MEMORANDUM

October 31, 1997
 
To:     Dave Dusseau
From:   BA 101 Business Consultants, Inc.
Re:	Digital Artworks Field Office Proposal
Cc:	Ron Severson

BA 101 Business Consultants Inc. propose to collect, organize, and interpret data on the feasibility for the company, Digital Artworks, to open a field office in Los Angeles.

STATEMENT OF NEED

Digital Artworks, a Eugene computer graphics firm, needs to decide whether or not to open a field office in Los Angeles. Competition among small, computer graphics firms has intensified in recent years. During the last two years, Digital Artworks' total number and dollar volume of contracts declined. This decline occurred at the same time that the company hired new employees in an attempt to expand their Eugene office. Since many of Digital Artworks competitors are currently located in Los Angeles, and since the LA market produces a large share of the market for potential contracts, Digital Artworks needs to assess the benefits and risks of opening a new office there. Since time is of the essence, the research needs to be completed quickly and accurately.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Upon the completion of the information gathering and analysis stages of this project, BA 101 Business Consultants, Inc. will deliver a report to Dave Dusseau. The report will include an executive summary, a description of our research methods and findings, an analysis of our findings, and our final recommendations.

METHODS

 A) TASKS

To complete this project in a timely manner, BA 101 Inc. will take the following steps:

1. Identify the useful materials to complete this project from:

2. Complete an in depth industry analysis using these materials.

3. Complete two competitor analyses using these materials.

4. Complete an international development analysis using the resources as listed above.

5. Compile and refine the gathered data.

6. Develop criteria for analyzing the various kinds of information as a whole.

8. Complete the analysis.

9. Consider alternative solutions.

10. Generate convincing recommendations based upon the findings and analysis.

11. Draft answers to possible problems/scenarios and recommend ways to reduce risks.

12. Plan, Draft, Revise, and Submit the final report.

B) TIMELINE

The tasks defined above will be completed by the following dates:

C) QUALIFICATIONS

Denise Petrovik is currently a sophomore at the University of Oregon and intends to major in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. She has completed several research projects in the past and has strong library, database, and internet skills. She also has worked as a telemarketer. Ms. Petrovik will be responsible for all phases of this project, although she will work with one other, equally qualified student, to investigate the websites of Digital Artwork's primary competitors, beginning with Industrial Light & Magic.

D. RESOURCES

Ms. Petrovik has access to various communication networks, including the Knight Library, the Lundquist Technology Center, and the Internet. She also knows a friend in the computer graphic arts industry who help her understand some of ways companies create a competitive advantage within the industry. Finally, she works well with her peers and plans to develop a research network for sharing information and ideas.

COST

Cost is negotiable upon approval of the proposal. Below you will find our current estimates.

Monetary Costs:

 Opportunity Costs: