SAN MATEO MUNICIPAL COLLEGE

General Luna St., Guitnang Bayan I, San Mateo, Rizal

Tel. No. (02) 997-9070

www.smmc.edu.ph

THESIS REVIEW SERVICES: ONE – STOP

BUSINESS

Module 6
Industry Analysis and Competition

GROUP ACTIVITY
Actual Writing

Group 7
Estrellado, Trizia Ann A.
Mabilangan, Kimberly M.
Manahan, Roanne Mae S.
Mendoza, Dianne S.
Vidania, Bea Marie M.

April 20, 2024

A. Identify DIRECT and INDIRECT COMPETITORS OF THE START-UP BUSINESS

Competition Analysis:

Thesis Review Services are directly contested by direct competitors such as ThesisWriting.ph
and Speech, Thesis Editing & Proofreading Services (STEPS), which provide specialist thesis
writing, editing, and proofreading services. Furthermore, TeacherOn.com offers a different
approach by linking students with teachers who can help with thesis writing. The resources and
tools offered by indirect competitors like Grammarly and Edukasyon.ph for enhancing writing
abilities may draw students' focus away from expert thesis editing services. Freelance editors on
platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com provide another alternative for students seeking editing
assistance.

Buying Patterns Analysis:

Understanding buying patterns is essential for Thesis Review Services to tailor its offerings and
marketing strategies effectively. Filipino students may prioritize factors such as affordability,
quality of service, turnaround time, and convenience when selecting a thesis editing service.
Direct competitors may offer different pricing models, service packages, and turnaround times,
influencing students' purchasing decisions. Indirect competitors like Edukasyon.ph and
Grammarly may attract students seeking cost-effective or self-directed solutions for improving
their writing skills. Additionally, the availability of freelance editors on platforms like Upwork and
Freelancer.com offers students flexibility in selecting editors based on pricing and expertise. By
analyzing these buying patterns, Thesis Review Services can identify opportunities for
differentiation and effectively target its marketing efforts to meet the diverse needs of Filipino
students.

