Thursday, September 26, 2019
9A Testing the Hypothesis Part 2
Who: After I conducted the last five interviews I learned that most everyone agreed that climate change was an issue and that it needed to be addressed (at different levels of urgency for each). I also learned that for some of them, though they said they would change given the opportunity and resources to switch over to a renewable source of energy, the switch would be a struggle in the beginning.
What: The first need is to figure out a way to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.
Why: This need is for everyone, since we all share the same planet. What we do doesn't just affect us, it affects others as well. However, there are some who don't believe in climate change, some who think it can wait to be addressed, and others who think it requires immediate action. Some of the basic questions are the same for all, for example, how much would it cost to switch over to a renewable source of energy? How available is it for the masses? Why should I even invest in it in the first place?, and Why do I need to make changes in my life? After all my carbon footprint is not that much. In the end, the reason we need to take action is to avoid seeing all the possible consequences of inaction. It's too late to reverse our current emissions, so we've started to see and are going to see more consequences of all the greenhouse gasses we've put in our atmosphere. Right now we're experiencing warmer temperatures and melting icebergs and glaciers that are causing rising sea levels, but we know that this problem can multiply many times over.
What: The first need is to figure out a way to lower our greenhouse gas emissions.
Why: This need is for everyone, since we all share the same planet. What we do doesn't just affect us, it affects others as well. However, there are some who don't believe in climate change, some who think it can wait to be addressed, and others who think it requires immediate action. Some of the basic questions are the same for all, for example, how much would it cost to switch over to a renewable source of energy? How available is it for the masses? Why should I even invest in it in the first place?, and Why do I need to make changes in my life? After all my carbon footprint is not that much. In the end, the reason we need to take action is to avoid seeing all the possible consequences of inaction. It's too late to reverse our current emissions, so we've started to see and are going to see more consequences of all the greenhouse gasses we've put in our atmosphere. Right now we're experiencing warmer temperatures and melting icebergs and glaciers that are causing rising sea levels, but we know that this problem can multiply many times over.
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Inside The Boundary
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Outside The Boundary
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Who
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· Those who are
aware that climate change is an issue
· Everyone on
Earth
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· Those who don’t
believe Climate Change is Real
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What
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·
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
·
Find Alternative sources of energy
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·
Reversing Climate change
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Why
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· Switch over
renewable sources of energy
· Plant a
garden
· Cut down on amount
of meat consumed (especially beef)
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· Cleaning up
the ocean
· Building
Flood Resistant structures
|
Friday, September 20, 2019
8A Solving the Problem
When I was in High School I was part of this volunteer group called the Mayor's Youth Council which sought to make a difference in our community. I have selected Climate Change Awareness as my opportunity and though I'm not trying to sell anything I am trying to have my city take steps toward more eco-friendly solutions. As of yet I have not been able to get in contact with my old sponsor. I am hoping that I can partner up with the group on a local level in order to come with ideas that the city won't immediately reject for being 'too hard' or unfeasible. If my sponsor is interested in working with me then I would like to reach out to iMatter Youth Movement who are all about demanding their cities commit to aggressive climate policy. My thinking is, if they've done it in their communities maybe they can help me accomplish the same in mine. iMatter mostly works with teens which is why I would like to see if I can get the Mayor's Youth Council on board. After this issue affects all of us. If I'm not successful with these first steps then I'll have to find another way to bring awareness to my city.
7A Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
1. We have all read or heard the news about climate change. In the recent years we have heard about the effects of climate change on the environment and we may have even experienced some of those effects depending on where we live.
2. People all over the world are experiencing the effects of climate change which is caused by a number of factors. However, though most know that it's an issue, relatively little is being done to slow down the effects of factors of climate change, for example, greenhouse gasses.
3. I think that the solution to climate change is dependent on everyone, not just one person or one country. There are some that are going to feel the immediate effects of climate change more than someone like me who lives in a midsize city in the center of the country compared to someone from a coastal area that may actually see rising sea levels. I think everyone would be more receptive to alternate form of energy if it was more readily available.
