TEAM B: Matthew Atkins, Denise Banda, Katie Barbour, Winston Barratt, Jessica Beach,

Gagandeep Bedi
February 26, 2015
DeVry University
Professor Allen Gray
 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................................... 3
2. PROJECT CHARTER ............................................................................................................................................... 4
3. PROJECT SCOPE STATEMENT .......................................................................................................................... 11
4. WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE / PROJECT SCHEDULE (.MPP FILE) .............................................. 24
GNATT CHART ................................................................................................................................................................ 29
5. RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................................................ 29
RISK REGISTER .............................................................................................................................................................. 29
6. PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BUDGET WITH ASSIGNED RESOURCES ..................................................... 34
7. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................... 39
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................................... 42

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
1. Executive Summary

The coffee shop business is one all too familiar with mainstream America. From Starbucks and
Dunkin Doughnuts to your local corner coffee shop there are few differences between business
models. With the coffee business in the United States constituting a multibillion business there is
plenty of customers to serve. While the coffee business has remained basically the same for several
decades, there is one facet of the industry that has not yet been tapped. The self-service completely
customizable coffee shop represents a revolutionary approach to the way in which consumers view and
enjoy their coffee experience. To engage in a way to experience coffee differently presents an
opportunity to take market share from companies such as Starbucks. Creating a unique business model
and unforgettable store atmosphere, Sycamore Street Coffee has the ability to become a dominant
force in the coffee service business.

By creating an unparalleled customer service experience and a unique atmosphere which will enhance
the senses of our customers we will be effectively able to capture significant market share from our
competitors and drive revenues. Within 3 years of opening it is our goal to be the number one coffee
shop within the Chicago metropolitan area. Chicago offers a diverse demographic and vast urban
population for which Sycamore Street Coffee to begin its operations.

From our risk management planning process we have created contingency plans for any roadblocks
which my hinder Sycamore Street Coffee’s grand opening and our development of operations. With
credit financing via Northern Trust Corporation, we have secured the necessary financing to
considerably grow our business model in the first two years of operations. A review of the local
market and competitors within the River North District of Chicago shows little coverage from local
coffee shops. This creates a highly profitable situation for Sycamore Street Coffee as we construct our
first self-service coffee shop for all of Chicago to enjoy.

In preparation for the development of our business model we have formed an in-depth project charter,
scope statement, work breakdown schedule, budget, risk register, and communication plan for our
company. This documentation will help us secure future financing, attract investors, and help our
company develop a truly devoted culture of workers as we look toward the future to be the most
known self-service coffee company in America. Our estimations, planning, and budgeting indicates a
planned opening date of September 1, 2015.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
2. Project Charter
Project Charter: Sycamore Street Coffee
Project Name Sycamore Street Coffee Project Group B
Number
Project Team Matthew Atkins, Denise Banda, Katie Barbour, Prioritization Immediate
Winston Barratt, Jessica Beach, Gagandeep Bedi
Owner(s) Sycamore Street Coffee Corporation Start Date: Jan 5, 2015

Scheduled Sept. 1, 2015

Completion
Date:

The purpose of this project is to create a concrete plan for Sycamore Street
1. Mission/
Coffee’s first store located in Chicago. Our project aims to have all
Purpose
responsibilities and tasks efficiently organized in order to plan the opening of
our business strategically and on schedule. Effective leadership and a highly
skilled team will ensure that all tasks are delegated appropriately and that all
work is completed with the highest degree of excellence. Strategically
located in the center of Chicago, Sycamore Street Coffee will rapidly
establish itself as known brand in the coffee shop industry. This will prove to
our investors and competitors that Sycamore Street Coffee is determined to
be mainstream in American culture. Our unique ability to achieve all
objectives will develop an unparalleled corporate culture and create a place
that is desirable for many to work. Creating a positive corporate culture is
essential to productivity and success. Sycamore Street Coffee will be
positioned to offer its customers value and a business model yet seen in the
industry.

Project
Description and Introduction & Background
Project Product
The coffee shop business is a multibillion business with significant
opportunities in a virtually monopolized industry. Starbucks has a huge
portion of the market share of coffee shops within the United States with
virtually no competition. This creates a unique opportunity for a company
with a different business model which can take market share from Starbucks.
By offering our customers value and a unique new coffee experience this can
be done effectively in all parts of our business model.

Technical Description of Project

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

Sycamore Street Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop located
in the River North area of Downtown Chicago. Sycamore Street Coffee
prides itself on delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction to its
customers while offering a coffeehouse experience unparalleled in the
industry. To set ourselves apart from the competition, we offer complete
customization and self-preparation of each cup of coffee. In house ground
coffee beans paired with unique flavors, crèmes, and desserts will provide a
taste to customers that is unforgettable. In a market with steep competition
from rivals such as Starbucks, it is imperative that our brand stay original and
offer a one of kind experience. Our 24 hour business model provides
customers the ability to enjoy our products at any moment during the day.
This in effect will help sales from competitors that are normally closed.
Offering a wide selection of teas and dessert drinks will be essential to
attracting late night customers. By having moderate pricing that is
competitive to Starbucks we will be able to use the highest quality
ingredients while still maintaining high gross margins. The interior
atmosphere of Sycamore Street Coffee will be relaxing, calming, and inviting
for customers to stay for extended periods of time in order to fully enjoy their
experience. Work meetings, college study groups, and friend gatherings will
be encouraged in order to maintain a healthy flow of customers and a vibrant
atmosphere. Sleek modern décor with live warm fireplaces accompanied
with classical music will be very inviting to our client base.

Timeline

Our timeline for opening Sycamore Street Coffee’s first shop is scheduled
for September 2015. In order to obtain financing for our operations a strict
timeline must be prioritized to ensure we are ready to open at the beginning
of September 2015. To ensure success and that all financing, licensing,
operations, and construction is in order we have advised a monthly timeline
for this year in order to meet objectives. Our timeline is as follows:

January 2015: Business Charter & Proposal Completed

February 2015: Financial Analysis for investors complete
March 2015: Meet with engineers regarding proposed design
April 2015: Meet with real estate agents to find location
May 2015: Financing Secured, Begin Construction, Sign Lease
June 2015: Begin Marketing Campaign
July 2015: Begin training management and crew workers, purchase
all necessary equipment
August 2015: Heavy advertising campaign for open, Install all
necessary equipment, Construction Completed, Hiring/Training
Complete
September 2015: Ready for Open September 1st

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

2. Objectives • Become selected as the "Best New Coffee Shop in the area" by the
Zagat Restaurant Guide within the first 3 months of operation. This
will be ascertained by offering unique value, experience, and
unparalleled customer service.

• To aspire for quality, character and excellence in all Sycamore Street

Coffee delivers. We will achieve this objective by providing the
highest level of customer satisfaction and delivering a corporate
culture of excellence.

• To serve the best quality and most interesting varieties of coffees,

teas, espresso drinks and accompaniments at all times to everyone.
High quality coffee products and fresh food will ensure this objective
is met.

• Strive to treat our customers respectfully as our guests; to offer our

guests service that is prompt, efficient, friendly, and relaxed. Highly
trained and well selected employees will uphold the values of
Sycamore Street coffee.

• Turn in profits from the business operations and maintain a 65%

gross margin. Obtaining the objective of high gross margins will be
achieved by good pricing, cost savings, and extensive financial
budgeting.

Business Need The purpose of this coffee shop is to bring a new atmosphere and availability
to the Downtown Chicago area. Our unique business model offers a service
unlike any other coffee shop. This shop will allow people to enjoy the
comfort of a hot beverage, baked goods, and welcoming atmosphere at any
time of the day. By being a self-service shop, no one will be excluded from
the availability. By offering a space for poetry readings will also bring
culture and new talent to the area as well. Culture and energy has proven to
be a vital success story in chains such as Starbucks and Potbelly. By inviting
culture within the store, people are attracted to use these types of stores as
gathering places with friends. This contributes to greater sales and
significantly benefits the bottom line. With Starbucks controlling a
significant portion of the market share for coffee shops, there is significant
profits to be made for a company that can set itself apart for them. The
unique ability for customers of Sycamore Street Coffee to make their own
lattes will attract customers from miles around to enjoy our originality and
one of a kind atmosphere. Sycamore Street Coffee Corporation will gain

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
market share from Starbucks and enjoy the accrual of profits as the business
model expands. We want to offer customers a new one of kind experience
while delivering high quality coffee and unparalleled customer service.

Milestones

Project Deliverables Target Date Responsibility

Project Charter Approved Jan. 20, 2015 Project Manager
Project Stakeholders Approve Feb. 1, 2015 Project Manger
Project Plan Completed Feb. 4, 2015 Project Manager, Team Leader
Project Plan Approved Feb. 28, 2015 Project Manager
Project Team Assembled Mar. 15, 2015 Team Leader, Project Manager
Project Plans Initiated Mar. 30, 2015 Team Leader, Project Team, Project
Manager
Financing Obtained May 1, 2015 Project Manager
Project Plans Completed Aug. 1, 2015 Project Manager
Customer Acceptance of plan Aug. 15, 2015 Project Manager, Team Leader
Project Completion/Closeout Sept. 1, 2015 Project Manager

Budget With a planned $700,000 business line of credit, Sycamore Street Coffee will
have sufficient capital to complete construction, develop their business
model, buy inventory, hire staff, and develop operations in the Fiscal Year
2015. Furthermore, their line of credit offers sufficient capital to finance

Page 7 of 42

growth expansion and maintain healthy account balances to may fixed and
variable costs.
User Acceptance
Criteria
Milestone
Project Charter approved
Project Stakeholders approved
the project
Project plan completed
Project plan approved
Project team assembled
Project plans initiated
Estimated Labor
Estimated Materials
Estimated Contractors
Estimated Equipment and
Facilities
Estimated Travel
Total Estimated Cost
Deliverable
Completed Charter; all team
members inputs included.
Financial/Business Portfolios
and Stakeholders analysis
submitted.
Projects Final Draft
A Statement Of Work has
been issued, with performance
requirements.
Project has been staffed by
qualified personnel.
Work Authorization has been
given by Legal Authority.
Page 8 of 42
SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
$45000
$250,000
$80,000
$112500
$10000
$417,580
Acceptance Criteria
Charter has been approved by:
Stakeholders, Design Team,
High level members of the
project team.
Stakeholders have reviewed
Financial breakdowns and
submitted all their inputs.
Team members; finance,
design, safety, legal have
finalized all documents with
signatures.
SOW (Statement Of Work)
has all the necessary
signatures and notaries.
All team members are fully
aware of their task and
obligations to the project and
Work Break Down Structure.
Form must include all
signatories.
*(see attached template)

Customer acceptance of plan
Project completion/closeout
SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Business Plan Business Plan has been
amended to include any
changes to the project
Project Completion Initiation/Implementation
Documents activities and modifications
are complete.

