Enterprise evaluation

BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN

LEVEL

Module Code

OUCE255!

Module Title

Enterprise & Innovation

05

END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION NAME Joe Warburton

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

Approaching design with a business mind has been at the forefront of this enterprise module. I have researched extensively into business structures, finance / accounts and a range of other considerations you need to account for when starting up a new business (though on reflection, I know I could have done more). This in turn has provided an extensive insight into the professional aspect of design and the design industry as a whole.

My professional skills have somewhat developed - from having no knowledge in regards to start up a business to having a clear idea of the process we may need to take in terms of legal structures, financial information when starting up a new business.

2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

As we worked within a group of 4, roles had to be delegated appropriately. From an early stage, our team formed and we immediately began to organise meetings to discuss what we can put forward to the team as a whole. We subsequently appointed specific roles for each team member; mine being finance and accounts as I am a geek when it comes to maths - however, this proved more difficult than expected, predominantly due to lack of my own time management.

As this module required a lot of research, this played a huge factor in the development of our business. Although other members looked into studio premises, PEST and SWOT analysis etc, I was constantly looking at competitors and potential studio residence to inform my own practice.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

Although in hindsight I know I could have done more, I believe my strenghts lie within research and deciding what information (business structures, for example) was the most appropriate for our business.

Approaching this module with a professional mindset has been hugely beneficial and is a strength I intend to apply to my own practice as a designer.

Working with such like-minded people has been extremely helpful. Everyone had input, we were all committed and we ultimately worked well as a team - I am really pleased with the final solution, especially in terms of branding and our business proposition overall.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

Effective time management is essential and I believe I didn’t manage my time well.

Organising the finance and accounts was ongoing though I left it predominantly towards the latter stages of the development process - I believe it was a few days before the presentation before it was finalised. However, it was stated in the presentation that we were charging more than others therefore more consideration needs to be taken into deciding what profit we intend to make, for example, especially in our first year of trade.

At times, the more I researched into a specific area, the more confused I became.

Rather than overcome this and research in more depth, I tended to overlook some information.

5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

Prioritise my time more effectively.

Be more confident - in terms of expressing my ideas and presenting in general. I stepped back when it came to the vocal presentation as I knew I would not be able to communicate our business proposition as effectively as the others.

Look into all aspects of devising a business proposition in more depth as opposed to focusing on my own research.

Blog throughout the development process.

Research more - look more in depth and make use of contacts!

6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas: (please indicate using an ‘x’) 5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor 1 2 3 4 5 Attendance x Punctuality x Motivation x Commitment x Quantity of work produced x Quality of work produced x Contribution to the group x The evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.