At almost every small ski area where computers are used, three programs — a word processor, a spreadsheet and a data base — are the basic software. Many managers take a next step by doing their own accounting using one of the many simple, do-it-yourself, accounting software applications. Others have ventured into the use of specialized software designed to enhance lift maintenance and record keeping.
In recent years, another class of software that can provide benefits to almost any business has come on the market. MBA-ware is defined by the Management Software Association as “Software that enables managers to draw upon business theory and management expertise in solving problems. . . .” to “analyze and advise, not just manipulate data.”
With no apologies to Harvard, Tuck, Marriot and other B-schools, PC Magazine referred to MBA-ware as “Wharton in a box.” This software, while more expensive than books — ranging in price from $100 to $500 — on the same subjects, is far quicker and cheaper than two years in B-school.
Among the functions assisted by MBA-ware are brainstorming, people management, business start-ups, resume writing, negotiating, forecasting, personnel manual development, business strategy, coping with regulation, business planning, marketing and determination of cash value.
An easy way to start using MBA-ware is with an idea-generator.
Planning next season’s marketing strategy? Examining means to improve guest services? Devising an employee incentive program? Brainstorming software, using a variety of methods, prods the user to apply ingenuity in the evaluation of problems or situations and suggest possible solutions. The software doesn’t provide answers. It doesn’t think for you. It assists in developing ideas and solutions. Idea Fisher and Idea Generator are two of the best brain-stormers.
Problem-solving can be approached with several software programs.
Entering into price negotiations with lift manufacturers? With subcontractors? With suppliers? With concessionaires?
Prepare in advance with negotiating software by Experience in Software or Beacon Expert Systems. These programs help to simulate negotiations, stimulating strategies by which both sides emerge as winners.
Complex analysis takes time and work.
Want to review and analyze your area’s business strategy? Contemplating expansion? Planning an acquisition? Business Insight by Business Resource Software leads the user through 375 questions about the business being studied and about its competitors to help the user evaluate major business decisions. The program highlights strengths and weaknesses, identifies risks and produces a final report suggesting strategies to help an enterprise rise above its competition. The process is neither simple nor superficial. The data input, question-and-answer phase takes from eight to ten hours to complete; another hour or so is needed to review and modify answers. The final report, depending upon the accuracy and thoroughness of the input, is a truly amazing and perceptive analysis. The results of Business Insight can, quite logically, be entered into its companion application, Plan Write, to assist in writing a formal business plan.
There also is software designed specifically to write business plans. To be truly effective, a manager needs intimate knowledge of the business, but for those who feel they lack a flair for writing, business-planning software can be helpful. With these caveats in mind, there is a wide array of business planning software programs including Planmaker, Ronstadt’s Financials, BizPlan Builder, Business Plan Toolkit and the previously mentioned Plan Write.
Manage Pro is a useful tool for managing people and monitoring company and individual goals. Small Business Advisor, customized by state, offers regulatory, legal and tax advice and information for small businesses. Value Source offers a spreadsheet application designed to calculate an approximation of a business’s cash value. Knowledge Point and Palo Alto Software each supply assistance in developing policies and manuals. Palo Alto also offers a Marketing Plan Toolkit. Forecasting applications, Forecast Pro and Smart Forecasting, assist in yet another business function.
For a complete listing as well as sources of MBA-software, contact the Management Software Association, 35 Gardner Rd., Brookline, Mass., 02146; (617) 232-4111.