DIRECT COMPETITORS INDIRECT COMPETITORS

Philippine Global-Excel Review and Tutorial: Edukasyon.ph: Although not directly

They provide expert services in the areas of offering thesis review services,
statistical analysis, thesis and dissertation Edukasyon.ph provides an online
structuring, and statistical writing, all provided education platform with various
by experienced researchers and writers. They resources, including writing and editing
also offer tutorial sessions by appointment for courses. Students may opt to improve
pupils in elementary/secondary school as well their writing skills through these courses
as college. instead of seeking professional thesis
editing services.
https://www.facebook.com/
GlobalExcelReviewAndTutorialOnlineServices/ https://www.edukasyon.ph/schools
ThesisWriting.ph: Offers thesis writing
services, posing competition for students
seeking assistance in the writing process.
https://www.thesiswriting.ph/
TeacherOn.com: Provides a platform for
connecting students with tutors offering
assistance in thesis writing, presenting an
alternative solution for academic support.
https://www.teacheron.com/thesis_writing-
tutors-in-philippines
Speech, Thesis Editing & Proofreading
Services (STEPS): Another direct
competitor providing editing and
proofreading services for theses and
academic papers.
https://www.facebook.com/STEPS2021/
Freelance Editors on Upwork or
Freelancer.com: Independent editors
offering services on freelance platforms
can also be considered indirect
competitors. Students may choose to
hire freelance editors directly to assist
them with thesis editing, bypassing
specialized thesis review services
altogether.
https://www.upwork.com/hire/research-
paper-writers/ph/
Grammarly: Grammarly is an AI-powered
writing assistant that helps users improve
their grammar, punctuation, and style.
While not specifically tailored to thesis
editing, Grammarly provides suggestions
for enhancing the clarity and correctness
of written work, potentially reducing the
need for extensive editing services.
https://www.grammarly.com/
Sribbr: The online academic resource and
service provider Scribbr specializes in
language editing, proofreading, and citation
formatting for academic works, including
theses, dissertations, essays, and research
papers. Scribbr strives to support students
in meeting academic norms and
conventions while improving the caliber and
clarity of their written work. To assist
students in their academic endeavors, it
also provides materials and guidelines on
research methodology, citation styles, and
academic writing.
https://www.scribbr.com/
B. Comparison of a Direct Competitor of the Startup Business
Points of Philippine Global-Excel Review
Comparison and Tutorial
Location 4118 Silang, Cavite
Open Anytime
Products The professional standard of
quality is ensured by the
experience of skilled researchers
and writers who support the
academic services provided by
Philippine Global-Excel Review
and Tutorial. They promote
Philippine Global-Excel as a
reliable source for academic help
by utilizing their vast knowledge to
offer students full support.
Customer Service Philippine Global-Excel Review
and Tutorial offers a wide range of
services that are customized to
meet individual needs and
specifications, guaranteeing
thorough assistance in a variety of
academic subjects. Their services
cover a broad spectrum of topics
and disciplines, demonstrating their
dedication to providing academics
and students with expert support
and guidance.
Features/Atmosphere The place has an inviting
atmosphere to it, but it also makes
a concerted effort to maintain a
formal, professional ambiance that
could slightly make certain
individuals feel uncomfortable. It
maintains standards of etiquette
and competence while balancing
customer accommodations and
professionalism in a sophisticated
Thesis Review Services: A One-
Stop Business (Startup
Business)
3F BSD Primegates Center, Gen.
Luna Ave. Guitnang Bayan 1, San
Mateo, Rizal
Open Mondays to Fridays 8:00
AM – 5:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00
AM – 12:00 PM
A diverse group of highly skilled
professionals, including attorneys,
language and education
specialists, certified public
accountants, and other
professionals, are readily
accessible at Thesis Review
Services: A One-Stop Business to
provide a comprehensive
solution. They make sure
academic articles satisfy the
highest standards of intellectual
excellence, coherence, and clarity
through thorough assessment
and shared expertise.
Thesis Review Services: A One-Stop
Business offers specific guidance
and all-inclusive assistance solely
