5A - Identifying Local Opportunities

Assignment 5A – Identifying Local Opportunities

• All Children's CEO discusses troubles at the Heart Institute. HOSPITAL LEADER TALKS OF 'FAILURE'. By Kathleen McGrory; Neil Bedi, Times Staff Writers of Tampa Bay Times
• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16C163A0083B3D20?p=WORLDNEWS
• This article was written on May 23^rd, 2018 and discusses the issues All Children’s Hospital has faced regarding their Heart Institute. According to Dr. Jonathan Ellen, they have discontinued heart surgeries to allow appropriate time for staff to be retrained with follow up care and protocol. The hospital was under scrutiny after surgical needles were left behind inside of two patients after surgery. Dr. Ellen states employees they were under the impression that they did not have to report such incident to the state. In addition, the hospital failed to report it to the families. Furthermore, Dr. Ellen also states that there has been an increase in the mortality rates, and although they did not release the data, states it is not inline with their commitments to patient care.
•  Two of the problems presented in the article were regarding the Heart Institutes failure to report to the parents or the state that surgical needles were left behind in two patients. The second issue is the increased mortality rates within the Heart Institute.
•  The individuals facing the problems are the pediatric patients of All Children’s Hospital who have previously had a surgery within the Heart Institute or need heart surgery, as they have decreased their surgeries to six per month which is below the standard. 

•  BAYSHORE DRIVE: SO LOVELY, SO DANGEROUS. By Sue Carlton of Tampa Bay Times
• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16C20D05B60EAF20?p=WORLDNEWS
• This article published on May 25^th, 2018, discusses the on-going issue many residents of Bayshore Blvd have been plagued with which is that of people speeding down the roads. This time however, a woman and baby were killed after three young men were speeding and struck them as they were crossing Bayshore Blvd. Effective immediately, they have changed the speed-limit, but residents state that with only two street lights down the lengthy road many are concerned this issue will continue as this is not the first incident that has occurred on the road.
• The main issue is the illegal speeding that takes place on Bayshore Blvd. Efforts to decrease this problem has led officers to be stationed at Bayshore Blvd and issue citations to habitual offenders. The second issue is the reoccurring fatalities because of the speeding.
• The pedestrians and bicyclists on Bayshore Blvd at risk of being struck by motorists and the residents eager for change on the beautiful but dangerous road.

• The exclusion of smoking as a method of using the drug is ruled unconstitutional. FLORIDA'S BAN ON SMOKING MEDICAL MARIJUANA STRUCK DOWN By Elizabeth Koh, Times/Herald Tallahasee Bureau
• http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16C3B4EBF16B88F8?p=WORLDNEWS
• This article published on May 26^th, 2018, discusses the pursuit of removing the Marijuana Ban in Florida. Judge Karen Gievers presented a case that poses that the ban on smoking Marijuana violates the constitutional rights of many Americans that voted in favor of in 2016. While opposing counsel argues that removing the ban on smoking marijuana will pave the way for recreational use in Florida, studies show that the best way to alleviate some of the illnesses patients experience is by inhalation. Both Giever and John Morgan expect an appeal, but they are ready to fight this battle in the names of the patients in need of this change.
• The first issue at hand, is the ban of smoking medical marijuana in Florida. The current argument is that it violates the rights of the Americans that voted for legalization of Marijuana. The second issue is how long this ban will stay in effect and the length of the case if defense decides to appeal.
• The people affected in this case are patients that have access to medical marijuana due to chronic illness, but are currently not permitted to smoke it. Also, the defense team and Governor Rick Scott that are opposing this change.                                                                              
• The School Board signs off on revised boundaries to deal with continuing growth. PASCO REZONES HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS by Jeffrey S. Solochek, Time Staff Writer with Tampa Bay Times
•  http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16C3B4ECE5DB2980?p=WORLDNEWS
• This article written on May 30^th, 2018 discusses the issues that have risen due to school board’s decision to rezone nearly 500 Pasco students. According to the article, over population in schools such as Mitchell High and Seven Springs Middle has been an on-going issue, and a rezone is meant to mitigate that issue. However, there are many students that do not wish to leave the schools they have already become established with, and as a result, parents like Jim Stanley has sued the school board and intends pursuing each possible avenue to ensure these changes don’t affect hundreds of students. On the other hand, there are many parents that are eager to fill the empty seats of other campuses.
• The first issue of this article that is addressed are the children and families being affected by this rezone. If the school board proceeds with the rezone, there are going to be many students affected by the change. The second issue here are the parents that are taking legal action to prevent the rezoning from taking place, as it will keep the schools over-crowded.
• The students and families that may have to relocate due to the rezone.

• Chris Card returns to get Eckerd Connects back on track in Hillsborough. BACK TO HELP FOSTER KIDS by Christopher O’Donnell, Times Staff Writer of Tampa Bay Times
•  http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/16B5337A958DB340?p=WORLDNEWS
• This article published on April 16^th, 2018 focuses on the rehire of Chris Card at Eckerd Connects to fix surrounding issues with the foster care system and homeless teens. Card, who has an extensive background in community services and child welfare is motivated to make homes for teens a priority. By rejoining Eckerd Connect he will start to evaluate the issues within the foster care system and lead the administration to find solutions for the sake of the children and their communities.
• The first issue at hand is the amount of homelessness within teens in the foster care system. The second issue lies within further evaluation of the operations to expose the underlying issues within the foster care system. The article also briefly mentions the opioid epidemic that has contributed to more children being placed in the system.
• The teens without homes are currently affected, and the employees that are leading the investigations to help resolve the issue.

2A - Bug List

1.     When patients stand in the wrong line for check-in services.

·       WHY it exists: Signs may be displayed in areas where patients are not accustomed to look; most people look straight ahead towards a help desk or signs may be too small, in comparison to other signs.

2.     When the employees at the McDonalds on Mariner Blvd in Spring Hill, FL always mess up your order.

·       WHY it exists: Fast food employees are probably under a lot of pressure to provide fast service, and don’t pay close attention to detail. As a result, there is inaccuracy when fulfilling orders.

3.     Retrieving expired items from a vending machine.

·       WHY it exists: Stocker did not remove any items that were close to expiration date during previous restock; maybe assumed items would be sold before expiration. Or, he forgot to check the items prior to restocking the vending machine.

4.     When the water is shut off for repairs during work hours.

·       WHY it exists: It’s possible its more expensive to repair the plumbing issues after hours, so maintenance managers arrange for the repairs to begin during business hours. Also, maintenance managers may need to be on-site to ensure proper repairs have been made and address any concern with repairs at the time of service.

5.     Calling patients to confirm appointments, even if the patient already confirmed their appointment through our automated service; email, text, voicemail.

·       Why it exists: Recently, many patients have been no-showing their appointments even after they’ve confirmed their appointments, so these changes are in place to decrease the no-show rate.

6.     When roommate take last refrigerated bottle of water, but doesn’t put more bottled water into the fridge.

·       WHY it exists: Roommate was thirsty and most likely heading out for the day and forgot to place more bottles of water in the fridge.

7.     Signs at a restaurant that state, “wait to be seated,” but there is no host available to seat you.

·       WHY it exists: The host is most likely seating other clients or got caught up assisting waiters or host had to fill for another position. Now, there is a line of hungry people impatiently waiting to be seated.

8.     When Apple releases new devices back to back.

·       WHY it exists: Apple is very secretive about release dates and are constantly innovating, so most people are either too impatient to wait for a newer product or have no knowledge of the new products that are going to be released; now stuck waiting for upgrade.

9.     When brick and mortar stores do not price-match items from company website.

·       WHY it exists: Consumers are becoming smarter shoppers and are always looking for a discount/better price. This is the company’s way of mitigating excess sales loss.

10.  When people take up two parking spaces.

·       WHY it exists: Some people do not care to correct their parking once they have already parked, especially if in a rush.

