Introduction
There are number of times where we come to college and find ourselves in a bind where we have
forgotten a notebook, pen, or calculator. It is very hard to go back to the house to bring it or much
worse to attend the lecture without the required students’ materials. Our group realized this issue and
decided to help PMU’s students and the university by establishing university stationeries’ business
inside PMU’s campus. The first step toward this goal is to complete the business plan proposal.
Campbell (2008) said that the business proposal must make a favorable impression and must explain all
aspects of your proposed concept clearly and quickly in order for the business idea to be accepted. Our
business proposal will cover the problem solving using DAPEE model, project details, project analysis
using SWOT analysis tool, planning the solution, plan execution, and plan evaluation.
The DAPEE Model
Problem solving techniques is one of the most important steps that management or groups have to
consider. The basic structure of a problem solving strategy has five components that are referred to by
the acronym DAPEE. It means Define, Analyze, Plan, Execute, and Evaluate. Ilgen, Hollenbeck,
Johnson & Jundt (2005) mentioned that effective groups are able to define the problem, gather
information, evaluate that information, and devise a strategy to accomplish its mission.
The Project
The project that we are planning to propose is a university stationary supply in campus. This is to solve
two problems in the same time. The first problem is that faculties have to wait for a long time before
they receive their office supplies. The second issue is that the university is far away from nearby
suppliers and this business will solve students’ problem and make their necessary materials available in
campus. This stationary shop will be directly linked to the university main system through a business-to
business shopping interface. This will allow faculties and employees to order their supplies directly
from our business and guarantee the delivery will be in the same day.
Analyzing the Project
We are going to use a SWOT analysis model to analyze our business. Tatum (2009) defined SWOT as
one of several strategic planning tools that are utilized by businesses and other organizations to ensure
that there is a clear objective defined for the project or venture. The process of SWOT involves four
areas of thought: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This business is going to be a
successful business for the following reasons. The first one is that there are no competitors on campus.
The second reason is that this business is desperately needed to accommodate the increasing demand
for office supplies. The third reason is the business location will be provided by the university;
therefore, we will save the location rent budget. The fourth is the internet services and telephone lines
will also be provided by the university which is also another saving from the capital budget. And
finally, our business will save time and money for both students and the university.
We anticipate some weaknesses for this business such as limited customers. Because we only depend
on a single source customer of our business, therefore, our profit will always be limited. Another
weakness is that the location is too far from the city; therefore, we will have to provide transportation
for our employees to and from the business location. Also the storage area for our supplies is going to
be limited and we will not be able to store big quantities. Finally, the working hours will be limited to
the university working schedule.
