PROJECT OVERVIEW AND ROADMAP - INDUSTRY REVIEW PRESENTATION

INTRODUCTION

Creating a Storm (CAS) is founded and run by myself, Storm Wiggett. CAS celebrates its thirteenth successful year as a premier brand and packaging design studio in Cape Town, South Africa. The business has grown through experience, opportunism, and problem-solving. Nonetheless, to retain the agility and competitiveness of the business, I conducted a periodical review of business strategies and approaches. 

The objective of this study is to review and validate the business model for CAS. I examine this through client and market research and cross-reference the findings alongside strategic interviews with industry experts in a variety of fields.

RESEARCH QUESTION

How suitable are CAS current operational and business strategies, and how can they be improved and streamlined to support an international trajectory? 

OBJECTIVES

In the context of the research question, the following strategic objectives were identified as the focal points for this study:
Identify key success factors for CAS.
- Investigate business operations outsourcing to reduce the time required to fulfil administrative requirements.
- Investigate potential new digital technologies aimed at increasing operational efficiency.
- Develop a long-term strategy to continuously reaffirm the business's reputation and portfolio as competitive with global leaders in packaging design.
- Improve and refresh the Brand, Corporate Identity, and Website to speak directly to the target audiences and clients.

METHODOLOGY

There were three main aspects to this research:
- I conducted a desktop analysis of creative business operations to determine where CAS is positioned relative to the market norms.
- I performed key client surveys and interviews focussing on the "outside-in" client experience.
- I held strategic interviews with industry or functional experts, in a wide variety of business fields.

To achieve the objectives set out, this study critically evaluates each of the following three business segments and assess their cross-functional impact or required action points:
- CAS Brand 
- CAS Business Systems, Processes, and Operations
- CAS Client Acquisitions and Retention

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