Module 12.7

The Operations Plan

Jim Beach & Chris Hanks

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d. Remember - Details

• Overall sense of how business will be run and your product developed

• Adequately describe vs. detail

• Degree of importance varies

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d. Remember

• Evidence vs. Claims

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d. Most Important Rule of Thumb

Focus on the aspects of each areas that are either essential to the success of your business or that set you apart from competitors

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d. Remember

Vast difference between thinking up a new product idea and actually designing a business to manufacture, market, and sell it.

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d. Product / Service Description (user)

• Specific benefits

• Ability to meet needs

• Competitive advantages

• Present stage

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d. Approach 1

• Articulate your general approach to operations in terms of what’s most important and what the make-or-break issues are.

• Frame the discussion in terms of “back stage” or “front stage”

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d. Back Stage

• Staff Selection

• Operations Manual

• Exercise Classes and Programs

• Exercise Machines

• Member Motivation

• Employee Orientation

• Education

• Emergency Plan

• Waivers Slide 12.7-8

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d. Front Stage

• Member Tours

• Orientation

• Operating Hours

• Staff Assistance

• Fitness Classes & Programs

• Workshops

• Family Swims

• Multipurpose Room Rental

• Game Room

• Newsletter Slide 12.7-9

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d.

Approach 2

• “A day in the life of the business”

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Approach 3

• Operations flow diagram – shows the key steps in the production of a product or the delivery of a service.

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d.

Location Critical

• Proximity to qualified labor force

• Closeness to suppliers

• Access to transportation

• Access to international shipping alternatives

• Proximity to customers

• Access to favorable tax rates / economic incentives

• Proximity to high quality community

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d.

• Current position within life cycle

• Factors that may change life cycle

• How do you lengthen it?

• Who do you shorten it?

Life Cycle

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d. Protection

• Existing or pending copyrights or patents

• Anticipated copyright or patent filings

• Key aspects that cannot be copyrighted or patented

• Key aspects that qualify as trade secrets

• Legal agreements with owners and employees Slide 12.7-14

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d. Research & Development

• Activities in progress

• Further activities (include milestones)

• Anticipated results of these efforts

• Activities of others

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d.

THANKS!

Next: Lesson 12-8 The Management Plan

Buy or Review!

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