4. For each of the following interviews, my introductory question was to ask what their thoughts on climate change was. I realize that's a broad question, but depending on their answer I would ask different follow-up questions. The conclusive question was always, if these alternate forms of energy were readily available and not too expensive would they go ahead and switch.
i.) 26-year old male
I believe that climate change is real and that big companies are the ones to blame for the lack of change. The reason I think that people haven't switched from non-renewable to renewable energy is because it would be expensive. And the way things are right now I don't think we can make a big impact to prevent us from going down the road we have already started. Although, I do believe that he first step in making progress is to start with our public education system. I would like to think that if renewable energy was made readily accessible and economical, I would make the switch.
ii.) 22-year old female
I think it's an issue but maybe not to the extent people make it out to be. And by that I mean, we as people, are focusing on the wrong aspects of Climate change. For example, earlier this year parts of the Amazon forest were on fire and many people were freaking out thinking that nobody was doing anything about it when in reality not all forest fires are a bad thing. Or you see people that are going around with metal straws talking about 'saving the turtles'. While that's not a bad thing, that's only one aspect of the problem - they're are not looking at the issue as whole I guess is what I'm trying to say. I think the solution starts with teaching younger generations how to minimize the effect we are having on the planet. The reason I think that we haven't switched over to renewable energy is first, because it's expensive and second, people (particular older generations) are set in their ways and don't welcome change. Also, right now it's not feasible, not without government intervention at least. Even if alternate forms of energy were readily available and inexpensive I still wouldn't switch over to it, because like I said earlier, people don't like change and I'm one of those people.
iii.) 27 year-old male
Climate change is a bigger issue than it's portrayed as. I think alternate forms of energy are great but its expensive and not profitable which is why fossil fuels are not going anywhere anytime soon. Also, everyone that it's affecting are human and it's not in our nature to change until we have to. Speaking as someone who lived in Florida, I can tell you that in our neighborhood the houses were powered by solar power. Our neighbors even made enough and then some to sell back to electric companies. I can tell you that even though I know it's an issue and recycled in Florida, that's not something I do here in Arkansas. As far as the effect of climate change on coastal areas, that's not something I can comment on at the moment, not without more observations. I don't believe that we'll see any immediate action pertaining to resolving this issue considering I've been hearing about this since 2nd grade and I still don't see any real difference in the way we do things. That could be due to the fact that change would be an expensive undertaking. If alternate forms of energy were readily available I would like to think that I would get it but then again, humans are stubborn and won't change until they're forced to.
iv.) 14 year-old female
I think climate change is the result of Humans modifying the environment. And that we should do a better job of protecting the environment by not polluting the air as much and cleaning up oceans. That's where I think our focus should be. I think we haven't switched over to renewable energies because of laziness. As far as everything else, I don't know enough about the topic to form an opinion.
v.) 30 year-old male
As far as climate change, I think we can reduce our impact if we put our heads together to form and solution and by 'we' I mean everyone. I think climate change was cause by a mixture of everything though not entirely greenhouse gasses. They were a contributor, absolutely, but in my opinion (and I haven't done extensive research so don't quote me on this) urbanization has played a bigger part. If you think about it we have more roads and farmlands than we've ever had before and to do that we've cut down a lot of trees. Part of the problem is that we used asphalt, if you look back in history you can see that the Romans used bricks and stones to build their roads. They used materials that were insulators, they stayed cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Our roads don't do that, they just give off heat all year round making it even hotter outside. Another thing, I don't think we should have ever become as dependent on petroleum as we are today but the reason for that is that money talks. Big oil companies are the ones that don't want us going green. When gas prices were almost $4 a gallon people were becoming unhappy and if prices had been kept that way I can almost guarantee you that more people would have Teslas and Electric cars today. I think the oil companies sensed that and is why they dropped the prices. I think we haven't switched over to renewable energies because it's expensive to start-up even if it is cheaper in the long run. Also we're not maximizing our resources like we should. We have all different kinds of terrain all over the country. We have desserts (where it only rains like twice a year) that would be perfect for a solar power plant and we have windy coast that would be great for wind turbine farms. I don't think we'll see any real change until I generation gets into power and even then I don't think we'll ever see the benefits, maybe our grandchildren will but not us. Even then, we have to start with the younger ones education. We have a vast history where we can learn what worked and what hasn't we just have to learn from it.
5. Everyone that I interviewed agreed that climate change is an issue. Some more than others and most were in agreement that solar power to fuel our energy would help tremendously but it's expensive which is why no one has switched to it. I was surprised by how many of them thought we couldn't make an immediate impact and how most thought the best solution was to educate the younger generation. Given their responses, it makes me a little pessimistic about us contributing any solutions on the grand scale of things although I was hopeful when some said that they would change over if the technology became accessible to them.
