Terms of Reference: Consultant on RNTC Business Plan

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Assignment: market research report & business model proposal

Introductory information  

  1. Client: RNW Media
  1. Consultant: Expert in Business Strategy and L&D Industry
  1. Delivery Date: end of November 2024
  1. Location: Hybrid: Remote/In-person in Haarlem, Netherlands
  1. Budget: EUR 15000

RNW Media’s Background

RNW Media is an international digital media organisation working on social change. We believe in a world in which young people, in all their diversity, confidently claim their rights, assume their place in society and drive social change. Our mission is to accelerate the impact of changemakers by co-creating youth-centred digital media solutions built on data insights and mutual learning experiences. Our goal is that by 2030, through digital media, one billion young people can make informed decisions, advance their rights, and affect society.

RNTC’s Background

RNTC is RNW Media’s internationally renowned training centre. Combining research, knowledge in digital media for social change, field applications, and instructional design, RNTC translates RNW Media’s expertise into practice-based learning solutions. With innovative approaches to (digital) media and training, we train professionals and organizations in developing and using digital media for social change. With over 50 years of experience of delivering trainings around the world, RNTC has a wide alumni base and is known by many organisations. Building on what we have we would like to rethink its business strategy so it is aligned with the current economic landscape and can grow into a thriving social enterprise in the Netherlands.

For more information about our work please visit:

1. SCOPE OF ASSIGNMENT

The consultant will conduct a comprehensive analysis and deliver strategic recommendations aimed at shaping a future-focused, sustainable business model for RNTC. As the education and learning industries evolve, this assignment will ensure that RNTC’s strategies, offerings, and positioning align with current market trends while also anticipating future developments. The focus will be on optimizing RNTC’s core strengths while identifying new growth opportunities and ensuring long-term resilience. The consultant will work with the team of Learning Solutions, Digital Media, Business & Partnership, and Leadership Team of RNW Media, who will provide sufficient internal data for the reports and analysis. (This data shall be treated with due diligence by the consultant and will be completely private to the scope of this work).

In response to the evolving funding landscape, our goal is to diversify income streams and ensure RNTC’s long-term sustainability. The objective of this project is to determine the optimal next steps for RNTC as the training centre of a social change organization based in the Netherlands. The proposed strategies and activities are informed by a thorough internal analysis, but we are open for the consultant to make changes to the ToR proposal based on their creative and expert insights.  We are seeking a consultant who is creative, resourceful, and innovative—someone who can think outside the box, approach challenges with a detective’s mindset, and identify new opportunities aligned with our mission and potential.

2. KEY COMPONENTS  

The following are the standard components of a business plan, which we’ve outlined to provide the consultant with a clear rationale and focus areas. However, as we seek innovative insights and resourceful strategies, these elements should be viewed as a starting point rather than a fixed structure. We invite the consultant to collaborate closely with our team, thinking creatively alongside us to reimagine the future potential of our organization

DELIVERABLES  

Market Research Report

  • Industry Analysis: In-depth examination of current trends, technological advancements, and shifts in education and learning models, with a focus on how these impact RNTC.
  • Target Market Identification: Detailed segmentation of potential and existing markets, including emerging learner demographics.
  • Competitive Analysis: Comparative analysis of direct competitors and market disruptors in the education and training sector, with insights into their business models
  • Regulatory Environment: Examination of current and upcoming regulations that could impact RNTC’s business.

Value Proposition Development

  • Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Define a differentiated value proposition that aligns with RNW Media’s strategic direction and addresses the needs of RNTC’s future learners and partners.
  • Services Portfolio Innovation: brainstorm new and innovative learning solutions, co-designed with RNTC’s team, ensuring alignment with RNW Media’s strategy, market needs and trends

Business Model Proposal

  • RNTC Business Analysis: Conduct a holistic review of RNTC’s performance over the last 3-5 years, with a focus on strengths, weaknesses, and emerging opportunities.
  • Target Audience and Customer Personas: using our data bases create detailed, data-driven audience personas that reflect current customers and potential future audiences, ensuring relevance to future industry trends.
  • Revenue Streams: Identify diversified, scalable revenue sources that complement existing models of the organisation.
  • Pricing Strategy: Develop a competitive, flexible pricing model based on market research and RNTC’s unique offerings.

Marketing and Sales Strategy Proposal

  • Audience Outreach Strategy: Formulate a comprehensive plan that leverages digital platforms, partnerships, and outreach programs to engage existing and new audiences.
  • Brand Positioning: Craft a narrative and brand identity that reflects RNTC’s innovative offerings, unique value, and market leadership in learning and development.
  • Sales Strategy: Design a sales pipeline that supports product launches, long-term relationship building, and efficient conversion of leads into customers.

