1. Small Business Consulting Project Guidelines

2. 2 Milestones Conduct Phase I (Initial Client Interview) by Monday April 6th Complete Phase I (Description) by Monday April 13th Complete Phase II and III (Analysis and Recommendations) by Monday April 20th Complete draft of final report by Monday April 27th Final report is due on Monday May 11th

3. 3 Phase I: Initial Client Interview First visit - All members go Elect a project manager and an alternate Keep track of time spent by each member Tell client your role and output (general audit report and provide some useful information on type of assistance requested) Have client sign “Waiver of Liability” form Have the client complete Banking Survey form Learn the business – Ask questions and request information using question checklist

4. 4 Phase I: Initial Client Interview Question Checklist Company assessment and evaluation chart –Internal variables Strengths Weaknesses –External variables Macroenvironment (P.E.S.T.) Industry variables Description –Internal variables –External variables Macroenvironment (P.E.S.T.) Industry analysis

5. 5 Phase II: Analytical Analysis –Internal variables –External variables Macroenvironment (P.E.S.T.) Industry analysis

6. 6 Phase III: Strategic Plan What are your findings (problems, issues) facing the company (Phase I and II)? Why they are issues? What is your recommendation(s)? What specific steps the client can take to address each issue?

7. 7 Final Report: Basic Requirements 20-30 pages (not including exhibits, tables and graphs) Double space Appropriate headings Be straightforward without sounding condensing Be clear, comprehensive and precise in the analysis section Be creative and pragmatic in the recommendations section

8. 8 Final Report: Structure Title page (do not list course name or instructor’s name, but list team members name and signature) Client cover letter Executive summary Table of contents Introduction, background information, methodology used, etc Findings (Phase I and II), can be good (strengths) or bad (problems, issues), facing the company Explain why they are strengths or problems, issues Recommendations Specific steps the client can take to address each issue Appendix Bibliography

9. 9 Final Report: Grading Criteria Ability to identify key problems, issues facing the company Appropriate use of relevant theories and models to analyze the case Creativity and feasibility of strategic and functional-level recommendations Appropriate use of evidence to support analysis and recommendations Feasible action plans resolve issues Overall writing style and skills, professional presentation, written criteria and standards, and quality of content

10. 10 What to Submit Waiver of Liability Form – Monday April 6th Banking Survey – Monday April 6th Student Time Log (individually & team total) – Friday May 15th Copy of Final Report for Instructor – Monday May 11th Copy of Final Report for Client – Friday May 15th Client Sign-off Form – Friday May 15th PowerPoint file for team project presentation – Sunday May 10th by 6:00 pm via email