Week 4 Reading Reflection

Week 4 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

• While Kuratko was defining nine methods to develop creativity, the ninth method was surprising. "Remembering your wildest dreams". Elias Howe invented the sewing machine. His idea came to him in his dreams. The dream he had were cannibals piercing his flesh with spears. How crazy is that? He took what seemed like a nightmare, and used his creativity to turn it into an invention.

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

·         “For creativity to occur, chaos is a necessary-but a structured and focused chaos.” (157, Kuratko) I wasn’t sure what Kuratko meant by this. Usually chaos is associated in a negative way. Did he just mean, “out of the ordinary”? In a positive viewpoint, it could be explained as an overwhelmed flux of ideas. Why would chaos be necessary?

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

·         How would Patents work for a duplication in innovative products or ideas? A creative replication of an existing concept? As long as no one else thought of it, how do you patent an “additional” idea? I thought of asking these questions, because there are so many methods used to develop creativity. You need to be able to protect your idea.

·         While performing the creative exercise, I found it difficult to find functions for an ‘egotistical staff member’ and the ‘office tightwad’. These two items on the list were the most negative. What would the author list as functions for these? I would like to know his opinion and viewpoint on this.

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

·         The one thing that I didn’t agree with the author was “idea killers”. This may hinder some people’s creative processes. However, I think it depends on the person’s outlook. It can have some positive influence on others. It can act as a drive force. Such as, if someone says you can’t do something, they do it to prove them wrong. Therefore, these so called “idea killers” can push for a driving force in innovation. 

Top 5 World Problems

Rank-Ordering the World's Biggest Problems

‘Most serious’ to ‘Least serious’ List

1)      Climate Change and Global Warming

2)      Nuclear Bombs

3)      Terrorism

4)      Syria Refugees

5)      Deforestation

 'Most-possible to implement' to 'Least-possible to implement’ List

1)      Solution: Create a safe haven in Lebanon for Syrians to gather. Lebanon's government has opened public schools for Syrian children. Help Syrian people form an army with proper military training in order to take back their country.

2)      Solution: Try to make allies with all countries. If they don't comply, and hurt allies or home country, retaliation needs to take effect. Utilize NATO assets and allies to eliminate terrorist compounds and high value targets.

3)      Solution: Global collaboration on alternate energy sources. This solution is already taking effect. However it will be a "baby step" solution. This can be a technological shift for us in the future. Electric and solar energy sources are the way of the future.

4)      Solution: Replant trees after forests removed for lumber. Limit throughput of lumber mills to preserve as many forests as possible while others regrow. Possible research into genetically modified rapid growth trees.

5)      Solution: Ensure no country known to fund or help any terrorist organization has access or the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Any country threatening to use nuclear weapons on peaceful nations should also be dealt with by the UN.

I selected Climate Change as my most serious world problem, because there can be disastrous effects in the future if solutions aren’t implemented now. If our Ozone layer keeps breaking down, soon there won’t be one. Then there will be no living things on planet Earth. The rest of the list is ranked by importance of achieving a world peace. I chose the solution to the Syrian Refugees as the most possible to implement. Our U.S Military has the resources to help the Syrian’s form an army and train them to fight for their country. Furthermore, they can gain back control and start new in their homeland. We also gain them as an ally for the future. The rest of the list is possible to implement. However, it’s ranked by the factor of time.

Identifying Local Opportunities

Identifying Local Opportunities

#1 Opportunity:

What causes Liver Cancer?

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D790F0EA00?p=AWNB

This story is about how it’s important to determine prognosis and treatment of liver cancer. It is the sixth common cancer in the world. Our liver is a major organ that helps detoxify our bodies. Liver cancer's survival rate is less than ten percent of people living past five years after diagnosis. 

The problem is, the signs and symptoms arise too late and treatment becomes ineffective. Risk factors are tied to people's lifestyle choices. These choices include, alcohol use, drug use, smoking, diabetes and eating poorly. 

Everyone is at risk for this problem. The death of David Bowie and how common liver cancer was who had the issue. The mortality rate is increasing for liver cancer. Everyone should not abuse unhealthy substances. Everyone should take care of their body. 

#2 Opportunity

Downtown Orlando draws more tourists - Repeat visitors, word of mouth help trend grow

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E7D711384F58?p=AWNB

This story is about how there more and more tourist are spending their time and money downtown. In order to keep repeat visitors, Orlando needs to spice things up.

The problem is that there is a huge demographic diversity coming to the town. Word of mouth spreads and more people come to visit. However, once there are the same "adventures" people start spending their money elsewhere. 

Downtown Orlando has the problem. However, it's Orlando's community downtown. Small business need to keep people on their toes. There needs to be new events and attractions to keep people from spending their money somewhere else. 

#3 Opportunity

Garbage, yard waste woes still evident, street by street - County says it's improving service, though

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8936B034785F8?p=AWNB

This story is about how private waste haulers missed 210,000 customers for three weeks on garbage day. This is because of a switch to a new system in order to help the environment and save money.

The problem is that they underestimated the switching costs for the new system. The trash outside is piling up and the trucks are days behind. It’s a slow process, but in the long run it will cut company cost and help the environment. 

The neighborhood's in Orange County is having the problem. Even new neighborhood's near Winter Garden. They weren't on the map for the trash pickup at all.

#4 Opportunity

She wages fight against trafficking

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8936AFA1362C8?p=AWNB

The story is about a photojournalist, Scimone, who helped save the lives of children by spreading awareness about trafficking. She did this by writing a kid friendly book that taught them lessons.

The problem is that kids need to be educated about how traffickers can lure them in, and how to stay safe. Awareness needs to be spread about the dialogue between kids and their parents. 

Kids around the world were focused towards having this problem. Human trafficking in general is a problem for adults, and kids. 

#5 Opportunity

Chaos, blood as cop fights 5 pit bulls

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A83F2067B67160?p=AWNB

The story is about five pit bulls who was someone’s pets attacked five people in an apartment complex. A police officer who lived in the building heard the screams and had no choice but to kill all five dogs. There was a similar incident with four pit bulls last month. However there was no indication that it was the same dogs. 

The problem is that the owner of the dogs is nowhere in sight. There were no evidence that the dogs were trained to fight or attack. They were simply pets that escaped from the owner.

The Sanford police and community has the problem. There are too many pit bull attacks in the area in a small time frame. It doesn't seem like the owners of these dogs are being convicted, nor the community being justified for attacks. 

Week 3 Reading Reflection

Week 3 Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

• I didn't know that fear was a big factor in entrepreneurship. When I think of fear in entrepreneurship, I think of losing money. However, that wasn't the case. It is the fear of failing to leave a footprint in the world. Entrepreneurs want to be known and make an impact in the world. 

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

• I was confused about the extended consequence of an ethical decision example. Was the author saying that using inexpensive products for operations was an ethical decision? That would be a normal logical business decision. However, the unsafe product part would not be. 

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

• Why would ethical decisions have extended consequences? If you made well thought out decisions that is right for the business and stakeholders, what could go wrong? I understand that there is always an ethics risk. There may be a consequence to any decision that is made. Except, if you know what the right thing to do is, then how are there "extended" consequences?

• While explaining entrepreneurial fear, what is it that the entrepreneur experiences while at the top of the roller coaster metaphor? Is it suppose to be when failure sets in, and the "dark side" of entrepreneurship comes to light?

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

• "First, ethical decisions have extended consequences. They often have a ripple effect in that the consequences are felt by others outside the venture. For example, the decision to use inexpensive but unsafe products in operation will affect both workers and consumers of the final good." (pg 50, Kuratko) I understand that there can be a ripple effect from any decision that is made. However, I don't agree with Kuratko's example. Using unsafe products in operation is unethical. Inexpensive products in operation is great for the business. Except, looking from a Utilitarianism point of view, using unsafe products in operations makes the whole situation unethical. Even though it's inexpensive, in the long run it will hurt the business. 

Very Short Interview No. 1

Very Short Interview With An Entrepreneur

I interviewed an entrepreneur named, John, who is an Optician. John is my friends father. He went to school for optometry and worked at Optical Illusions for years. As an Optician, John performs custom orders or receives prescriptions. This entails cutting the lenses, and fitting them into the frames. Since Optical Illusions is a retail store, John encountered many vendors. This helped him network and create relationships with these vendors. He decided to go into business for himself since he would make a lot more money that way. Now, all of the vendors clients, including Optical Illusions, are his clients. He created a private business for fifteen years, and makes six figures. 

Interview questions:

1) What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?

• It means hard work, action, and leadership. It's hard work to start your own business. You have to make sure you have all the equipment you need to be able to do your job. You have to make well thought out plans to keep track of vendor orders. Action makes your vision come to life. Without action, you'll fall behind on things. Organization and planning are key factors. Leadership means taking control. I took leadership in starting my own business and I also control every aspect of my business as well.

2) When I hear the word, entrepreneur, I think of risk. Was there a lot of risk involved starting your own business? 

• There is always some type of risk associated with any business starting out, even in general. What if a piece of equipment that cost thousands of dollars breaks down? What if you run out of funds to get your business started? Risk should be replaced with planning. The better you plan, the less risk there will be. Such as, planning to keep an emergency fund. I didn't have much planning to do. It was already put in place for me. I had already built relationships with a lot of clients. I just cut out the middle man (company) and had the clients go directly to me. 

3) What do you think I should learn in an entrepreneurship course?

• There are a lot of great things you can learn from and entrepreneurship course. Skill sets you should learn are organization, planning, persistence, reflection and leadership. These are skills I use every day. 

Reflection:

I really enjoyed talking to John about being an entrepreneur. I thought it was awesome how I'm already applying the skills he told me he uses everyday. This class is definitely helping me reflect for a more open mind. Persistence is also another one. I'm staying on top of all my assignments and time managing. It also made a lot more sense when he told me, "the more you plan the less risk there will be". John is definitely right about that. Planning makes perfect! 

World's Biggest Problems

Solving the World's Biggest Problems

1) Syria Refugee Crises in the Middle East. According to World Vision, it is the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Syrians are leaving their homes since the civil war began. There has been a concern for violence, children's safety, and collapsed infrastructure. There has been multiple arguments about who will take in refugees. 

• Solution: Create a safe haven in Lebanon for Syrians to gather. Lebanon's government has opened public schools for Syrian children. Help Syrian people form an army with proper military training in order to take back their country.   

2) Clean drinking water. According to John Gallagher, more people have cell phones than clean drinking water. There is approximately, six hundred and sixty three million people without clean water. 

• Solution: Technology has grown enough to where there are plenty of options in order to get clean drinking water. The type of technology used determines the type or terrain of the area in need. The only issue is that it's for developing countries. Help to establish infrastructure. Therefore, it's just one step at a time kind of thing. Some of the technologies are, wells to reach aquifers, piped systems, and rainwater contraptions. 

3) Homeless has been a worldly issue for a long time. There are shelters, and some programs for these people. However, it doesn't seem like enough.

• Solution: Establish a program to take each person in and get them back on their feet. Each person should go through a rehabilitation process. Such as, therapy of why/how they became homeless. Take appropriate action depending on reason. After getting to the root of the problem, set up a "buddy" system. Receive a compatible roommate. Then work on employment skills. Once in an established job and home with compatible roommate, they should be on a probation-like period as a check up. 

4) Climate Change and Global Warming has been a worldly issue. Global Warming is the increase of Earth's atmospheric temperature caused by pollutants. This is destroying our Ozone layer which protects us from harmful ultraviolet light. It also is changing the habitats of certain species making them extinct. 

• Solution: Global collaboration on alternate energy sources. This solution is already taking effect. However it will be a "baby step" solution. This can be a technological shift for us in the future. Electric and solar energy sources are the way of the future.  

5) Hunger. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) were invented to help with world hunger. However, there is concern for its ability to change the way our body reacts to food.

• Solution: Graft fruit trees etc. Grafting is a form of splicing new fruit trees together using buds or twigs. It produces clones of known varieties. Also, promote urban farming. This can help developing nations and also gives families control of food sources. 

6) Terrorism. There has been terror attacks in France and the U.S. this past year. 

• Solution: Try to make allies with all countries. If they don't comply, and hurt allies or home country, retaliation needs to take effect. Utilize NATO assets and allies to eliminate terrorist compounds and high value targets.

7) Deforestation. According to National Geographic, forest areas the size of Panama get wiped out every year. 

• Solution: Replant trees after forests removed for lumber. Limit throughput of lumber mills to preserve as many forests as possible while others regrow. Possible research into genetically modified rapid growth trees.

8) Species Extinction - As urban density grows and rural areas are harvested for resources, more and more wildlife is being destroyed

• Solution: Establish more reservations, limit urban city growth to a degree (related to population problems). Attempt to relocate endangered species to reserved areas and outlaw their being killed for sport. Future genetic research may also prove helpful in recovering or revitalizing a population of species.

9) Nuclear Bombs - Nuclear bombs are accessible or built by all world powers, they are also in the hands of known terrorist organizations.

• Solution: Ensure no country known to fund or help any terrorist organization has access or the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Any country threatening to use nuclear weapons on peaceful nations should also be dealt with by the UN.

10) Overpopulation - Overpopulation is more of a problem in countries such as China and India. It will become a problem in the future for essentially all countries at its current rate.

• Solution: Eventually the world will not be able to sustain the population of humans on it, it will run out of resources and land area. There are only so many options available. Inhabiting worlds other than Earth, creating large manufactured islands or underwater cities, or some form of population reduction or limited birthing rate.

