Discussions in this course are post-first activities, which means  that you are required to upload your completed initial post first before  others posts are viewable.

Before posting the discussion messages, please read the term project instructions.

This activity will provide you with an opportunity to engage in a  discussion with this class on a project topic that you have selected to  implement as the term project. The class interaction will foster a  learning environment in which you will learn from each others  experiences and opinions.

In addition, you will practice using project management jargon and  expressing your opinions in a professional manner. The options available  in this discussion have ethical considerations that are important to  consider as a project manager.

Describe the real or fictitious strategic context for your project topic.

My  project topic for this class would be starting my own car wash  business. Here in San Diego a company called Soapy Joes that my friends  and I always use to wash our cars. I like this business because we are  busy and are always on the move, and a car wash that allows people to  drive thru and be done in just a few minutes would be perfect. I believe  a car wash business would generate good profit.

Present a SWOT analysis on the selected industry/organization.

STRENGTHS

The key strengths inherent in AutoCare Car Wash Services include the following:

The  good credit record of the entrepreneurs, as well as the commitment in  terms of the amount of owners contribution towards the cost of business  operations

Good relationships with customers while working  informally. These customers will upon launch of the formalized business  make use of the improved services of the entity

The past experience of the entrepreneurs in a similar business environment

The good leadership and communication skills of the entrepreneurs

The  knowledge and qualifications of the members of the management team  regarding general business management and cleaning motor vehicles

Shared values that demonstrate a strong business culture

WEAKNESSES

The weaknesses inherent in AutoCare Car Wash Services include the following:

The  lack of sufficient capital to finance the business operations. The  business will need to depend on external funding providers.

Extensive  marketing will be required to ensure that the business attracts a  reliable number of clients every month to meet its operational costs

The  informal structure in the business as a result of the insufficient  number of back office support employees and other administrative staff.   This shall later be rectified as more people come on board as the  business expands.

The lack of a good understanding of the  management information systems, performance management systems and  accounting systems required to manage the business efficiently

OPPORTUNITIES

The key driving forces responsible for the increase in the demand for car wash services include the following:

The advent of new cleaning technologies and cheaper methods and processes on the market

The possibility to benefit from financial and non-financial support programmes for small to medium sized entities

The growing need for automated car wash businesses

The growth potential of the motor vehicle industry

The existence of untapped markets

There is a great deal of emerging technologies through research and development

The possibility to benefit from BBEEE

The possibility to benefit from skills training

The opportunity to enhance sales via internet marketing

THREATS

The  key driving forces in the external environment which are likely to have  a negative influence on the operations of the business include the  following:

The potential for possible claims/ penalties against  the CC as a result of none compliance in terms of the Basic Conditions  of Employment Act, the Labor Relations Act, the Employment Equity Act,  the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Unemployment Insurance Act and  the Income Tax Act. The business will ensure that it complies with the  laws of the Republic by all means

The incidence of HIV/AIDS which may deprive the business of some of the productive employees

The fierce competition from other competitors in the market

Higher ESKOM tariffs may strain the business

The  threat from customers given the fact that they can dictate terms and  conditions to small businesses. Changes in terms of needs and  preferences may also affect the operations of the business. The business  will pay attention to the needs and preferences of the customers so as  to consistently exceed their expectations

Choose a business area  for your project topic. Focus on, and explain a specific area within the  organization such as marketing, information technology, finance, etc.

Analyze your options and recommend your project topic. This will be a project in the chosen business area.

Calculate  and share the ROI and payback period for the recommended project. You  can click to download the ROI & Payback Period template. Preview the  document [XLS, file size 23.5 KB] for this calculation.

ROI  is based on an estimate. Had a change of heart on the topic last minute  causing ROI to not be as accurate as it can be. Also, I am still trying  to wrap my brain around this topic.

Finally, in a  reflection of at least 30 words, describe the most interesting and  challenging parts of preparing the project proposal, as well as any  recommendations to your classmates for preparing the proposal.

The  most interesting and challenging part in preparing this project  proposal is the ROI. Before this class I have never heard of ROI before  in my life. My recommendation to my peers is try to not have a change of  heart, especially last minute, because it will make this class a lot  harder than it should be.

Reference:

Sample Car Wash Business Plan AutoCare Car Wash Services SWOT Analysis. (N/A) Retrieved from http://www.business-plan.co.za/car_wash_business_plan/19_swot_analysis.html

M1D1 (2) ROI & Payback Period Template.xls