related for thesis reviews and
research projects, guaranteeing
targeted attention and
knowledgeable direction for
academics looking for thorough
assessment and improvement of
their work.
The establishment has an engaging
ambiance expressive of a calm,
minimalist library office, which is
intended to draw customers and
guarantee their comfort while they
are inside. It also has air
conditioning to make sure that
customers are comfortable.
 manner.
C. Evaluating Startup Business Using Porter’s Model
Forces Strengths
Bargaining 1. Uniqueness of the input
Power of supplied: The suppliers have
Suppliers a lot of power if the input they
provide is necessary and there
are no suitable alternatives.
Because of their exclusivity,
the thesis review service is
extremely reliant on them and
can find it difficult to locate
other sources in the event that
ties with their current providers
deteriorate.
2. Number and size of firms
supplying the resources: A
small number of powerful
suppliers can influence market
pricing significantly if they
control a substantial portion of
the market. Because of their
dominance in the market,
these providers may be able to
dictate terms and conditions,
pricing, and even service
quality. The thesis review
service may become
susceptible as a result of
having few options for striking
improved terms.
3. Competition for the input
from other industries:
Providers have the advantage
when there is intense rivalry for
input from other sectors.
Companies may give
preference to supply to sectors
of the economy that are
prepared to pay more or
accept better terms. Further
enhancing the suppliers'
bargaining power, this
competition may result in
higher pricing and less input
available for the thesis review
service.
Weaknesses Overall Finding
1. Uniqueness of the input The Thesis Review
supplied: The thesis review service is shown in a
service may find it difficult to mixed light by the
find other suppliers if the Bargaining Power of
current ones raise prices or Suppliers. Although
lower quality, even though there are benefits to
the uniqueness of the input some strengths, like
might give them a the distinctiveness of
competitive edge. The the inputs and
absence of easily accessible possible economies of
alternatives may restrict the scale from working
service's capacity to secure with a small number
advantageous conditions or of major suppliers,
apply pressure on suppliers these are outweighed
to uphold competitive rates. by serious
2. Number and size of firms weaknesses, like
supplying the resources: being vulnerable to
Diversifying the provider base supplier actions,
of the thesis review service having little
may prove to be challenging negotiating power,
if a small number of dominant and possibly facing
suppliers control the market. disruptions from
Due to the concentration of competition or high
power within a small number switching costs. In
of suppliers, there is a order to reduce risks
greater chance of pricing and preserve a
manipulation or supply competitive
disruptions, which leaves the advantage in the
service open to unforeseen market, the thesis
changes in supplier tactics or review service will
market conditions. need to successfully
3. Competition for the input manage supplier
from other industries: The relationships and
profitability of the thesis diversify its sourcing
review service may be tactics.
impacted by fierce rivalry
from other industries for the
same input, which may result
in shortages or higher pricing.
Suppliers might give
preference to businesses that
can afford to pay more or
accept better conditions,
which would put the service
at a disadvantage when it
 4. Costs of switching to comes to bargaining leverage
alternative sources: Even if and gaining access to
the thesis review service is necessary resources.
dissatisfied with the current 4. Costs of switching to
arrangement, they might be alternative sources: If the
hesitant to switch suppliers if expenses associated with
doing so would require transferring to substitute
spending a lot of money on sources are excessively high,
things like retraining the thesis review service can
employees, putting new be forced into
procedures in place, or shifting disadvantageous contracts
workflows. Due to their with vendors. Due to the
potential unwillingness to difficulty of investigating other
accept bad terms rather than choices without generating
bear the expenses of large costs or causing major
switching, suppliers may have delays to operations, this lack
additional negotiating of flexibility may make the
leverage. service more vulnerable to
price hikes or quality
problems from current
providers.

