- You are required to write a business plan either for a business idea you have – this can be a real or an imaginary business - or one for an existing small business showing its growth path. Whilst you do not have to follow any precise format, you are expected to cover all the main elements of a plan, make certain your business plan covers all the areas covered in the marking criteria and grading grid.
A typical pro-forma business plan is provided in the Readings section on BREO. Another, simpler example of a business plan is available on: http://www.palgrave.com/business/burnsentrepreneurship/students/pdf/proforma_business_plan.pdf. Other specimen plans are readily available on the internet. Whilst they all cover the same issues, the structures are different. However be warned, do not copy the contents of on-line plans. Turnitin will reveal this and it is an academic offence which will automatically cause you to fail the assessment.
Marks will be awarded for the thoroughness of the plan, not for the profit-making potential of the business idea. A good plan that proves the idea to be unviable can receive full marks. Marks for this assessment will be awarded based on the criteria below. There is a grading grid for this assessment in the Appendix to the Handbook.
Clarity, consistency and originality of value proposition(s) 10%
Clear identification of target market segment(s) 10%
Comprehensiveness of market and competitor analysis 10%
Consistency/originality of core marketing & entry and/or growth strategies 10%
Comprehensiveness and accuracy of financial projections 20%
Comprehensive identification of resources required and financing 10%
Identification of material risks and their mitigation 10%
Realism and practicality of plan 10%
Overall presentation, including clarity of English 10%
100%
