Reflection (Introduction to Business)

Throughout this semester I have learned a lot of things from this subject which is Introduction to Business. This subject helped me deepen my knowledge on how to run a business and the many components which makes a business successful. This knowledge can prove useful to me when I decide to run my own business in the future as I already know some of the basics and learning the advance part would be easier.

From the first assignment which is the model calendar project, I have learned how coordination of a team is important in completing a goal. The team should have a leader which is persistent and knows what the goal is. This project was completed successfully because everyone played their role well. This is an important lesson to me because in the future I will have to work with other people and this lesson can prove useful. Besides that, in the second assignment, I learned that we should do things for a good cause as it can help the world in a good way. The charity project taught me that we should use a different strategy when the current strategy isn’t working well. I also learned not everything will go as planned and we should improvise when the time comes. This lesson is important to me as I will be working on projects as an architect and things won’t go as planned.

The topic that I like the most is management process as it teaches me a lot of things that are useful in daily life. My overall experience of this module was good and interesting. The topics taught were interesting to learn and the charity drive project was fun to do.

 

Charity Drive (Introduction to Business)

In this assignment, we were required to raise money for charity and donate it to a organization of our choice. We formed a group of 4 people for this assignment. The organization we wanted to donate to was SPCA. Our target amount was RM2000 and to reach that goal we had to sell products and collect donations. As such we sold pudding, seaweed, SPCA products and video game services. To be able to sell food products, we also had to get typhoid injections. Overall, this was interesting and fun to do. It was a memorable experience.

 

Video:

 

Report:

 

Pictures:

Visit to SPCA:

 

In class exercises (Introduction to Business)

This is one of the in class exercises we had to do. It required us to explain about false advertising and how it affects customers. The in class exercises that were done very useful in understanding the topic being taught and it gives us a deeper insight into the topic. We are able to build our confidence in presenting in front of an audience as well.

 

This slide is a business plan proposal presentation that is done prior to charity drive as a practice before the real thing.

 

Model Calendar (Introduction to Business)

Project 1: Create and Market a Product (i.e. Model Calendar) for the Charity Drive Event

Your tasks are as follows:

1. Publish a Model Calendar for sale during the FNBE Charity Drive Event (in week 14).
2. The steps involved in producing a calendar include:
3. i) Choosing a calendar theme;
   ii) Assigning roles and tasks to the group members: scouts, photographers, editors, makeup artists, and wardrobe specialists, etc;
   iii) Scouting for eligible models and locations (note: Candidates for modeling are restricted to current students of Taylor’s University and College only);
   iv) Photoshoot sessions with the shortlisted models;
   v) Designing the calendar layouts and editing the photos, and;
   iv) Locating a printing business who will print the calendar at a reasonable price.
4. A 10-minute video that documents the process of producing the calendar is also required for submission on week 9. (The video will be uploaded to YouTube and the link will be provided to the lecturer-in-charge.)

In this assignment we formed a group of 8 people to execute this project. We had to scout for models, arrange a time with them and have a photoshoot. Some locations required permission prior to the photoshoot as well so we had to call and send letters. The process was time consuming and had to repeat the same cycle for a few weeks. My role in this project was designing the calendar. I had to do a few designs to see which was suitable. This project required teamwork and I think our group did well in this aspect. Everyone played their role and this project was completed successfully.

 

 

Video:

Project 3: Art + Architecture + Culture (C&C)

 

Part I: You are required to do a literature research on places of interest of your site visit. From the literature review, you are to study the theme given and its connection between the historical, architectural and social aspects of the place. Documenting the right building, spaces and places with the right content is important in this project. You are advised to work closely with your tutor to ensure you are on the right track.

Part II: You are to design a graphical expression of your findings in a postcard series with a proper packaging that complement the final postcard design. The postcard series will create awareness and educate your audience on the subject matter or focus of the study. This includes design & layout, purpose, content, writing style, colours and etc. You are strongly encouraged to meet with us regularly for further assistance.

For this assignment, I have to do a literature research of a place and that place is Kuala Lumpur. The theme and concept I have chosen is British Colonial Architecture and Landmarks. From the research, I have learned a lot about the various buildings around Dataran Merdeka and some places in Kuala Lumpur. The buildings I covered are the Old High Court, Old KL Railway Station, KTM Administration Building, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, National History Museum, City Theater and Masjid Jamek. These buildings were built during the British reign and was under it’s influence. The architects were British as well. Besides that, to get to these places I used the KTM and LRT. I don’t normally use public transportation but from this assignment I was able to learn how to use them.

Part 2 requires us to take photos and make a set of ten postcards on our theme and concept with proper packaging. The first time I went to take the pictures, I did not how I should take the photos but after the tutorial session, I managed to take good photos that can be used in my design. Before designing the postcards, I had to research about the measurements and elements of a postcard. The captions on the postcard is written based on my research report and supported with pictures I took. I was able to hone my Photoshop skills through this assignment. The postcards had to be printed at a print shop so I also learned about the process of printing as well.

 

Postcards:

 

Packaging

 

Research Report

Project 2: Messages from The Past (C&C)

Part I: Timeline Research: You are to research and analyse the specific given timeline of the movies through books, and internet. Elements such as the culture, social strata, architecture, and style are to be researched and included in the timeline. With the research that you have conducted in mind prepare a visual timeline. Select the most important plot from the timeline for your performance. The materials gathered are to assist you for your group and individual outcome
Part II: Individually, your task is to study the character chosen in detail that would demonstrate your understanding of the chosen elements in Part 1.

