Module Briefs & Brainstorming

Introductions

The initial week of university has begun and we are covering module briefs and new ways of thinking that comes with the course. Progressing from the lectures in the BA, the Integrated MA feels structured to teach business and pursue revenue options from our specialism and previously learnt skills.

[Escape Studios @ Pearson College of London logo]

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Ice Breakers

Sessions covered consisted of 'ice-breakers', brainstorming methods, exercises and discussions which I've noted some ramblings below:

"Ideas fail most of the time because companies / entities fail to understand the consumers or clients needs" - Julia Shalet - 22 SEP, 2021.

During one of the brainstorming exercises, we covered the topic for

alternative transport. A new program, currently in beta, introduced scooters as a form of alternative transport in Canterbury, Kent. Bird Rides is a service that is attempting to reduce congestion within cities, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.

Branching from this service, I conceptualised a service that would utilize smartphones to encourage people to walk longer journeys.

[BIRD RIDES logo]

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Brief: Alternative and Sustainable Travel

Objective: Provide a product/service that would assist in the reduction of congestion and carbon emissions within cities. This could potentially be done by providing a service/product that gives an incentive to listening to ads of performing activities whilst on walks. This incentive could consist of giving a percentage of the revenue to the customer (~60-80%). Proof of Incentive: GENER8

[GENER8 logo]

GENER8 has already established that their business model is incentive enough when it rewards customers for it's usage as opposed to competitors.

[Pokémon logo]

Pokémon GO conveys evidence that customers are willing to walk greater lengths/durations when enticed to, or has a great enough incentive.

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Reflection Segment

"The module briefs this year describe selling the skillset I have acquired the past 3 years. The mindset within this Masters is vastly different to that of it's Bachelor counterpart. It is something that I am still struggling with at the time of writing this reflective piece (24/10/21). That's not to say that I'm not making any progress. I'd like to think that I am slowly making progress to where I need to be. I am working hard, but it feels like I'm working hard with a lack of direction. I have a plan going forward and I do hope that it will take me closer to where I need to be."

"Thinking back on the process that underwent during the lecture of September 22nd, I now realize the value that this session had. I have found value of constructing an objective (which served as a synonym for a problem). For me, it laid the foundation to construct a clear solution. With proof of incentives, the idea not only had a clear defined problem & solution, but potential revenue streams to help it come to fruition."

"Researching a 'proof of incentive' allowed me to explore a tangent on how, as a consumer, companies can convince someone to change from one brand (which the consumer is comfortable with) to a different brand. For myself, I used Google Chrome as my exclusive browser on all my PC devices. The business model of GENER8 alone convinced me to 'jump ship' and I now use a combination of both GENER8 and Google Chrome. Predominantly GENER8 for casual use and Google Chrome for professional use."

"Reflecting on my behaviour as a consumer, an effective business model alone can convince a consumer/entity to choose your business over your competitors. It is something that I definitely want to research in the future for my idea."

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Citations

Kent Online. 2021. Electric Scooter Service extended across Canterbury. [online] Available at: <https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/electric-scooter-service-expanded-244598/> [Accessed 27 October 2021].

YouTube. 2021. Sam Jones, Founder of Gener8, On Sky News Ian King Show. [online] Available at: <https://youtu.be/tq8b069n4Eg> [Accessed 27 October 2021].

Pokémon GO. 2021. Pokémon GO. [online] Available at: <https://pokemongolive.com/en/#learn> [Accessed 27 October 2021].

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What I've been listening to: