illustrate the
information.
7. Don't read straight from the notes. Avoid reading straight from the notes. Try looking up often or
memorizing portions of the presentation.
8. Avoid too much text. PowerPoint was made for images and bullets, not for the entire speech to be
written in paragraph form. Overwhelming text can lose the audiences' interest and understanding.
9. Try a theme. Find the right theme for the presentation to keep it interesting, professional, and
relevant.
10. Be careful with transitions and animations. Avoid adding too many animations and transitions as it
may end up being distracting in the presentation.
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Other Tips
1. Show up early and be technically prepared. Enter the physical/virtual room early and leave plenty of
time for the technical setup and anticipated difficulties. Have several backup drives (including an
online version if possible).
2. Know more. Be educated on the topic to be prepared to answer questions from the audience.
3. Demonstrate passion. Connect with the audience by demonstrating a passion for the topic.
4. Establish a pace. When student presenters are nervous, they tend to speed up their speech. This can
make the message hard to understand by the audience.
5. Rehearse thoroughly. Practice the entire presentation, including standing up, using gestures, and
going through the slides. Use a timer to ensure that the duration of the presentation does not exceed
the given time allotment.
6. Improvise. Uncertainties may happen during the presentation. If things aren't exactly as expected, be
prepared to improvise and run off-script.
7. Show enthusiasm. The presenter's mood sets the tone for the presentation. A lively start can spark
excitement from the audience about the topic.
8. Remember to pause. Pausing not only prevents filler words it also helps in recollecting thoughts.
9. Create "um" alternatives. Avoid using filler words as they make the presenter look unprofessional
and uncertain. The best alternative to "um," "like," and "so" is a silent pause to collect thoughts.
10. Gestures, eye contact, and tone. The use of hand gestures makes the presentation more interesting
and helps get the point across to the audience. Eye contact is important to show confidence and keep
the audience engaged. The best public speakers vary their tone and pitch throughout their
presentations. Try to change it up, and choose the right tone for the message.
Rubric for grading:
CRITERIA PERFORMANCE INDICATORS POINTS
Vision, Mission, & Wrote concise and complete vision, mission, and values
40
Values Statements statements based on the provided guidelines
Production Process/ Provided complete details including raw materials, costs,
40
Service Design suppliers, and lead times as applicable to the proposed business
Adhered to the correct outline and content was organized in a
Organization of Ideas 20
clear and logical manner
TOTAL 100
References:
Almendros, J., Cruz, T., & Haba, S. (2019). How technology-based firms become also highly innovative firms? the role of knowledge,
technological and managerial capabilities, and entrepreneurs' background.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2444569X18300726
B-Planexperts. (n.d.). Business ideation. http://www.bplanexperts.com/business-ideation
Chappelow. (2020). Service sector. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/service-sector.asp
Commodity Distribution. (1997). A Practical Guide for Field Staff. http://www.nzdl.org/gsdlmod?e=d-00000-00---off-0fnl2.2--00-
0----0-10-0---0---0direct-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0--4----0-0-11-10-0utfZz-8-
10&cl=CL3.63&d=HASHb4be308defc8a0c134db5f.5.2>=1
Graham, J.C., Jensen, G., Malagie, M., & Smith, D. (n.d.). Food industry processes. http://www.ilocis.org/documents/chpt67e.htm
Hoovers. (n.d.). Transportation services industry insights from D&B Hoovers. https://www.klipfolio.com/resources/kpi-
examples/supply-chain/out-of-stock-items
Investopedia. (n.d.). Ideation. https://www.investopedia.com/ terms/i/ideation.asp
Shaftoe, R. (n.d.). Industry analysis of e-commerce. Chron. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/ industry-analysis-ecommerce-
79759.html
University of The People. (2021). Presentation tips for students – show and tell like a pro!
https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/presentation-tips-for-students/
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