Menu Planning and Product Development: Business Strategy Report

This report delves into the intricacies of menu planning and product development within a business context. It begins by assessing the factors that influence menu planning decisions, such as costs, cultural influences, seasonal considerations, and equipment availability. The report then discusses the stages of menu product development, including idea generation, product screening and concept testing, and business analysis. It evaluates the influences on the development process, emphasizing market trends, consumer preferences, costs, and technical implementation. The report also includes the creation and assessment of a new food concept, incorporating customer requirements research and recommendations for a successful launch. The report concludes with a self-review of the process, highlighting areas for improvement in the creation and assessment of the new food concept, providing a comprehensive overview of the strategic considerations involved in menu planning and product development.

Menu Planning and
Product Development

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................4
TASK A................................................................................................................................................4
a) Assessment of the factors that influence menu planning decisions........................................4
b) Discussion of the stages of the planning of menu product development................................5
c) Evaluation of the influences on the development process......................................................7
There are many factors that affects the process of development of the product :.......................7
TASK C................................................................................................................................................9
a) Creating and assessing a new food concept including justification of your choice, customer
requirements research and recommendations to launch the new concept...................................9
b) Writing a review of your own performance with suggestions for improvements regarding the
creation and assessment of the new food concept.....................................................................11
CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................13

ILLUSTRATION INDEX
Illustration 1: Factors............................................................................................................................6
Illustration 2: Recipe............................................................................................................................9

INTRODUCTION
One of the easiest and time consuming way to set success when it comes to meal is by menu
planning method. It is a kind of specific planning of meals in advance. It has gained much
popularity in recent years as it saves time and decreases impulse planning. It acts as a roadmap for
the implementation of meals in timely and efficient manner and assure continuous learning all the
time. It involves many of the activities (Felekoglu and Moultrie, 2014). The purpose of report is to
get the picture of menu planning and the related developments in the products to involve it in the
business strategy and to achieve the skills for implementation. The prime focus is on the influential
factors on planning decisions, determination of development of product planning process and
application of design principles in food service environment. Categoric development of new food
offering and their response and actions are evaluated.
TASK A
a) Assessment of the factors that influence menu planning decisions
Menu planning is the process of listing of menu to be served may be at breakfast, lunch or
dinner. This can be done for few days or for several weeks (Fuller, 2016). There are many factors
that needs to be taken into consideration for this as they influence and affects the procedure and
hence the resultant. These are :
 Costs - Food establishment unit has confined amount of money to be invested for the
preparation of the food. It predicts the cost, predicts the time and the profit is estimated. A
proper budgeting should be done and accordingly the menu planning should be done. In case
the expense becomes more than the budget then it should be controlled and operated within
the budget by compensating something or the other.
 Religious, cultural and social influences - Customers can be differentiate on the basis of
age, sex, occupation, status, nutritional needs etc. Depending upon the type of customer the
prices should be charged accordingly and nutrition content should be added or reduced. For
example if they are kids then dishes should be rich in proteins and carbohydrates.
 Seasonal factors - Environmental conditions should also be considered whether it is summer
or winter or rainy season and accordingly dished should be planned in the menu. For
example one would always prefer cold things in summers and hot dishes in winters .
Likewise, dishes should be planned. Besides regular menu there can be seasonal offerings.
 Creativity- Special dishes should be offered on occasions such as Christmas, Birthdays,

Anniversaries etc. Complete listing should be done by the manager.
 Space and equipment in the kitchen - Allotment of work for the preparation of food should
be done among the employees according to the number of workers needed for different tasks
such as cooking, servicing, preparing etc.
 Types of Menus- The kind of food establishment such as luxurious, coffee shop, canteens
etc. affects the menu planning because it decides the ingredients to be consumed.
b) Discussion of the stages of the planning of menu product development
The planning process of menu product development includes number of stages right from
idea generation to commercialisation (Mabogunje, 2015). The stages included are as follows:
 Idea generation: It is a prolonged and organised process. It involves systematic search of
options for new product. It includes detailed sources of new concepts and ways to
implement them. These ways include short sessions of mind games to enhance creativity for
the development of new ideas also known as brainstorming, observing and analysing current
products in the market, and surveys (Phillips and Phillips, 2016). The essential element is
the open perspective where ideas of different people should be considered and analysed to
generate huge number of ideas. None of the ideas should be criticized.
 Product Screening and concept testing - A complete screening of the product is done after
the identification of the potent products. In the screening process filtration of poor, non
suitable, non fascinating ideas is done. A checklist is prepared for the ease of screening
process. General characteristics includes current competition in the market, investment
level, risk level, market capacity and design etc. Marketing characteristics includes traits
such as effect on image, limitation to season, product life span efficiency, matching of
market potentialities etc. Production characteristics includes matching with product
capabilities, ease of manufacturing product, availability of workers and resources needed
etc. In order to review the product feedback of consumers is necessary and important.
Concept testing is a way to get feedback of the product by proposing the product to the
public and analysing the attitudes, perceptions, intentions of the customers. It proposes the
picture or statement which may be an oral statement or a written statement of the product to
the consumers and their reactions and attitudes are observed. It is one of the prompt and
cheap way to test the concept of the product. Feedback includes whether the idea is
understandable, it needs changes or not etc.
 Business analysis- It is a much briefer analysis of remaining product concept than screening

of product. The factors that are included in business analysis are- demand projections, cost
projections, competitions, investments required, profitability of the product, etc.(Posavac,
2015).
 New product pricing - After completion of the testing part the product gets ready to be
introduced in the market at full scale production. This is the last stage of product life cycle.
It consists of physical implementation of the marketing plan and pricing of the product at
full scale production.
c) Evaluation of the influences on the development process
There are many factors that affects the process of development of the product :
1. Idea generation => Market and consumer trends –The Latest trends of the society influences the design and
manufacturing of the product. People always wants to buy the product of the latest trends
and not the ones which have become obsolete. Thus, the process of development also gets
altered with the latest fashion.
 Focus groups – Design of a product will be impacted by the requirements of the buyers
because to increase the profit it is necessary to increase the sales which can be done by
designing it as per the requirements of the consumers. This will aid in attracting more potent
customers (Wates, 2014).
 Employees – The work force involved in the development also have huge impact on the
product. Skills and knowledge of the workers affects the process and resultant product.
Illustration 1: Factors
(Source: Ryan, 2009)

2. Product screening and idea conceptualisation =>
 Cost - It is one of the major factor influencing the process of development. It involves a lot
investment as it requires use of technology which is expensive, then is the cost of labour, the
cost of resources and materials used, etc. It is very important to make considerable amount
of profit from the product in order to at least balance the investment done on the product
Therefore the price of the product is to be charged after complete analysis of cost of
production (Hair, 2015).
 Production Issues- It is study of body and movements of humans. It involves collection of
information such as size, height, weight etc. For example product to be manufactured is a
chair then the height of chair, back bend of chair etc., are designed according to different
human characteristics. It means the process should be done keeping in mind the person and
movements so that he or she fits to it completely.
 Developing and marketing – Public image of the company is also an influential factor in the
development process. The products need to mention the company name and many
companies flaunts of their public image. This affects the colour scheme, material, final look
and design of the product.
 Feasibility – Stylish look of the product tend to attract more consumers. More focus is done
on shape and size of product. This determines the internal layout of mechanisms, circuits
etc. External style in turn influences the internal technology and development process. It can
also modify the manufacturing technique of the production.
3. Business Analysis =>
 Technical implementation– There are different techniques used for the production. These
may be single item production, batch production, just in time production or continuous
production. The final look may get influenced by the technique used for the manufacturing.
 Market testing – The targeted audience of some products is of different cultures and nations.
It may be possible that a product is warmly accepted by people of a particular country or
culture and rejected by another communities or nations. For example in china black colour is
a sign of bad luck or sin so manufactures needs to keep in mind the colour for Chinese
consumers but this may not be so for the other countries. The colour, Design and other
attributes differ from culture to culture and influences the development process (Preskill and
Russ-Eft, 2015).
 Launch – It is wise to use materials which are eco friendly for the manufacturing of product
as many people are concerned about the environment and doesn't purchase the products

