Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sept 2011
Confidential
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Reference Process: Product roadmap
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Revision History
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Product Roadmap Process
Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................... 4
2. OVERVIEW OF Product/Service .............................................................. 5
2.1 Product/Service Objectives................................................................ 5
2.2 Reasons for Proposing the Product/Service ...................................... 5
2.3 Expected Outputs .............................................................................. 5
2.4 Performance Measurement ............................................................... 5
2.5 Conclusion ......................................................................................... 5
3. Industry analysis ....................................................................................... 6
3.1 Industry overview ............................................................................... 6
3.2 Position in industry ............................................................................ 6
4. NEEDS ANALYSIS ................................................................................... 7
4.1 Overview............................................................................................ 7
4.2 Market Analysis ................................................................................. 7
4.3 Situation Analysis .............................................................................. 7
4.4 Competitor Analysis ........................................................................... 7
4.5 Output Analysis ................................................................................. 7
4.6 Conclusion ......................................................................................... 8
5. Market strategy ......................................................................................... 9
5.1 Product / Service ............................................................................... 9
5.2 Pricing................................................................................................ 9
5.3 Promotion .......................................................................................... 9
5.4 Place.................................................................................................. 9
6. Financials................................................................................................ 11
7. Resource requirements .......................................................................... 13
8. RISK ASSESSMENT (include corruption assessment) .......................... 14
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Product Roadmap Process
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In this section, provide a concise overview of what you are proposing and why it should be
supported. This should address the following:
Background
Outline of recommendations
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Product Roadmap Process
2. OVERVIEW OF Product/Service
2.1 Product/Service Objectives
What are reasons for developing the Business Case at this particular time? Provide a
brief explanation as to why the product/service has been identified as a priority.
What are the tangible outcomes that will be produced by this product?
How will the performance of the product be measured? What will need to happen for
the product to be successful?
2.5 Conclusion
State the conclusions you have drawn from the above analysis
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Product Roadmap Process
3. Industry analysis
[General guidance]
There are two elements to consider in preparing this section: an overview of the industry and
a summary of your business' position within the industry. It helps to footnote major
observations and sources of information for the data provided where appropriate, to show
the reliability of the information.
[General guidance]
You need to understand the industry development. Points to cover the industry include size,
competitive landscape, the entry barriers, the customers needs, the profit margin, the
national, economic and technological trend affecting it, any special regulation relating to it,
and its long-term outlook, etc.
[General guidance]
Whilst the previous section covers the industry as a whole, this section refers more
particularly to your own business. The mostly adopted way of presenting the company’s
position within the industry is by means of an analysis of the company’s strengths and
weaknesses, as well as the opportunities and threats in the external environment.
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Product Roadmap Process
4. NEEDS ANALYSIS
The aim of a Needs Analysis is to identify whether there is demand for the outputs of the
product/service in a specific market or community. It aims to establish whether people want,
and therefore will pay, for the good or service. The Needs Analysis may include an
evaluation of the market for a service or customer needs. The aim of the analysis is to prove
that there is demand for the product/service you are proposing to deliver. This will help to
reduce the possibility of a failure of the product/service launch, or the proposed
product/service not producing the results anticipated, leading to a loss on investment and
possible damage to the reputation. Below is an example of the types of issues you should
address in undertaking an analysis of a market for the sale of products or services. Delete
any categories you do not think are relevant.
4.1 Overview
Provide a clear overview of the method you have used to analyse the need for the
product and the conclusions you have drawn that are supported by your analysis.
Is there a market for the proposed product/ Is there demand for the particular type of
products or services we are proposing to provide?
Will participation in this market contribute to a strengthening of MCI’s reputation?
Does it align with how MCI wants to be seen within its industry?
You should be able to say whether the market in general is attractive and why
If so, what segments you might target and how your product could be positioned
You should have a solid understanding of where your product fits into the competitive
landscape in the short term
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Product Roadmap Process
4.6 Conclusion
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Product Roadmap Process
5. Market strategy
[General guidance]
This section is crucial. It gives a good indication of the whole business’ chance to
succeed. It refers to your adoption of various means or ways that make your
offerings known to your targeted customers and arouse their interest to purchase
your products / services. You can start formulating by using 4P’s approach, i.e.,
product / service, pricing, promotion and place.
[General guidance]
How do your products / services meet your customers’ specific needs? You can
focus on the uniqueness of your product / service and how customers benefit from
using your product / service.
This gives a description of your products / services and your reasons that they can
fulfill the needs in the market. Are they innovative? Do your existing products /
services have new features that make them more attractive to users? Do you invent
a new application of the products? Or can you charge the existing products at a
much lower price because you have a way to lower your own cost? These are the
cutting edges of your products /services that are appealing to investors. The
statement that you make should refer to the findings and conclusion you presented
in previous section.
5.2 Pricing
[General guidance]
What pricing model is used? Is the price that you charge along with the market? Or
are they value-for-money? Or are they charged at a premium that creates a social
status that customers enjoy? The price you charge has to be competitive but still
allows you to make a reasonable profit.
5.3 Promotion
[General guidance]
This section describes how you are going to deliver your Unique Selling Proposition
to your prospective customers. Which medium is the most effective way in reaching
your target market? How much do you plan to spend on advertising?
5.4 Place
[General guidance]
This refers to the distribution channel, physical or visual, to make your product /
service easily accessible by your targeted customers. You can also consider the
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Product Roadmap Process
costs associated with the distribution channel, whether the distribution method
affects production timeframe or delivery, etc.
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Product Roadmap Process
6. Financials
[General guidance]
In this section, you need to demonstrate whether your business is financially viable. Basically,
you should prepare five-year projections. You can also include key financial ratios and key
performance indicators such as NOV, ROI, Profit margin, revenue and subscribers growth etc
to help readers to have a better understanding of your financial and operational performance.
A realistic sales forecast forms the basis for all your other figures. For every forecast, list all
your key assumptions, etc.
Using chart in this section will make it easier for reader to read the figures and for you to
present.
Financial forecast
OPEX
Variable cost of providing
services
Cannibalization costs
Marketing / Advertising
costs
Discount
Opex item X
Total OPEX
Operating Income
Financial analysis
WACC (%)
NPV ($)
ROI (%)
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7. Resource requirements
What amount of investment is required - specify both $ and in kind and over what
period?
Where is the funding coming from? And under what terms and conditions?
What are the projected income and expenditures? And capital expenditure?
Identify all major assumptions. Detail accounting policy eg revenue recognition.
What financial benefits are expected eg dividends, fee distribution to third parties?
Budget
Consult with the Division of Financial Services in preparing an accurate budget for the
proposal. The budget should include all identifiable costs to the MCI,
Operational support
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Product Roadmap Process
A Risk Register must be completed and maintained for all new activities in accordance with
the Risk Management Guidelines produced by the Office of Planning and Audit. If the
activity involves third party course delivery, then use the Risk Register Template for Third
Part Course Delivery.
Conclusions
Identify if the proposal is high, medium or low risk and the relevant management
strategies to deal with any risks.
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