To be completed individually, you are required to prepare a business report that deconstructs an organisation's business model and identifies the critical success factors that make the business sustainable. To undertake this analysis you will need to explore different business models, including those that are frequently seen to achieve sustainable success and high levels of profitability. Your analysis will demonstrate your critical thinking skills and your ability to professionally
articulate your findings.
Before commencing, you must seek your lecturer's approval to undertake an analysis of the business you have chosen. The type of organisation that should be identified for study is one that is relatively new, innovative in how they operate, and have most likely been established in the last five years. No students will be allowed to examine the same business.
While the assignment is an individual one, you are encouraged to discuss with your colleagues the variety of business models that have become popular and why you think they have been successful. To achieve a result that meets your study objectives, please ensure the business report addresses each of the assessment criteria detailed below and which is elaborated in the marking rubric.
Length: 1500 words, maximum including references.
Format: Business Report
Reference Format: APA

This assignment will be marked along the following criteria:

1. Provides a succinct description of the business, the industry in which it operates, the market(s) it serves, and the products and services it provides (10%)
2. Describes the business model canvas of the selected business using the nine building blocks (15%)
3. Explains the key relationships that exist across the nine building blocks (15%)
4. Identifies and discusses the critical success factors the business has to get right to achieve sustainable success (10%).
5. Evaluates what will contribute to downside risk (10%)
6. Discusses the changes you would make to the business model if this was your business (10%)
7. Quality of critical thinking (ability to critically evaluate evidence, and demonstrate the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses logically) (15%)
   
8. Quality of communications (ability to clearly and professional deliver information both from the scholarly and non-scholarly sources and maintain a clear line of argument) (15%)
   

The objective of this individual assessment submission is to learn how to develop a business idea, complemented by brainstorming and leveraging the insights and skillsets of others. Assessment comprises two parts: Please submit a 5-page briefing paper of your business idea, its essential business model components, and aspects that will influence its success. A business model canvass can be included as an appendix. 

Length: 1500 words
Format: Business Report
Reference Format: APA

Assessment Criteria overview.  Further details will be provided in Moodle.

1. Effective explanation of the customer/market problem that needs solving and/or the reason the innovation is required. (10%)
2. Persuasive argument of the benefits to be generated by the idea (10%)
3. Discussion of the proposed business model (15%)
4. Critical success factors to be managed during execution of the idea (15%)
5. Evaluation of the feasibility of the idea (10%)
6. Quality of written submission, referencing (10%)
   

This is a group assignment that builds on the work completed in Assessment 2. It allows your group/team to showcase the business idea identified by the group as the "best one" during workshops earlier in the unit. The objective of Assessment 3 is to hone student's business concept development and presentation skills, including what it takes to explain and pitch an idea for a new business venture. It will allow students to appreciate that potential investors take the investment process seriously and will not commit to a project without first scrutinising it carefully.

While working on Assessment 2, your group/team should have identified an innovative business idea that has the best chance of securing a high proportion of a potential investment, assumed to a maximum of $100,000. Your group/team will be required to present (pitch) the business idea using PowerPoint. All members of the group must take part in the presentation.

In summary, there are two parts to Assessment 3: The pitch requires everyone in the team to present the idea and sell the proposed business venture to an 'investor'. The other involves the group/team providing a portfolio of materials (three items) that supports the pitch.

The Pitch
Make a 2-minute pitch, which succinctly describes the important aspects of the business concept and the business model to be used. Each team member presents their aspect of the pitch in no more than 4-minutes. Where appropriate, showcase the portfolio of materials to support the presentation
The pitch should be structured to include the following:

1. Comprehensive description of the proposed venture idea and underlying business model
2. A high-level discussion of the business case, including: the problem solved; how the idea is monetised; financial feasibility, operational feasibility; and the the scope and scalability of the idea for commercialisation.
3. What you are seeking from the investor
4. What you are offering in return

Portfolio of Materials and Team Charter

The group/team must submit ANY three of the following as part of a portfolio of materials in support of the business idea pitched by the group/team:

1. Description and justification of the innovation process used.
2. Cash flow projections and Income Statement for the first two years.
3. Short video or animated PowerPoint that explains and sells the business idea to potential investors and customers
4. A draft website (maximum six pages) that explains and sells the business idea to potential investors and customers.
5. An example of a blog or newsletter or similar communication that explains and sell the business idea to potential investors and customers
6. A 2-page plan/outline that explains how social media will be used
7. A related application software
8. A short brochure in pdf
9. A prototype of the product
10. A schematic or simulation of the planned service offering
11. Any other item/aspect that demonstrates a key aspect of the product/service you want to develop and which will persuade investors to fund your project.

The group/team leader is required to upload materials to the Moodle site.

The Pitch and Portfolio of Materials will be jointly assessed by the 'investor' and your lecturer. The 'investor' will provide a notional investment out of a maximum $100,000 assigned to the following aspects. Your lecturer/marker/unit coordinator will evaluate your pitch on the same aspects as follows:

1. The 2-minute pitch or idea is effectively communicated by the first team presenter. ($5k / 5%).
2. The benefits and significance of the generated idea/solution/are logically and persuasively argued by the whole team. ($10k / 10%).
3. The innovation and/or business opportunity are explained in such a way that the investor understands: how the idea is monetised; financial feasibility; operational feasibility; the scope and scalability of the idea for commercialisation. ($15k / 15%).
4. What you are seeking from the investor. ($5k / 5%).
5. What you are offering in return. ($5k / 5%).
6. The way in which the ideas are structured for the presentation are logical, robust, and persuasive. ($5k / 5%).
7. The portfolio of materials is relevant and impressive. ($25k / 25%).
8. Creativity and flair, and an assuring level of commercial acumen was demonstrated effectively by all members of the team. ($10k / 10%).
9. Everyone has the opportunity to present 'equally'. ($10k / 10%).
10. Presentation by the group/team exhibited confidence, was engaging, and answered the investor's questions ($10k / 10%).