Date: November 15, 2023
Event: Midterm Presentation of INFS 447 Project Management
Location: Andrews University
On November 15, 2023, the students of INFS 447 Project Management at Andrews University made significant strides in demonstrating their understanding and application of project management principles. They presented their midterm projects to a distinguished panel of evaluators, comprising Ignacio Goya, the Director of Community Engagement at Andrews University, and Dr. Ruth Bejarano, the ADRA Country Director of Peru. Both evaluators brought extensive experience in social innovation, making them ideal judges for the students’ presentations.
The Presentations: A Focus on Artisan Marketplaces
The student presentations covered diverse projects, primarily focusing on developing partnerships for Virtual Artisan Marketplaces (VAM) and tapping into established platforms like Etsy. These presentations were unique in their approach to blending social responsibility with business acumen.
Project 1: Empowering Zimbabwean Artisans
Takudzwa Muguwsi shed light on a women’s empowerment group in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her presentation highlighted the group’s products and provided a detailed financial breakdown. Muguwsi’s analysis suggested a strong potential for these products in the US market, with VAM expected to turn a profit.
Project 2: Cultural Expressions from Myanmar
Cin Thang focused on a women’s group from the Chin State of Myanmar. He explored the possibility of importing handmade table runners crafted with local cotton and designs reflective of the local culture. This project underscored the importance of cultural preservation in global marketplaces.
Project 3: Bridging VAM and Etsy
Christopher Rogers tackled a more technical aspect, delving into the processes, protocols, and policies needed to integrate VAM’s WooCommerce platform with Etsy. This project aimed to expose VAM’s inventory to Etsy’s vast global customer base of over 90 million shoppers.
Feedback from Evaluators: Constructive and Forward-Looking
The evaluators commended the students for their visionary and innovative approaches. However, they also offered constructive criticism. They pointed out a gap in the financial asks relative to the potential of a 90 million shopper base and noted the lack of a compelling sales pitch in the presentations. Concerns were raised about using political means for fundraising, which might deter potential sponsors or investors due to the lack of structured supply chains.
The evaluators also provided practical strategies to address these issues, offering the students valuable insights into real-world project management challenges and solutions.
Conclusion
The INFS 447 midterm presentations were more than just academic exercises; they were a testament to the students’ ability to conceptualize and plan projects that intersect with real-world social and business challenges. The feedback from experienced professionals like Ignacio Goya and Dr. Ruth Bejarano will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for these budding project managers to refine their approaches and strategies, paving the way for future success in the realm of social innovation and global market integration.
