Assessment, Company and Project Information
MSc Int’s Business, MSc Marketing, MBA
International Business CRN 61477
MBA / MSc Marketing CRN 61597
1. Assessment and Feedback
The module assessment is divided into three parts:
a) Proposal
b) Report
c) Refection
1.1.1 Proposal (15% of the total marks)
Students will firstly provide an individual project proposal of 1,500 words (worth 15%) setting out the consultancy project requirements. Students will focus on a ‘live’ business issue of importance to an identified UK organisation and will be asked to identify the parameters, key deliverables, timescales and project management details of their work
Feedback provided within one week to allow the project to develop onto stage 2:
1.1.2 Consultancy Report ( 70%of the total marks)
Students will undertake appropriate research and complete an individual consultancy report of 6,000 words (worth 70%), based on the deliverables agreed within the project proposal.
1.1.3 Reflective Portfolio [15% of the total marks]
Students will submit an Individual reflective portfolio of 1,500 words. Students will be required to provide details on their learning experiences, achievements, significant occurrences, and personal/professional development.
2. Company Information
SAVANT TECHNOLOGIES
INTRODUCTION
Savant Technologies is a UK-based technology services provider specializing in supporting startups, SMEs, and organizations in leveraging innovative solutions for growth and operational efficiency. Our services encompass a range of cutting-edge technological frameworks, including SaaS (Software as a Service), data analytics, machine learning, and AI applications. These solutions aim to drive productivity, scalability, and environmental sustainability for our clients. Our company emphasizes modern project management methodologies, such as Agile and Lean, to enhance product development cycles. By integrating customer feedback and iterative improvements, Savant Technologies delivers user-centric and efficient outcomes. Our SaaS solution allows businesses to adopt flexible, cost-effective, and scalable software models, minimizing upfront investments and maximizing resource efficiency. This aligns with our focus on streamlining processes and enabling seamless collaboration, even across distributed teams. Savant Technologies also prioritizes environmental sustainability through cloud-based systems that reduce physical infrastructure needs, lowering carbon emissions. Our vision includes driving innovation and preparing businesses for a future shaped by AI, predictive analytics, and other transformative technologies.
MISSION STATEMENT
At Savant Technologies, our mission is to empower businesses and individuals by delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that drive innovation, foster sustainability, and enhance operational efficiency. Through our expertise in SaaS, data analytics, AI, and collaborative methodologies, we strive to provide scalable, customer-focused solutions that transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic digital landscape.
OFFERINGS & CUSTOMIZATIONS
Savant Technologies offers a range of products and services designed to help businesses leverage technology for growth and efficiency:
Products
1. SaaS Platforms (Software as a Service): Development and deployment of cloud-hosted applications for diverse business functions, such as customer relationship management, project management, and Human Resource Management.
Subscription-based services designed for scalability and cost efficiency
2. AI and Machine Learning Solutions: Custom AI models to optimize operations, analyse data patterns, and automate decision-making processes
3. Data Analytics: Advanced data interpretation, visualization and business intelligence, Helping organizations derive actionable insights from data.
Services
1. Project and Product Development:
Tailored development methodologies such as Agile, Lean, and Scrum for building efficient and user-centric products.
Expertise in managing iterative development cycles, ensuring continuous improvement based on customer feedback.
2. Consulting and Strategy Design:
Advising on technology adoption strategies to enhance business processes, with a focus on operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
3. Cloud Integration Services:
Migrating businesses to cloud-based environments, enhancing data accessibility, security, and collaboration across distributed teams
4. Training and Workshops:
Offering professional development in areas like project management, data analytics, and software development, AI & Machine Learning
5. Sustainability Solutions:
Developing eco-friendly IT solutions that reduce reliance on physical infrastructure, contributing to lower carbon footprints for businesses
INTERNATIONAL MARKET ENTRY
In recent months, Savant Technologies has taken the decision to expand into international markets. We are particularly interested in the Americas & Canada, Africa/the Middle East, and the EU as specific locations.
Savant Technologies will take into account the following key factors when entering new markets:
1. Market Research and Entry Strategy
• Comprehensive Market Research: Analyse target regions to identify demand for AI, SaaS, and data analytics solutions. Understand industry needs, potential client bases, and regional technology adoption rates.
• Assess Local Competition: Identify competitors` strengths and weaknesses to position Savant`s offerings effectively.
• Entry Strategies: Explore partnerships, or direct investments to ease entry into new markets.
2. Regulatory Compliance
• Legal and Industry Standards: We are committed to operating in a legal and compliant manner, prioritizing the security and privacy of our users. We ensure compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR and CCPA, to safeguard user data and maintain transparency in our data handling practices. As well as ensure our solutions comply with data protection regulations and industry norms in each country.
• Continuous Monitoring: Stay informed on regulatory changes, particularly regarding AI and data handling.
3. Adaptation
• Marketing Customization: Tailor marketing strategies to align with local preferences and business cultures.
