1. Unit 29 OCR Nationals – LEVEL 3 Kick Start

2. Well you asked... There are no Model Assignments for any of the Units beyond the compulsories, so this is me looking at the content and trying to make something fit. If you can think of something better, do let me know! In the meantime...

3. Scenario Finesse Chocolate is an Irish company looking to expand into mainland UK markets. They are initially cautious about the undertaking, particularly in the current financial climate. You have been retained as part of the research team to help the company explore the best options for expansion.

4. AO1 Identify & present an initial business idea Produce a report, including an opening summary as in Unit 1, explaining the high- quality chocolate market in the UK. Identify any gaps where you feel Finesse Chocolate could look to begin its expansion, and explain the options that could be used Include a detailed list of all research sources. HINTS TO HELP FOLLOW...

5. AO1 Identify & present an initial business idea Produce a report, including an opening summary as in Unit 1, explaining the high- quality chocolate market in the UK. In other words – include consideration of demand, the attractiveness of the product to the market, pricing of the product, identification of competitors and the state of the market Include a detailed list of all research sources.

6. AO1 Identify & present an initial business idea Identify any gaps where you feel Finesse Chocolate could look to begin its expansion, and explain the options that could be used Partnership? Franchise? Independent sole trader? Limited company? Include a detailed list of all research sources.

7. AO2: Search & compare existing business plan templates & select a suitable template Produce a presentation showing research of a range of existing business plan templates. Select the one that you think is most appropriate to use for Finesse Chocolate, explaining your choice. Include a detailed list of all research sources. HINTS TO HELP FOLLOW...

8. AO2: Search & compare existing business plan templates & select a suitable template PASS: show research for at least 2 templates, using at least 2 sources (Net, books, teachers, small business advisers...) MERIT: show research for at least 3 templates, using at least 2 sources DISTINCTION: make that 4 templates, 3 sources – one of which has to be NON-ICT! Include a detailed list of all research sources. Keep going...!

9. AO2: Search & compare existing business plan templates & select a suitable template PASS: compare the templates and choose one, with a brief explanation of your decision. MERIT: compare them, use suitable criteria and justify your choice (content, suitability of format, ease of use, simplicity) DISTINCTION: Do all of Merit – with comprehensive explanation & justification Include a detailed list of all research sources.

10. AO3 Design & create a spreadsheet to support a 3-year financial plan Produce a spreadsheet that would model the operation of the business plan for 3 years, including estimated costs and sales. HINTS TO HELP FOLLOW...

11. AO3 Design & create a spreadsheet to support a 3-year financial plan PASS: Ensure all columns & rows are clearly labelled, & use of appropriate formulae & functions ALL of which must work. MERIT: Include start-up costs as well, appropriate formatting and efficient use of formulae & functions. DISTINCTION: Include a break-even analysis as well, and at least one logical function HUH? OK – move on...

12. AO3 Design & create a spreadsheet to support a 3-year financial plan Think about... DESIGN User requirements Structure – layout Cell format FEATURES Analysis of estimated income and expenses (M & D) Breakeven (D) Prediction of growth Start up costs (M & D) AND....

13. AO3 Design & create a spreadsheet to support a 3-year financial plan Think about... TOOLS Formulae (* - + /) Functions (range of – COUNT/SUM/SUMIF...) Logical functions (range again – IF...) (D) Absolute & relative references Macros Modelling Appropriate cell formatting – incl colour, shading...

14. AO4: Compile & produce a professional business plan Produce the full business plan for presentation to Finesse Chocolate using elements created in AO2 and AO3. Include a hyperlinked table of contents For P the spreadsheet may be separate from the plan, else it must be imported. For M bullet points/numbering must be included as appropriate For D at least 2 appropriate charts/graphs must be imported, with bullet points, numbering, referencing and outline numbering.

15. The (not so) small print The final, final, FINAL, FINAL deadline is 5PM FRIDAY JANUARY 15 TH 2010 Do NOT even think about asking for an extension.