2. People all over the world are experiencing the effects of climate change which is caused by a number of factors. However, though most know that it's an issue, relatively little is being done to slow down the effects of factors of climate change, for example, greenhouse gasses.
3. I think that the solution to climate change is dependent on everyone, not just one person or one country. There are some that are going to feel the immediate effects of climate change more than someone like me who lives in a midsize city in the center of the country compared to someone from a coastal area that may actually see rising sea levels. I think everyone would be more receptive to alternate form of energy if it was more readily available.
4. For each of the following interviews, my introductory question was to ask what their thoughts on climate change was. I realize that's a broad question, but depending on their answer I would ask different follow-up questions. The conclusive question was always, if these alternate forms of energy were readily available and not too expensive would they go ahead and switch.
i.) 26-year old male
I believe that climate change is real and that big companies are the ones to blame for the lack of change. The reason I think that people haven't switched from non-renewable to renewable energy is because it would be expensive. And the way things are right now I don't think we can make a big impact to prevent us from going down the road we have already started. Although, I do believe that he first step in making progress is to start with our public education system. I would like to think that if renewable energy was made readily accessible and economical, I would make the switch.
ii.) 22-year old female
I think it's an issue but maybe not to the extent people make it out to be. And by that I mean, we as people, are focusing on the wrong aspects of Climate change. For example, earlier this year parts of the Amazon forest were on fire and many people were freaking out thinking that nobody was doing anything about it when in reality not all forest fires are a bad thing. Or you see people that are going around with metal straws talking about 'saving the turtles'. While that's not a bad thing, that's only one aspect of the problem - they're are not looking at the issue as whole I guess is what I'm trying to say. I think the solution starts with teaching younger generations how to minimize the effect we are having on the planet. The reason I think that we haven't switched over to renewable energy is first, because it's expensive and second, people (particular older generations) are set in their ways and don't welcome change. Also, right now it's not feasible, not without government intervention at least. Even if alternate forms of energy were readily available and inexpensive I still wouldn't switch over to it, because like I said earlier, people don't like change and I'm one of those people.
iii.) 27 year-old male
Climate change is a bigger issue than it's portrayed as. I think alternate forms of energy are great but its expensive and not profitable which is why fossil fuels are not going anywhere anytime soon. Also, everyone that it's affecting are human and it's not in our nature to change until we have to. Speaking as someone who lived in Florida, I can tell you that in our neighborhood the houses were powered by solar power. Our neighbors even made enough and then some to sell back to electric companies. I can tell you that even though I know it's an issue and recycled in Florida, that's not something I do here in Arkansas. As far as the effect of climate change on coastal areas, that's not something I can comment on at the moment, not without more observations. I don't believe that we'll see any immediate action pertaining to resolving this issue considering I've been hearing about this since 2nd grade and I still don't see any real difference in the way we do things. That could be due to the fact that change would be an expensive undertaking. If alternate forms of energy were readily available I would like to think that I would get it but then again, humans are stubborn and won't change until they're forced to.
iv.) 14 year-old female
I think climate change is the result of Humans modifying the environment. And that we should do a better job of protecting the environment by not polluting the air as much and cleaning up oceans. That's where I think our focus should be. I think we haven't switched over to renewable energies because of laziness. As far as everything else, I don't know enough about the topic to form an opinion.
v.) 30 year-old male
As far as climate change, I think we can reduce our impact if we put our heads together to form and solution and by 'we' I mean everyone. I think climate change was cause by a mixture of everything though not entirely greenhouse gasses. They were a contributor, absolutely, but in my opinion (and I haven't done extensive research so don't quote me on this) urbanization has played a bigger part. If you think about it we have more roads and farmlands than we've ever had before and to do that we've cut down a lot of trees. Part of the problem is that we used asphalt, if you look back in history you can see that the Romans used bricks and stones to build their roads. They used materials that were insulators, they stayed cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Our roads don't do that, they just give off heat all year round making it even hotter outside. Another thing, I don't think we should have ever become as dependent on petroleum as we are today but the reason for that is that money talks. Big oil companies are the ones that don't want us going green. When gas prices were almost $4 a gallon people were becoming unhappy and if prices had been kept that way I can almost guarantee you that more people would have Teslas and Electric cars today. I think the oil companies sensed that and is why they dropped the prices. I think we haven't switched over to renewable energies because it's expensive to start-up even if it is cheaper in the long run. Also we're not maximizing our resources like we should. We have all different kinds of terrain all over the country. We have desserts (where it only rains like twice a year) that would be perfect for a solar power plant and we have windy coast that would be great for wind turbine farms. I don't think we'll see any real change until I generation gets into power and even then I don't think we'll ever see the benefits, maybe our grandchildren will but not us. Even then, we have to start with the younger ones education. We have a vast history where we can learn what worked and what hasn't we just have to learn from it.
