What is Swot Analysis and how to do a Swot Analysis Perfectly? Strategy formulation is an integral part of management decision making as strategies come to our risk whilst there are fluctuations in the external environment. A management expert will tell you rightly that strategies are not templates constructed for a specific purpose as they are formulated based on broad policies of a particular organization and have to be in tandem with the enterprise objectives. Nevertheless a CEO will find himself in situations where he might be forced to make instantaneous strategic decisions irrespective of the nature of the problem, only considering the magnitude of the situation. SWOT AND SYNERGY EQUATIONS Significance of SWOT Analysis: The analysis subjectively evaluates the impact of internal and external factors for a business objective. Internal processes and resources are considered strengths and weaknesses (S and W, respectively). External factors affecting the business and industry are considered opportunities and threats (O and T, respectively). An evaluation of these factors develops a strategic perspective that includes the competitive landscape and current market conditions. Need for Alternate Strategic Decisions: Lately we are witnessing a number of multinational giants going in for Joint Ventures and Collaboration. What is the root cause for such alternate strategic decisions? What happened to the value of the “Brand Image” of the organization or the “Profit Margins” which kept the company going? Well, this is where we have to look into the structure of their operations and most importantly the modality formulated to reach their ultimate objectives. Definitely, there would have been a big dent somewhere in the top management notch, failing to see through the obvious. Market Research is Inevitable for Decision Making: Situations change and we even experience this in our day to day lives, where decision making becomes very difficult at times; further we push the situation to extreme limits and make it worse. Planning is the very basis of our life that facilitates smooth functioning and change for the better. In big corporates, decision making is by and large the responsibility of the top management and they pass on the instructions down the line. It is but natural that the chairman and board of directors should make all the important decisions as they are the potential capital investors. Market research is another area that deserves mention at this juncture without which business persons cannot think of kicking off trade as it will be a sheer waste of money and time. Understanding the pulse of the market and your target customers always help in shaping up the right strategies concerning New product launch Consumer Preference Price determination Product modification etc., Test marketing is one of the strategies followed by many multi national companies while they launch their new products or wish to introduce variations in their product range. THE IMPORTANCE OF DECISION-MAKING Strategies are based on organizational policies and policies have to confer to the objectives and goals of the organization. The top management team should be a set of professional experts who should be able to gauge the existing as well as future trends of the market based on political, legal, environmental and economic changes and sketch their action plans accordingly. Decentralising decision making and delegating the authority as and when needed are also fine strategies to gain co-operation from your employees and to bring co-ordination in the entire business...

A project can be made into a roaring success provided you have made your in-depth analysis and research to understand the nuances of the industry. Running a restaurant though looks cheesy from outside needs meticulous planning. Before plunging into the market it is better to have the data ready with you. How prepared you are to run the business is not the question; how well prepared are you to face the hurdles and challenges that come your way is all that matters. Only if you withstand the rough weather may you proceed to grow and then expand. Industry Insights Restaurant industry is one such area where many people try to set their foot daydreaming of immediate success. Unfortunately the scenario doesn’t warrant instant success. Any business that has a slow and steady growth makes it to the top. Have you ever thought about the wherewithal needed to run the show! The industry looks very appealing and promising from outside but reality matters. The industry’s main focus is on supply chain management where your primary and ultimate focus revolves round your customers, who are your main focal point. Info Courtesy: AycockMarketing Value Added Services Customer satisfaction should be your vision, mission, objective and goal. Of course you want to make profit. For what else in the world have you entered this business. But think about it, if you are not able to attract crowds, the effort is wasted. The qualityThe varietyThe appealThe presentationThe treatmentThe ambienceThe refreshment, that is being offered to the customers should make them feel special and worth the value of money they are shelling out to have an evening out with their family or friends. Rising costs make people think twice before they decide on their choice of restaurant. Be sure about the class of people whom you want to cater the needs. Go for the plan accordingly and design your restaurant. Is Your Design Appealing? The design includes a sober atmosphere where the visitors can relax, mild lighting that is soothing to the eyes, mellifluous music that creates a magical effect and the choice of drapes and furnishings that add grandeur. The core concept of food industry is “customer satisfaction“. A company’s greatest strength is the quality of its professional management. You have to manage your human resource personnel, the waiters, waitresses, the chefs, the managers, billing clerks in such a way that their one and only motive is to give quick service and great service the first time and every time. Managing Your Financials Managing your financials is an absolute necessity. The initial investment has to be taken care of since you do not know the period it takes to establish yourself in the industry. How, big chain of restaurants is run successfully all over the world? First four or five years are particularly important to prove your credibility both to yourself and others. They do their complete market research wherein the customers’ preferences are jotted down and taken into consideration. High performing and high potential managers are put into place to run the show without a hitch. Well trained waiters are a big plus. Big companies diversify to invest their profits in ever prosperous areas like food industry, where people are constantly looking for new arrivals and the “brand image” that the big companies establish cannot be matched by small time players. Great service is the key factor that makes these big time players unique. Locational Advantage Locational advantage is the most important criterion for a restaurant industry. Sufficient space must be provided for parking and the access to the location be made a pleasurable experience. Don’t go for guidance from your local competitors or friends,...