Trident MGT403 module 2-5

Module 2

For this assignment, you will be reviewing two sample business plans. One plan is for a fish market, the other is for a tour operating company. Take a look at these two plans, and focus mostly on the general idea of each plan and what kind of market and competition they will face. Don’t worry so much about the details of their financial projections. The two plans are:

Bangs, D. (2002). Financing proposal for Finestkind Seafoods, Inc., Business Planning Guide: Creating a Winning Plan for Success. Dearborn Trade, Chicago, pp. 149-155 [Ebrary]

Bangs, D. (2002). World Beat Tours business plan, Business Planning Guide: Creating a Winning Plan for Success. Dearborn Trade, Chicago, pp. 175-180 [Ebrary]

Case Assignment

Write a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following question:

· Which of two business ideas do you think would be more likely to succeed?

Explain your answer using concepts you learned from the Background materials, and include a discussion of originality of the idea, potential competition, and potential size of the market. You may also want to use SWOT analysis as part of your answer.

Assignment Expectations

· Answer the assignment questions directly.

• Stay focused on the precise assignment questions; don't go off on tangents or devote a lot of space to general background materials.
• List supporting references and cite sources in proper format.
• Use appropriate writing style in essay form (organization, grammar, and spelling).
• Review Trident's “Writing Style Guide” for more detail on referencing and writing expectations. This guide is found under “My Resources” in the TLC portal

· Module 3

One of the newest forms of financing available to entrepreneurs is something called crowdfunding. Instead of traditional routes of obtaining funding through banks, venture capital, or wealthy individuals, a new breed of entrepreneurs are obtaining funding via numerous small donations using social media or new online platforms such as Kickstarter.com. A recent example of a crowdfunded venture is the movie Veronica Mars, which was funded by numerous small donations from fans of the TV show.

Until recently, crowdfunding has been limited to donations rather than actual investments. Individuals who help fund the business have not received a share of the profits of the new venture. Instead, they typically get some kind of alternative reward. For example, people who donate money to finance a new film might get a chance to meet some of the movie stars or be given a small role in the movie. The reason crowdfunding has been limited to donations rather than investments is that once you start offering a share of the profit to those who donate you are subjecting yourself to huge number of laws and regulations designed to protect investors. But these laws don’t apply if you provide alternative rewards in exchange for donations.

But in an interesting development, in 2012, Congress passed the JOBS Act which removed some of legal barriers to using crowdfunding and now allows entrepreneurs to offer investors actual shares in the profits of the ventures rather than the small rewards typically offered to donors. This will potentially lead to a dramatic growth of opportunities for entrepreneurial financing.

However, the removal of regulation may also lead to lawsuits or allegations of fraud against entrepreneurs whose ventures fail to make a profit.

Take a look at the following articles on crowdsourcing, and do some of your own research on this as well:

Mandelbaum, R. (May, 2014). Here comes everybody. Inc, 36, 110-114,120 [ProQuest]

ElBoghdady, D., & Harrison, J. D. (Oct. 24, 2013). SEC approves 'crowdfunding' plan. The Washington Post[ProQuest]

Tillotson, K. (Nov. 14, 2012). Crowdfunding gears up for a fresh start. McClatchy - Tribune News Service[ProQuest]

Case Assignment

After you’ve finished your research on crowdfunding, write a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following questions:

1. Under what circumstances do you think it would be preferable for an entrepreneur to use crowdfunding instead of more traditional forms of

1. Do you think the JOBS Act and its new regulations regarding crowdfunding will be beneficial in the long run? Or will it only increase fraud and lawsuits?

2. Which crowdfunding model do you think is preferable—offering rewards in exchange for donations, or offering shares in the company in exchange for investments?

Assignment Expectations

· Answer the assignment questions directly.

· Stay focused on the precise assignment questions; don't go off on tangents or devote a lot of space to general background materials.

· List supporting references and cite sources in proper format.

· Use appropriate writing style in essay form (organization, grammar, and spelling).

· Review Trident's “Writing Style Guide” for more detail on referencing and writing expectations. This guide is found under “My Resources” in the TLC portal

Module 4

23andMe started out as a promising and exciting new biotech company that used new technologies to allow individuals to obtain information about their genetics at an affordable price. In 2008, their technology was chosen by Time Magazine as “Invention of the Year.” Many people were excited at the possibility of receiving valuable information from their DNA about their ancestry, traits, and risk of inherited disease.

23andMe received quite a bit of interest from investors and obtained large investments from venture capital. However, in spite of the positive media attention and success in raising funds, things did not go as plan. 23andMe is now facing class action lawsuits from customers claiming false advertising, and the FDA has also accused them of not properly following a number of important regulations.

Do some research on 23andMe about the nature of their business and their current legal difficulties. Below are some articles to get you started:

Murphy, E. (November, 2013). The DNA Revolution. Fast Company,72-78,80,82,118,120,123. [ProQuest]

San Diego attorney Mark Ankcorn files class action against genetic testing company for deceptive marketing. (Dec. 4, 2013). Business Wire[ProQuest]

Delevett, P. (Jun. 19, 2011). Pretty big genes for little startup. Contra Costa Times[ProQuest]

Case Assignment

After you’ve finished researching 23andMe and have reviewed the background materials, write a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following questions:

1. Given the difficult nature of 23andMe’s business, what ownership structure do you recommend for them?

2. What steps do you think 23andMe could have taken from the beginning in order to prevent the legal difficulties they face?

3. In addition to their current legal difficulties, what other legal difficulties do you think 23andMe might face in the future?

Assignment Expectations

· Answer the assignment questions directly.

· Stay focused on the precise assignment questions; don't go off on tangents or devote a lot of space to general background materials.

· List supporting references and cite sources in proper format.

· Use appropriate writing style in essay form (organization, grammar, and spelling).

· Review Trident's “Writing Style Guide” for more detail on referencing and writing expectations. This guide is found under “My Resources” in the TLC portal

Module 5

Globoforce is a successful provider of online employee rewards and recognition using cloud-based technologies. Since its founding in 1999 it has received substantial investment from venture capital firms and has experienced rapid growth as well as positive media coverage regarding its own positive workforce culture as well as its software, designed to improve employee motivation for its clients.

Globoforce recently planned to take an exit strategy via an initial public offering (IPO). However, at the last minute, management changed its mind and canceled the IPO. This last-minute cold feet by Globoforce’s management suggests a rethinking as to whether or not an IPO is the best exit strategy.

Review the background materials and do some research on Globoforce. Below are a couple of articles to get you started:

Alspach, K. (Mar. 22, 2014). Software firm cancels its IPO. Boston Globe

Denison, D. C. (Nov. 4, 2012). Just rewards. Boston Globe

Case Assignment

When you are finished with your research, write a 4- to 5-page paper addressing the following questions:

1. Do you think it is the right time for Globoforce to take an exit strategy, or should it wait longer? Explain your reasoning and what kind of timeframe you propose for Globoforce’s exit strategy. Consider its current profitability and its current competition.

2. What kind of exit strategy should Globoforce take? Consider the main exit strategies such as IPOs or a sale to a competitor. Explain the reasoning for your choice.

Assignment Expectations

· Answer the assignment questions directly.

· Stay focused on the precise assignment questions; don't go off on tangents or devote a lot of space to general background materials.

· List supporting references and cite sources in proper format.

· Use appropriate writing style in essay form (organization, grammar, and spelling).

· Review Trident's “Writing Style Guide” for more detail on referencing and writing expectations. This guide is found under “My Resources” in the TLC portal.