The Product or Service

A brief description - including artwork, if possible.

What are the advantages of the product or service? What need does it fill?

What are its unique features?

Marketing

Who are the existing or target customers?

Who are the competitors or possible future competitors?

What are the competing products, if any?

What about pricing policy?

How will the product or service be launched and promoted?

What are the selling and distribution methods?

Finance

How much finance is required and for what purposes?

Proposals

New magazine

You need to finance the first edition and launch of a new magazine. Amount required: £2.5 million, to finance production, editorial, office administration, distribution costs and promotion.

Flotation tank centres

At these centres, stressed business people can float in tanks and forget about their problems. Other services will include advice about diet and skin care, a solarium, and sunbeds, etc. Amount required: £2 million, to finance premises, equipment, staff and promotion.

High-tech products

Your company is developing two products. The PX15 prevents people from using mobile phones in enclosed spaces, for example in restaurants or trains. Sweep-Safe is a device for clearing mines. It can also find other objects buried underground. Amount required: £3.5 million, to finance research and development, production and marketing.

New sport league

You have a background in sport and public relations. You want to set up a league for a sport which at present is not well-known, but could become very popular Amount required: £2.5 million to finance administration and promotion, endorsements of the league by famous sports people, travel and legal costs.

Your own idea for a product or service

You have an idea for a product or service. You have not yet written a business plan, but the AI teams are willing to listen to your presentation. Amount required: At least £3 million, to finance development, production, personnel, launch and marketing costs.

Airships

Your company wants to manufacture airships to advertise companies' products and to entertain potential customers, etc. Amount required: £5 million, to finance research and development costs, production, and marketing.

WRITING

You are head of the AI team. Write a report to the Chairman of AI, Jacek Piotrowski. Describe the successful proposals and explain why AI should invest in them. Indicate how much money each will receive, and on what terms.

UNIT 8. EMPLOYMENT