The rationale or mission should summarize objectives and the basic reason
for choosing to be online. After all, some idea or outline of the required
content for the web site must exist before work can proceed, and documenting
these ideas can often focus them. Often it is as important to define what
is not going to be part of the web site's purpose, and these definitions
can be recorded with the rationale even if they don't make it into a zippy
one-line mission statement.
Case Study: Dave’s Rose Emporium Rationale
In order to illustrate some of the concepts noted below we'll use the
example of Dave’s Rose Emporium - a flower shop located in that strip
mall you pass on the way home. Dave's feeling left out by the number
of dot com ads he sees and hears and wants an online presence.
So here's what Dave might come up with:
"Dave's Rose Emporium will improve its business image and increase
customer service levels by providing information and discussion about
products available and about flower care in general."
An appropriate online presence will aid us in two ways:
- by showing customers that we are a modern business capable of
effcieint operations.
- by displaying our expertise in our business area
Dave's will not seek full e-commerce capabilities as the service
region will remain local for the present.
