Sunday, January 31, 2016

Chapter 5 Innovation: The Creative Pursuit of Ideas - 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?
What surprised me the most about this chapter was the fact that creativity can be developed and created. I thought that we were born with some sort of creativity level which we always have. It is amazing to know that we can develop all of our skills with practice and persistence.
2)      Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I was confused with the description of muddling mind-sets. I think that a better description of all the aspects within the elimination of habits that inhibit creativity would’ve helped me acknowledge all the information in a better way. For example, the author could have used a table comparing all the mental habits that inhibit creativity, including examples in each definition.
3)      If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
·         I will like to ask the author what he thinks about cultures and it's relationship with creativity?
·         Does an entrepreneur has to be able to develop creativity skills based on a particular culture, or does it has to be focused on developing a general creativity mindset that could be applied to most cultures around the world?
4)      Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?

As I was reading the chapter, I was confused about the idea that he mentions on page 139. “Remember, people are inherently creative”, but before on page 131 he states “Creativity is a process that can be developed and improved.” Here I feel confused because I don’t really understand if creativity is born within us, or is it something that we have to cultivate as we grow up.

Meeting my customers - Customer Interviews #1

I believe that one of the most frustrating moments (for the people that live off-campus) is when you are walking to the bus-stop and you see the bus going away. It is frustrating because you have two options, either wait for the other bus the get to the bus-stop where you are (which sometimes can be up to 30 minutes), or walk to the closest bust stop hoping that you won’t be late again. Even though there is a smartphone application (which sometimes is not updated) which tells you the current location of the bus you are waiting for, I believe that there is an opportunity for an unmet need. The solution I propose is a smartphone application where you can configure the bus-stop you frequently use, the bus number you frequently use, and also the time when you are often at that bus-stop. Using this information, the application would send you either text messages or notifications 15, 25 or 30 minutes before the bus gets to your bus-stop. I think that if you will be notified 15 minutes before the bus gets to your stop, you will be able to either decide to hurry up and get to your bus stop or go for the other bus stop. I think that this solution can save you time and can also give the opportunity for everyone who takes the bus to know the real location of the bus.
The questions I asked during my interview was based on the following structure:
Do you go to UF?
How do you get to your class?

If he or she rides the bus;                                                  If he or she has a car;                  
Have you ever being late to the bus stop?                 Have you ever used the bus?
Can you tell me more about that experience?           Have you ever being late to the bus stop?
Can you describe me what happened?                  Can you tell me more about that experience?
                                                                                Can you describe me what happened?


So what did you do instead?

Did you keep waiting on the bus?
What about the bus conditions, is it clean inside?
What about at night? Is it different?
What about the bus stops, are they clean?

5 Interviews






Interviewing people was a challenge, but most of all I felt that asking the right questions was even more challenging because some of the people that I interviewed were able to answer with short answers. Approaching to people and asking them if I could interview them was not a challenge because I’ve had assignments in the past which already “prepared” me for this assignment. However, I believe that I have to improve in the development of my interview-questions.

After interviewing my “potential” customers, I realized that what I saw as an unmet need was not really seen an unmet need for my customers. Out of five interviews, 2 people answered the questions showing some sort of discomfort with the bus service provided. In other words, 40% of the people I interviewed would find my product beneficial for themselves. I believe that I either have to do more research of my potential customers or I just have to think about another unmet need. This assignment open your eyes to see that your expectations might be wrong and you might have to do more in depth research or rethink another opportunity, which at the end I think is an essential decision that entrepreneurs have to face on a daily basis. 





Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Let's Do Something About It - Top 5 World Problems

Most Serious Problems

1.      One of the World’s biggest problem that I believe nowadays is a concern of almost everyone across the  globe is the individual-financial security. We have to understand that nowadays there is people who are experts on computers and computer networks, but who are also experts on exploiting weaknesses among any people around the world. In other words, these people are able to gain access to your online bank account (and other  personal information too) and they are able to do transactions using your personal information. This type of “new criminal era” is a threat to consider for the entire world.
      Why?
This is happening because there is a lack of control in terms of computer network and basically everyone is vulnerable to be a victim of a hacker attack. I believe this a great opportunity for an entrepreneur to use the knowledge of computer networks to protect and guarantee security to every individual, for example provide a software focused on providing a complete range of security to every individual.

v  The reason why I chose this problem as the most serious problem is because I believe it is threatening the entire world and almost every single person in the world is vulnerable of being a victim of a fraud or a hacker attack. Even though there are different ways people can avoid this hazard, those are very limited. Another reason why I believe this is a serious problem is because I believe that finding the solution for this threat could bring great and positive consequences, not only for the world as a society, but also for the entrepreneurs who develop an idea/solution.

