C. Challenges & Problems w/ Initial Idea
Jen Nance &
Brainstorm as a group to identify a number of potential weaknesses, challenges, or problems in the original idea. You are NOT solving these yet – just identifying problems – NO SOLUTIONS yet. For each of the 3 sections below we want to see 7 to 15 challenges identified (this is like brainstorming) and then a discussion in a couple of sentences of the 3 to 5 in each area that seem most significant (should be around 1 page for each of these sections).
C1. General Problems/Weaknesses (10 pts): Identify potential challenges that could be problematic in the various areas highlighted in our discussions of Value Chain / Operations, Management Systems, and Business Models. Don’t forget to think about value—what challenge or weakness, if solved / overcome, would make this idea and new venture uniquely high-impact (or would create competitive advantage in the way its operations are designed)? Remember to stay focused, as much as possible, on challenges associated with various aspects of organizational design (i.e., value chains / operations, management systems, and business model).
there is a waste of employee time and resources
this changes the concept of what a salon and a spa are
potential confidentiality breaches
customer is stationary (infeasible)
employee hiring offers a potential issue
no specific scheduling format (efficiency issue)
distraction factor of multiple people working in the same close space
C2. Barriers to Adoption : Next, what are some things that might hold potential customers back from become aware of, trying out, using, or purchasing your product/service? How might people need to change (or perceive they need to change) in order to use the innovation (any change will be a barrier to adoption)? How complicated is the product/service going to be perceived to be by potential customers? How easy is it for someone to observe the benefits of you product/service before they use it? Can potential customers try out your offering before they buy it? If people cannot easily observe its benefits or try it out they may not ever decide to buy your offering.
contradicting settings between business environment and relaxing spa environment
C3. Launch Challenges : Finally, please discuss some other barriers that might prevent you or another student from launching this venture? Here you should highlight all the challenges that might make it difficult to launch this venture (Does it cost a lot to launch? Do you need thousands of users to make it work? Do you need to manufacture a complex product? Do you need to build complex infrastructure? Do you need to hire a bunch of really good or cheap employees? Do you need to make a partnership with someone that might be difficult? Are there government regulations that might hold you back? Will insurance cost you a bunch? etc…).
