Sleepworld

How do you determine whether a new business idea has real potential? In this ten-week student consulting project, you will help Sleepworld evaluate a confidential business opportunity in the sleep products market. 

You will combine market research, customer insights and financial analysis to assess the attractiveness and feasibility of the proposed concept. Starting with a focused benchmark and exploratory customer research, you will investigate customer needs, preferences and potential barriers to adoption. 

Next, you will develop a financial model to compare scenarios and identify the assumptions that have the greatest impact on viability. You will also explore the main practical requirements that could influence the company’s next steps. 

Your findings will be translated into clear recommendations to support Sleepworld’s decision-making. Further details about the concept will be shared with the selected project team under a confidentiality agreement. 

Sleepworld specialises in mattresses, beds and sleep accessories, combining physical stores with an online offering. The company helps customers find suitable sleep solutions through product choice and personal advice. 

Through this project, Sleepworld wants to assess a potential new direction for its business. The student team will help the company understand its commercial potential, financial implications and practical requirements.

• Research relevant market developments and comparable business concepts. 

• Explore customer needs, preferences and interest within selected segments. 

• Assess the commercial potential of the proposed concept. 

• Develop a financial model with scenario and sensitivity analyses. 

• Identify the main cost drivers and financial requirements. 

• Map key practical considerations and areas requiring further validation. 

• Formulate recommendations to support a decision on the next steps. 

• Present the findings through a professional report, financial model and final presentation.

This project offers the opportunity to contribute to a real business decision at an early stage. You will learn how customer research, market information and financial analysis can be combined to assess an opportunity before a company commits resources. 

It is particularly relevant for students interested in finance, marketing, business strategy, operations or entrepreneurship. You will be challenged to question assumptions, weigh different scenarios and translate your findings into practical advice. 

Working in a team of five students and one Project Leader, you will help Sleepworld build a substantiated basis for its next steps.

• Hands-on experience in market and customer research. 

• Practical experience with financial modelling in Excel. 

• Experience with scenario analysis and business feasibility assessment. 

• Insight into strategic decision-making and business development. 

• Collaboration within a multidisciplinary student team. 

• Professional reporting and presentation experience for a real client. 

You will strengthen your analytical, commercial and financial skills while contributing to a confidential business challenge for Sleepworld.