Integra wants to create a pool of trained practical accountants in order to widen the market and extend the reach of its products to the remote and rural parts of Kerala through a network of franchisees. The franchisee agreement contains mutually beneficial and remunerative terms meant for attracting enterprising and energetic investors. The plan includes:

Practical accountants are created by Integra Academy through a rigorous and structured training program involving principles of financial accounting, cost accounting, management accounting, taxation, inventory control and computerized accounting systems. The course syllabus is prepared by an academic council consisting reputed professors, chartered accountants and tax experts. The present council members are:-

Our market survey among the business community, particularly in Kerala, shows that only a quarter of them is computerized so far. Most of these computerized organizations are not happy with the existing software and are willing to invest in better, more user friendly and readily upgradable software solutions provided by an organization with timely and reliable support and services. Non automated organizations will also be compelled to computerize their systems in order to cater to the demands of the new tax system called GST (Goods & Service Tax) and e-filing. Non availability of trained and experienced support staff is another contributing factor for computerization. We are anticipating a business growth potential of about 30% in the near future.

Shortage of accountants and related professionals is a major problem in our industry. To overcome this, franchisees are to conduct career oriented training programs in manual and computerized accounting. The main purpose is to make true accounting professionals in the shortest possible time. They should make operational plans to canvass the maximum number of students for admission. Classes should be conducted as per the syllabus and norms provided by the company. Exams will be held periodically under company's supervision.

Marketing of Integra products should be given topmost priority as sales commission forms a major source of income to the franchisee. Marketing activities include identifying potential customers, arranging demos, conducting seminars, liaisonning with associations and various organization and sale of integra products at the rates fixed by the company. Marketing of customized software projects also comes under the purview of the franchisees.

One of the prime objectives of the company is to satisfy the customer demand to a certain extent and make them comfortable with the use of software. Customers may not have adequate knowledge of the product and this may result in minor operational problems. Prompt services should be provided to the customers as and when required.

Many customers may not have sufficient staff in their firms or may be overloaded at a particular time. Franchisees can collect data entry jobs from them, provide online job training and conduct practical classes for their students.

After completion of the course, franchisees may arrange placement of trained accountants at customer’s sites. We offer advice and assistance to those who wish to look for placement.

Research has shown that only 20 to 25 percent of the new businesses succeed and that too after 5 years. However, chances of success of franchisee operation are 75 to 80 percent.

The franchisees are buying into a business that is already operating. The franchisor might have made mistakes along the way and might have learnt from them. So there is already an established track record.

The franchisor provides a great deal of help and support through staff training, course materials and all other promotional activities of the franchisee.

The franchisor will be able to provide the franchisee with the necessary technical support for the problems that they may have to encounter en-route. Help is also available from other franchisees. Franchisee can also contact the franchisor for any clarification in this regard.

Franchisor will hold periodical review meetings to discuss all aspects of the business. This helps the franchisee to evaluate their performances and plan for the future.

To provide improved viability and financial stability to franchisees, we intend to convert them as sale and service centers for Integra products. With this added capability, they are eligible for multiple sources of income from training division, marketing, after sales service and data entry activities. In every business the profit is calculated on the basis of sales volume. In the case of franchisees we have already mentioned the various activities for income generation. It is quite likely that the entire investment of Rs. 5 to 7 lakhs is recovered with in a period of one year itself.

To minimise the working capital, the franchisees are to commence operations with a minimum staff . The composition of the staff will be two faculties for the training division, two each for sales and services and one to monitor the office activities.

In case of Integra academy, company is offering student kits, training aids, user manuals and other study materials. Training on Integra products is also provided to the chief trainer. Exams are to be conducted under the supervision of company. Local advertisement aids, course certificates and other stationeries are also provided by the company.

For marketing of Integra products demo CDs including the working samples are given by company. Training to marketing team about domain specific attributes is also provided. Product advertisement, inclusive of captions and design framework with sufficient supporting materials is also done by the company.