11.  When older professionals undermine young professionals.

·       WHY it exists: A lot of older professionals are not used to receiving constructive criticism or trust ideas from younger professionals who perhaps do not have many years of experience.

12.  When American people tell others from foreign countries to learn how to speak English.

·       WHY it exists: Many people from America do not understand how difficult it is to learn a new language and are insensitive to culture changes foreign peoples experience in the U.S.

13.  When my cats scatter litter all over the floor.

·       WHY it exists: Cats have to cover their feces and it’s not in their nature to care about how much litter spills out of the litter box.

14.  Surcharges on wireless phone bills.

·       WHY it exists: In order to fund 911 systems and school districts, consumers have to be taxed for the services.

15.  When you are penalized for using your car insurance after having an accident.

·       WHY it exists: After you have an accident, you become a liability and depending on the damages, insurance companies have the right to decline policy renewal.

16.  People that don’t clean up after themselves.

·       WHY it exists: Some people are inconsiderate and don’t realize that what may not seem like a mess to them, is a mess to others. Also, it requires me to clean up after people when I have company coming over.

17.  People that say, “I don’t get paid to do that”.

·       WHY it exists: People fail to read the part in their job description that states, “and other duties as assigned”.

18.  Lack of diversity in the workforce.

·       WHY it exists: Some employers have trouble working with people of different ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

19.  Not being able to trust auto-mechanics will be honest about repairs.

·       WHY it exists: People exploit the fact that some women aren’t knowledgeable about repairs or maintenance that need to be done to vehicles.

20.  Employers that judged people by their tattoos and not their workability.

·       WHY it exists: First impressions are extremely important to employers and the type of clients they want to service; need to able to build rapport and create trust.

This assignment was a bit challenging because while I could think of a lot of things that “bug” me, it was really hard to put into words why the issues exist. Some of the “bugs” I have, I feel I could resolve on my own, however, I started to realize that I can solve just about any problem but that wasn’t the purpose of this assignment. On the other hand, this assignment helped me see the bigger picture in a sense, and provided me with a deeper understanding. Sometimes, its really easy to get frustrated about things that we don't understand because we aren't able to offer proper solutions, but I am slowly learning that is part of what entrepreneurship is all about.

My Entrepreneurship Story

When I was younger, I never really cared for travel nor did I ever imagine I would ever travel outside of Florida. This could possibly be due to the fact that I rarely traveled as a child and I was always told it was “too expensive” so unfortunately, we couldn’t afford to travel. However, after travelling to different parts of the world, I decided that I wanted to become an advocate for other students or people that have the desire to travel, but don’t really know how to get started. My girlfriend and I decided to create an account with Shopify to sell not just travel items, but our story; two poor girls that managed to travel the world. In a matter of hours, our dream turned into a nightmare. We didn’t know what items we were going to sell, and how. We didn’t know anything about drop shipping. And lastly, we didn’t know how to set ourselves apart from all of the other online competition, and we only had a 7-day trial period to figure it all out. Needless to say, we didn’t move forward after that. There were just so many questions that we didn’t know the answer to, and unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to brainstorm as we are both full time employees and part time students. These days, we find ourselves answering some of those questions, but mainly asking new questions as travel is constantly evolving. Although we have been a bit discouraged lately, we are confident that this isn’t the end for us, we just have a bit more to learn. Hopefully everything will work out with time!

               Moreover, I am taking ENT3003 as part of my course requirements for my degree. I must admit however, that this class has been the most interesting class I have taken thus far. I hope that this class will enable me to answer a lot of the questions I currently struggle with in regard to my entrepreneurship story. In addition, I am hoping to discover whether or not entrepreneurship is really for me. My friends always tell me that I haven’t found my niche, and I agree. I even resonated with Dr. Pryor’s statement about students who go to college because their parents tell them to; I feel like that is me to a certain extent! But, I do like to learn and challenge myself, so I guess you can say I’m a little conflicted. All in all, I am looking forward to this class and working with all of you. Hope you all enjoy my story!

Test Post

This better work!