which are harmful for the environment. This helps in promotions and advertisements.
4. New product pricing =>
 Revenue and profit -The final design of the product gets affected by the materials available.
The materials can be natural, man made or smart materials. Also, introduction of new
technology will impact the process of development. The revenue and profit depends on
labour and materials used.
 Impact of new product – There are number of functions to be performed by the product
which will influence the design and hence the process of the product.
 Value analysis – The value analysis helps in forecasting the life and acceptance of the new
product. The product pricing is very much affected by value analysis in the market.
TASK C
a) Creating and assessing a new food concept including justification of your choice, customer
requirements research and recommendations to launch the new concept
In the contemporary world where everyone is engaged in the rat race of earning and
livelihood health has become a major aspect of concern. Eating habits and sedimentary lifestyle has
lead to the degradation of fitness and increase in health issues. It has become very important to lay
focus on wellness but people do not have time for this. Exercise and physical activities are tiring
and time consuming (Saldaña, 2015). One of the best and time consuming way to remain healthy is
by eating healthy and nutritious food.
 Priorities and eating habits - A survey shows that many of the people go to restaurants to
have their meal on a regular basis. They seek for the food with nutritious contents. Meals
generally do not contain nutritious content as the food is much spicy and moreover most of
the offerings are of junk food. The result is that customers are left with no choice. Increase
in nutritive content of meal tends to attract more customers. Moreover, only an individual
knows what nutrition he requires for god health as it is different for different people. Many
customers ask the chefs to specially add some specific nutrient in their meal. Researches
shows that income and living standard of people have raised. More and more people are
coming forward for charity and donations (Carhart and et. al., 2016). There are people who
wants to do the charity but do not take that much effort to go to some place and do the
charity they prefer easy way to do so.
Also, special offers on occasions and hidden gifts on the meals influences more customers.

Introduction of new meal concept which comprises solutions of all the problem at a single place
may aid in increasing the profit. The new concept consists of wide options of nutritional fruits,
vegetables, spices etc., with the amount of nutrition specified in front of it. Customers are allowed
to choose among the options and the following data is collected by the staff members. From the
collected data chefs are supposed to prepare the meal for that particular customer. For example
following is the menu card :
INGREDIENT PROTEIN % CARBOHYDRATE % FAT%
X 67 34 8
There can be more columns and rows accordingly. Also, customers can choose the type of food like
drinks, dinners, starters etc. For this one need to have a team of expert chefs. Chef are required to
prepare the meal according to the data. Not that the chefs are required to prepare meal using only
the requested ingredients. The should be to include the requested contents in the whole meal along
the addition or subtraction of any other ingredient to make the food a tasty as possible. There will
be another menu card on which nutritious dished are offered and the contents are mentioned,
customers would need to directly choose the dish. For example:
1. Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad
2. (salmon, lemon, olive oil, kale, apple, pecorino, almonds)
Illustration 2: Recipe
(Source: Lelieveld, Holah and
Gabric,2016)
Apart from the meal there will be a charity option as well. If the bill exceed from the
specified amount than one dish will be donated to a poor family. The owner is supposed to collect
the number of dished and deliver it at 8 p.m. The dishes to be donated after 8 p.m. Should be

counted in next day in this way everyday the food can be donated to poor families. For example:
more than £300 – 1 Dish
mare than £500 - 2 Dishes
 Budget - Another feature of the concept is the special discounts on occasions such
Christmas, new year etc. Also, in the whole day an hour will be selected where lucky
winner will be chosen and some discount is offered. Along with the meal for certain combo
packs there will be secret gifts given to the customers. Promised delivery of order is done
and if failed to do so then customer will get some discount on the bill. Online service is also
offered for the customers (Shaw and Hamilton, 2016).
In order to implement the new concept firstly a team of expert and skilled chefs needs to be
hired. Complete research of market should be done, previous failures and success should be
analysed Then marketing strategies should be made which may include social media activities and
advertisements. It is beneficial to reveal the name and a gist about the concept so that by the time it
will be launched people will become curious about it and there will be a discussion among the
customers. Some unusual activities like funny videos about obesity, posters about nutritious food,
websites etc should be done prior to the launch (Altinay, Paraskevas and Jang, 2015). Health
awareness videos, posters, campaigns can be done. A proper planning and goal setting will make the
launch successful.
b) Writing a review of your own performance with suggestions for improvements regarding the
creation and assessment of the new food concept
In order to launch the new concept I conducted a survey and collected the data about the
issues and demands of the customers. Detailed information about the interests and desires of
customers was gathered. According to the collected data and information I found to generate a new
idea where health of the customer will be the primary focus and an opportunity to help the poor and
hungry people of the city will be given. To analyse the new food concept I am taking feedbacks
from the customers. Feedbacks are taken by making the customers fill the feedback form also by
taking online suggestions and customer care services. As far now customers are really appreciating
the concept. There are many customers specially the females who are concerned about the health of
their husbands and children. They are acknowledging the idea and the aim behind the concept
(Martins, Rindova and Greenbaum, 2015). The service is quick and online service is also
manageable. The most attractive feature of my concept as found by the customers is the idea of
donation. Customers are appreciating the initiative. However, there are many challenges I am facing
with the new concept as at times it becomes difficult to manage the orders. Sometimes chefs find it

difficult to prepare the meal with the requested ingredients. Also, some staff members gets engage
with the packaging and placing of the dishes in the van which are to be taken to the poor people.
The delivered dishes are fresh and contains rich nutrients and delivered at night time which is peak
time so the load on the other staff members increases. Moreover, few of the chefs gets engaged in
preparation of food which is to be donated thereby increasing the load on the other chefs. Despite of
many challenges appreciation to the concept by the customers is encouraging the staff to work
harder in order to satisfy the customer demands (Case and Given, 2016).
I have realised that the idea needs some improvements regarding the management of online
and restaurants orders. More staff members needs to be recruited to manage the orders. Another
solution is to recruit part-time workers for the packaging and delivery of donated food as there are
many people who are need of job but can not devote their whole day. Mostly these are teenagers or
students. This will save the money as not complete salary will be given to them. The salary will be
according to the number of hours they work. Separate chefs needs to be appointed for preparation of
donated food. Even part-time chefs can also be recruited. A classification of staff members needs to
be done like some members should be appointed separately for taking the orders, for packaging, for
delivery, for suggesting and helping the customers. A tough selection process for the chef is to be
done so that we get the most skilled and fast chefs. A separate ream for the management of online
orders must be created so that they can deliver the order a soon as possible. A special column of
suggestions can be created on the website so that more changes can be done on the idea for the
betterment. Regular discussion with the staff members and the chefs needs to be conducted so that
all the issues faced can be resolved (Zikmund and et. al., 2013). By doing so there would be no
problem of internal differences and conflicts among the employees and efficient team work can be
achieved. By taking more feedbacks and reviews from the customers as well as from the internal
staff members this new concept can be made successful and can reach to the desired goals.
CONCLUSION
With the help of this report we have discussed all the factors that have an impact on the
menu planning decisions and evaluated the different stages of the product development in menu
planning. We have also determined the factors that affects the development process. Through the
guidelines of the report a new idea of meal has been created and assessed. The choice of the concept
has been justified and recommendations required have been discussed. The performance of the
concept has been successfully reviewed and improvements needed regarding the creation and
assessment of the new concept has been suggested. Thus, we have successfully studied menu
planning and product development.

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