Microsoft Office
New Product Development
In business and engineering, new product development (NPD) is the term used to describe the complete process of bringing a new product to market. A product is a set of benefits offered for exchange and can be tangible (that is, something physical you can touch) or intangible (like a service, experience, or belief). There are two parallel paths involved in the NPD process: one involves the idea generation, product design and detail engineering; the other involves market research and marketing analysis. Companies typically see new product development as the first stage in generating and commercializing new products within the overall strategic process of product life cycle management used to maintain or grow their market share.
As with the previous PBL tasks, the directions for this project will be relatively vague. Again, you may feel slightly apprehensive as you get started because you may be accustomed to specific directions for much of your school work. However, some of you may be enjoying the freedom of choice after the completion of some PBL tasks!
Read through the details below regarding this project before getting started. This should help you determine exactly how you would like to approach it. Note that all students will be developing a new product or service that can be offered through the Warrior's Warehouse!
Learning Targets
Your completed project should demonstrate your understanding and effective use of Word 2010 features, with the focus on your ability to manipulate graphics and format a business letter. (Note: You are not limited to these targets, but must utilize each of these features.)
| Line Spacing | Insert Picture | Resize Images |
| Picture Tools | Hyperlink | Insert Date Feature |
| Letterhead Template | Modification of Template | Mailing - Envelope Feature |
To get started with this project, you will first create your own personal letterhead that you can use later in the project. The use of a letterhead template is encouraged, but you may modify the design as you would like.
The next step of this project is to design a new product or product line that you believe would be a great item or service for the Warrior's Warehouse to offer to students and staff. Depending upon the item, you may want to personalize the items for the Muskego Warriors in some form and perhaps incorporate an appropriate graphic. You are to develop a digital prototype of this product to submit! Remember that all choices must be school appropriate!
Finally, using the format guide provided below, compose a letter to the Warrior's Warehouse recommending your new product or product line. In your letter, include a detailed description of the item and a hyperlink to see the item you designed. Also include details that would be important from a business perspective: cost of item, suggested selling price, and profit margin. It is appropriate to share any other details that you think might be of importance. In addition, create an envelope addressed to the Warrior's Warehouse with your return address. Use the "Add to Document" feature to have this at the top of your page.
When done, upload both your letterhead with letter and prototype to Edmodo.
Although the Warrior's Warehouse has many ideas in process, if your idea is unique and something not currently being considered, you may be rewarded for your creativity!
Use the "Business Letter" as your guide.
- Create your own personal letterhead (use of templates encouraged)
- Create and develop a new product or product line for the Warrior's Warehouse
- Compose a letter to the Warrior's Warehouse describing and promoting your product
- Identify the cost of the item
- Identify the recommended selling price
- Note profit that could be earned per item
- Include a hyperlink to a saved file of the new product or product line developed
- Create an envelope