Are you in need of an international class project with real-world implications? You can provide students an excellent learning experience while helping underprivileged people in developing countries. The need for business students is to develop a marketing plan for introducing Basic Utility Vehicles (BUVs) into developing countries. The BUV is a new vehicle segment designed for rural areas and common people. The research generated by this competition will ultimately help small manufacturers serve the underprivileged markets. A few examples of projects are the following:
- Develop a marketing plan to sell BUVs in the USA. Is there a way that this can subsidize the work that IAT is doing for the developing world? The target market would likely be farmers, landscapers, nurseries, and camps/retreat centers. Prioritize a list of potential candidates to run the USA business.
- Develop a marketing plan to target US government agencies (i.e. USAID) and large development agencies (World Bank, UN, Tearfund, etc)
- Research the commercial viability of the distributed micro-factory business model with local ownership. Feasibility of BUVs being “manufactured” by small businesses. Compare Ghana and Ethiopia.
- Develop a marketing plan to target Nicaraguan government agencies to help support a BUV pilot project. Emphasize job-creation, local factories, opportunity, etc. Develop the plan based on what they want to see in pilot projects. Prioritize potential Nicaraguan partners / manufacturers.
- Develop a marketing plan to raise $1,500,000 from private foundations in the USA. Identify the 10 most appropriate foundations (with assets over $100 million), their “wants”, application effort, and prioritize. Develop a boiler plate “case” to send to foundations. Apply to two of the foundations.
- Develop a complete marketing plan for selling BUVs in South Africa.
In the developing world, many small businesses cannot afford trucks that enable growth. BUVs provide mobility, freedom, and economic hope to people. They enable trade and sustainable development at a grass-roots level via simple, affordable transportation. Basic Utility Vehicles (BUVs) are small, rugged vehicles that can carry a 1200-pound payload. They are designed for warm climates, slow speeds (under 20 mph), and rural, unpaved roads. Using primarily off-the-shelf parts, the BUV kit costs about $1500 before duties and freight.What are the benefits to your business college?
- Support a good cause (a humanitarian project)
- Challenge students with exciting "real-world" problems
- Provide class projects with an international perspective
- Generate goodwill and publicity
We encourage you to endorse this marketing assignment at your business school. Please call me if your would like to participate.
Sincerely,
Will Austin
Executive Director
Institute for Affordable Transportation
Ph. (317) 213-1088