2.       Another main issue for the global concern are the different climate events that are changing our day to day living in a certain way. Within the climate change, the seasons change too and we have to be aware of that.
Why?
There are different theories about the reason why climate change is happening nowadays. Some people think it’s a natural process that occurs on the earth naturally and we are not participating on this phenomenon. Other people believe that the past century, since the industrial revolution up-to-date, the different activities that contributed to pollution are the key factors that contributed to the climate change. However, I believe that this is a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to find ways or new product that would protect the world from contributing to the climate change. For example, develop engines that don’t pollute the air while they are running.

3.       Given the globalized world in which we live nowadays and in comparison to previous decade, there has been a decrease on racism among the individuals of the world. However, it is one of the main reasons that originate violence among many societies around the world, and it is without any doubt one of the major concerns that should bring the attention of the world’s society.
      Why?
I believe that the issue of racism has been within the human beings since the first days of our history. However, I believe that it is time for us to realize that we are all the same no matter the color of our skin or our language. Entrepreneurs can use their tools to help people that suffer from racism by helping them to fit within a different society and/or country. For example, create an organization based on global society who collaborate people that are going through discrimination based on racism.

4.       One concern that I believe is intimidating the well-being of many people around the world are the yearly events and attacks originated by terrorism, where the only truly damaged people are the families that lose their loved ones only because an ideological difference.
      Why?
I believe that these problems have the base on ideological difference which leads to hate and anger, which finally arrives to horrific events. I believe that terrorism is one of the most outstanding defects that humanity has and I believe that entrepreneurs should use their knowledge and resources to try to stop this events. For example, entrepreneurs can develop new forms of security and/or use the knowledge of computer networks to fight against terrorism.

5.       I believe that an important issue that has to be resolved in many countries around the world are the drought events that are threatening the water resource for millions of people.
Why?
The reason why this is happening is due exclusively to the climate change effects on the earth. Entrepreneurs should focus on innovation that can protect water from the effects of climate change. For example, entrepreneurs can create artificial lakes or water sources beneath the earth that are protected from any climate event that may reduce the water amount, such as the drought.

Least Serious

6.       Another global concern that I believe everyone should be aware of is the situation of Africa. Even though there has been a clear development on specific countries in this continent, there is a clear poverty situation among the majority of African people, where some of the most harmful diseases originate.
Why?
I believe that the world as a whole has never contributed to Africa, in fact, the world has exploited Africa and its people to the point where it is now the poorest continent that exists on earth. I believe that Africa and all the countries that countries that compose it seek for the help of entrepreneurs and I think it is a great opportunity for us to finally contribute such a harmed society. For example, entrepreneurs can attract investors to invest on the country which at the end improves the economy of the region.

7.       One major concern that I believe is affecting millions of people and will continue to affect them is the global financial crisis, which since the middle of 2007 and 2008 has affected not only specific group of people, but it has also damaged entire countries and communities financially.
Why?
The financial crisis of 2008 and the depression of 1929 are economic crisis that originate after a series of events that impact the world’s society negatively. I believe that economic crisis are key opportunities for entrepreneurs to try to develop new aids or solutions for the people that suffer from the crisis. For example, entrepreneurs can create new job opportunities or financial assistance to help people manage their resources in the best way possible.
8.       Another global concern is contamination. As the global population rises every year, the accumulation of waste and trash is increasing drastically. I believe that this issue is a clear opportunity for entrepreneurs to look at and develop possible solutions.
Why?
Contamination happens because the number of people living on earth is increasing, which finally generates more waste. Contamination is without any doubt one of the major opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop a new business plan or strategy that could help either stop or reduce contamination. Build more and new recycling machines and build alternative instrument that replace the ones that are contaminating the environment.

9.       I believe that a not so influential concern in the present, but a major concern for the future is the development of nuclear science and its relationship with technology, which at the end can result on the creation of new type of weapon that is and will be a significant threat among the global citizens now and in the future.
Why?
Since the creation of the nuclear bomb in the mid 1900’s, the nuclear science along with technology have worked together to create more damaging weapons that are a significant threat for the world’s society. I believe that entrepreneurs should focus not on contributing to the creation of these weapons, but they should invest their knowledge on working with technology and nuclear science for other purposes which are focused on bringing innovation and that can also help the humanity in a certain way.

10.   One of the most significant global concern that originated years ago and that is still affecting people of Africa is the food and agriculture crisis. This issue has even worsen the drastic conditions in which the majority of Africa’s society lives and I believe is a great opportunity for the entrepreneurs of the world to look for possible solutions.
Why?
The agriculture and food crisis in Africa is a clear example of how drastic the situation in Africa is. The food crisis in Africa is a clear example of a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop new solutions for a continent in danger. Entrepreneurs can develop new and better ways to generate the required food supply for the population in Africa. This may include new way to grow corps, etc.

