1. Topic introduction and editing instructions

Chapter Introduction

Most of the modules in your degree programme conclude with a written exam or a similar examination after you have worked through the study letters. The Business Start-up development module is different in this respect. This module is about developing a marketable business idea and putting it down on paper. The goal is to have created a complete business plan at the end. A business plan should have a modular structure.

Editing Instructions

In some places you will move faster, in others slower, especially when you need to gather information. That is why it is important to make a project plan in advance. For example, the network planning technique, a popular tool in project management, could be very helpful. In any case, plan enough time and buffer so that you can work through the last steps as carefully as the first ones.

You will find in the course of working on the business plan that you have to create many tables in which figures have to be defined for the individual months throughout the year. Your work will be greatly facilitated if you create all the tables with a spreadsheet software. This way you avoid calculation errors and keep track of everything.

In the end, your business plan will be very individual, as your company, in your location, planned in your way and with your management structure will not exist a second time. Therefore, it is not advisable to orientate yourself too much on already existing business plans. Nevertheless, it makes sense to look at one or two examples for inspiration.