A Virtual Business Initiative: Shedem.com - Research Proposal Example

Business Proposal Project: A VIRTUAL BUSINESS INITIATIVE: SHEDEM.COM Group 5 Steven Burrill Thomas Johnston Chorelle Ramirez Felix Rivera-Mendoza Dixzarrely Serrano-Ramirez Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University MGMT 221 March 8, 2015. Prof. J. Pedigo Table of Contents 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 2. INTRODUCTION 3 2.1 Mission Statement 4 2.2 Vision 4 2.3 Goals 4 2.4 Service 5 2.5 Structure 5-6 2.6 Revenue 6-7 2.7 Market/Industry Position 7 2.8 Relevant Competitors 8 3. BUSINESS STRUCTURE 9 3.1 Hardware 9 3.2 Commerce Components 10 3.3 Decision Support System 11 3.4 Developing Business and IT Solutions 12 3.5 Impact of Information Systems 13 3.6 Security and Ethical Challenges 14 3.7 Figures and Statistics 15 4. CONCLUSION 16 5. REFERENCES 17 Executive Summary The paper covers the modalities needed to implement a business plan dubbed Shedem.com. This program will be used constructively fight health issues and especially give hope to people with weight problems. This paper discusses the mission, vision, and goals that led to the creation of providing weight management services. Included in the paper is the information system structure that connects the customer and the service provider in a well-established marketing plan. This ensures the business venture serves a large number of customers so we can maximize profit. However to achieve all this, a strategic plan has to be in place so Shed.com remains on the cutting edge of weight management. Introduction This paper is a proposal of the soon to be formed virtual business that will (run on sentence redo please)The website will be accessed through the web address Shedem.com and clients can access the information, make a decision and consult in real time. This proposal will address issues like the mission statement of the business, its vision and goals, structural organization of the business, its revenues, the market region of operation and finally the relevant competitors that will challenge and compete for the same market. 2.1 Mission Statement To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing information, education and research on weight management issues to promote healthy living. 2.2 Vision statement Our vision is to be in a world where everyone is physically fit, balanced diet and free from weight related diseases. 2.3 Goals To achieve our vision, the organization will have the following goals: To maximize return on investment. To provide readily and a well-designed website that give the people real time access the relevant information that has a positive effect on their life. To reach as many people as possible, especially people in need of advice on best foods to consume, balancing diet, and how reduce body fat. To liaise with stakeholders such as gym and health consultants to ensure quality service to customers. To help people avoid being obese or contract weight related diseases like high blood pressure. 2.4 Service The service offered in this case is information that deals with: Information on recent interventions and research results related to weight control and related diseases Personalized Food journal to educate users on the quality and type of foods to consume. News, feedback page, heart rate calculators, BMI checker. Connect clients with gyms, businesses related to weight management and health consultants for regular online and offline health discussion sessions; on contractual or need basis. Provide online assistance to the subscribers on the nutritional benefits of specific intakes and provide 24/7 online customer support to subscribers. 2.5 Structure The information system structure should relate the service provider and management making them interact and negotiate on terms of service and the type of service. According to (OBrien & Marakas, 2007; Gunasekaran, 2013) information systems is a combination or collection of technology used for collecting, storing and processing data to help pass through information, knowledge and digital products. Information systems is an uprising technology in the 21st Century that is used in numerous firms to control and manage operation, interact with the customers and suppliers, and instigate market competition. In this case the information system is composed of computer hardware, computer software, telecommunication, database/data warehouses and human resources. In this regards, the business is set up in an online website system named Shedem.com. The online website system is vital and necessary for both the public and the management. The public will use the website platform to access important information. The management on the other hand, uses the website to pass vital information about the firm. This is a key factor in management system within an organization. Consequently the management must focus on how to run the system, how to meet the customer’s expectation and how to update the information on the site so that customers feel informed and revitalized at that particular time. 2.6 Revenue The major source of revenue will be: i) A minimal Subscription fee for specific features. (I believe we should charge a set fee maybe 9.99? We can also have different levels of subscription but that may complicate the paper.) ii) The business can also charge of face to face organized consultation services. iii) The business can also be paid a small fee for contacts with gyms, businesses related to weight management and health consultants for regular online and offline health discussion sessions on contractual or need basis. (I believe we should offer this free with subscription and other gyms and companies can pay us for referrals.) 2.7 Market/Industry Position According to Lauren (2015), citation needs a quote “marketing and industry position…” defines market positioning as what a business should do to market its product or services to its customers. This is normally achieved through sale location, pricing and advertising at the right places. Considering the fact that the business is a virtual one and deals in services, the best strategy to attain competitive advantage is to charge friendly price for the services. It is worth noting that extensive advertisement about Shedem.com is necessary, especially when highlighting its aims and how it can help change lives. Depending on the modalities, Shedem.com can apply marketing strategies like segmentation, targeting or positioning. 2.8 Relevant Competitors The website Shedem.com will face competition from websites that deal with food consumption issues, gym or fitness centers that go an extra mile to give advice to clients on better ways to manage eating patterns. The other competitors are the day to day clinics and hospital where nutritionists give patients advice on what to eat and what not to eat. Online books are also a major competitor, as some people may never want to pay for the services they could read through Google for free. REFERENCES Gunasekaran, A. (2008). International Journal of Business Information Systems. 1746-0980. OBrien, J., & Marakas, G. (2013). Introduction to information systems. Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Lauren, L. (2015). What Is Positioning in a Marketing Plan? Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved 25 February 2015, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/positioning-marketing-plan-22983.html Read More