Top 5 Solutions from most-possible to implement to least-possible to implement

1.       The issue of not being exposed and vulnerable to threats regarding the individual financial security.
There is people that are being attacked financially as they are being hacked by people who have knowledge about computer networks who are not focusing their knowledge for positive contributions. In fact, I believe that this is happening because there is a lack of control in terms of computer network and basically everyone is vulnerable to be a victim of a hacker attack. I believe this a great opportunity for an entrepreneur to use the knowledge of computer networks to protect and guarantee security to every individual, for example provide a software focused on providing a complete range of security to every individual. A class that teaches how to protect yourself from these attacks can also be implemented in high school or in college so in that way the young people would know how to act against this threat.

v  I believe that this is the top solution because I think that the technology and the resources are there and it is just our responsibility to apply our knowledge and develop a new system where people feel safe and live in peace knowing that they and their money are safe.

2.       California is not the only one being affected.
The drought in California has being one of the most severe of all years. The reason of the drought is due exclusively to the climate change effects on the earth. But I believe this is one of the most significant opportunities that the entrepreneurs would have in the following years. Entrepreneurs should focus on innovation that can protect water from the effects of climate change. For example, entrepreneurs can create artificial lakes or water sources beneath the earth that are protected from any climate event that may reduce the water amount, such as the drought. I believe that other states such as Florida should see this as an opportunity of developing their agriculture sector in order to meet with the shortage of demand that the drought in California is originating.


3.       Climate change is an issue that has to be resolved.
There are different theories about the reason why climate change is happening nowadays. Some people think it’s a natural process that occurs on the earth naturally and we are not participating on this phenomenon. Other people believe that the past century, since the industrial revolution up-to-date, the different activities that contributed to pollution are the key factors that contributed to the climate change. However, I believe that this is a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to find ways or new product that would protect the world from contributing to the climate change. For example, develop engines that don’t pollute the air while they are running. Another solution could be based on developing machines focused on system that could do the reverse of polluting. In other words, entrepreneurs should think on developing an engine or a machine based on the process of not only not contaminating the air, but actually do the complete opposite and clean the polluted air.

4.       We are all the same. I believe that the issue of racism has been within the human beings since the first days of our history. However, I believe that it is time for us to realize that we are all the same no matter the color of our skin or our language. Entrepreneurs can use their tools to help people that suffer from racism by helping them to fit within a different society and/or country. For example, create an organization based on global society who collaborate people that are going through discrimination based on racism.

5.       Let’s stop terrorism for God’s sake!
I believe that these problems have the base on ideological difference which leads to hate and anger, and which finally arrives to horrific events. I believe that terrorism is one of the most outstanding defects that humanity has and I believe that entrepreneurs should use their knowledge and resources to try to stop this events. For example, entrepreneurs can develop new forms of security and/or use the knowledge of computer networks to fight against terrorism.




Sunday, January 24, 2016

Week 3 Reading Reflection - The Entrepreneurial Mind-set

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 was surprised by all the different characteristics and skills that an entrepreneur possesses according to Donald F. Kuratko. I believe it is amazing how this new career (taught for the first time in college not more than ten years ago) has been present in the different societies around the world for decades ago. I feel astounded by the fact that I have the privilege of being one of the first generation of professionals that would have an entrepreneurship degree.

2)      Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I was confused by the structure in which the author describes the different skills and attributes that an entrepreneur possesses. As I was reading, I also felt that there were some skills that were already stated before (but this might be to the structure issue that I described before).

3)      If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
If I were able to ask two questions to the author I would ask the following:
·         Why do you think is the reason why the entrepreneurs were not looked as entrepreneurs in the past? In other words, what is the reason why this entrepreneurial mindset and career was discovered so late?
·         Do you believe that if the term entrepreneur would have been discovered and offered as a career in college a century ago, would it have change the business world as it is today?

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

When the author stated on page. 35 “Successful entrepreneurs are not gamblers- they are calculated risk taker”, I believe I disagree with that opinion. I think an entrepreneur see risk as an opportunity that others see as a risk. In fact, I believe that an entrepreneur has to be able to imagine realistic outcomes form these opportunities (that others see as a risk) in order to be successful.

Open your eyes - Identifying Local Opportunities

1.     Robert Knight: Law preserves status quo for polluters
In the article, the author talks about one of the main issues that the state of Florida has been facing over the last years, which is the pollution and contamination of many waterways across the entire state. Florida’s waters have being unprotected by any law since there has been a very limited and inadequate application of law by the main regulators. This month, Florida's Legislature passed the 2016 Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act, which is intended to basically leave the issue of the contaminated waters as it is. In other words, the law is intended on keeping the pace with the ongoing water pollution and contamination in Florida.
The main problem stated in the article are two; the regulators and how they manage to actually regulate the contamination and pollution waters and the new passed law that basically preserves the status quo of the constant contamination in Florida’s most treasured waters.
The ones who are facing this problem are neither the regulators who are in charge of the misapplication of laws nor the companies that work hard for keeping the rivers and lakes of Florida unpolluted. I believe that this issue is affecting the citizens of the entire state and moreover the people that base their economy on lakes and rivers across the state.

