Very much so! Looking back, I have fulfilled all the objectives that I intended for throughout this project. The four objectives that I had set for myself is to learn how to cook while practicing proper hygiene, learning how to manage a food business, learning how to use social media to promote the business better and hone my soft skills by interacting with the customers. 

It was pretty easy to learn the hygiene practices when cooking, it wasn’t too different from maintaining hygiene/sterility as a medical student. Managing a food business on the other hand, was entirely new to me. Learning how to get the best ingredients and tailoring the menu according to the target customers. It was relatively easy to promote the business on social media with the help of Canva and Instagram, though it was harder to engage with the social media users. And finally, I have definitely improved my soft skills by communicating with the customers.

 

What I enjoyed most about the project is being able to bring a taste of home to other Malaysians and South Indians who live here. It is always nice to find other Malaysians here and have a chat with them, and even more better when they love the food. It has also been delightful to be able to introduce Malaysian and South Indian cuisine to Australians and everyone else.

 

The one thing I’ve found challenging is the unpredictability of the business. There are some days where sales are slow and on the other days, everything’s sold. I’ve come to realize that that is the risk that a small business comes with, especially when it’s still starting out and expanding its customer circles. But I have a lot of hope for our business as we have returning customers and meeting customers who come from word-of-mouth. 

 

Sticking to traditional recipes and tweaking them a little to suit the local tastes has definitely been important for our business. Most locals are open to try Malaysian or South Indian food, the only thing that holds them back is their low spice tolerance. So making sambal and curries that aren’t spicy has attracted more customers and keep them coming back for more. 

 

The one thing that can be improved in this project is probably the frequency of market pop-ups. Turning up to more markets is the most efficient way to put our business out there. For now, we stick to the markets with affordable plot fees and hopefully with time, we will be able to afford more expensive markets and share our food with more people.

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I have successfully fulfilled my objectives of to develop skills in course creation and curriculum design, to gain experience in video production and editing, to provide a valuable resource for students interested in Math Olympiad, to gain entrepreneurial skills and experience in marketing and promotion. I hope that I will continue to get some sales after the end of my elective posting in order to fulfil another objective of to generate passive income from selling online courses.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
What I enjoyed the most was the course creation process. Designing a brand-new Math Olympiad course, structuring lessons, selecting content, and delivering it in an engaging manner was challenging but rewarding. I was happy to see the transformation of abstract concepts from my mind into tangible learning materials. Moreover, witnessing all the hard work come together into the final product was incredibly satisfying. 

3. What have you found challenging about this project?
The most challenging aspect was juggling multiple tasks, including content creation, lessons recording, and marketing the course. Striving to do everything to reach a perfect quality requires a significant amount of time and thought. Dedication and persistence were my key in tackling these challenges.

Throughout the project, taking a step-by-step approach has really worked for me. Breaking down the course creation process into smaller tasks made the workload feel manageable. This strategy also helped in maintaining consistent progress, especially when dealing with complex topics.

If I had more time, I would have welcomed the opportunity to involve students in reviewing my course prior to its official launch. This might have provided valuable insights to me for refining and improving the content before making it available for purchase.

Recognising the importance of feedback, I planned to actively seek input from students who choose to buy my course. Their feedback will definitely help me in ensuring that the course meets their needs and expectations effectively. 

 1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?
I could say that all the objectives of the project were fulfilled. I was able to think critically on marketing strategy. I tried to sell the banana chips in a container rather than a plastic bag to make it easier for customers who could not finish it all at once. I also attempted to design a poster and a sticker to be pasted on the container in order to attract attention. Despite this, I was able to fulfil the second objective which is that now I know how to make banana chips. In addition, I learned which types of banana could be used to make banana chips. I could appreciate if the banana was matured already or not through peeling process only. Since mostly the business was done through online platform, I was able to improve my communication skills whenever I met the customer in person to pass the product purchased. I could then pursue them to recommend my product to their contacts and encourage them buy more after this. Thus, all of those objectives can be fulfilled throughout the project.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?
I felt overjoyed whenever my banana chips were sold out. It felt like all of my efforts had been rewarded. Beside that,  I liked how this project allowed me to experience both human-to-human and non-human-to-human relationships. Making banana chips required solely my efforts. Therefore, I could work on it calmly and without feeling rushed. Then, I only communicated with other humans during the selling process. This would allow me to improve my communication skills. Thus, contact and non-contact human based work had pros and cons in some ways, and I preferred both types of work.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)
Initially, I thought the most difficult part was the production process. However, as time passed, I discovered that the most difficult part was ensuring that all of my banana chips were sold out. It was difficult to get people to buy these snacks because they were only popular among the middle-aged and elderly. Because I was new to this business, it was difficult for me to persuade people to buy the banana chips. Sometimes I felt guilty when I had to ask them to use their money to buy my products. However, I learned that they will never feel compelled to buy the banana chips. They also understand that I just doing my business promoting my product and they would reject it appropriately if they refuse to buy it. 

4. What has really worked? (any part in the project that you thought worked well)
I was able to ensure that the banana chips were delicious. The banana chips turned out beautifully yellow, especially when I used 'Pisang Tanduk' as the main ingredient. Throughout this project, I never used any additional food colouring, which could have given the banana chips a light yellow colour. Until one customer inquired if I had ever used any additional food colouring. Therefore, I was relieved that the manufacturing process was going smoothly and that my banana chips would turn out beautifully. 

5. What can be improved in this project?
In this project, I felt that my marketing skills were insufficient. I should seize the opportunity to promote my products on all online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I should be more active on social media in order to promote my products, or I can learn more about how a business account on this online platform can help with product promotion. 

Yes! I’ve set 3 objectives for this project and I was able to fulfill all of them throughout the whole 4 weeks. The first one was to provide baked goods and services to the customers with professionalism. I prepared everything up to a professional standard not only taste wise, but also hygienically and through my interactions with my customers. Second is to create a friendly environment that encourages close customer service. Owning a business is far more than just about the quality of the products as building a good relationship with customers is also important. Hence, I make sure to be hospitable to them and address any questions they have or adjustments they need with a friendly and professional manner. Good rapports could also lead to the customers coming back for more or forward good reviews to potential customers. The last one is to apply baking skills and interpersonal communication into entrepreneurship. A lot of skills are required to run a business and among them is baking and communication skills. Baking skills ensured I did not have any trouble in the kitchen but they were not the only thing needed to run a baking business as good communication skills are also important. This is because I am also incharge of interacting with potential customers and with suppliers. All in all I am proud that all of them were fulfilled throughout the 4 weeks of elective posting. 

One thing I have enjoyed the most was definitely being able to share my baked goods with others! I have always loved baking and the feeling of having other people enjoying my bakes as much as I do is definitely one of the great pleasures of this project. Not only does baking bring me joy but the whole process from receiving orders to receiving reviews has been tremendously amazing. Hence, I look forward to expanding my business and with that, sharing my bakes with a bigger circle in the future. 

The challenging part of this project would have to be managing everything by myself. Running a business, even a small one from home, could easily be overwhelming with all the different tasks that need to be taken care of on your own. I dream of just spending all day baking in the kitchen but running a business  is far more than just that. When you run a business you’re going to have to put in a significant amount of time and effort in other aspects too. And when it is a one man show, I was responsible for everything from marketing, keeping track of the finances, sales, stocks, engaging with customers and everything else. Managing everything all at once has not been easy but I am glad I have pushed through it successfully. 

My recipes! Over time, I have readjusted my recipes here and there to increase the quality of my baked goods. I am so incredibly proud and happy that all of them have been receiving amazing reviews. Not only that, having a foolproof recipe also helps in not getting any baking mishaps in the kitchen which would have caused another line of trouble. Thankfully, everything went well and I hope to improve new recipes to introduce into my menu in the future. 

I think the marketing aspect of this project could be improved. Having a good marketing strategy is important as it could easily make or break a business. For the time being I only use 2 platforms to promote my business which is Instagram and Telegram channel. Having a bigger budget for promotion in the future would really help in gaining more customers and help the business grow more. 

Matrics number : A183642

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes my objectives of this project is definitely fulfilled. I would say that i have spent my semester break wisely with this project. 

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

I enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment when I finished a batch of cinnamon rolls and they turned out delicious. I also enjoyed learning new things about baking and marketing. I was also happy to be able to share my love of baking with others.

3. What have you found challenging about this project?

The most challenging part of the project was finding the time to work on it. I also found it challenging to stay motivated, especially when things got tough. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I pushed through and I'm glad I did.

4. What has really worked?

One thing that really worked for me was having a clear goal and a plan to achieve it. I knew that I wanted to sell my cinnamon rolls, so I made a plan for how I was going to do it. I broke the project down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and I set deadlines for myself. This helped me stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

I also found it helpful to ask for help when I needed it. There were times when I didn't know how to do something, so I asked my friends and family for help. They were always willing to lend a hand, and I'm grateful for their support.

5. What can be improved in this project?

One thing that could be improved is my marketing strategy. I could have done a better job of reaching out to potential customers and promoting my business. I could also have been more organized and efficient in my time management.

I had set three objectives for my elective posting, which were to hone my entrepreneurship skills, adopt eco-friendly waste reduction practices, and simultaneously earn financial rewards for both the seller and myself through mutually beneficial selling opportunities. All three of the project's objectives were successfully fulfilled. During this experience, I not only learned to operate my own business but also gained the ability to work independently, organizing and strategizing to make my business thrive. Moreover, I honed my communication skills, developed the knack for evaluating the value of items, and embraced flexibility when things didn't go as planned.

I firmly believe that I've made progress in practicing eco-friendly waste reduction, as I've significantly reduced unnecessary clothing and bag purchases after this project. I've successfully sold my unused clothes and bags, preventing them from becoming waste, and I've encouraged others to do the same, further reducing waste production. In essence, what was once considered "waste" has now become someone else's treasure. Through these preloved clothing and bag sales, I've not only helped myself but also assisted sellers in earning extra income.

In conclusion, I am delighted to say that all of my objectives were achieved successfully. This experience has been immensely rewarding, and I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and accomplishments it has brought into my life.

The aspect of the project that I found most enjoyable was interacting with both sellers and buyers. I relished the process of communication and negotiation, working towards mutually agreeable solutions. Although I initially underestimated the complexity of this communication, I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Engaging with individuals with diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences was both enjoyable and enlightening. I consider this project as a significant contributor to my growth in communication skills, and I believe I've made substantial improvements in this regard.

Undoubtedly, the most challenging aspect of this project was determining the pricing for the items. It presented a considerable difficulty as sellers often valued their items higher, while buyers aimed for lower prices. Striking the right balance was crucial for the success of my business. To overcome this challenge, I had to establish my own pricing baseline and meticulously assess the value of each item, avoiding both underestimation and overestimation. I dedicated a significant amount of time to research, seeking examples, and seeking guidance from experienced individuals skilled in pricing strategies. This process was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to develop a more accurate sense of pricing in a diverse market.

Overall, the project went smoothly, and one particularly successful aspect was the post-deal phase with the buyers. There were no issues reported when buyers received their items, especially those who made online purchases. I attribute this success to the thoroughness of my item descriptions and the videos I provided, which showcased the items' condition. Additionally, I took care to inspect and package the items meticulously to prevent damage during shipping. Fortunately, all buyers received their items intact, and there were no reports of damage or losses. This attention to detail in the post-deal process contributed to the project's overall success.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I believe there is room for improvement in the initial phase of this project, specifically in the process of finding a suitable seller. To enhance this aspect, I should dedicate more time to sourcing, as having reliable suppliers is crucial for launching my business. It's important to define my target customer group, including specific age and gender criteria, to ensure that I select sources that align with these demographics. By setting clearer aims, I anticipate a smoother process and the potential for increased sales.

I had set three objectives for my elective posting, which were to hone my entrepreneurship skills, adopt eco-friendly waste reduction practices, and simultaneously earn financial rewards for both the seller and myself through mutually beneficial selling opportunities. All three of the project's objectives were successfully fulfilled. During this experience, I not only learned to operate my own business but also gained the ability to work independently, organizing and strategizing to make my business thrive. Moreover, I honed my communication skills, developed the knack for evaluating the value of items, and embraced flexibility when things didn't go as planned.

I firmly believe that I've made progress in practicing eco-friendly waste reduction, as I've significantly reduced unnecessary clothing and bag purchases after this project. I've successfully sold my unused clothes and bags, preventing them from becoming waste, and I've encouraged others to do the same, further reducing waste production. In essence, what was once considered "waste" has now become someone else's treasure. Through these preloved clothing and bag sales, I've not only helped myself but also assisted sellers in earning extra income.

In conclusion, I am delighted to say that all of my objectives were achieved successfully. This experience has been immensely rewarding, and I'm grateful for the valuable lessons and accomplishments it has brought into my life.

The aspect of the project that I found most enjoyable was interacting with both sellers and buyers. I relished the process of communication and negotiation, working towards mutually agreeable solutions. Although I initially underestimated the complexity of this communication, I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Engaging with individuals with diverse ideas, backgrounds, and experiences was both enjoyable and enlightening. I consider this project as a significant contributor to my growth in communication skills, and I believe I've made substantial improvements in this regard.

Undoubtedly, the most challenging aspect of this project was determining the pricing for the items. It presented a considerable difficulty as sellers often valued their items higher, while buyers aimed for lower prices. Striking the right balance was crucial for the success of my business. To overcome this challenge, I had to establish my own pricing baseline and meticulously assess the value of each item, avoiding both underestimation and overestimation. I dedicated a significant amount of time to research, seeking examples, and seeking guidance from experienced individuals skilled in pricing strategies. This process was a valuable learning experience that allowed me to develop a more accurate sense of pricing in a diverse market.

Overall, the project went smoothly, and one particularly successful aspect was the post-deal phase with the buyers. There were no issues reported when buyers received their items, especially those who made online purchases. I attribute this success to the thoroughness of my item descriptions and the videos I provided, which showcased the items' condition. Additionally, I took care to inspect and package the items meticulously to prevent damage during shipping. Fortunately, all buyers received their items intact, and there were no reports of damage or losses. This attention to detail in the post-deal process contributed to the project's overall success.

5. What can be improved in this project?

I believe there is room for improvement in the initial phase of this project, specifically in the process of finding a suitable seller. To enhance this aspect, I should dedicate more time to sourcing, as having reliable suppliers is crucial for launching my business. It's important to define my target customer group, including specific age and gender criteria, to ensure that I select sources that align with these demographics. By setting clearer aims, I anticipate a smoother process and the potential for increased sales.