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Our Community Salutes, Business Plan

Name

Institution

Table of content

Abstract …………………………………………………………….……………..................3

Company Description………………………………………………………………………..4

Problem Statement ……………………………………………………………………….....5

Proposed Business Ideas….…………………………………………………………………5

Governance Mod…………………………………………………………………………….5

Current Funding Strategy……………………………….……………………….…………..6

The Expected Outcomes………………………………………………………….................7

Key to Success of Business Plan…………………………………………………………….9

Personal Skills………………….……………………………….…………………………...9

Experience and Education……………………………………………………………….….10

Experience and Education…………………………………………………………………..10

Strengths and Weaknesses………………………………………………………………......11

Personal Development…………………………………………………………………...….11

OCS’s Current Opportunities and Possibilities……………………………………….….…11

Define Data Points………………………………….…………………………………….....12

Market Sizing ……………………………………………………………………………….12

Topographical Distribution ……………....…………………………….………….....……..12

Enlistments Forecast …………………………………………………………….………….13

Projection Mitigations…………………………………..…………….…………………..…13

Proposed Non-Profit Organizational Arrangement ……………………..…………………...14

References ………………………………………………….………….……………………..16

Abstract

Our Community Salutes (OCS) business strategy is entrenched in a low-product modification strategy. Even though the type of corporate strategy can be maintained, the growth of the organization is often sacrificed. A low product modification strategy makes growth into other customer segments difficult.  By diversifying services, Our Community Salutes will gain experience to a far-reaching customers base.  The company will also continue acknowledging the niche market of high school senior recruits, but will integrate acknowledging the veterans, for example, who are unwillingly being parted from the armed services because of congressionally authorized compulsory reduction actions. 

Company Description

Our Community Salutes (OCS) was founded in the year 2009. Dr. Hartman is the president and founder of OCS, which is a nonprofit organization formed to recognize and honor graduating high school seniors (and parents) who have pledged to join the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation.  Our mission statement of OCS is clear. To acknowledge and honor high school enlistees for one’s commitment to military service by demonstrating guidance, information, resources, and community support for enlistees and family members through the transition from post-high school to military service. OCS takes great pride in thanking students for putting their life on the line for our freedom.

The inspiration for honoring and celebrating high school seniors, who decided to serve one’s country after graduation, came to Dr. Hartman while attending a high school graduation ceremony in Cherry Hills, NJ.  Dr. Hartman learned after sampling graduates about different career choices, that a small number of men and women who chose to enter the armed services were not being recognized by local communities for such a selfless sacrifice compared to other enrollees. Recognition to college graduates, military ROTC, and West Point students for one’s pledge of commitment to the armed forces was evident.

Dr. Hartman decided to reach out to Ronald Tuczak who worked as an Army recruiter until his retirement as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (LTC). Hartman expressed his disappointment for the lack of recognition shown by local communities and sought his help because Hartman felt that showing an expression of support to those willing to enlist was essential. Our organization now consists of volunteers, such as educators, businessmen and women, veterans, government officials, and community leaders (Szafranski & Toner, 1994).

Problem Statement

Lack of recognizing the militaries and all the efforts they do for the public often display negative attitudes and selfish interests that lead to discouragement and fear of youths joining military. Lack of armies recognition leads to high decline in youths joining army, with the research indicating that about 94% of youths and high school leavers would rather join colleges for higher education than join military. On the same note, 78% would prefer to remain idol than to join the most despised profession like military. This general company problem is that most youths and communities have limited information regarding different approaches of joining army and the benefits.  The specific company problem is that failure of recognizing militaries might compromise the integrity and growth military camps.

Proposed Business Ideas

Our main business idea to be presented to the market is a focused differentiation strategy where its service offering is tailored to a small niche market. It has been confirmed that less than 1% of high school graduates make the selfless choice to serve our Nation and postponecollege or entering the civilian labor force. However, by implementing this differentiation strategy, OCS will offer to the customers well-deserved honor of being acknowledged for the boldness and selfless sacrifice to serve in the U.S. armed forces, especially during times of war.  OCS will stand alone in the goodwill market responsibility because of the organizational structure, which holds a single product offering. OCS organizational structure is not too multifaceted, as community volunteers, who are dedicated to executing plans for OCS graduation ceremonies will submit requests to the National office to create an OCS chapter as a first step in the process.

Governance Model

The integration of Boy scouts of America (BSA) will help in developing goals and a financial plan that includes regular audits.  We will develop a proper training on what is authorized and what is unacceptable. This will help each level of OCS to be transparent in terms of finances to reduce the chances of theft and to keep all volunteers and the head OCS organization appraised of what their capabilities are. OCS will also provide proper financial management training as well as a set of guidelines on how collected funds can be used for.

