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Choose a method for creating a decision tree. Download and review the decision tree template example offered on this page which you will use, along with your chosen method for decision tree creation, to address the following: Map out the various scenarios that Jennifer faces—for example, bankruptcy, breakeven, modest success, home run—and produce a scenario model. Assign probabilities to the various nodes and use the tools to offer the best advice you can.

State well-reasoned decisions about the market and Jennifer’s future prospects in your models. Work backwards from assumption five in the above list of facts and determine, in terms of sales in dollars, how large the restaurant needs to be to break even. Complete your decision tree and save it as a PDF document. Write a 3–4-page paper in Word format describing your decision-making process, conclusions, and recommendations for Jennifer. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Jennifer’s decision to pursue entrepreneurship by opening a restaurant involves evaluating multiple financial and personal factors that influence her future prospects. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of her situation through the development of a decision tree, assessing potential scenarios, associated probabilities, and financial implications. The goal is to guide Jennifer toward an informed decision that balances her aspirations, financial stability, and risk tolerance.

To begin, Jennifer’s current financial position provides a stable foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavor. With an annual income of $135,000 and savings of $250,000, she demonstrates financial discipline. Her expenses of $5,000 per month amount to $60,000 annually, and her potential for a substantial bonus—up to 25% of her salary—adds variability to her income. Should she receive a promotion in twelve months, her salary could increase by 50%, significantly enhancing her savings capacity and reducing financial risk. This prospective elevation in income warrants consideration when timing her restaurant investment.

The decision tree modeling starts by delineating key scenarios:

  • Scenario 1: Jennifer receives the promotion in twelve months. This scenario would provide her with increased income and savings, potentially allowing a more substantial investment in her restaurant venture. The probability of this happening, based on her performance, is estimated at 60%. If successful, Jennifer’s increased income boosts her capacity to absorb startup costs and subsequent losses.
  • Scenario 2: Jennifer does not receive the promotion immediately but remains in her current role. The probability here is approximately 30%, and it suggests she may either be considered again after twelve months or face job stagnation. Her income remains stable, but her capacity for investment is limited compared to the promoted scenario.
  • Scenario 3: Jennifer is asked to leave her current employer. With a probability of 10%, this outcome indicates job instability, prompting urgent consideration of entrepreneurship to utilize her personal savings and entrepreneurial interests.

Each scenario branches further based on the success of her restaurant venture:

  • Failures or breakeven points: The initial phase has an estimated 20% chance of losing approximately $25,000 within the first year, reflecting the typical challenges faced by new restaurants.
  • Modest success: In months 13-24, achieving a 20% net profit, which would generate sufficient cash flow to support ongoing operations and possibly service debt incurred from startup financing.
  • Strong success: A 25% profit margin in months 25-36 indicates a thriving operation capable of sustaining growth or providing significant personal earnings.

Using the estimated costs associated with opening the restaurant—$200,000 in capital improvements and materials, supplemented by financing—the analysis determines the breakeven sales volume. Given the bank's financing terms, and assuming fixed costs close to the initial investment plus operating expenses, the restaurant needs to generate enough revenue to cover these costs and repay debt obligations.

The critical calculation involves establishing the minimum sales volume to break even, based on variable costs, fixed costs, and financing costs. Considering the costs of credit—8% for the first $50,000 and 12% for the additional $50,000—the total debt interest approximates $9,200 annually. Combining this with other operating expenses and a conservative estimate of monthly costs, the model indicates that the restaurant's monthly revenue should be approximately $50,000 to $60,000 for breakeven within the first year.

The decision tree also incorporates probabilistic assessments of market success, factoring in industry averages, local market conditions, and Jennifer’s culinary expertise. Based on these probabilities, the model suggests that a modest restaurant aiming for monthly revenues of $55,000 with a net profit margin between 20-25% is feasible, translating into annual sales of roughly $660,000 to $720,000. Achieving this sales target would enable Jennifer to recover her initial investment within approximately 18-24 months, provided her operation attains projected profit margins.

In conclusion, Jennifer's best course involves a staged approach: leveraging her current financial position, her anticipated promotion, and her personal expertise to maximize her chances of success. The decision tree underscores the importance of timing her investment, maintaining financial flexibility, and preparing for various outcomes, from failure to robust success. By carefully monitoring her restaurant’s financial performance and adjusting her strategies accordingly, she can mitigate risks and realize her entrepreneurial aspirations.

References

  • Brigham, E. F., & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2016). Financial Management: Theory & Practice (15th ed.). Cengage Learning.
  • Heising, J. (2019). Decision Trees for Business: A Practical Guide to Making Smarter Business Decisions. Business Expert Press.
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  • Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., & Jaffe, J. (2019). Corporate Finance (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
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  • Stiglitz, J., & Walsh, C. E. (2017). Economics of the Public Sector. W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Williams, P. (2018). How to Start Your Restaurant Business. Entrepreneur Press.
  • Yudistira, D., & Haryadi, R. (2021). Feasibility Study and Business Planning for Food and Beverage Enterprises. Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 24(2), 162-178.