2.     More than 300 march to say: Hands off our parks
The story of this article is about one major concern that is the mind of hundreds of people that are against the hunting and cattle grazing that could harm local parks. The privatization of parks has led to the discontent of many citizens that believe that the pars are “not for sale”. Almost 300 people marched in Tallahassee in opposition of the privatization and what they believe is the misuse of parks all across the state of Florida
The main problem stated in this article is how parks all around the state have been treated and preserved. It is clear that many people are concerned with how natural parks are being treated nowadays and they seek for help and solutions that could protect the natural parks from being privatized and finally destroyed for what they believe are “business purposes”.
The people facing the problem are once again the citizens who live in Florida. They have their right to share their protests and opinions and I believe that this is an opportunity where both parts can reach to an agreement that could benefit (the privatizers and the citizens) in the long run.

3.     Blaze destroys Monteocha family's home
The story of this article talks about some of the worst accidents that can happen to anyone in the world. A family arrived to their house and saw their house on flames. There was basically nothing they could do, but just call the firemen and see how the flames consummated their belongings in front of their eyes.

The main problem on this article is the reason why the fire happened. I believe we are all vulnerable to this type of circumstances and we must be aware of this in order to be able to either prevent the fire to happen or just be ready for when it happens.
The people that were damaged the most by this circumstance was the family that basically lost everything during the fire. Families like them seek for help and solutions that could help them prevent and/or act when any situation like this happens.

4.     Editorial: Alternatives to marijuana arrests
The story of this article talks about new approaches that the police could use when facing someone carrying marijuana. The alternatives proposed by The County commission are based on citations instead of fines or arrests. This would help the County to focus more on criminal cases or more “significant cases” instead of spending more time and money on an arrest due to the possession of marijuana.

The main problem in this case is how the ones that infringe the law are going to be sanctioned. In other words, I believe that even though the County’s law enforcement has other more relevant criminal cases to care about, they should notice that drugs and marijuana are a big issue for young citizens not only in this county, but in the entire country. Drugs destroy lives and families.
The people that are suffering this problem are the people who are not involved with drugs because as the sanctions for possessing marijuana become “lighter”, the consumption and demand for it might increase in the future, which can finally increase the rate of substance abuse within the county citizens.

5.     How to avoid boredom, monotony in retirement
The article talks about one major concern that the retirees who the majority of the United States population, are facing nowadays. The article describes different ways in which a retired person can avoid monotony and boredom in their retired years. Monotony and boredom is a cause for depression which is a major concern for baby boomers and there are different ways to avoid a daily and dullness life as a retiree. The article also talks about coaches and organizations (such as My Next step) that help these people to feel good after years of work and commitment.

The problem presented in the story is the reality that hits thousands of retirees year after year. The baby boomers are coming to their reflection periods after a long period of hard work and some of them feel bored in the monotony life as a retiree. They seek for activities and things to do after such a long period of a constant competitive life.
The ones who are facing the feeling of monotony and dullness are the retirees. I believe that this is a great opportunity to develop ideas and activities that can help the older population to feel that they are not done with their lives yet, and help them think that in fact, it is a new beginning of an amazing stage in their lives. 


Friday, January 22, 2016

A Winner in Gainesville - Very Short Interview With Entrepreneur No.1




I believe that one of the best ways to learn and know that you are not the first one doing something significant for your life is to hear other’s people stories and experiences. The experience that I had while interviewing Mr. John Farrell would definitively help me to build the mindset of what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Mr. John Farrell, Dacasso’s founder and president, started the company over a decade ago when he purchased a large number of closeout leather desk sets from a supplier. As e-commerce was growing rapidly, John listed these items on eBay on the year 1999. This was the first successful part of Mr. Farrell’s path as an entrepreneur and it was when he realized that there was an unmet need that he could exploit. The limited options available at that time failed to create a working environment suitable for an executive with desktop accessories that would protect and organize with style. It was then that Dacasso was born.
Some of the fine leather desk and conference room
accessories Produced by Dacasso
Dacasso quickly became the premier manufacturer of executive leather desk sets and conference room accessories. Continued focus on the market allowed the company to design new items and quickly introduce many accessories that add elegance and organization to busy executive offices. As Dacasso grew, more styles and products were introduced to fulfill the needs of the consumer. Dacasso is everywhere. You can find the company’s products in millions of offices around the U.S and the world. In fact, the company’s products were used in top ranked T.V series and movies and even the White House chose Dacasso as its fine leather desk accessories provider. 