The outcome of the Project is

documented along with and
AAR (After Action Report)

High-Level • The selected building will meet all City of Chicago Commercial
Project Zoning Ordinances.
Assumptions • With the exception of minor repairs, the building will be ready for
commercial use.
• A building permit will be obtained for minor repairs.
• Building materials will be available for needed building repairs.
• Any safety and health inspections will be passed.
• A business license will be obtained by “Sycamore Street Coffee”.
• New coffee house equipment will be available for purchase.
• There will be candidates available for staffing the business.
• Parking will be available to customers.
• Security services and cameras will be installed for customer and
employee safety.

High-Level • Commercial Zoning Ordinances regulating the building design,

Project electric, etc.
Constraints • The contingency of passing any electrical, structural, and safety
inspections of the building
• The contingency of passing a food and health inspection from the
Department of Health
• The budgeted amount for opening Sycamore Street Coffee
• Any deadlines and opening day of the business
• The building occupancy limit may restrict customers
• The building square footage may reduce availability of equipment
• The ease of access for customers to reach the building
• Crime rate’s effect on security and commercial insurance
• State and county business licensing
• City of Chicago recycling and waste ordinance
• City of Chicago fire codes and regulations

Competition within the Chicago metropolitan area presents a significant

Exclusions and
amount of direct and indirect competition. Our business model may be limited
Boundaries
by unprecedented competitors. Direct competition comes from other locally
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
owned coffee shops and our mainstream competitor Starbucks. The boundaries
for our business model may be limited to our growth expansion plans. Due to
unforeseen regulator roadblocks, possible exclusions may include:

-The customer interface of coffee machines due to sanitation regulations

-The number of barista machines due to fire code and space availability
-Size of bathrooms due to space availability
-The use of in house food preparation due to regulations, food may possibly
have to be brought in from vendors
-The expansion plans for 5 more stores within 3 years may be scrapped due to
success or failures
-Our signage may not meet The City of Chicago signage codes
-24 hour operation may not be feasible in terms of revenue and labor costs
-Parking access and distance from subway and commercial buildings may
limit business. Our market research in the coming months will verify its
validity

Major Risks • Finding investors in high risk industry

• Project charter is approved by stakeholders with exception of budget
cut
• Budget cut can affect the length of the projects closeout
• Equipment/technology availability-e.g., electrical flow to rental or
easily operable machinery for customers..
• Obtaining a team with correct knowledge to build coffee shop and see
the project through
• Local competitor working on offering similar services and
introducing sooner
• Changes in project requirements
• Not enough budgeted for marketing
• Cut corners to meet deadline
• Permits and inspections postponed by City of Chicago
• Failure to achieve customer base
• Failure to maintain adequate financing

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Project Manager Matthew Atkins

Authority Level

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

Project Core Team Denise Banda

Katie Barbour
Winston Barratt
Jessica Beach
Gagandeep Bedi

Subject Matter Consulting and accounting auditing by Deloitte

Experts (SMEs)
(What resources will Financial risk management and banking services provided by Northern
you need with Trust Corporation
special expertise?)

APPROVALS
3. Type Name 4. Signature 5. Date
Project Manager Approval Matthew Atkins Jan. 18
2015

Customer/Sponsor Approval

3. Project Scope Statement

Project Scope Statement: Sycamore Street Coffee

Project Name Sycamore Street Coffee Project Group B

Number
Project Manager Matthew Atkins Prioritization Immediate
Team B: Denise Banda, Katie Barbour, Winston
Barratt, Jessica Beach, Gagandeep Bedi
Owner Sycamore Street Coffee Corporation
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

6. Statement of Project Description

The purpose of this project is to create a concrete plan for Sycamore Street Coffee’s
Work—Project
first store located in Chicago. Our project aims to have all responsibilities and
Description and
tasks efficiently organized in order to plan the opening of our business strategically
Project Product
and on schedule. Effective leadership and a highly skilled team will ensure that all
tasks are delegated appropriately and that all work is completed with the highest
degree of excellence. Strategically located in the center of Chicago, Sycamore
Street Coffee will rapidly establish itself as known brand in the coffee shop
industry. This will prove to our investors and competitors that Sycamore Street
Coffee is determined to be mainstream in American culture. Our unique ability to
achieve all objectives will develop an unparalleled corporate culture and create a
place that is desirable for many to work. Creating a positive corporate culture is
essential to productivity and success. Sycamore Street Coffee will be positioned to
offer its customers value and a business model yet seen in the industry.

The coffee shop business is a multibillion business with significant opportunities in

a virtually monopolized industry. Starbucks has a huge portion of the market share
of coffee shops within the United States with virtually no competition. This creates
a unique opportunity for a company with a different business model which can take
market share from Starbucks. By offering our customers value and a unique new
coffee experience this can be done effectively in all parts of our business model.

Sycamore Street Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee shop located in the
River North area of Downtown Chicago. Sycamore Street Coffee prides itself on
delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction to its customers while offering
a coffeehouse experience unparalleled in the industry. To set ourselves apart from
the competition, we offer complete customization and self-preparation of each cup
of coffee. In house ground coffee beans paired with unique flavors, crèmes, and
desserts will provide a taste to customers that is unforgettable. In a market with
steep competition from rivals such as Starbucks, it is imperative that our brand stay
original and offer a one of kind experience. Our 24 hour business model provides
customers the ability to enjoy our products at any moment during the day. This in
effect will help sales from competitors that are normally closed. Offering a wide
selection of teas and dessert drinks will be essential to attracting late night
customers. By having moderate pricing that is competitive to Starbucks we will be
able to use the highest quality ingredients while still maintaining high gross
margins. The interior atmosphere of Sycamore Street Coffee will be relaxing,
calming, and inviting for customers to stay for extended periods of time in order to
fully enjoy their experience. Work meetings, college study groups, and friend
gatherings will be encouraged in order to maintain a healthy flow of customers and
a vibrant atmosphere. Sleek modern décor with live warm fireplaces accompanied
with classical music will be very inviting to our client base.

Our Product

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
By offering a unique experience to our customers we can guarantee a successful
business model. Our customers will have the ability to utilize self-service espresso
machines to customize their own lattes. Pricing will be simplified based upon cup
size and espresso output. Since the customer will have the ability to create a latte
that is as sweet or strong as they like, they will experience a cup of coffee they have
never been able to have before. A creation of their own, a wonderful customization
enables our customers to enjoy whatever their heart desires. The customer will
begin with the cup size of their choice. Then they will move on to decide house
coffees, espresso drinks, iced coffee blends, hot teas, and cold tea drinks. There will
be a unique dedicated machine for each product. After the customer decides their
product, they will then have a variety of flavor choices. This can range from dark
roast coffee beans, to imported Ethiopian coffee, to herbal teas. The possibilities are
endless and our customers will be amazed at the unique flavors they will be able to
discover. From there their choices of milks, sugars, sweeteners and endless flavors
with certainly please their appetite. Whipped crème, chocolate, caramel, toppings
available as well. Perhaps the most unique feature for Sycamore Street Coffee will
be our pricing. To avoid confusion and escalate customer orders, their will only be
a flat pricing across the board for coffee, tea, and iced coffee drinks. This will
ensure a simplified menu, effortless transactions, and less confusion for our
customers. If our cashiers had to ask for every single ingredient the customer put in
their coffee, then this would create communication barriers and many
inefficiencies. In house baked goods will be also available. The offerings will give
our customers a variety of choices. For our coffee and drinks the prices will be low
enough to attract customers from our competitors but high enough to maintain
healthy gross margins. Perhaps our greatest proposition to our customers will be an
unprecedented 30 cent refills on all drinks. This will keep our customers coming
back for more and will enable them to stay at our stores for longer periods of time.
Our market research has indicated that 58% of customers that stay at Starbucks
locations for more than 45 minutes end up purchasing another item before they
leave. If we can attract social crowds, business workers, and students, Sycamore
Street Coffee will become a high growth company in the near future. Our value
proposition to our customers, the utilization of the best ingredients, and a simplified
ordering and payment process will ensure complete success in our business model.

Our Team
The entire project team is dedicated to the success of Sycamore Street Coffee
Corporation. To ensure success each member is assigned to a specific duty
regarding the opening of our business. Matthew Atkins is assigned to finance and
assumes the role of project manager. Denise Banda is assigned to inventory
ordering and deliveries. Katie Barbour will be assigned to marketing, real estate and
property management. Katie’s property management tasks will also consist of all
permit approvals. Winston Barratt will be assigned to Technology and equipment.
Jessica Beach will be assigned to furnishing and interior. Finally, Gagandeep Bedi
is assigned for team training, scheduling, and interviewing. All of human resource
development, processes, and onboarding will be handled by Mr. Bedi. By

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
delegating all tasks appropriately we will ensure a prompt, organized, and efficient
opening of Sycamore Street Coffee’s first store.
Matthew Atkins: Project Manager, Director of Finance
Denise Banda: Inventory & Logistics Director
Katie Barbour: Marketing Director & Property Management
Jessica Beach: Operations Director
Winston Barratt: Technology Director
Gagandeep Bedi: Human Resource Director
Financing
All corporate banking for Sycamore Street Coffee will be conducted thru Northern
Trust Corporation. Northern Trust will provide us with basic banking services,
credit card processing, savings accounts, employee payroll accounting solutions,
and wealth management. Northern Trust will provide corporate financing in our
$700,000 revolving line of credit to start the business. This is made possible by
Northern Trust purchasing a 50% stake in our corporation to securitize our debt.

Deloitte Corporation will provide internal auditing, accounting services, and year
end accounting audits for our company. Furthermore they will provide consulting
business solutions as we grow and elevate our business model.