Threat of 1. Economies of Scale 1.Economies of scale Ultimately, incumbent

New (Lower Unit Costs): Owing to (lower unit costs): The players need to be
Entrants their extensive operations, thesis review services that aware of potential
well-established thesis review are now set up might have disruptions and
services could profit from already realized substantial competitive
economies of scale. They can economies of scale, which pressures, even if the
reduce average expenses per enables them to provide threat of new entrants
unit by spreading their fixed reviews at a lower unit cost. to Thesis Review
costs—such as infrastructure Smaller operations may services faces
and technology—over a make it difficult for new significant barriers to
greater number of clients. At entrants to compete on price, entrance, including as
first, it could be difficult for new which could result in greater large capital needs
competitors to attain prices and possibly less and regulatory
comparable cost savings. market competition. hurdles. For the
2. Capital Requirements 2.Capital requirements sector to succeed
(Investment Costs): (investment costs): An over the long run, it
Reputable thesis review firms initial investment in will be essential to
may already have substantial technology, infrastructure, adjust to shifting
infrastructure, personnel, and marketing, and human market dynamics and
technological investments resources is necessary to keep an eye on
under their control. For new launch a thesis review innovation and
competitors who might find it service. These investments customer satisfaction.
difficult to match the amount of may already have been made
investment required to by established businesses,
compete effectively, this high giving them a competitive
initial capital demand serves edge. It could be difficult for
as a barrier to entry. new competitors to raise
3. Government Policies enough money to compete
(Regulatory and Legal
Restrictions & Patents):
Legal and governmental
limitations may serve as an
obstacle to entry for new
competitors. Established thesis
review services could find it
challenging to break into the
market because they have
already negotiated
complicated legal frameworks
and secured the required
permits. Further discouraging
new entrants by impeding their
capacity to provide distinctive
services is the presence of
patents on proprietary
technology or methods in the
existing business.
4. Product Differentiation
(Including Branding): Over
time, credible thesis review
services may have developed
considerable consumer loyalty
and brand recognition. They
might provide specialization,
quality control, or a history of
positive evaluations as
distinctive value propositions.
Because of this uniqueness
and brand loyalty, it is difficult
for new competitors to draw
clients away from more
established companies.
5. Access to Suppliers and
Distribution Channels (Lack
of Access): Competent thesis
review services probably have
connections to academic
databases, plagiarism
detection tools, and
professional reviewers, among
other suppliers of essential
materials. It's possible that
they created effective routes of
distribution to reach their
intended audience.
Establishing efficient
distribution networks and
gaining comparable access to
suppliers may prove difficult for
with the market leaders,
which would make it more
difficult for them to make a
successful entry.
3.Government policies
(regulatory and legal
restrictions & patents):
Legal and regulatory
constraints in the thesis
review sector may make it
difficult for new businesses to
get established. It's possible
that well-established
businesses have previously
overcome these obstacles
and secured the required
licenses or permissions.
Patents on exclusive
software tools or review
processes may also restrict
the creative solutions that
new competitors can provide,
making it more difficult for
them to enter the market.
4. Product differentiation
(including branding): It's
possible that over time,
reputable thesis review
services have grown to have
a strong sense of brand
awareness and client loyalty.
It could be challenging for
newcomers to set themselves
apart from established
competitors and develop a
strong brand identity. It could
be difficult for new
competitors to take off in the
market without a distinctive
value offer or powerful
branding.
5. Access to suppliers and
distribution channels (lack
of access): Trustworthy
thesis review services may
already have established
connections with important
suppliers and distributors,
which enables them to
negotiate advantageous
prices and provide their
 new competitors. services quickly. It could be
6. Retaliation by Established difficult for new competitors
Products (Threat of Price to get into the same
Wars): In order to preserve distribution networks or
their market share, well- suppliers, which could result
established thesis review firms in increased expenses and
may aggressively engage in logistical issues.
6. Retaliation by
price wars or other forms of
established products
competition in response to
(threat of price wars): When
incoming competitors. They
new competitors enter the
could undercut pricing or
market, established thesis
provide promotional incentives
review services could react
by utilizing their financial
angrily, starting price wars or
resources and current
using other aggressive
consumers, making it harder
strategies to hold onto market
for new competitors to
dominance. Because of this,
establish themselves in the
it could be challenging for
market.
new competitors to establish
themselves and turn a profit,
particularly if they lack the
funding to maintain
protracted pricing
competition.