Interviewing Mr. John Farrell was an experience that I would never forget. I had the privilege to meet and interview an entrepreneur that has gone through many failures throughout his life with the company he created from scratch. But throughout this entrepreneurial process, he managed to make the right decisions that set his company into one of the top businesses within industry of fine leather desk and conference room accessories. 

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The World Needs YOU - World's Biggest Problems

1.      One of the World’s biggest problem that I believe nowadays is a concern of almost every one across the globe is the individual-financial security. We have to understand that nowadays there is people who are experts on computers and computer networks, but who are also experts on exploiting weaknesses among any people around the world. In other words, these people are able to gain access to your online bank account (and other personal information too) and they are able to do transactions using your personal information. This type of “new criminal era” is a threat to consider for the entire world.
Why?
This is happening because there is a lack of control in terms of computer network and basically everyone is vulnerable to be a victim of a hacker attack. I believe this a great opportunity for an entrepreneur to use the knowledge of computer networks to protect and guarantee security to every individual, for example provide a software focused on providing a complete range of security to every individual.

2.       Another main issue for the global concern are the different climate events that are changing our day to day living in a certain way. Within the climate change, the seasons change too and we have to be aware of that.
Why?
There are different theories about the reason why climate change is happening nowadays. Some people think it’s a natural process that occurs on the earth naturally and we are not participate of this phenomenon. Other people believe that the past century, since the industrial revolution up-to-date, the different activities that contributed to pollution are the key factor of the climate change. However, I believe that this is a good opportunity for entrepreneurs to find ways or new product that would protect the world from contributing to the climate change. For example, develop engines that don’t pollute the air while they are running.

The World Needs Water
3.       I believe that an important issue that has to be resolved in many countries around the world are the drought events that are threatening the water resource for millions of people.
Why?
The reason why this is happening is due exclusively to the climate change effects on the earth. Entrepreneurs should focus on innovation that can protect water from the effects of climate change.

For example, entrepreneurs can create artificial lakes or water sources beneath the earth that are protected from any climate event that may reduce the water amount, such as the drought.
4.       One concern that I believe is intimidating the wellbeing of many people around the world is the yearly events and attacks originated by terrorism, where the only truly damaged people are the families that lose their loved ones only because an ideological difference.
Why?
I believe that these problems have the base on ideological difference which leads to hate and anger, which finally arrives to horrific events. I believe that terrorism is one of the most outstanding defects that humanity has and I believe that entrepreneurs should use their knowledge and resources to try to stop this events. For example, entrepreneurs can develop new forms of security and/or use the knowledge of computer networks to fight against terrorism.

5.       Another global concern that I believe everyone should be aware of is the situation of Africa. Even though there has been a clear development on specific countries in this continent, there is a clear poverty situation among the majority of African people, where some of the most harmful diseases originate.
Why?
I believe that the world as a whole has never contributed to Africa, in fact, the world has exploited Africa and its people to the point where it is now the poorest continent that exists on earth. I believe that Africa and all the countries that countries that compose it seek for the help of entrepreneurs and I think it is a great opportunity for us to finally contribute such a harmed society. For example, entrepreneurs can attract investors to invest on the country which at the end improves the economy of the region.

6.       Given the globalized world in which we live nowadays and in comparison to previous decade, there has been a decrease on racism among the individuals of the world. However, it is one of the main reasons that originate violence among many societies around the world, and it is without any doubt one of the major concerns that should bring the attention of the world’s society.
Why?
I believe that the issue of racism has been within the human beings since the first days of our history. However, I believe that it is time for us to realize that we are all the same no matter the color of our skin or our language. Entrepreneurs can use their tools to help people that suffer from racism by helping them to fit within a different society and/or country. For example, create an organization based on global society who collaborate people that are going through discrimination based on racism.

7.       One major concern that I believe is affecting millions of people and will continue to affect them is the global financial crisis, which since the middle of 2007 and 2008 has affected not only specific group of people, but it has also damaged entire countries and communities financially.
The World Needs to recover from the Financial Crisis
Why?
The financial crisis of 2008 and the depression of 1929 are economic crisis that originate after a series of events that impact the world’s society negatively. I believe that economic crisis are key opportunities for entrepreneurs to try to develop new aids or solutions for the people that suffer from the crisis. For example, entrepreneurs can create new job opportunities or financial assistance to help people manage their resources in the best way possible.


 
8.       Another global concern is contamination. As the global population rises every year, the accumulation of waste and trash is increasing drastically. I believe that this issue is a clear opportunity for entrepreneurs to look at and develop possible solutions.
Why?
Contamination happens because the number of people living on earth is increasing, which finally generates more waste. Contamination is without any doubt one of the major opportunities for entrepreneurs to develop a new business plan or strategy that could help either stop or reduce contamination. Build more and new recycling machines and build alternative instrument that replace the ones that are contaminating the environment.

