Bootcamp4Mba Case Analysis

Executive Summary

BOOTCAMP4MBA.com (B4M) is an online educational website that helps students who are preparing to undertake MBA programs or an undergraduate degree in business understand core principles such as business statistics and probability.

The market holds opportunity in the form of growth; there is an increase in GMAT writers, up 8% from the previous year. B4M is in a dominant position in the market as there are currently no direct competitors, however, there a number of substitutes which threaten the survivability of B4M, such as hardcover review books and private tutors.

B4M’s owner, Peter Bell, wants to grow the business and increase its revenues, but is constrained by not having enough time. B4M needs to quickly capture market share due to the threat of new entrants in this low barrier to entry industry.

There are three alternatives presented, and after review, it is recommended that B4M pursue the third strategy. The third strategy focuses on hiring a sales representative to market directly to schools which offer MBA programs; it carries the lowest amount of risk, raises barriers to entry, builds valuable relationships, markets to the international students and costs the least.

External Analysis

Bootcamp4MBA currently operates in the online education industry. More specifically it’s carved itself out a little niche market with content that prepares students for pre-MBA and HBA courses with an online platform. The timing and cyclical nature of the regular school year plays a key role in the overall business strategy of the company. The timeliness of completion and accuracy of the material is vital to the survival of the organization and can help reinforce its brand image in the industry. As a small solo start-up company, Bootcamp4MBA has limited access to resources. However, the current business model allows for the owner to operate the business at low cost and with little effort resulting in limited financial risk. Bell will...