Reference no: EM132866474

Individual Research Project: Analytical Proposal Memo Purpose.

Case:

This is a formal analytical proposal research report assignment. It entails research both primary and secondary, development of criteria, using criteria as a measuring stick in evaluation, comparison/contrast and writing an analytical proposal using formal report elements (see below). This project will give you practice evaluating, persuasively proposing a solution, finding current reliable information sources, properly using the sources in your proposal and correctly documenting them with in-text citations and a reference list, and organizing the information into a proposal report.

After five years in the corporate world, you are ready to strike out on your own and hope to persuade someone to join you in an investment partnership. Rather than building a business from the ground up, you think that buying a franchise is a better idea. Unfortunately, some of the most lucrative franchise opportunities, such as the major fast-food chains, require significant start-up costs-some more than a half-million dollars. Fortunately, you have approximately $75,000 in liquid assets, and hope to persuade another investor to invest another $75,000 as a silent partner, if you find the "right" franchise and can persuade him or her with your analytical proposal report. This means your team would have $150,000 in liquid assets to qualify for a franchise. You have a fairly well-rounded business resume in a variety of capacities and are open to just about any type of business as long as it provides the opportunity to grow. However, you don't want to be tied down to your first operation. Your plan is to turn it over to a hired manager and expand into another market.

YOUR TASK:

1. Getting Started. For a quick introduction to franchising, read the first chapter from Street Smart Franchising, by Joe Mathews, Don DeBolt and Deb Percival, which is posted on Canvas. I've included the link for the e-Book, so you can use it as a resource. Review the following: https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500/2021 eBook's available through the library: "Franchisees as consumers: benchmarks, perspectives and consequences"

Jenny Buchan 2013. "Street smart franchising, Joe Mathews Don DeBolt Deb Percival. The Franchiser's Bible.

2. Research criteria to use to evaluate and compare different franchises.  Make sure to include the three required ones - maximum $150,000 in liquid assets, ability to have a hired manager, and ability to invest as a partnership. Create a list of 7 to 10 criteria before investigating franchises. If you were really putting your hard-earned $75,000 into a franchise, what specific criteria would you set? A criterion is a standard on which an evaluation or judgment is based. We use criteria to make judgments every day. For example, what do I want for lunch? Here's my criteria for what I can buy for lunch: I have $10, 45 minutes to get it and eat it, I want to eat healthy and I'm in the mood for Mexican food.  My judgment: Chipotle fits all the criteria.

3. Explore the different franchises that are available using the links at the library guide and visit corporate websites for the businesses to see if franchises are available. Review multiple franchises before choosing one franchise category.

4. Decide on one category of franchise, for example quick service food, fast food, home health services, fitness, beauty or barber, taxes a service, etc. Explain in the report the benefits and drawbacks of choosing this franchise category.

5. Next investigate and choose two separate franchises within your chosen category to explore and compare and contrast using your criteria list. You will include information about each in your report, so evaluate and compare each one based on each of your criteria. Keep copies of information and where you found it for in-text citations and to put on your References list. 

6. Research information about each company's financial situation and business potential, so you know it is financially sound and will grow in the future. Keep in mind that social trends can play an important role in the success or failure of a business.

7. Organize and write a persuasive proposal that includes both of these franchises.  For each possibility, identify the nature of the business, the financial requirements, and the type and level of support the company provides. Apply each of the criteria you have developed to evaluate each of the franchises to compare and contrast their merits and drawbacks.

7. Use the information for each criterion to create a Decision Making Matrix to visually compare and contrast the merits and drawbacks of each franchise. The Decision Making Matrix counts as part of the required page length.

8. Decide on one franchise that best fits your criteria and persuasively recommend it to your potential investor as the one you think he or she should invest in as part of your investment team. Highlight the benefits of the franchise.

Remember: Carefully review the information you find about each franchise company to make certain you can qualify for it. For instance, McDonald's doesn't allow investment partnerships to buy franchises, so you won't be able to start up a McDonald's outlet until you have enough money to do it as an individual

Requirements:

1. Minimum length: 4-5 complete pages, single-spaced.  Use headings, bullets, numbers, charts, graphs, pictures and other graphic highlighting techniques, so the information is easy to find and understand. You may use pictures and graphs (with attributions) to show important information, but you must also explain it. Pictures and graphs do not count as part of the 4- 5 page minimum requirement, but they do make information easier for the reader to understand and for you to explain it.  

2. Sources: Include a variety of reliable sources including interviews, books, journals, articles, interviews and web sites. A minimum of eight are required. Use different types of sources; don't only use web sites. Document your sources using APA documentation style with ­both in-text citations and a Reference Page. Reports without in-text and Reference citations will not receive a passing grade.  The quality and reliability of your sources will affect the credibility (and the grade) of your report. Use the sources in the class library guide. Remember, to use APA documentation style. We will have a librarian come and show you how to find sources and introduce you to the research guide that has already been created specifically for the report.

3. Analytical Proposal Memo Required Elements:  Use a memo heading with a well-organized proposal that includes an introduction, body of the report with headings and subheadings, a Decision Making Matrix/infographic, recommendation, conclusion, cited in-text sources, and Reference page.

4. When finished, submit the report to the Turnitin.com link on Canvas. There is no need for a cover page, special cover or binding. 

How to Successfully Complete the Project: 

• Begin now. Know, understand and make a list of the requirements for the assignment.If you don't understand part of the assignment, ask me.
• Repeat #2:Create a check list of the requirements for the assignment.
• Research and develop a high quality list of criteria first to use to evaluate the quality of each type of franchise before moving into investigating individual franchises.
• Keep track of your sources on a working Reference list with the information needed to document them. Document sources as you include them in your written report.
• Have a complete draft with a reference list for peer review.