9.       I believe that a not so influential concern in the present, but a major concern for the future is the development of nuclear science and its relationship with technology, which at the end can result on the creation of new type of weapon that is and will be a significant threat among the global citizens now and in the future.
Why?
Since the creation of the nuclear bomb in the mid 1900’s, the nuclear science along with technology have worked together to create more damaging weapons that are a significant threat for the world’s society. I believe that entrepreneurs should focus not on contributing to the creation of these weapons, but they should invest their knowledge on working with technology and nuclear science for other purposes which are focused on bringing innovation and that can also help the humanity in a certain way.

1     One of the most significant global concern that originated years ago and that is still affecting people of Africa is the food and agriculture crisis. This issue has even worsen the drastic conditions in which the majority of Africa’s society lives and I believe is a great opportunity for the entrepreneurs of the world to look for possible solutions.
Why?
The agriculture and food crisis in Africa is a clear example of how drastic the situation in Africa is. The food crisis in Africa is a clear example of a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to develop new solutions for a continent in danger. Entrepreneurs can develop new and better ways to generate the required food supply for the population in Africa. This may include new way to grow corps, etc.




Sunday, January 17, 2016

Week 2 Reading Reflection

Reading Reflection Chapter 1 Entrepreneurship: Evolutionary Development-Revolutionary Impact
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? 
Reading the first Chapter of the book, Entrepreneurship: Evolutionary Development-Revolutionary Impact I realized how important entrepreneurs have been for the construction of such a powerful country. The United States in which we live nowadays is nothing but the results of the entrepreneurial activities that our past generations have developed over the years. I believe that this is an amazing and unique feature of the United States society because countries in Europe were established many years before than the U.S, and they are not as powerful and influential as this country is nowadays.
Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I was able to understand the reading with no issues at all. However, I believe that the description of the evolution of entrepreneurship (pg.4) could provide a clear path towards understanding the meaning and evolution of entrepreneurship. May be including more examples would help the reader understand how important entrepreneurship is for our existence nowadays.
If you were able to ask two questions to the author, what would you ask? Why?
I would ask the author the following questions:
1.      Is there any relationship between different cultures and entrepreneurial events/activities that have been verified in the past? (in other words, is there a relationship between each culture and society where the entrepreneurial ideas were tied to serve as an improvement for the customs of different countries around the world?)
2.      What do you believe is the most important entrepreneurial event that has had an impact not only in the U.S, but in the entire world over past century?
I would ask the author these questions because I want to know more about the history of entrepreneurship and its relationship with cultures around the world, and I would also like to also have some opinions coming from experts on this field such as Donald F.Kuratko.
Was there anything you think the author was wrong about? Where do you disagree with what she or he said? How?
I believe that the author was accurate on everything he stated on this part of the book. This is my first entrepreneurship class and I believe that all the information and examples that the author included in this chapter was accurate. However, in the page 17 the author indicates that “The United States is a leader in entrepreneurship education at both undergraduate and graduate levels”, and I believe he should cite the sources of all the information he is providing.

My Bug List

“My Bug list”

1.       One of the things that bothers me the most is when we are in football season (Fall semester) and no matter if you purchase a Full Season ticket or a single game ticket, the line for picking up the tickets is ridiculous. But that’s not all, if you are a civilized person and you wait in the line, you will be there for at least 2 hours! People merge in the line, the windows where the personnel are giving the tickets close out of a sudden and it is a complete mess which finally ends up messing everyone up.
Why?
Because the people that organize the event either don’t have the tools to manage this type of situations or they just don’t care. I believe that there is a simple solution for this which is based on having guards that control the people, and also well underlined procedures that everyone who is looking for a ticket must follow. There is also an opportunity of providing each buyer a specific card for the games. This means that the people that bought the tickets online don’t have to pick up any tickets because they are all included in a card that is “swiped” ate the entrance or gate of every game.

2.       Sometimes going to the gym at UF can turn your day upside down. One thing that bothers me the most is when there is just too many people in the lifting section at the Southwest Recreation Center. The maximum capacity might be at the most 90 people, but there are times in the day (almost every evening) where there is more than 90 people in this section of the gym, which finally makes your workout a challenge and almost a race for every lifting machine you would like to use.
Why?
This happens because the personnel at the gym don’t have the resources or the permission to close this section for a moment until some people go and there is more space available for the people that has being waiting for their turn. Another option could be to give specific bracelet that indicates that he/she can be at the lifting section for a maximum of 2 hours.

3.       I live in a complex composed by small townhouses. Many of my neighbors have pets, which are typically dogs and cats. There is not a worst beginning of the day where I have to walk to get to the bus station and in my way, I can perceive the presence of animal waste, which without any doubt comes from my neighbors’ pets. It really bothers me that these people don’t care about their communities.
Why?
This reason why this occurs is because there is nobody forcing them to obey the law. The solution is either to hire someone in charge of watching around the condominium. Another alternative could be to provide the neighbors with “waste bag posts” that must be used by the neighbors when they are walking around with their dogs. And finally, a penalty (ticket) should be applied to any neighbor that infringes the rule.