• Local Talent Recruitment: Employ regional experts to provide insights into market specific challenges and opportunities.
• Physical Offices or Partnerships: Establish regional hubs or collaborate with local technology firms for enhanced service delivery.
4. Talent and Workforce Development
• Skilled Workforce: Recruit and train professionals with expertise in data analytics, AI, and SaaS development.
• Continuous Learning: Offer ongoing professional development to keep our teams updated with global technological trends.
5. Risk Management
• Comprehensive Framework: Identify and mitigate geopolitical, technological, and economic risks in target markets.
• Proactive Solutions: Develop contingency plans to address potential operational challenges.
• Robust Infrastructure: Establish reliable cloud and data center services to support global operations, implement robust security measures, including encryption protocols, to protect user information and transaction data.
• Service Continuity: Incorporate disaster recovery and redundancy measures to ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Regular security audits : Regular checks to prevent breaches and ensure the integrity of our platform, guaranteeing a safe and trustworthy environment for our users
3. Applied Consultancy Projects
Acting as consultants for Savant Technologies and to address the requirements of the Advanced Practice Consultancy Project, you are required to address the objectives for the project which have been selected by the directors at Savant Technologies.
IMPORTANT NOTE: YOU ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO CHOOSE ONE OF THE PROJECTS BELOW
Note: A Consultancy report should always be professionally designed and should include visuals to accompany the ideas that have been discussed
1.1 Project 4: Data Analytics
The specific aim of this project is for yourselves (as ‘The Consultancy Firm’) to develop a Business strategy following detailed data analysis and an evaluation of the opportunities that Savant Technologies has in terms of the best country to expand to and which market sectors it can offer its services to most profitably
NOTE:
For the DA Project the structure mainly follows the format of the previous 3 projects.
However, you will be expected to populate your DA Project with the appropriate amount of relevant data and models. As such the inclusion of tables, charts, graphs, infographics, (sourced or your own creation), and data sets from industry- leading market report sources is crucial to your success in this project
- Objective 1: To conduct market analysis
- Objective 2: To evaluate which country would be best suited for the company to expand to and what markets to focus on
- Objective 3: To analyse from a data perspective potential market entry options
- Objective 4: Implement a process to continue data analysis on the performance of sales on the recommended country of focus.
- Provide a short commentary on the use of data to inform strategic choices including means of evaluating performance on recommended products as well as processes for adjusting strategies using data analysis.
Suggested structure/approach:
The emphasis is on secondary research and not academic sources. Use competitor reports, consultant reports articles and marketing reports.
Introduction – The aim of which is to provide some context, i.e. the scope of the project. This should not be more than one or two paragraphs and is intended only to provide a platform for the rest of the report.
1.1.1. Objective 1: Market Analysis/Environmental Analysis
a) Conduct an environmental audit and assess the competitiveness in the markets
(i) From the list of areas of interest, choose ONE country from America/North Africa/Middle East and ONE EU country
(ii) Undertake an environmental analysis for the two countries – Identify, analyse and discuss key external factors in each of the countries that could impact the company in either a positive or negative way – the impact of each factor should be linked to either an opportunity or threat. PESTEL should be applied for this task
(iii) Undertake a market analysis for each of the countries – Porters Five Forces should be applied to assess industry attractiveness (each force should be discussed and assessed as High, Moderate or Low and industry attractiveness should be assessed having those forces in mind).
Objective 1 rationale
The students will provide a comparison of two different potential destination markets from the areas of declared high interest to Savant Technologies, i.e., ONE country from America/North Africa/Middle East and ONE EU country, focusing on the market and environmental suitability
1.1.2. Objective 2: Evaluation of countries
a. Using qualitative and quantitative data obtained, evaluate the TWO countries. You should consider various factors within each countries market, such as profitability, growth rate and market size, prospective client demand etc.
b. Which would be the best destination for expansion including which existing market sectors (from the list under “Services offered” ) that the company should focus on in the selected country.
c. Make a recommendation for ONE country to expand to with full data – driven justification
Tools used for data analysis, data collected and insights from data should be clearly rationalised. This section should be heavily data driven.
Objective 2 rationale
A full data driven justification for the chosen country
1.1.3. Objective 3: Strategy for Market Entry
Given the preceding analysis and evaluation, analyse potential methods of market entry.
Select from
A Strategic Alliance with a technology services provider from the chosen country
A Merger with a technology services provider from the chosen country
An acquisition of a technology services provider from the chosen country
Provide full data analytical application for this task
Objective 3 rationale
Provide full data -rich analysis of the chosen country
1.1.4. Objective 4: Implementation for data analysis
a. Develop an implementation plan based on previous data- driven analysis
b. Consider how data analysis would and can inform strategic considerations and decision- making in the technology services consulting sector in the new country
Rationale- Objective 4
Pulling it all together but with an emphasis on the specific country chosen by the student focusing on success for the company both in the near and distant future.
Recommendations and Conclusion
Overall, recommendations to deliver the objective of the company given analysis and evaluation conducted.