5. Everyone that I interviewed agreed that climate change is an issue. Some more than others and most were in agreement that solar power to fuel our energy would help tremendously but it's expensive which is why no one has switched to it. I was surprised by how many of them thought we couldn't make an immediate impact and how most thought the best solution was to educate the younger generation. Given their responses, it makes me a little pessimistic about us contributing any solutions on the grand scale of things although I was hopeful when some said that they would change over if the technology became accessible to them.
6A Identifying Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends
1. Global Economist Predict the World's Lowest Growth in a Decade
I found this article on CNN which says that it seems like we may be headed toward a recession. When people hear the word recession they usually panic and stop spending as much money on nonessential goods and services causing those prices to drop in order to get people to spend money again. The prototypical customer in this case would be anyone in the world since it's predicted the recession will affect everyone, not just the United States. And this opportunity could go both ways. Businesses who sell essential goods can exploit the situation since people need those goods in order to survive, yet if businesses that aren't considered essential tried the same thing people wouldn't fall for it because they wouldn't have the money they needed.
2. Colt Will Stop Making AR-15 Rifles for Consumers
As soon as I read that a rifle would stop being marketed to consumers I knew that I would find an opportunity here. Like the previous article, this was found on CNN. The prototypical customer would be any member of the community that would like to own a Colt AR-15 rifle. This opportunity would be hard to exploit since Colt is announcing that it will stop manufacturing this particular rifle since the market has a surplus of this rifle. Although once it those guns are bought, they could be easily exploited on the black market.
3. Brexit Secretary to meet EU's Chief Negotiator
From the bits and pieces I've read in the new about Brexit, I knew that anything to do with them would mean a change in regulations. This particular article was found on the BBC news page and in this case the prototypical customer is Britain. I think this opportunity will get easier and easier to exploit as the October 31 deadline approaches and Britain gets more desperate for a deal. Although for the moment it seems like they're going down the right path.
4. Trump Says He's Moving 'Very Slowly' on Gun Control to Get It Right
Anytime you see the words 'gun control' you know that some kind of regulation is being talked about especially considering everything that's been going on recently. This article was also found on CNN. The prototypical customer is any American that want to own a gun. Although no regulation was actually mentioned, it can be assumed that by the time talks are over gun sales will change in some way, making it harder to exploit the opportunity which is what most people want.
Any time any topic is consistently mentioned on the news means that that subject is important and you better pay attention. With all the shootings going on, I knew it was only a matter of time before changes happened in the way guns are purchased. The Colt article threw me by surprise but since it dealt with guns I knew that I would find an opportunity there for the same reason as the other one. Same thing with Brexit. It's consistently in the news which means that it's a big deal and worth noting especially since the terms will affect a lot of people whether directly or indirectly. As far as the first article, from previous economic classes I know that people are interested when economists say low growth and then they mentioned recession, which means that will not be the last article like it that will surface.
Friday, September 13, 2019
5A Identifying Local Opportunities
1. State Board of Education considers LRSD's Future at Special Meeting
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2019/09/11/state-board-of-education-considers-lrsds-future-at-special-meeting
-The Little Rock School District is accessed as a level 5 which means it needs intensive support. This meeting was more about the options the School Board has if after five years the test scores of the school still hasn't improved (the five years will be up next year). They didn't reach a decision but some of the options discussed include consolidating, annexing, or reconstituting the district.
-The State Board of Education discussed its options in returning the Little Rock School District to local control in a 2 1/2 work session Wednesday.