Week 2 Reading Reflection

Reading Reflection

1) What was the biggest surprise for you in the reading? In other words, what did you read that stood out the most as different from your expectations? 

• The biggest surprise to me in the reading was the impact on Gazelles. It was surprising to know how fast Gazelles can grow with a base price of  $100,000. While also learning that despite corporations downsizing over the past decade, they still produced millions of jobs. 

2) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

• One part of the reading that confused me was when the author quoted, "...but I caution, do not plan to walk the latter, until you have experienced the former". Experienced a former what? Former success? A former Entrepreneurial mindset?

3) If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?

• The first question I would ask is, "what would be the main factor to make 85% of all start ups fail in the first year?". This is a large percentage. There has to be a main reason. For instance, is it mainly willingness or economic conditions? 
• My second questions would be, " What did the author mean by, "the things that work and those that don't are pretty much the same..." I was a bit confused by that. Did he mean that Entrepreneurship Management is the same no matter the size of the organization created? 

4) Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

• The only concept that I can disagree with the author was about myth number three. "Entrepreneurs are always inventors". Entrepreneurs are always inventing no matter if it is an idea or activity. An Entrepreneur has a creative mindset in general. They are always innovating. Whether it's finding new perspectives or creating a unique product. It is all the same. It is still categorized by innovation. 

Bug List

20 Bugs

1) People who don't use their blinkers in traffic on the Buckman Bridge. 

• Why? It would be nice if there was a warning for cutting in front of you. 

2) My neighbors dog, Lily, who digs holes under the fence to hang out in my yard.

• Why? It's annoying to have a dog that is not yours jump on you and prevent you from using your own yard in peace. 

3)  When my BMW overheats and dies. 

• Why? It is really terrible to not have a car. You have to rely on other people. Your independence is ripped out from under you. 

4) Customers who bring back used, opened, or damaged products. Especially Motorola Monitors.  

• Why? It brings the companies sales down. You're suppose to call the vendor! The vendor won't know whats wrong with the product in order to correct the situation. 

5) When the meat guy at Winn Dixie doesn't make enough stir fry. 

• Why? The stir fry always sells out by the time I get off work. When I get off work, he always says that they already "cleaned up" for the day. If stir fry is your highest selling item, make more stir fry!

6)  When you forget which side of the car the gas tank is on, and you have to get back in the car to turn it around. 

• Why? You look like a complete idiot first of all. It is also a waste of time. People say that you can tell by the hose on the gas symbol or there is an actual arrow to tell you which side the gas tank is on. However, these statements are not true for all cars. I have experience. 

7) When you walk into Academy on Blanding in Orange Park and you can't find anyone who works on the sales floor. 

• I don't care who you are. Customer service is apart of every business. That is... if you want to sell anything. Of course, I walked out. 

8) People who don't proof read, use spell check, or use correct grammar on Craigslist. 

• Why? You are posting an ad to sell an item! No one wants to buy something from someone who doesn't know proper English. It says that you are sketchy. 

9) People who are texting or playing on their phone in a social situation. 

• Why? You are in a social situation. You are suppose to be talking to the people you are with. Be in the moment. It is also really rude. 

10) Not being able to eat lunch, because your shift is in the middle of the day. 

• Why? Food gives you energy to keep going. Meals are important to stay healthy. 

11) People who don't look both ways before crossing the street. 

• Why? I have to slam on my breaks and then wait for the person to cross. They aren't looking either, so they take their time not realizing there is someone waiting. 

12) When coworkers don't do their job. Such as, stand around and talk all day to other coworkers.

• Why? There is double the work you have to do, and you get paid the same. 

13) When someone stands too close to you in the line to check-in for the homeowners meeting. 

• Why? It invades your personal space and they can wait their turn. It is overwhelmingly rude. 

14) People who kill animals for sport and not food.

• Why? Luring animals to their death by placing food on the ground and then shooting is terrible. If you want to have fun shooting guns, shoot targets instead. Otherwise, only hunt animals for food. Also, do it the correct way. For example, hunting them by observing tracks and other signs.

15) People who stand and talk in a group in the middle of the isle at Walmart. They make you squish by them and say, "excuse me". Then, your're the one that gets a dirty look.

• Why? I don't have the time to go through another isle just to get around them. I said excuse me, and was polite. I don't understand that type of attitude. 

16) My uncle, Jay, who curses up a storm.

• Why? Foul language makes me cringe. I can't stand people talking like that all the time. It also symbolizes a bad attitude and aura. 

17) The new chip card readers that is suppose to give you added security for your bank account, and deffer fraudulent claims.

