Business Plan – Part 1
Muscat Educational Software
Business description
The purpose of this company is to produce a series of computer programs used in Omani high schools. Initially, one program will be created to help teach students to write more effectively. This program will be sold via direct mail. It will also be demonstrated at educational conferences.
The first program finds common errors in the student writing. It checks for spelling errors, many grammar errors, and stylistic problems like passive voice.
Currently no such program exists. Two simple spelling checker programs are on the market, but they do not perform the range of checks as my program does, nor do they provide any educational component for students. They do not explain to students why the word or phrase is wrong and what word or phrase would be better.
Description of Customer value
Teachers tell me that students struggle with their writing. Much class time is used up correcting simple errors. Students confuse words like “their” and “there” or misspell combinations like “suppose to.” For teachers who take home a stack of essays every weekend for grading, the constant presence of such simple errors is demoralizing. They feel their time should be used on more complex and sophisticated issues than spelling mistakes.
I have demonstrated initial versions of this software at teacher conferences and teachers are invariably excited by what they see.
Description of Cost
Programs for use in schools typically cost between 20 OMR and 50 OMR per copy. Since this program solves one of the most important problems teachers face, I believe they would be willing to pay a high amount, and so I plan an initial price of 50 OMR per copy. Since the program might be used by many students in the classroom, I will also have prices for larger quantities. My plan is to charge 500 OMR for 15 copies, or 800 OMR for 30.
Customer Survey
It is my plan to survey 20 teachers at an upcoming meeting of English teachers. I will seek out teachers who have at least five years teaching experience.
Questions:
These are the questions I plan to ask:
Do you often buy educational software for your classroom?
How satisfied are you with that software?
My software can find errors in spelling, grammar, and style. Is that important to you?
What is most attractive about this software?
What concerns do you have about this software?
What do you think is a fair price for this program?
Do you want to buy this program now?
Would you recommend this program to other teachers?