A case-based approach to integrating the “fail fast” philosophy into business planning

This goal of this project is to develop a business plan for a searchable and interactive neighbourhood website that aggregates information obtained by journalists and other sources. Theoretically, the grad student researcher will explore how to incorporate the philosophy of “failing fast” into the confines of a traditional business plan. To do this, specific case studies will be chosen for analysis. Case study research has been defined as “an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidences are used.” Advocates of the case study method emphasize its effectiveness in understanding and analyzing complex, unique situations. The case study research method will be applied in this project. The partner organization benefits from both a new perspective to developing a business plan, as well as from the actual plan itself.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Darren Meister

Student:

Kathleen Cloutier

Partner:

Vancouver Sun

Discipline:

Business

Sector:

Media and communications

University:

Western University