Part III: Final submission as a group would be a showcase of students’ understanding of the timeline and the 10mins acting of the scene and the elements that are prominent in the timeline. Submission as an individual would be a journal on the character in A5 size comprises of series of sketches, colored, complete with annotations and design the packaging of your journals.

 

For this assignment, we’re required to research and analyse the timeline of a movie. Our movie was The Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. We had to prepare our costume and props then record a video. Individually, we’re suppose to make a journal on our character. At the end of this assignment, I learned a lot on Persian culture since the movie was set in Persia. Besides that, I learned how to make props and costume. Recording the video was a tough but it was due to our team members cooperating that we can finish it smoothly. Teamwork is really important in assignments like this. My Photoshop skills also improved when I made the movie poster.

 

Video:

 

Report:

 

Individual Journal:

Project 1: Back to Our Roots (C&C)

In a group of 2, produce a

• Graphical Time-line Calendar together with your family tree.
• A 10 minutes video of the interview and research that has been done

Individually, you are to produce

• An A5 info graphic booklet representing your family culture and traditions.

 

From this assignment, I have learned about my family’s past and I really appreciate this assignment. If it weren’t for assignment I wouldn’t have seen the old pictures of my family which are so precious. Besides that, I also learned how to gather information by interviewing my family members. I learned what is an infographic and how to make one as well. Teamwork is also important in completing this assignment and I wouldn’t have done it without my partner. My video editing skills improved as I did the video too.

 

A3 Infographic & Timeline:

 

Video:

 

Individual Journal:

 

Project 3: Site Analysis & Design Proposed (DV)

Project 3 Part-A (15%): Site Analysis

Each group has to conduct a 50m radius site / specific area study in the vicinity of TULC (Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus) and each group has to produce a site analysis presentation in ONE A1 (minimum) landscape format which includes the site plan, floor plan, site photos, site sketches, measurement of the site, analysis diagrams, bubble diagrams, sensory factors and SWOT analysis, annotation…etc. At last, each group has to prepare a verbal presentation (max.15 mins), you can incorporate your video, sound or any other forms of recording into your verbal presentation given you have cap within the time frame given to you.

 

Project 3 Part-B (25%): Display Unit

Task 1 – SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Objective: Proposed a Display Unit which suitable to the site context, the display function and the users’ experiences.
1. Select and/or consolidate initial design ideas by producing a schematic plan, elevation and section, and a study model 1:20.
Task 2 – FINAL PRESENTATION
Objective: Developed sketches, orthogonal drawings and a presentation layout as a means of communication for the Display Unit
proposal.
1. Laying out the drawings into a presentation board and a final model 1:20.

 

In Part A, we had to conduct a site analysis and present it in the form of an A1 board. Our site was located at the Syopz commercial block. In the process of this project, I have learned to observe the surroundings of the site and take down the important information. I learned about the various components that are required in a site analysis and how it should be arranged on a presentation board so that the information can be communicated clearly. Besides that, teamwork was also an important factor in completing this assignment. Everyone did their role and we managed to finish it together.

In Part B, I had to draw out multiple concepts that relate to the site and my book which is “Picasso’s Style & Meaning”. To able to come up with a concept which relates to Picasso, I had to do a lot of research on him. By the end of the project, I have actually learned much about his history compared to knowing nothing in the beginning. After finalizing the concept, I had to prepare an A1 presentation board to communicate my concept. Through this assignment I have learned that having our concepts rejected is normal and we should refine the concept after learning what went wrong previously. I was also able to hone my Photoshop skills as well in the preparation of the board. I learned how to arrange the information on the presentation board to ensure the concept is well communicated as well. During the process of making the model, it taught me to use the right materials when building a model as I had a hard time making this model because the glue doesn’t stick well with the surface of the cardboard.

 

Part A:

 

Part B:

 

Project 2: Developing Architecture Drawings (DV)

Individual student required to sketch and conduct measurement of chosen objects consists of minimum 3 different
geometries.
Required Drawings:

1. ONE plan
2. TWO elevations
3. TWO sections
4. ONE detail drawing/sketch

 

This assignment requires us to produce architectural drawings of two objects. Hence, I chose to draw a PS3 Controller & a lantern. I learned how to apply drawing conventions in this assignment. I also improved my observational skills and imagination because I have to observe the object in detail to able to draw it accurately and the section drawings require imagination as I can’t split the object into half.

 

Project 1: Sketch! Like Your Life Depends On It! (DV)

Each student is then required to produce 8 number of sketches on suitable A5 size paper (landscape)
Students are required to sketch the followings; (free hand sketches)

1. Body Parts / Figure / Nature
2. Object Projection
3. Detail
4. Geometric Projection
5. Tracing a picture (rendering)
6. One point Perspective
7. Two point Perspective TULC
8. Artistic Representation of a famous building

From this assignment, I have learned various techniques of sketching. I also learned to be more observant of my surroundings and pay attention to the details of objects. Some of the drawings required charcoal, artline & other media so I was able to hone my skills in using these tools. For the eighth sketch which is artistic representation of a famous building, I experimented with coffee as my media to do Big Ben. It was interesting as the final product had this glossy surface to it due to the sugar from the coffee. I also had problems when using this media as it only comes in one shade. To fix the problem, I mixed the coffee with black acrylic paint to get a darker shade.