U-KO Business Model

How does a restaurant use ICT to improve its business process?

In order to clearly explain that, I will introduce the business model of U-KO and indicate the use and effects of ICT on it.

U-KO: Interactive Business Model

U-KO is a Korean Restaurant that eliminates cultural barriers by providing an interactive ordering and waiting experience that educates and entertains customers at an attainable price (Sources from http://www.behance.net/gallery/U-KO-Business-Model/1021909).

When we first time go to any international restaurant, we have no idea what the items are on the menu if we do not have the knowledge about the culture and traditional dishes.Most of the time, we order blindly not knowing what to expect. There is a communication barrier in international restaurants which prevents users from having an enjoyable experience. In order to avoid misunderstanding, U-KO creates a platform that are specifically catered for people without much knowledge in Korean culture and can be customized for personal needs. It is designed in different languages and for different eating preferences as well.

The following is the business model of U-KO:

Actually, what does U-KO do? U-KO creates a platform as well as a website for customers getting information about them. Customers can look at the menu with the introduction of dishes and images online before them come to the restaurant. They can order their food and also can create their dishes according to their own preference through the platform. They can use email and IRC to communicate with the staffs.

Chefs will create the products based on the customers' requirements and preference. The platform also build a network with the customers and consolidate all of the process. Video chart helps the restaurant well communicate with the customers and set up good relationship with them, in order to increase customer loyalty.

Customers can use APP, PC based platform to get the information.Since U-KO's target customers are students, Google, facebook, twitter, etc. such a social network program helps the restaurant to spread their information and updated news. These can attract their attentions. Sometimes, when preparing for a journey,these social network platform also are first considered by tourists.  

After having dishes, customers are asked to evaluate the food and services of the restaurant by providing coupon. Restaurant keep on the level of services and quality of food to set up good public opinion. Then the website advertising and word of mouth can help it increase customer base.  

In order to successfully implement the business process, U-KO should have a good relationship management and strengthen the key partnerships. The platform also can share the information about its partners, suppliers,customers and workers inside the company, help the restaurant build up its community and improve communication, cooperation and efficiency of work.

Furthermore, the interactive platform also can help U-KO manage its financial resources. Each items as following can be automatically recorded through the platform during the consumption of customers.It is easily for the restaurant to manage and analysis the paperless data base. U-KO can easily find the trend of customer demand through the graph or tables. 

Staffs should monitor the platform to make sure everything connected effectively. Key resources includes intellectual property,human capital and social capital(partnerships with advertisers and suppliers), financial resources (investment,loans), fixed assets,etc. Computer can collected all of the information about that, but manager still need to monitor all of the process, make sure each function are normally developed. If there are problems, it is easier for the manager figure out the solution and lead the staff to effectively implement the solution. 

ICT increase the cooperation of the companies department and also help the companies collect the useful information. It can be more easier for the companies to make the future business plan and enhance their companies culture. ICT is the links between people and can also change the customer behavior (For more information go to: Zhang, Y.& Zhi, L.).Customer are more than happy to have dinner outside.

Reference:

Zhang, Y.& Zhi, L. Research on consumer behavior influenced by ICT using structural equation model.Shanghai maritime university

Daniella, P.U-KO Business Model. Retrieved from http://www.behance.net/gallery/U-KO-Business-Model/1021909