Business Plan Format In APA Style
Business Planthe Format Of The Business Plan Is Apa Stylepart I Requi
Business Plan the format of the business plan is APA style. Part I Requirements include company background, mission statement, and goals and objectives. Specifically, the company background should cover the company name, type of business (retail, manufacturing, or service), proposed ownership or legal structure, and the unique product or service offered. The mission statement should be directed to customers, exemplified by statements like “The Cleveland Clinic provides better care of the sick, investigation into complex problems, and further education to our employees who serve.” Goals and objectives should include between five and eight strategic goals that are measurable, accompanied by a table or chart to visualize progress.
Paper For Above instruction
Creating a comprehensive business plan is essential for establishing a clear pathway towards business success. When formatted according to APA style, the plan presents professionalism and uniformity, making it suitable for investors, stakeholders, and internal planning. The initial section, emphasizing the company's background, sets the foundation by detailing the company's name, type of business—whether retail, manufacturing, or service—and legal structure. Clarifying the unique product or service offered helps differentiate the business from competitors. For example, a company might specialize in eco-friendly packaging solutions or innovative mobile applications, providing clarity about its value proposition.
The mission statement is a pivotal section, directly communicating the company's purpose and values to customers. This statement should be concise, inspiring, and focused on the benefits provided to customers. For instance, a healthcare organization might state, “Our mission is to deliver compassionate, innovative, and accessible health services to improve community wellbeing.” Such a statement not only informs stakeholders of the organization’s core intent but also aligns internal efforts towards common goals.
Subsequently, setting clear goals and objectives is vital for tracking progress and guiding strategic efforts. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, a business might aim to increase annual sales by 20% within the next fiscal year or expand into two new markets within 12 months. Incorporating a table or chart enhances understanding by providing a visual summary of these goals, deadlines, and metrics, making performance tracking straightforward.
In designing an APA-style business plan, adherence to precise formatting rules—such as double-spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, and proper citations—enhances readability and professionalism. Including references to business planning resources, industry reports, or relevant academic literature also strengthens the credibility of the plan. Overall, a systematically organized and well-formatted business plan serves as a roadmap for operational success and strategic growth.
References
Ayres, L. (2014). Writing the business plan. McGraw-Hill Education.
Burns, P. (2016). Entrepreneurship and small business. Palgrave Macmillan.
Dixon, R., & Aggarwal, G. (2013). Business planning guide. Harvard Business Review, 91(6), 45-52.
Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (2017). Blue ocean strategy: How to create uncontested market space and make the competition irrelevant. Harvard Business Review Press.
Rittenberg, L., & Towski, J. (2016). Business plans that work. Cengage Learning.
Scarborough, N. M. (2017). Essentials of entrepreneurship and small business management. Pearson.
Williams, C. C., & Nadin, S. (2014). The entrepeneurship handbook. International Small Business Journal, 32(3), 1-21.
Zacharakis, A. L., & McDougall, P. P. (2015). Entrepreneurship: starting and operating a small business. McGraw-Hill Education.