Week 4 Reading Reflection

          The biggest surprise for me in this week's reading was regarding the major misconceptions of innovation. At first glance, I thought that technology and engineering of innovative products was very planned. After reading the text, I realized that the try/test/revise approach to innovation could be extremely effective. It was also interesting to read that small projects do in fact develop better innovations than larger projects because they encourage working in more effective teams. Finally, the author pointed out that, while technology is a driving force for innovation, customers and markets have an even larger impact on the probability of success.

          The exercise about our two brain hemispheres was slightly confusing for me. I am very verbal and logical in my thinking so I had some difficulty when I was trying to think of right-hemisphere-type-solutions to problems as described in the text. One question I would ask the author would be, "do you think you used your left-hemisphere skills or your right-hemisphere skills better when writing the textbook?" Another question I would ask would be, "which principle of innovation do you feel is most important to success?" I already have my own opinions on these questions and it would be interesting to see how my views compare to the author's. One slight difference of opinion between the author and I would be that I don't think they gave technology enough credit for its huge impact on the innovative process and on customers. Technology has drastically changed the entrepreneurial mindset in recent decades and has made the entire world much more interconnected as a global market for entrepreneurs to find a niche in.

Top 5 World Problems

Rank-ordering the world's five biggest problems from "most serious" to "least serious"

1. The water crisis

2. Radical terrorist groups

3. Fuel (need for alternate sources)

4. Nuclear weapons

5. Climate change and extreme weather events

          I chose the water crisis as the top problem because I believe there is a lack of awareness and a lack of urgency about the issue. Many countries around the world don't have a potable water supply and the countries that do are using up their resources faster than they can be replenished. There is just not much being done about this issue worldwide and I think it will begin to creep up on us this century. Radical terrorist groups are also an imminent threat. They can strike unexpectedly at any time, which places them near the top of my list. Nuclear weapons are behind radical terrorist groups in my mind because a nuclear strike requires more coordination and desperation. A nuclear strike is pretty clearly less likely than a terrorist attack to occur. Climate change is also a huge issue that can hopefully be corrected over time.

          

Rank-ordering solutions to the world's five biggest problems from "most-possible to implement to least-possible to implement"

1. Using alternate resources such as solar power and electricity as fuel

2. The "green movement"

3. developing ways to conserve water consumption

4. improved screening of immigrants

5. weakening the threat of nuclear warfare

          Finding alternate energy resources is a very feasible solution compared to some of the other things listed. There have already been many advancements in this field and I only anticipate more. Although the price of oil has become much more reasonable over the past year, we do not have an endless supply of oil. Solar power, wind energy, and electricity are the future of fueling vehicles. The "green movement" has also already began to an extent. I believe society is buying in to this collective eco-friendly mindset. Finally, screening of immigrants to protect against terrorism and reducing the threat of nuclear warfare are much more difficult solutions to implement efficiently and effectively.

Identifying Local Opportunities

1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces $125 million upgrade for existing fleet

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A83B0A0234E930?p=AWNB

Miami-based Regent Seven Seas Cruises has promised the "world's most luxurious" new ship. The company, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, announced it will spend $125 million in renovations on existing ships and  will also launch a new ship called the Seven Seas Explorer.

The problem presented is that the company boasted about having the "world's most luxurious" ship before it was even built so they needed to invest to live up to the hype. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has the problem.

2. Miami Dolphins hire Clyde Christensen as offensive coordinator

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A6E98E90EF4420?p=AWNB

The Miami Dolphins organization has been without an Offensive Coordinator for the entire offseason. After recently hiring Head Coach Adam Gase, they added Clyde Christensen to the staff aswell. The organization hopes that Christensen's experience working with Andrew Luck in Indianapolis will transcend to Miami and help the Dolphins return to National prominence as an organization.

The Miami Dolphins organization has been in dire need of an experienced staff member. The initial problem was that the Dolphins organization needed to find a suitable coach for it's coordinating staff. The Miami Dolphins organization and all offensive players on the team have the problem.

3. FPL seeks 23.7 percent increase in base rate, public counsel vows to fight it

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A695305F6F0710?p=AWNB

Florida Power & Light (FPL) asked the Public Service Commission to allow it to raise its rates by over 23% over the next three years. FPL claims that while it has delivered stable and low-cost power to Florida residents, it must now begin to charge customers more to "offset the increase in expenses and accommodate the growth in population." The Public Service Commission ultimately has the last say, and almost all of the appointed commissioners involved in the decision making process agree on rejecting FPL's request although FPL claims to have good intentions.