4.       The University of Florida is ranked as one of the top 50 Universities in the country, and it is the best when talking about colleges within the State of Florida. There is no doubt about this, and I can say I fell proud for being here. But I’ve had some experiences with a couple of professors that I believe should let the new generation of teachers to start teaching. In other words, I believe that one of the big challenges for the University is to look for new teachers that are at the level of those who have provided their excellent teaching skills throughout many years. I believe that we all must understand that every beginning as an end, and something that bothers me is that in a couple of classes I’ve felt that the classes I’m taking are not worth  the tuition I’m paying.
Why?
This happens because long-term professors are basically tied to the University. There should be another option for them to still be tied to the college. A good example of this could be to assign this professors to only teach online classes which at the end would open the possibility of a new job for the upcoming generation of professors.

5.       So far, it has been one of the coldest Spring semesters that I’ve experienced since I moved to Gainesville two years ago. It is a great advantage that students are able to take the bus for free, but when you have class at Heavener School of Business and the closest the bus can get you is The Hub, you are basically doing cardio. Walking from the Hub to Heavener could be the reason why you get to your 9am class froze and irritated, and this is due because there are no bus routes going by Heavener.
Why?
This happens because there are no routes that pass by Heavener school of Business. This could be a good option for a creation of job for new drivers, which at the end would produce satisfaction in a large group of students.

6.       As you become a new freshman year in any University, one of the most ridiculous cost you want to avoid are textbooks. But not because they don’t sell them at the University’s bookstore, the reason why I believe is a ridiculous and nonsense expense is because you can find the same textbooks at a much lower price somewhere else! In other words, something that bugs me is that we come to a new environment, where most of us pay a lot of money in tuition and we are not provided an accessible source for our textbooks.
Why?
This occurs because we are not informed about the options we have. I believe that this could be a great opportunity for creating a new smartphone application where anyone, either freshman or senior, is able to look for textbooks using his or her phone.

7.       There have been times when as soon as I finish up the milk gallon bottle or the soda, I said to myself that I have to buy a new one in order to replace it. Of course it’s not science right? We all do that! But one thing that messes me up is when, even though I know that there is no milk for the next day, I still forget about it and I remember it as soon as I open the fridge the next morning.
Why?
The only reason why this happens is because I have many things to do throughout the day which at the end makes me forget that I have to buy a new milk. This is an opportunity for a new smart software, tied to a phone application that can help you remember all the items you are missing in your fridge.

8.       When you are a college student, there is a lot of information about amazing activities going on on-campus which even though there’s information available for you, you may never know about them. Something that annoys me is when there is people on-campus talking about some amazing event that happened recently and I missed not because I didn’t have the time to go, but because I didn’t know about that event at all.
Why?
This happens because the students are not well informed about the different activities available for them and it is a great opportunity of the creation of a smartphone application that can help you understand what social events are going on in your area.

9.       I have a car and I drive it sometimes to go to my afternoon classes. But let me tell you that driving in Gainesville can be like an obstacle race because the streets are old and they need an urgent maintenance.
Why?
This might happen because the authorities don’t have the resources to fix and maintain the streets or they don’t know about this issues. This is another option for an application tied to the local government’s webpage in which the local government receives notifications of any circumstance that can harm the daily life of the citizens in a certain way.

10.   I am sure that most of you guys will agree with this. There in not a worst feeling when you wake up in those awful Monday mornings, where you look for what clothes you are going to wear for the day and then you figure out you forgot to take out your clothes from the dryer or even worst, you forgot to put your clothes from the clothes washer machine to the dryer! This happens because we are all humans and we forget about things, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t irritates those horrible Monday mornings.
Why?
This happens because we are all human beings and we can forget things in a couple of minutes. I believe that the smartphone technology could help us in this case. A software or smartphone application can be developed for a washer/dryer that is focused on reminding you that you left your clothes in the washer or dryer.

11.   There is no doubt that in terms of technology, The University of Florida has the most updated technology offered and intended to make things easier for its students. But it is really annoying when you find seat in the middle of the classroom and you realize you have low battery on your laptop, and there are no outlets close to you. This may not only cause anger in you, but can also affect your notetaking for the class lecture.
Why?
This happens because there are no outlets close to you. Even though the most logical solution is to build more outlets around the classroom, it can be a good hint to the creation of unlimited batteries or Bluetooth chargers that could help you in those instances.

12.   One thing that bothers me is when I go to look at my mailbox, which includes a 500ft walk in a winter weather, and as soon as I open the mailbox, there’s nothing there. I believe that nowadays, the technology could help us know when something has arrived at the mailbox.
Why?
The reason why this happens is because you might have expected something to arrive to your mailbox but it is still on its way. It could be solved with the creation of a software and a smartphone application focused on informing you if you have new mail at the mailbox.