Marketing
All of our marketing initiative will consist of website creation, paper advertising,
and the use of social media. In effort to lower cost, all marketing initiatives will be
conducted in house. This will include the creation of a Facebook page, Yelp
account, and our own company website. As time progresses and revenues begin to
flow we then will move to more aggressive marketing.

Inventory
Our coffee suppliers will be directly from companies such as Intelligentsia Coffee
& Tea, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, and Green Mountain Coffee Corp. For our baked good
selection we will actually purchase local goods from vendors to create exquisite
pastries and desserts. Our in house bakers will create one of kind baked goods for
our customers daily. Keeping our suppliers local will save cost and reduce the need
for access inventory space.

For kitchen small wares, miscellaneous equipment, and other items we will utilize
The Web Restaurant Store online. They have fast shipping and very competitive
pricing. For office supplies, we will utilize quill.com to fulfill any necessary orders.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

Equipment & Installation

All point of sale equipment, internet, surveillance, cameras, and computer systems
will be installed by Lenovo Business Solutions. Although there is high cost
involved, this will ensure a well capable IT network that runs efficiently.
Furthermore, the ability to access their service technicians around the clock will
enable us to run a 24 hour operation virtually uninterrupted.

Kitchen equipment will be installed by local contracts to save on cost and will be
conducted during the latter part of the construction phase. This will give us plenty
of time to test all equipment to ensure it is working properly. For our coffee
machine installation, we will pay the manufacturer to install and show us how to
operate the machines. Since these machines are the lifeblood of our operation, we
must fully understand every aspect of them.

Staff/Management
Our human resource director will conduct all employee training in order to save
money and create a unique culture for our brand. Training will begin well in
advance of our open to ensure a staff that is professional, hard-working, and
dedicated. Having a fully prepared staff will ensure a smooth opening in the first
weeks of operation. Deloitte’s consulting team will review our human resource
department as part of their operations audit to ensure that we are operating
efficiently.

Real Estate & Design

Inland Real Estate owns the selected spot we have chosen to lease. The terms of
contract is a 5 year lease and allows us to completely modified the current space to
suit our needs. Jacobs Engineering has created our blueprints for design and
conduced the surveying of the structure to determine if all of our necessities will be
met. Our design will feature recycled materials that are environmentally friendly
and cost effective. Tishman Speyer will conduct the construction for our design and
will provide ongoing modifications and renovations as necessary.

Project Deliverables

Deliverable Provisions Delivery Date Quantity

January 30,
Business Proposal Outline for all deliverables 2015 1
Prepare financial analysis and model for February 20,
Financial Analysis investors 2015 1
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Interior Design Begin design of interior March 30,2015 1
Lease Agreement Sign Lease for Coffee Shop April 14, 2015 1
Marketing Proposal Present tangible marketing items-5 sources April 1,2015 1
Coffee shop
furniture Furniture delivered for interior/exterior May 1,2015 60 pieces
Bathroom Appliances, mirrors and paper holders May 1,2015 10 items
Kitchen appliances Food Storage, Cooking, Preparing, May 1,2015 20 items
Coffee, Tea
appliances Coffee appliances, Tea appliances May 1,2015 10 items
Office furniture Office furniture delivered May 15,2015 10 items
POS System Cash handling equipment delivered May 15, 2015 3 Units
Engineering Install all electrical appliances May 15,2015 2 people
Pluming Install all bathroom appliances May 15,2015 1 person
Training Begin training employees July 1,2015 15
City license Food/beverage, occupancy license August 1,2015 2
Fire Marshall
Approval Building approved and inspected August 2, 2015 1
Non-perishables
items Paper goods, kitchen, dining, office August 15,2015 300 units
Utensils Forks, Knifes, Spoons, and all kitchen utensils August 15,2015 200 total
Perishable items Food, coffee beans, tea leafs, creamer August 23,2015 100 units
August 24,
Store Managers Employed and training complete 2015 2
August 25,
Store Staff Employed and training complete 2015 15

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2015 Growth Plan

Project Objectives

• Become selected as the "Best New Coffee Shop in the area" by the Zagat Restaurant Guide
within the first 3 months of operation. This will be ascertained by offering unique value,
experience, and unparalleled customer service.
• To aspire for quality, character and excellence in all Sycamore Street Coffee delivers. We will
achieve this objective by providing the highest level of customer satisfaction and delivering a
corporate culture of excellence.
• To serve the best quality and most interesting varieties of coffees, teas, espresso drinks and
accompaniments at all times to everyone. High quality coffee products and fresh food will
ensure this objective is met.
• Strive to treat our customers respectfully as our guests; to offer our guests service that is
prompt, efficient, friendly, and relaxed. Highly trained and well selected employees will
uphold the values of Sycamore Street coffee.
• Turn in profits from the business operations and maintain a 65% gross margin. Obtaining the
objective of high gross margins will be achieved by good pricing, cost savings, and extensive
financial budgeting.
• Effectively gain market share from local coffee shops and nearby Starbucks locations within 1
sq. mile of our location
• Maintain monthly labor costs at 22% of sales including all hourly employees and management
• Attract private equity firm investment by pitching our plans and ideas for expansion to local
investors
• Long term goal to payoff $700,000 credit line within 5 years of operations
• Develop a unique and unparalleled corporate culture that creates a new standard for the entire
service industry. Customers and employees will enjoy a unique opportunity to experience
amazing customer service unmatched in the industry

Project Assumptions

• The selected building will meet all City of Chicago Commercial Zoning Ordinances.
• The selected location will provide an adequate customer base.
• With the exception of minor repairs, the building will be ready for commercial use.
• A building permit will be obtained for minor repairs.
• Building materials will be available for needed building repairs.
• Any safety and health inspections will be passed.
• A business license will be obtained by “Sycamore Street Coffee”.
Project Assumptions Continued

• New coffee house equipment will be available for purchase.

• There will be candidates available for staffing the business.
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

• A training program will be in place for newly hired employees.

• Adequate inventory will be available for the opening.
• Public Parking but not reserved parking will be available to customers.
• Security services and cameras will be installed for customer and employee safety.
• Sycamore Street Coffee will establish itself as a Subchapter S corporation
• Sycamore Street Coffee will have its corporate name copyrighted
• Sycamore Street Coffee will have its custom latte names trademarked
• Sycamore Street Coffee will be the first in the industry to demonstrate its business model
separating itself from its competitors

Project Constraints

• Commercial Zoning Ordinances regulating the building design, electric, etc.

• The contingency of passing any electrical, structural, and safety inspections of the building
• The contingency of passing a food and health inspection from the Department of Health
• The budgeted amount for opening Sycamore Street Coffee
• Any deadlines and opening day of the business
• The building occupancy limit may restrict customers.
• The lot size may restrict future expansions
• The building square footage may reduce availability of equipment
• The ease of access for customers to reach the building
• Crime rate’s effect on security and commercial insurance
• State and county business licensing
• City of Chicago recycling and waste ordinance
• City of Chicago fire codes and regulations
• Availability of funding for emergency generator in the cases of power outages
• Parking Availability
• Location is a far distance from subway
• Location is far from heavy foot traffic on weekends

Exclusions

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
• Exclusions to Sycamore Street Coffee include the following:
• Limited outdoor seating due to sidewalk space
• Single person bathrooms due to space constraints
• No preferred or dedicated parking spaces
• No loyalty rewards program until our brand is established due to high marketing costs
• High cost marketing initiatives will not be considered due to budget limitations
• None of our beverages will have similar names to Starbucks Brand drinks in order to avoid
copyright infringement and to keep our brand completely unique and original
• Our absolute maximum financing for the entire project budget is $700,000
• Company website will remain simple in order to market our business while simultaneously
lowering marketing costs
• Menu will not include specialty drinks only Fiji bottled water and our Coffee products. This
simplifies our business model and reduces the need for access refrigeration space
• Due to space limitations we will not stock pile a large amount of inventory. Therefore, just in
time inventory strategy must be utilized by our managers.
• To lower labor cost and avoid micromanagement, the store will have only one general manager
and one assistant manager
• Our coffee cups and product bags will not be custom branded in order to lower product cost.
After 6 months of operation, we will then consider customized branding.

Acceptance Criteria

Guest
Appearance Comment
Was the appearance of the coffee shop inviting?
Was the coffee shop's location accessible?
Was parking readily available?

Dining
Was the dining area relaxing?
Did the dining area provide plenty of seating?
Were the pastries complimented by the drinks available?
Did the dining area look clean and free of empty dishes and trash?
Were the food and beverages served as required/expected?
Were any of the products served under cooked or over cooked?
Were the bathrooms clean and fully stocked?
Was the dining area fully stocked with utensils, condiments, mugs, glasses?
Does the coffee shop feel spacious?

Staff
Was the staff presentable?
Was the staff courteous and helpful to all you needs?

Product Use
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Were the appliances (coffee/tea maker) easily operable?
Were the instructions provided for each appliance easy to follow?
Was the description for the coffee of your choice accurate to what you experienced?
Was the description of the tea of your choice accurate to what you experienced?

Product Quality
Is the coffee hot?
Is the coffee good quality?
How does the coffee quality taste in comparison to our competitors?
Does the taste of our coffee leave a lasting impression?
Does our coffee experience meet and exceed your
expectations?

Marketing
How did you learn of the coffee shop?
Where you aware of the opening date?
Are you aware of the group gatherings at the coffee shop?

Entertainment
Does the coffee shop relate to your personality?
Did the coffee shop provide enough reading material?
Was the music appealing?
Was the culture of the store lively and vibrant?
Was the Wi-Fi easily accessible?

Technical Requirements

Licenses and Permits for Sycamore Street Coffee Corporation

The first technical requirement that is needed in order to open the coffee shop will be to contact
the city of Chicago to make sure that the building we choose is zoned properly for a coffee
shop. The types of permitting we will need for the business includes – zoning, inspections,
recurring inspections, and the Chicago Restaurant Tax. Zoning is important aspect of any
business and is done to ensure the safety, health, and protection of the general public. We can
check the zoning by looking up the address we select in the interactive zoning map that is
provided. Also, we can speak to a Business Affairs and Consumer Protection consultant (City,
2015).