Buyer 1. Number of Customers: 1. Number of Customers: A In the long run, fewer

Power Their influence can be further
increased if there are few
clients looking for Thesis
Review services. As there are
fewer clients available, the
service providers value each
client more. Customers now
have the power to bargain for
better offers, rebates, or
services that are tailored to
their own need.
2. Size of Orders: Consumers'
large orders can strengthen
their negotiating position.
Customers become a key
source of income for Thesis
Review services when they
place large orders. This
increases their ability to
bargain for reduced costs, ask
for free added services or
features, or insist on improved
terms of service.
3. Number of Firms
smaller market means that
each one has greater sway
over the company. They
could ask for individualized
attention or special discounts
because they are aware that
losing just one client could
have a big effect on the
company's earnings.
2. Size of Orders: Since
larger volume orders account
for a larger percentage of the
business's revenue, clients
may have more negotiating
leverage. Clients that place
large orders have the option
to bargain for cheaper costs
or more services.
3. Number of Firms
Supplying the Product:
Consumers would have few
options when it comes to
comparison shopping if there
are few other providers of
supplier options and a
smaller client base
provide difficulties for
retaining profitability
and exercising
bargaining power, but
they may also allow
for more concentrated
attention and less
pressure from
competitors. The
thesis review service
needs to concentrate
on fostering enduring
relationships with
clients, providing high-
quality services at
competitive prices,
and consistently
innovating to maintain
its lead in the industry
in order to address
these shortcomings.
 Supplying the Product:
Consumers have fewer options
if there are only a few
companies offering Thesis
Review services. Because
there is less competition, they
have fewer options for
comparison shopping and
greater control. Since there
aren't many other providers,
they can demand better
services, quicker response
times, or more affordable
prices.
4. Cost of Switching:
Consumers are less likely to
switch Thesis Review services
if they are obligated to use a
specific provider because of
things like workflow integration
or specific needs. Because
switching comes with costs,
including time, effort, and even
delays to their thesis writing
process, clients are more likely
to remain loyal to their existing
provider. Customers now have
more negotiating power with
the service provider on terms,
costs, and other benefits.
Substitutes 1. High Investment Cost:
Potential rivals are
discouraged from joining the
market by the expensive initial
outlay necessary, which may
inhibit smaller companies or
startups from doing so. Bigger,
more established companies
with more funding might be
able to get around this
obstacle.
2. Economies of Scale:
Economies of scale, which
enable businesses to reduce
their unit costs as they
produce more, may be
advantageous to established
businesses. Smaller
newcomers find it challenging
thesis review services. They
have less motivation to
haggle or look for better
offers elsewhere because
there is less competition.
4. Cost of Switching:
Clients with high switching
costs—like specialist
knowledge or integration with
their current systems—that
bind them to the service
provider are less likely to
bargain or look for
alternatives.
1. High Investment Cost: As a one-stop
Potential entrants lacking the business, Substitutes
requisite financial resources to Thesis Review
may be discouraged by the services may have
substantial initial investment some advantages
needed to start and run a over competitors and
one-stop shop for thesis hurdles to entrance,
evaluation services. This but they also have
obstacle could reduce the drawbacks such
total amount of competitors in restricted market
the market by limiting the access and
number of competitors. competition from more
2. Economies of Scale: established firms.
Economies of scale, which Together, these
enable businesses to attain elements influence
reduced average costs per how competitive the
unit as they expand their market is and how
production capacity, may be likely it is for new
advantageous to established players to flourish.
to effectively compete on businesses. Because of this
pricing because established advantage, smaller
businesses may provide
competitors find it challenging
competitive prices because of to effectively compete on
their lower cost per unit. price because they cannot
3. Regulatory and Legal match the cost-efficiencies of
Restrictions: Patents and more established, larger
other regulatory barriers can competitors.
shield established businesses, 3. Regulatory and Legal
making it more difficult for Restrictions: Beginning
newcomers to copy their goods businesses looking to provide
and services without violating thesis review services may
their intellectual propertyencounter difficulties due to
rights. Legal obstacles make it regulatory constraints like
difficult for newcomers to patents or licensing
negotiate complicated requirements. It may take a
regulations because it might lot of time and money to
take time and money to do so. comply with these
4. Product Differentiation requirements, which
and Branding: Market share disadvantages smaller rivals
is difficult for startups to in comparison to larger, more
acquire since establishedestablished businesses.
companies enjoy consumer 4. Product Differentiation
loyalty and awareness. Since it and Branding: Gaining
takes time and money to gain market share may prove to
the confidence and trust of be difficult for newcomers
customers, the expenditure due to established
needed to develop a strong companies' high brand
brand and differentiate
recognition and devoted
products may serve as a consumer bases. Consumers
barrier to entry. who believe lesser-known
5. Access to Suppliers and brands carry a higher risk or
Distribution Channels: Well- inferior quality may be
established businesses may reluctant to move to new
have a competitive advantage providers.
due to their long-standing 5. Limited Access to
connections with suppliers and Suppliers and Distribution
Channels: Accessing the
established distribution
vendors and distribution
networks. It could be difficult
channels needed to provide
for newcomers to find
thesis evaluation services
trustworthy distributors or
may prove to be challenging
suppliers, which would make it for newcomers. It might be
more difficult for them to enter difficult for newcomers to
the market and effectively obtain the resources they
compete. require to effectively compete
because established
6. Retaliation by Established businesses may already have
Players: The threat of established relationships with
retaliation by established firms, important suppliers and
such as price wars or distribution partners.
 aggressive marketing tactics,
can discourage new entrants.
Existing firms may leverage
their resources and market
power to retaliate against new
competitors, making entry into
the market more risky and less
attractive.
6. Potential Retaliation by
Established Players:
Potential competitors may
use aggressive marketing
strategies or price wars to
entice new entrants into the
market as a form of
retaliation. New entrants may
find it challenging to establish
themselves as established
companies with substantial
market power may utilize
their resources to defend
their market dominance.

Competition 1. Number of Competitors: 1. Number of Competitors: The market demand,