13.   There is no doubt that the Southwest Recreation Center offers all the resources for the students to have an active and healthy life. One of the features of the Southwest Rec. is that it offers personal lockers and showers that can be used by everyone while being either at the gym or playing some sport. But something that bothers me the most is when I finish my workout and I go to the showers and there is people with their shoes on doing something inside the showers (I really don’t know what they can be doing if there is a locker room where you can change clothes and its right by the showers). This activity can spread foot fungus and other infections because the shower should be one of the most sanitized places of the gym. I believe that there’s something that the Southwest Rec. personnel can do in order to keep this section to be sanitized.
Why?
This happens because there is no regulation or control in the showers. This is a possibility of a new position for a Southwest Rec personnel, who would be focused on controlling how the students are using the showers.

14.   Something that I find really annoying is that in football games, there is people standing in their seats, which is completely fine since I can stand on my seat too, but suddenly there is a security guard or a policeman telling me to get down of the seat but he or she doesn’t tell the other people to get down too. I believe this can be solve easily, but I’m not sure if the organization cares.
Why?
This happens because there is little or no control inside the Stadium. This is an opportunity for a new job position for security guards who would be in charge of providing fair an equality for all the spectators in the stadium.

15.   I live off-campus and I need to take the bus or drive my car to get almost everywhere I want to go. Something that bothers me is the fact that the decals offered by UF in order to be able to park your car are way too high. I believe that this aspect could be solved by either stablishing reduced prices or maybe building a new Parking lot.
Why?
This happens because there are few parking spots available for students and it can be solved by either building a new parking building or by providing specific times for every student to park his or her car on a specific day of the week.

16.   There are specific times during the day where there is an excessive amount of people inside the bus, and there is even people that are not able to take the bus just because there is no extra place for more people to fit inside the bus.
Why?
This happens in rush hours and it is also a consequence of the shortage of buses. The solution could be focused on buying more buses and hiring more drivers, or it could also be based on assigning more buses on critical routes on specific times of the day (rushing hours).

17.   The Dollar General store is one of my first options when thinking about anything that I need to buy, it doesn’t matter if its groceries or school material, I always think on Dollar General as my save-money choice. But this store could be a way better competitor within its industry just by providing a better customer service. Something that really bothers me is that many times there is only one cashier in charge of the store. This really messes me up and I see the discomfort on the other people I the line too.
Why?
This happens because they don’t have the resources to hire new people or because the hired cashiers are doing something else in the store. The solution could be done by either hiring more people or offering the well-known self-checkout cashier service for the clients.

18.   Something that really bothers me is when there is basically a monopoly established in an industry. Cox is a great example of why this messes me up. They provide the worst customer service because they don't solve your problems as you hope they would. One major reason why this occurs is because they don’t have an opposition, or if they do, the opposition is not stablished as well as Cox is.
Why?
I believe that the only reason why this happens is because of monopoly. Cox should be focused on providing the best customer service they can, so when competition arrives, they would not be facing the turnover of many of their clients. This could be solved by hiring well trained customer service employees.

19.   Since I am 21 years old (about a year ago) every time that I go out with my friends to try new bars and/or clubs, I’ve realized that there is a really low control (or not control at all) of the limit of alcohol that a drink must include. I’ve seen that bartenders either overserve or underserve alcohol and they don’t do the same thing with their prices!
Why?
This is a dangerous problem that can lead not only to customer discomfort, but it could also result in health problems. I believe there is an opportunity for innovation in this matter, for example a “smart glass” can be created which indicates the amount of alcohol each drink should include.

20.   Something that messes me up are really hot foods. We all know that waking up is a struggle for both your mind and your body. In fact, many times in the morning we are not able to react as fast as we would in the middle of a day. In addition to all this struggle, there is not a worst feeling but to prepare a “hot” coffee which at the first moment that you try it, it literally feels like you’ve destroyed your upper-lip which at the end adds an additional frustration to those horrific mornings.
Why?
This happens because the opposite of a microwave has not yet being invented. This is a great opportunity for technology and customers like me, who like hot food as much as they like cold food.

Reflection

This assignment was a real challenge for me because I didn’t know that there could be 20 problems that I face on a daily basis, and above all I didn’t know that I could think about possible solutions for all these problems. I believe that this exercise opens your eyes in the sense that you not only look for problems, but you try to invent a new and genuine solution that can help you solve the problem. As I was looking and thinking about possible solutions, I realized that the solutions I provide could also help other people that might have the same “bugs” that I do, which at the end releases a possibility of innovation and a new business opportunity. This exercise turns your mind into a complete “entrepreneurial mode”, which I really enjoyed