Next, we have to file for a RFE license. This is a Retail Food Establishment. To acquire this
license we have to provide the name of our business, address, square footage, lease of property,
Illinois Business Tax number, Federal Employers Identification Number, Chicago Department
of Public Health Sanitation certificate, business registration information, and a photo ID. Many

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
of these are explained below on how to acquire. There is a few we have to pay at the time of
acquiring the application, which is depended on square footage.

If the building is 0 to 4,500 sq. ft. the fee is $660.00.

If it is 4,501 to 10,000 then the fee is $880.00.
If the building is over 10,001 sq. ft. the fee is $1,100.00
(City, 2015).

In order to acquire a building permit for the renovations we are making we must contact the
Chicago Department of Buildings. They must inspect the building after we have submitted the
license application, but before we receive the license. We have to make sure that upon
inspection the building meets all new health, building, and fire code in order to pass. Even if
our building was previously a food establishment, codes could have changed (City, 2015).

Also, before we can acquire a business license, we must pass the public health inspection. This
focuses on food handling, product temperature, personal hygiene, maintenance, and pest
control. By this time, we need to have a rough menu put together for the health inspector as
well. Lastly, when we go to hang a sign for the company, we need to contact the Business
Affairs and Consumer Protection. They will grant us the Grant of Privilege Permit. Also, we
will need one addition permit for the sideway dining we will be offering. This permit is called
Sidewalk Café Permit. It runs from the season of March 1 to December 1 (City, 2015).

At the time of sending in our application for business, we will automatically be registered for
the Chicago Restaurant Tax. This tax is .25%. Also, we will need to comply with state and
federal compliance and are susceptible to recurring inspections throughout operation (City,
2015).

Equipment
The first type of equipment we will need for the coffee shop with be espresso equipment. The
type of coffee making I recommend getting for the business is called a Coffee Art Touch IT
with Fine steam. This espresso machine gives the ability to make cappuccinos, lattes,
macchiato, and coffee. It has an automated cleaning system, which will help with maintenance.
Lastly, with this type of machine we can offer two types of milk for the customers (Schaerer,
2013). I suggest we purchase two of these machines in order to keep customers moving and for
an easy flow of people. The average price of this machine is $16,800.00 to $18,400.00,
depending on exact specifics (Peach Suite, 2015).

An oven will be needed for baking the baked goods for the store. There should not be a high
volume of baked goods that we need to produce, so I am thinking that a Bakers Pride 55” triple
deck electric bake oven provided through Webstaurantstore.com, and will best support our
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
baking needs. They are around $18,600.00 and we will only need one of them. Also, a
refrigerator will be needed as well. I have chosen the Avantco CFD-2RR 54” Reach in
Refrigerator for $1,959.00, which is offered through Websturantstore.com.

We would have to install a water softener for the whole business as a way to make sure the
equipment stays clear of minerals and build up. The company, I suggest we contact, would
Culligan. They have a wide variety of water softeners for different types of businesses. Also,
the company has been in business for over 75 years and has more than 180 dealers. By
installing a water softener will not only save the equipment, but it will also reduce utility bills
and labor/maintenance costs (Culligan, 2015).

Software/Security
The software that will work best with our business is called the Coffee Shop Manager HQ 3.0.
This program allows for the security of transactional sales, a menu, inventory, and labor
information on a central reporting system. Also, the already built in technology of this program
will allow us the ability to expand to more coffee shops as we grow in the future (Coffee,
2014).
This software offers several different types of programs and registers, but I feel the best fitting
for the company would be Mocha Touchscreen Package. This system includes:
• Coffee Shop Manager POS Software
o Menu Preparation
o Training
o Initial Month of Support Included
• Coffee Shop Manager Back Office
• Pioneer 15" Touchscreen Terminal with OEM licensed Windows 7
• Electronic Cash Drawer
• Additional Drawer Insert
• Integrated Magnetic Credit Card Reader
• Thermal Receipt Printer
The package is priced at $4195.00, and will also cover all operation programs needed for the
manager to keep track of things (Coffee, 2014).

For hardware we will utilize for the front of house point of sale system and the back of house
office is the Lenovo Think Server TS430. Additional monitors and hardware will be installed
by Lenovo Business Solutions.

In terms of security, I feel it would be best to go through a company like ADT, than to try
covering our own system. ADT offers protection against burglary, theft, and fire. An added

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
bonus to this company is inventory temperature control, climate management, and small
appliance control. This system would allow us the ability to control every aspect of the
business as well as remain safe with 24/7 monitored security (ADT, 2015). We would have to
call them once we have acquired our building and have them inspect what type of set up to
install and give us a pricing based on that.

Furniture
The last thing we are in need of for the business is going to be furniture. For this, I suggest we
stay local and go to a store called American Hospitality Furniture and Wholesale Interiors, both
based in Chicago. They provide furniture for restaurants, hotels, and commercial. For the
outside seating, we should go for something comfortable but weather resistant. The Cape Cod
style from American would work best. They are a good look, modern, and very unique. A
perfect fit for the Chicago life style. We would need roughly 16 chairs for the seating of 8
people outside.

For the inside chair, we need several different types of chairs. I would say Baxton Studio
Halifax Beige Linen chairs for around the fire place from Wholesale. They offer a more
comfortable feel for those that are wishing to stay a while and read. The normal tables need
something that is a bit more resilient to coffee stains and busy flow. The chair that would work
best is the Midtown Diner Chair from American. It still has a high end feel, yet goes well with
the other chairs by the fire place. Lastly, we should place a nice couch by the fire place as well,
just to add a home feeling. I would suggest a Baxton Studio White Le Corbusier Petite Sofa
from Wholesale.

Lastly, we need tables. American Hospitality offers many different types of table tops and
bottoms. Therefore, I would find it in our best interest to go to the store and have them pull
together some samples for us to all agree on.

Dishware
The dishware we want to keep simple and along the lines of how the furniture is. Therefore,
Carlisle Kingline Melamine Dinnerware available on Webstaurantstore.com would be the best
fit for the cafe. We can get 9” plates that come in cases of 48 at $63, and discuss how many we
think will be needed right off the bat and color, once we decide on décor. They also offer
different types of trays that I think would be beneficial to get as well, just to add ease to
customers.

Miscellaneous
We will need some wire and solid shelving as well for storage in the back for baking. The best
type would be a Cambro Camshelving Unit with 5 shelves. They are $509 a piece and 4 will be
essential to begin.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

The last technical things we should need for the business would the small things needed for
baking, all the perishables, disposables items, and so forth. All of these items can be found on
Webstaurantstore.com and will help guide us through what things we still need as well.

APPROVALS
Type Name Signature Date
Project Manager Approval Jan. 25, 2015
Matthew Atkins
Customer or Sponsor
Approval

4. Work Breakdown Structure / Project Schedule (.mpp file)

WORK BREAKDOWN SCHEDULE

Task Name Duration Start Finish
Sycamore Street Coffee
308 days? Fri 1/2/15 Tue 3/8/16
Corporation
Business Charter Created 14 days Fri 1/2/15 Wed 1/21/15
Team task assignments 3 days Fri 1/2/15 Tue 1/6/15
Financial Planning &
45 days? Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
Investment
Aquire Financing 30 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 2/12/15
Create Articles of
5 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 1/8/15
Incorporation
Create financial projects 30 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 2/12/15
Create investor presentation 30 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 2/12/15
Meet with investors 1 day Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
Budget Analysis 45 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
Research Costs 45 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
Break/even analysis 45 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
Net present value 45 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
Develop budget 45 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/5/15
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Banking 1 day? Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
Create corporate bank
1 day? Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
accounts
Deposit funds 1 day? Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
Establish business credit line 1 day? Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
Credit card processing 1 day? Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15
Inventory 116 days Wed 4/1/15 Wed 9/9/15
Office Supplies 20 days Mon 6/1/15 Fri 6/26/15
Furniture 92 days Sat 4/11/15 Sat 8/15/15
Prepare specifications 10 days Mon 4/13/15 Fri 4/24/15
Prepare evaluation criteria 10 days Mon 4/13/15 Fri 4/24/15
Evaluate vendor responses 10 days Mon 4/13/15 Fri 4/24/15
Purchase furniture 90 days Mon 4/13/15 Fri 8/14/15
Provide facilities 60 days Mon 4/13/15 Fri 7/3/15
Issue purchase order 1 day Mon 8/3/15 Mon 8/3/15
Hardware 60 days Fri 5/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Prepare specifications 1 day Fri 5/1/15 Fri 5/1/15
Prepare evaluation criteria 1 day Fri 5/1/15 Fri 5/1/15
Evaluate vendor responses 1 day Fri 5/1/15 Fri 5/1/15
Purchase hardware 1 day Fri 5/1/15 Fri 5/1/15
Issue purchase order 1 day Fri 5/1/15 Fri 5/1/15
Software 30 days Wed 4/1/15 Tue 5/12/15
Prepare specifications 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Prepare evaluation criteria 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Evaluate vendor responses 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Purchase software 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Issue purchase order 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Inspections 3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
Prepare acceptance testing 3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
Condu ct acceptance tests 3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
Prepare revisions from
3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
acceptance tests
Provide prepared facilities 3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
Conduct site visit and
3 days Tue 8/25/15 Thu 8/27/15
reference checks
Customer Service 45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
Conduct training 45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
Acceptance testing 45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
Prepare acceptance criteria 45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
Conduct acceptance tests 45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
Prepare revisions from
45 days Tue 6/30/15 Mon 8/31/15
acceptance tests
Food 94 days Fri 5/1/15 Wed 9/9/15
Prepare specifications 30 days Fri 5/1/15 Thu 6/11/15
Prepare evaluation Criteria 30 days Fri 5/1/15 Thu 6/11/15

