The main purpose of this memorandum is to make recommendations that can possibly improve the functioning of ABC Universitys Mytown Center. In particular, it is necessary to build a café in proximity to the campus. For this purpose, the administration may hire a consultant group of MBA students who can develop a business plan for this enterprise. Several reasons are explaining the rationale for this project: first, there are no restaurants within walking distance to the main building. It should be born in mind that the overwhelming majority of students stay for more than five hours in campus district, and many of them find it rather difficult to eat lunch or dinner because they have to spend a considerable amount of time in order to visit the nearest shops. The campus building does have vending machines but they offer only snack food which is rather unhealthy and this is utterly unacceptable. Furthermore, it should be taken into account that there are no refrigerators that can be used by the faculty or students. All these factors adversely affect the process of learning as people are unable to concentrate and think creatively when they are distracted by hunger. Therefore, this undertaking can significantly improve the interactions between instructors and students and contribute to successful learning outcomes.
Provided that such a café is built it can grow into a stable source of revenue for the university. The student population is rapidly increasing; in the long term, it can constitute three thousand people, and the services of this restaurant will enjoy considerable demand. Most likely, the administration will consider the possibility of opening another café. Besides, by doing so the management will show that they are genuinely concerned with the well-being of the students and faculty, and this will help to establish a good reputation for this institution. Hence, the establishment of an onsite café is fully justifiable and this business is safeguarded against any unpredicted circumstances.
Additionally, MBA students should have a chance to participate in this task. At this stage of their education, they are quite competent to cope with such assignments. They are even willing to do so because they feel the need to combine theory with practice. Provided that the development of a business plan is entrusted to them, they will have an opportunity to assess their knowledge and skills. This can also boost their confidence and even create competition among them and enhance their academic performance. Many of them will strive to prove that they are efficient enough for this job.
Undoubtedly, this step may seem rather hazardous, because such programs are normally carried out by highly qualified professionals. But college administration will run practically no risks because there will always be time to change or modify the original plan if there are any shortcomings. It would be quite possible to invite a team of independent experts who will check and double-check the validity of the project. Consequently, there is virtually no likelihood of unforeseen losses.
Overall, this venture is a good way of investing the university’s assets, and most importantly, it is a useful method of talent management, as this business can act as a powerful springboard for many gifted MBA students. This is why campus administration should consider these recommendations, which promise very good dividends for this institution.