There is likely a large demand A saturated market is innovation potential,
for thesis review services if indicated by high rivalry, and market
there are many competitors in which makes it more difficult awareness that rivals
the market. This may result in for individual companies to in the Thesis Review
a bigger market with more stand out. In order to draw service sector enjoy
prospective clients. Higher clients, rivals can use are offset by
levels of competitive rivalry, aggressive pricing or formidable obstacles
nevertheless, can also result in marketing techniques, which such fierce
bold pricing tactics and would lower profitability for all competition, slowing
inventiveness to differentiate parties involved. market expansion,
oneself. 2. Market Size and Growth poor differentiation,
2. Market Size and Growth Prospects: When a market limited brand loyalty,
Prospects: Rivals could profit is stagnant and has few and powerful buyer
from being in a market that is opportunities for growth, power. To address
expanding and seeing a rise in rivals may fight aggressively these shortcomings
the need for thesis review for the current clientele. Profit and obtain a
services. This makes room for margins could be impacted competitive
growth and possibly even more by price wars or cost-cutting advantage in this
earnings. On the other hand, initiatives. cutthroat market,
fierce rivalry can result in price 3. Product Differentiation success demands
wars and aggressive marketing and Brand Loyalty: Gaining strategic
strategies as businesses vie and keeping consumers distinctiveness,
for market share in a becomes difficult if rivals innovation, and a
stagnating industry. provide comparable services commitment to
3. Product Differentiation with few key points of fostering strong
and Brand Loyalty: uniqueness. Customers are customer
Competitors can draw and hold also more inclined to go to relationships.
customers more successfully if competitors who provide
they have a strong sense of better incentives or value if
brand loyalty and product there is little brand loyalty.
difference. This may result in a 4. Power of Buyers and
clientele that is less sensitive Availability of Substitutes:
to pricing fluctuations and The presence of near
more consistent overall. substitutes or strong buyer
 Furthermore, devoted clients
could serve as brand
ambassadors, generating new
revenue through word-of-
mouth recommendations.
4. Power of Buyers and
Availability of Substitutes:
Reduced buyer power or a lack
of viable alternatives for thesis
review services could lead to
less fierce competition
between rivals. This is due to
the fact that consumers may
be less price-sensitive and
have fewer options.
Additionally, rivals can lessen
the threat of replacements and
buyer power if they can
provide distinctive value
propositions that cater to
certain client needs.
D. SWOT ANALYSIS FOR A NEW SERVICE INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
STRENGTH
● Comprehensive Service Offering: A
major strength of thesis review
services is the ability to offer a one-
stop solution that may be sought out
by some customers for convenience
and saving time.
● Expertise: It can develop a reputation
for high quality and enhance customer
satisfaction through having a team of
professionals who have been in this
field for some time.
● Customization: This way, it can attract
various types of clients ranging from
undergraduate students to doctoral
candidates, as they may need the
different levels of review.
● Technological Integration: Technology
should be taken into consideration to
facilitate several processes such as
power can both heighten
competitive competition.
Squeezing profit margins,
buyers may seek better
conditions or cheaper prices.
Furthermore, consumers may
migrate to alternatives if they
provide equivalent services at
a cheaper price, which would
result in a loss of market
share.
WEAKNESSES
● Dependency on Experts: In order to
avoid scalability issues or inconsistent
service provision due to their limited
availability or workload challenges, an
organization should not rely heavily on
few professional reviewers.
● Limited Market: Thesis review market
could be considered small and
seasonal resulting in unstable revenue
streams.
● Competition: The academic writing
centers or freelance reviewers that act
like alternatives therefore make it
difficult to get hold of customers thus
retaining them because there is
presence of established competitors
or alternative solutions like them.
 online submission platforms and
automated feedback systems which
streamline operations and improve
client experience.
OPPORTUNITIES
 Market Expansion: To increase
revenue streams, the company can
attempt to attract a broader group of
clients via such services as academic
writing coaching or formatting
assistance.
 Partnerships: Collaborations with
universities, schools and online
platforms that offer integrated services
or provide referrals may enhance the
visibility and credibility of a brand.
 Global Reach: For instance through
use of online platforms; the business
can go beyond national borders and
reach customers in international
markets meeting diverse academic
needs.
 Specialization: The firm could focus
on specific academic disciplines or
niche areas where demand for review
services is high. This way, it will be
different from others and establish
itself as an expert in those areas.
THREATS
 Regulatory Compliance: As any
breach could lead to legal implications
and damage reputation, adhering to
integrity standards regarding
academic honesty is very critical for
this company.
 Economic Downturn: Impacting the
company’s revenues are reductions in
students’ discretionary spending on
non-essential services such as thesis
reviews during economic downturns or
due to budget limitations.
 Technological Disruption: If they
provide similar or better services at
lesser cost, advancements in AI
driven writing assistance tools or
automated proofreading may pose a
threat.