Student projects have been judged by an industry expert at this year's business project showcase.
The aim of the business project is to give students the opportunity to investigate an authentic business challenge. This demonstrates an understanding of the application of business theory and concepts in a real-world situation.
This year's project involved developing a business plan for a video game. Teams of students developed a game concept, identified a target market, built a promotional website, set the price, estimated costs, and forecast sales and profit.
Congratulations to BMX London - the winning team - made up of Kaja Szczechura, Shanade Christoper, Zhane Hylton and Matt Pidgeon. The judges were impressed with their market research, financial planning and their promotional video.
View the winning team's website.
The winning team, from left to right: Kaja Szczechura; Shanade Christoper; Jen Mather, Studio Manager at Spov; Zhane Hylton; Matt Pidgeon
Jen Mather, Studio Manager at Spov, a design and animation studio, said: 'I think what struck me the most was the wide range of ideas that were presented, it was a strong display of the students' creativity.'
'The project demonstrated that it's one thing to have a good idea, but you really need research, evidence and an understanding of your market to support it, otherwise it won't get you very far. This is a valuable lesson when entering the workplace. Any project or business that you become involved with has several factors that make it a success and grasping this now will stand students in good stead for the world of business.'
'Ultimately the team that won not only had a strong idea, it was well researched, contained convincing supporting evidence and understood their position in the market. To top this off, they presented clearly and effectively, demonstrating their knowledge of the multiple factors involved in making their idea a viable one.'
Kaja Szczechura from the winning team said: 'The business project module has been very beneficial as I was able to put all the theory I was learning in my other modules into practise and produce a successful business plan. I developed attributes such as team work, problem solving and time management, all of which I will definitively use in my future career. I particularly enjoyed conducting market research for the game - this helped me realise that it is the area of marketing that I am most interested in and would like to pursue as my career path.'
Aidan Berry, Dean of the Business School, was impressed with all of the competitors saying 'All of the teams played out of their skins. There was very little between them, though sadly there had to be a winner. The project has given students the opportunity to apply their business knowledge to real-life scenarios, and has helped them develop practical skills such as team working, problem solving and leadership.'
