3 Fran?ois, Demetris, José and Giuseppe are a group of students from different Mediterranean countries, taking their
MBA in a large UK city. As part of their course requirements, the group has to come up with an innovative business
idea, research into the feasibility of that idea and then present their business plan to a panel. After considerable
brainstorming they have come up with the idea of a themed restaurant based around Mediterranean cooking, menus
and service provisionally called ‘Casa del Mediterraneo’ and located in the city centre.
Initial research has revealed suitable premises to rent, but also the severe competition they will face in a city that is
very cosmopolitan and well provided for with restaurants serving cuisine from many parts of the world. The city has
a student population of around 100,000 and this, together with a young working population, means that there is a
very vibrant social life and a real willingness to sample food from different parts of the world.
Required:
(a) Identify and evaluate the critical success factors and associated competences that the group should consider
in developing their business plan for the restaurant. (12 marks)