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Evaluate vendor responses 30 days Fri 5/1/15 Thu 6/11/15
Purchase Goods 30 days Thu 7/30/15 Wed 9/9/15
Provide facilities 7 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/9/15
Issue Purchase order 1 day Sun 8/30/15 Sun 8/30/15
Operations 64 days Fri 1/2/15 Wed 4/1/15
Aquire Facility 64 days Fri 1/2/15 Wed 4/1/15
Research local real estate 60 days Fri 1/2/15 Thu 3/26/15
Meet with real estate agents 21 days Sun 2/1/15 Fri 2/27/15
Find suitable locations 30 days Sat 2/14/15 Thu 3/26/15
Conduct market research to
45 days Sun 1/11/15 Thu 3/12/15
find best possible location
Sign Lease 1 day Wed 4/1/15 Wed 4/1/15
Engineering 22 days Sun 1/25/15 Tue 2/24/15
Meet with Jacobs Engineering 7 days Sun 1/25/15 Mon 2/2/15
Review blueprints 14 days Sun 2/1/15 Wed 2/18/15
Approve designs 5 days Wed 2/18/15 Tue 2/24/15
Equipment 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase espresso machines 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase kitchen appliances 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase Furniture 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase bathroom fixtures 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase lighting fixtures 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase sanitation equipment 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase kitchen smallwares 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Purchase misc. items 60 days Sun 3/15/15 Thu 6/4/15
Human Resources 74 days Mon 6/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
HR Paperwork 29 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
ID Cards 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Government Tax Forms 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Applications Completed 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Background Checks 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Drug Screening 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Time Off Requests 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Termination Papers 30 days Sat 8/1/15 Thu 9/10/15
Employee Benefits 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Health Insurance if they
7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
work more than 32 hours per week
401K 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Employee Relations Hotline 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Employee Recognition
7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Awards
Discounted Coffee 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Lunch Breaks 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Paid Holidays 7 days Mon 6/1/15 Tue 6/9/15
Training 10 days Tue 8/18/15 Mon 8/31/15
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
POS 2 days Wed 8/19/15 Thu 8/20/15
Espresso Making 3 days Fri 8/21/15 Tue 8/25/15
Machine Operation 2 days Tue 8/25/15 Wed 8/26/15
All Drinks 2 days Thu 8/27/15 Fri 8/28/15
Baked Goods 2 days Thu 8/27/15 Fri 8/28/15
Customer Service 2 days Fri 8/28/15 Mon 8/31/15
Safety 2 days Fri 8/28/15 Mon 8/31/15
Security 2 days Fri 8/28/15 Mon 8/31/15
Management 48 days Wed 7/1/15 Fri 9/4/15
Recruiting 14 days Wed 7/1/15 Mon 7/20/15
Interviews 7 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/9/15
Accelerated Training 14 days Sat 8/1/15 Wed 8/19/15
Teamwork building 7 days Wed 8/19/15 Thu 8/27/15
Conflict Resolution 7 days Thu 8/27/15 Fri 9/4/15
Technology/IT 133 days Sun 2/1/15 Wed 8/5/15
Establish Bids for IT work 31 days Sun 2/1/15 Fri 3/13/15
Lenovo Business Solutions 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
IBM 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
VMWare 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
Symantec Corporation 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
Purchase Equipment 17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Cisco Surviellence
17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Equipment
Lenovo Tablets 17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Lenovo POS System 17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Printers 17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Wiring 17 days Wed 7/1/15 Thu 7/23/15
Installation of all IT
7 days Tue 7/28/15 Wed 8/5/15
equipment
Lenovo Business Solutions 7 days Tue 7/28/15 Wed 8/5/15
Marketing 287 days Sun 2/1/15 Tue 3/8/16
Market Research 60 days Sun 2/1/15 Thu 4/23/15
Evaluate the area to see local
30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
coffee shops
Create suvery and needs
30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
analysis from customers
Research Advertising Cost 16 days Sun 3/1/15 Fri 3/20/15
Contact local papers 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
Price print ads 30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
Research web design
30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
companies
Research yellow page
30 days Mon 2/2/15 Fri 3/13/15
websites to establish fees
Test Markets 51 days Sat 2/28/15 Fri 5/8/15
Distribute surveys/analyze
60 days Sun 2/1/15 Thu 4/23/15
data
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Analyze local coffee shops
60 days Sun 2/1/15 Thu 4/23/15
further with new data
Establish Social Media 21 days Sun 3/1/15 Fri 3/27/15
Establish a relationship with
14 days Mon 3/2/15 Thu 3/19/15
a web design company
Begin Facebook account 14 days Mon 3/2/15 Thu 3/19/15
Begin Twitter account 14 days Mon 3/2/15 Thu 3/19/15
Begin Yelp and Yellow
14 days Mon 3/2/15 Thu 3/19/15
pages
Establish Print Media 257 days Mon 3/16/15 Tue 3/8/16
Start running ads in Chicago
180 days Wed 7/1/15 Tue 3/8/16
Tribune
Hang posters in subways and
7 days Wed 7/8/15 Thu 7/16/15
pass out flyers
Design Logos 55 days Sun 2/1/15 Thu 4/16/15
Contact graphic designers
14 days Sun 2/1/15 Wed 2/18/15
for ideas
Research local art in the area
45 days Sun 2/15/15 Thu 4/16/15
for ideas
Design Signage 125 days Sun 3/1/15 Thu 8/20/15
Contact graphic designers
4 days Sun 3/1/15 Wed 3/4/15
for development
Price out prints 7 days Fri 5/1/15 Mon 5/11/15
Price out building neon sign 12 days Mon 3/2/15 Tue 3/17/15
Distribute signage 3 days Tue 8/18/15 Thu 8/20/15
Trail Run of Store Operations 1 day Mon 8/31/15 Mon 8/31/15
Store Opening 1 day Tue 9/1/15 Tue 9/1/15

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
GNATT CHART
Today
Februar March April May June July August September Octobe
Start MGMT 404 WEEK 4 WBS
Fri 1/2/15 Fri 1/2/15 - Tue 3/8/16
Sycamore Street Coffee Corporation
Fri 1/2/15 - Tue 3/8/16
Busine Engineering Test Markets Human Resources
ss Sun 1/25/15 Sat 2/28/15 - Fri 5/8/15 Mon 6/1/15 - Thu 9/10/15
T Technology/IT Trai S
e Sun 2/1/15 - Wed 8/5/15 nin t
Financial Planning & Equipment Management
Investment Sun 3/15/15 - Thu 6/4/15 Wed 7/1/15 - Fri 9/4/15
Aquire Financing Resear Inventory
Fri 1/2/15 - Thu ch Wed 4/1/15 - Wed 9/9/15
Budget Analysis Establish Print Media
Fri 1/2/15 - Thu 3/5/15 Mon 3/16/15 - Tue 3/8/16
B Establish Bids E Purchas In T
a for IT work m e st r
Operations HR Paperwork
Fri 1/2/15 - Wed 4/1/15 Sat 8/1/15 - Thu
Marketing
Sun 2/1/15 - Tue 3/8/16
Market Research
Sun 2/1/15 - Thu 4/23/15
Design Logos
Sun 2/1/15 - Thu 4/16/15
Establish
Social
Design Signage
Sun 3/1/15 - Thu 8/20/15

5. Risk Management Plan

RISK REGISTER
Positive/
Probabili Risk Trigger
ID Risk Name Risk Description Impact Negativ Proactive Response Plan Reactive Contingency Plan
ty Ranking Event
e

Creating a successful investor

If we do not secure
FINANCE: necessary financing
1 Insufficient for operations, then we VH
Financing cannot complete the
project.
presentation for our creditors is
essential for obtaining financing.
H Red Negative Furthermore, creating accurate
financial projections and accurate
data collection is necessary for
complete and valid reports
Create more conservative
Rejection of
assessments and access other
our business
groups of investors. By presenting
plans and
our presentation to multiple
financial
investors we can ensure that
models
funding will be secured.

Page 29 of 42

If our company fails to
attract customers and
FINANCE: Low
2 generate revenue, then VH
Revenues
we will not be able to
sustain operations.
SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Advertising more and promoting
the business can help ensure that Revitalize our marketing plan to
we create a customer base. Customers do attract customers. Conduct market
Marketing is essential to attracting not show up research to better understand our
H Red Negative
customers which will in return to generate customer base. Utilize television,
create revenues. A unique and revenues. billboard, and social media to find
unparralled experience will attract more customers.
customers

Correct financial planning

If we have higher than combined with cost savings, low If gross margins are much higher
End of
FINANCE: High expected gross food cost, low labor cost will than expected, we can use the
3 L L Green Positive quarter
Gross Margins margins, then we can create a situation where gross extra money to pay off debt and to
financial data
pay off debt. margins will be significantly help finance future expansion.
higher.
To attract private equity
investment our company must Excellent
If a private equity firm If we were to receive private
FINANCE: adhear to high standards and sales
invests in our equtiy investment, our company
4 Private Equity VH VL Yellow Positive create a brand for ourselves. performance
company, then we can will expand to new locations
Investment Furthermore, we must penetrate and growth
expand the company. rapidly.
our market and have proper potential
financial analysis and planning.
IRS may randomly audit our
If the IRS audits our
accounting books at any time. To IRS Audit Keep sufficient books and
accounting records,
FINANCE: IRS prevent any risk, we must ensure after yearly accounting practices so that the
5 then we could face VL VL Green Negative
Audit accurate record keeping, check tax returns IRS will have a clean audit of our
fines if they are not
images, documentation of are submitted company.
accurate.
spending, and tax receipts.
To prevent high labor costs our
If labor costs are
managers must ensure that all High labor
unexpectantly high in
employees are being utilized costs in the
FINANCE: High relation to sales, then Coach managers on effective
6 M M Yellow Negative 100%. Furthermore, they must end of the
Labor Costs we will not have an labor management.
schedule their crew appropriatley week sales
accurate budget for
to cover the store during busy and report.
labor.
slow times.
If the interest rates on By keeping a low debt to equity
By having sound financial
our revolving line of ratio we will receive credit at low
FINANCE: Low statements, sufficient assets, and Securing
7 creditlower, then we M M Yellow Positive rates. Continued low rates for our
Interest Rates low liabilities this can help secure Financing
are able to pay if off business will lower lending cost
financing at low interest rates.
quicker. and increase our ability to expand.
If someone gains
unauthorized access A vulnerability assessment that
Intrusion
INFORMATION into our data system, will require the implementation of
event or Isolated Attack, secure sensitive
8 TECHNOLOGY: then destruction or H H Red Negative additional measures as the become
other such assets.
System Breech disclosure of sensitive available or when the budget can
attack
information is accommodate it.
possible.
If there are errors in
INFORMATION
the implementation of
TECHNOLOGY: Resource Loading should specify Remissions Establish a finish-to-start
9 Software/Technology, M M Red Negative
Inadvertent the need for quality assurance. in Scope dependency
the project would be
mistakes
delayed.
If an unforeseen Inclement
INFORMATION disaster, either Natural Draft a Disaster Preparedness Plan Weather; In the event of a Natural disaster
TECHNOLOGY: or Human error, with contact information for Flooding/Po contact proper authorities, wait for
10 L L Red Negative
Interruptions in occurs, then the Local, State and Federal wer Outage, instructions, otherwise find
service project would be authorities. Construction human source of disruption.
delayed or canceled. Mishaps
If there is a failure to
adhere to system Project Scope/Charter must be
Oversights
INFORMATION specifications and Cleary articulated to staff, demand
from Adjust Schedule to accommodate
11 TECHNOLOGY: guidelines during VL VL Green Negative feedback from Team Members on
scheduling modifications
Scope Conflict installation of aspects of the Project that may not
conflicts
Technology, then there be too clear.
will be a project delay.