Our organization will provide training importance for youth and adults to ensure the program is running as desired and to reduce the likelihood of something happening that could be perceived as improper.  One of the most important training aspects that will be applied is no one on one contact with scouts.  This in turn will help to eradicate the possibility of improper relations. At the same time OCS will devise some sort of training program for its members to ensure protection of the students and the volunteer members.  This will not only help the volunteers and student enlistees but it also help in the process if something was to happen and a lawsuit was brought against OCS.

Furthermore, OCS will develop a set of standard operating guidelines for each level of the organization.  This will not only help in ensuring that the organization runs as desired but will assist new strategies to be developed and not have to reinvent the wheel each time a new policy is developed.

Current Funding Strategy

Some of the Units in the organization will use a multitude of fund raising methods but all approaches will conform to the BSA guidelines set by the National Council and local councils. The most common funding sources currently are dues paid by the scouts and leaders, fund raising sales of popcorn, charter organizations contributions. The registration fee is retained at the National council level.  Each local unit has a charter organization such as a church, fire departments, schools or local business, to help with a facility to meet in and help with obtaining and maintaining unit equipment.  By utilizing charter organizations the BSA organization has reduced one of the largest overheads of an organization by not having to pay for most meeting locations. Not all Units are tax exempted as it is determined by the charter organization for example if it is chartered by a church then it will be tax-exempt but this is not the case if it is chartered by an athletic store. If you are determined to be tax exempt the unit will fill an IRS form 990-N.

The Local Councils help in raising funds by Associates of scouting program that collects donations that they elicit from members and the community. We get funding from popcorn sales as a percentage of cash the units make goes to the local council.  Additionally, we get money from special events, legacies, foundation grants, and activity fees for summer camps and camporees.  The events that scouts take place in help pay for the program and facilities.

On the same note, the National council obtains its funding through scout supply sales such as uniforms, camping and memorabilia.  Furthermore, we get money from membership fees, grants from foundations, Legacies and corporate sponsorships.

The BSA helps in developing a five year strategic policy where we determine how we will increase participation, resources, increasing their brand, ensuring they have a relevant program.  Finally, OCS makes sure to include innovation, technology and how they will provide better training to youth and adults.

The Expected Outcomes

Development of services that add value to new recruits- after implementation of this business plan, persons of influence will set the basis for volunteer chapters to generate revenues that can support our move to independence while providing future sustainability.  These value added services will likely to be key to bolstering the chapters’ organizational structure so that full time workers are able to solicit donor donations that further enhance the effectiveness of the chapters.  The chapters will also have more leverage to help us form corporate alliances because our product offerings provide an equitable exchange that alliance partners are attracted to.  For example, if OCS offers prime destination vacation products, then travel and hotel alliances are more likely to be achieved.  Because of the possible benefits, new added value product contributions would provide OCS; volunteer chapters can sustain our operations independently and implement an organization structure that supports us moving to nonprofit status.  Once these strategies have been achieved, other additional revenue generating measures can be implemented that help OCS maintain competitive advantages that are sustainable well into its future.  Investing in a credible marketing survey that utilize mathematical quantitative analysis to determine what product offering will add value to our target segment lives to potentially pay long lasting dividends that will be built upon deep into the future (Szafranski  & Toner, 1994).           

Recognition and extolment of high school enlistees- OCS’s mission statement is clear. To recognize and honor high school enlistees for one’s commitment to military service by proving guidance, information, resources, and community support for enlistees and family members through the transition from post-high school to military service. OCS will take great pride in acknowledging the students for putting their life on the line for our freedom. There will also be inspiration for honoring and celebrating high school seniors, who will decide to serve one’s country after graduation. Since in the past, our founder Dr. Hartman noted that a small number of men and women who chose to enter the armed services were not being recognized by local communities for such a selfless sacrifice compared to other enrollees (Szafranski  & Toner, 1994).

Streamlining Boy scouts of America (BSA) - The reorganization of BSA will help in developing SMART objectives and a monetary plan that includes regular audits.  All departments will have proper training on what is authorized and what is unacceptable. Each level of OCS will be apparent with regard to finances to reduce the chance of theft and to keep all volunteers and the head OCS organization appraised of what their capabilities are.  By providing proper financial management training as well as a set of guidelines on what collected funds will be used for, and then our organization will avoid all mismanagement of funds.