-The Little Rock School District
2. Jonesboro Voters Reject Sales Tax Increase
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/sep/12/jonesboro-voters-reject-sales-tax-incre/?news-politics
- The city voted against a tax that would have increased revenue for police and fire departments
- A sales tax was proposed that would have provided additional revenue for the city's police and fire departments and for public amenities. There were 5,016 people that were against the proposed sales tax and the tax did not go through.
- The police and fire departments since now they don't have the additional revenue to spend on capital improvement project, equipment, and other needs.
3. Arkansas Attorney General in Talks Regarding Tentative Opioid Settlement
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190913/arkansas-attorney-general-in-talks-regarding-tentative-opioid-settlement
- Pretty much the state is trying to reach a settlement with Purdue Pharma over the amount of Oxycontin provided to Arkansas.
-State Attorney General Leslie Rutledge hopes to hold Purdue Pharma and its owners "accountable for their role in misleading and deceptive conduct in the opioid crisis".
- Purdue Pharma and their owners, and Arkansas residents
4. Earthquake Rattles Area Near Arkansas-Missouri Border
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190912/earthquake-rattles-area-near-arkansas-missouri-border
- An earthquake struck the area near the border of Arkansas and Missouri. No damage, deaths, or injuries have been reported.
- A 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit the town of Gassville and geologists say that damage is unlikely in earthquakes with a magnitude less than 4. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
-The residents of Gassville
5. Murder Charge Filed After Arkansas Woman Dies in Crash
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190909/murder-charge-filed-after-arkansas-woman-dies-in-crash
-A woman died Saturday night after she crashed into a tree and a 33- year old man has been arrested as a possible murder suspect
- A man surrendered and made statements that led investigators to believe that he should be taken into custody in connection to the car crash and death of an unidentified 36-year-old woman.
- Jeremy Scott Sr. the 33- year old man arrested in connection to the death of the woman who died in the car crash
https://arktimes.com/arkansas-blog/2019/09/11/state-board-of-education-considers-lrsds-future-at-special-meeting
-The Little Rock School District is accessed as a level 5 which means it needs intensive support. This meeting was more about the options the School Board has if after five years the test scores of the school still hasn't improved (the five years will be up next year). They didn't reach a decision but some of the options discussed include consolidating, annexing, or reconstituting the district.
-The State Board of Education discussed its options in returning the Little Rock School District to local control in a 2 1/2 work session Wednesday.
-The Little Rock School District
2. Jonesboro Voters Reject Sales Tax Increase
https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2019/sep/12/jonesboro-voters-reject-sales-tax-incre/?news-politics
- The city voted against a tax that would have increased revenue for police and fire departments
- A sales tax was proposed that would have provided additional revenue for the city's police and fire departments and for public amenities. There were 5,016 people that were against the proposed sales tax and the tax did not go through.
- The police and fire departments since now they don't have the additional revenue to spend on capital improvement project, equipment, and other needs.
3. Arkansas Attorney General in Talks Regarding Tentative Opioid Settlement
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190913/arkansas-attorney-general-in-talks-regarding-tentative-opioid-settlement
- Pretty much the state is trying to reach a settlement with Purdue Pharma over the amount of Oxycontin provided to Arkansas.
-State Attorney General Leslie Rutledge hopes to hold Purdue Pharma and its owners "accountable for their role in misleading and deceptive conduct in the opioid crisis".
- Purdue Pharma and their owners, and Arkansas residents
4. Earthquake Rattles Area Near Arkansas-Missouri Border
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190912/earthquake-rattles-area-near-arkansas-missouri-border
- An earthquake struck the area near the border of Arkansas and Missouri. No damage, deaths, or injuries have been reported.
- A 3.7 magnitude earthquake hit the town of Gassville and geologists say that damage is unlikely in earthquakes with a magnitude less than 4. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
-The residents of Gassville
5. Murder Charge Filed After Arkansas Woman Dies in Crash
https://www.swtimes.com/news/20190909/murder-charge-filed-after-arkansas-woman-dies-in-crash
-A woman died Saturday night after she crashed into a tree and a 33- year old man has been arrested as a possible murder suspect
- A man surrendered and made statements that led investigators to believe that he should be taken into custody in connection to the car crash and death of an unidentified 36-year-old woman.
- Jeremy Scott Sr. the 33- year old man arrested in connection to the death of the woman who died in the car crash
4A Forming an Opportunity Belief
1-2 I believe there is an opportunity in older model cars that break down. "Nothing lasts forever" and cars are no exception to that phrase. The older the car gets the more likely it'll eventually break down especially if it doesn't receive regular maintenance, which won't prevent it from breaking down but will slow it down. This is usually a problem for those that have a vehicle that's over ten years old and the way most people will keep from having problems consistently is by taking it to the mechanic.
Male driver (27 years old) 2002 Ford Focus
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
The last time my car broke down was this past June and I felt extreme anger and frustration especially since I had already planned to take it to the mechanic the following week. It was also very inconvenient since I was going home for lunch and it broke down on my way there and I had to call someone to take me back to work.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I first knew that something was not right a year before the breakdown happened. I knew the car was not going to last forever, but I was hoping it would last long enough for me to save for a better car. I wasn't entirely worried until about a month before the breakdown when my clutch stopped shifty properly and I couldn't tell if it was the alternator or something else.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? I decided to weigh my options before deciding to fix the car. I talked to the mechanic and he said after fixing it, it should last a couple more years, giving me enough time to save for a better car, one that will last and have little to no problems instead of rushing and getting the first car I saw that could potentially have problems that are just as bad as my current car?
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? The mechanic did a good job of fixing all the major issues although I know that the car still has many small issues left. I don't feel worried or concerned until I get in the car and can see all the issues happening all at once.
Female Driver (24 years old) 2008 Jeep Commander
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
The last time my car broke down was about a month and a half ago and I felt frustration and disappointment especially since I had just gotten that car this past February. It was an inconvenience since it happened at the end of my shift and I had to call someone to pick me up and take me home late that night.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I actually didn't realize there were any major issues with car and had no previous problems with the car.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? Well, before taking it to the mechanic, I asked my stepdad to take a look and see if it was something easy to fix. Thankfully it was but I never really considered getting a new car since I don't have the money to pay a monthly car note and all I could afford was a used car.
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? I'm not too concerned that my car will break down again anytime soon.
Female Driver (22 years old) 1998 Honda CVR
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
I've only had this car since early July and it hasn't broken down but it has to many issues that I'm just annoyed and not happy with it. Like the other day, it was raining and one of the windshield wipers flew off. Thankfully it didn't hit another car but I had to pull over and wait until the rain passed. Another thing that happened was that the A/C quit working and when I took it the mechanic he found a bunch of rocks next to the filter.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I realized something was wrong when the A/C stopped working.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? I actually didn't want to get this car, but I had a wreck in June and was a little desperate and had to get the stupid car. I took it to the mechanic and he fixed the A/C but there's so many issues that as soon as I save enough for a new car, I'm going to get a better car.
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? I'm concerned all the time.
5-7 A couple of things I learned that are not included included in the questions above is that all the drivers have older models due to budgetary concerns. Eventually all want to get new cars but in order to that, they have to save money. The most surprising thing I learned was that not all considered immediately getting a new car and they knew that they were going to get it fixed. As far as my original belief I am still of the belief that older models that are 10 years and older have a tendency to break down more often than newer models. I don't think my belief has changed too much from the beginning except for the fact that not all the drivers took their car to the mechanic the moment the car broke down. As for the last question, I think Entrepreneurs should adapt their beliefs to some extent due to customer feedback. After all, entrepreneurs are marketing their goods to them and a customer would be more willing to buy a good or service if it appealed more to them and if they felt their were being heard.
Male driver (27 years old) 2002 Ford Focus
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
The last time my car broke down was this past June and I felt extreme anger and frustration especially since I had already planned to take it to the mechanic the following week. It was also very inconvenient since I was going home for lunch and it broke down on my way there and I had to call someone to take me back to work.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I first knew that something was not right a year before the breakdown happened. I knew the car was not going to last forever, but I was hoping it would last long enough for me to save for a better car. I wasn't entirely worried until about a month before the breakdown when my clutch stopped shifty properly and I couldn't tell if it was the alternator or something else.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? I decided to weigh my options before deciding to fix the car. I talked to the mechanic and he said after fixing it, it should last a couple more years, giving me enough time to save for a better car, one that will last and have little to no problems instead of rushing and getting the first car I saw that could potentially have problems that are just as bad as my current car?
