Final answer:
The students can pursue cost leadership, differentiation, and focus strategies from the alternative organizational strategies category for their tourism business. A Project Implementation Plan will guide them through the process, addressing challenges by involving stakeholders and evaluating design concepts against set criteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Organizational Strategies in the Tourism Sector
When a group of University students consider opening a new business in the competitive tourism sector, selecting appropriate organizational strategies is crucial for success. The strategy formulation framework can be used to develop and implement novel products or services, and to navigate potential issues that may arise during strategic implementation. An important step in this process is the development of a Project Implementation Plan, which comprehensively outlines the needed actions, timelines, and resources.
Strategies for Implementing a Novel Tourism Product/Service
Considering the alternative organizational strategies discussed, one strategy from each category could be utilized:
Differentiation: Ensure that the product or service stands out in the market through its uniqueness, quality, and customer experience. Strategies might include branding, customer service training, and unique experience curation.
Focus: Target a specific niche within the tourism market, catering uniquely to its needs and preferences. This can involve market research, customized marketing strategies, and specialized service offerings.
To address potential issues in strategic implementation, such as resistance to change or resource allocation, the students would need to involve stakeholders early on, from local communities to potential partners, ensuring a diverse and vested interest in the project's success. Building strong relationships with stakeholders can greatly enhance the credibility and sustainability of the business.
Developing a project implementation plan involves evaluating design concepts, selecting the best according to criteria and constraints, and then outlining the steps for manufacturing, marketing, and launching the product or service.