BYU Bookstore: Cost-Benefit Analysis on Expanding byubookstore.com

Company Background

The BYU Bookstore is ranked nationally in the top five of college bookstores. Across the country, the bookstore is one of the largest as it encompasses 124,000 square feet. Since its opening in 1906, the BYU Bookstore has been self-sustaining. With over 500 employees and 16 selling departments, this bookstore sells much more than just textbooks.

Project Summary

The BYU Bookstore approached the eBusiness Consulting Group to perform a cost/benefit analysis on expanding the byubookstore.com website to include additional features and recapture sales from the faculty. The team worked closely with the Bookstore throughout the semester in developing a survey and communicating with external organizations that were potential partners in this initiative.

The tasks required to complete the project included two surveys, interviews, meetings, a presentation, and a forty page document. The survey was developed on a survey tool called Qualtrics and distribution to faculty and staff members across campus. 296 respondents took the survey before the cut-off date. This information was analyzed and incorporated into the presentation and documents provided to the Bookstore. Purchasing activities were analyzed to determine the potential size of the faculty market and the likelihood of switching to the Bookstore’s website.

In addition to the surveys, interviews were performed with the current host and manager of the website, as well as other interviews with potential partners in the web site initiative.

At the end of the semester a presentation was given to the client, the recommendations were well received. In consequence we were invited to present to members of the Presidents Council for the University.

The experience was one of real life challenges and problems, and ultimately a great learning opportunity.

Advisory Board

• Advisory Board Members
• Make a Donation
• Member List
• Past meetings
• Upcoming meetings

Courses

• eBusiness Lecture Series
• Management Consulting
• Web Analytics

Web Analytics Competition

• Contest Information
• Fall 2006 Winners
• Winter 2007 Winners

e-Business Plan Competition

• Contest Information
• Judging Criteria
• Winners 2006
• Business Plan Competition

Contact Us

• Rollins Center for eBusiness
• 574 TNRB, Provo, UT 84602
• Phone: (801) 422-2815
• Fax: (801) 422-3449
• E-mail: ebusiness@byu.edu