If worms, Trojans,
Lack of
Phishing, Social
INFORMATION System Disrupt Service to prevent
Engineering attempts Run Systems Security checks
12 TECHNOLOGY: H H Red Negative Security problem from spreading, add
affect the system, the daily; Updates, Patches.
Malicious code Measures or resources as needed
hardware may need
Updates
replacement.
If the technology used
INFORMATION Life of
is outdated, then it will Work with current assets to the
TECHNOLOGY: Be ready to implement new assets Equipment
13 not run as fast or have M M Green Positive extent that it doesn’t not interfere
Outmoded as they become available has run it's
the same capability of with work
Technology course
newer technology.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
If there are system
INFORMATION
vulnerabilities, then it Detection of
TECHNOLOGY: Maintain and Review Logs of all If all appropriate security
14 can lead to a need for H H Yellow Positive Suspicious
Technology/IT Critical events. measures are in place
greater security Activity
Oversights
measures.
If managers gain better
INFORMATION purview of the
Convene Emergency meeting with
TECHNOLOGY: effectiveness of Ensure Contingency Reserves are
Systems a detailed description of what
15 Routine IT System H H Yellow Positive available to offset the cost of
Disruptions occurred and what the most
Security Countermeasures, then additional Countermeasures
effective response should be
assessments they can take action
accordingly.
If there are
stakeholders, then
Stakeholders
INFORMATION confidence in Cost Estimation should include
modifications Adjust Project Scope and
16 TECHNOLOGY: expectations grows L M Yellow Positive accurate Breakdown of reserve
to Project Portfolios
Stakeholder from “Crashing plans
Scope
Project” or “Fast
tracking”
New
If there are omissions
information
INFORMATION in specifications, then
Resource Loading should account on System Resources should be ready to
17 TECHNOLOGY: there can be a L H Yellow Positive
for possible changes to WBS Vulnerabiliti make Schedule modifications
Scope Reduction reduction in
es becomes
vulnerabilities
available
HUMAN
RESOURCES:
If new hires do not file Collaborate with employees to
Employee The store
their paper work, then ensure paperwork is completed.
18 paperwork is VH H Red Negative Must be collected in August will not open
there will be a project Force employees to fill out
Critical for on time
delay. paperwork at first meeting.
opening the coffee
shop
If new hires do not
HUMAN
obtain their food
RESOURCES: The customer
handler permits, then The employee will not work till The position would be posted as a
19 Coffee barista VH H Red Negative service could
they will not be they receive the certificate job opening.
must hold food be sub-par.
allowed to work
handler permits
during store opening.
If employees do not
HUMAN
show up to work The customer All the employee will have to
RESOURCES:
20 opening day, then the VH VH Red Negative The employee will get a warning service could work harder to cover that barista
Short staffed on
store will be short- be sub-par. position
the opening day
staffed.
If a third
party conducts
HUMAN
background checks on The store
RESOURCES: May be denied employment if Will have to pick the second
21 new hire candidates, VH M Yellow Negative will not open
Background and they don’t pass candidate off the short list.
then the checks may on time
drug checks
cost more than the
budgeted amount.
HUMAN
If the
RESOURCES: If the products are
employee is
Training Critical made wrong, then it
One week of training on all coffee not trained, Will have to pick the second
22 for employees to will hurt business and M M Yellow Positive
drinks and food there will be candidate off the short list.
prepare the same create bad public
no
drinks and for relations.
consistency.
equipment
If managers are not
HUMAN Keep employee moral up,
properly trained, then Operations
RESOURCES: organize operations, instill Have direct oversight from
23 they will not know M M Yellow Positive become out
Training Critical teamwork, control payroll cost owners as the store opens up.
how to deal with of control
for manager and food cost.
trouble employees.
If customers do not Passing out
1. Research the area we are
like our name/logo, flyers,
MARKETING: opening in and have the name tie Try to spin the name in a positive
24 then they could be H VL Yellow Negative putting up
Wrong name/logo in. 2. Contact local artists to see manner.
mentally turned away the business
what the taste is of the area.
from our shop. sign.
If customers are
1. We can explain how important Asking
unwilling to take the
MARKETING: this is to the economy of the area. people to Scout out cafes on our own and
25 survey for evaluating L H Yellow Negative
Survey 2. Offer special offers to those take the develop an conclusion from there.
other cafes, then we
that participate. survey.
will not get feedback.
If the local newspaper
reduces weekly 1. Research the current Build more advertising through
MARKETING: printing, then newspapers and see where they Drop in the internet and not rely heavily
26 L M Yellow Negative
Newspaper advertising with the stand on subscriptions. From Subscriptions on the newspaper form of
newspaper is greatly there determine best route. advertising.
reduced.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
If we gear our
atmosphere and Make sure we place a lot of time
1. Make sure we properly
MARKETING: advertising towards Survey in evaluating the customers and
evaluate the area. 2. Study other
27 Wrong the wrong customers H VL Yellow Negative information local business. Check outside
local businesses to identify their
Demographic in the area, then the being wrong local area to see what else is in
customer type.
project will not area to advertise to.
succeed.
If there are too many
1. Develop a theme to the café 2. We can offer special themed
coffee shops in the
MARKETING: Offer special deals 3. Create Location of nights with specially offered
28 area, then it can H M Yellow Negative
Market Saturation unique/original name that will be café coffee. We can also reassess our
become difficult to set
remembered décor to set ourselves apart.
ourselves apart
If we can't acquire
different types of 1. Stay on top of special diets
MARKETING: coffees to fit in with (Gluten free) 2. Talk to providers Local fads Have multiple providers ready for
29 M M Yellow Negative
Dieting Trends specific diet fads, then and determine their ability to change if things could change.
customers will not acquire specific coffee types.
come.
If we put an
abundance of money
MARKETING: We can make sure our adds are
into advertising, then Lack of Reevaluate customer base and
30 Too Much VH VL Yellow Negative trendy, focused to the right
there is a risk of losing information local area.
Advertising customers, and seasonal.
the money with no pay
off.
If we develop a
1. We could advertise having
competition with We can feed off this free publicity
MARKETING: better coffee than another café. 2. Opening/Loc
31 another café, then we M H Yellow Positive and possibly get a stronger
Competition Offer better deals than another ation of café
would have the ability customer flow.
café.
to create free publicity.
If we have the ability
Have providers ready and a
to go along with new
MARKETING: 1. Keep an eye on holidays, Seasons/Holi schedule set up to keep an eye on
32 trends and tastes, then H L Yellow Positive
Promotions weather trends. day change trends. Also, watch what other
customers will want to
local businesses are doing.
come to the shop.
If we invest in
deliveries to local Advertise to local office building If this does not work out with us,
MARKETING: Advertising
33 businesses, then we H H Red Positive the availability of deliveries of we can pump up advertising and
Special deliveries strategy
can build rapport with coffee and donuts. special deals for locals.
the local populous.
1. Add task to WBS to research
INVENTORY: If the cost of office
all discounted furniture that meet Original
Office furniture furniture is higher that If possible, have a backup supplier
34 L H Yellow Negative company needs. 2. Prevent supplier is
cost is higher than expected, then it could in place.
accounts being created that can expensive
anticipated increase budget.
increase shipping cost.
1. Add activities to WBS to allow
If the required members enough research is
INVENTORY:
hardware for specialty provided on obtaining a operable Difficult to
Hardware need If possible have a similar machine
drinks are not found, specialty drink machine. 2. Allow find specialty
35 for customer VH H Red Negative bookmarked that will provide the
then the business enough time for the machines for drink
drinks is difficult same service.
model becomes delivery. 3. Prepare schedule machines.
to find
irrelevant. phone calls to ensure the product
is in route for delivery.
1. Add steps to WBS to ensure the
INVENTORY: If required software is installation date is guaranteed. 2. Installation
If possible have a back up
36 Delay in software delayed, then training M VH Red Negative Continue to follow up with date is
installation technician.
installation is delayed company as date approached to cancelled
ensure date is secured.
1. Add tasks to WBS assigning
If inspections of the
OPERATIONS: team members to specific
building take too long Building
Inspection extend requirements needed to pass. 2. If possible push opening date
37 to pass, then the M VH Red Negative does not pass
time frame to Each team member is to provide a down one month.
opening date can be inspections
pass. list of completed requirements as
moved.
inspection date approach's.
1.Add task to WBS for managers
If perishable products
INVENTORY: to follow on order amounts Too much
do not sell before the
Abundance of allowed for perishable items to perishable If possible reduce sale prices to
38 expiration date, then M M Yellow Negative
perishable avoid loss 2.Document customer product on remove product before expiring.
the company will have
products on hand visits and amounts of product hand
to take a loss.
used monthly.
Allowing each employee to
If employees are Team
understand the need for each
OPERATIONS: properly trained, then training Allow the positive risk to take
39 VH VH Red Positive hardware piece and work with the
Customer Service customer service will makes a place by exploiting.
piece before opening day ensure
excel. profit
deliverance will run smoothly
1. Add steps to WBS if supply Creating
If an unexpectedly
should run low how to quickly relationships
large amount of Allow the risk to occur and place
INVENTORY: obtain more. 2. Documenting how with local
40 customers visit, then M VH Red Positive steps to avoid negative risk from
Food shortage much supplies are used during the suppliers to
the food supply will occurring.
week to prevent shortage in the allow avoid
decrease rapidly.
future. negative risks

Page 32 of 42
 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
from
occurring.

Buying
INVENTORY: If local food is bought,
Sharing the positive risk of local locally will
Local food then it will decrease Share the risk with suppliers to
41 H H Red Positive deliveries ensures the likelihood decrease
decreases deliver the delivery charge of ensure the risk occurs.
the risk will take place. delivery
charges large companies.
charges
If employees are not 1. Add steps to the WBS to ensure
OPERATIONS: Self serve
required to memorize employees have knowledge of
Self Serve system removes Enhance the risk to occur by
42 orders, then it will VH VH Red Positive products and to combine products
limits employee employee added steps to WBS.
eliminate errors in for customer satisfaction. 2.
disruption error
customer orders. Continually train employees.
If the office supplies If the positive risk occurs there Finding
INVENTORY:
are discounted, then it will be an active acceptance. The discounted
43 Office supply is M M Yellow Positive Actively accept the positive risk.
will decrease the risk can happen and nothing will office
on sale
budget need occur to stop it. supplies
If there is insufficient
A major
capacity of the coffee Ensuring there is a high enough
event in the
OPERATIONS: shop, then it could capacity in the coffee shop to Possibility of expansion or
44 H H Red Negative area that
Capacity Planning reduce the number of serve the customers and allow opening another location.
attracts many
customers and reduce them a lengthy stay.
customers.
their length of stay.
If the wait for coffee
to be made is Acquiring enough coffee makers A sudden Purchasing faster or more coffee
OPERATIONS:
45 excessive, then M L Yellow Negative to keep up with a "rush" of rush of makers that can handle the rush of
Waiting Times
customers will choose customers. customers. customers.
a different coffee shop.
Waiting until
If there is a backorder last minute to
OPERATIONS: Order equipment with enough Having a secondary choice for
on equipment, then it order
46 Equipment L L Green Negative time to prevent any delay if there equipment to ensure there is
would delay the equipment
Backorder is a backorder. backup in case of a backorder.
opening of the store. for the coffee
shop.
If a natural disaster
A natural Salvage what is possible to
destroys the coffee Invest in insurance that will
OPERATIONS: disaster salvage and assist emergency
47 shop, then the project VH VL Yellow Negative protect the business in the event of
Natural Disaster affecting the workers by giving them coffee in
would be forced to a natural disaster.
building. hopes the favor will be returned.
cancel.
If there is an increase
in the cost of Increase the price of coffee,
operations for the Have a second menu with higher An increase eliminate the least popular flavor
OPERATIONS:
48 coffee shop; electricity M VL Yellow Negative prices available to cover a higher in operational options, attempt to lower other
Operational Costs
bill, security bill, rent, cost budget. costs. costs without affecting the
etc, then the revenue customers.
will be reduced.
If local events bring in
MARKETING: Contact local event centers for Contact local event centers for
additional people, then A major local
49 Additional H M Yellow Positive marketing opportunities at future marketing opportunities at future
it would cause a spike event.
Customers events. events.
in number customers.
If there is promotion
of the coffee shop by
Ensure each customer has the best A great Thank each and every customer
MARKETING: positive "word of
50 H VH Red Positive possible experience while at the customer and continue to provide the best
Word of Mouth mouth" from
coffee shop. experience. possible service.
customers, the number
of customers will rise.
If the performance of
More or
the equipment is better
OPERATIONS: Stock enough coffee and materials faster coffee Adjustment to levels of coffee and
than advertised or
51 Equipment M VL Yellow Positive to prevent a shortage until the production other materials in stock to account
expected, the customer
Performance need is determined. by coffee for change.
satisfaction could
machines.
increase.
If we receive
A
promotional donations Allow customers to make Allow customers to sample (small
promotional
OPERATIONS: from vendors, then suggestions of brand, type, and portions) the donated coffee for
52 H M Yellow Positive donation to
Supply Donations customers can have flavor of coffee or tea that we free so they can choose what they
the coffee
more options to offer. like best.
shop.
choose from.
If there is a reduction
in the cost of
operations for the
Have a second menu with lower A reduction Hold special events for customers,
OPERATIONS: coffee shop; electricity
53 M VL Yellow Positive prices available to cover a lower in operational and/or lower menu prices in order
Operational costs bill, security bill, rent,
cost budget. costs to give back to the customers.
etc, then the shop can
increase services
provided.

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

6. Project Schedule and Budget with assigned Resources

I. PROJECT BUDGET

1) Our company utilized a bottom up costing method to determine the estimates for
project cost. We used this method because it was easier to research the cost for
individual departments and then allocate the necessary resources for each good or
service. By applying direct cost and indirect cost to each project activity, we are much
more accurately able to gauge our operational budget. This is a much more efficient
process that specifies costs rather than just allocating large sums of money to each
department. With each project member specializing in their area of expertise we are
accurately able to gauge a budget that will require less money for budget contingency.
This also enables the upper level managers to review the budget and allocate
additional costs if necessary.

2) BUDGETED COSTS

Pro Forma Business Budget

Expense Category Planned Expense Actual Expense Variance
Expense Allocation $5,000.00 $10,000.00 $(5,000.00)
Financing/Banking $14,000.00 $16,200.00 $(2,200.00)
Inventory
Furniture/Supplies $63,000.00 $63,140.00 $(140.00)
Food/Beverages $13,000.00 $12,000.00 $1,000.00
Marketing Expenses
Research $3,000.00 $4,200.00 $(1,200.00)
Print Media $3,000.00 $2,600.00 $400.00
Signage $17,000.00 $15,200.00 $1,800.00
Social Media $2,000.00 $1,400.00 $600.00
Other $2,400.00 $2,800.00 $(400.00)
Technology/IT
Equipment $10,000.00 $12,000.00 $(2,000.00)
Software $4,000.00 $4,500.00 $(500.00)
Installation $6,000.00 $7,700.00 $(1,700.00)
Other $200.00 $300.00 $(100.00)
Operations
Facilities $13,000.00 $15,200.00 $(2,200.00)
Engineering $25,000.00 $27,000.00 $(2,000.00)
Equipment Rent / Lease $142,000.00 $130,000.00 $12,000.00
Human Resources
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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Paperwork $800.00 $1,100.00 $(300.00)
Training $4,000.00 $4,200.00 $(200.00)
Benefits $500.00 $900.00 $(400.00)
Management $8,500.00 $9,800.00 $(1,300.00)
Misc. $1,200.00 $1,600.00 $(400.00)
Total Expenses $337,600.00 $341,840.00 $(4,240.00)

3) Comparing the variance from our original planned budget to the actual expense budget
has concluded a $4240.00 difference in expenses from what was planned. The main
derivative from the variance is the allocation for extraordinary expenses. Furthermore,
obtaining financing and the costs associated with creating our financial analysis were
significantly higher than expected. Inventory and human resource expenses were
mostly in-line with estimates. Marketing research was marginally more expensive as
we decided to increase our reach for selected demographics. Technology and software
was significantly higher than estimates. Lenovo business solutions was able to
integrate our point-of-sale system with an energy efficient server rack which ended up
costing more than anticipated. On the contrary, this system will promote years of
energy savings which will benefit our bottom line. For operations we were able to save
$12,000 as our main equipment provider has offered to lease equipment instead of
purchasing. With total expenses around $341,000 we have the ability to utilize
significant leverage with our $700,000 credit line with Northern Trust. Furthermore,
lower cost enhances our ability to pay back debt and increase equity. With proper
financial planning, analysis, and negotiation Sycamore Street Coffee Corp. has secured
a solid financial foundation to begin operations.

4) Our finance department has decided that an allocation of $5000.00 is insufficient to

support emergency expenses during the opening of Sycamore Street Coffee.
Consequently, we have decided to allocate $10,000 in budgeting for contingency
spending. This contingency spending is sufficient to cover emergency spending for
supplies, inventory, marketing, or any sort of operational issues. Additionally, if any
additional spending is needed we can access our revolving credit line. We prefer to
utilize the budget contingency for spending because or credit line is to be used for
future expansion and growth. Sycamore Street Coffee will have a successful opening
and adequate resources to support continuing operations.

II. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

1) Our resource assignment has concluded that each department has the necessary
resources to ensure that all tasks will be satisfied for the opening of Sycamore Street
Coffee Corp. The utilization of internal resources in Sycamore Street Coffee such as

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
our directors and employees enables significant costs savings. For example, our
marketing department is conducting a significant amount of the advertising for our
company. This amounts to thousands of dollars in savings which is then allocated to
our designing and branding strategy. The outsourcing of informational technology
tasks and operational procedures helps ensure resources are not over allocated and that
our management team stays focused. Allocating internal and external resources
properly saves costs and ensures timely execution. Enough people and resources are
assigned to the project however there may be a slight over allocation in the marketing
department due to the usage of a marketing company. If there are any deficient
resources, we can utilize our budget contingency funding to pay for any necessary
expenditure. Allocation issues can be fixed as the project progresses on a case by case
basis for each department.

2) Managing the project team is essential for the company’s success. By having each
group member responsible for a department, we can ensure that everyone’s talents and
abilities are be sufficiently utilized. Each group member will be considered the
director of their department and then the project leader will be the guiding force for the
project’s completion. Daily communication from each team member is essential to the
success of the project. Any problems that group members encounter will be relayed to
the project manager for assistance. Departments include finance, human resources,
technology, inventory, marketing, and operations. To motivate the team, we will
utilize a bonus structure that will lead to quality work that is ahead of schedule. Group
members will be rewarded bonuses for meeting deadlines and delivering quality
results. Any deadlines that are beat by a week from the work breakdown schedule will
obtain a bonus which will be paid at the end of the year. Furthermore, incentives will
be given to the lowest labor cost percentages for respective departments at the end of
the year. This promotes efficient and quality motivated work from our departments.
Handling team conflicts will involve the direct intervention of the group leader. Using
the five methods to resolving conflict will be our guideline for dealing with workplace
conflict. We will maintain a work environment where teamwork is rewarded and
communication is collaborative between all departments of Sycamore Street Coffee.

3) The best organizational structure for our company is a functional structure. This
structure groups together people and departments that are performing similar tasks in
order to efficiently allocate the departments abilities throughout the whole
project/organization. There is no duplication or unused resources in this structure.
However, the main issue with this type of structure is the issue of departments
focusing too much on only their area of the project. In order to avoid this, we will
have weekly meetings of all department heads in order to assess each other’s
departments and resolve any issues that arise. Furthermore, active communication
between all group members to the project manager is essential to understanding any

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
problems that may arise and issues between group members. Communicating on a
daily basis and having an environment of positive motivation will help ensure
operational efficiency, cost savings, and the guaranteed opening of Sycamore Street
Coffee Corporations first store on September 1, 2015.

PROJECT SCHEDULE & ASSIGNED RESOURCES

Labor
Direct
Cost Labor Indirect Estimated
Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors Resource Names Cost
per Hours Costs Total Cost
Total
Hour
Sycamore Street 308 Fri Tue
Coffee Corporation days 1/2/15 3/8/16
Business Charter Fri Wed Sycamore
14 days 40 20 800 0 800
Created 1/2/15 1/21/15 Street Coffee
Team task Fri Tue Sycamore
3 days 40 20 800 0 800
assignments 1/2/15 1/6/15 Street Coffee
Financial Planning45 Fri Thu Matthew
& Investment days? 1/2/15 3/5/15 Atkins
Fri Thu finance
Aquire Financing 30 days 40 160 6400 500 6900
1/2/15 2/12/15 department
Fri Thu finance
Budget Analysis 45 days 40 200 8000 400 8400
1/2/15 3/5/15 department
Fri Fri Northern
Banking 1 day? 10 60 600 300 900
1/2/15 1/2/15 Trust Corp.
143 Wed Fri denise
Inventory
days 4/1/15 10/16/15 Banda
Mon Fri
Office Supplies 20 days OfficeMax 0 0 0 2400 2400
6/1/15 6/26/15
Thu Fri
Furniture 92 days Ethan Allen 0 0 0 27000 27000
6/11/15 10/16/15
Fri Thu Lux Coffee
Hardware 60 days 23.00 480 11040 22000 33040
5/1/15 7/23/15 LTD.
Wed Tue
Software 30 days IBM 150 10 1500 3000 4500
4/1/15 5/12/15
Tue Thu City of
Inspections 3 days 0 0 0 700 700
8/25/15 8/27/15 Chicago
Sycamore
Tue Mon
Customer Service 45 days Street 0 0 0 0 0
6/30/15 8/31/15
Coffee
Fri Wed Sysco Foods
Food 94 days 0 0 0 12000 12000
5/1/15 9/9/15 Inc.
110 Fri Thu Jessica
Operations
days 1/2/15 6/4/15 Beach

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
Fri Wed CBRE
Aquire Facility 64 days 40 130 5200 10000 15200
1/2/15 4/1/15 Realty
Sun Tue Jacobs
Engineering 22 days 200 120 24000 3000 27000
1/25/15 2/24/15 Engineering
Sun Thu Operations
Equipment 60 days 30 10 300 130000 130300
3/15/15 6/4/15 Department
Mon Thu gagandeep
Human Resources 74 days
6/1/15 9/10/15 Bedi
Sat Thu HR
HR Paperwork 29 days 20 40 800 300 1100
8/1/15 9/10/15 Department
Employee Mon Tue HR
7 days 20 30 600 300 900
Benefits 6/1/15 6/9/15 Department
Tue Mon HR
Training 10 days 20 200 4000 200 4200
8/18/15 8/31/15 Department
Wed Fri HR
Management 48 days 20 480 9600 200 9800
7/1/15 9/4/15 Department
133 Sun Wed Winston
Technology/IT
days 2/1/15 8/5/15 Baratt
Establish Bids for Sun Fri IT
31 days 0 0 0 300 300
IT work 2/1/15 3/13/15 Department
Purchase Wed Thu IT
17 days 0 0 0 12000 12000
Equipment 7/1/15 7/23/15 Department
Lenovo
Installation of all Tue Wed
7 days Business 120 60 7200 500 7700
IT equipment 7/28/15 8/5/15
Solutions
287 Sun Tue Katie
Marketing
days 2/1/15 3/8/16 Barbour
Mon Fri Marketing
Market Research 30 days 30 120 3600 200 3800
2/2/15 3/13/15 Departmnet
Research Mon Fri Marketing
30 days 30 10 300 100 400
Advertising Cost 2/2/15 3/13/15 Depratment
Mon Fri Marketing
Test Markets 60 days 30 80 2400 400 2800
3/2/15 5/22/15 Depratment
Establish Social Mon Thu Marketing
14 days 30 40 1200 200 1400
Media 3/2/15 3/19/15 Department
Establish Print 180 Wed Tue Marketing
30 80 2400 200 2600
Media days 7/1/15 3/8/16 Department
Sun Thu Chicago
Design Logos 55 days 80 40 3200 1800 5000
2/1/15 4/16/15 Signs Inc.
125 Sun Thu Chicago
Design Signage 80 40 3200 7000 10200
days 3/1/15 8/20/15 Signs Inc.
Trail Run of Store Mon Mon Sycamore
1 day 12 50 600 200 800
Operations 8/31/15 8/31/15 Street Coffee
Tue Tue Sycamore
Store Opening 1 day 12 80 960 200 1160
9/1/15 9/1/15 Street Coffee

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

7. Communications Management Plan

Sycamore Street Coffee

Communication Plan

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

Overview

VERBAL COMMUNICATION
WHAT WHEN WHERE OWNER ATTENDEES
START OF WEEK MONDAY 7:30 OFFICE MATTHEW DENISE BANDA, KATIE BARBOUR,
MEETING AM ATKINS GAGANDEEP BEDI, JESSICA BEACH, WINSTON
BARRATT

TEAM HUDDLE DAILY 8:15 INSIDE THE MATTHEW PROJECT TEAM

AM COFFEE SHOP ATKINS

STAFF MEETING EVERY OTHER BOARD ROOM DEPARTMENT PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS
TUESDAY HEADS PROJECT TEAM MANAGERS

GOAL GOALS MET SET PHONE TEAM ALL TEAM MEMBERS IN ACTIVE PROJECT ARE
ACCOMPLISHMEN BY CURRENT MANAGER PRAISED VERBALLY FOR TASK COMPLETION.
T MANAGER

PROGRESS MONDAYS 8 CONFERENCE PROJECT ENTIRE TEAM

MEETING AM EVERY 3 ROOM MANAGER
WEEKS
CALLED WHEN TDB TEAM MEMBER PERSONNEL RELEVANT TO ISSUE DISCUSSED
MEETINGS NECESSARY NAMED
INFORMAL WORKING STAFF LOUNGE TEAM MEMBERS OF RESPECTIVE TEAMS
MEETINGS LUNCH/ONCE A LEADERS
WEEK

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan
SAFETY EVERY WHEREVER PROJECT ENTIRE TEAM
MORNING 7:15 PRACTICAL MANAGER/
AM DESIGNATED
SAFETY
LEADER

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
WHAT WHEN METHOD OF SENDER RECEIVER
DELIVERY
END OF WEEK FRIDAY 4:30 ELECTRONIC DENISE BANDA MATTHEW ATKINS,
PROGRESS EMAIL PM END OF (NOTE TAKER) GAGANDEEP BEDI, KATIE
BUSINESS DAY BARBOUR, JESSICA BEACH,
WINSTON BARRATT

COMMUNICATION UPDATED INFORMATION PRINTED ON DENISE BANDA ALL PARTICIPANTS

BOARD WEEKLY ON PAPER AND POSTED ON (NOTE TAKER)
MONDAY THE COMMUNICATION
MORNINGS BOARD IN THE BREAK
AREA

STATUS REPORT OF END OF EVERY E-MAIL PROJECT MANAGER DEPARTMENT MANAGER

DAILY DAY (INPUTS FROM TEAM
ACCOMPLISHED MEMBERS)

WEEKLY CHECK-IN EVERY FRIDAY E-MAIL TEAM MEMBERS DEPARTMENT MANAGER

BY 1PM
ACTION ITEM LOG ONGOING E-MAIL SECRETARY ALL PARTICIPANTS
PROJECT STATUS EVERY 3 PAPER COPY TEAM MEMBERS PROJECT TEAM
WEEKS
STAKEHOLDER/ AS SPECIFIED PAPER COPY PROJECT MANAGER STAKEHOLDER/CLIENTS/
CUSTOMER IN CUSTOMERS
PROGRESS REPORT COMMUNICATI
ONS PLAN OR
EVERY 5
WEEKS
LESSONS LEARNED AFTER EACH UPDATE PROJECT TEAM MEMBERS PROJECT TEAM/STAFF
ITERATION OF SCHEDULE THEN E-MAIL
PROJECT
SECURITY WEEKLY E-MAIL SECURITY ENTIRE STAFF
REPRESENTATIVE

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 SYCAMORE STREET COFFEE
2015 Growth Plan

REFERENCES

ADT Security Services (2015). Food and Beverage Solutions. Retrieved from:
http://www.adt.com/business/food-and-beverage-business-solutions

City of Chicago (2015). Inspections, Permitting, and Licensing. Retrieved from:

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/progs/inspectionspermitting/retailfood.html

Coffee Shop Manager (2014). Coffee Shop Manager Enterprise Solutions. Retrieved from:
http://www.coffeeshopmanager.com/product/coffee-enterprise-solutions

Culligan (2015). Water Softeners. Retrieved from: http://www.culliganchicago.com/culligan-

products/culligan-water-softeners

Schaerer (2013). Self-Service Machines. Retrieved from:

http://www.schaererusa.com/equipment_detail.php?SmallID=0002.0002.0000.0000

Peach Suite (2015). Cappuccino/Espresso Machines. Retrieved from: http://www.peachsuite.com/246-

dfhtouch2milkfs/schaerer-usa-dfhtouch2milkfs-040390-00010eus-coffee-art-touchit-two-milk-finesteam-
dfhtouch2milkfs.html?gclid

Web Restaurant Store (2015). Commercial Restaurant Supplies. Retrieved from:

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/
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