Guest Speaker Assignments - 4 Required - Due Before Class Begins

During the course we will hear from approximately 8-10 business leaders in the community who are in the process of disrupting their industry.  Most are working on a national and international scale.  You will get to hear how they created their company, the market forces that influence their success, and how they plan to thrive in the future.  

You will need to complete the following 1-PAGE, single-spaced, single sided, assignment (do not attach additional pages, do not use a font smaller than 12 pt.) for any 4 of these speakers and turn it in at the BEGINNING of the class at which they speak.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

Please discuss each of these questions in your 1-page paper, following a Questions-Answer format.  Some questions may not apply to a particular guest speaker’s business or industry, so please use your discretion and skip those questions. 

Please be sure to include your name, the due date, and the guest speaker’s name at the top of the assignment so that you can receive credit.

1. What industry (or industries) is the company disrupting?  Please be specific.
2. Competitive Advantage—Who are their competitors?  How do they win?  Is it more efficient, easier, or cheaper, etc. for their customers to use them vs. other options?
3. Is it important for this business to achieve a ‘network effect?’  
4. Have they become a ‘Platform?’  Discuss why or why not, or if the concept is irrelevant for their business.
5. What is the company’s revenue model?  Do you see additional revenue opportunities?
6. What challenges do they face?  What suggestions can you offer?