MGMT 332--Business Trends

For this project, you will choose a trend to investigate. See the "Suggested Topics" box below for a list of trends you can consider for this research based innovation project. OR you can ask for approval for a different trend.

Research Project

Name (s)_______________________

1. Which trend interests you?
2. What interests you about this trend? What do you think you want to investigate?
3. MEET WITH MS BAURES OR DR TRAHMS VIA ZOOM. Then email lisa.baures@mnsu.edu and cheryl.trahms@mnsu.edu. In this email, identify which trend you are considering and what times you are available to ZOOM for a "research session" meeting with Ms. Baures or Dr. Trahms.
4. Meet with Cheryl or Lisa!
5. Read Ten Questions to Ensure a Viable Business Model (Martin Zwilling) and How to Test a Business Idea (Mike Kappel).
6. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, based on 20 Questions You Can Ask to Validate Your Startup Idea (Sujan Patel) in Entrepreneur Magazine, December 29th, 2014:

1. What problem are you solving?

2. How have others attempted to solve this problem before, and why did their solutions succeed or fail?

3. Can you state, in clear language, the key features/benefits of your product or service?

4. Who are your potential competitors?

5. Who would benefit from your product or service?

6. What is the size of the market that will buy your product or service?

7. What will it take to break even or make a profit?

Submit Questions 1-7 to the drop box.

Trends to consider include:

AI

Possible Search Terms:

"artificial intelligence"

"generative ai"

"generative artificial intelligence"

"machine learning"

"neural network*

e-commerce

Possible Search Terms:

AI

"artificial intelligence"

"electronic commerce"

"generative ai"

"generative artificial intelligence"

"online shopping"

health/wellness/fitness

Possible Search Terms:

telehealth

telemedicine

"digital health care service"

organic foods

Possible Search Terms:

"food habits"

"food labeling"

"natural and organic foods"

pet health

Possible Search Terms:

"animal care"

"pet insurance"

"pet owners"

"pet wellness"

"veterinary services"

remote work

Possible Search Terms:

telecommuting

telework

workforce

robotics

Possible Search Terms:

automated ...

electronic ...

computerized ...

robots

social media marketing

Possible Search Terms:

"digital marketing"

"social media influencers"

various platforms (e.g., Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Tiktok, etc.)

For additional information and directions, refer to module three on D2L.