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? The mechanic did a good job of fixing all the major issues although I know that the car still has many small issues left. I don't feel worried or concerned until I get in the car and can see all the issues happening all at once.
Female Driver (24 years old) 2008 Jeep Commander
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
The last time my car broke down was about a month and a half ago and I felt frustration and disappointment especially since I had just gotten that car this past February. It was an inconvenience since it happened at the end of my shift and I had to call someone to pick me up and take me home late that night.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I actually didn't realize there were any major issues with car and had no previous problems with the car.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? Well, before taking it to the mechanic, I asked my stepdad to take a look and see if it was something easy to fix. Thankfully it was but I never really considered getting a new car since I don't have the money to pay a monthly car note and all I could afford was a used car.
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? I'm not too concerned that my car will break down again anytime soon.
Female Driver (22 years old) 1998 Honda CVR
Q1: When's the last time your car broke down and how did that make you feel?
I've only had this car since early July and it hasn't broken down but it has to many issues that I'm just annoyed and not happy with it. Like the other day, it was raining and one of the windshield wipers flew off. Thankfully it didn't hit another car but I had to pull over and wait until the rain passed. Another thing that happened was that the A/C quit working and when I took it the mechanic he found a bunch of rocks next to the filter.
Q2: When did you realize that your car was not doing to good and how were you dealing with the problems? I realized something was wrong when the A/C stopped working.
Q3: What did you do when your car broke down? Did you get it fixed? Consider getting a new car? Consider using public transportation or car pooling until you could get a new vehicle? I actually didn't want to get this car, but I had a wreck in June and was a little desperate and had to get the stupid car. I took it to the mechanic and he fixed the A/C but there's so many issues that as soon as I save enough for a new car, I'm going to get a better car.
Q4: How concerned are you that your car will break down again in the near future? I'm concerned all the time.
5-7 A couple of things I learned that are not included included in the questions above is that all the drivers have older models due to budgetary concerns. Eventually all want to get new cars but in order to that, they have to save money. The most surprising thing I learned was that not all considered immediately getting a new car and they knew that they were going to get it fixed. As far as my original belief I am still of the belief that older models that are 10 years and older have a tendency to break down more often than newer models. I don't think my belief has changed too much from the beginning except for the fact that not all the drivers took their car to the mechanic the moment the car broke down. As for the last question, I think Entrepreneurs should adapt their beliefs to some extent due to customer feedback. After all, entrepreneurs are marketing their goods to them and a customer would be more willing to buy a good or service if it appealed more to them and if they felt their were being heard.
Thursday, September 12, 2019
3A Your Entrepreneurship Story
Mr. Brad Horton is a member of the church I go to and who has a family owned printing business that got started in the late 60's. I was fortunate enough that I got to talk to him about how they got started and all the recent ventures he has going on today. For their main printing business, his father and uncle started it as a side job with a 10x15 Multilith printing press that they got from Central High School while working full time jobs. They invested more time in the business as their clientele grew and eventually were able to hire 2 full-time employees in order to keep up with the business. One of the things I learned from Mr. Horton was the way they had to change the direction of the business as printers became more affordable and a common household item. He told me that when that happened they took up the more custom print jobs (things that couldn't be printed at home) like banners and book binding. Mr. Horton also told me that apart from working in the printing business, he started up his own business called Rockstar Passes which specializes in making custom passes for concerts, festivals and the like, and he told me of his failed business ideas. The one that stuck with me the most was his idea in making custom signs. Like in Rockstar Passes, he wanted to take his printing experience and put it in another business venture, however, in the case of the signs it didn't work out. Mr. Horton is aware that with technological advancements, his business can become obsolete if he doesn't work at keeping it current and identifying ways in which his printing business can do things that personal printers cannot do or cannot do at the same quality. I also learned that in order to make a business successful you have to invest a lot of time and be committed to wait for awhile in order to let it grow and show profit. Attached are some of the old passes Mr. Horton gave me to let me see examples of some of their old orders.
I hope to learn how to think like an Entrepreneur and identify potential ideas that could become an actual investment. I also hope to learn how to tell if those ideas are actually feasible and if for some reason it isn't, I hope to learn how I may change that.
I hope to learn how to think like an Entrepreneur and identify potential ideas that could become an actual investment. I also hope to learn how to tell if those ideas are actually feasible and if for some reason it isn't, I hope to learn how I may change that.
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