Introduction To Dvd Express - a new business

INTRODUCTION TO ‘DVD EXPRESS’

DVD Express is a new business that has just set-up in London to meet the demands of the growing number of people that own a DVD player in this country, as it is an increasingly popular and growing form of entertainment. DVD express, rather than renting films sells the films at discounted prices, as many of our products are not bought in the UK but are instead bought in bulk from foreign overseas distributors. The store specialises in selling not only the latest and best selling DVD’s, but also more importantly import films that would otherwise not be available in this country due to a restriction in licensing rights which the store has obtained.

But the store sells much more than just films for that ‘Friday night in’ we stock the latest in audio and vision hardware to enhance the enjoyment of films even more. From the latest DVD players imported straight from Japan to the most pulsating speaker set DVD express will have it.

FEASABILITY REPORT FOR THE STORE

As a business analyst I have been recruited to aid the store in setting up an efficient and prosperous business venture. Every business needs an efficient and effective (when practised) plan of action that takes into account all the aspects and factors that will determine the level of success that the business may achieve. The job of a systems analyst is becoming increasingly more in demand, especially today as many large business’s and corporations recruit these people to develop or expand their enterprise/ venture. Below is a brief outline to what the store will need to have and do so that the business operates smoothly and efficiently.

This is a new venture and the manager has highlighted the need for a new logo to be designed for the UK branch of DVD Express. The chain has stores in Japan and most of the Far East but the manager feels the need to create a new logo for the UK.

To keep track of sales and deliveries the store needs an efficient means of keeping track of the stock before the store opens. An ‘account’ style database would have to be created to keep track of and account for every sale in the store. Without this implemented the business could not possibly operate at the level that it wishes to.

As the store will be new to the area it will have to have some form or method of informing people of its presence. This could be done in various ways under the form of advertising which will be a main focus and aim of the project.

After the initial platform has been established to ensure that the store runs smoothly a database scheme would have to be devised to keep and record information of customers so the store can target specific products or offers at them.

In conjunction with the above the overall ...

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As the store will be new to the area it will have to have some form or method of informing people of its presence. This could be done in various ways under the form of advertising which will be a main focus and aim of the project.

After the initial platform has been established to ensure that the store runs smoothly a database scheme would have to be devised to keep and record information of customers so the store can target specific products or offers at them.

In conjunction with the above the overall aim could be achieved by introducing a much needed loyalty scheme for members who would sign up to the scheme. The loyalty scheme will create profiles and records of individuals.

The steady flow of customers that was once present a couple of years ago in this industry are now decreasing, as there are more ways to purchase products rather than to shop at stores. A new and innovative idea for this store would be to perhaps create an online mail order catalogue. This would mean that the business would have a wider range of influence and reach more potential customers. Many large businesses are now adopting this form of selling as online shopping is becoming increasingly popular.

The store would need to produce some form of professional stationary that could be incorporated with the database and stock system. This could be in the form of created letterheads or reply forms. This ensures that the store is properly ‘established’ and recognized among the public, other organisations and suppliers.

The store will after the creation of the database platform need a scheme for customers/ members to apply to this would ensure that the store would initially, before creating a database have some information on which to build on. The store would need to provide and produce some form of application so that customers can join. This could be in the form of application forms, online forms etc.

Apart from the actual physical store itself they have no other way of selling their products. Perhaps introducing a mail-order paper catalogue or online shop (as detailed above) scheme or another way to order from the store would broaden the stores influence and make it accessible to many more people.

Outline of solutions to feasibility report

Logo and letterhead >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Word, Paint Shop Pro 7, Microsoft Paint, Photoshop

Comment > I must design a logo and letterhead for the company as highlighted in the report as the manager feels the need to make an impact with a totally new image design. With a logo and professional letterhead created we can begin to build on everything. The creation of the logo and letterhead is one of the foremost priorities before the business is open to the public.