Key to Success of Business Plan

 The main purpose of the critical failure or success of business plan is directly related to my personal strength and characteristics. I will try as much as possible to be accurate and objective with the project in all stages.  Working through the steps assists me to examine the opportunities for selecting the alternatives to accomplish the expected goals. Marketing strategy is also key action which involves necessary activities for getting and keeping the donors and funding groups. Therefore, a prudent and complete business plan focusing on the stakeholders needs is a key contributor to the success of business plan. It is appropriate to examine general marketing strategy by putting into consideration how the product will assist the stakeholders. Since this business plan will involve hiring of new recruits, it is imperative to add job description, job specifications, the training plan and expected benefits in the plan so that the stakeholders can be aware.

Personal Skills

Coming up with a business plan needs me to take critical look at the business. Therefore, special skills that I possess that will help me to make sure business plan is fruitful include strategic thinking- I have the capacity to use creative and logical sides of my brain which have proved to be valuable. I have the capacity to create a clear defined and focused personal vision and business vision. Furthermore, throughout my studies I have developed the skill to clearly define the objectives and create strategic action plan with every aim broken into tasks and each having list of required resources and particular time frame. Finally, I have the ability to plan flexibility into my business plan by establishing some benchmarks in order to review progress. Then I apply the benchmarks as a guide and acknowledge the opportunity to revise my business plan as required. My instinctive ability to be proactive and expect any change rather than being reactive to changes that occur has also assisted me. 

Previously, I participated in BSA which required adults to help carry out the required tasks, transportation and guidance.  All units had their own volunteer committee that is responsible for keeping the unit on track for scouting activities and for managing funds. The committee is made up of committee chairman, secretary, treasurer, advancement chair, equipment coordinator, outdoor activities chair, and a training chair. In this case I acted as equipment coordinator.

Experience and Education

I have five years’ experience in military and other humanitarian projects. These projects include protecting the rights of police and army, how to motivate the army and police during their work, strategies of compensating retired and armies who are killed during the war. Some of those projects have been for my own individual usage, but numerous of them have been if requested by other departments within the organization or friends or family.

Currently I have six years’ experience as an assistant manager for our community salutes National Guard department. As the country manager for the security program, I have diverse experience and knowledge required in finance, human resources and management.  My responsibilities comprised of budget management and forecasts, projects management, marketing, cost analysis and personnel management. I have received various skills in training in training and leadership during my service at OCS. These skills and knowledge are extremely significant as I am always given the role of being the project manager of business proposals.

By the end of this year I will have completed my master’s in Business Administration. The current knowledge I am gaining from the study include online business, economics, marketing management, financial management and accounting.

Strengths and Weaknesses

            OCS contributes twenty percent of my strengths. I have the capability to break down the procedures, techniques and process as well as reorganize to enhance efficiency. Time management versatility is also additional strength. Supporting the security measures which comes with little hours’ notice especially 5-6 hours’ notice. That experience has permitted me to become very skillfully at planning the youths. My weaknesses are inadequate experience in small business ownership and processing experience. All these weaknesses will reduce as time goes on, but needs some grasp in all areas.

Personal Development

            I plan to research army recruitment strategies and techniques and carry on with experiment with new approaches to improve my recruitment strategies. Management courses will also be needed as the company expands so that I can be fully set to transition from labor role to the management role. Finally, I plan to join Incineration Association of North America as an approach to stay knowledgeable of the latest marketing tool into geographic markets.

OCS’s Current Opportunities and Possibilities

High schools students will consider any possible monetary effect on oneself and their families when they are deciding to join since the jobs are being opened to female, this aspect will make less change to traditional men led head of the family. The military in turn will offer stable profession for enlistees with children and families. The statistics indicate that about 50% of all the high school students who are graduating face season of unemployment within the first fifteen months of graduation.

Define Data Points

The programs done at each OCS section will aim at high school seniors and one’s family who have dedicated to, or indicated passion in, joining the military service. Appointment policies will expand to possible sophomore and junior enlistees to offer knowledge of programs presented. The effort will assist OCS by bringing consciousness of firm goals, and student as well as community participation will increase in respecting our enlistees.

Market Sizing

According to the Education Department in USA, the rates of high school graduation are at the maximum level in years. Graduation percentages hit 81% in 2013-2014 (U.S. Department of Education, 2015). In the years 2015-2016 school year there is an expectation of 3.3 million learners who will graduate high school. With the upsurge in statistics of graduates, the accessible pool of candidates who can join the military has improved proportionately.

Topographical Distribution

A large number of enlistments come from the south-west and south portions of the USA. In 2013, 45% of recruitments came from Georgia and Florida, in spite of the fact they contain only 37% of the 18-25 years old. It may be questioned the reason two states would signify such a large percentage of the annual enlistments. Joyner (2014), states that the Defense Department cannot provide.  It is thought that both states big military incidence has an outcome on enlistment, as youths have superior experience of military members. Joyner (2014) also show that economic activities can have a huge influence on rates of enlistment in particular states. Florida and Georgia both have high youth unemployment rates; therefore the army can provide an escape when it comes to employment.

Enlistments Forecast

            In accordance to the Agency of Labor Statistics (2015) around 241,000 members recruited in the army in the year 2014. According to Lipschultz & Hilt, (2014) reports 2013 was an astral year for enlistment as well. Army officers recognize the fact that blockbuster enlisting years may not constantly continue. As youth joblessness continues to drip, the army can face tough enlisting occasions in 2016 and upcoming ages (Lipschultz & Hilt, 2014).

Another effect on forthcoming enlisting is the decrease in end strength through all services. This decline in end power will have dramatic consequence on enrolling numbers. For instance, in the year 2014 the Army reduced recruiting goals to 57,000 which was a reduction of 12,000 from 2013. These drops will need recruiters to be choosier in satisfying the abridged numbers of slots. The Military will continue to lower down end strength through 2018. The Military will reduce 14,000 in 2016 and 2017. The last reduction of 10,000 will be in 2018 which will take the Military’s end power to 451,000 (Bowler, 2015).

Projection Mitigations

            As the rate of graduation has improved, there would be a natural feeling to have faith that this upsurge would also be proportionate to an upsurge in recruitments in the army. This would be a fabricated supposition when faced with end power drawdowns of all branches of the military. With a decrease in the number of positions available the number of recruitments will decrease as well.

            Based on the abridged recruitment opportunities and in an effort to censure OCS will continue with the mission to respect army recruits, they will make sure that they capitalize on the synergies of several divisions. Now, each division is accountable to design and organize the respecting observances individually. In areas like the  East South Central and South Atlantic, which gather the maximum recruitment numbers, it is easy to assume there would be a huge number of chapters leading ceremonies at numerous times. The regional managements, having role of an oversight of every chapter, will ensure the chapter’s energies have the major effect on the huge number of recruits. This harmonizing of collaborations will not only save man hours and time, but reduce the cost effect on ceremonials to distinct chapters. Merging ceremonies for chapters situated in driving expanse, the cost will be shared between the chapters and thus lessening the general cost to each.

Proposed Non-Profit Organizational Arrangement

A Philanthropy Expert

A philanthropy expert will assist to secure contributions to aid OCS company fund its tasks. Funding is a serious component in the projected non-profit structure.

Assistant Strategic Development Partner  

            The strategies of marketing are serious as OCS managers want to make sure the public is aware of the company, the programs provided, and the advantages of becoming involved in rejoicing our youth.  The OCS Assistant Strategic Development Partner will help in monitoring every area of chapter’s marketing policy and growth intended to solicit participation, and alleviate gaps between specified objectives and real program outcomes.

Department Manager

 As the army is presently rationalizing, the number of militaries exiting the army varies monthly.  Challenges to comprehending the real number of militaries transitioning from the army could be difficult. OCS Department Manager will create connection with the Transition Coordinator at every army base to get statistical data.  In turn, the connection constructed with the Transition Coordinator could support OCS with developments required to help further transitioning militaries. The transition director has the contact facts of every soldier exiting the army and meets with each army during the process of transition. 

Such meetings will permit the militaries to hear achievement stories or talk to employees, volunteers, interns of the program.  The method will assist armies become helpful of the program and advertise OCS.  OCS will work with Wal-Mart, USAA, and other large enthusiasts and military sponsors to know or offer subject packages for militaries.  Specialty bags are similar to a care packages but on a larger scale.

References

Bowler, A. (2015). Logistics and the Failure of the British Army in America, 1775-1783. Princeton University Press.

Cordell, V. V. (2001). Assessment of an outreach international business planning project as an MBA capstone course. International Journal of Commerce and Management, 11(3/4), 111-126.

Honig, B., & Karlsson, T. (2004). Institutional forces and the written business plan. Journal of Management, 30(1), 29-48.

Lipschultz, J. H., & Hilt, M. L. (2014). Crime and local television news: Dramatic, breaking, and live from the scene. Routledge.

McKenzie, D. J. (2015). Identifying and spurring high-growth entrepreneurship: experimental evidence from a business plan competition. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper, (7391).

Szafranski, C. R., & Toner, U. D. J. H. (1994). Military Ethics. Airpower Journal, 8, 15-25.

U.S. Department of Education (2015), ‘Budget Proposal for Education’