Experience Type: Service
Date: 6 -31 January
Global Odyssey was a business management event that provided a hands-on experience in setting up and running a stall. It was to test our entrepreneurial skills and ability to work in a team while also reinforcing the importance of decision-making in business.
LO1: Identify Own Strengths and Develop Areas for Growth This event helped me recognize my strengths in sales, pricing, and understanding customer behavior. My experience from previous stalls allowed me to predict what would sell best, and I used that to set competitive prices and offer attractive combo deals. However, I also realized areas where I could improve, such as inventory estimation and time management. By reflecting on my past experiences and adapting my strategies, I saw measurable growth in my business skills.
LO3: Demonstrate How to Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience Planning was key to the success of our stall. From choosing the right products to estimating costs and setting an effective pricing strategy, I had to think ahead and make well-informed decisions. I introduced combo deals to attract more customers, understanding that people often perceive them as better value. Proper research and preparation helped me anticipate challenges and adapt quickly, ensuring a smooth execution on the day of the event.
LO5: Demonstrate the Skills and Benefits of Working Collaboratively Collaboration played a major role in making our stall successful. Each team member contributed based on their strengths. I handled sales and pricing, another teammate designed posters, and others managed the menu and food preparation. Even during the event, we continuously supported one another. Whether it was ensuring food was fresh or managing customer flow, we worked as a unit. From the start, we were clear that profit or loss, we would share everything equally. This strong teamwork made all the difference.
LO7: Recognize and Consider the Ethics of Choices and Actions Ethics played a crucial role in every decision we made. From ensuring our food was Jain-friendly to maintaining honesty in pricing and profit-sharing, we prioritized fairness and inclusivity. Business fluctuations were inevitable, with some items selling out quickly while others remained unsold for longer periods. Despite these challenges, we stuck to our ethical standards, ensuring that pricing remained fair without exploiting demand.
Another ethical dilemma arose when friends and close acquaintances visited our stall. It would have been easy to offer them extra discounts or freebies, but I remained firm in my commitment to fairness. Treating everyone equally, regardless of personal connections, was essential in running an honest business. Similarly, our team ensured that no one took an unfair share of profits or avoided responsibilities. Additionally, since this was a service-oriented experience, we decided to donate a specific portion of our sales to a cause. This allowed us to give back to the community and reinforced the idea that business success isn’t just about personal gain but also about social responsibility. These conscious choices reinforced my understanding that ethical decision-making is about consistency, fairness, and integrity, even in high-pressure situations.
Reflection Global Odyssey was an eye-opening experience that went beyond just selling food. It taught me the value of smart planning, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. More than anything, it showed me that business isn’t just about making money. It’s about making responsible choices, working well with others, and learning from every challenge. The event solidified my understanding that true success in business extends beyond profit. It is about creating value, fostering teamwork, and making ethical decisions. The lessons learned from this experience will guide me in future endeavors, reinforcing my commitment to ethical and inclusive business practices.