Advertising/posters >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Microsoft Publisher, Paint shop

Comments > This step would be done simultaneously/in conjunction with creating the stock database so as to ensure that the store does not get-off to a slow start and that at the same time this advertising scheme is in place once the store is up and running and capable of keeping track of stock. The advertising would initially be used to inform people about the opening of the store and then once the database has been implemented it would be used in other forms such as advertising certain products etc.

Stock Control database >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access

Comments > By using a spreadsheet it is possible to keep track of sales and deliveries quickly and efficiently. After this has been implemented all items can be accounted for and the store will be ready to start trade with customers and suppliers. The database must include information such as stock levels, deliveries, number of items sold and stockist information. This system must be implemented immediately if the store is to function properly.

Application Form >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word

Comments > After the database has been set-up the next step is to ensure that the store has some reference to customer information and preferences. With this information the store can begin to build the initial base for creating a customer database so I can gather information for a ‘Pilot’ scheme for a membership card system.

Order Form >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Word

Comments > The order form would work in the same way as the application form but would appeal to a wider audience. It would provide fields for ordering information; address etc and customers would be able to submit it by web, post or in the store. This would make the business more attractive to those that may not particularly visit the store much. The problems outlined in the feasibility report could be rectified this time, as people may not be able to visit the store for many reasons as stated in the report. Perhaps the order form could be distributed in many ways, it could be advertised and included in some other stores, sent via email, in magazines and also available in request. This order form could be linked into the catalogue as an order form could be included there, it could be available on-line and also be linked in with the loyalty member scheme.

Members/ Customer database >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access

Comments > After the initial responses from the customer application forms the store can begin to build around this foundation and create a customer database that will eventually be linked with the loyalty card scheme. This is essential because as the business becomes more popular customers will need more incentives to shop there. This is evidently successful in many other businesses where once customers submit an application/order form then the store can begin to build a database and profile of each member, which can be accessed quickly and easily and can be used for many other purposes. Information about the customers name, address, telephone number and membership number could be stored here. As well as this, any customers who have a membership card could also have what previous purchases they have bought or how many points they have acquired on the card.

Membership Card >

Suggested Packages > Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Word, Paint Shop Pro

Comments > These would be created after the database has been set-up/created. It would be a small credit card sized card, which would have the store logo and the customer’s name and membership number, which would be generated and linked with the database. For example there are various ways in which the card number and database could be linked. This card would work very much like a customer loyalty card that many large businesses have a membership card system.

Catalogue >

Suggested Packages > Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Front Page 2000

Comments > After the store is totally running well and efficiently a catalogue would have to be created. As highlighted in the report, one of the aims of DVD Express is to reach a wider customer base so as it can appeal to more and more people as home ordering via catalogue or the Internet is becoming more and more popular. Much business’s now rely heavily on their online/mail order services, as they can easily be useful to customers who may pick one up for reference or find an order form in a magazine etc. What I am trying to say is that for a large and expanding popular business to survive now it needs some form of secondary ordering means. The catalogue, paper based or web based must have all the products categorised under the specific heading/page and be linked with the stock control database and reference numbers for products in it. The catalogue would have to be neat, attractive and striking, include illustrations and all the relevant information regarding the products. The catalogue would increase the mail-order business capacity of the store and would be linked with the member’s database and order form, which would be included in the catalogue.

Information Services >

Suggested Packages: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Publisher

Comments > The information service can be utilised in various ways and to compliment various factors of my project. Previous problems were that customers were not kept informed well on developments etc. It could be used in the following ways:

Send out confirmation of joining membership scheme via a letter
An account statement/newsletter sent out periodically
Email offers for those who have given consent to their email address being used.
Confirmation of Order
Problems with order etc

The previous points are vital to the running and overall infrastructure. Customers need to and like being informed of recent developments and offers etc. the information service can be used in various ways to provide this service. Emails can be sent to those who consent to it. Membership statements are very important. Order form confirmations could be sent by email or post and would work in much the same way as a mail-merged letter/ template. Various templates could be created for each of the above scenarios and could be linked with various aspects of the project such as the order form and customer database.