Assignment 8A - Solving the Problem

OPPORTUNITY

The limitations set in place by the lack of technological resources in the typical university classroom setting has allowed for the existence of an opportunity for universities and corporations likewise to bring in new technology into your traditional classroom. These two sources could be pioneers in their fields for taking action against outdated and lackluster classroom environments that have the potential to offer so much more to its consumers. 

SERVICE

Universities or corporations can provide students with technology to use during class. Such a service would include providing tablets to be used for notetaking, VR technology to create an immersive learning experience, employment of interactive displays (such as the Microsoft Surface Hubs) to further foster student engagement through individualized annotations done on connected devices, or the incorporation of robot technology to assist distance learners in feeling more engrained into the dynamic of the classroom they currently cannot be physically present for.

Using Microsoft Surface Hubs, students and educators in the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, are able to view and annotate resources either on the board at the field site or remotely on connected devices. Source: EdTech

At the University at Buffalo, student teachers partake in VR training to practice classroom challenges they might face when they get into the workforce. Source: EdTech

Assignment 7A - Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

Students feel unfulfilled in classrooms because of the lack of technological resources provided

Modern classrooms are not as modern as they should be as a result of the limited technology provided to faculty and students.

TESTS
WHO: Students and faculty who feel limited by the outdated resources set up in any given classroom setting; this could extend to other universities around the world

WHAT: The limitations of a given classroom in your typical university setting

WHY: Students and faculty deserve to be taught and to teach using the highest quality tools their site of education can provide; people pay money and spend time at these sites, thus being deserving consumers of only the best quality education

INTERVIEWS SUMMARY
The interviews I conducted allowed me to see past the traditional limitations of the average student (i.e. not having a writing utensil, paper to write on, etc.) and realize that this kind of problem can also include the very instructors of these students. In interviewing both of these sources (students and faculty), I was able to conclude that:

• Both groups agree that the lack of modern classroom tools limits their learning and teaching abilities.
• Students felt that there existed a direct relationship between their academic transformation and the efforts made by the university to ensure their academic success.
• Both students and teachers agreed that by bringing new technology into the classroom, collaboration would be further fostered.
• Faculty brought up the fact that in bringing in newer technology into the classroom, "distance students" could be easier to reach in terms of contributing to the physical space of the classroom setting and participate within classroom activities.

REFLECTION

Given the information I gathered through my interviews, I was able to learn about the vast issue that is the lack of modern technology in the average university classroom. It affects not only students but also faculty, who have to accurately teach hundreds of students using the outdated and restricting tools provided by the university. This opportunity has now expanded and can be applied to universities all over the world, of which I am sure face this very issue as well.

Assignment 6A - Identifying Opportunities in Economic & Regulatory Trends

REGULATORY OPPORTUNITIES

'County raises tobacco buying age to 21'
The Gainesville Sun

• The opportunity behind this regulation change is the decrease in youth tobacco users. By Alachua County being the first county in the nation to raise the buying age for tobacco to 21, it can lead the country in phasing out underage smokers.
• The prototypical customer of this opportunity would be underage smokers, especially those who use e-cigarettes.
• The opportunity is easy to exploit as this new regulation only affects the buying power of younger smokers. As the article mentions, users under 21 won't be penalized for smoking.
• I saw this as an opportunity because of the craze that is "vaping" amongst people my age (and younger). While it may be marketed as a "cool" product to use and thus comes in many different styles and can be even personalized with wrap stickers, it is ultimately something that has to be suppressed due to the fact that it is contributing to the rising levels of smokers in the nation. Prior to the current state of this product's popularity, smoking amongst the general population was decreasing; of course, that is now not the case at all and is now increasing, especially amongst younger people.

'How to Stop Rogue Gene-Editing of Human Embryos?'

The New York Times

• The opportunity behind this regulation change is the creation of global standards for governments worldwide to use when confronted with "dangerous and unethical" experimentation, such as the genetic modification of babies. There also exists the opportunity to establish an official system for scientists to use when raising concerns towards malpractices within the science field. 
• The prototypical customer of this opportunity would be scientists around the world concerned with maintaining the ethical standards of scientific practices. Also included in this category would be scientists who fear the generational health implications that genetically-modified babies could have in terms of disease control and genetic design alterations.
• Yes, this opportunity is easy to exploit because the experiments can be carried out in other countries where genetic modification isn't illegal and supervision is thus easier to evade. Documents surrounding the ethics of the experiment can also be falsified. The concept of Dr. He crossing an international 'red line' is one that is easily exploitable simply because now that his experiment is public to the world, people are aware of the scientific "advancements" being made and as a result demand it to be made accessible to the general public.
• I saw this as an opportunity because the field of science is one that requires a level of sanctity and regulation that is imperative to the carrying out of ethical experiments that reflect the values of the general public. Should an experiment, such as Dr. He's, violate this general principle, certain precautions must be taken in order to preserve the credibility and usefulness of scientific discoveries and advancements. 

Assignment 5A - Identifying Local Opportunities

'Mental illness affects spouses too' 

Sun-Sentinel

• Description: The author of this anonymous letter explains how difficult it can be to maintain a marriage with spouses that suffer from mental illnesses. Despite the spouses' attempts at preserving their mental health, relapse is inevitably common and hurtful towards the health of their marriages.
• Problem: When the spouses relapse, partners are subjected to mental and physical abuse. It becomes difficult to stay in the marriage, so the author asks for words of encouragement in order to remain strong enough to stay in the marriage.
• Who has this problem: Families, significant others who have to endure the affects of mentally ill members of their families.

'No early screening for ovarian cancer'

Sun-Sentinel

• Description: Ovarian cancer is an especially alarming form of cancer because of the difficulty surrounding the screening process of it; because the symptoms related to ovarian cancer are vague and hard to recognize, there are no official screening tests. Thus, women should try to assess their symptoms on their own first before getting a sonogram or CT scan.
• Problem: Ovarian cancer isn't easily screened as symptoms can range from abdominal bloating, distention or nausea; loss of appetite; fatigue; and pelvic and back pressure. It can also be noticeable in the form of an increase in waist size despite a lack of healthy eating habits. This results in no official screening existing for ovarian cancer, which creates a problem for the person who asked Dr. Roach, author of this article.
• Who has this problem: Women who exhibit symptoms of ovarian cancer and want to get an accurate reading via a screening.

'Hallandale Beach braces for protests at meeting' 

Sun-Sentinel

• Description: As a result of Hallandale Beach Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub's negative comments against Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, several organizations have planned to protest outside City Hall to condemn Lima-Taub's statements. These groups include the pro-Israel Anti-Defamation League and Muslim organizations. There are mixed emotions on the Commissioner's comments, as some call for her resignation, some are remorseful towards the bad press the new commission was receiving, others support her, and others simply want to move on from her actions.
• Problem: Hallandale Beach Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub's comments have provoked local organizations to protest her comments against Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, which include accusations of Tlaib being 'a Hamas-loving anti-Semite who might blow up Capitol Hill'. 
• Who has this problem: The Hallandale Beach Commission, Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub, her coworkers.

'Parkland city manager plans to resign'

Sun-Sentinel

• Description: After clashing with the commission of Parkland about new plans for an 800-acre "Mizner-like" development, Parkland City Manager Bob Payton is resigning from his role rather than being flat out fired. 
• Problem: Payton is perceived by the commission as not doing an adequate job of bringing in a fresh and original perspective in his plans for the city of Parkland. He was previously recorded saying he wanted to leave the city.
• Who has this problem: The city of Parkland, the commission of Parkland.

'Residents demand spill relief' 

Sun-Sentinel

• Description: Residents of Pompano Beach attended a community meeting to inquire about what is being done to improve the issue of a putrid smell that has resulted from a sewage spill. The smell has impacted the residents for eight days, an in greater ways for residents who live near the canal with the sewage waste. The mayor was able to inform residents that everything is being done to eliminate this problem and that the contractor who caused the damage would be held accountable. The bill for this problem is $1.4 million.
• Problem: The sewage spill has resulted in a smell to linger around Pompano Beach, upsetting many residents of the area. The wildlife of the area has also been somewhat affected by the sewage.
• Who has this problem: The residents of Pompano Beach, the wildlife present in the affected canal.

Assignment 4A - Forming An Opportunity Belief

PENS AND PENCILS

As a student, one must always have with them something to write with as they are to be used for manual note taking, filling out random forms, and more. Writing utensils can come in different forms (pens, pencils, etc.), in different colors, and in different sizes, but they are nevertheless always missing when they are most needed. 

What happens when you're in a situation where you don't have a pencil? You ask around, but no one around you has one, but they most likely do have a phone charger! This is the very situation of most students, regardless of their institution of education. As a result, students have to depend on the leftover pens and pencils that they haven't used since taking the SATs, hoping the tool will still be useful to them in their academic endeavors.

Personally, I believe there exists a high chance (around 75%) of there being an opportunity to end this once and for all. Businesses could supply pencils and pens to different professors, all the while getting free promotion for their companies by putting their brand on the utensils. While some companies do already participate in branding pens and pencils and actively pass these tools out at recruitment events, they are not taking advantage of the opportunity that exists in sponsoring classes in the form of writing utensils. Not only would students then have something to write with, but they are also now aware of the company whose brand is emblazoned on the tool and can infer whether they'd be interested in working with them in the future!

INTERVIEWS

Prototypical customer #1: Shana Belfort, 18-year-old Florida Atlantic University student

1. How often would you say you use a pencil or a pen? I'll use a pen mainly throughout the school day.
2. What do you use you pens and pencils for? I use them for quick notes and journaling.
3. How often do you use pens and pencils in class? I use them for almost every class.
4. How often do you use pens and pencils outside of class? I rarely use pens or pencils outside of class. I usually just use my laptop.
5. Do you more often digitally write notes or manually? It's a mix of both. It depends on the class, too.
6. Have you ever felt the lack of a writing utensil? Usually when I have to take an exam.
7. Does it bother you when you don’t have a writing utensil when you need one? On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not so bothered, 10 being absolutely bothered. Yes, it does bother me when I don't have a writing utensil when I need one. I'd say it's around an 8 out of 10.
8. What do you do when you need a writing utensil? I quickly ask around the classroom or exam room if anybody has one.
9. Does your current strategy work for you? Yes, it does.
10. How would you feel if companies sponsored writing utensils in the classroom? I would honestly much rather prefer for companies to sponsor iPads and Apple pencils than real pens and pencils.

Reflection

Through this interview, I learned that my opportunity could be implemented in ways that not only supplement but improve the traditional classroom experience of the typical college student. Students are now using their digital tools to take notes, however can feel the lack of a writing utensil when it comes to taking tests on paper and on Scantron products. Nevertheless, students, such as Shana, see more opportunity in a possible sponsorship from companies in having them bring in more technology into the classroom for student usage.

Prototypical customer #2: Racquel Melville, 18-year-old Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University student

1. How often would you say you use a pencil or a pen? I use both everyday.
2. What do you use you pens and pencils for? I use to write down my homework, do notes, and more.
3. How often do you use pens and pencils in class? I use them all the time!
4. How often do you use pens and pencils outside of class? I also use both pens and pencils all the time outside of class!
5. Do you more often digitally write notes or manually? I write my notes manually more often than digitally.
6. Have you ever felt the lack of a writing utensil? No, I have never felt the lack of a writing utensil.
7. Does it bother you when you don’t have a writing utensil when you need one? On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not so bothered, 10 being absolutely bothered. Yes, it does bother me when I don't have one on me. Out of 10, my level of frustration is a 5.
8. What do you do when you need a writing utensil? I'll ask the people around me if they have a pencil or pen I could borrow.
9. Does your current strategy work for you? Yes!
10. How would you feel if companies sponsored writing utensils in the classroom? I would also prefer to have companies invest in note-taking supplemental technology made available to students who don't have the appropriate supplies.

Reflection

Through this interview, I was able to see the strength of my opportunity, as Racquel frequently uses writing utensils and can sometimes see herself without some. Because she is a frequent user, she would be more susceptible to the branding from the sponsoring companies and thus more promotion is given to the companies. I was surprised, however, to see that Racquel also would prefer for the companies to implement higher technology for student usage, as she seemed very keen on using her preferred method of manual note-taking. 

Prototypical customer #3: Homar Ali-Maria, 18-year-old University of Florida student

1. How often would you say you use a pencil or a pen? I tend to use both daily, but mostly use pen. I would say I use writing utensils for about 4 hours a day.
2. What do you use you pens and pencils for? I use them for homework usually.
3. How often do you use pens and pencils in class? I use them everyday in every class.
4. How often do you use pens and pencils outside of class? Everyday. There is never an instance where I do not use a pen when doing my work.
5. Do you more often digitally write notes or manually? Manually. I feel like I learn better writing things down.
6. Have you ever felt the lack of a writing utensil? Not necessarily the lack, but the lack of a good writing utensil.
7. Does it bother you when you don’t have a writing utensil when you need one? On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not so bothered, 10 being absolutely bothered. Yes, a solid 7-8. It depends on what it is for.
8. What do you do when you need a writing utensil? Ask someone for one or type it on my phone or computer.
9. Does your current strategy work for you? Yes.
10. How would you feel if companies sponsored writing utensils in the classroom? Since it is an everyday essential, sponsoring writing utensils (especially good quality ones) might help further business since it could become the writing utensil students feel more comfortable using.

Reflection

Through this interview, I learned that the opportunity could be very advantageous for Homar, as he is a frequent writing utensil user and a dedicated one at that, going as far as preferring good quality writing utensils over just any tool. I was surprised to hear that Homar has specific preferences for his writing utensils. It is kind of rare to see students care about what they use to write their notes or homework with.

SUMMARY

My original opportunity is not only still present, but heightened; students would not only want companies to sponsor classroom supplies (such as writing utensils), but also technology that could supplement or enhance the quality of their note-taking. I do think my opportunity is more accurate than when I started, as it is commonplace for students to not have writing utensils with them; by having the sponsored utensils become available to them, students would be exposed to different businesses that show the student that they care about their education and their successful completion of it. Entrepreneurs should learn to adapt their opportunities according to customer feedback by a significant amount, as they explicitly have what their market wants from them and should act accordingly.

Assignment 3A - My Entrepreneurship Story

A time in my life when I was exposed to entrepreneurship was during my attendance of a session of the Alumni Cafes done by Warrington, in which prominent University of Florida alumni are invited to speak to current business students about their experiences outside of college and their search for success. One particular alumni that I had to chance to meet was Mrs. Julia MacGregor-Peralta, founder and CEO of Global Safety Management. 

In speaking to Mrs. MacGregor-Peralta, I was reminded of how common it can be for it to be perceived that entrepreneurs are "born"; she claimed that she has been an entrepreneur since she was 8 years old, when she first began her entrepreneurial ventures with her hamster breeding business. As an adult, Mrs. MacGregor-Peralta had a house cleaning business, then later a music and language learning franchise. She also emphasized the importance of having entrepreneurial "DNA", as she personally believed entrepreneurs are born and created. To Mrs. MacGregor-Peralta, entrepreneurs are natural problem-solvers.

I enrolled in ENT3003 because I might possibly want to pursue a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship. While I am currently a Finance major, the world of entrepreneurship and the process of creating your own business have always been attractive to me and continue to be part of my future plans. From this course I hope to gain even more access to the minds of different entrepreneurs and see how they were able to handle their failures and successes in stride, something that I believe makes a successful entrepreneur.

Julia MacGregor-Peralta, GSM Founder and CEO, at the Alumni Cafe at Bryan Hall on October 24th, 2018.

Assignment 2A - My Bug List

1. The only heels I feel comfortable using have a slingback style to them that, in my opinion, decreases their level of professionalism.
• Why? Professional heels are usually entirely closed, thus creating a standard that most professional heels should adhere to.
2. Getting unknown calls that disrupt my music listening.
• Why? My number is easily accessible to scam telemarketers.
3. Having the book I need to read for this course recalled at the library, thus shortening the amount of time I have to thoroughly analyze it.
• Why? There are about 900 students in this course and only 1 copy of this book (at least at Library West).
4. New Year's resolutions resulting in the gym being more packed than usual, leaving me without a treadmill to use.
• Why? Lots of people have resolved to getting fitter in the new year.
5. My dorm has a weird smell to it.
• Why? The dorm room is situated in the basement, thus being closer to the ground and its many odors.
6. Pizza Hut's minimum delivery charge is $10, forcing me to get a sauce I'm not going to use.
• Why? Pizza Hut doesn't want to waste its resources on orders lower than $10.
7. Food, such as pizza, that tastes good has a lot of calories.
• Why? Foods that taste good usually have a lot of carbs and fattening ingredients.
8. My turtleneck does not offer much warmth.
• Why? My turtleneck is made out of a thin material.
9. I read an article by the New York Daily News that claimed that there were thousands more migrant children and families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border than was previously known.
• Why? Lack of a proper administration.
10. Puerto Rico is still recovering from Hurricane Maria.
• Why? Trump administration does not see the importance in supporting the island.
11. People go on service trips just to post about it on social media.
• Why? People want to increase their "clout" with their audiences.
12. The maintenance staff is always cleaning the bathrooms, leaving the door alarm to blare for hours.
• Why? They religiously have to deep clean the bathrooms every day.
13. Really cold weather interfering with my fashion choices.
• Why? Gainesville is a lot colder than South Florida, which my wardrobe is mostly tailored towards.
14. It's just as cold in my dorm as it is outside.
• Why? The temperature is set to maximum cold in my dorm.
15. My roommate forgetting her keys in her boyfriend's dorm.
• Why? My roommate can lose track of things sometimes.
16. Tabling for the fraternity I'm part of in the very cold weather of Gainesville, Florida.
• Why? It is the middle of January in Northern Florida.
17. People not accepting promotional flyers for the fraternity I'm part of.
• Why? People have other priorities or are simply not interested.
18. My almost-2 hour marketing class.
• Why? Professor Lutz needs the time to teach his students about the Principles of Marketing.
19. Not knowing which aspects of my marketing lectures will be tested on.
• Why? Professor Lutz has not delineated the material that will be tested on.
20. Forgetting my wallet at my dorm and not being able to buy myself apple juice.
• Why? I told myself I wouldn't need my wallet because I'm not going to want to buy anything. I lied.

It was difficult trying to come up with the different bugs that exist in my day-to-day life because I don't really notice them until I have to. It's almost as though I just push through these little inconveniences and don't allow them to blossom into actual problems. However, once I had to identify them as part of this assignment, it became not only easy to identify them but to also identify their root cause and how simple it is to remove them from existence.

is this thing on?

testing, testing.... 1, 2, 3