Financial Projections

  • Start-up and Operational Costs: Provide a thorough breakdown of costs for the proposed new models, including initial investments and long-term operational expenses.
  • Revenue Forecast: Develop a dynamic revenue forecast model that accounts for different business scenarios, from conservative to growth oriented.
  • Break-even and Profitability Analysis: Identify the break-even point and define key milestones for profitability, supporting long-term financial planning.

Team Expertise

  • Current Team Structure Review: Assess the existing organizational structure, identifying gaps in skills and resources that may affect the execution of new strategies.
  • Future Team Requirements: Propose an optimized team expertise, including full-time employees (FTEs) and potential external collaborations, to support the new business model.

Implementation Plan

  • Roadmap: Develop a phased implementation plan, with clear timelines, milestones, and responsibility assignments.

3. SUGGESTED METHODOLOGIES & PROPOSED ACTIVITIES

The consultant is encouraged to propose their preferred ways of working. The following structure of activities and suggested methodologies serve as a collaborative foundation that we present for further development.

4. REQUIREMENTS

The selected consultant must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and a track record of delivering exceptional results within the agreed timeline. They should possess extensive expertise in business strategy within the education and learning sectors, particularly in areas involving digital media, training centres, and social enterprise development. Given the focus on innovative business models, the consultant should have in-depth knowledge of the latest trends and regulations related to socially oriented enterprises in the Netherlands. Experience with managing training centres and developing future-focused business models is essential.

Experience and Expertise:

  • Strategic Business Consulting: Proven experience in market research, business model innovation, and strategic marketing development for education-based organizations, particularly training centres.
  • Financial Proficiency: Expertise in financial forecasting, cost analysis, and revenue diversification strategies.
  • Education and Digital Media Industry Knowledge: A strong understanding of the educational landscape, including online learning, digital platforms, and hybrid learning models.
  • Social Enterprise Insight: Familiarity with social enterprise business models, with an emphasis on sustainability, impact, and regulatory frameworks in the Netherlands.
  • Innovation and Product Development: Experience in co-designing innovative learning solutions and adapting business models to leverage new technologies and trends.

Deliverables:

  • High-quality, well-researched, and actionable reports and strategic proposals, including:
  • Market research report.
  • Value proposition and business model.
  • Financial forecasts and marketing strategies.
  • Team structure and implementation plan.
  • The ability to meet deadlines, iterate quickly based on feedback, and deliver solutions that are practical and implementable.
  • All deliverables as outlined in the ToR and agreed timeline.

Communication:

  • Regular updates and transparent communication on project progress, challenges, and milestones.
  • Data-driven decisions and strategic recommendations clearly communicated to the internal team and stakeholders.
  • Active and collaborative engagement with RNTC’s team, ensuring alignment throughout the process.

Tools and Resources:

  • Access to and proficiency in relevant market research tools and databases.
  • Expertise in utilizing financial modeling and data analysis software, including:
  • Power BI (or a similar data visualization tool) for presenting insights.
  • CRM systems (e.g., Zoho) for managing customer relations and engagement data.
  • Knowledgeable on Learning Management Systems (Canvas preferably)
  • Ability to leverage technology for remote collaboration and efficient project management.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

COMPONENTS

Consultants should submit a proposal including the following components:

Cover Letter

  • Brief introduction of the consultant or consulting firm.
  • Summary of interest and suitability for the assignment.

Technical Proposal

  • ToR: Approach and Methodology: Detailed plan on how the consultant will address the scope of work.
  • Project Plan: Timeline, milestones, and deliverables.
  • Previous Experience: Relevant experience in similar assignments, particularly in the Learning & Development sector or with social enterprises.

Financial Proposal

  • Cost Breakdown: Detailed breakdown of costs, including consultant fees, travel, data acquisition, and any other expenses.
  • Payment Terms: Proposed payment schedule and terms.

Qualifications and Expertise

  • CV or resume of the consultant.
  • Case studies or examples of previous work relevant to the scope of work.
  • References from previous clients.

Selection criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Experience and Expertise: Relevant experience and qualifications in business strategy development and the Learning & Development sector.
  1. Approach and Methodology: Clarity and effectiveness of the proposed approach and methodology.
  1. Cost: Reasonableness and transparency of the financial proposal.
  1. Timeline: Ability to meet the project deadlines or earlier ones
  1. References: Quality and relevance of references from previous clients.

PAYMENT STRUCTURE

The payment structure is as follows: 50% upfront and 50% upon delivery and approval of the final report.

Submission Instructions

Please submit your proposal by October 10th

For submissions, any questions or further information, please contact: