The students have been working closely with Mark Hetherington (Communication), Carole Paterson (Teaching Fellow and Marketing and Business) and John McLachlan (Numeracy and IT) since early September in a project based collaboration.
The success of the project lies with the lecturing staff being specialists in their areas, a willingness by lecturers and students to work harmoniously in addition to the delivery of a wide range of classroom activities. These factors are recognised fully by the students in their feedback.
This year eleven students presented on the day, on the unusual date of 12/12/12 with the lecturer feedback commencing at 12:12!
The premise of the project is for students to demonstrate what they have learned in the respective academic disciplines, such as Market Research, Marketing principles, oral presentation delivery, spreadsheet applications, critical analysis, evaluative and reflective commentary, advanced PowerPoint use amongst many other helpful skills besides.
The Business Plans constructed this year included diverse ideas such as 'Locks Around The Clock', a 24/7 locksmiths proposal, 'Wash While You Work', a company designed to look after client vehicles whilst at work, 'What 2 Wear', a personal shopping / consultancy to help a diverse range of shoppers select appropriate clothing and 'Car-a-Van', a vehicle rental company.
The three winning pitches selected by the Dragons on the day were a florist service called 'Magnolia', a retro music / entertainment company called 'Entertainment Central' and an innovative new bar concept called 'Bar Central.' Each pitch had the 'wow factor' and combined excellent business acumen, strong presentation skills, appreciation of figures as well as some exciting PowerPoint delivery.
The import of formality was addressed in the teaching of Communication and all students attended in appropriate dress on the day, as did the lecturing staff which the students particularly enjoyed.
In the feedback session each student was given the opportunity to say a few words. Fabio said "I was really happy to have been picked for the course and have learned so much and just want to thank the lecturing staff as well as the students in the class for making this an incredible experience." Magda followed on by saying "at first I was unsure about how the class would go for me as I didn't know anybody but I have really enjoyed studying on the Programme and hope to get onto the next course so that I can progress my learning." Finally Kyle noted "I have developed lots of skills doing the Dragons' Den project and the most obvious one has been my improved confidence."
The Dragons echoed the sentiments of the students and noted the industrious application shown by all class members, the cohesive nature of the group and the high standards of work shown across many subjects.
The all morning session was concluded with a short prizegiving ceremony and some drinks and nibbles. The photos and the slides from one of the winning pitches can be seen below. In the words of Duncan Bannatyne, "I'm owt!"
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