FPL wants to increase Florida residents' electricity rates by over 23% over a period of just a few years. Both the Public Service Commission and the general public are heavily opposed to FPL's requests. This problem affects FPL because if their requests are actually warranted then they won't have sufficient funding to maintain their service and make continuous improvements in the future. This problem also affects FPL's customers because many of them may not be able to afford such a drastic change in cost of living.

4. Car dealer gets his way in Homestead; Hyundai outlet to rise

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A5980E3B8ECBB0?p=AWNB

Jay Rivchin, operator of Dadeland Dodge, has finalized a contract to build a Hyundai dealership in the City of Homestead. The contract contains certain provisions that are very controversial between the two sides. For  example, Rivchin can not use the land for anything other than a Hyundai dealership nor can he sell it for 5 years. Otherwise, he will be fined $500,000.

Rivchin and Hyundai need to be sure that their business venture can be maintained for at least 5 years in order to avoid severe fines from the city. The City of Homestead also has a problem because if the dealership needs to be sold, they have no control over who purchases the large property and for what purpose.

5. South Florida hospitals challenge state approval of new Jackson Health facility in Doral

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A5980CAD43AD50?p=AWNB

Healthcare regulators' approval of a new 100-bed hospital in Doral has gotten local hospitals' attention. Five separate South Florida hospitals have challenged the recent decision approving the new hospital in West Miami-Dade county. The State's certificate of need program, however, claims that approvals of new hospitals are based largely on patient demand to justify a facility.

There are two problems in this scenario. First, the community may be facing the problem of a need for more access to hospitals. Also, the existing local hospitals face the risk of a decrease in business because of increased competition from the new hospital. This is probably primarily why the existing hospitals have met this approval with such opposition.

Very Short Interview No. 1

***My interview was with Stephen Wolf, owner of Focaccia Village Pizzeria. Stephen is an entrepreneur because he owns and manages his own restaurant and the risks associated with it.***

Me: "When did you first know your entrepreneurial venture would be a success?"

Mr. Wolf: "Well, after the original Focaccia Village that I opened had been up and running for about 5 years, a friend of mine working in real estate told me he knew of an even better location for me to move the business to. At first I was very hesitant to move my entire business to a different location but after months of looking into it I decided to make the move. It was for the better. While our original location wasn't bad, it was not until we moved that customers started pouring in, business really got going and I began to think my restaurant could be a real success. I've now been at this location for over a decade."


Me: "What does it mean to you to be an entrepreneur?"

Mr. Wolf: "The main thing that distinguishes an entrepreneur from others in the business world is their assumption of risk. If an entrepreneur opens a new business, like my restaurant, they are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of their business venture. These risks can be extremely high so that is why you often see entrepreneurial ventures fail. Successful entrepreneur's I've worked with also tend to be very driven and self-motivated."


Me: "What do you wish you had learned in school rather than once you were in the workplace?"

Mr. Wolf:  "I would say the biggest thing I learned in the workplace is that hard work pays off. In school, sometimes the lazy kids can get by but in the real world you have to be driven to be successful. That is probably the most important thing I can tell you."

***I was very surprised that Mr. Wolf successfully moved his restaurant. Relocating an entire business involves a lot of risk and that could have severely backfired for his business. It was also very interesting to learn from Mr. Wolf that entrepreneurs need to be driven, hardworking, and willing to take risks. I now see that those three characteristics are essential for a successful entrepreneur. My short interview with Mr. Wolf was very engaging and I look forward to meeting with him again in a few weeks.***

World's Biggest Problems

1. The water crisis
          The global water crisis is a top issue in the world this century. Countries that have access to clean water are depleting resources very quickly while other less developed countries may not even have access to water in their communities. I believe countries like the US need to be more conservative with their water consumption before we run out of a potable supply. A short term solution to minimizing water consumption could be developing more efficient toilets and showers to save water per every toilet flush and shower.

2. Climate change and extreme weather events
          Climate change has began to noticeably affect our world. Throughout the planet there have been incidences of pollution, abnormal temperature patterns, and extreme weather events. All three of these problems can have monumental impacts on agriculture, life on earth, and even the world economy. Climate change is an almost irreversible process given our current emission levels so I think that the "Green Movement" or increased technology are the only plausible solutions to the global climate change problem.

3. Radical anti-western terrorist groups
         From a national security standpoint, terrorist organizations are probably the world's biggest problem. Terrorists can usually not be linked back to an entire country. Rather, they all share a radical mindset and act in the name of God. This makes it difficult to combat this problem that the world faces but, nonetheless, I would implement much more stringent screening on legal immigration to the US, especially from countries in the middle east.

