The importance of a well thought-out business plan is critical to successful implementation for the following reasons:

1) Critically assess the business need and specify the business objectives to be met.

2) Complete a scan of the business environment through the use of a SWAT analysis.

Distance Education Enterprise Business Plan - Walkerton Clean Water Centre

3) Develop an organizational structure, with supporting resources, and a governance approach.

4) Complete cash-flow and break-even analysis to support the anticipated program costs.

Distance Education Enterprise Business Plan - Implementation

5) Engage stakeholders, communicate expectations and implement effective change management techniques.

6) Determine the potential risks, their relative impact and identify ways to monitor and mitigate them.

2008 Communication Plan and Performance Management Plan

In MDE 605, the learner is asked to utilise experience to develop a business plan for a viable distance education opportunity. I was once again inspired by my water utility experience in order to develop an idea into a tangible and achievable objectives.

When it came to the application of effective strategic planning methods and other management tools, such as SWOT analysis, detailed needs assessments, break-even analysis and other project management methods, I was reasonably well versed. Based on my past work experience, I was very comfortable in business management mechanics, it was the educational sector components -- the distance learning enterprise aspects that I needed to focus on. I was able to draw experience and knowledge from other learners within my MDE cohorts. 

Also I learned a significant number of new techniques that were not so empirical, based on my past engineering background, such as “rich” pictures and qualitative analysis. This provided me with a truly valuable learning experience.

Competency Categories Exhibited - 

1. Problem Solving, Analysis, & Decision Making

5. Research

6. Management, Organization and Leadership