• Why? Not all retailers have the chip card reader, and its a waste of time figuring out if they have it or not. The chip card reader is also slower than if you swiped your card. Now you are waiting an extra forty seconds for your card to go through the payment system. 

18) People who smoke when they're driving and flick the ash or cigarette out the window hitting your car. 

• Why? I feel like the cigarette hurt my car. I can smell the smoke, and therefore, received some fraction of secondhand smoke. It is also extremely disrespectful. 

19) When my dog, Foxie, licks me to death.

• Why? I don't want a bath in stinky dog breath and saliva. 

20) When Walmart has twenty cash registers, and only one is opened.

• Why? Walmart is a huge company. They have a competitive advantage on price. However, they could possibly increase sales by using customer service in the mix. No one wants to wait in line forever. 

Listing twenty things that bugged me was not an easy thing to do.You don't normally think about what things bother you and why. In order for me to conjure up a list, I had to focus on what bothered me as my day went on. I also used past experiences. There was a slight pattern while reflecting on these bugs. I noticed that patience may not be my strong suit. In the words of Yoda, "patience you must have, my young padawan". Patience is something that I will have to work on.

My Entrepreneurship Story

     It was a cloudy and humid morning. I usually go to the gym around eight thirty before going to work at ten. When the clock struck close to nine thirty, I had left Planet Fitness looking at my watch for spare time. As I looked up from my watch, I saw a young man around my age heading in my direction. I stepped down from the sidewalk after looking both ways and started crossing the road. That's when this young man yelled out, "excuse me!" I was going to ignore him, because there was something a bit off. He wasn't dressed in gym clothes. Nor was he carrying a gym bag. He was dressed in business attire holding a brief case. Yes, "holding" the brief case. He was holding it in a way as if a wild animal was going to jump out of it. Granted, it was a very weird encounter. However, I was curious. I was wondering what could someone possibly be selling in a gym parking lot. As he was crossing my path, I slowly walked up to him a bit dubious. He opened up the brief case like he was going to show me a million dollars. I peered into the brief case and saw the most exquisite jewelry. The quality and craftsmanship of the jewelry reminded me of high end retailers. The bracelets, necklaces, and earrings reminded me of Tiffany's. I became enchanted waiting to hear how expensive these pieces were. He told me that he made the jewelry himself, and the price ranges he had. To my surprise, he was asking triple times less than what I expected. I asked him if he took credit cards. He told me that he only takes cash. For the first time, I felt regret to have no cash on hand. In our world of growing technology, I only felt the need for cards. Since I was a little bummed, I asked him for his business card in a way to get in touch. He told me that he didn't have any made yet. So I asked him if he was on Etsy. He didn't know what Etsy was. I guess I looked shocked, because that's when he told me he just got out of the hospital a little while ago. He was in a really bad car accident and was in a coma for six years. Since he has a brain injury, making jewelry as a hobby was relaxing and calming for him. His parents take him to art events by the beach for him to sell the jewelry. They were in the grocery store on the same strip as the gym. I guess he wanted to sell some in the parking lots while they were in the store. I asked him how I could get in touch with him. He let me know that his parents only take him to the art events by the beach. As he walked away, I felt an understanding towards his parents. Their family must have went through a very tragic event. However, I also felt as if they were holding him back. He didn't realize his true potential. They could help him start his own little business. He could make a name for himself. He acted as if it was only a hobby. However that is how great things can start. As I was getting in my car, I was thinking that I should have gave him my email or something. I was asking for his information, except I should have gave him my information as well. I was thinking, I could have partnered up with him and helped him grow a small business. I understood that because of his trauma, he wasn't thinking the way I was thinking. I would have to explain to him how we could create a small business with his work. I got back out of my car and tried to find him. Except, he was gone. Nowhere in sight. I didn't see him at the art event the last time I went. Maybe I will run into him again one day. There is one good thing and one bad thing that I got out of this situation. The good thing is, keep some business cards handy for connecting with people. The bad thing is, I now carry a small amount of cash on hand. I gamble with it. It's a terrible addiction. Self control is key. I enrolled in the class to get better insight on entrepreneurship.

   

Introduction

Hello fellow classmates!

I'm Britt, and I'm originally from New Jersey. This year is a big year for me. I will be getting married to my high school sweetheart in August. I will also be graduating with my Bachelors in Business in August. I'm hoping to start a career in Operations this year. Hopefully, this will be my lucky year! I haven't traveled very much. Traveling is definitely on my to-do list this year. Wish me luck! I hope everyone has fun this semester in Entrepreneurship. Go Gators!

Entrepreneur's Mantra

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