4. Nuclear Weapons
        Countries such as Iran, Russia, and even the US have nuclear weapon programs that need a lot of adjustment. A nuclear strike could wipe out entire cities and alter the earth's atmosphere for centuries. I believe nuclear warfare should never be used on earth because the environmental impacts are too devastating. I would make a global treaty banning the use of nuclear weapons.

5. Surveillance
        With the increase of technology, more developed countries are able to collect data on their citizens and possibly even watch over their online or moblie communications. I firmly stand against surveillance of citizens online and over the phone so a solution could be to create legislation monitoring gonvernment surveillance

6. Food crises
          In many parts of the world, there is still not enough food to sustain people. This sometimes even results in famine. Food shortages are a huge problem in less developed countries. I believe that if prominent social figures raised money and awareness about these issues, a little fundraising from the wealthy could go a long way in feeding hungry mouths around the world.

7. Fuel
          Oil has been our primary fuel source for centuries but it is harmful to the environment and a limited resource. Alternate efficient fuel sources must be developed in order to fix this problem facing the world. Using solar and electrical energy will be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

8. Species extinction
          Humans are increasingly taking up other species territory. Sometimes this can cause those species to become endangered or even extinct. I believe there needs to be legislation to monitor and restrict more species extinction.

9. Internet
        The internet is a great resource for people around the world. The amount of users is growing exponentially. However, I feel the internet is causing a major problem around the world. We are way too dependent on the internet in business and in daily life. If the internet were to crash (cyber-warfare), we would be in for a huge problem.

10. Political tension
        Political unrest is everywhere. I believe that democratic governments must get together and fit communism and political unrest round the world.

       

Bug List

1. squeaky noises
-because of chalk squeaking on the chalkboard
2. cold weather
-I grew up in Miami
3. stubbornness
-my sister is very stubborn with my parents and it annoys me
4. cell phone use instead of socializing
-I often see people at a table together staring at their phones instead of talking to each other
5. extremists
-radical behavior in parts of the world has been a common sight on the news for me
6. party politics
-I think it gets in the way of what our best interests as a nation are
7. iPhone battery length
-my phone usually dies before the end of the day
8. lines to wait at restaurants
-I don't like waiting while I'm hungry
9. sweating in my sleep
-I don't like being hot while I sleep
10. people forgetting to use their turn signal
-this could obviously cause an accident
11. smell of garbage in a home
-I am a clean person
12. people that brag
-let your actions speak for themselves
13. when my dog pees in the house
-I hate cleaning pee
14. crooked picture frames
-I am organized
15. bacon
-my girlfriend eats it way too much
16. dirty living conditions
-I am a clean person
17. commercials on youtube
-I once remember a time that commercials weren't on youtube
18. wide ruled paper
-the lines are too wide
19. FSU sports
-I am a diehard Gator fan
20. Splenda
-splenda is artificial and less tasty than sugar

          I easily got my Bug List up to about 7 primary things that bug me but it got progressively more difficult to think of things that bug me as I went on making the list. I think this is because not many things bug me a whole lot. To make my list, I imagined myself going through a days activities trying to remember what things bug me the most. This method was very effective in thinking of more minor things that bug me.

My Entrepreneurship Story

          One day, when I was in middle school my dad told me to stop asking him for money every day before school. So, I found bulk orders of iPhone cases online and made a small business out of selling them to friends, family, and classmates. This was one of the first times that I was exposed to entrepreneurship. I had friends who previously tried selling candy or the old-fashioned lemonade stand so this was my first experience with entrepreneurship and business.
         I enrolled in ENT3003 because I plan on opening my own private practice in medicine or dentistry when I am older. I think a self-employed doctor needs to have good entrepreneurial and business administration skills in order to be more successful with their practice. Hopefully, the critical thinking skills I acquire in this class will help me in my future profession.

Introduction

          My name is Jose. I also go by the nickname "Joey." I am from Miami, Fl and of Cuban descent. I grew up with my mom, dad, and my little sister Sophie. Now at UF, I am a Biology major on the pre-med track. I want to lead a happy life. Finding a good balance between work and enjoying myself when I'm older is one of my top priorities. I don't want to have a boring life. I have travelled all across the country in addition to Europe, Puerto Rico, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. Travelling, boating, and sports are some of my favorite things to do.

"Entrepreneur's Mantra"

Test Post

Woohoo for my first post!